Loch Palm Golf Club Description:
At 5,991 yards from the Blue Tees (Par 71) Loch Palm is regarded as the most relaxing course in Phuket. The course is a favourite amongst the locals and the expatriate community as it offers a relaxing game with a variety of challenging hazards and greens to confront golfers of all abilities. It is not unusual to see rounds completed in 3 hours for those that tee off early morning or late afternoon. Water comes into play on 10 holes and the fairways are lined with oil palms and varieties of Zoysia grass have been used on the fairways and in the rough providing year round playability and great playing surfaces.With over 1,000 palm trees lining the fairways and a cool breeze washing over you from the Crystal Lake, the atmosphere is tranquil and serene, despite the numerous hazards and challenging greens.The course has undergone some major re-designs and renovation upgrades in late 2019 by renowned designer Jon Morrow, the architect behind Red Mountain and Riverdale Golf Clubs.Water comes into play on 6 of the first 7 holes on the front 9. Fairway landing areas are fairly generous but the tightly routed layout requires you to keep firm control of your game with wayward shots almost always punished by the water.

The first 3 holes meander alongside the signature Crystal Lake, a massive 48 acres in size. Quarried during the tin mining days, it is the largest body of water in Phuket, and a myriad of smaller lakes and palm lined fairways reflected in the open water and enveloped by a jungle-covered mountain backdrop create a unique sense of calm on the front 9. That said, anything hit right off the tee on the first 3 holes will almost certainly find the water.

Once you have navigated the first 3 holes with your score intact you are presented with a short to mid iron Par 3 that is all water carry. The key to a good score at Loch Palm is precise iron play and this hole is no exception. A straightforward par 3 over a large lake that is a simple pitch from the front tee and a much more difficult shot from the back tee. Anything hit weak to the right will find the water and anything long will present one of the most difficult chips on the course.

The back nine poses a different test through mountainous areas and forested hills with tricky downhill shots and more undulating lies. This 9 requires precise short iron play to ensure a good score.

The short 10th and the three Par 3’s are the key to a good score on this 9 and none more so than the 15th hole, one of Phuket’s truly stunning Par 3’s. At 161 yards from the back tee the hole plays much shorter as the green lies 100 feet below the tee. Wind and elevation play havoc with club selection as a large undulating green, guarded by water all around and a long beach bunker in front must be navigated. Take a moment to enjoy Loch Palm’s panoramic views. At this point you are truly enjoying the most relaxing golf course in Phuket.