Best Golf Courses in Phuket - Top 5 Courses in Phuket
Phuket's Top Golf Courses
Phuket has a number of outstanding golf courses, all of which were designed to take advantage of the island's tropical climate and unique topography. Many visitors come to play golf on these lushly built courses, which take full advantage of the area's plentiful water and trees. Accompanying family members are rarely left to lounge by the pool or on the beach at many of the area's courses and hotels.
The standards are among Thailand's finest, guaranteeing that the greens are always in good shape and that the holes are difficult enough to test both new and experienced golfers. Some of these courses have even hosted international competitions.
Phuket has always been a popular holiday destination for years, and with their expanded airport, several international airlines now have regular direct flights to this island.
As the island boomed, land became pricey and scarce, and so we are lucky that most of the islands golf courses were created some time ago, and occupy some of the best locations.
Currently there are around eight courses on the island, and another four just over an hours drive from the airport.
Some are first class, while others in recent years have lacked some tender loving care.
From the reaction from our many Quality Golf Destinations Ltd. customers however, here is their list of the best, in no particular order.
Loch Palm Golf Club
Designer: Dr Sukitti Klangvisai 1993
Course: 18 Holes, 6,555 yards
Location: 15 minutes from Patong
With the same owners as the adjacent Red Mountain course, Loch Palm is laid out amongst some jungle clad hills, and is the easier of the two courses.
Very popular with locals and tourists alike, this is a fun parkland style course, which has palm trees, a loch (a sizeable lake) which sits around several holes, elevated tee boxes, and some undulating greens.
Enjoy their par 3 14th where the tee box sits high above a smallish green surrounded by water. Great views here!
This course is well maintained all year round, and offers a great day out for golfers of all levels.
Some of the holes have been upgraded, and they also renovated their clubhouse, which now offers a first-class service. Great value!
Katathong Golf Resort & Spa
Designer: Dr Sukitti Klangvisai 1989
Course: 18 Holes, 7,023 yards
Location: 1 hour from Phuket Airport
If you are staying at one of the resorts off the island, Katathong Golf Resort & Spa, one of the newer courses in the region, is worth a visit. It is around 70 minutes’ drive from Phuket’s international airport and around two hours from Patong.
Originally a 15th century tin mine, the Thai owner has created a beautiful 18-hole championship course, which is nestled between three stunning misty mountains in Phang Nga province.
Fortunately, the open cast mines left have helped to create an ideal golf course challenge and as you play their 18 holes, you will come across old authentic mining equipment.
Most of the holes follow the natural contours of the land with undulating fairways with waterfalls and streams. Add to this narrow fairways, elevation changes and tiered greens and you can start to understand the fun of tackling this relatively new addition to the regions golf scene.
The club house is designed in charming Sino-Portuguese architectural style and decorated with memorabilia from the mining era, there are even authentic rusting relics of the industrial mine that can still be seen from the fairway.
Although it is a bit of a drive, you are rewarded by a peaceful round of golf away from the busy towns on the island and you can get pampered at the spa. Remember to take your camera!
Red Mountain Golf Club
Designer: Johnathan Morrow 2007
Course 18 Holes, 6,905 yards
Location: 15 minutes from Patong
Here you are in for a treat, as bang smack in the middle of the island, they have created one of Asia’s most original and exciting 18 holes.
Built around an old disused tin mine the landscape is epic, with soft red rock, lakes and dense jungle all adding to the challenge. If you are into your elevation changes, then almost all of the holes have either elevated tee boxes or raised undulating greens.
They have cleverly weaved the course around the landscape, so you often cannot see what is waiting around the next corner or dog leg.
By the time you reach their crazy par 3 17th you won’t be surprised that the drop down from the tee to the green is almost vertical. More photos are taken here than on any other hole in Thailand!
It is a bit pricey here, however this means the course is not too busy, when you drive your cart around the course.
Their modern clubhouse has excellent air-conditioned locker rooms, a good pro shop and the restaurant has a big terrace overlooking the spectacular closing hole.
Definitely add to your bucket list, and a firm favourite with all Quality Golf Destinations Ltd. clients. Disney golf for spectacular layout and pure FUN!!!
Laguna Golf Phuket
Designer: Paul Jansen 1993
Course: 18 Holes, 6,756 yards
Location: 20 minutes from Patong
Redesigned completely in 2014, Laguna has now become a challenging and enjoyable first-class golf course on the island.
Located in Bang Tao Bay around 20 minutes from the island’s airport, their 18 holes has been created along a valley floor, overlooked by low woodland hills.
It is now a clever thinking man’s course, with a multitude of shot options on all 18 holes. Here you have subtle undulations, mature trees, water hazards, rough areas with wood chips, plus some strategically positioned bunkers. The new design has creative touches, like a boat on the lake, and native grasses bordering the fairways.
Located close to many of the 5-star resorts in the area, this is a good place for an early round, before heading back to the beach.
Their club house and restaurant are excellent, or you can pop across the shared courtyard to grab a meal at the Banyan Tree Resort.
Blue Canyon Golf Club
Designer: Yoshikazu Kato 1999
Course: 18 Holes, 7,179 yards
Location: 40 minutes from Patong
Blue Canyon actually has two courses, the Canyon course and the Lakes. Renovated in 2006 many locals believe however the Lakes offers a better outing, than its more famous Blue Canyon 18 holes.
With five sets of tees it is a fair challenge for all levels, but still packs a punch. It was created out of an old open cast tin mine, and here you will come up against meandering creeks and water filled canyons.
Front nine takes in a number of water hazards and natural canyons, while the back nine takes you past rubber trees.
Their final long par 4 is known as one of the countries best finishing holes, with a canyon guarding the raised undulating green. Difficult for short hitters, but great fun!
Back in the 90’s the club hosted all the greats including Mr Woods, but since new owners took over, little has been spent and the clubhouse is now a bit tired. Still the Lakes course offers some memorable golfing experiences, and is worth a visit.
A paradise in the south of Thailand, Phuket is home to some of the world’s most stunning panoramic ocean views, beaches, and golf courses. Our Phuket golf packages as part of the Phuket sandbox offers the choice of fantastic resorts with the flexible option of adding nights to your stay and even booking you extra rounds of golf at other amazing golf courses on the island.
For more information about our Phuket Golf Deals, please click here. As always, you will be well looked after by the Quality Golf Destinations team and we will ensure you're your holiday is stress free and enjoyable, as it should be.
