Golf in Phuket

Phuket is a beautiful island in the south of Thailand. It is also the most expensive part of the country so golf here does not come cheap. The island has four courses, with a fifth within easy reach just on the mainland.

Banyan Tree Golf Club & Laguna
34 Moo 4, Srisoonthorn Road, Cherngtalay, Talang, Phuket.
Tel: 076-324 350
Holes: 18, Par: 72.
Yardages: Blue: 6,768, White: 6,307, Women: 5,538.
The Banyan has a nice layout but is not always in great condition. The 17th hole, a long par 5, is one of the toughest you'll find on the island. Food and drink in the clubhouse is very expensive. A round here will cost you about $60, but there are no carts available.
Green fees: Bt 2,820 every day.

Blue Canyon County Club
165 Thaparak Road, Tumbon Maikeaw, Thalang, Phuket.
Tel: 076-327 440/2
Holes: 36.
Designer: Yoshikazu Kato (1999).
Famous for holding international championships, such as the Johnny Walker Classic, the original course is worth playing but expensive at $90 a round. Located around 35 minutes from Patong, the course is beautifully manicured (carts are not permitted) with its highlights being the 13th and 14th holes. These are so spectacular they make many of the other holes look mundane. Very fast greens are a feature of the entire course. The newer Lakes course is another fine golf course and can be played for about half the price. Drinks on the course and in the clubhouse are expensive.
Green fees: Bt 1,220 weekdays and Bt 1,420 at the weekend.

Loch Palm Golf Club
38 Pichitsangkram Road, Kratoo, Phuket.
Tel: 076-321 930/2
Holes: 18, Par: 72.
Yardage: 6,483.
Designer: Dr. Sukitti Klangvhisai.
Thanks to a number of minor changes made around four years ago this is now a much improved course. Around 15 minutes from Patong, the course is often busy but is kept in a generally good condition. A round will cost you in the region of $60 and carts are available.
Green fees: Bt 2,600 every day.

Phuket Country Club
80/1 Pichitsangkram Road, Kratoo, Phuket.
Tel: 076-321 038/9
Holes: 18, Par: 72.
Just 15 minutes from Patong, the original 18 hole course is a very good example of a resort course. Shortish, but always interesting with some water on the second nine. Well maintained and surprisingly difficult to score well on. Often busy and not cheap at about $60, but still well worth playing. No carts available
Green fees: Bt 2,070 every day.

Phuket Country Club Phase II
64/4 Pichitsangkram Road, Kratoo, Phuket.
Tel: 076-321 365/6
Holes: 9.
Directly opposite the old course, this nine-hole challenge represents the best value on the island. The green fee is just $22 and carts are available. The entire course is in superb condition and is very under-used. As seven of the nine glorious holes have water hazards, this is probably not one for the long handicap golfer. It is, however, a must for more accomplished players.
Green fees: Bt 740 every day.

Thai Muang Beach Golf Club & Marina
157/12 Moo 9, Limdul Road, Thai Muang, Phangnga.
Tel: 076-571 533
Holes: 18, Par: 72.
Yardage: 7,028.
Designer: Dye Designs.
Situated beside the ocean, north of Phuket on the mainland, Thai Muang will take you about an hour to reach from Patong. As you would expect from a Peter Dye design, the course boasts a spectacular layout, although the condition of some tees and fairways can be a little disappointing. Reasonably
priced at around $40, with carts available, and well worth the trip.
Green fees: Bt 2,400 every day.