Hua Hin Golf

Golf
Golf is the most popular sport in Hua Hin, its not surprising with eight world class golf courses all within 45 minutes drive of town center. Tourists and expats alike choose Hua Hin for its golf courses. There are a number of local golf societies in town and more being formed every year.

More Hua Hin golf information on Golf Holidays Hua Hin

New golf courses in Hua Hin
Two new golf courses have recently been built around Hua Hin including the long awaited Banyan Golf Course (below) located 11km south west of town. The Banyan Golf Club Hua Hin primarily serves the residents of its property development, the Banyan Estate. The teak clubhouse accommodates a pro shop, changing rooms and a 5 star restaurant. From the upstairs veranda, golfers enjoying the 19th hole can view the 9th and 18th greens and 1st and 10th tees.

The course has been thoughtfully designed by one of Thailand's best course design companies and offers one of the best challenges in Hua Hin with far reaching spectacular views. Banyan Golf Club membership will be limited to only the purchasers of property on the Banyan Estate development, however the course will be available for all to play on. Banyan Golf Club was completed in late 2008.

Black Mountain is a new 18-hole golf course located on the other side of the hills to the west of Palm Hills Golf Resort and just 10km from central Hua Hin. Black Mountain Golf Course opened in April 2007.

The course is always in superb condition with fast greens. The layout was improved during 2008 and some of the greens flattened a little. Pas 3s are of a high standard and some of the par 4s will be reachable from the tee if you're a long hitter and willing to "have a go".

A computer controlled irrigation system, which is connected to a weather station, has been installed, to allow the fairways to be watered and with just the right amount of water. This will produce fairways that are healthy and firm, rather that having dry and wet areas. No expense has been spared in the efforts to maintain the golf course to the very highest standards - even as far as having an underlay in the bunkers to hold the sand in place during heavy rainstorms.

The project leader is Gavan Wilson. He is in charge of building and maintaining the golf course. Gavan has worked in Thailand for 15 years and is one of the most highly respected golf course superintendants in Thailand.

The goal of black mountain golf is to ultimately be the best golf course in Asia. The intention is to hold many professional tournaments and try to attract some of the best golfers in the world. The golf course will be capable of providing a test for the top professionals but also be playable for the average golfers. The course architect, Phill Ryan, has made very clever use of the natural beauty of the site and the natural terrain. Features of the course are the rock faces set in to the mountains and the natural creeks that run through the course. All the large rocks, found on site, have been used in the construction and as features on the golf course. Every consideration has been taken to make the course as visually stunning as possible. The location of the clubhouse was chosen to give a panoramic view over the whole course as well as positioning the 1st and 10th tees and 9th and 18th greens directly in front of the clubhouse.

Facilities include a driving range and practise area, restaurants, pro shops and of course golf course.

The course is hosting its first Asian PGA event between March 26-29 2009 and has attracted a number of top international and Thai professionals.

Courses
The main popular courses are listed below, they can get busy at weekends and prices are likely to be higher also. You will find that most courses will have discounted green fees during the low season.

		Majestic Creek Country Club 18 holes, 6961 yards, par 72 Designed by Sukitti Klangvisai, opened 1993 Distance from Hua Hin: 30 minutes Approx cost for a round: 2,750
		Palm Hills Resort and Country Club 18 holes, 6890 yards, par 72 Designed by Max Wexler, opened 1991 Distance from Hua Hin: 15 minutes Approx cost for a round: 2,500
		Royal Hua Hin Golf Course 18 holes, 6678 yards, par 72 Designed by O A Robins, opened 1924 Distance from Hua Hin: central Approx cost for a round: 2,500
		Hua Hin Seoul Country Club 18 holes, 6614 yards, par 72 Designed by Robert Mcfarland, opened 1992 Distance from Hua Hin: 25 minutes Approx cost for a round: 950
		Springfield Royal Country Club 18 holes, 7063 yards, par 72 Designed by Jack Nicklaus, opened 1993 Distance from Hua Hin: 25 minutes Approx cost for a round: 3,700
		Imperial Lake View 18 holes, 6915 yards, par 72. 9 holes, 3417 yards, par 36 Designed by Roger Packard, opened 1993 Distance from Hua Hin: 20 minutes Approx cost for a round: 2,850
		Sawang Resort Golf Club 18 holes, 6959 yards, par 72 Designed by Isao Ikatsumata, opened 1993 Distance from Hua Hin: 1 hour Approx cost for a round: 1,750
		Dragon Hills Golf Course 18 holes, 6,812 yds, par 72 Designed by Jim Engh. Isao Aoki and Jack Nicklaus Distance from Hua Hin: 1 hour and 45 minutes Approx cost for a round: 760 with caddie
		Royal Ratchaburi Golf Course 18 holes, 6,785 yds, par 72 Designed by Artanan Yomchinda Distance from Hua Hin: 1 hour and 30 minutes Approx cost for a round: 750 - 1,190
		Kaeng Krachan 18 holes, 6427yds, par 72 Designed by Cherd Boonyaratavej Distance from Hua Hin: 1 hour Approx cost for a round: weekday 1,000. Weekend 1,700

There are a number of smaller courses and 9 hole golf courses such as Pranburi and Ao Manao, these are generally military courses where the fairways and greens are in poorer condition. They're ideal for hackers though and usually very cheap to play!

Driving Ranges and Pitch & Putt
Three driving ranges can be found in Hua Hin. The best is The Monkol Driving Range which is located 5 minutes west of the centre of town just past the elephant camp on the Pala-U road. Run by former Asian Tour player and PGA Professional John Wither, it features automated ball dispensers, a pro shop, club repairs, ample car parking space and a licenced restaurant. Lessons from John can be arranged for novice and experienced golfers alike when you can benefit from the latest computer and video analysis.

Royal Hua Hin Golf course has a range where a tray of balls sets you back 20 or 30 Baht and the third is at Pae Mai along the canal road. There is another range and pitch and putt out at Palm Hills and a small nine hole par 3 course on Petchkasem road out near the airport.