My Thai Golf-Banyan is bursting with brilliance

Banyan GC is only a 10 minute drive from the centre of Hua Hin. There's a terrific view across the course as you head along the final approach road. That view disappears when you arrive at your drop off point behind the Clubhouse and Locker rooms.

Having had that glimpse of what's in store you get the urge to find that view again. That 'drop off' area does make you feel as though you're hemmed in by concrete with buildings on three sides but there's a pathway alongside the Locker room that leads to the Restaurant and Bar, both of which are built in elevated positions
overlooking the course.

Follow that pathway and the panorama will just burst out infront of you. On my first visit this signalled a sharp intake of breath from everyone around me, followed by various cries of 'wow', 'fantastic' and 'awesome!'  

The experience is similar to one of those old movies set in the desert, where the oasis is visible for a few seconds and then it disappears. Then within seconds it's reappeared, only this is no mirage.

Banyan is definitely for real and amazingly it's only been open since 2008. That fact surprises most people because it looks like it's always been a golf course. The architect, Pirapon Namatra, a leading golf course designer in Thailand has excelled at Banyan. Everything appears so natural. A brilliant lay out.

Just like at Black Mountain the adrenalin starts coursing as the excitement of playing a top course takes hold.

The locker rooms here, like the majority of top Thai golfing venues, are immaculate and so spacious, giving the whole set up a five star feeling.

Golf Carts are not compulsory at Banyan but if you opt for one, which most visitors do, theirs are all fitted with GPS, a nice little extra.

Now it's out to the first tee but not before a short trip to the practice green. Five minutes there is always well spent because the greens here do take some reading, as well as always being a 'tad' rapid, as my pal Chris once put it.

The first hole is a wonderful dog-leg par four. If ever you needed reminding that the next four hours were going to be extremely demanding then that hole will focus your mind on the challenge ahead.

Many of the holes here have raised tees which allow you see most of what lies ahead, which does help. Ofcourse you will also have the services of a very knowledgeable caddie plus your onboard GPS so all you need to do is concentrate on hitting it straight. Sounds easy doesn't it! I can assure you it's not.

Following your game make your way to the Terrace Restaurant or to Mulligan's Pub for a well earned cold drink. Then take in that view again. It is special.

The big question is 'Banyan or Black Mountain?' The jury is out. They are both outstanding venues.

To find out more about Banyan Golf and Banyan-The Resort go to www.banyanthailand.com

Just 79 days to take off now. I will be playing at Banyan again in February, at least twice. How lucky am I?

My blog goes North next week when I take you on a four day mini tour but we'll be back reviewing more courses in Hua Hin soon.