Phuket has been on the radar of Australian golfers for a long time, and rightly so. The island delivers a combination that's hard to find anywhere else: world-class courses, genuine tropical beauty, outstanding hospitality, and a lifestyle off the course that suits golfers who also want to enjoy a proper holiday. This guide covers everything you need to know before you go.
The Courses: What You'll Actually Play
Phuket has around a dozen courses worth playing. Here are the ones that consistently stand out and earn a place on our itineraries.
Red Mountain Golf Club
Built around a retired tin mine quarry, Red Mountain is visually unlike anything most Australian golfers will have seen. The dramatic red rock formations, elevation changes, and striking landscape make every round memorable. Course conditions are excellent and the layout provides genuine challenge across all handicaps. This is the course that most guests remember longest.
Blue Canyon Country Club
Host to the Johnnie Walker Classic (won by Tiger Woods in 1994 and 1998), Blue Canyon is one of Asia's most celebrated courses. The Canyon Course is the headline act: sweeping fairways, dramatic bunkering, and signature holes that demand your best thinking. The Lakes Course is slightly more forgiving but equally enjoyable. Green fees are on the higher end for Phuket, but the experience justifies every baht.
Laguna Phuket Golf Club
Set within the Laguna Phuket resort complex in Bang Tao, Laguna Golf is beautifully maintained and wonderfully scenic. The course winds through tropical gardens, lagoons, and alongside the Andaman Sea. If you have non-golfing partners in the group, the Laguna complex has world-class resort facilities to keep everyone happy.
Phuket Country Club
A classic Phuket course with character, good conditions, and some of the best caddies on the island. Phuket Country Club is a solid addition to any itinerary and offers excellent value for money compared to the premium-priced marquee courses.
Aquella Golf and Country Club
A newer addition to the Phuket lineup, Aquella sits in a beautiful setting with a modern, well-designed layout. Less crowded than some of the more famous courses, which means better pace of play and a more relaxed experience.
Best Time to Visit for Golf
Phuket has two distinct seasons, and the timing of your visit matters.
The dry season runs from November through to April. This is prime golf weather: sunny skies, low humidity, and courses in excellent condition. December through March is the sweet spot. If you can travel outside school holidays, you'll also find better pricing on accommodation.
The wet season (May to October) brings the southwest monsoon. Rainfall can be heavy, particularly June through August. Courses are still technically open, but playing golf in heavy rain is not what anyone signs up for. We schedule all our Phuket tours during the dry season for exactly this reason.
Caddies: What to Expect
Caddies are compulsory at most Phuket courses, and that is genuinely a good thing. Thai caddies are attentive, knowledgeable about the layout, and carry your bag for the full 18 holes. At the courses we use, the standard is consistently high. Tipping is expected and appreciated: 300-500 baht per round is the norm, depending on the quality of service. Budget around $15-20 AUD per round per caddie.
For more on how caddies work across Southeast Asia, read our full guide to caddie culture in Thailand.
Where to Stay
Patong Beach is where we base our groups, specifically at The Kee Resort and Spa. Patong is the most central and convenient part of Phuket for golfers: close to the main courses, with easy access to restaurants, nightlife, shopping, and the beach. It has a lively atmosphere that suits groups well.
If your group prefers a quieter base, areas like Bang Tao and Surin offer a more resort-style setting, though they're less convenient for getting to some of the best courses.
Getting Around Phuket
All transfers to and from courses on our tours are by private VIP van. This makes a big difference. Tuk-tuks and taxis in Phuket are notorious for overcharging tourists, and coordinating transport for 8-12 golfers with bags can be a headache. Having private transfers sorted in advance is one of the things our guests consistently say they appreciate most.
The 19th Hole
Bangla Road in Patong is the beating heart of Phuket's nightlife. It's lively, colourful, and unmissable at least once. Beyond the main strip, Phuket has excellent Thai restaurants, fresh seafood markets, beach clubs, and rooftop bars. Most of our groups find a comfortable rhythm: early tee time, a swim and lunch at the resort, then out for dinner and a few drinks in the evening. Nobody goes home complaining they were bored.
If you're ready to see what our Phuket Paradise tour looks like in detail, the full itinerary is on the site.