Phuket, Thailand
Think of Phuket and you can already imagine stunning beaches, with crystal-clear waters and white sandy shores. Take a boat and enjoy awe-inspiring limestone islands and mountains. Not to mention, you get to swim, kayak, snorket and scuba-dive under the blue skies. And if you are party animal, you can party all night long in the vibrant and lively Patong, with numerous bars, nightclubs, and live music venues.
Add some of the most spectacular golf courses in the entire Southeast Asia, you know that it’s a destination that you cannot afford to miss!
Blue Canyon Golf & Country Club
The famous Blue Canyon Golf & Country Club has 2 championship 18-hole golf courses.
The Canyon Course, also known as the "Canyons," is an extremely popular course and is widely considered one of the top golf courses in Thailand. Unveiled in 1991, the award-winning Canyon Course is a striking masterpiece by renowned architect Yoshikazu Kato, sculpted with minimal disruption to the original landscape of an abandoned tin mine flanked by rubber plantations.
The first golf course to ever host the Johnnie Walker Classic thrice in the tournament’s history, in 1994, 1998 & 2007, the Canyon Course is the top venue for major events. It has hosted the Honda Invitational, the BMW International World Final, The Thailand Open, Blue Canyon Tiger Skins & Thai Airways International Thailand Open.
However, the Canyon Course will be undergoing renovations until November 2023 (depending on weather conditions) and we all look forward to playing on the refurbished course at the end of the year.
The other, very much under-rated Lakes Course by the same architect is a 7,129 yard championship marvel. Many golfers will head to the Canyon course due to its international reputation, but those who have played both courses will tell you that the Lakes Course is no less worthy than its older sibling.
Sculpted from an opencast mining landscape, with a foremost mission to maintain the integrity of the wildlife habitat and the existing land flow. As its name suggests, water hazards are featured on 17of the 18 holes at the Lakes. The course boasts one of the best finishing holes in the region, perhaps the most difficult natural par 4 finish in golf.
Let’s go!
Aquella Golf Club
The Aquella Golf Course is a relatively new golf course located in Phang Nga province, north of Phuket island, designed by renowned Australian architects, Paul Reeves & Phil Ryan of Pacific Coast Design. The two nine-hole loops are well balanced with only 25 yards difference and the 7,008 yards course is a real test of golf.
Golfers who have played the Aquella Golf Course have generally praised the quality of the course's greens, fairways, and bunkers, noting that the course is well-maintained and in excellent condition.
If you are not particular about the slightly longer distance to travel to the course from Phuket Island, then we would not hesitate to recommend Aquella to be part of your golfing itinerary!
Red Mountain Golf Course
The Red Mountain Golf Course is undoubtedly the highlight of the trip - widely regarded as one of the best golf courses in Thailand including being named the "Best Golf Course in Thailand" at the 2011 and 2013 World Golf Awards. The course was designed by Jon Morrow and opened in 2008, featuring 18 holes that wind through the rugged terrain of Phuket's Red Mountain.
The course is known for its stunning scenery, with dramatic changes in elevation and panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. The course is not long but challenging, with narrow fairways, deep bunkers, and tricky greens.
Whether you have a good or bad golfing day, you will certainliy enjoy your day out at Red Mountain.