Phuket Golf, Thailand

Phuket has four fine golf courses, all of which have been designed to take full advantage of the island's tropical trees and abundant water. Many visitors come solely for golf, but accompanying family members rarely complain about being left to laze by the pool or on the beach.

Standards are high and there are enough challenges to stretch scratch players.

Blue Canyon Country Club

Blue Canyon Country Club, set on 730 acres of land in a secluded valley overlooking Phuket's famous hills, is one of the premier courses in Phuket.

Host to the Johnnie Walker Classics in 1994 and 1998 Johnnie Walker Classic, and the Honda Invitational in 1996, the club offers 2 courses. The world championship canyon course has won a number of international awards, including "Asian & Pacific Golf Course of the Year 1999" (Hertz International Golf Travel Awards) and the Top 500 Best Holes in the World" for its par 3, 7th. hole.

Opened in 1999, The Lakes Course presents a whole new challenge with water hazards on 17 out of 18 holes. The finishing hole is reputed to be one of the best in the region. (click here to see photos of Blue Canyon Country Club or see Golf offers for Blue Canyon Country Club)

Laguna Phuket Golf Club

The Banyan Tree Golf Club is a resort style 18 hole golf course located within the Laguna Phuket development. Situated on the exclusive Bang Tao Bay on the western shore of Phuket Island, this par 71 layout stretches 6,850 yards from the championship tees. (See Golf Offers for Laguna Phuket Golf Club)

Mission Hills Golf Club

Mission Hills has been carved from rubber plantations and sits among Phuket's environmentally-friendly mangroves. Great expanses of white sand beach bunkers have been added to contrast with the translucent blue hues of the ocean and the vibrant greens of the Sea Isle grassed fairways and putting surfaces. It is accurately described as a “piece of living art,” the kind of pastiche that Vincent Van Goh would have created given half a chance and a love of a long drive.

The ocean views are delivered at a price: water comes in to play at seven holes. The sea breezes also are a regular feature. What time of day you choose to play can turn a following zephyr into a stiff headwind. While the spa awaits at the 19th hole, stress and tiredness are further banished with caddies and golf carts both being compulsory. It is not unknown for snacks to be delivered out on the course at lunchtime. (click here to see photos of Mission Hills Golf Club or see Golf Offers for Mission Hills Golf Club)

Loch Palm Golf Club

Loch Palm Golf Club spreads over a lush, rolling 400 rai (160 acres) hilly plateau. This 18-hole, par 72 course has been masterfully designed to blend beautifully with the natural terrain. Nestled below a panoramic range of peaks, the layout surrounds the largest lake on any golf course in Phuket, Crystal Lake. With more than 1,400 towering palms lining the fairways, you'll find yourself playing in the midst of serene surroundings that harbour many challenging hazards amid its lush greens. (See Golf offers for Loch Palm Golf Club).

Phuket Country Club

Phuket Country Club established in 1989, is the first and one of the finest golf courses built in Phuket, and lies on a reclaimed tin mine site. The stunning beauty and elegance of the course, together with the typical Thai charm and hospitality will make your golfing joyful and memorable. A 9 hole course is also available here.

Early morning or late afternoon is often the most idealic time of day for golfers unused to a tropical climate. However it's common to hire multiple caddies (almost always young ladies), and one of them can be assigned parasol duties. Remember to use your sunblock, wear light-coloured clothing that breathes, and drink lots of fluids.

(Click here to see Golf offers for Phuket Country Club)