Alpine Golf Resort Chiang Mai

 

Situated 25 minutes from the center of Chiang Mai in a gorgeous valley at the heart of the San Kampaeng natural forests with 360 degrees of stunning mountain views, it is no surprise that this Ron Garl design is one of the top courses in the area. Having hosted the Asian Tour's Chiang Mai Classic in 2013 and 2014, you can soak up the views while walking in the footsteps of Ernie Els, Jason Dufner, Scott Hend and local favorite Kiradech Aphibrnrat. 

 

The Alpine Resort Chiang Mai is a beautiful property offering spacious rooms in the hotel, a pampering spa, and the 18 hole (soon to be 27) championship golf course offering everything you want and more from its 7,541 yard back tees.  Don't let this monster length scare you though, as Garl craftily gives you four tee deck options allowing any skill level to enjoy this scenic and well manicured gem. 

 

As you enter the properly, the peacefulness and tranquility of the setting overwhelm your senses, and you admire the large pond located between the first and ninth hole as you are shuttled from the parking area to the golf shop.  As you ride along you notice the beautiful rooms with balconies overlooking the course and mountain backdrops. Check in is done in the small golf shop area, and then your off to the well equipped champions style locker rooms.  

 

After a quick change, you meet your smiling caddie and she wisps you off to the all grass range to warm up.  The range offers you signage for 50, 100, 150, 200, and 250 yards as well as a bunker just to the right of the teeing area to practice some full fairway bunker shots.  After your range warm up, you are taken back by clubhouse where a huge practice green, chipping area, and warm up bunker are available to hone your short game skills before heading out on your adventure. 

 

Once you are ready, it is off to the first tee to decide which tees to play, but make sure to keep your handicap in mind and check your ego at the door.  Definitely take the suggestion from the caddie on the handicapped tee suggestions as you want to enjoy this round as much as possiblle, and from the proper tees this layout is suitable for all players. 

 

Although the course boasts over 500 members, the openness of the area does not feel congested and the pace of play is excellent.  As you gaze down the gentle dog leg to the left first hole, you can't help but to smile as you admire the scenery welcoming you. Playing the first three holes you soon realize why this course was voted the best resort golf course by the Asian Tour, as the conditioning is superb, the greens roll fast and true, and even though some holes are lengthy, the layout gives you room if you miss a shot and short rough to recover from. 

 

Speaking of length, you may do a double take when your caddie gives you the yardage to the green after you hit a fantastic drive on the fourth, as it is a diabolical 652 yard par five. Forget about reaching the green in two, instead you are forced to hit a career fairway wood as a lay up! 

 

The course really is a treat to play offering you very scenic and stunning views as you meander through the valley. Some holes that will become instant favorites are the par 4 ninth with a demanding tee shot to its island fairway and another nerve racking iron to its island green.  Yes, two islands on one hole, so be sure to listen to your caddie for the line off the tee and the yardage into the green.  Then the par 4 eleventh measuring a whopping 454 yards will require you to execute two magnificent shots just to have a go at old man par. The par 3 fifteenth will give you a chance at redemption if you did not fare too well on the ninth, as it offers you another island green to shoot at. 

 

With the course demanding a variety of shots from all your clubs, beautiful fairways, smooth greens, well maintained bunkers, and picturesque mountain views, it is a must visit during any trip to Chiang Mai.

 

After the round you can wash away any bad shots with a cold beverage in either the clubhouse restaurant or hotel restaurant, unwind with a massage or swim in the spa area, or as I did, take a relaxing rest on one of the daybeds overlooking the course from the second floor of the clubhouse. 

 

Yes, for a relaxing round just outside the city center, Alpine Golf Resort Chiang Mai can offer everything you need. 

 

Combine this with a round at Chiang Mai Highlands Golf Resort and Spa and you have a golfing holiday that will be tough to match anywhere. 

 

Course Details

 

18 hole, Par 72 (new Sanctuary 9 scheduled to open January 2017)

 

Black tees: 7,541 yards

Blue tees: 6,915 yards

White tees: 6,414 yards

Red tees: 5,562 yards

 

Course / Slope Ratings

 

Black tees: 76.9 / 151 

Blue tees: 71.3 / 132

White tees: 68.8 / 121

Red tees: 70.2 / 123

 

 

For More Information

Tel:  +66 (0) 53 880 888 
Email: happiness@alpinegolfresort.com
Website: www.alpinegolfresort.com