Have you ever been standing on a tee box, only to forget all about your scorecard because the view in front of you looked like a painting? It happens more often than you might think in Thailand.
While the country is renowned for its vibrant night markets and pristine white-sand beaches, its golf courses are a hidden treasure where the Land of Smiles truly lives up to its name.
The geography of Thailand is a playground for golf course designers. From the red cliffs of Phuket to the giant Buddha statues in Pattaya, nature isn’t just a backdrop for these courses; it defines them.
If you’re planning a golfing holiday, you’ll find that using a dedicated service like SawadeeGolf Thailand makes all the difference. They let you know of the logistics of tee times and transportation, which is a godsend when you’re trying to navigate the mountainous terrain of the islands.
Let’s take a look at three courses where the line between the fairway and the jungle has been erased.
1. The Red Mountain Golf Club: A Jungle Rebirth in Phuket
If there is one course that embodies the intersection of industry and nature, it is the Red Mountain Golf Club. This course is situated on the site of an old tin mine, and the terrain is unlike anything else in Southeast Asia. You’re not just playing in a forest; you’re playing in a canyon with red rock cliffs and tropical jungle.
The most memorable hole for most golfers is the 17th. This is a par-3 hole that takes a little bit of guts to play. You’re standing on a tee box that is almost 50 meters above the green. In front of you, a postage stamp of grass is nestled in a deep, green ravine.
The terrain is so steep that you’ll probably be reaching for a club two or three steps shorter than you normally would.
As you push your cart through the winding course, take notice of the local wildlife. The course has become a haven for birds such as the Brahminy Kite and Oriental Pied Hornbill. It is a unique spot where the wounds inflicted on the Earth by industry have been remedied by the lush greenery.
2. Santiburi Samui: Above the Clouds in Koh Samui
Have you ever dreamed of teeing off with the entire Gulf of Thailand in front of you? Santiburi Samui Country Club is basically a mountain retreat with 18 holes of world-class golfing. The course stretches along the northern coast of Koh Samui, passing through an old coconut palm plantation.
The elevation changes on this course are extreme. One moment, you are in a valley surrounded by waterfalls and creeks, and the next, you are 200 meters above sea level with the neighboring island of Koh Phangan in front of you. The signature 17th hole is a par-5 with a blind tee shot.
After you get past the ridge, the fairway drops down to the ocean, giving you a stunning view of the blue waters.
The sea breeze is a constant companion here, which is a blessing in the tropical heat, though it does make club selection a fun little puzzle. It’s the kind of place where the silence of the hills is only broken by the sound of your caddie’s advice or the rustle of palm fronds.
3. Chee Chan Golf Resort: A Spiritual Backdrop in Pattaya
While Pattaya is usually associated with skyscrapers and bright lights, a short drive out of the city will bring you to Chee Chan Golf Resort.
This is a very different kind of scenery altogether, one that is spiritual in nature. Each and every hole at this course provides a view of the Khao Chee Chan Buddha, which is a gigantic golden imprint on the side of a limestone mountain.
The layout, designed by David Dale, has more of a Scottish Highlands feel to it than a tropical one, given its open fairways and complex bunkering. Since the land is so open, you have a 360-degree view of the surrounding temples and lakes. It’s almost serene, a world away from the bustle of the city.
The par-3 7th hole is probably the best place to take a photo. You are hitting towards the mountain, and if the day is clear, you can see the gold of the Buddha statue shining through against the blue sky. It is a humbling and beautiful view that will stay with you long after you have stowed your golf clubs away.
| If You Go, Remember: |
| Best Time to Visit: The dry season from November to February offers the most comfortable weather for long rounds. Caddies: In Thailand, caddies are mandatory and usually very knowledgeable about the hidden breaks on the greens. Hydration: Always carry water. The humidity in the jungle sections of Red Mountain or Santiburi can be quite high. Logistics: Use a local expert like SawadeeGolf to handle your bookings to ensure you get the best tee times during the peak season. |
So, there you have it. While there are several such breathtaking vistas in Thailand where golf and nature collide, these three top the list.
Have you started packing your bags yet? These courses are waiting, and the views are even better in person.
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