Top 9 Best Golf Courses in Phuket, Must-Play in 2024
Sun-kissed beaches, turquoise waters, and vibrant nightlife – Phuket has long reigned supreme as a tropical paradise. But beneath the surface of this island gem lies another treasure trove: world-class golf courses in Phuket waiting to ignite your passion for the green.
From cliffside dramas overlooking the Andaman Sea to championship layouts designed by golfing legends, Phuket caters to every swing and skill level. Prepare to tee off amidst breathtaking scenery, conquer strategic challenges, and revel in the luxurious amenities that make Phuket a golfer’s dream come true.
So, grab your clubs and join us as we unveil the Top 9 Best Golf Courses in Phuket. Get ready to discover hidden gems, explore iconic layouts, and find your perfect match on the verdant tapestry of Phuket’s golfing wonderland.
Is Phuket a Perfect Destination for Golf?
Phuket, Thailand, is indeed considered a perfect destination for golf enthusiasts for several reasons. The island boasts a range of world-class golf courses, each offering unique challenges along with stunning scenic views. These courses are designed by internationally renowned architects and are well-maintained, providing an excellent golfing experience.
The tropical climate of Phuket allows for year-round golfing, although the best time to play is during the cooler, dry season from November to February. During these months, the weather is more comfortable, with less rainfall and humidity, making it ideal for spending time on the course.
Beyond the golf courses, Phuket’s appeal also lies in its beautiful beaches, vibrant nightlife, rich cultural heritage, and excellent hospitality. The island offers a variety of luxury resorts and accommodations, many of which provide easy access to the golf courses.
Golfers in Phuket can enjoy the perfect combination of challenging rounds of golf during the day and relaxation or exploration of the island’s numerous attractions in their leisure time. This balance of great golfing facilities and a wide range of recreational activities make Phuket a preferred destination for a golf holiday.
Best Golf Courses in Phuket
Laguna Golf Phuket
Laguna Golf Phuket
Laguna Golf Phuket should be at the top of the list of best golf courses in Phuket. It is an 18-hole golf course located within the world-renowned Laguna Phuket Resort – Asia’s first fully integrated destination resort. With proximity to the surrounding hotels, guests who travel to Laguna Phuket for leisure can take it easy with a complimentary shuttle service. The newly redesigned golf course has also been revitalized and is set at world-class standards. This golf course is both challenging and great for serious golfers, but also suitable for beginners.
After fully reopening in January 2015, the new landscape provides golfers with two distinct scenic experiences with lush tropical foliage on the front nine, while the back holes feature coconut groves and sand bunkers.
Start on the back nine with a friendly drivable par-4 and a short dogleg par-5 followed by a straightforward par-3. This hole is rather demanding with the risk of sinking into water (Hole 16). Great hole to finish and you need to flirt with the OB line to get in the right position on the fairway.
Red Mountain Golf Club
Red Mountain Golf Club
The stunning scenery around Phuket Island makes it the perfect place for golf. We’re concerned that there are many golf courses on this island, but Red Mountain Golf Club is by far one of the best courses in Phuket. Red Mountain Golf Club is a design by Jonathan Morrow, unveiled in 2007. The course is just 15 minutes from Karon and Patong beaches and provides an enjoyable experience every time a round is played.
As you head to the golf course, you will begin to understand just why this course is called the Red Mountain. You may question how a golf course could exist among the jungle and red rock.
The golf course features plenty of greens which are different in size and shape. Some greens have shallow breaks, some have difficult slopes, and others require a more controlled putting stroke. The final six holes are considered to be the real test at Red Mountain Golf Club and this is where the elevation changes become noticeable, in addition to the dense vegetation and red rock cliffs.
Loch Palm Golf Club
Loch Palm Golf Club
Back in the center of Phuket, a favorite course with the local Thai golfers is Loch Palm Golf Club. This 18-hole golf course was designed by Dr. Sukitti Klangvisai and opened for play in 1993. It is one of the longest-established and easiest golf courses in Phuket, located in an enviable landscape below the jungle covered in rubber trees.
While the layout may be easy, it doesn’t mean it is devoid of challenges. It may look like one of the most beautiful courses, but that doesn’t mean you don’t have to work hard to play your best. There is a large lake, which comes into play on many of the front nine holes and the main test is to keep your ball dry as you reach the turn. The water even crosses some of the fairways, so be wary of this when teeing up.
The clubhouse’s Thai food is among the best on the island. It went through renovations in 2008, just like other more modern golf courses’ clubhouses, and offers a comfortable environment for golfers.
Blue Canyon Country Club
Blue Canyon Country Club Canyon Golf Course
Blue Canyon Country Club has been rated as one of the most prestigious golf clubs in Asia, with two stunning, award-winning championship courses on its 700+ acres of succulent valley seamlessly winding its way through rubber plantations and tin mines. Therefore, we have many pieces of evidence to regard this club as one of the best golf courses in Phuket and Thailand as well.
