Phuket is famous for its pristine beaches, vibrant nightlife, and stunning natural beauty, but did you know it’s also home to some of the best golf courses in Thailand? Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a casual golfer looking for a scenic round, Phuket offers world-class golfing experiences with lush landscapes, challenging layouts, and outstanding facilities.
And when you’re ready to take a break from exploring our best golf courses, Phuket Elephant Nature Reserve is here to help you experience another side of our island’s beauty and charm — its magnificent elephants. As an ethical sanctuary, we provide elephant activities in Phuket that you will never forget or regret, allowing you to observe these gentle giants in their natural habitat in a responsible and sustainable way.
For now, though, let’s tee off and explore Phuket’s finest golfing destinations! If you have questions for the PENR team at any point, please just contact us for the answers you need.
Red Mountain Golf Club – A Refined and Adventurous Round
Nestled among the remnants of a former tin mine, Red Mountain Golf Club is widely regarded as the most scenic and challenging golf course in Phuket. The course takes full advantage of the rugged landscape, with dramatic elevation changes, striking red cliffs, and lush jungle surroundings.
The 17th hole, in particular, is widely regarded as one of the most spectacular holes in all of Phuket. You start from a high tee box set atop a cliff and aim for a green way below that looks as though it’s set in the middle of the jungle.
When playing a round at Red Mountain, just some of the highlights include:
- Spectacular views and varied terrain
- Challenging layout with strategic bunkering
- Excellent clubhouse and facilities
Designed for golfers who love an adventure, Red Mountain is as visually stunning as it is demanding. If you’re up for a round that will test your skills and leave you in awe of Phuket’s natural beauty, this is the place to play.
Red Mountain Golf Club is located in Kathu, in the heart of Phuket, and is only a 35-minute drive from Phuket Elephant Nature Reserve. If you want to learn more about us before your visit, check out our Guide to Phuket’s Most Ethical Elephant Sanctuary.
Laguna Golf Phuket – A Relaxing Resort Experience
If you prefer a more relaxed yet equally rewarding golfing experience, Laguna Golf Phuket is a fantastic choice. Situated within the luxury Laguna Phuket resort complex, mere steps from Bangtao Beach, this 18-hole, par-71 course offers a beautifully maintained layout that caters to golfers of all skill levels.
The course underwent a redesign in 2014, led by architect Paul Jansen. As a result, strategy and precision have become key to navigating this course. And as you work your way around, you’ll encounter undulating fairways that meander through coconut groves and lagoons, all of which create a stunning tropical backdrop.
Laguna Golf Phuket also hosts numerous professional tournaments throughout the year, a testament to the quality and condition of the course. But be warned, in the build-up to these competitions, the rough gets rougher and the fairways become a lot narrower!
Some of the highlights of playing a round at Laguna include:
- Lush fairways with numerous water features
- A formidable 612-yard 17th hole
- Convenient access to luxury resorts and Bangtao Beach
After your round, you can unwind at one of the nearby five-star resorts or explore the stunning Bangtao Beach, one of our picks for the most beautiful beaches in Phuket. A round at Laguna Golf Phuket is perfect for those seeking both quality golf and a relaxing holiday atmosphere.
And best of all, this course is less than a 20-minute drive away from our ethical elephant sanctuary! You can even combine a tour with a meal at our highly-rated Ban Chang Restaurant Phuket.
Blue Canyon Country Club – A Legendary Course
A name synonymous with elite golfing in Thailand, Blue Canyon Country Club has hosted some of the biggest tournaments, including the Johnnie Walker Classic on three separate occasions. In 1998, this tournament was won by none other than Tiger Woods! To play a round at Blue Canyon, then, is to follow in the footsteps of golfing royalty.
The club boasts two exceptional courses:
Canyon Course – A Pro’s Playground
The Canyon Course is the crown jewel of Blue Canyon, famous for its challenging fairways and natural hazards. Like Red Mountain, it is set on a former tin mine, with the canyons and cliffs exposing red and white tin rock. The course winds through canyons and forests, making for a thrilling round of golf.
- Notable Holes: The iconic 13th and the island-green 14th are unforgettable.
- Course Difficulty: Best suited for experienced golfers.
Lakes Course – Scenic and Playable
For a slightly more forgiving yet equally scenic round, the Lakes Course offers wide fairways and water features that create a tranquil setting. The 18th hole here is arguably one of the best finishing holes of any course in Thailand, not just Phuket. As you stand at the tee, you will see a large tree around 180 yards away right in the centre of your view. This landmark is where a huge canyon splits the fairway in two!
- Notable Features: Stunning water hazards on all but three holes
- Who Should Play: Ideal for golfers of all levels.
Blue Canyon Country Club is the only true championship course in Phuket, so it is a must-visit for anyone looking for a world-class golf experience. Located in the north of our island, you can combine a round here with some of our picks for the best things to do in Mai Khao, Phuket.
Loch Palm Golf Club – A Fun and Scenic Round
Back down in Kathu, located next door to Red Mountain Golf Club, Loch Palm Golf Club is known for its picturesque layout featuring a massive lake at its centre. This 18-hole, par-72 course is one of the island’s most popular choices for a casual yet challenging game.
Compared with its pricier, more refined neighbour, Loch Palm offers a more relaxed, laid-back, and more affordable round. And with its location in a basin surrounded by lush, mountainous jungle, it’s easy to see why this course is a firm favourite with so many on the Phuket golfing circuit.
Planning a round at Loch Palm? You can expect the following highlights:
- Stunning lake and mountain views
- A balanced mix of challenging and forgiving holes
- Relaxed, friendly atmosphere
Loch Palm is a great option if you’re looking for a fun, scenic round that won’t be too punishing. Plus, its central location makes it easy to fit into your Phuket itinerary. And because it’s only around 35 minutes away from us, our elephant experiences, like the popular Half-Day Elephant Adventure in Phuket, are within easy reach!
Honourable Mention: Footballcrazygolf
For something completely different, Footballcrazygolf in Kathu combines golf and football (soccer) into a fun, family-friendly experience. This quirky attraction lets you kick a football through an 18-hole course, making it a great break from traditional golf and a fantastic activity for groups and families.
It may not be golf as we know, but this relatively new sport is surging in popularity around the world. If you feel like you need a golfing experience with a twist, this is the place for you!
Book Your Ethical Elephant Activities in Phuket with PENR
We hope you’ve enjoyed our picks for the best golf courses in Phuket, Thailand. Which one will you visit first? When it’s time to plan the rest of your trip to our part of paradise, look no further than our ethical elephant activities in Phuket! As Thailand’s national animal, you can’t miss an opportunity to admire these majestic creatures — and with us, you have the peace of mind that your experience isn’t harming any elephants.
We have rescued all of our elephants from situations of cruelty and neglect. We prioritise their health, happiness, and well-being, which is why we forbid riding and bathing. All our experiences are centred around observing elephants enjoying life as nature intended in their natural habitat. What could be better than that?
Do you have any questions about our activities? Please don’t hesitate to get in touch! The PENR team is here to help however we can.
