Try to match Tiger on this stunning course featuring some of the most exciting holes in Thailand. A bookyourgolf.net favourite. Three times the host of the Johnnie Walker Classic, won here in 1998 by a certain Mr. Tiger Woods, the Canyon Course at Blue Canyon Country Club offers you the opportunity to measure yourself against the greats on what is consistently recognised as one of the best courses in Thailand.
Weaving its way around an abandoned tin mine and taking advantage of the sheer cliffs of the canyons themselves, the course is a treat for any golfer. Following a relatively benign front nine through oil palm trees, the course toughens up with a spectacular series of holes from 11 through 15. Having birdied it only once after multiple tries, we can attest that you should be content with bogey on the 600 yard par-5 11th where only the longest of drives can clear the stream across the fairway and only the most accurate of approaches can avoid the water and marshes protecting the green.
Following the cresting 12th with a spectacular approach over water from way above the green, we reach the famous 13th, where a plaque informs you on the tee of that Tiger once drove the green (it doesn't mention that he three putted!). This is where extra balls come in handy as everyone wants to have a go at repeating the trick. Even a more conservative shot needs to clear a vast chasm to put yourself in position for a decent second. If any brave soul were to scour the depths of the canyon they would find literally tens of thousands of balls hit by the optimistic, unlucky or just plain incompetent. If you can make par here then you can claim you are good as Mr. Woods (sort of).
The back nine's two par-3s are especially memorable; the 14th where your tee shot from an elevated position right by the large clubhouse must land on an island green, a tricky proposition given that the distance is very hard to judge and the fact that you are likely to have other people looking on as they enjoy their post-round drinks. The 17th is very intimidating, particularly from the black tees where you must carry over 200 yards of water to a pin that is often located behind a massive greenside bunker. You can play it safer by hitting to the left side of the green, but you risk not being in line of sight of the pin due to the unusual shape to the green.
Whilst there have been reports of poor maintenance and slow greens, on our last visit the course was in excellent condition, although that might have been due to the fact that the course had just hosted yet another prestigious event; whether that level of upkeep will become the norm remains to be seen. However, a little bit of wear and tear would hardly detract from what is one of the best golfing experiences in Thailand.
Like the sound of this course? Secure a tee time and take advantage of the discounted green fees on offer by adding Blue Canyon Country Club Canyon Course to your Phuket golf holiday package.
- Whats Included: 18 Hole Green Fee Walking Course 250 compusory Caddy. Note: course closed for maintenance 7 - 9 May inclusive
- Area : Mai Khao
- Region : Phuket
- Country : Thailand
- Directions : Near the airport in northern Phuket, 40 mins from Patong Beach.
- No Of Holes : 18
- Course Par : 72
- Length : 7009 yards
- Male Handicap : 28
- Female Handicap : 36
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