This course was widely recognized after being selected for the Johnnie Walker Classic and became the only three-time host of the Johnnie Walker Classic in 1994, 1998 & 2007. This 18-hole club serves golfers with the best 5-star standard facilities from clubhouse, dining, spa, etc. No matter if a golf-lover passes Phuket for a traveling or business trip, surely no one will miss this amazing experience.
Mission Hills Phuket Golf Club Resort and Spa
Mission Hills Phuket Golf Resort Spa
If you enjoy the views at Red Mountain Golf Club, you will love them when playing at Mission Hills Phuket Golf Club Resort and Spa. Jack Nicklaus designed this course so you have spectacular views of the Andaman Sea and it feels like you are playing in an actual PGA tour event. Each hole has its unique characteristics and multiple ones across the course add up to an experience that you can’t miss in Mission Hills Phuket Golf Club – one of the best golf courses in Phuket.
Together with the bright colors of the greens and the turquoise blue ocean, make Mission Hills Phuket Golf Club a sight for sore eyes, with lovely contrasting colors throughout the 18 holes. Once you’re done with your round, make time to enjoy the clubhouse restaurant and spa. They’re both awesome.
Phuket Country Club
Phuket Country Club
Phuket Country Club was established in 1989 and is regarded as one of the best golf courses in Phuket and in Thailand as well. They are well known for their beautiful landscape plus their hospitality and service.
Phuket Country Club has hosted several championships, namely the Ladies Kosaido Thailand Open 1992, Prince Bernard Cup, Thai Senior PGA Challenge 2002, Phuket Thailand Ladies Masters 2005, and so on.
There are two separate course layouts: an 18-hole Old course that is over 6483 yards, and the challenging Country Club course, a 9-hole 3375 yard with an especially designed layout to cater to low handicap golfers. Both resorts are convenient as they’re about 30 minutes out of Phuket town and 25 minutes from Patong Beach.
Katathong Golf Resort
Katathong Golf Resort
If you’re looking for a real test of your golfing ability, Katathong Golf Resort and Spa‘s 18-hole PGA course is ranked as one of the most challenging pertains to golf in the area. It’s not on the island of Phuket but in the adjacent province of Phang Nga.
This is a modern golf course, said to be a bit more of a journey than the two highlighted courses on this island. It takes just about an hour to drive to get there by car then you will be surprised with one of the best golf courses in Phuket like this.
The mountain views are excellent and feature throughout the course, with natural waterfalls and streams common across many of the holes. The fairways are not as long as many other golf courses in Phuket but are narrow, making accuracy off the tee more important than distance. This makes Katathong Golf Resort and Spa a good contrast to the other Phuket golf courses and is the reason why it is considered a good test of a golfer’s ability.
The clubhouse is designed in charming Sino-Portuguese architectural style and decorated with memorabilia from the mining era, there are even authentic rusting relics of the industrial mine that can still be seen from the fairway, but make sure you have something to eat in the clubhouse afterward as there is not much else around in terms of restaurants.
Royal Hua Hin Golf Club
Royal Hua Hin Golf Club
Royal Hua Hin Golf Club is also one of the best golf courses in Phuket in particular and in Thailand in general. It was built around 1942, during the reign of King Rama VI, and was completed during the reign of King Rama VII. Railroad engineer, Mr. A.O.Robin contributed to the design of this all-natural terrain course and is proud of its design, amenities, as well as history, and luxurious scenery.
With a golf course varying in length and difficulty and mature flora standing out all over, this example of American heritage could be easily listed as a national treasure by many professional organizations. Significant events in the past including the King’s Cup, the Queen’s Cup, the Close Amateur Cup, The Open Amateur Cup, the Mixed Foursome Cup, and the Open Junior Cup, used to be held here.
Palm Hills Golf Club Residence
Palm Hills Golf Club Residence
Today, Palm Hills has hosted a variety of prestigious tournaments and is an 18-hole championship course by world-renowned golf architect Max Wexler. These challenging greens are designed to challenge golfers of all levels.
Golfing at Palm Hills Golf Club Residence gives a unique golf experience with magnificent undulating rolling fairways that go up and down hills, lush greens, and strategically placed hazards, yet enclaves upscale amenities including lavish clubhouses, state-of-the-art sports club, and a sophisticated Pro shop.
This course offers you a beautiful setting and is ideal for golfing in Thailand. The site is across from the international airport, just 8 minutes away from downtown. Its estate is exquisite and impeccably maintained by professionals. They have a team of well-trained staff members to help them keep things up to date.
Now, you know the list of the best golf courses in Phuket, don’t miss any of them for an extraordinary experience. Grab your clubs and get ready for a perfect Phuket golf package. Feel free to contact us if you have any questions or need help in planning a customized tour itinerary of your preference.
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