Royal Hua Hin Golf Course

Royal Hua Hin is the oldest 18-hole international standard course in Thailand and is only 5 minutes from downtown Hua Hin. The golf 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. The course's designer was a Scottish railroad engineer.

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

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

However, don’t think that a visit to Thailand's oldest golf course will be a trip down memory lane. Every golfer's game will 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 relatively modest, and the course condition might not be as manicured as some in the Hua Hin region, but Royal Hua Hin has some charming 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. Small owls watch over on proceedings just beyond the green of the par-4 7th. At the signature par-3 14th and the par-5 3rd, temples clinging to the sides of tree-clad hills are evident. While one portion of the course plays under a beautiful tree-clad rocky ridge, the other provides 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. Greenskeeping is more consistent year round. English of the service staff is adequate as quite many foreigners like to play Royal Hua Hin.

Snack kiosks are on site every three holes, affording very comfortable rounds for all golfers. A remodeled clubhouse 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 historical 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.