Ko Samui is one of the most popular island holiday destinations in Thailand, famed for its pristine beaches, lush inland mountains and superb resorts ranging from luxury properties to quaint beach bungalows.
Chaweng Beach
Located in the Gulf of Thailand off the east coast of the province of Surat Thani, Koh Samui offers an amazing array of experiences. From natural attractions such as the Angthong Marine National Park and Namuang Waterfall to the pristine waters and beachside bars of Chaweng Beach, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
For golfers, there are two golf courses on the island – the world-renowned Santiburi Samui Country Club and the rugged nine-hole Royal Samui course. On the mainland, just half an hour’s drive from the Surat Thani ferry terminal, is the spectacular Rajjaprabha Golf Course alongside the dam from which it gets its name.
Santiburi Samui Country Club
Rightly regarded as one of Thailand’s top golf courses, Santiburi Samui Country Club is built on a spectacular hillside setting on the north side of the island overlooking the azure waters of the Gulf of Thailand.
The par-72, 6930-yard course proved its championship pedigree as the venue for the Asian Tour’s Bangkok Airways Open from 2005 to 2008, followed by the Queen’s Cup from 2009 to 2017. The course challenges golfers with dramatic elevation changes, tight coconut tree-lined fairways and speedy Tifeagle greens. The lush Paspalum fairways are an absolute pleasure to hit off, provided of course you land on the short stuff.
Santiburi Samui CC
Crafted by local architect Pirapon Namatra and American designer Edward Thiele, the layout climbs into the mountains after the first few holes and then winds its way back down to the clubhouse. Rocky outcrops add to the aesthetic appeal while occasionally influencing play. Accuracy is the name of the game here, so keep the driver in the bag unless you’re exceptionally accurate with the big stick.
The well-appointed clubhouse has excellent facilities including comfortable changing rooms, a golfer’s terrace that opens out to great sea views and a well-stocked proshop.
Royal Samui Golf & Country Club
If you’re looking for a rugged yet charming golf experience, then Royal Samui Golf & Country Club is your cup of tea. Founded in 2006 by a group of golf enthusiasts, the par-33 nine-hole course is built on hilly terrain overlooking the east coast of the island.
The challenging layout is characterised by tight fairways, sharp drops and steep climbs, as well as smallish greens … all of which place a high premium on accuracy and astute club selection for virtually every shot.
Royal Samui GCC
Dense clusters of coconut trees line the fairways while huge boulders add character and challenge to the course.
Despite the difficulty of the course, golfers will enjoy the laid-back atmosphere along with stunning views of the Lamai and Chaweng beaches, as well as surrounding islands in the background.
The multi-level clubhouse has decent changing rooms, a restaurant and golf shop.
Rajjaprabha Golf Course
If two rounds aren’t enough, then golfers can take the hour-and-a-half ferry ride to the mainland, and from there travel another 30 minutes by road to the breath-taking Rajjaprabha Golf Course. The journey may seem a lot of trouble but, trust us, it’s definitely worth it.
Rajjaprabha GC
Built in 2000, the Rajjaprabha course is becoming increasingly well-known among avid golfers as arguably the best mainland course in Surat Thani. Located on lush foothills along the banks of the Rajjaprabha Dam, the course is owned and operated by the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand.
The par-72, 6820-yard layout is located within the Khao Sok National Park, so you’ll enjoy superb views of the surrounding mountains during the round and from the clubhouse. The course is not long but demands strategic play with its tree-lined fairways, sharp doglegs and well-placed bunkers.
The clubhouse offers comfortable facilities including an excellent restaurant serving southern Thai cuisine at reasonable prices.
If you have time, take a boat trip on the Rajjaprabha Dam – also known as Cheow Lan Lake – to view the spectacular limestone formations piercing the serenely still waters.
Note: Contact the clubs directly for updates on operations and policies due to the fluid Covid-19 situation.
Island and limestone outcrops at Cheow Lan Lake (Photo by JayExpat)
