Thailand's Top Golf Courses Phuket

Banyan Tree

Highway 4029, on the west coast of Phuket island.
Tel: (076) 324-358; Fax (076) 324-358

Part of the large, rapidly-developing Laguna resort, the 18-hole par 72 course was designed by Max Wexler. It often gets a pleasant breeze, but is even then not too demanding.

Booking: advisable in holiday seasons.

Green fees: weekday/weekend $$$

Blue Canyon

Close to the airport on Highway 402 at the north end of Phuket Island.
Tel: (076) 327-440; Fax (076) 327-449

This very pretty course was the first stop of the European Tour of 1994, when television viewers worldwide were able to admire the view, along with hundreds of spectators on the terraces below the magnificent clubhouse. Running between old rubber plantations and lagoons created by tin miners, Phuket's rather steamy climate has helped create rich emerald-coloured fairways and greens. Golf in Phuket is not cheap, but the experience is worth every penny.

Booking: reservation essential.

Facilities: pro shop, club hire, carts, restaurant, swimming pool, tennis courts.

Green fees: weekday/weekend $$$$.

Phuket Century Country Club

Located in the island's centre, between Phuket town and Patong Beach, this 18-hole, par 72 tournament course, designed by Dr. Sukitti Klangvisai, is laid out around two lakes. Lush rolling hills surround the course, presenting superb scenery, while the 18 holes offer a diversity of challenge. Toughest, perhaps, is the 433-yard 7th, well guarded, followed by the double dogleg 8th with its two creeks to cross. The 492-yard, par 5 13th is also a real test of skill. Players will do well to par on these. Clubhouse facilities are extensive, for relaxation after the game.

Phuket Country Club

On the main road (4020) from Phuket Town to Patong Beach.
Tel: (076) 321 038; Fax: (076) 321-041

Prince Philip is alleged to have commented that this was the only example he had seen of a tin mine turned into a gold mine. He was looking at the verdant greens and flower- bedecked fairways of this agreeable course created from the spoil heaps and lagoons of an old tin mine. It now has 27 holes. Lovely club house. Lovely caddies. Fairly expensive.

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

Booking: advisable, particularly at weekends.

Green fees: weekday/ weekend $$$$.

Thai Muang Beach

Highway 4, 30 km north of Phuket.
Tel: (076) 571214. Fax: 212661

The beach- side 18-hole course is one of the first parts to open of what will become a major holiday development. Pete Dye is the designer. His courses are usually imaginative and fair.

Booking: open to all.

Green fees: weekday/ weekend $$$

Hat Yai Exclusive

Malaysian border, 15 km north of Hat Yai on Highway 4135, near the airport .
Tel: (074) 234-921

Built in open country dotted by Muslim villages, the course is part of a housing and holiday development, designed to attract Malaysian tourists. Robert McFarland has created a course with narrowish fairways and a good deal of artificial water. There is an hotel on the course, and many more in Hat Yai, where the nightlife is lively.

Booking: open to all reserve at weekends.

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