Located on a hillside on Koh Samui’s north shore and amidst old coconut gardens, the layout has a commanding scenic panoramic view of the Gulf of Thailand and Koh Phangan Island. Most holes have magnificent ocean and beach views while waterfalls and creeks run through the land adding natural beauty with the hills providing a picturesque backdrop.

Each of the 18 holes offers unique character and challenges. From steep uphill and downhill slopes to winding fairways that are cut into the forest and meander around cliffs and streams, Santiburi Samui Country Club is one of the unique Thailand golf courses.

Tifeagle grass greens run very fast and new shade resistant Sea Isle Paspalum tees and fairways ensures good playing conditions year-round. Rock outcroppings found on several holes also adds to the challenge.

Due to being on the short-ish side by modern standards, the mountainous Edward Thiele and Pirapon Namatra-designed layout reward accuracy, not distance. Small fairways offer challenge off the tee but the large greens are receptive. A golf cart to get up and down the steep mountain slopes is a must. The luxury clubhouse provides comfortable changing rooms, a well-stocked pro shop and a restaurant with beautiful terrace seating to enjoy the surrounding scenery just a little while longer.

santiburisamui.com/len-be-well/santiburi-golf

The post Travel Guide 2020: Santiburi Samui Country Club appeared first on Golf Digest Middle East.

Thailand course architect Pirapon Namatra (Golf East) has been credited with designing one of the most natural courses in the country – spectacular mountain and ocean views abound. Each hole has six tee boxes making the course more or less challenging depending on each golfer’s ability and tee selection. Strategically placed water hazards, waste bunkers, and sand traps are spread throughout the course. Significant use of native pineapple groves makes local fruits come into play if straying too far off the fairways. Be careful, pineapple plants are sharp and scratch easily.

The signature 15th hole is a 139-yard par-3 with panoramic ocean views all the way to Singtoh (Tiger) Island in the Gulf of Thailand. Hole 12, a par-5 monster is 610 yards, all uphill, making it a challenge to reach for even the most accomplished of golfers. Lush Zoysia grassed fairways, a local grass but a rarely seen on golf courses in Thailand, are a pleasure to hit from as balls sit up nicely. Dark green Paspalum grassed tee boxes add to the stark colour contrast while the premium Tiff-eagle Bermuda grass greens make for fast and receptive putting surfaces.

The Terrace Restaurant is an International all-day dining venue with a variety of Western and Thai cuisine. Mulligan’s Pub, with western views over the golf course and Burmese Mountains, is a tranquil setting to take in a perfect Thai sunset.

Walkers love Banyan but for those who opt to ride, golf carts with on-board GPS are helpful. Well-trained caddies handle all of the usual services, making sure everyone who visits has a great day golfing at Banyan Golf Club.

banyanthailand.com

The post Travel Guide 2020: Banyan Golf Club appeared first on Golf Digest Middle East.

Transformed from lush jungle and pineapple plantations and located 25 minutes west of Hua Hin, Black Mountain was the site for Asian Tour events in 2009 and 2010 and Europe versus Asia Royal Trophy in 2011. In 2014, the Phil Ryan-designed course hosted The True Thailand Classic, the first European Tour event to be staged in The Kingdom.

Imposing rocks are used as design elements on many of the holes at Black Mountain where meandering creeks with spillways for carts to pass over-frame many of the holes.

A new nine holes opened for play in 2016 as the West Course. Many Hua Hin golfers like the composite course, while some purists choose the original 18-holes.

Black Mountain is not only a test for the top professionals but also very playable for the average golfer. Each hole provides a safe route off the tee but for the more adventurous player, there is a higher risk option with a potential greater reward. The greens are large with many pin positions that provide different degrees of difficulty. Numerous white sand sculptured bunkers protect the holes well.

The views from the clubhouse give a 360-degree panoramic view of the whole golf course. The clubhouse facilities on offer include fine dining in the restaurant, one of Hua Hin’s most extensively stocked golf pro shops, excellent practice areas and driving range, luxurious locker rooms and an on-site spa.

Other attractions at Black Mountain include a fully catered golf resort with both villas and condominiums, general store for provisions and a family oriented waterpark. Black Mountain is European owned and managed which assures year-round excellent standards, service and makes it one of the best golf courses in Hua Hin.

blackmountainhuahin.com

The post Travel Guide 2020: Black Mountain Golf Club appeared first on Golf Digest Middle East.

Widely considered the best layout in Pattaya, Laem Chabang is made up of 27 holes on 700 acres and incorporates three diverse nine incorporating the property’s mix of mountains, lakes and river valleys. Each type of terrain corresponds to the aptly named Mountain, Lake and Valley nines. The rolling hills of the surrounding countryside have been used to significant effect and hazards are in abundance. Not only does the course have a lot of bunkers and water hazards, there are also a lot of natural hazards in the shape of exposed rock formations, lakes, ponds, and creeks. Cleverly shaped holes skirt water hazards and tall coconut trees. The large, undulating greens are mostly elevated and protected by deep bunkers.

