Top 10 Toughest Golf Courses in Southeast Asia
Traveling to Southeast Asia for golf is becoming more common nowadays thanks to the construction of new PGA standard golf courses as well as the establishment of high-end accommodations. Some people choose a golf course for its beauty and picturesque landscapes, while others prefer demanding golf hazards. Whatever your preference, Southeast Asia has something to offer.
In this article, let’s GolfLux provide you with the list of top 10 toughest golf courses in Southeast Asia.
Most Challenging Golf Courses in Southeast Asia
1. Ba Na Hills Golf Club, Vietnam
Ba Na Hills Golf Club
Ba Na Hills Golf Club, situated near the breathtaking region of Da Nang, is known not only for its scenic beauty but also for its challenging hazards. The course boasts immaculate fairways and greens and offers a great variety of holes. The 17th hole, in particular, stands out with its tee box located at the course’s highest point, at the foot of the region’s most prominent mountain range. From there, golfers are challenged to weave their way back down to the valley while contending with a range of hazards, including the large trees and streams that are incorporated into the design.
Luke Donald’s expertise is evident in the course’s layout, which takes full advantage of the site’s natural features to create a challenging and rewarding golfing experience. With its varied terrain and hazards, Ba Na Hills Golf Club is sure to test the skills of even the most experienced golfers.
2. Montgomerie Links Vietnam
Montgomerie Links Vietnam
Montgomerie Links Vietnam is among the toughest golf courses in Southeast Asia. It is not for the faint-hearted because of the well-manicured yet narrow fairways. The course demands unwavering focus and accuracy on every hole, putting mental and physical toughness to the test. The panoramic views of the local countryside are a nice diversion from the course’s challenging nature, providing an enjoyable round for golfers of any skill level. Montgomerie Links Vietnam promises to leave a lasting impression on all golfers who take on the challenging terrain.
>>> Read more: Top 10 Toughest Golf Courses in Vietnam
3. Santiburi Samui Country Club, Thailand
Santiburi Samui Country Club
The Santiburi Samui Country Club, a renowned 18-hole championship golf course situated on a hillside in Thailand, is a must-play destination for Southeast Asia golf tours. The third and 17th holes are the course’s two most challenging, with the 17th, dubbed “The Summit,” being its signature hole. This hole presents a tough shot as players need to avoid the cliffs on the right side of the fairway, which makes it a challenging blind tee shot. The hole also offers breathtaking panoramic views, which compensates for the shot’s difficulty. Overall, the Santiburi Samui Country Club provides golfers with an unforgettable experience, challenging them to bring their best game and test their skills to their limits.
4. Black Mountain Golf Club, Thailand
Black Mountain Golf Club
Black Mountain Golf Club, located in Hua Hin, Thailand, is one of the most challenging golf courses in Southeast Asia and has been named the best in Thailand several times. It was designed by Phil Ryan and opened in 2007, and has quickly become famous for its challenging layout and picturesque scenery.
The course is set in a natural valley, with a stunning mountain backdrop and a series of lakes and creeks that come into play on several holes. It has a championship length of over 7,300 yards, and features a mix of long and short holes, as well as several doglegs and elevated greens, causing a demanding game for golfers of all levels, with tricky shots and tight fairways that require precision and accuracy.
>>> Learn more: Top 10 Toughest Golf Courses in Thailand
5. Sentosa Golf Club, Singapore
Sentosa Golf Club
Sentosa Golf Club – Serapong Course, which hosts the renowned Singapore Open, has been voted as the best golf course in Southeast Asia. Its Serapong course received a massive upgrade in 2007, resulting in enhanced configurations and bunker complexes, as well as even faster and more challenging greens.
The course features vast lakes and breathtaking views, making it a beloved choice for golfers from all around the world. The layout of Sentosa Golf Club is of a world-class standard, as praised by professional golfer Sergio Garcia, who won the 2018 Singapore Open on this very course. The greens are particularly impressive, offering a unique and unparalleled golfing experience that surpasses any other challenging golf courses in Southeast Asia.
6. Tanah Merah Country Club, Singapore
Tanah Merah Country Club
Tanah Merah Country Club in Singapore is well known for its meticulously designed Tampines and Garden Course, which are set amidst beautiful tropical grounds. The Tampines Course in particular offers a formidable challenge to even the most experienced golfers.
The course is famous for its hole number 5, which is regarded as one of the most testing holes in the region. The hole requires golfers to make a precise tee shot to negotiate the island bunkers on the right and the deep penalty bunkers on the left. It takes tremendous skill and concentration to earn a par on this challenging hole. With its tricky bunkers, tight fairways and immaculate greens, the Tampines Course at Tanah Merah Country Club offers a truly memorable golfing experience for all who take on its challenges.
