Despite Hua Hin’s rapid development into one of the most up and coming golf destinations in the whole of Thailand thanks to its excellent selection of courses, the resort still remains a relatively tranquil option in comparison to the rest of the country. Just three hours from Bangkok, the resort combines some of the region’s most spectacular coastline and tourist attractions with some great golfing options, including some of the most unique courses in the country. Let’s take a look at some of Hua Hin’s leading courses, and just what makes them so special.

Banyan Golf Club: Winner of the 2009 best new course in Asia award, the Banyan Golf Club is still relatively new having only opened at the end of 2008. This world class facility was designed by architect Pirapon Namatra, and is well known throughout Asia as one of the most naturally beautiful courses available. With ocean and mountainous views throughout, as well as a number of water hazards and sand traps making for a challenging round, this 18-hole course offers a little something for everyone. With six different tee boxes to choose from, Banyan also caters for a range of golfing abilities.

Signature holes include the Par-3 15^th, with its views of the Singtoh Island located in the Gulf of Thailand, as well as the incredible Par-5 12th which measures 610 yards in distance, and boasts an elevated green to increase the difficulty. The facility includes a driving range, along with putting and chipping greens, as well as a modern clubhouse. Thai, as well as western cuisine, is offered through two five star on site restaurants, helping to ensure that Banyan is certainly not one to miss when in Thailand.

 Black Mountain: Just thirty minutes from Hua Hin town centre, the Black Mountain Golf Club is one of the most easily accessible courses in the region, and along with its high quality course and on site amenities, makes it one of the best options around. With the course being surrounded by dramatic granite covered mountains, the rocks as well as small creeks have been used perfectly to create one of the most unique golfing experiences in Thailand.

Wide fairways and large greens make the course an option for golfers of ranging skill sets, with many of the Par-5 holes reachable in two shots for the bigger hitters. Low scores are certainly available, with plenty of birdie and even eagle opportunities throughout. The Par-3 18^th never fails to impress, with its islanded green providing a challenge for all.

The clubhouse offers sublime views of the whole course as well as surrounding scenery, and with world class practice areas and locker rooms, Black Mountain really is a facility of the highest calibre.

 Springfield: Most famous for being designed by the legendary Jack Nicklaus, Springfield Royal Country Club is actually located closer to Cha Am, making it a longer trip for those located in Hua Hin itself. With the course offering five separate tees to play from, only top golfers are advised to brave the black tees, with Nicklaus’ courses notorious for their unforgiving nature.

With the 1^st and 18^th holes perhaps providing the most attractive scoring opportunities, it is easy to be fooled by the relatively simple layout of the course. Protected and islanded greens, as well as high trees, make getting around the course safely a significant challenge. A further 9 holes were opened back in 2005, offering a contrast in styles to choose from. First class facilities are found throughout the complex, with experienced caddies on hand to offer guidance around the course.

 Sea Pine: This links style course is based along the Gulf of Thailand, and certainly provides golfers with a varied challenge through its mixture of beachside and mountainous holes. Despite originally being a site for the Thai Army, the course is now available to the public throughout the year, with fairway bunkers and greens surrounded by water hazards making it an enjoyable and demanding experience. The signature hole at Sea Pine is without a doubt the Par-3 17^th, with the spectacular ocean views setting the scene for a hole littered with potential pitfalls. Elsewhere, the par-4 18th hole is among the most challenging on the entire course, with a significant canal making it a requirement for a drive of over 220 yards in order to reach the fairway.

The clubhouse offers visitors some of the best Thai food around, with a lack of driving range and practice areas the only thing lacking from this beautiful course.

If you are still not convinced on a trip to Hua Hin, take a look at other golfing options in the form the Imperial Lake View, Majestic Creek, Palm Hills and Milford golf clubs, which only add to the extensive array of impeccable courses in the area.

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