Friday, October 25, 2013

My Thai Golf-The lure of Black Mountain

The first time I played at Black Mountain was in February 2012.

After a 25 minute drive from Hua Hin through some very rural Thai countryside we reached the entrance and headed toward the Clubhouse about a quarter of a mile away.

I saw a golf course to my left and pointed it out to my pals.
A excited voice from behind me said, 'this place looks awesome, look at all that water and bunkers!'
Our Thai driver had heard the conversation and piped up, 'just the Par 3 Course'.
That comment stunned the mini bus into silence. Eight of us were gobsmacked!

I have played that Par 3 course twice now and what a test it is.
Don't avoid it-play it if you get the chance. You won't be disappointed.


The Par 3 course even has it's own bar and changing area which is great if you are only playing that course. There is a drop off and pick up area and caddies are sent down from the main clubhouse to pull your golf bag on one of their trollies. You don't have to book unless you are a big party.

You enter the clubhouse by driving into an underground car park where a team of very smartly dressed caddies are waiting to take your golf bag. There is a lift to the top floor where there are the most amazing views across the Black Mountain course with the 'black mountain' in the background.

I was immediately taken back by the superb landscaping and magnificent manicuring that was all around me.

That was the moment when I knew I had arrived somewhere special. I couldn't wait to get out and play.

You should go and browse in the Professional's Shop but be warned! It's not easy to resist buying at least one memento. Every item of clothing bears the unique BM logo to show off when you get home, and there is some choice in there.

The plush locker rooms include both hot and cold splash pools.

The warm up practice area and range are well worth visiting before you make that first meaningful drive. Your caddie will drive you there.

Then it's off to heaven.



I have a tip-Listen to everything your caddie tells you. It's no good just blasting away and living in hope of finding a good lie. These caddies are as good as you will find anywhere in Thailand.

It's your caddie's job to help in every way they can so that you can fully enjoy the experience of playing arguably Thailand's top course.

There's lots of water out there and loads of bunkers. A massive challenge to relish for any golfer, irrespective of ability so if your caddie suggests laying up then assume they are right.

The feeling of striking a solid iron shot from these fairways is something to savour.


The greens are always fast and true.
Expect to three putt sometime during your round and don't be disappointed if it happens more than once. Just take a deep breath and have a good look around you. Soak up the scenery and once you remember where you are, pinch yourself. It's no use getting wound up in these surroundings.

Some people are lucky enough to own Villas or apartments that overlook the course. Some of these can be rented on short or long term leases. Imagine waking up to a view like that every day.


The 18th is a par 5 with a gradual incline to a green that sits just below the bar and restaurant. There's always a gallery, all watching your approach shot and how many putts you take.


The food here is very tasty whether you opt for Thai or European cuisine and after playing a course like that your first beer tastes so good. Just find a good vantage point and take in the scenery. If you aren't coming back for a while then take a long look so that you can remember as much as possible.

Every one of the 18 holes are firmly etched in my mind and I'll be back there in just 84 days.
Bring it on! 

To find out more about Black Mountain Golf Club and nearby accommodation visit their website which is www.blackmountainhuahin.com

More on Hua Hin's array of fantastic Golf courses will feature in future blogs from me. You can find out where I'll be next week by following me again on Wednesday 30th October.

No comments:

Post a Comment