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Black Mountain Golf Club, located in the Thai resort town of Hua Hin, boasts far more than just an exceptional championship golf course, writes Paul Myers
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Courtesy of Black Mountain Golf Club
lack Mountain Golf Club, the first and only course in Thailand to make US Golf Digest’s list of the Best 100 Courses Outside the United States, is anticipating its most successful high-season since opening since 2007 and its first as a fully-integrated stayand-play golf and leisure resort. The multi-faceted facility comprises two golf courses, driving range, water park and wakeboard park, villas and condominiums for sale and rent, pro shop, spa, restaurant, bar, supermarket and tennis/volleyball facilities. No other golf resort in Thailand, and few in Asia, can match the quality and choice of these attractions, nor the awards Black Mountain has collected since opening less than six years ago. The par-72, 7,550-yard championship course was named in 2009 at the Asia
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Pacific Golf Awards as best championship course in Thailand. In 2010, the year it hosted the Black Mountain Masters, it was voted host venue of the year by players on the Asian Tour. More awards came in 2011 when Black Mountain was named best course in Thailand and best championship course in Asia Pacific, the same year it hosted the biennial Royal Trophy between Asia and Europe, won by the visitors who will defend their title in Brunei this December. In May 2012, Black Mountain became HKGOLFER.COM
the f irst course in Thailand to make US Golf Digest’s prestigious list of the Best 100 Courses Outside the United States. Being placed 98th was no mean feat. The list contains just 14 courses in Asia and is led by legendary names including St Andrews Old Course and Turnberry in Scotland, Royal County Down and Royal Portrush in Ireland and Royal Melbourne and Kingston Heath in Australia. Black Mountain’s many accolades have not gone unnoticed among discerning golf travellers who have made its home of Hua Hin, 200 kilometres south of Bangkok, Thailand’s premier golf destination. The region has been made famous as the Thai Royal Family holiday destination since King Rama VII built a summer palace there in 1926. Some slight modif ications in the past few months have made Black Mountain’s championship course even more appealing. Lowering part of the fairway on the par-5 finishing hole means golfers can now see the flag (and the striking clubhouse in the background) from tee to green. Similarly, part of the fairway on the 9th hole has been lowered to ensure the pin is in view as players complete their front nine. The rest of the undulating course, with magnificent views to the Burmese Mountains, remains a delight to play and is always in immaculate condition. The par-3 course, opened last December, is regarded as the best in Asia. “You could take every hole, put it on a championship layout and it would fit fine,” said European tour player and Black Mountain ambassador, Johan Edfors of Sweden, after the course opened. “I can learn more in an hour playing one round here than from a day on the range.” Meanwhile, Black Mountain’s new aquatic facilities – a large water park and adjacent wakeboard park – have provided new impetus and wider appeal for families. With capacity for up to 1,500 people, the water park is one of the biggest and most modern in Asia. The focal point is a 17-metre tower from which nine water slides “empty” their riders into a series of pools. A gently flowing “lazy river” winds its way around the park with numerous places for people to stop and sit on submerged benches. The wakeboard park is one of only six in Thailand. A cable system pulls riders at 30 kilometres an hour and can accommodate up to eight wakeboarders at one time. The 800-metrelong area features two jumps and two sliders that give participants full opportunity to practice and show off their skills. Meanwhile, the completion of new villas means families and groups of golfers can now easily stay on site. HKGOLFER.COM
No other golf resort in Thailand, and few in Asia, can match the quality and choice of these attractions, nor the awards Black Mountain has collected since opening less than six years ago.
Sublime conditioning, a challenging design and first-rate amenities are the hallmarks of Black Mountain Golf Club in Hua Hin, one of Thailand’s foremost courses and recognised internationally
During the coming high season, the resort’s two bedroom villas are available for THB3,000 (HK$750) a day midweek, THB4,000 (HK$1,000) a day at weekends and THB21,000 (HK$5,300) for a full week’s rental. The three-bedroom villas are THB5,000 (HK$1,250) a day midweek, THB6,000 (HK$1,500) a day at weekends and THB35,000 (HK$8,850) for a week. Featuring modern décor, large open-plan living areas, western kitchens and private pool, the villas are located next to the par-3 course and are a short distance to the main clubhouse. “The pool villas are like a home away from home for people visiting Black Mountain who want to take advantage of the wonderful facilities,” says general manager, Harald Elisson. As well as being available for rent, the villas are for sale from THB5.995 million (HK$1.5 million). For more information about Black Mountain Golf Club visit blackmountainhuahin.com HK Golfer・NOV 2012
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