Heavenly Hua Hin

Home to Thailand’s oldest course and now two of its most notable layouts, this increasingly popular beach resort, situated 140 miles to the south of Bangkok, has well and truly taken to golf. Alex Jenkins checks out the best of the bunch

ROYAL HUA HIN ***1/2

The oldest course in Thailand, this is a charming little track that has stood the test of time admirably. Founded in 1924 and built by a group of Scottish railway engineers (the original Hua Hin station is situated next to the clubhouse), the course relies on its relative tightness off the tee to keep low scoring at bay. Mature trees line the fairways, which rise and fall constantly, following the natural topography of the land. The course’s higher points allow for ocean views, while a traditional Thai temple forms an almost fairytale-like backdrop at the 14th hole, a picturesque par-three. Turf conditions have been known to vary, however – RHH gets a little scruffy around the edges at times – but strangely, this only adds to its appeal. Not a great deal has changed in the 87 years the course has been open and as a result, RHH contrasts wonderfully with the newer crop of courses in and around the town.

Royal Hua Hin Golf Club

YARDAGE: 6,678 PAR: 72

Designed by OA Robins

Contact: (66) 32 512-475

Getting there: Five minutes from Hua Hin

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Written by Alex Jenkins

Photography by Alex Jenkins

Click here to see the published article.

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