Gassan Khuntan Golf & Resort is located in the middle of forest-covered mountains about one hour outside of Chiang Mai and has recently undergone some renovation and upgrading and the courses is now in excellent condition. Framed by the Doi Khuntan Mountains, this is a stunningly beautiful and at times difficult golf course and the natural beauty more than compensates for the extra driving time from Chiang Mai city.
Surrounded by all this beautiful scenery which includes several picturesque waterfalls and the iconic railway bridge it is easy to get distracted from the many challenges that this course will throw at you. These include blind tee shots, vicious dog-legs, an island green and numerous deep and strategically-placed bunkers. As a part of the renovations they have added numerous bunkers along the out-of-bounds line to help speed up play so now the miss-hit shot will most likely end up in one of these rather than the jungle which lines most fairways.
One of the signature holes is the 160 yard par-3 5th which features an island green with a landing zone which has been severely restricted with the addition of several bunkers bordering the green – end up in one of these and at least one shot has gone. The final hole on the front nine is a potential card-wrecker with water all along the left waiting for that mishit drive with bunkers along the right and if you can avoid these your approach is to an elevated green with still more bunkers protecting it. At least on these holes you have a clear view of the landing area because on many holes you will have to rely on your caddies to point you in the right direction.
It’s nice to see the courses in such great shape as this is a very enjoyable if tough course and the wonderful views and clear mountain air combine to make this a memorable day out.
The large clubhouse is a bit old-fashioned and could also do with some upgrading but does offer great views over the course and the food is excellent.
Tee Time Bookings at Gassan Khuntan Golf & Resort
Be sure to book early if you want to play a round of golf at Gassan Khuntan Golf & Resort as it is becoming one of the more popular golf courses in Chiang Mai.
You can read all about the other golf courses in Chiang Mai here.