The Chiang Mai Highlands golf course is built on a ‘power spot’ – the hermitage of Kuba Sivichai, the revered monk who founded the famous Doi Suthep temple. This site is breathtaking in every direction. Its tranquillity, high elevation, cold climate, fresh air, pure water, and fertile soil form the perfect place for the 27-hole layout.

Opened in 2005, a club regularly rated as the best in Chiang Mai is the work of Lee Schmidt of Schmidt-Curley Design from the USA who boasts  Mission Hills, Amata Spring, and Siam CC among his other Asian masterpieces.

Offering the choice of five tee boxes, the Highlands course is challenging for players of all abilities. Paspalum grassed fairways and Tiff-eagle grass greens ensure excellent surfaces and consistent greens that typically run around 10 on the Stimp-meter year-round. The 130 fairway and greenside bunker complexes are deep and punishing but lend a nice contrast to frame each hole.

The greens at Chiangmai Highlands are undulating and typically run around 10 on the Stimp-meter, firm yet receptive and hold well-struck iron shots. Many greens slope front to back which pressurises golfers to pay more attention to strategy and utilise local caddie knowledge to putt in regulation.

The approach areas around green complexes often feature tightly clipped catchment areas giving options of playing either a chip-and-run, pitch shot or even putting the ball up onto the green surface. Imagination is a terrific asset when trying to get up and down at Chiang Mai Highlands.

A Thai-styled clubhouse promises a pleasant atmosphere. There is a small on-site Thai resort with private cottages for those wanting to stay in the countryside and play multiple rounds at Chiang Mai Highlands.

chiangmaihighlands.com/golf