Laguna Phuket Golf Club, which initially opened in 1992 as Banyan Tree Golf Club on the Thai island of Phuket, has been a favourite destination among local and international golfers for the past 22 years, many of who make a base at the multi-hotel resort on the iconic island’s north-west coast.
Under the guidance of acclaimed international designer, Paul Jansen, through his company Jansen Golf Design, Laguna Phuket Golf Club has been transformed into an alluring modern layout that elevates it to one of Asia’s top resort courses.
Jansen, formerly lead designer for Sir Nick Faldo’s company, Faldo Designs, worked closely with the six-times Majors winner to create Laguna Lang Co in Vietnam, which opened in 2013 and was subsequently named best new course in Asia at the Asia Pacific Golf Summit, held in Jakarta.
New green complexes, reshaped fairways, enhanced water features, spectacular mountain views, an environmental emphasis and state-of-the-art conditioning have completely transformed the Laguna Phuket layout, which hosted the 2009 Thailand Open.
The clubhouse and practice facilities also have been upgraded, and cart paths added – enabling cart golf on the course for the first time.
“Paul Jansen has done a fantastic job in improving design and playability, making the course more interesting,” says Laguna Phuket’s director of golf, Paul Wilson.
“We have remained mindful that we are a resort golf course and therefore must appeal to players of all abilities. The four different tee box options allow everyone to enjoy their game. Fairways are generous in size but skilfully contoured, bunkers are few in number but carefully positioned and the greens are undulating with large run-off areas. At a little more than 6700 yards off the back tees, sound strategy is needed to negotiate through the course’s many unique features and beautiful water bodies.
“There also has been significant investment in off-course facilities. Locker rooms and the pro shop have been remodelled and the practice area enhanced with a full-length driving range staffed by PGA professionals.
With 1,200 on-site hotel and villa rooms – in internationally renowned brands including Banyan Tree, Angsana, Dusit Thani and Outrigger – Laguna Phuket has traditionally supplied a third of the golf course’s customer base.
“Around half the golfers who play here are international visitors to Phuket. Being within easy reach of the airport and other courses, we are confident the resort and upgraded course will attract more golf tourists to come and stay here,” Paul Wilson says. “Without doubt, Laguna Phuket is the perfect base for a golf holiday to Phuket.”
Laguna Phuket Golf Club www.lagunaphuketgolf.com
Laguna Phuket www.lagunaphuket.com