Rajjaprabha Dam Golf Course

Making use of its spectacular natural setting amongst limestone monoliths, Rajjaprabha illustrates the eco-diversity and exhilarating challenges of the Thai golfing experience. This course is a real head-turner and a joy to play, thanks to its excellent layout, very challenging holes, and picturesque setting. The course ‘landscaping’ consists of ancient hardwoods and rain forests.

The course layout and routing required excellent planning and ingenuity. The par 3s are pretty demanding, given their length. The shortest is the 165-yard 6th, a hilltop tee with views over the entire valley and dam, jungle, a pond in front, and bunkers behind the green. A dramatic approach through an uphill alley of native trees, the extraordinarily steep 215-yard 16th requires a demanding, well-positioned tee shot to reach the green in one and make par.

The 365-yard 1st hole plays downwind and provides fantastic views out over the rest of the course. The 377-yard 12th is unique, with the play from an elevated tee to a green with a hidden bunker beyond it. The 441-yard 4th is the longest par four on the course and requires a demanding, well-positioned tee shot.

The par 5’s are pretty long and challenging; in particular, the 542-yard 7th is the longest hole on the course and requires three perfect shots to make par. The tee shot requires a 180-yard carry to clear the river with bunkers hovering on the right. The next two shots play long and uphill around a dogleg left while trying to avoid the greenside pond.

After-round facilities include a basic clubhouse with a restaurant that serves southern Thai dishes at reasonable prices. Golf carts are available for those who prefer to “enjoy the ride” and skip “getting a workout.”

The Thai golf course is probably the best-kept secret in the country due to its location. However, those on Koh Samui golf vacation can take advantage of this hidden gem and have a second great Thai golfing experience. Plan for a full day of touring and golf on the mainland! The drive to Rajjaprabha Dam is from the Surat Thani ferry terminal through scenic winding roads and is an excellent way to lead up to a round of golf.

This course is worth the effort because of its magnificent setting and a perfect combination of scenic beauty, sporting challenge, and golfing pleasure.