Lastly, caddy fees have gone up to 300 baht~I suppose eveyone else will follow shortly.
Palm Hills used to be unpopular with poor maintenance effecting it, but over the last 3 years with new very fast greens and re-sown fairways has reversed players opinion, it is and has been for quite a while been possibly the best manicured course around day-in day-out. Whilst green fees for the high season remain reasonable they are following a trend I don't like of allowing only one player to a golf cart, golf carts are ante-social things at best, at least with a pair of friends sharing a cart you can also be sociable and perhaps enjoy the odd drink together. Friendly staff.
Majestic Creek many think is too far out, yet it takes the same time to Springfield and now the back roads can be used and for those living south of the town center ot takes only 20/25 minutes. Go via soi 106, cross the by-pass and straight to the Huay Mongkol temple and turn left. Rumours abound that this course is to be sold to Chang Beer but rumours again say 'not yet'. Imperial hotels had a look too. Whatever, the course even with the problematical greens is hole by hole possible the best layout around (personal opinion naturally).
Milford
In very poor shape. shame as it commands wonderful scenery by the coast.Kang Krachan has opened its 3rd nine holes and rated by those who play it as the best around, allegedly a Nicklaus design, but I think it is better than that! The course has been better maintained these last 2 years and offers a stern test of golf. New manager here, don't know how long that will last, pro-shop manager come and gone but needless to say this is well worth the 50 minutes drive to the National park.
Springfield the most expensive course around (3500 baht high season) has 27 holes, but if you have a choice try and play A and B course the original. 'C' course comes in for too much adverse comment as being too tough with a few rather daft design features, not least the 9th green. Since there has been a new green keeper the course condition has at last improved and is often now quite beautifully maintained. Trying to get your beer in the clubhouse is quite a feat as service here is shall we say 'slow'.
Lakeview has now 36 holes, the last nine , 'links' (how they gave it that name alludes me) opened last year and hasn't really met universal approval. Maintenance here is not quite up to par recently, hope this changes as it has been a good course to play with many fine holes many on the 'desert nine'. You can take the kids to swim at the golf hotel which is part of the clubhouse.
Banyan not open yet and without clubhouse (being built). Lovely position and reportedly fine layout. I noted the problem with access, I wonder if planning permission is still needed, also rumours that with the housing market going slowly that this course may be sold off. Whatever happens, the course, when open to all golfers, should be a bonus to our golfing visitors.
Royal Hua Hin it is probably the best time of year to play this old course being so green from daily rain. Fine layout with tree lined fairways and of course right in town.
Each golf club will be updated whenever news comes in, and also brief help on the courses out of town.
Many bars support golf and visitors can find out were to get a game; for example Bernies bar the home of the Hua Hin golf society, Sabai bar is now organising a little golf and welcomes single players, always talk with the Johnny Walker bar, and if you want lessons go to Mongkol driving range to see John Wither and find out about the lessons he can organise and his packages. I hear a 3 day learning course for beginners with a game and day out at Dolphin bay is to be included.
Don't forget the festival is on until the end of September=cheap rates.
Golf equipment; Cleveland and Titleist are being promoted at the Mongkol' range on the 29th of this month (August). from about 2 pm 'til 7pm. Great food here by the way at 'Peppers' restaurant.
Springfield are building a new members lounge and a gym~hope the service is up to scratch.