>>> See more: Top 24 best Singapore golf courses in 2023/2024
7. Angkor Golf Resort, Cambodia
Angkor Golf Resort
Angkor Golf Resort is also one of the toughest golf courses in Southeast Asia in general and in Cambodia in particular. Designed by Sir Nick Faldo, this course is known for its classic yet contemporary style and is an award-winning course in Southeast Asia. The course was originally a paddy field, and now offers a unique and challenging layout that is sure to test even the most experienced golfers. The bold bunkering style and undulating greens make every hole a challenge that requires skill and strategy. Despite the challenges, the fairways are generous, allowing for a variety of shots.
Located in Siem Reap, Angkor Golf Resort is a must-visit destination for golf enthusiasts who are looking for a challenging and rewarding experience. The course is a hidden gem, providing stunning views and a peaceful atmosphere. Whether you are a professional golfer or just starting out, Angkor Golf Resort is sure to be a memorable experience.
8. Siem Reap Booyoung Country Club, Cambodia
Siem Reap Booyoung Country Club
Siem Reap Booyoung Country Club in Cambodia boasts a world-class golf course that poses a significant challenge for golfers of all levels. Designed by Kentaro Sato, the course is known for its difficulty, with holes 7, 9, and 12 being the most challenging. The 12th hole is especially demanding, with its “S” shape and two-tiered green that require precision and skill to navigate successfully. The course’s scenic views, including the stunning backdrop of the Phnom Kulen Mountains, make it a popular destination for a golf holiday in Southeast Asia.
Sato’s design incorporates plenty of obstacles, including strategic bunkering and undulating greens that add to the course’s level of difficulty. The Siem Reap Booyoung Country Club is a must-play course for those seeking a challenging round of golf at the toughest golf courses in Southeast Asia.
>>> Don’t miss these 5 best golf courses in Cambodia in 2023.
9. Bukit Pandawa Golf & Country Club, Indonesia
Bukit Pandawa Golf Club
Nestled amid stunning views of cliffs, Bukit Pandawa Golf & Country Club is a must-visit destination for golf enthusiasts looking for a challenging course. Its grand temple-style clubhouse and intricate greens are just a few of the obstacles that players will encounter on this course. Architectural relics and rock outcroppings also offer a testing game of golf for those looking to take on Bukit Pandawa.
While the course is undeniably one of the most beautiful in Bali, golfers come here for the challenge it presents. Every hole has something unique to offer, making it a great test of a golfer’s skills. Bukit Pandawa Golf & Country Club is truly an exceptional course that offers a great combination of stunning views and challenging terrain.
10. TPC Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
TPC Kuala Lumpur Golf Club
The West Course at TPC Kuala Lumpur, located in Malaysia, is a tough golf course designed to challenge even the most experienced golfers. The course has hosted numerous major tournaments, including the CIMB Classic, and is a favourite among professional golfers.
The par-72 layout features a number of challenging holes, including the signature 16th hole, which requires golfers to navigate a lake and hit a well-placed shot in order to reach the green. The course also features narrow fairways, deep bunkers, and tricky greens that demand precise shots and a strategic approach.
With its demanding layout and demanding hazards, the West Course at TPC Kuala Lumpur is truly one of the most challenging golf courses in Southeast Asia. It offers a test of skill and mental fortitude for golfers of all levels. Despite its challenges, the course also boasts beautiful views and a stunning natural setting, making it a must-visit destination for golf enthusiasts.
Tips to Play Golf in Southeast Asia
Playing golf in Southeast Asia can be a unique and enjoyable experience, but it can also present some challenges. Here are some tips to keep in mind when playing golf in this region:
- Stay hydrated: The climate in Southeast Asia can be hot and humid, which can lead to dehydration. Make sure to drink plenty of water and sports drinks to stay hydrated throughout your round.
- Dress appropriately: Many golf courses in Southeast Asia require proper golf attire, including collared shirts and golf shoes. Make sure to check the dress code before you play.
- Prepare for the weather: Southeast Asia can experience sudden rain showers or thunderstorms, so it’s important to bring appropriate rain gear and umbrella to protect you from the elements.
- Bring insect repellent: Some golf courses in Southeast Asia are located in areas with a lot of insects, such as mosquitoes. To avoid being bitten, bring insect repellent and use it as necessary.
- Know the local rules: Some courses have unique rules and customs that may be different from what you’re used to. Make sure to familiarize yourself with the local rules and customs before you play.
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