Loch Palm Golf Club

While Loch Palm Golf Club is not the longest Phuket golf course, it is one of the most enjoyable and consistent.  Nestling among a range of jungle-clad hills, Loch Palm is natural going although still capable of throwing down many challenges and giving any Phuket golfer a thorough workout. As the club’s name suggests, palm trees are liberally dotted around this parkland layout, although never too densely.

On the front nine, the primary objective is keeping the golf ball on dry land; many holes play alongside the loch (a sizeable lake), which has a habit of cutting across some of the gently undulating fairways. The short 2nd hole is one of many holes that tests golfers’ nerves around water. A par-5 with a significant amount of extensive and open bunkering that also comes into play. Shots too wayward require longer lengths to avoid finding the perimeter real estate or worse out-of-bounds.

The back nine has some tighter and more undulating holes, starting with the short but testing downhill par-4 10th. The narrow and challenging par-5 11th has villas flanking the left side; be ready to shout 'Fore !'. Among several excellent holes on the back nine, one of the best is the 14th, a par-3 played downhill to a green surrounded on three sides by water.

Golf carts are optionally available, and the course is always in top playing condition. The clubhouse serves excellent Thai food at reasonable prices. The clubhouse was renovated in 2008 and is equivalent to other Phuket golf courses.

A small on-site golf resort caters to local golfers wanting to stay over the night and have a hit early the next morning. However, most Phuket golf visitors are better advised to stay in one of the better beach areas which are more equipped to handle all tourists’ needs.