Memberships available:
exclusively to home owners of The
Banyan Estate
Green fee:
3,250 THB
Caddie fee:
included in green fee
Golf cart hire:
Complimentary
Facilities:
Accommodation | Driving Range
Equipment
Rental | Pro Shop
Resident Professional |
Massage
Restaurant
The Banyan Golf Club, even in its short period of operation, has set an enviable standard that other courses would do well to take note of. A professional management team that never rests on its laurels has achieved what it set out to do: create a high quality resort course where the emphasis is on enjoyment.
Invariably in immaculate condition, Banyan is fun to play but requires a bit of thought, particularly with placement of the tee shot; a nice change from hitting driver 14 times. The course designer has made clever use of the terrain so that many holes play downhill even though the whole area is built on a hill side, so the length on the card is not as daunting as it might appear.
The fairways are generous but, with 12 being dog-legs and good use of streams and bunkers, the course will be a good test for all levels of player. The par 3s are a perfect mix with one long and one short on each side and a couple of reachable par 5s providing the right balance – just how a good course should be.
Tel. +66 (0)32 616200
Fax. +66 (0)32 619085
e. reservations@
banyanestatehuahin.com
w. www.banyanestatehuahin.com
The 1st 402 yards par 4 makes a testing opener for the golfer who might have skipped the warm up. The fairway sets off down a hill to a narrowing landing area with a palm tree in the middle of it and with hazards right and left, it is a choice of hitting a big drive straight at the palm tree or using a shorter club to give you more room but a longer second shot to the green which dog legs off to the right. Bunkers on both sides will trap a weak second shot and a large green gives the green keeper a choice of locations to check if you are awake. |
 |
The 8th 511 yards par 5 is a downhill drive to a landing area in front of a stream with a lone big tree and banana trees guarding the left and pineapples right. The trick is club selection off the tee as the water is reachable with a driver; but don't leave yourself too far back. It’s then a precise lay up slightly off to the right of the hole, as a string of bunkers will keep you from hitting straight. Pitch is the key to scoring well. The green is elevated with a wicked bunker in front to catch the short shot, while anything long will not hold. There is no easy pin position on this hole. |
 |
The 14th 346 yards par 4 is a delightful little hole with a sting in its tail. This is the thinking hole here. Spurning the driver is the right decision, as a hidden stream cuts across from the left of the fairway short of the green and runs back up the right. Once you've laid up successfully with probably no more than a 5 wood, the protection front left of the green should start you thinking again; it’s a cavernous bunker worth ensuring you stay away from, so pick a target in the middle of the green and hit it well. People still say short holes are easy for some reason. |
 |
| Signature Hole | |
The 15th 139 yards par 3 is the signature hole with a superb view over the sea to Singtoh Island. It’s a downhill shot to a green that slopes away, so precision is the name of the game. Take a moment to enjoy the view, then commit to the shot with a high iron; the ball will feed nicely into the middle of the green. Given the slope of the green, if you miss it, the chip out of the bunkers in front or off the grass behind the hole will not be the easiest you have ever undertaken. |
 |
No expense has been spared in designing and constructing the clubhouse. The locker rooms are spacious and equipped with all the right grooming accessories to smarten you up after the game.
Built in modern Thai style and overlooking much of the course, the stunning sunset view from the terrace over the mountains bordering Myanmar is something to behold. The Terrace restaurant with à la carte international dining has various speciality dishes, such as Wagyu beef, complemented by a very comprehensive wine list. As an alternative, Mulligan’s pub serves all the usual favourites to cover most tastes and has already established itself as an entertainment venue in its own right.
What many clubs in Thailand lack is après golf, but Banyan has succeeded in providing the perfect way to enjoy playing the game and relaxing afterwards with functions varying from quiz nights, to card game nights. Many locals visit the Clubhouse just for a drink and a meal or linger after their game for an evening’s entertainment amongst friends.
Accommodation on the course comprises a few superbly appointed rooms each with their own private plunge pool and views overlooking the scenery as well as internet connection, DVD player and all other amenities one would expect of a top class hotel.
At the first tournament held here even before the course officially opened, the management decided to test and hone their skills at running a tournament. A Bangkok-based society were the unsuspecting recipients of the full service, including a photo of each group and tee-time announcements. For most amateur golfers this was probably a first and, judging by some of the drives down the 1st hole, the formality of an Open Championship style announcement got hold of more than a few nerves. It’s difficult enough when 30 or so opponents are watching your every more. but to be announced as well was too much for some. Several drives went wayward and into trouble on a hole where the drive is not the easiest.
At another society event, a gentleman golfer with a handicap in the not so serious levels of the game managed a hole-in-one on the short par 3 second. By the third, a marshal had already taken his name and club used in preparation for the presentation of a certificate in the clubhouse after the game. Banyan is very good at making you feel special on such occasions.
