The
course is located at Thai Muang, a costal village along Road No. 4 from Khao
Lak to Phuket. The driving time from Khao Lak is 30 minutes (30 km), from
Phuket Airport is it 50 km. Coming from Khao Lak you have to turn right at
the only traffic light in town and continue 1 km to the golf course at the
left hand side.
The course has been build in a stunning setting at the coast of the
Andaman Sea - right into a lagoon. The course is demanding and picturesque
with natural water hazards, lots of hills and bunkers.
Especially impressive is fairway No 18 (Par 4, 480 yards, HCP 4.), lading
right along the sea - if you manage to pay your handicap here, you might
celebrate in the nice clubhouse with excellent Thai cuisine.
Aleenta Resort And Spa, Phuket-Phangnga
This delightful boutique resort is located near to the bustling atmosphere on the pristine stretch of beach, but it is also just a few minutes away from Phuket Airport.
An ideal place for pure escapism and indulgence, you can expect luxurious villas and unparalleled levels of service from professional and courteous staff. Each of the immaculate suites is very close to the beach. You can enjoy wonderful sea views and complete privacy, with refreshingly simple and stylish minimalist interiors. There are many activities to do during your stay, including snorkelling, yoga and spending time in the spa. There are also a number of special dining evenings each week, including Tapas night, BBQ by the beach, wine pairing evening, Sunday Brunch, and a delightful cocktail evening where you can try your hand at becoming a certified mixologist.
Golfing on or off Phuket Island.
My regular golfing round is found
on the mainland of Thailand just north of Phuket Island. Thai Muang Golf
Course and Marina has been built right on the ocean front. You can hear the
breakers crashing onto the shore from the 17th, 18th and clubhouse. There
really is no marina there but I believe plans are in progress. A friend of
mine, Max Gaggi, sailed his yacht from Phuket, anchored just offshore before
playing his round for the day.
The course itself is less known and therefore less played than the
tourist trodden links in Phuket. Every time I have played there I have not
seen more than one or two other groups.
The Pete Dye designed course itself is in great shape. Due to its
proximity, it received some damage from the 2004 Tsunami but this quickly
recovered and is now again full of greenery.
The drive north takes only about 30-40 minutes through some lovely rural
areas of Thailand. This in itself is a nice reminder to me of where I really
am in the world.
Most courses in Phuket are targeting the tourist market. Thai Muang
though, has reduced rates and more often than not, it's local Thais who can
be found there.
I have never found a more tranquil place to down a few beers after a
round, than the clubhouse at Thai Muang Golf course. Please don't spread the
word too much, I like it this way.