Hua Hin Golf Courses

Only the local courses to Hua Hin are described here---they are a personal opinion gained from playing, too much I've heard from one source, and from the discussions we have had from our clients over a number of years. Updated September 2006.

Majestic Creek Golf Course Hua Hin

27 holes set in wonderful countryside with a backdrop of the border mountains of the local National Park, this Dr. Sukkitti design is definitely a true test and one not to be missed. Starting with three shortish par 4's that can lead you to think you don't need your driver-- Ho Ho! Plenty of water some long par 5's and all in all a great day's golf awaits you. The Zoysia grass allows the ball to sit up and beg to be hit, so there are no excuses! New water supply has ensured that the greens no longer get dry. Golf carts advised as there are some long walks. The greens have had a reputation for being on the slow side and grainy-still a little grain but they are now quick. Fine modern clubhouse facilities with a good service, with a generally friendly staff. Your correspondent's favorite course in the area.

Imperial Lakeview Golf Course Hua Hin

18 holes laid out by Roger Packard, opened in 1993. It has now 27 and the last nine are to open this November (2006)and this new 18 will be a real test if the first 9 (the Desert course) are anything to go by—looks very inviting. But if you want a less hazardous day out play the original 18 which is a tropical parkland style with an abundance of palm trees lining the fairways and plentiful deep bunkers and water on some holes-why do we torture ourselves? Usually in immaculate condition with fast sloping greens. Hole 14 beware, long par three with an island green-a real test! Golf carts available. Excellent facilities and on-course hotel recommended for a few days golf and away from it all. Staff, food, and service as one would expect from a hotel/golf complex.

Royal Springfield Golf & Country Club Hua Hin

To flaunt its full name and which is perhaps the reason for the extra price. Still, this Jack Nicklaus par 72 course rated by some as the best course around Hua Hin is probably kept in the best condition day in day out throughout the year, particularly the greens which can be fast, but always true. Nicklaus designs love to catch the player out who hits a poor weak fade, better known as a slice and the back nine when tiredness begins to creep into your game can be punishing with either a huge waste bunker and water or just water on your right hand side and close to the fairway to tighten you up. If you are on top of your game this course will reward you, it is not especially long. The last hole has become the feature hole, a par 5 with an Island green, reachable by the longer hitter and those with an ego who will, having hit a good drive over the trees of the dogleg left, just have to have a go! Changing rooms quite excellent, the clubhouse undergoing change as I write this is a little sterile and you might have to wave your arms around to get your thirst quenching beer quickly or at all!

New 9 holes opened up and although needing another season to fully mature is getting good reports, that is by those who play it well. Another 9 rumored to be started soon. Great Caddies.

Expensive hotels (2) surround the clubhouse.

Palm Hills Golf Course Hua Hin

Designed by Max Wexler who had a beautiful piece of real estate to design this figure of 8 Resort course. It is built around a hill close to Hua Hin -5 Kilometers away-busy particularly at weekends. There are wide fairways and ample greens and considered a generous course; the best one to play first before tackling the other more testing layouts. Incidentally, the greens have recently been rebuilt and re laid and are excellent and fast. All greens are built up a little and this does make for very difficult shot making. The clubhouse is modern and has facilities expected of a more interesting course. The signature hole is the 11th. a par three up hill into the off sea breeze; hint, always take at least a club more than you think, indeed the 10 th . through to the 14th. are the best holes on the course and require some good shot making. This course has had considerable work put into it the last 18 months or so and is now often liked as much as any. There are good views around this course and it can be walked fairly comfortably.

There have been a lot of houses built around the course of late with some more yet to be built, fortunately all are far enough away to not interfere with golf or the views.

Milford Golf Course Hua Hin

Designed by Robert MacFarland and opened in 1995. The owners of this land must be commended for their foresight as it is difficult terrain. The situation is possibly one of the best in Thailand with sea views and The Kings Peacocks to take your attention away from some of the testing shots that are waiting, particularly on the very tight back nine holes. The course isn't long but at the end of your round you wouldn't know it! Keep your driver in the bag except for a couple of holes on the front nine to have a go with a little room for maneuver. Lately, this course has been taken off our itinerary as the general maintenance and up keep leaves a lot to be desired, - in bad condition.

Royal Hua Hin Golf Course

The oldest 18 holes in Thailand opened around 1924 for the railway workers and early Bangkok golfers. Designed by a Scottish railway worker it reminds one of an inland course in the south of England . Some very good holes and not a short course. The grasses tend to be of the older variety, however, the greens, (I find them small), putt very well even if made difficult with the grain. This course also suffers a little in a hot dry spell as there is not an efficient watering system. Renovated clubhouse with cheap beer and now with a few golf carts do make this course more pleasant to play. Sadly, the management does not encourage tour groups to operate and it is, therefore, rarely used for organised holiday golf.

Sawang Resort (Petchaburi)

Petchaburi opened 1993 and for a Resort course one of my favorites. It was designed for the Japanese market that doesn't come, by Isao Katsumata. On occasions it has suffered from a lack of maintenance, however, the management have done considerable work and this fine layout will test anyone. The staff and management are most helpful and the dining room worth a visit. The front nine is quite tight with the now mature trees encroaching upon the fairways, there is a little water to contend with on the opening holes and the round can come unstuck before it has started. Overall the second nine is more scenic and has some fine holes and the finishing two holes over water require some thought particularly the last hole as it is one of those where the drive is a 'shall I or shan't I go for the carry' . A further nine holes has now opened, tends to be played by the Korean market.

Very good kitchen and recommend the Chinese buffet.

Kaeng Krachan

1 hour away just in the National Park is this gem of a golf course. 18 holes, with a further 18 being built (Sept 2006) and nobody much ever plays here. Really testing layout with good scenery around. Up rated clubhouse now with hot water showers. Caddies may be a little inexperienced but all without exception try to please. Has been in fine condition the past year.

Picture is of the surrounding area.