There are six golf clubs on Phuket, but only one of them is oceanside. We take a round on the impressive Jack Nicklaus designed Mission Hills course, on the East Coast shoreline
By Roger Osbourne
Golf won’t be played in many more spectacular locations than at Mission Hills . St. Andrew’s in Scotland or Pebble Beach in California perhaps, but in Asia this 18-hole masterpiece is difficult to beat.
Golfing legend, and golf course designer, Jack Nicklaus created this links back in 2004 as a par-72 course. In the late noughties Mission Hills hosted several Asian Tour events. On the circuit Mission Hills is renowned for its challenging design, and picturesque setting, offering those stunning views of Phang Nga Bay.
The signature hole on the course is the 12th , notable for its demanding tee shot over water, requiring both accuracy and distance control. The 481 yard par-4 hole requires two long accurate shots to have any chance of reaching the green from the black tee; it is the hardest hole on the course. To approach the well protected green on the 12th , you are best to aim left from the tee to get the easiest angle in.
However, perhaps the most memorable, and picturesque hole is the par-5 18th finishing hole, with its panoramic views of the sea as you come home. The 3rd most difficult on the course, from the black tee you have 382 yards tee to green, with golfers given the option to finish on one of two different greens.
One of the most important facts about Mission Hills Phuket is that the club is not a membership club, it therefore rarely gets busy, meaning it’s probably the easiest course on the island to get a tee time. For visitors to Thailand the standard green fee is 4,000 THB, including cart and caddy. You can rent clubs for 1,000 or 2,000 THB per set, depending on the brand quality you choose. If you can prove residency in Thailand you will enjoy a lower resident green fee of 2,600 THB, which also includes a cart and caddy. On Phuket, the standard caddy tip is 500 THB for the 18-hole round.
However, the best deals, open to everyone, are the ‘play and stay’ packages. Mission Hills has a 4/5-star, 72 bedroom hotel, and for just 5,400 THB, for 1 golfer, you combine a round of golf with an overnight and breakfast. For two golfers it gets even better at 7,800 THB, a 30% saving ; carts and caddies included.
As with all golf courses the golf check in and payment is made at the Pro Shop, which specialises in Adidas, PUMA and Oakley gear. PGA qualified coaching is also available if you want to tune up your swing.
The Mission Hills Resort has an attractive pool area, with plenty of loungers. There is a driving range, fitness centre, games room and facilities for children’s golf.
The hotel offers two dining venues. The Patio Café is an open air casual dining spot, overlooking the golf course and perfect for 19th hole refreshments after a round of golf. If you prefer air-conditioned dining opt for the Nibblers Restaurant where you can enjoy a wide variety of Thai and western dishes. I would recommend their honey roast duck, which comes with steamed rice and young kale in an oyster sauce.
If you play golf, and you are on Phuket now, you really should not miss this opportunity to play one of the most stunning golf courses in the world. Scan below to learn more about Mission Hills Phuket and to see the location of the course on Google maps.
