Thailand's Top Golf Courses Hua Hin

Cha-am Villa

Right at the 197 km marker on Highway 4 (Petchkasem Highway)
Tel: (032) 471-974; Fax: 259-1634<

Despite the possibility of seaside courses, most of those in the Hua Hin area are built inland. Cha-am is a pleasant 18-hole par 72 course in a setting of low hills with some distant sea views. lt is not too demanding. The clubhouse is pleasant, with full services. An 80-room golfers' lodge is now complete.

Booking:open to all, reserve at weekends.

Green fees: weekday $; weekend $$.

Majestic Creek

About 40 km inland from Hua Hin, towards Pranburi Reservoir.
Tel: (032) 511-226; 317 1412 <

Designed by Thailand's best-known golf architect,Dr.Sukitti Klangvishai, the 27-hole course is set in attractive low hills, and incorporates Thailand's only par 6 hole, a monstrous 770 yards. Accommodation is under construction at the course, and will also be available at the club's own luxury beachside hotel in Hua Hin

Booking: should be no problem.

Green fees: weekday$; weekend $$.

Milford

Left of Highway 4, 15 km south of Hua Hin.
Tel: (01) 213-1617; Fax: 260-7366<

A gorgeous seaside setting, although the view out to sea is blocked by two vast condominiums. The 18-hole par 72 course, by Robert McFarland, runs over a gently-sloping saddle of land between two rocky peaks. Much-delayed in opening, it should be a delightful place for a quiet weekend when the condotel is finally finished.

Booking: open to all, it may become more crowded when the condos are occupied.

Green fees: weekday $; weekend $$.

Palm Hills

Right at the 222 km marker on Highway 4, 6 km north of Hua Hin.
Tel: (032)520-800; Fax (032) 520- 820

Developed by the Sheraton group, who have a condominium complex opposite, this course is at the heart of an explosion of coastal condominiums, offering many places to stay in the Cha-am/ Hua Hin coastal strip. The modern 18-hole par 72 course, designed by Max Wexler, winds around a couple of low hills, and has distant sea views. It is well-maintained and interesting for all standards of golfer. There is a large, partially-open clubhouse, and some pleasant low condominiums overlooking the course.
Booking: should be no problem, as it is relatively expensive.
Green fees: weekday $$; w/e $$$.

Springfield

Right at 215 km marker on Highway 4, and 7 km inland.
Tel: (032) 471303; Fax (032) 324358

Jack Nicklaus's 18-hole par 72 design is in a wide valley adjoining a reservoir. The pleasantly-rolling course is well-kept and unusually kind to the lesser golfer, when compared to the Golden Bear's other courses in Thailand. An ideal holiday retreat, with the seaside nearby and plenty of other courses not far away.

Booking: open to all, but reserve at weekends.

Green fees: weekday $$; weekend $$$.

Royal Hua Hin

Turn right in the centre of Hua Hin and cross the railway tracks near the station.
Tel: (032) 512-473

Thailand 's oldest 18hole golf course, it was built by a Scottish railway engineer on the instructions of King Rama Vl in 1924. The course runs back and forth between the railway and some spectacular cliffs dotted with temples. From the higher points there are views of the sea (and the new condominiums). Fairways and greens are a little rough and clubhouse service is rather basic, but the views make it all worthwhile. Preferred by many local residents to the newer courses, it is good value.

Booking: open to all, but can be very crowded at weekends.

Facilities: pro shop, club hire, carts, restaurant .

Green fees: weekday $$; weekend $$$.