Much work is being done to make Phuket even better, with underground telephone cables and new first-class hotels coming to the island to complement the traditional shops, temples and barbershops.
With many world-class golf courses to choose from in Phuket, it's no wonder this is an island that attracts golfers from all over the world.
Despite being an island, there's plenty to make a golfer happy when staying in Phuket, and you can't choose from such a small area of land. With over 10 golf courses to choose from, you could easily spend two weeks on the island and see nothing else.
But with great beaches, limestone karsts rising from the sea, mountains, jungles, national parks and an abundance of wildlife including elephants,Golf holidays in Phuketit's something that should be on everyone's bucket list.
Phuket Golf Holidays - Geography & Travel
Phuket is Thailand's largest island and is located off the coast of the Indian Ocean, in the deep blue waters of the Andaman Sea. Just 850 km from the Thai capital, Bangkok, it has a rich history, with tin and rubber bringing much of the island's early wealth.
Phuket was on the main trade routes between India and China and is therefore regularly mentioned in the records of merchant ships that passed through there.
Tourism is now the island's main source of income and with a magnificent coastline, mountains and jungles, Phuket has produced some fantastic golf courses.
Unlike some other golf destinations in Thailand, Phuket has its own international airport, and Phuket International Airport is the second busiest airport in Thailand after Bangkok. Therefore, direct flights between Europe and Phuket are also possible from other destinations such as Australia, Japan, Singapore and Kuala Lumpur.
Upon arrival at the airport, you can use one of the many buses available and they will take you directly to Phuket Town and Patong Beach. You can also take a taxi if you live in an area where there is no public transport.
If you are traveling to Phuket from Bangkok, we advise you to take a domestic flight due to the long distance between the two locations.
Phuket is a big island and you will need transport to get around, especially to the golf courses. Much of the transport on the island connects Phuket Town to the beaches, so we advise you to book a taxi through your hotel to reach the golf courses and agree a price with the company before starting your trip.
Where to stay on Phuket Golf Package
You'll be spoiled for choice when it comes to accommodation in Phuket, with hotels, villas and guesthouses to suit all tastes.
If you plan on staying at one of the top hotels, it's a good idea to book well in advance as they fill up quickly, especially between November and February. Major beach resorts include Six Senses Yao Noi, Trisara, Amanpuri and Kata Rocks.
If you want something a little more traditional, you can choose from boutique inns in the historic center, and the Casa Blanca Boutique Hotel is a good example of a restored Sino-Portuguese mansion.
You are not limited to staying in Phuket Town or the beach and have the option of enjoying tree house style accommodation or staying at one of the many golf courses offering fantastic villas and hotels. Laguna Golf Phuket and Katathong Golf Resort and Spa are two examples of golf courses that include accommodation.
The weather and best time to travel for a Phuket golf tour
Phuket has a tropical monsoon climate and that means it stays warm all year round. However, the weather on the island can be divided into three different seasons, and the best time to travel to play golf is between November and February.
This is known as “the cold season” and the climate is very similar to Florida in the summer, with little rain, especially in January and February, but very pleasant temperatures in the low 20s.
March to early May is the “hot season” and is when the heat is most intense in Phuket. Temperatures can reach the mid-30s and sometimes even higher. While the heat can sometimes make golf difficult, it won't always be incredibly hot, and with plenty of water and sun protection, you can enjoy golfing in Phuket.
The wet season falls between May and October, and while you might see some rain most days, it tends to fall at night and often in short, blunt bursts. In the morning and in the afternoon, the weather is usually clear and sunny, and this can be a good time to enjoy a round of golf in Phuket, without the cold season, when there are a lot of people.
Things to do away from the golf course on a Phuket holiday
While you may find it difficult to tear yourself away from Phuket's unspoiled ways, there is so much to do and enjoy on the island that you should take some time away from the golf course to enjoy some of the other attractions.
One of the most popular Phuket day trips is a boat trip to several small islands such as Phi-Phi Island and Khai Island. The tours allow you to stop at the best islands and enjoy the beaches, snorkeling, diving and lunch.
However, you don't need to travel by boat to enjoy the sea and, if you stay at a beach hotel, you can walk to the beach or take a bus to the nearest beach. Between November and February the sea is at its best, very clear and calm, being an ideal time for swimming, snorkeling, diving and canoeing.
If you enjoy water activities, you can also book rafting trips and they are a great way to see the island from a different perspective as you glide down the river.
