Hariphunchai Golf Club

Description

Holes 9 | Par 36 | Length 3215 m / 3516 y | Type Parkland

Hariphunchai Golf Club differs from many in Chiang Mai as it is not a full 18 hole golf course.  This is a 9 hole golf course and while some may not wish to play just 9 holes, it is possible to play the courser twice to make up a full 18 holes if you wish.

Located just 20 kilometres outside the city of Chiang Mai, Hariphunchai Golf Club is easy to reach and within 30 minutes you can be on the first tee.  The course is actually in Lamphun Province but this is very close to Chiang Mai and the course is worth the short journey time.

Designed by the Japanese golf course architect Yoshikazu Kato, Hariphunchai Golf Club offers a very good challenge to golfers.  The course plays to 3,561 yards from the back tees and is a par-36.  Kato has designed some of the most highly respected golf courses in Asia, including Blue Canyon Country Club in Phuket so you know you are guaranteed a fantastic round of golf.

Water is the main hazard at Hariphunchai Golf Club and you will find it comes into play on six of the nine holes.  From the first tee water comes into the eyeline of players as it sits on the right side of the fairway.  However, it is on the par-5 second hole where the risk/reward element of the water really begins to play a role.

The tee shot must be hit over the corner of a lake but there are also three bunkers guarding that section of the fairway.  You can lay up ahead of the water but in doing so you are placing yourself at a disadvantage for the remainder of the hole.  The second shot provides a chance to go for the green in two but this requires a long shot over water.  Come up short and you will be in the drink so some players opt to use the landing area on the fairway ahead of the green.

The par-3 third hole requires a tee shot over water to the green and the fifth hole sees both a tee shot and approach shot over water.  There is the potential to lose a few balls when playing a round at Hariphunchai Golf Club but it helps to focus the mind.

There are two tee boxes on each hole, so players can decide if they want the challenge of the back tees or something a little easier.

The clubhouse has locker rooms and a restaurant serving a variety of dishes and drinks.  Factor in the short journey time from Chiang Mai plus the quality of the course and Hariphunchai Golf Club is well worth adding to every golfing itinerary.