Golf Orient

Most memorable is the water plagued 17th with two water carries around a tightly turning par 5 of immense length. It is a trial to stay dry and safe and, most flights of four, usually result in at least 2 lost balls. Much money will change hands here!

Meandering through the labyrinth of lagoons, the course requires golfers to play with great accuracy and to select woods carefully. Water looms on 13 of the 18 holes and threatens to swallow any shot veering too far to the right or left. At Holes 5, 8, 10 and 11, water may be too close for comfort for some, but adventurous long hitters will certainly enjoy taking a rewarding gamble by cutting corners. Another taxing signature hole is the 16th, offering fabulous views of the Andaman Sea and a green encased by a myriad of 12 gaping bunkers. On a windy day, the sea breeze will spice up your game further, but that is part of the fun.

The extensive practice facilities provided by Laguna Phuket Golf Club include a driving range, putting greens, practice bunkers and chipping areas; so you can refine both your short game and your tee shots. The club also stages regular tournaments and provides tuition by a resident professional from the USA. The well-appointed clubhouse and pro shop offer an impressive range of golfing accessories, as well as a billiard table, three tennis courts and the Banyan Café.

Laguna Phuket Golf  Club is part of a massive resort, the Laguna Phuket, that features 5 hotels -

Laguna Beach Club; Sheraton Grande Laguna Beach; The Allamanda; Banyan Tree and Dusit Laguna which is a member of the leading hotels of the world. The idea was to impress the high end traveller to Phuket and as such 43 swimming pools complement six palm-fringed lagoons lining the Andaman Sea and 25 restaurants and bars complete this self sufficient resort world.

You may, after losing your game, want to lose yourself in the world class spa and possibly leave behind some excess baggage.