Royal Hua Hin Golf Course

In town and next to Hua Hin Railway Station

Royal Hua Hin is the oldest 18-hole international standard course in Thailand and is only 5 minutes from downtown Hua Hin. The course was commissioned in 1924 to accommodate the interests of the British railway workers and Thai aristocracy living in the area. Royal Hua Hin sits right next to the town's railway station. This is not perhaps too surprising as the course's designer was a Scottish railroad engineer.

Being of traditional older British golf course design, the course is constructed on natural terrain and set between some spectacular rocky hills. Excellent views of the Gulf of Thailand and the city center are possible from several of the holes.

A major renovation in the 1980's brought this course up to international standards, despite its age. Mature tree lined fairways are now abundant making for many shaded lies.

In terms of golf course design, don't however think that a visit to Thailand's oldest championship golf course will simply be a trip down memory lane. Your game will most certainly be tested here, with several tight tree-lined fairways, many nicely doglegging holes and relatively small circular greens to hit, greens which are typically elevated.

The bunkering is fairly modest and the course condition might not be as manicured as some in the Hua Hin region, but Royal Hua Hin has some very pleasant and enjoyable features in its treasure chest.

Monkey business is very likely at the uphill par-4 13th. Alongside this fairway small macaque monkeys enjoy the bordering vegetation; they may also take a shine to the odd golf ball or two. A pair of small owls keep watch on proceedings just beyond the green of the par-4 7th (get the caddies to show you the back of the large tree to the left of the green, where the owls are usually perched). At the par-3 14th (the signature hole) and the par-5 3rd you can see temples clinging to the sides of tree-clad hills. While one side of the course is played under an attractive tree-clad rocky hill, the other will provide occasional glimpses of the ocean from the two slightly more elevated sections of the course.

Actual playing conditions vary through the year from being very muddy in the rainy period to hard when the course is at its peak in the winter months. Greens are normally kept in good condition year round.

Snack kiosks are on site every 3 holes, affording very comfortable rounds for all golfers. A remodeled club house makes for a nice 19th hole and to reflect on the golfers who have passed through the doors during the past century that Royal Hua Hin has been around. If nothing else for historic value and convenience of location, Royal Hua Hin is a course that should be played at least once by every golf traveler to Hua Hin.

Then again if you want to play as the Thai royalty of yesteryear used to enjoy this aristocratic sport then this is the Hua Hin golf course for you.