Koh Samui is a beautiful island holiday destination off the coast of southern Thailand. It has literally hundreds of resorts to choose from either near the busier towns or more remote quiet beach locations.
Santiburi Samui Country Club is built on a mountainside and set in a coconut palm forest amongst banana palms and pineapple plants. The golf course has spectacular views of Maenam Beach and the nearby island of Koh Phangan. Golfers are able to enjoy these magnificent views of the ocean and beaches from almost every hole. Waterfalls and creeks run through the land adding lush, natural beauty with the hills providing a picturesque backdrop.
The first hole eases you into your round with a shortish par 5. The second hole then makes sure you are on your game with a narrow fairway that requires accuracy not length. Your second shot is over a rocky gully before the green.
Par 4 2nd hole – straight but not long drive required here
Each of the 18 holes at Santiburi Samui Country Club has its own unique character and challenges. From steep uphill and downhill slopes to winding fairways that are cut into the forest and meander around cliffs and streams, Santiburi is one of the best Thailand golf courses. There are long winding fairways with many holes having challenging carries over gorges. There are plenty of bunkers so make sure you bring your favourite sand wedge with you. Rocky outcrops appear regularly which adds to the challenge and you might hopefully get a favourable bounce off them – or not!
Par 3 6th hole – don’t be left or long!
You do not need a driver on every hole - this course rewards accuracy not distance. Small fairways are the order of the day on most holes, but the large greens make approach shots a little easier.
The greens which are relatively fast are constructed from Tifeagle grass, the same variety used at the Thai Country Club in Bangkok. Shade resistant Sea Isle Paspalam is used on the tees and fairways which insures good playing conditions year round.
Par 5 15th has a double ravine to contend with
The course plays 6,930 yards off the championship tees, 6,506 off the blue tees, 5,792 off the white tees and 4,717 off the ladies tees. I played the blue tees which were a good challenge for the average golfer – not too long and not too short! Golf carts are required to get up and down the steep mountain slopes.
Par 5 17th hole – spectacular views
The lush tropical setting, beautiful golf holes and stunning scenery will make you keen to return on your next visit to Koh Samui.
Ian Greenwood
April 2014