Red Mountain Golf Club Phuket Course Guide | Comprehensive information of yardage guide, course layout, hole by hole best approach by Phuket Golf Course

Course Guide

Red Mountain Golf Club Phuket Course Guide

Hole 1, Par 4

From the very beginning, the course offers a strategic balance between risk and reward. For those adopting a more conservative approach, target the widest and most level area of the fairway, which will set up a comfortable 160-yard approach. Keep in mind that the green sits below the fairway level, allowing for a reduction in club selection by at least one.

For the more daring golfers, aim your driver at the heart of the green. At this point, the fairway becomes slimmer and features a significant downhill slope toward the green. If you're skilled in handling sloping lies, this position offers the advantage of additional roll, setting you up for shorter approach shots and increasing the likelihood of birdies.

Be mindful of the sand traps located on the left side of the fairway, as nearby trees can obstruct your shot to the green. Securing a par on this hole is a solid way to commence your round.

Hole 2, Par 5

This par-5 hole requires three shots for most players, except for those with exceptional driving distance, due to the imposing trees that protect the green's entrance. While positioning your tee shot further left could expose the gap to the green, it's generally advisable to target the heart of the spacious fairway and follow up with a mid-iron shot to set up your preferred pitching distance. Your caddie may propose aiming at a distant banana tree, but any shot left of this marker is equally suitable.

The fairway remains level when you're over 100 yards from the green, but gradually descends downhill as you approach the elevated green. To maximize your chances of scoring par or better, aim for the widest section of the green.

With thoughtful strategy, this hole presents a viable opportunity to secure a birdie.

Hole 3, Par 3

This hole demands an accurate iron shot to reach the nearly island-like green, surrounded by a treacherous landscape of eroded ridges and gullies created by years of stormwater runoff over former tin mine tailings. Pay close attention to the distance to the green's front edge, and ensure your shot clears the hazardous wasteland, as balls are frequently lost or embedded in this area.

The green itself is divided into three distinct sections, with a grass swale providing a modest safety buffer at the back right portion of the green.

Due to the green's sheltered position, swirling winds can make club selection challenging. To gauge the true wind direction, observe the movement of clouds and treetops in the surrounding area.

Hole 4, Par 5

Here's another challenging par-5 hole that will prove a true test for most golfers, as only the longest hitters can hope to reach the green in two shots. While the primary danger lies in missing the fairway off the tee, you can play it safe with a fade shot that lands in the spacious fairway, setting up a comfortable second shot to your preferred pitching distance.

When facing your second shot, a massive depression and sizable bunker lie directly in your line of sight to the green. To have a chance of reaching the green in two, you'll need a long and sweeping draw shot that can carry the depression and land on the green.

Beware of any shots veering too far left on your second shot, as the depression and thick rough can prevent the ball from stopping on the green. Conversely, the area to the right of the green can be deceptive, as you can't see the raised fairway when playing your second shot.

The green on this hole is the smallest on the course and slopes from back to front. However, golfers proficient in pitching can still position the ball close to the hole, presenting a real opportunity to secure a birdie.

Hole 5, Par 4

Welcome to the first of two incredibly demanding Par-4 holes. To start off strong, aim for a straight drive that avoids the tree encroaching on the left side of the fairway. This approach will maximize your shot's run and distance. Drives veering off to the right may still find the fairway, but pitching onto an upslope can drastically affect your distance.

Landing your shot into the depression on the right is a hit-or-miss proposition, with an unpredictable lie.

After finding the fairway, you'll need a mid to long iron shot to reach the green's center. Always consider the wind's impact, as many shots come up short on this green. Note that there's plenty of space at the back of the green to compensate for under-clubbing.

The green is segmented into three sections, so it's vital that your second shot lands in the relevant section to set up a comfortable putt. Failing to do so could make your putting more difficult than necessary.

Hole 6, Par 4

Navigating this tee shot calls for both distance and precision, as the fairway is bisected by a bunker surrounded by thick rough. At first glance, the bunker may seem to be on the left side of the fairway, but don't be fooled - there's ample space to the left of it. This line is advisable, as those who can carry the rise may enjoy some extra roll. Additionally, the rough on the left is more forgiving than that on the right.

Be wary of drives that drift right, as this could lead to lost balls or tricky chip-outs. For your second shot, accuracy is key when approaching the slender green. Many golfers struggle to reach the green in just two powerful strokes, so it may be wise to consider laying up to avoid the hazards on the right.

