The stunning par 5, 18th at Red Mountain from the clubhouse balcony
Amidst the myriad of outstanding golf courses in Thailand, such as Banyan, Black Mountain, Blue Canyon, and Siam Country Club, one stands out as the ultimate combination of challenge and beauty: Red Mountain. Tucked away in the verdant jungles of Phuket, Red Mountain epitomizes the harmonious blend of natural splendor and exceptional course design. As the premier golfing destination in Southeast Asia, Red Mountain entices both passionate golfers and leisure travelers alike, offering an unparalleled golfing experience. I am very fortunate to have played here for the last six weeks and gotten to know the course and the wonderful staff well.
The 398-yard, par four 1st hole gives you a taste of the challenging visual feast to come.
The Backstory
Red Mountain is a masterpiece crafted by renowned course architect Jonathan Morrow. As we shared a beer, I was surprised to learn that he had attended Florida State University on a golf scholarship and was originally from Wales. I lived in Florida, also attended college on a golf scholarship, and grew up in Shropshire, which borders Wales, so as often happens, golf provided many mutual connections even in this faraway place.
Opened in 2007, Red Mountain quickly gained international acclaim for its ingenious design that seamlessly incorporates the existing topography of the region. The course was built on an abandoned tin mine, its red scars evident throughout the course, adding an intriguing historical touch to its already enchanting setting. One can only imagine some of the challenges that went into building this beauty. According to the Morrow, those included dealing with angry Cobras, a herd of water buffalo, and a disgruntled local who took potshots at the course shapers with a rifle. One thing is for sure: I never once ventured into the jungle after an errant shot!
The 5th and 6th holes are two of the most challenging par 4’s on the course.
Course Design and Layout
Spanning over 6,900 yards from the back tees, the course has little run and so plays far longer. It features undulating fairways, strategically placed bunkers, lots of water, and meticulously designed greens, creating an exhilarating yet fair test for players. The green complexes are generally large, undulating, and fast. Missing them generally makes for a difficult recovery shot.
The signature red soil, a remnant of the tin mining era, adds a distinctive visual element to the course, creating a surreal contrast with the vibrant greenery. There is an excellent mix of tight holes and those where you can let the shaft out. From the blue tees, I still hit every club in my bag, which I feel is always a sign of a good layout. Best of all, every hole is unique and alone; you can never see more than one hole at a time.
The front nine winds its way through the old tin mining landscape, offering panoramic views of the surrounding red rock. There are ample opportunities for bogey and birdies alike, with the 5tha and 6th holes both long par fours particularly challenging, while the 4th, 8th, and 9th all have short iron approaches.
The back nine takes players on a journey through lush jungles and dramatic elevation changes, ensuring a varied and memorable golfing experience. Each hole presents a unique challenge, demanding precision and strategy to navigate the diverse terrain. There is even a glimpse of Patong from high up on the hill behind the 16th green. The 10th and 13th are both challenging par fours, while the par 5, 12th, and 18th offer birdie opportunities.
Panoramic Views and Natural Wonders
Beyond the challenges of the game, Red Mountain Golf Course provides golfers with a visual feast. The elevated tees and strategically placed vantage points offer sweeping views of the surrounding landscape, including the iconic red mountains that lend the course its name. The course’s commitment to preserving the natural beauty of the area is evident as players encounter local flora and fauna throughout their rounds.
The course is home to a variety of bird species, including the Brahminy Kite, Oriental Pied Hornbill, White-throated Kingfisher, and many more, adding a delightful soundtrack to the golfing experience. You’ll be reaching for your camera just as often as you reach for your putter.
There are so many stand-out holes that it’s tough to pick, but I love the par 3, third hole, playing 167 yards downhill over a large rock formation.
The sixth is an excellent and challenging 432-yard par 4 with water left and right.
The 8th is a short par four from a very elevated tee that demands some strategy. I went with a utility wood and a wedge, a longer hitter get home, or not!
The par 4, 10th hole is a mid-length hole around a large lake framed by the signature red mountains.
Par 3 and 17th have a drop of some 90 meters from tee to green.
Very often, when a hole involves dramatic elevation change, it doesn’t work; this one does. The penultimate hole, “Canyon,” is a visually dramatic par three that features a tee 90 meters above the green, which is set in a deep ravine. The elevated tee offers stunning views of the canyon and jungle. Precision is paramount, and the 169-yard hole plays about two clubs shorter than the yardage due to the drop.
559 yards – Par 5, 18th offers a spectacular finish to a great golfing challenge
The final hole, “Garden,” is a spectacular par 5 that brings golfers back to the clubhouse. The tee shot is through a tight jungle shoot before opening up for the second. Then, a water hazard and strategically placed bunkers to the left make the approach to the green a thrilling conclusion to the round. The finishing hole encapsulates the beauty and challenges that define Red Mountain Golf Course.
Although narrow, fairway contours forgive slightly errant shots. The landing area plateaus and then drops off steeply beyond the single pot bunker left, rewarding those who can reach beyond this point with 40 extra yards of roll. A delightful babbling brook separates the driving fairway and the approach fairway. Water then frames the right side all the way home while the ‘Red cliffs’ lurk menacingly on the left.
The modern clubhouse features a well-appointed locker room. While the dining room offers an extensive food menu and spectacular views of the 1st, 9th, and 18th holes from the patio.
Clubhouse and Facilities
Red Mountain Golf Course doesn’t just excel on the fairways; it also provides top-notch amenities to ensure a complete and luxurious experience for its guests. There are several comfort stations around the course offering cold drinks and snacks, including my favorite, a serene setting on a lake between the 9th and 10th holes.
The clubhouse, with its contemporary design and Thai-inspired architecture, serves as a hub of relaxation and indulgence. Golfers can unwind in the clubhouse’s spa, enjoy a gourmet meal at the restaurant, or simply savor a refreshing drink while relishing the stunning views from the terrace. Try the Tom Yum Soup. It’s amazing!
Meanwhile, the pro shop at Red Mountain offers an excellent selection of colorful golf apparel and accessories that you will only find in Thailand.
Environmental Sustainability
In addition to providing a world-class golfing experience, Red Mountain Golf Course places a strong emphasis on environmental sustainability. The course employs eco-friendly practices to minimize its ecological footprint, including water conservation, waste reduction, and the preservation of natural habitats. This commitment to sustainability aligns with the broader global movement towards responsible tourism and ensures that future generations can continue to enjoy the beauty of Phuket’s natural landscapes.
The caddie ladies at all Thai golf courses add to the fun, and May was one of the best, with an excellent talent for green reading.
Caddies Add to Your Enjoyment
As golf became more popular In Thailand, so did the need for golf courses; farmland all over the country was converted, leaving many farm workers out of work. This prompted the Thai government to insist that all Thailand golf courses must make golf caddies compulsory, thus giving the farm workers a chance for reemployment; this rule is still in place to this day.
At Red Mountain, it’s one caddie and cart per player, mandatory, and, trust me, as a lifelong walker, when you see the elevation changes, you are going to be thankful. There are still plenty of holes you can walk easily between shots to get your daily steps in. Many of the caddies are very good at reading the greens and giving yardages, although, like any caddie, it takes a little time for them to learn your game.
The 14th is a stunning par 3 that plays around 180 yards.
Red Mountain Golf stands as a testament to the harmonious coexistence of sport and nature. From its ingenious design to its commitment to preserving the environment, every aspect of the course reflects a dedication to excellence. For golfers seeking an unforgettable blend of challenge and beauty, Red Mountain Golf Course is a must-visit destination that promises a golfing experience like no other.
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