The Mountain course is 3,446 yards in length and plays around many hills. The 2nd hole, a wonderfully water-fronted downhill par-3, is about as good as short holes get.  The Lake course is 3,419 yards in length with a stream meandering through most all the holes. The Valley Course plays the longest at 3,619 yards in the foothills of the surrounding mountains. Although the presence of water is not overwhelming (apart perhaps from on the opening four holes of the more technical Valley course), when it does occur, it does so with full force and knee-trembling impact.

These distinct playing conditions offer the golfer a challenging course in a variety of terrains. Beautifully maintained and presented, this is a golf course that effortlessly combines the human-made features and rich planting of flowers and shrubs with the natural splendour of the surrounding hills, rocky outcrops, and jungle vegetation. With many scenic views from the course, it all fuses harmoniously into a tremendous golfing experience and one that is uniquely Asian.

Located around 1h 15m from Bangkok, Laem Chabang should also be a consideration for golfers coming from the Thai capital or Bangkok International Airport.

laemchabanggolf.com

The post Travel Guide 2020: Laem Chabang International Country Club appeared first on Golf Digest Middle East.

Closed in 2006-2007 for a complete renovation, American architects Lee Schmidt and Brian Curley have kept the original routing, for the most part, while modernising all aspects of the course. Upgrades to the original out-and-back parallel holes included curved fairways, new water hazards, high lipped bunkers and relocated greens. New greenside bunker complexes add to Siam’s legendary, undulating putting surfaces.

Since reopening in 2007, the golf course has hosted several international golf tournaments including being the home of the LPGA Tour’s Honda Classic since 2010.  In 2018, Siam CC Old Course was recognised for its excellence when it was voted 73rd best golf course in the world by Golf Digest magazine.

The 7,162 yard, par-72 layout is set in the low hills just a few kilometres from Pattaya and contains more than its fair share of mature trees, shrubs and plants. A large golden Buddha is watching over the course and can be seen clearest from the all uphill 9th hole. The Siam Old Course boasts many dramatic challenges, particularly the last four holes which are Siam’s answer to Amen Corner, arguably the best finishing holes of any Pattaya golf course. If you’re having a good day and scoring well, take care as this closing stretch which can easily bring you back to earth.

The clubhouse is still the original structure dated from the 1970’s with major interior facelifts brightening up the facilities. Permanently mounted binoculars in the clubhouse help bring the distant farms and other golf courses in the area into close view.

siamcountryclub.com

The post Travel Guide 2020: Siam Country Club appeared first on Golf Digest Middle East.

New turf, drainage, and greenside hazards have been the focus. An already challenging course with water hazards and forced carries throughout, Gassan Legacy rewards accuracy over distance. The Gassan course plays 6,852 yards from the tips.

Gassan Legacy features gently rolling fairways and lots of mature trees and water hazards. Like many newly designed courses, there are both challenging routes to the greens for accomplished golfers and also more straightforward layups and bailout areas on most holes.

The five par-3 holes vary in length from 90 to 180 yards from the white tees, and most golfers will use a different club on each.

Gassan Legacy contains plenty of water hazards and distinctive bunkering which have been woven into the challenging and always exciting layout. Big hitters can take on a few of the par-4 holes in one but nearer the greens, pin-point accuracy is needed to avoid costly three putts. There are plenty of risk-reward opportunities on the par-5 holes too. The threat of water and expansive bunkering is ever-present on most holes.

The unique clubhouse makes for a great place for after golf snacks and drinks. Enjoy a day golfing at Gassan Legacy and play one of the best conditioned Chiang Mai golf courses.

gassangolf.com/gassan-legacy

The post Travel Guide 2020: Gassan Legacy Golf Club appeared first on Golf Digest Middle East.

Inspired by the magnificent hills on its horizon, Ron M Garl designed of the first 18.

At 7,541 yards from the black tees, it challenges the professional golfer but amateurs will find it equally pleasant from either the white or blue tee boxes thanks to the fresh country air.  The new nine holes, opened in 2016, play towards the rear of the resort and are separated into three distinct zones. The pine tree zone is more of a parkland area, the wetland zone plays through marshes, and working rice paddy fields highlight the paddy zone. Rice fields surround one of the par-3 holes forming Thailand’s only rice paddy green. Currently, the new nine holes are divided between the original 18 holes so that everyone is forced to play some of the new and old courses.

The island fairway on the par 4 9th hole of the A course is both beautiful and difficult. Playing over water twice and almost directly into the prevailing wind makes this hole a challenging ending to the front nine. The 11th hole, a 524-yard par 4 (yes par 4!) is, without doubt, the most difficult on the course. Doglegging left with water down the entire left side; this hole plays almost like a par 5.