For some, opting for a shorter third shot could be a strategic move, as the green itself isn't too difficult to navigate. Executing this well may secure a respectable par on this challenging hole.

Hole 7, Par 3

This tee shot presents a reasonably approachable challenge, with a generous green awaiting your arrival. Essentially, what you see is what you get on this hole.

For a more conservative approach, target the center of the green, even if the pin is positioned towards the far left. This strategy will help you avoid the trouble lurking on the left side.

If you find yourself in the sizable lake, be sure to utilize the designated daily Drop Zone. When facing this predicament, you'll need to decide whether to attempt a difficult pitch over the water and bunker or opt for a reload from the tee, which offers a longer but less daunting shot. Be sure to verify which Drop Zone is in play before making your choice.

Beware of shots veering to the right of the green, as they may land in the bunker or deep rough, leaving you with a challenging pitch to the green surface.

With a green width of nearly 30 yards, it's wise to choose a club that will carry you to the center, even if the pin is located at the front. This strategy will provide a straightforward putt back towards the hole.

Hole 8, Par 4

Once again, you're faced with a risk-reward decision on this hole, as water hazards flank both sides of the exceptionally narrow green.

Targeting the slim portion of the fairway while aiming at the green will set you up for a manageable chip. However, the more cautious approach off the tee would be to play directly to the expansive landing area, which leaves you with a sub-100-yard shot across the water to a green that appears to be nearly touching it.

When pitching from this position, it's prudent to aim slightly left of the green's center, providing a bit of leeway for error. Beware of the greenside bunker, as shots from there can be treacherous, and navigating this green can prove quite challenging, particularly when putting or chipping towards the water. Your best bet is to position yourself on the green, below the hole.

Hole 9, Par 4

This tee box offers a unique chance to observe the remnants of tin mining up close and personal.

Despite the fairway's seemingly ample width, shots placed right of the center may be obstructed by a large mound situated just short of the green on the right. Any shot veering right can make reaching the green quite challenging, with many players opting to chip back up the fairway to prevent a high-scoring disaster. To achieve the best angle of attack, aim for the left side of the fairway and drive the ball as far as you dare.

Approach shots to this green frequently fall short due to a deceptive false front that spans 8 yards onto the green, making access to the front pin troublesome. It's advisable to aim beyond the pin, leaving yourself with a more manageable putt.

The rear portion of the green is rather expansive and divided into two distinct sections.

Hole 10, Par 4

The back nine commences with a fantastic par 4 that calls for a lengthy tee shot, capitalizing on the downhill slope to gain some additional run. For a cautious play, note that the fairway spans 70 yards in width at a distance of 150 yards from the front.

Keeping the ball on the grass is crucial on this hole, as any shots hooking into the water will necessitate a drop on an extremely steep slope. Steer clear of the left side, as the deep fairway bunkers pose a significant challenge to reaching the green in two shots.

Pay attention to the pin position on this hole, as a back pin is more accessible from the left or center of the fairway. Approaching from the right will require a considerably longer shot.

From the center of the fairway, your second shot should target a green that is angled, presenting a slender landing area.

Hole 11, Par 4

This fairway features a swath of rough in its center, with the left side noticeably lower than the right. The optimal play here is to aim to the right of the swale, which will set you up for an easier shot to one of the smallest greens on the course. Keep in mind that this green has a false front extending 8 yards onto it, effectively leaving a depth of only 23 yards.

Tee shots landing on the lower portion of the fairway may leave golfers with a limited view, forcing them to contend with the trees and a solitary front-left pot bunker.

Hole 12, Par 5

When faced with an elevated tee, the perfect trajectory for most players would be to aim for that prominent tree. However, do keep in mind that the fairway becomes significantly narrower the further you drive. It's crucial to be precise with both your line and distance from the tee, as the fairway exhibits a sharp angle for gentlemen players.

If your shot veers off to the right, you'll either encounter water or find yourself in thick rough with an awkward sidehill lie. Overdo it and a sizable tree on the left side of the fairway will obstruct your path.

Upon reaching the heart of the fairway, ponder whether you wish to attempt a shot over the towering tree – which is craftily positioned to ensnare any thin shots – or play it safe by aiming to the left of the tree. This will leave you with a generous landing area and less than 70 yards to the front. Remember, the secret to success on this hole is to keep your ball on the short grass. Golfers with a proficient pitching game will find this hole presents a splendid opportunity for a birdie.

