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Chiang Mai is home to several excellent golf courses that have
hosted numerous international competitions. The lovely northern
Thailand landscape makes a perfect backdrop for a round on the links.
The courses themselves are challenging and inventive, having been
created by some of the top designers in Asia. Full facilities are
available, including club and cart rentals, restaurants and caddies.
Green fees average around 1,500 baht with rates slightly higher
during weekends and holidays.
Chiang Mai-Lamphun Golf Club
This 18 hole championship course was designed by Dr. Sukhum Sukapanpotharam.
This par 72 course has a total length of 7022 yards and is set in
an idyllic location surrounded by rolling hills. The signature hole
is the 421 yard par four ninth hole. The right hand dog leg and
abundant water hazards made this hole the biggest challenge for
competitors in the 18th SEA Games.
Gassan Khuntan Golf Club and Resort
This gorgeous course is set in Doi Khuntan National Park,
500 metres (1,640 feet) above sea level. Doi Khuntan means
Devil Mountain and this fiendishly difficult course lives
up to the name. The Bermuda grass fairways and Tidwarf greens
are challenging to even experienced players and anyone can
appreciate the stunning vistas from the top of the mountain.
This course's signature hole is the par 3 fifth hole which
presents players with the daunting challenge of landing a
shot on a tiny island green in the middle of a lake while
being buffeted by swirling winds. Numerous discounts are available
for groups (8-15 players) that include hotel transfer, English
speaking caddy and golf club rental.
222 Moo 3 Tha-Pladok Rd, Mae Tha, Lamphun
Gassan Lake City
After the success of Doi Khuntan Golf Resort, Gassan has
followed up with this par 72. Opened in 2005, Gassan Lake
City is a 6,400 yard 18 hole course. The greens and fairways
still need some time to mature but the potential inherent
here is amazing.
88 Moo 7 Tambon Ban Thi, Lamphun
Green Valley Golf Club
For a challenge of endurance as well as skill, head over
to Green Valley Golf Club 20 minutes from the city centre,
but bring your sunblock. This championship level 18 hole course,
designed by Dennis Griffiths, consists of well manicured fairways,
immaculate greens and very little shade. A recent management
change has been highly beneficial and course maintenance is
now a top priority. Early morning or late afternoon tee times
are ideal to avoid the midday heat.
183/2 Chotana Rd Mae Rim
Lanna Golf Club
This course is the most convenient to the city centre, located
just ten minutes from downtown Chiang Mai. Consisting of three nine
hole courses in very distinct styles, the Lanna Golf Club offers
a variety of challenges and styles of play. Mature trees line the
fairways, providing excellent shade and streams and lakes dot the
course, providing a reason to sweat. This course can get crowded
in the afternoon so either go early or book a tee time. For non-golfers
the Lanna Sports Club has plenty of other recreational facilities
including a swimming pool, shooting range, tennis courts and exercise
rooms.
Mae Jo Golf Club
Amidst bountiful orchards 20 minutes from Chiang Mai lies
Mae Jo Golf Club, a superb course and one of the best in Asia.
6,700 yards of challenging slender fairway await you on this
par 72 course. Trees and water hazards line the well trimmed
grass and birds and golden pythons are the spectators. The
views from the tees, many of which are elevated, are spectacular,
giving a panoramic perspective of majestic Doi Suthep in the
background. The Terrace Restaurant at the club house serves
excellent food and is a perfect place to catch a glorious
sunset.
112 Moo 7 Ban Sri Boon Ruang Pahpai, San Sai
Royal Chiang Mai Golf Resort
Created by five time British Open champion Peter Thompson,
this is an exciting and challenging course for amateurs and
professionals alike. Blending in with the natural surroundings,
the course provides a tranquil environment allowing for total
concentration and focus. In addition to the course, the Royal
Chiang Mai Golf Resort also offers full fitness facilities
including a gym, a swimming pool and tennis courts. A snooker
room and karaoke room are also on hand.
169 Moo 5 Chiang Mai - Prao Rd Km.26 |
