Re-designed in 2014, Laguna Golf Phuket is a layout you have to think your way around as each hole offers a multitude of shot options and both nines good variety.

Tiered fairways, depressions and mounds dominate play. Wide fairways are seemingly straightforward but you’ll still need to position your ball to set up scoring opportunities.

Many holes on the front nine define the existing naturally landscaped water bodies. The back nine meanders through mature stands of trees. Both nines take advantage of large overhanging trees which influence play and frame most of the holes. The rough areas are a mix of wood chip and native grasses. While there is infrequent use of bunkers, each one is strategically positioned to appear prominent and come into play where necessary.

The two finishing holes are the most challenging; the monster 612 yard 17th requiring golfers to negotiate water at least twice, while the beautiful par-4 18th hole offers a shot at a closing birdie with a well-struck tee-shot.

The clubhouse provides a first-class restaurant. Non-golfers are encouraged to make use of the adjoining luxury spa facilities, which makes a four-hour spa and massage treatment the perfect companion to a round of golf.

Conveniently located in the Laguna area, Laguna Golf Phuket makes for easy transportation for those staying at any of the area’s luxury resorts. An early morning round will leave time for lunch and the rest of the day on the beach or for exploring Phuket Island.

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The post Travel Guide 2020: Laguna Golf Phuket appeared first on Golf Digest Middle East.

Set in an abandoned tin mine, streams filled with rust-coloured water, canyons with sheer cliffs exposing red and white tin ore-laden rock, and tailings from former mining operations are a few of the many throwbacks to days of time gone by.

The front nine plays up and through palm-oil tree-lined fairways. The back nine gets even better with holes 11-15 arguably the best five stretch in Thailand, if not all Asia. These five memorable golf holes will undoubtedly be the centre of the post-round sundowner.

The par-5 11th is a challenging 600-yard par 5 with water crossing the fairway on the first shot and water guarding the green left and right on the third shot. Even a penalty-free bogey is a good score here. The famous par 4 13th over a canyon tempts the daredevil while the par 3 14th from an elevated tee to an island green is one of the most beautiful. The 17th is also one of the most intimidating par 3’s anywhere, and even from the white tees, it’s a long iron or fairway wood to a partially hidden green that tucked behind the canyon on the right.

Blue Canyon has a large clubhouse with three restaurants, well-stocked pro shop, lockers and shower facilities, massage and spa. In its glory days of the 90’s, it set the standard for golf club excellence. While the onsite resort is a lovely option, don’t discount the many accommodation choices on nearby Mai Khao Beach.

bluecanyonphuket.com

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