Katathong Golf Resort & Spa features an 18-hole regulation course that is as difficult as any in Thailand. It is located in Phang-Nga province which is only 80 km from Phuket International Airport. It has been converted from Old Tin Mine into a challenging golf course. its named “a valley of Dreams” as it is surrounded by the mountains, waterfall and streams.
Katathong golf course offers mountain views from every part of the course. Most holes follow the natural contours of the land and feature undulating hills through natural waterfalls and streams. Fairways are not long, but are very narrow and reward straight shots over distance. The par-3’s holes are all up-and-down and offer significant elevation changes. Greens are for the most part flat with subtle breaks. Some have multiple tiers.
The most difficult hole and the signature hole
The Katathong best and most difficult holes include the par-5 fourth. This longish hole plays with hazards on both sides of the fairway. Hit right and balls go down the ravine. Left is not much better with trees and bunkers. The approach shot is even more difficult as an accurate long iron or hybrid is needed to avoid the blind bunker complex surrounding the green.
The Katathong signature hole is the par-3 tenth. At 215 yards and from an elevated tee to a small island green this hole is as tricky as they come. Anything offline is sure to end up with a lost ball and double bogey, if not more.
The 16th is probably the most scenic hole on the course. A tee shot across one of the old open cast tin mines makes for an excellent photo opportunity. Make sure to catch it flush as most balls do not carry the ditch that separates the tees from the fairway. Once on the fairway, the shot into the green is just as severe as the green is elevated and only a small portion of the tiered putting surface is visible.
Facilities at Katathong include putting and chipping areas for practice. The course is walkable, but due to the hot, humid year-round weather carts are compulsory.
The large clubhouse is designed in local Sino-Portuguese architectural style and decorated with memorabilia from the mining era. Service is adequate, and the only choice in the area for a meal after golf is onsite.
To conclude, Katathong Golf Resort is ideally suited for those staying in nearby Khao Lak, Krabi, or Phang Nha areas. From Phuket, it is a bit of a drive and is best for those golfers looking for some beautiful photos and change from the usual Phuket course line-up.