Hole 13, Par 4

Many golfers consider the 13th hole to be the finest par 4 on the course, demanding a skillfully executed drive and an impressive second shot to secure par.

For an optimal result, aim for a blind tee shot just left of the fairway, which is hidden by a mound situated directly in your line of sight. The nearer you can approach the left-hand side of the fairway, the greater the run you'll achieve. Bear in mind that any shots straying to the right side of the fairway will make for a substantially more difficult second shot.

In keeping with Red Mountain's more challenging approach shots, the entrance to the green has been designed to encourage audacious play. Shorter shots aimed away from the water will be caught and directed towards the front of the green, while more conservative shots landing pin high are likely to bounce away from the putting surface.

Hole 14, Par 3

The green on this par 3 features two distinct areas, separated by a mound traversing the center of the green. The hole plays with a slight downhill trajectory, and when the pin is located in the lower section, it presents a prime birdie opportunity. Should you miss the green short or left when targeting a bottom pin, recovering with an up-and-down is quite manageable. However, missing the green long to a short pin could result in a challenging chip.

When the pin is positioned at the top right, the game changes, as the landing area narrows to a mere 14 yards between safely clearing the bunker and reaching the back edge. Any shot lacking sufficient power is likely to find the water when attempting this pin placement. To avoid water hazards, it's crucial to steer clear of the right edge, as even the slightest miss to the right could be penalized. When playing this pin, the front right bunker serves as the most favorable miss.

Hole 15, Par 4

This particularly narrow par 4 was primarily constructed on the existing terrain, preserved by the tin miners. While this hole may be more penalizing than most, it still offers a variety of risk-reward options for players to consider. The fairway climbs a slope that appears less steep than it truly is, progressing through a series of 25-yard terraces. The more daring your tee shot, the higher the terrace you'll reach, and the better visibility you'll have of the green during your shorter approach.

The green itself is quite narrow and features a deceptive false front, so take care when planning your second shot. The contours of greens situated near steep mountain slopes can be particularly challenging to interpret.

As a word of caution, any shot straying to the right of the fairway grass will likely result in a lost ball, as it plummets down a treacherous ravine.

Hole 16, Par 4 - A Bird's Eye View Challenge

Welcome to the 16th hole, a truly awe-inspiring spot that boasts the highest elevation of any golf course in Phuket. Standing a staggering 100 yards above the 14th green, you'll be greeted by a magnificent vista and a tantalizing opportunity to drive the green.

Now, this hole may be drivable for some, but don't let that tempt you into recklessness. The green and approach are rather narrow, and with a diagonal angle and menacing bunker guarding the front, it's wiser to approach this green with a full, committed swing.

As we prepare for the tee shot, remember that precision is key. The landing area lies at an angle to the tee, demanding a calculated aim. Picture a gentle fade in your mind's eye, ideally finishing level with that bunker on the right. Keep in mind, the fairway is a mere 30 yards wide at the sweet spot and narrows even further in other parts.

Take a moment to soak in the breathtaking view, then step up confidently and execute your plan. This 16th hole is a unique challenge, and by applying the proper technique, you'll be well on your way to conquering Red Mountain Golf Club Phuket.

Hole 17, Par 3

The 17th at Red Mountain - certainly a picturesque gem and one that presents an intriguing challenge due to its varying lengths from different tees and hole locations. Don't forget to make good use of your slope assist feature on your rangefinder if you have one!

This captivating par 3 nestles in a valley, with the green situated 40 yards below the back tee, engulfed by a dense, forested hillside. Pay heed to the capricious winds that can toy with your shots, as they linger in the air longer than most.

Selecting the perfect club here can be quite the conundrum with such a significant drop.Opt for one or two clubs less than you'd typically use, and try to keep the ball trajectory lower. To achieve this, simply take a touch off your regular swing.

Hole 18, Par 5

We've arrived at the grand finale of Red Mountain Golf Club Phuket, the 18th hole. It's a fantastic par 5 that calls for both precision and courage.

Now, although the fairway appears narrow, you'll find it's rather forgiving for shots that aren't quite spot on. Focus on reaching the plateau in the landing area before the single pot bunker on the left. Successfully navigating this challenge will reward you with a generous 40 extra yards of roll.

You'll encounter a charming little brook separating the driving fairway from the approach fairway. Keep in mind that water runs along the right side, with the imposing 'Red cliffs' standing guard to the left. For those who prefer a more cautious approach, targeting the area between the bunkers on the approach fairway will provide the best position to tackle the green.

 
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