Kaeng Krachan Country Club

Kaeng Krachan Country Club and Golf Resort lies on 14,000 acres of land situated on the Eastern Peninsula in Petchburi Province, 1.5 hours inland from Hua Hin. It is located on the northern side of the mountain range right in the center of the estate surrounded by the unique natural beauty of mountains, forests and lakes. Kaeng Krachan Country Club has operated since 1994. The first 18 holes (Lake and Valley) was designed by Cherd Bunyaratavej a famous Thai golf architect. Kraeng Krachan is an undulating course which requires accuracy off the tee to avoid losing your ball amongst the many trees and bamboo forest which line the fairways. The fairways are beautiful to play off 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 come into play on 6 holes. All in all, a test of skill at every level of the game. The new Jack Nicklaus 9 hole Signature course (Mountain) opened for play in March 2008. From the Championship tees the new par 36 Nicklaus course 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 moved very little dirt so the golf course doesn’t feel contrived in any way. Interestingly enough, four of the holes dog leg to the left which go against Nicklaus’ early designs in which he seemed to favor dog leg right holes for his patented fade. The Nicklaus Mountain nine is a must play as it was built to international standards and is one the best conditioned 9 holes in the Hua Hin / Cha Am area. The current plan is to open an additional 27 holes in the next two years, 18 of which have been designed by Greg Norman. Kaeng Krachan is 54 kilometers from Hua Hin and the course gets very little play, especially in the off season. There is an on site golf resort, but the rooms and facilities are rather basic. Golf visitors are advised to drive back to Hua Hin after their round.