Alpine Chiang Mai is complete with a full range of facilities including a 4-star resort, international restaurant and day spa; all this in the spectacular ambience of the hills of Chiang Mai.

alpinegolfresort.com

The post Travel Guide 2020: Alpine Golf Resort Chiang Mai appeared first on Golf Digest Middle East.

Stepping onto the 1st tee can transport you, not just to holes you’ve never played, but to holes you wish you could. Imagine teeing off at Oakmont’s No. 3 with the famous church pew bunkers to your left. Then step onto the Royal Gems City
No.2 – a replica of Bay Hill’s narrow-fairway, curving-around-water par-5 6th.

The 3rd is a re-creation of Sawgrass’ famous 17th island green. While it loses some of its drama by being shoehorned into the middle of Bangkok, you’ll still see a steady parade of intimidated golfers hitting pop shots into the water. Go on to play such greats at the Road Hole at St. Andrews, the Postage Stamp from Royal Troon Scotland, and The Belfry from West Midlands, UK. After finishing these great holes, don’t relax!

The back nine from Augusta National, including Amen Corner, waits ahead. In fact, the back nine at Royal Gems Golf City is close to the lengths, elevations and includes the toughening of Augusta National in recent years. Playing replicas of 18 of the world’s top golf holes can make for a taxing day. However, add knowledgeable Thai caddies and a great clubhouse to these already famous golf holes, and a day out on this Bangkok course may be as close to the real McCoy as you’ll ever experience.

royalgemsgolfcity.com

The post Travel Guide 2020: Royal Gems Golf City appeared first on Golf Digest Middle East.

The 18 holes at Alpine golf rate among the most challenging in Bangkok. In addition to the superb hole routing, this member’s only golf club’s maintenance is to the highest standards and features lightning-fast greens and undulating fairways.

Large stately trees, bushes, and shrubs flourish within the undulating parkland layout. It is hard to imagine that Alpine sprung up from flat rice paddy fields with the changing elevations more characteristic of courses in Hua Hin or Phuket.

Water is also a constant source of challenge along with beach-style bunkers, the latter most notably protecting the front of the par-3 3rd and 12th holes. Alpine is not a golf course for the faint-hearted.

Some drives require straight shots to avoid winding up in the jungle lining many of the holes. Finding the often water protected greens is no easy achievement either. With these relatively small putting surfaces to aim at, one is left mesmerised to discover that Woods eagled the 555-yard par-5 7th on his way to winning the 2000 Johnnie Walker Classic. Note that most of the greens slope from back to front, so keeping the ball below the hole makes scoring much more manageable. Conservative fairway and approach shots will reward while poorly placed shots are subject to costly penalties.

The clubhouse facilities, locker rooms, and two restaurants (a coffee shop and gourmet Chinese restaurant) are all excellent with service to match. Serious golfers should include Alpine Golf & Sports Club in any Bangkok golf package.

alpinegolfclub.com

The post Travel Guide 2020: Alpine Golf Club appeared first on Golf Digest Middle East.

Opened in December 1996, the layout adapts to everyday member use up to very tough challenges for major international and PGA tournaments. The 7,157-yard course was the venue for the 1997 Asian Honda Classic, where Tiger Woods cruised to a comfortable 10-stroke victory after shooting a final round of 68 for a 20 under-par total of 268 for the championship. One year later the second round of the 1998 Johnnie Walker Super Tour was also played in ideal conditions at Thai Country Club, won in style by Vijay Singh, who carded a magnificent score of 66 – two strokes ahead of Ernie Els and Jesper Parnevik. More recently Thai Country Club hosted the 2007 and 2008 Volvo Masters.

Regularly voted as a Top 5 course in Asia, Thai Country Club is a layout that requires sage course management. It’s hard to imagine the terrain here was initially flat, especially when looking across the pleasantly rolling earth mounds, contoured fairways and often elevated greens. The fairway and greenside bunkering are superb. Anything wayward from the tee will usually be found but is also likely to be sitting down in clinging semi-rough, making your next shots just that bit more difficult.

The undulating greens make for many exciting pin placements with several top-class holes among this very strong 18. The 6th, measuring 218 from the back tees, is amongst the best, as challenging as they get with water guarding the right side and bunkers in front and behind the green.

The clubhouse is surrounded by water between the 1st tee and 18th green and is regularly voted the best clubhouses in Asia. The Gallery restaurant dishes up Thai, Chinese, Japanese and Western cuisine. The golfer’s lounge area is the perfect place to reflect on your round. With spectacular views over the course, golf in Thailand doesn’t get any better than the Thai Country Club.

thaicountryclub.com

The post Travel Guide 2020: Thai Country Club appeared first on Golf Digest Middle East.