NEW AQUELLA COURSE IN THAI MUANG ADDS SUPERB RESORT EXPERIENCE TO GREATER PHUKET’S GOLFING INVENTORY
Greater Phuket’s golfing portfolio has a fabulous new addition in Aquella Golf & Country Club, located on a stunning beachside site in the mainland Thai Muang district of Phang-Nga province.
Opened for preview play on August 1, the par-72 course is crafted by Pacific Coast Design and forms the centrepiece of an ambitious resort/residential project with a 2.5-kilometre beachfront. The masterplan of the 425-acre Aquella development includes lavish pool villas, a lagoon pier, beach club and luxury resort hotel.
The project is a joint venture by two well-established Hong Kong companies, Pacific Century Premium Developments and the Lan Kwai Fong Group, and is just 45 minutes’ drive from Phuket International Airport. The country club is managed and operated by Absolute Golf Services (AGS), one of the leading golf course and resort management consultancy companies in the region.
Wall-to-wall Platinum Paspalum turfing provides pristine playing conditions and stunning deep green hues
AGS managing director James Shippey noted that Aquella will offer a unique resort-style experience unlike any other in Phuket and Phang-Nga.
“The overall philosophy of the golf course is to create something that’s very unique, a true resort-style golf course that caters for all levels of golfers whether they are high handicappers, seasoned golfers or professionals,” said Shippey. “The design itself is quite unique in terms of its location … it’s positioned close to the Andaman Sea, so we have some beautiful vistas of the ocean.
“There’s certainly a lot of wind in the area with it being so close to the ocean, and the golf course is designed and routed to bring the wind into play. Condition-wise, it will certainly set new standards for the area. That’s something that’s really been built into the design of the Aquella course, to make sure it’s well presented in spectacular condition. It’ll be a very enjoyable experience,” added the Englishman.
While Aquella is partially located on the site of the defunct Thai Muang course by Andy Dye, the layout has been totally re-designed and re-routed to open up beach-fronting space for the other facets of the project. However, one of Dye’s signatures has been retained … the use of railway sleepers to shore up bunker edges and add definition and character to the course.
Great finish – Aquella’s par-four 18th
“The railway sleepers from the original design were maintained because they are a unique feature and certainly provide a stunning backdrop. But the golf course was re-designed and re-routed to make way for the integrated resort, which is going to be developed as a complete destination that will have residences, hotel, condominiums, and other leisure and hospitality facets. The golf course weaves through residential areas but also has the beautiful vistas of the mountains and the ocean,” explained Shippey.
One of the unique features of the course is that it is turfed wall-to-wall with Platinum Paspalum, a salt-tolerant turfgrass renowned for its superb playing qualities, deep green hues and maintenance-friendly characteristics. Shippey stressed that while the well-constructed greens will allow speeds of up to 13 on the Stimpmeter, they will keep the putting surfaces rolling between 10 and 11 for normal play.
“Paspalum may be not renowned for delivering the fastest green speeds but the way our agronomic team will manage the turf will give us the option of going up to 12, 13. The greens do have a lot of undulations and with the wind, if we have the greens up at 13, they will be incredibly difficult to play. So as a standard operating procedure, we’ll be looking at between 10 and 11 for day-to-day play, which is certainly more than fast enough for most to have an enjoyable experience without scaring people!”
While the course is not long at just over 7,000 yards off the tips, Shippey pointed out that the strategic design places a premium on accuracy.
Aerial view of the stunning par-three 11th
“It’s not the longest golf course but the fairway bunkering is very strategic and the greens have some beautifully-crafted bunkers on the approaches … so for any level of golfer, regardless of handicap level or how far you can hit the golf ball, I would say accuracy is key. The positioning from the tee would then give you a good angle for your approach shot to the par-fours, or the third shot to the par-fives. The fairways are relatively generous, so it’s certainly an enjoyable experience,” he said.
Aquella’s signature hole is the stunning par-three 11th, which plays to a beachside green set against the azure backdrop of the Andaman Sea.
“Although the hole measures just short of 150 yards, when the wind is very strong coming off the sea, it can play in excess of 200 yards! So it certainly gives a unique perspective on a relatively short par-three, with beautiful vistas over the crystal blue Andaman Sea,” said Shippey.
“In the morning, the breeze would be very light and maybe only half a club to one club difference. Later in the afternoon, it could be up to 3, 4 clubs difference. Really the emphasis on this hole will be club selection, making sure that your distance control is absolutely on the money. Anything a little bit short will have a nice bunker waiting for the golfer. Anything too aggressive and you’ll find your ball running off into the beach and having to play a shot back towards the green.”
The eye-catching Aquella clubhouse
Shippey added that other standout holes include the par-four 14th which ends at a green guarded by a water feature on the left, and the finishing hole which is also a par-four and provides a great selfie opportunity with the unique clubhouse in the background.
“18 is a great finishing hole. The dogleg itself is probably 40 degrees and longer hitters may opt to cut a little bit of the corner off to make the second shot a little bit shorter. As you’re playing your approach into the green, you’ve got the backdrop of the clubhouse which is actually stunning visually. As golfers are concluding their rounds, taking that all-important selfie shot from the middle of the 18th fairway with the clubhouse in the background will certainly give a long-lasting memory.”
The clubhouse is indeed a standout feature in itself, boasting an innovative design by acclaimed architectural firm Paradise Designs. The eye-pleasing structure blends traditional wooden features with modern styling, complemented by superb landscaping and top-class finishing. Facilities include a state-of-the-art gymnasium, luxurious spa, well-stocked proshop and the Approach restaurant where golfers can enjoy sumptuous local and international cuisines along with great views of the golf course. There are also high-tech conference facilities and a purpose-built function lawn for banquets.
Settle bets or have some family fun at Aquella’s superb mini golf course
For golfers who want to hone their swings before a game, a fully-equipped driving range offers 20 covered bays and grass tees. There’s also an 18-hole mini putting course for some fun with the family … or to settle bets if the actual game wounds up all square!
