Thailand has become one of the top destinations in the world for those seeking a perfect golf holiday and Kirinara Golf Course adds to the appeal. The ideal mix of world class golf, facilities, beaches, culture and food make Thailand a golfer’s dream and Phang Nga Province is no exception.
Phang Nga Province is a coastal region of southern Thailand with islands and forests being the main draw. Here you will find some of the great scenery pictured in Thailand holiday brochures in addition to some top golf courses.
There is no airport in Phang Nga Province but you can reach the area by using the airports in Phuket and Krabi. Once you have arrived, Kirinara Golf Course can be found just 20 minutes away from Khao Lak, which is a popular set of tourist villages on the coast.
Kirinara differs from many of the other popular golf courses in Thailand in that it has 9 holes instead of the full 18 holes. However, do not let that put you off what is a fantastic Japanese designed golf course worthy of your attention.
The scenery surrounding the golf course is excellent and it is worth playing a round of golf at Kirinara just to see the setting. The word 'Kiri' means mountain, while 'Nara' refers to water or prosperity and these elements have been captured perfectly in the golf course.
The water you see around the golf course is produced naturally by a stream which flows down from the mountains. Whether you play on a clear day or a misty day, Kirinara provides a sense of wonder and calm, making for a relaxing round of golf. However, you must try and focus on your game if you want to leave with a low score on your card.
The 9 holes play to a par-36 at 3,675 yards and there is a good mix of short and long holes. Seven of the nine holes feature water but for the most part it is not intrusive and if you can avoid any big mis-hits during your round, you should manage to stay clear of trouble. There is one tee shot which requires a shot over water and you will need to choose the correct club because anything short will land in the water and anything long could find the bunker at the back of the green.
There is a choice of four tee boxes on each hole, so you can play to the maximum distance or shorter depending on your handicap and the challenge you desire. Look out for the par-4 fourth hole, which plays to an island green and tempts you with the opportunity to find the green in one shot although you may be best advised to lay-up on the fairway.
Kirinara Golf Course will not feature on the main itinerary of golf courses in Thailand, partly due to the fact is a 9-hole course. However, it is a fantastic place to play golf and you can book to play 18 holes if you wish, which makes for a tremendous day of golf.