Did you know that Loch Palm Golf Club is popular for having one of the most relaxing golf courses on Phuket island? If you’re planning a golf holiday to Thailand, there are many reasons why you should visit this 18-hole golf course, from the challenge it offers to its natural splendor that will instantly take your breath away.
Let’s find what golfers can experience at the Loch Palm Golf Club, and its most interesting golf course features including signature holes, undulating greens, fairway landing areas, water hazards, and strategically placed bunkers. And of course who can forget the hundreds of palm trees lining many of its fairways? We’ll also look at what facilities are provided at the Loch Palm clubhouse, and whether the green fees there are worth it.
How To Reach The Loch Palm Golf Club
Loch Palm Golf Club is located in the heart of Phuket near the Kathu district. It’s roughly a 15 to 20-minute drive from the pristine sandy Patong beach on one side, and Phuket Town on the other. Loch Palm Golf Club can be reached by traveling along Vichitsongkram Road, and the entrance is situated between the Phuket Elephant Jungle Sanctuary and the Wat Kathu Buddhist temple, two very popular tourist attractions in the area. The Red Mountain Golf Club also operated by the same management as Loch Palm is also located nearby.
The place is relatively easy to find, and if you do get lost, you can always ask a local who will most likely be able to point you in the right direction since the community in Phuket is very tourist-friendly.
Loch Palm: The Most Relaxing Golf Course In Phuke
Loch Palm Golf Club has a reputation for being a very relaxing course for several reasons.
The Natural Beauty Of Loch Palm Golf Club
Part of the charm of Loch Palm is the idyllic scenery no matter where you look. The golf course fairways have hundreds of palm trees lining them, no doubt giving its title and a unique look to the surroundings. There’s also the clear and calm surface of Crystal Lake which is one of the largest bodies of water in Phuket, stretching across more than 40 acres. Beautifully mirrored on the lake is a mountainous backdrop covered in jungle and stretching away to the distance.
If you plan for a tee-off in the early morning, you’ll catch some of the best sights that Loch Palm has to offer, with mist rolling over the mountains and Crystal Lake. The weather is very mild at this time too, with a cool breeze that will keep you refreshed while you play. You could have a tee-off in the afternoon as well, but the tranquil surroundings and the cooler playing conditions are best enjoyed in the morning before the noonday heat settles in. These ideal conditions are why many golfers call Loch Palm the most relaxing course in Phuket.
The Loch Palm Golf Course Design
Designed by golf course architect Dr.Sukitti Klangvisai, Loch Palm opened its doors in 1996 and has remained a popular choice for golfers of all skill levels. The course did undergo some renovations in 2019 which were done by famous designer Jon Morrow. The 18-hole 71-par course would take about three to four to complete.
Water hazards present a significant challenge on many of the holes in the front nine with many of them situated around Crystal Lake. The fairway landing areas may be wide and generous, but the route is designed tightly to reward those who can control their shots. Those hitting wayward shots will end up in the water or one of the many well-placed bunkers.
The back nine holes will give you a change of scenery. Here you will find jungle-covered hills with a lot more variation in tee elevations. The greens here are undulating, and even the wind will contribute to making your play more difficult. The 15th hole is one worthy of mention, providing some of the best panoramic views on the course. You’ll need to choose your club carefully, and account for the elevation, wind conditions, and myriad of hazards to score within 03-par. This is one of the most memorable holes at the Loch Palm Golf Club course, and a great test of even the most skilled golfers.
The Green Fee At Loch Palm Golf Club
The green fee at Loch Palm changes depending on the day and time of day you’re planning on visiting. If you’re going on the weekend, the green fee will be 3,100 Thai baht in the morning (05:00 AM to 3:00 PM) and 1,800 baht in the afternoon (3:00 PM to 07:30 PM). Morning green fees are cheaper on weekdays with 2,300 baht for the morning tee-off session. You can book up groups of up to five golfers if you’re planning on going with your buddies. This is great value for money for the golfing experience you can find at Loch Palm compared to other courses in Phuket.
One downside is that if you’re being accompanied by non-golfers, they will have to pay a green fee although this is usually much less than the standard golfer’s green fee. While many other golf clubs offer memberships, there is currently no membership program at Loch Palm to sign up for.
Keep in mind that these green fee rates are standard, and there could be many promotions at lower prices, especially during the less crowded off-peak season. All visitors both golfers and non-golfers, are expected to be dressed in appropriate golf attire when entering Loch Palm Golf Club.
Renting A Golf Cart, And Caddy At Loch Palm Golf Club
In addition to the green fee, you will have to pay the compulsory caddy fee even if you’re fully capable of carrying your golf clubs. The caddy fee is 400 baht and is fully worth it since caddies are typically well-trained and friendly. Your caddy will be able to show you around and even advise you on the best angles if you’re unfamiliar with the course at Loch Palm.
As is customary in Thailand, you will be expected to give a caddy tip when your tee-off is finished. A 300 baht caddy tip should be sufficient although many recommend just simply paying the same amount as the caddy fee. You could rent a golf car to get around the course which will cost you 700 baht. This is optional although if you do rent one, please be aware that only your caddy will be allowed to drive it. To learn more about these oddities of golfing in Thailand, read Things You Need To Know About Thailand Golf Courses.
Loch Palm Clubhouse Facilities
Loch Palm has a country-style clubhouse that has all the necessary facilities like locker and shower rooms for you to get refreshed after a long tee-off session. Apart from this, it also includes plenty of practice facilities and a restaurant.
Driving Range, Putting Green, And Pro Shop At Loch Palm Golf Club
Loch Palm has plenty of facilities to practice your golf swing before heading to the greens. There is a chipping area and putting green, as well as a driving range which is open to all golfers. You can choose to visit these facilities at any time before or after your scheduled tee time. Rental equipment such as clubs, shoes, chairs, and even umbrellas are available at the pro shop. There are plenty of branded golf accessories to purchase including clothing.
The Loch Palm Clubhouse Restaurant
Overlooking Crystal Lake is the clubhouse restaurant that provides a picturesque view of the golf course. Breakfast is available here early in the morning from 06:00 AM, and a variety of Thai cuisine as well as international meals are available. Loch Palm has forgotten you when you’re at the tee either, with multiple on-course kiosks providing light food and beverages to golfers without interrupting their play.
Want To Play Golf At Loch Palm Golf Club?
If you’re already convinced of booking a tee time at Loch Palm Golf Club, we would not be surprised. It’s great value for money, the pro shop is fully stocked, and the training facilities like the driving range are a great help for those that need a bit of practice. And of course, the well-maintained course lined with palm trees and some of the best views in Phuket certainly helps as well. Head over to the Loch Palm Golf Club website to learn more or make your booking.
If you want to know more about golfing, Muay Thai, the most delicious dining experiences, or the best tourist attractions in Phuket Thailand, then Ushup is the place where you can learn all that and more. Visit Ushup today for everything about travel, life, and Phuket living!
FAQs
Phuket currently has nine golf courses, with each offering a unique experience in terms of scenery, golf course design, and required skill level for players.
The standard green fee for morning tee times is 3,100 baht on the weekends and 2,300 on the weekdays. The afternoon tee time costs 1,800 baht. In addition to this, your caddy fee will be 400 baht, and the optional golf cart can be rented for 700 baht.
