Par-6s, as much sand as the desert, and a clubhouse that looks more like an Arabian palace than somewhere to get changed. It's certainly unique.
The latest addition to the Gassan group the Gassan Marina Golf Club & Resort unusually features no par-5s. At all. Which would seem strange for such a long course until you realise that there are four par-6s instead! Whilst that may not please the purists, it certainly makes for a novel experience.
Built around a huge 10,000 square metre lake inevitably water is in play on almost every hole so keeping your ball dry is your main priority. Not that you shouldn't worry about the other hazards out there - on the standout 6th, a monstrous 638 yard par-6, it's sand you have to worry about. The entire left hand of the fairway is essentially desert, with bunkers down the right too and the green itself is surrounded on three sides by yet more bunkers.
The course itself is in fairly average condition, the long hot months of the dry season leaving the sand-based fairways firm and bare - great for getting good roll on your drives, but a nightmare for imparting backspin. An improved maintenance programme is much needed. Indeed the most impressive feature of Gassan Marina Golf Club is not the course but the over the top clubhouse which would look more at home in Abu Dhabi than the north of Thailand.
If you can get over the strangeness of this ridiculous palace-style clubhouse which is almost as big as the lake around which the course runs, inside you will find yourself in the lap of luxury with every conceivable amenity at hand: spacious locker rooms with sauna and steam rooms, restaurants offering fare from all over the world, seminar rooms and a large banquet hall fit for an Arabian prince. It's certainly a unique experience, and makes a trip to Gassan Marina Golf Club worthwhile; once the course matures and the maintenance improves, you might even want to come back a second time.
Like the sound of this course? Secure a tee time and take advantage of the discounted green fees on offer by adding Gassan Marina to your Chiang Mai golf holiday package.
- Whats Included: 18 Hole Green Fee + Tax Included
- Area : Nong Chang Khuen
- Region : Chiangmai
- Country : Thailand
- Directions : 25 mins north of Chiang Mai
- No Of Holes : 18
- Course Par : 72
- Length : 7609 Yards
- Male Handicap : N/A
- Female Handicap : Not Available
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