Phuket has some of the finest golf courses built in Thailand, and the first among them is the ‘Old Course’ at Phuket Country Club. Located in the heart of Phuket island, it has remained a favorite among local golf enthusiasts, and tourists flying in for a tee-off. While newer places like the more upscale Red Mountain and Loch Palm Blue golf clubs have appeared over the years, and Blue Canyon Country Club has even hosted a few world championship events, Phuket Country Club remains the golf course of choice for many national tournaments in Thailand.
A Phuket golf holiday is not complete without visiting this golf course. Let’s find out how the first golf course in Phuket has maintained its typical Thai charm and natural beauty since its opening in 1989, while remaining a mainstay among golfers both local and visiting.
How To Reach The Phuket Country Club
The sunny paradise island of Phuket is located in Southern Thailand, and the Phuket Country Club is right smack dab in the middle of it in the Kathu District. If you’re arriving in Phuket by air, the country club can be reached within an hour by car from the airport. Perhaps even more conveniently, the golf course is less than 30 minutes away from popular tourist areas like Patong beach, Phuket town, and most of the beach resorts in the area. The entrance to the golf course is located along Vichitsongkram road.
Golfing At The First Golf Course In Phuket
The main golf course simply called the ‘Old Course’ was built on a reclaimed tin mine site and was designed by Dr. Sukitti Klangvisai, one of Thailand’s golf course architects.
The 27-Hole Phuket Country Club Golf Course Design
The stunning beauty of the natural environment is clear to anyone who comes here to play golf. This natural valley environment combined with the features of the former tin mine site creates a unique and pleasant experience for golfers of all skill levels. There are 27 holes at Phuket Country Club, and players can choose between the 18-hole Old Course or the newer 9-hole Country Club Course.
Old Course
High handicappers are the ones that seem to enjoy the par-72 ‘Old Course’ the most. The 18-hole layout of the original golf course takes you through a tour of three very different landscapes including undulating hills, a forested area, and some level ground. There are limestone cliffs surrounding the fairways and water hazards to contend with as well as a large lake right at the center of the golf course.
The Old Course has a clubhouse with everything including a pro shop, restaurant, and all the other facilities. You could always rest and refresh yourself when it gets a little tiring.
Country Club Course
The newer golf course simply called the ‘Country Club Course’ is a par-36 with nine holes. This is designed more for the low-handicap golfer and can be quite challenging since water becomes a factor in nearly all the holes here. However, there are five tee boxes for each hole, allowing you to reduce the difficulty if needed. Sometimes the holes from this course are used as the back nine when the Old Course back nine closes for maintenance.
Country Club Course also has its own clubhouse with all the facilities making it very convenient for golfers to get necessary equipment or a quick snack after a round of golf.
Signature Holes At Phuket Country Club
The front nine holes do get off to a challenging start, with undulating fairways. Elevated tees found at the 6th and 7th holes will test the accuracy of your shots. The back nine holes are over more level ground although some of your first water hazards will appear on this part of the golf course layout.
The signature hole-10 is a par-05 with the championship tees located at 557 yards. This is what is known in golf as a dogleg. You could play it safe by making your way around the lake by passing through the U-shaped fairway on one side. A more confident golfer could attempt the green with an albatross shot. There is a chance of a hole-in-one for experienced long hitters who can clear over 240 yards over the lake.
Water hazards are present yet again on the 16th which is a par-04 hole. The 17th is also interesting since it is on an island green, and although it’s a par-03 hole, the wind here could complicate matters.
Green Fee And Caddy Fee Rates At Phuket Country Club
You have a choice of playing an 18-hole or 09-hole round of golf at Phuket Country Club Old Course. The green fee for the 18-hole round is 2,400 Thai baht while the 09-hole game can be played for 1,700 baht. The Country Club Course green fee is 1,600 baht. The golf cart rental price is 700 baht, and any non-golfers accompanying you have to pay 700 baht as well.
The green fee is not inclusive of the caddy fee and golf cart rental price. The caddy fee is 400 baht for the 18-hole game and 300 baht for the 09-hole one. Furthermore, like in most Thailand golf courses, you are expected to give a caddy tip. Usually, the caddy tip can be the same as the caddy fee price, although nothing is stopping you from being a bit more generous for an especially helpful caddy.
The Member’s Corner At Phuket Country Club
If you’re a competitive type of golfer, you can take part in tournaments held at the country club member’s corner. There is even a hall of fame for all the golfers that have successfully hit hole-in-one shots. There are more benefits to getting a golf club membership.
Phuket Country Club’s Clubhouse Facilities
The clubhouse is not as luxurious as some of the more modern places like Mission Hills Golf Course or Loch Palm Golf Club in Phuket. However, it is nevertheless fully equipped with all the required facilities like spacious locker rooms, saunas, and plenty of training options for golfers.
Driving Range, And Golf Academy
The driving range has 52 bays and is floodlit allowing you to practice even after dusk. There is also a putting green, and practice bunkers to help you perfect your technique. And if that wasn’t enough, you also have the option of booking golf lessons with a professional coach at the golf academy here.
Pro Shop
If you need to purchase new golf equipment, clothing, or just a souvenir to take back home after your Phuket golf holiday, you can do so at the two clubhouse pro shops. You also have the option of renting golf clubs from 1,200 to 1,800 baht depending on the brand, and shoes for 500 baht. To learn more about golfing gear and where else you can purchase them, read Golf Stores In Phuket: 10 Shops To Get Your Golfing Gear.
Restaurant And Tennis Courts
Apart from the golf-related facilities at the club, you can also dine at the restaurant which offers a mix of local Thai dishes as well as international cuisine. If you have any non-golfers among those accompanying you on your Phuket golf holiday, you can leave them at the tennis courts while you enjoy your favorite pastime.
Other Phuket Golf Courses To Visit On Your Phuket Golf Holiday
If you’re heading down to Thailand for a Phuket golf holiday, then stopping by for a few rounds of golf at the island’s first-ever golf course would certainly make a memorable occasion. If you don’t believe us, just check out the Phuket Country Club reviews online from golfers impressed with the challenging golf course layout, as well as the stunning scenery and tranquil surroundings that will make for a fun and relaxing experience.
If you wish to learn more about other Phuket golf courses like Red Mountain, and Blue Canyon or you simply need some help in planning your Phuket golf holiday, just reach out to us at Ushup. We’ve played at all the best golf courses in this beautiful paradise island, and can recommend the best place depending on your skill level, budget, food preferences, accommodation, and any sightseeing you want to do. Visit Ushup to learn more about how we can make your Phuket golf holiday a truly satisfying trip!
FAQs
The first golf course in Phuket is the ‘Old Course’ at Phuket Country Club which opened in 1989. The first in Thailand was the Royal Hua Hin Golf Course which opened in the 1920s that catered to the golf players in the Thai royal family, as well as other high society figures at the time.
Apart from being the first golf course on the island of Phuket, the country club also hosts many national-level championship tournaments and has a challenging course layout that remains popular for both Phuket locals and foreign golfers looking for the perfect golf holiday.