If you are interested in the island's history and culture, you must visit Wat Chalong, which is one of the most important temples in Phuket, and take a walk through Phuket's Old Town.
For wildlife lovers, a visit to the elephant sanctuary is a must, and for the best gifts, head to the night market, where you'll find everything from local street food and snacks to handmade crafts and clothing.
Best golf courses in Phuket
Many people who visit Phuket to play golf will tell you that there are two golf courses that you must add to the top of your list and that you cannot leave without playing.
Blue Canyon Country Club
The first of these is the Blue Canyon, and it caught the attention of the golfing world when the 1994 Johnnie Walker Classic was played on the Canyon Course. The tournament was so successful that it returned on two more occasions, with Tiger Woods winning in 1995.
The course is located in an abandoned tin mine and the rusty water seeping through the creeks and the tin ore rocks on the craggy cliffs give a flashback to my days. However, this is arguably the best nine hole golf course in Thailand, with shots over canyons and up to the island's greens.
The grand clubhouse and restaurants are good, and while not up to the same standards as the golf course, they are a lovely spot for drinks and conversation about what a great round of golf in Phuket is all about.
In addition to the Canyon Course, the Blue Canyon Golf Club houses the Lakes Course, located close to the international airport, being a good option for those arriving or leaving Phuket.
Red Mountain Golf Club
The other golf club considered essential in building a Phuket golf package is the Red Mountain Golf Club.
Located just 15 minutes from Patong and Karon beaches, this golf course is arguably the most exciting golf course in Phuket. Soft red rock and dense jungle are the two main components of this golf course and even if you think this environment is not suitable for golf, it has been transformed into a tremendous golfing experience.
A tough test, Red Mountain Golf Club features water, undulating fairways and greens, wind and elevation changes over the 18 holes. You will enjoy incredible views from the top of the highest golf course in Phuket.
The greens are far from uniform in size and character, with some small and some large, with flat putting surfaces and others with significant breaks. But even if you don't always read the greens well, you are guaranteed a fantastic playing surface with fairways and greens in excellent condition.
The best advice for getting a low score on Red Mountain is to listen to your caddy's advice, but most of all, enjoy the environment. Along with a state-of-the-art clubhouse and practice facilities, you can easily spend the day at Red Mountain Golf Club.
Phuket country club
No Phuket golfing holiday would be complete without a trip back in time to the Phuket Country Club. This was the first professional golf course on the island, opened in 1989 and just 20 minutes from the most popular beaches.
Located in the center of the island, Phuket Country Club is an excellent golf course for anyone taking their first golfing holiday in Asia or Thailand. The front nine holes are the most difficult on this course and precise driving is essential for low scores. However, the back nine holes are flatter and more open, and even with water on some of the holes, the margin of error is greater than the first nine.
You'll find the island's most famous hole at the Phuket Country Club. the 10thyouThe hole starts from an elevated tee box and has a 180 degree fairway around a large lake. You have a choice to make on this hole: try to hit the green with a shot over the water, or play a more conservative shot and aim for the fairway.
The Phuket Country Club is a great introduction to the game of golf in Phuket and is ideal for the novice golfer whilst allowing the more experienced player to score well.
Mission Hills Phuket Golf Club and Resort
If you're looking for a golf experience that will have you reaching for your camera as often as your clubs, add Mission Hills Phuket Golf Club and Resort to your itinerary. Designed by Jack Nicklaus, this Phuket golf course is located on the northeast coast of the island amongst mangroves and offers many spectacular views of the ocean.
In fact, many of the 18 holes at Mission Hills Phuket Golf Club and Resort are teed over the Andaman Sea, and with large deposits of white sand providing a stark contrast to the sea, this course is a feast for the senses.
One of the standout features when playing a game on this course is that you can order food and receive it as you play. But with the clubhouse spa and restaurant waiting for you after your match, you might want to wait and extend your stay at Mission Hills Phuket Golf Club and Resort.
The big advantage of playing golf in Phuket is that, despite being on an island, you have many options when booking a tee. In addition to the golf courses highlighted above, you should also consider playing a round at Katathong Golf Resort and Spa, Laguna Golf Phuket, Loch Palm Golf Club and Tublamu Navy Golf Club.
Whichever golf course you decide to add to yourPhuket golf package, guarantees that you will not only have fun playing golf, but participating in many other activities available on the island.