Here is a review of Hua Hin’s newest and best golf club by Chiag Rai Thailand based PGA golf teaching professional Graham Sampson
The Black Mountain Golf Club, a new 18 hole championship course in the seaside town of Hua Hin, Thailand that opened for play July, 2007. It’s only a ten-minute drive from downtown and a must-play for all golf enthusiasts.
The course stretches out to 7345 yards from the championship-caliber black tees to 6502 from the blue with course ratings of 75 & 72 respectively. The forward tees play to a comfortable 5652 yards with a course rating of 73.
When visiting a new facility golfer’s unanimously pick the entrance as the most important feature—secondly being greeted by a smile. The Black Mountain club house is a breathtaking structure, contemporary-in-design, while dramatically blending into the natural scenery. The enthusiastic female caddies greet you with that warm smile and you immediately feel welcome. Fine dining is available in an outdoor-open-air setting, combining friendly, efficient service and a menu with something-for-everyone. The golf shop is well stocked, the locker rooms luxurious, the staff professional and courteous.
Nestled in the foothills above Hua Hin, in an area originally the home of a pineapple plantation, designer Phil Ryan has carved out a stunning masterpiece, both challenging for the tournament professional, and playable for the recreational golfer. Black Mountain is risk- versus- reward golf at its very best, each hole allowing a safe route, while tempting the more aggressive player. Ryan has preserved the natural beauty of the site while ingeniously incorporating elevation changes that take advantage of the panoramic vistas. The bunkering is sweeping and sculptured, the tees, fairways and rough are Seashore Paspalum, the greens a Tifeagle Bermuda, an ideal tropical putting surface. The greens tend to roll fast from above the hole – be aware of the black mountain rock formation – most putts break away from it
The player assistant on the first tee gave our group complimentary yardage guides and his presence ensured ample tee-time spacing between groups. Golf cars are available—one per player—the caddie assumes the driving duties, allowing you to relax while navigating Black Mountains 69 bunkers and 12 lakes.. The group in front of us, which included Simon Yates, the outstanding Asian Tour Player, chose to walk—which I would recommend if you’re in reasonable shape.
The second part of this Hua Hin golf course post will cover Graham’s 3 favorite holes at Black Mountain.
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