Phuket, the Hot New Golf Destination

Besides some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, Phuket has something else to boast about. The resort destination is now making a name for itself in the golf world, with an international standard of courses. It has been a decade since the Blue Canyon Country Club put Phuket on the international golfing map and since then the idyllic palm-fringed island is fast becoming a golfing paradise.

There are the four major courses in Phuket offering challenges to all levels of golfers. The Blue Canyon and Thai Muang course offer serious championship level play and the newly remodeled Loch Palm and the Phuket County Club are notable for their natural beauty.

Both the Lakes Course and the Canyon Course at Blue Canyon were designed by Japanese course architect Yoshikazu Kato. The legendary Gary Player of South Africa, also consulted on the Lakes Course. The Blue Canyon leapt to fame in 1994 when the Canyon Course was selected as the venue for the 1994 Johnnie Walker Classic. The competition returned in 1998 and tested the abilities of golfers such as Tiger Woods, Ernie Els, Fred Couples and Greg Norman. Consequently, the Canyon is a "must play" course for serious golfers visiting Phuket. Coupled with the fact that the course has panoramic mountain views and a rare natural location, which was formerly a tin mine, this really is golf at it's best! The 18th hole, a 410 yard par 4, is reputed to be the best finishing hole on the island. To the left, out of bounds, is a rubber plantation and to the right, jagged rocks. Misjudge a fraction and you'll end up in the ravine, in the centre of the fairway at about 300 yards, formerly the open pit of the tin mine. However, get it right and drive 110 yards over the ravine to the green.

One of the best kept secrets of Thai golf, the Thai Muang Beach Resort and Golf Club, is on the mainland, 40 minutes north of the airport, is one of the few beachside championship courses in Thailand, set amongst lush tropical scenery. The final three holes are spectacular, particularly if played as the sun sets over the Andaman Sea. The 17th hole, dubbed "the lady", is a tricky 178 yards, par 3, and the 18th runs 463 yards with the sea rolling onto the white sandy beaches on the left and the majestic mountains in the distance on the right.

Loch Palm, formerly known as the Phuket Century, is located in 160 acres of hilly terrain in Kathu, near both Phuket Town and Patong. Recently remodeled, the course has a simple and elegant design which uses 1400 palm trees as a feature on the fairways. The course is popular for visitors and is the only course on the island which offers golf carts. The first seven holes wind around the course's magnificent lakes - a nightmare for those with a tendency to slice the ball! The back nine is also a challenge with some difficult and unusual holes.

Phuket Country Club was the first 18-hole golf course to be built on the island and is conveniently located between Phuket Town and Patong Beach. The course is one of South East Asia's finest having hosted the Ladies Kosaido Thailand Open in 1992 and the Prince Bernard Cup tournaments. The mature and varied trees planted around the large lake setting, give it a special beauty. In addition, the course passes through 3 distinctive environments with six holes which wind through undulating limestone cliffs, another six on the level and the remainder passing through a landscaped forest. The 557-yard, par 5 10th hole is the best known in Phuket, a right dog-leg that snakes round an enormous lake and is reachable in one. The really brave can drive 90 degrees right of the fairway to the green, 240 yards over the water. Should you decide to go around, you will have to hit over water at least twice! There are also nine new holes on the other side of the road, called the "Country Club Course". This challenging par 37 golf course is strictly for low handicap golfers as there is water in every direction - bring a large bag of balls!

Our hotel in Phuket, the Amari Coral Beach Resort, is able to arrange transportation to the courses in the article and special discounts on green fees. Don't forget that after a game of golf, the spa at the resort, Jasmina, is the ideal place to relax and get rid of all those post game aches and pains.