Review: Laguna Golf Phuket

Laguna Golf Phuket is an 18-hole, par-71 golf course, set within Laguna Phuket Resort – Asia’s first fully integrated destination resort.  Golfshake ambassador Kevin Paver got the opportunitye to play in September 2017, find out how he got on and what he thought.

The course measures 6,756 yards from the back tees and features a lot of water! With two very different loops of 9, the first featuring lush tropical foliage, whilst the back 9 is surrounded by coconut groves and sand bunkers, not to mention the beautiful Phuket Mountains as a backdrop.

After a full renovation project in 2015, Laguna Golf won Best Renovated Golf Course in Asia at the Asian Golf Awards 2015 and was also named best golf course in Thailand at the World Golf Awards in both 2015 and 2016. Laguna Golf also boasts a six time major winner as their ambassador… Sir Nick Faldo.

The recently opened Laguna Golf Academy, has been announced as being an official PGA Academy, the first in Southeast Asia, and is in esteemed company alongside The Belfry and Gleneagles.

Pre Round Thoughts

From the minute you drive past the Laguna shaped hedge, you know you are in for a treat.

On arrival at the clubhouse, you are treated like VIP’s as your caddy greets you and you’re clubs are taken to be prepared for your round. A fantastic clubhouse awaits for any pre round needs, with fantastic views over the golf course.

You might want to visit the well-stocked pro shop to get yourself some extra balls… did we mention the water?!

Once you have met with your caddy, you are driven to the practice green and starter hut where you are given your cards and notified of the pin positions of the day.

Par 3s

Hole 2 is the first of the par 3s… and it’s a challenging one! 159 yards from the blue tees, it needs a fairly heroic tee shot to get it close to the pin. With water to the right of the green, the safe shot is left where there is plenty of bail out. But, you’ll need your best Seve skills to get up and down.

The 162-yard 8^th hole is a fantastic. Find the green or fairway area at the front or you could be heading for a big score. A tier runs through the centre of the green, meaning you need an accurate tee shot depending the location of the pin. Also, a nice touch is some boats found on the island placed in the water… just to draw you in a little bit more!

Hole 12 is one of the shorter Par 3s on the course. At 158 yards from the blue tees, this hole if beautifully framed by trees and bunkers, and needs another accurate tee shot. The deep bunkers are certainly intimidating to the eye!

Par 4s

The 1^st is a great way to start your round at Laguna Golf.  At 359 yards, you have a lot of fairway to go at with a dogleg right. However, you are also faced with water all the way up the right hand side of the hole, which comes more into play the closer you get to the green.  There is also a large Banyan tree along the right, which can make your second shot a tricky one. Some fantastic views to start your round.

Hole 6 is the second hardest on the golf course. 376 yards, and with 5 of the 15 bunkers on the front 9… you’ll need to navigate your way to the green carefully. This hole is a great test and makes you really think about your shots. Down the left is the best way to play it… as if you go right, you could be faced with the evil bunker that lies short right of the green! 

The 10^th kicks off the back 9 with a bang. It’s a relatively short Par 4, but one that requires a strategic approach. The landing area on this hole is more difficult than the trust GPS (or caddie!) would suggest! Once at your second shot, you should be able to see the green… but beware… long is wet so be sure to choose the right club! Make sure you check out the lovely Banyan Tree villas at the back of the green.

Hole 18 finishes the round strongly. The longest Par 4 on the golf course at 419 yards, this hole needs a big hit… but also accuracy. The only way to shorten it is to go over to the left… but get it wrong and you flirt with the OB that hugs it. Unless you’re a big hitter, you’ll be left with long second shot to a green marked by sand. Stay on the green stuff if you want to score on this closing hole, as the watching galleries applaud your finish!

Par 5s

The 9^th is the second Par 5 on the front 9, and finishes it in style. At 507 yards (blue tees), it really represents the style of the front 9; water, trees, bunkers and ground contours are all present and correct! A large tier dominates the 1st landing area – hit the high side, you’ll have a better opportunity to attack the 2nd landing area or even green on your next shot. A tee shot played to the low side could leave you behind a tree and without any view. For the second shot, stay as close to the water as your bravery will allow to give you the best chance to attack the green. 

Hole 11 is a Par 5 that gives you lots of options. Getting your tee shot away over the fairway bunker in the middle gives you the best opportunity to attack the green in two. The more sensible route is up the right side of the hole. With your second shot, you need to be wary of the large fairway bunker. Play it sensibly and get to the large contoured green in 3, and you should have a good chance of making par.

The 15^th is the last of the par 5s, and it’s longer than it looks! Take aim and take your tee shot over the large fairway bunker - or close to the water body that runs up the left side of this hole. The trees between the 1st and 2nd are in play, especially if you’re trying to stay away from the water! If you do miss the green with your approach, you will be left with a challenging chip from the short grass area that surrounds the green.

Post Round Thoughts

Laguna Golf is a wonderful venue. The golf course is a fantastic challenge, but one that will reward a good round. It’s visually stunning all the way around, and well worth of all the accolades.

Not only is Laguna a fabulous place to come and play golf, but it has everything else you could ever need… and more within the resort.

If you are planning a trip to Phuket, and golf is part of your trip… Laguna is definitely one to put on your list.

VIDEO REVIEW OF MY ROUND AT LAGUNA GOLF >>>