Although sister courses, the only thing in common about Loch Palm Golf Club and Red Mountain Golf Club is the common drive way entrance and pedigree.
Owned by MBK (the same company who owns the famous Bangkok shopping center), each of these two Phuket golf courses presents itself to the visiting golfer in very different ways.
Loch Palm is set tranquilly set around a large palm tree lined lake, hence its name of the old Scottish term “Loch” combined with the tropical setting “Palm”. The front nine plays across the flat lands of the former open-cast tin mine, while the back nine plays around some of the cliffs created just before the site was abandoned some 80 years ago. Most holes feature wide fairways which are quite forgiving and allow golfers of all abilities to have a relaxed day golfing in Phuket. In fact, I actually enjoy Loch Palm more than any other Phuket golf course.
Red Mountain is another story completely. Having displaced the venerable Blue Canyon Country Club as the best Phuket golf course, Red Mountain features challenging golf among spectacular scenery. The course was dramatically carved from the hills and jungle and affords views of the Andaman Sea from several of the holes. The signature hole is the par-3 17th. There you will find the highest tee ground on Phuket. When you hit into the encroaching rain forest your ball seems to drop forever down to the tiny green 60 meters below. Accuracy is critical on this hole as with many of the others that make up Red Mountain.
If you can’t decide between the two sisters, why not just play both and decide which of these two Phuket golf courses is right for you? Then, don’t forget to stop in either of the clubhouses afterwards to discuss your point of view among friends!
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