Loch Palm Golf Club
Courses Details
Location
Virtually at the island's center, Loch Palm is well-placed
for golfers coming from every direction. About 1400 stocky
Oil Palms, planted along a route around a large lake and
through hill country, give the course a character and charm
of its own.
Rating
Loch Palm is described as "balancing challenge and
fairness." The greens are maintained at playable speeds
that are never superfast, thus encouraging visiting golfers
to return.
Nevertheless, there are plenty of testing carries across
water and close encounters with impenetrable jungle. Placed
neatly within a cordon of hills, the flight of most shots
can be easily tracked through the air against a background
of forest or jungle. Read a hole-by-hole review...
Facilities
From Loch Palm's clubhouse, golfers can be seen driving
balls into the lake from the aqua practice range -- and
sometimes from the first tee as well.
The clubhouse is perhaps the most relaxed on the island,
with panoramic views across Crystal Lake and beyond from
the dining areas, a new pro shop, enlarged putting and chipping
practice facilities, and a spa addition in the works.
On the course
Swift changes in terrain provide great variety. Three new
holes were added in 2004 as part of an upgrade that increased
tee space, enlarged water features and improved landscaping,
making the course even better. Water comes into play on
13 holes and there are 67 bunkers. Five kiosks dot the course.
Varieties of Zoysia grass have been used on the fairways
and greens, with Seashore Paspalum on the tees.
There are 300 memberships, with a few taken by corporations,
and 250 caddies. Golf carts are available. Because of Loch
Palm's popularity, booking a tee time is recommended. A
much-anticipated second course is also being carved from
the surrounding hills. Due to open in 2006, it will be around
7,000 yards and predictions are that it will make stunning
use of outstanding natural features and be "unlike
any other in Thailand."
Top holes
Hole 14
Hole 14 takes golfers to giddy new levels of high anxiety.
The new par three calls for a shot of 168 yards off the
back tee to an island-style green. Because the tee is 60
feet above the putting surface, players need to chose their
club and assess the wind with great care.
It's possible to stray right and recover but anything
to the left or under or over ends with a splash. The hang-time
is nerve-wracking.
Accommodation
Packages should be available with the alternative of local
hotels or Loch Palm private residences. Kathu waterfall
is not far away and the more adventurous may be enticed
by bungee jumping, a shooting range or a water ski park,
all within three kilometers.
Transport
Loch Palm has full taxi services available for golfers.
Costs are in line with local rates. Standards and prices
are set by the club.
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