Katathong Golf Resort & Spa

As with many Phuket golf courses, Katathong developed as a tin mine in the 15th century. However, the 1900s saw the site abandoned, and mining stopped. Fortunately, the land was left vacant, and the landowner conceived the golf course taking advantage of the aging open cast mines in 2010. Some authentic mining equipment leftover from the former tin mine litters many of the fairways.

Katathong golf course offers mountain views from vistas and every part of the course. Most holes follow the natural contours of the land and feature undulating hills through natural waterfalls and streams. Fairways are not long but are very narrow and reward straight shots over distance. The par-3's holes are all up-and-down and offer significant elevation changes. For the most part, greens are flat with subtle breaks, and some have multiple tiers.

Katathong's best and most challenging holes include the par-5 fourth. This longish hole plays with hazards on both sides of the fairway. Hit right and balls go down the ravine, and left is not much better with trees and bunkers. The approach shot is even more difficult as an accurate long iron or hybrid is needed to avoid the blind bunker complex surrounding the green.

The Katathong signature hole is the par-3 tenth. At 215 yards and from an elevated tee to a small island green, this hole is tricky. Anything offline will end up with a lost ball and double bogey, if not more.

The 16th is probably the most scenic hole on the Katathong course. A tee shot across one of the old open cast tin mines makes for an excellent photo opportunity. Ensure to catch it flush, as most balls do not carry the ditch that separates the tees from the fairway. Once on the fairway, the shot into the green is just as severe. Only a tiny portion of the elevated and tiered putting surface is visible.

Facilities at Katathong include putting and chipping areas for practice. The course is walkable, but carts are compulsory due to the hot, humid year-round weather.

The large clubhouse is designed in the local Sino-Portuguese architectural style and decorated with memorabilia from the mining era. Service is adequate, and the only choice in the area for a meal after golf is onsite.

There is a large resort and meditation center at Katathong centered around a massive red sandstone sitting Buddha. The shrine is a great photo opportunity for all visiting golfers and will make fellow golfers back home jealous of a great day golfing in Thailand.

Katathong Golf Resort is ideally suited for those staying in nearby Khao Lak, Krabi, or Phang Nga areas. From Phuket, it is a bit of a drive and is best for those golfers looking for some beautiful photos and a change from the usual Phuket course line-up.