Thai Diamond Land Kaeng Krachan

Kaeng Krachan Country Club & Golf Resort’s remote course location in neighboring Petchaburi Province makes it 1 hour inland from Hua Hin. The course itself is on the periphery of Kaeng Krachan National Park which is Thailand’s most extensive and stretches along the western border of Myanmar. High Mountain ranges dominate the area along with dense tropical forest. Due to the altitude, there is a pleasant climate which is in contrast to the lowlands. 

Kaeng Krachan Country Club has operated since 1994. Thai golf architect Cherd Bunyaratavej designed the first 18-holes that make up the Lake and Valley Course.  These holes require accuracy off the tee to avoid losing balls amongst the many trees and bamboo forest which line the fairways. The fairways are beautiful to play from, and the greens can be tricky even though not appearing to have a lot of movement in them. Several natural lakes form the basis for the water hazard that comes into play on six holes. All in all, Kaeng Krachan is a test of skill at every level of the game.

The new Jack Nicklaus 9 hole Mountain Course opened for play in March 2008, making Kaeng Krachan a 27 hole golf facility. In 2010  the Asian Tour qualifying event was played at Kaeng Krachan.

From the championship tees, the par 36 layout stretches over 3,600 yards and offers some of the most dramatic elevation changes in Thailand. Each hole presents risk versus reward options and is playable for golfers of all skill levels. The Nicklaus design team did a remarkable job of preserving the natural terrain, lakes, and streams and did minimal earthworks, so the golf course doesn’t feel contrived in any way. Interestingly enough, four of the holes dogleg to the left which goes against Nicklaus’ early designs in which he seemed to favor dogleg right holes for his patented fade. Hole 3 is a majestic par-5 that sweeps left through forest-bordered fairways on either side. It features a sprinkling of pot bunkers with a two-tiered green sloping from back to front.

Being 51 kilometers from Hua Hin, Kaeng Krachan gets very little play, especially in the offseason. It is well suited for Hua Hin golfers looking for a change and a golf course off the beaten tourist tracks. There is an on-site golf resort, but the rooms and facilities are rather basic. Golfers are advised to drive back to Hua Hin after their round.