Opposites Attract

Two dramatically different courses in Phuket offer the best of both worlds in one location

The view overlooking the 18th hole at Red Mountain from the stylish clubhouse

Into the Red

Red Mountain is billed as “The Most Exciting Course in Phuket” and the only argument one would make to that would be to say its moniker is too limiting. This is undoubtedly one of the most thrilling tests of golf in Asia. Featuring dramatic elevation changes and a routing through crimson hills that give this course its name, there is never a dull moment here.

Designed by Jon Morrow and opened in 2008, the course is beautifully maintained with superb greens. From the opening hole, a relatively gentle 398-yard par-four, the tone of the course is set. With a downhill tee shot to a visually narrow landing area (which is actually wider than it appears, a common theme here), then uphill to a severely sloping green framed by two huge red rock formations, the mix of challenge and scenic beauty is repeated on every hole.

Built over a former tin mine, the course has numerous lakes adding to the requirement for accuracy. Take the 10th, for example. This long dogleg left has a knee-trembling view from the elevated tees as it curves around a lake along most of its 440 yards. The tin mine legacy is also reflected in the “Preservation Areas” found on half of the holes, featuring delicate rock formations and vegetation. A local rule defines these as lateral hazards.

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