Banyan Golf Club Hua Hin

Making excellent use of a former pineapple plantation, course architect Pirapon Namatra of Golf East has created a course with and a fine layout and stunning sea and mountain views from most holes. The course opened only in 2008 and was soon awarded Best New Golf Course in Asia Pacific in a readers' poll of Asia Golf Monthly magazine. It has since consistently gained numerous other accolades both for the course and for the club house and amenities, among them the global 'Rolex Top 1000'.

Some pineapple fields still frame the course. There's something about playing in a former fruit plantation: It can actually feel more natural than the entirely artificial and purpose-free vegetation of most modern courses. For example, there is a complete lack of artificial water hazards.

Each hole has six tee-boxes, catering to every skill level and driving length.

The fairways are laid out with Zoysia grass, a type native to Thailand, but only recently becoming more popular as an ideal fairway grass that lets the ball sit up splendidly. The greens are premium Bermuda grass making for fast yet receptive and predictable greens.

The course has one hole over 600 yards, the 610 yard, par 5, 12th hole. Its green is reachable in regulation only with three fine shots into fairways, whose uphill slope add to the challenge. The signature hole is the 15th, a par 3 with 139 yars and a views to Singhto (Lion) island off the Hua Hin coast.

The course has a driving range as well as two large practice greens. The club house adds to the complete Thai character of the course in its tasteful contemporary Siamese architecture, excellent cooking at two international restaurants, a well-stocked wine bar and a pro shop.

The Mulligan's Pub has great sunset views over the golf course and towards the mountains that border Myanmar, an ideal place for a few cold drinks and banter about the past round.

Banyan Golf Club was designed for walking, but golf carts with GPS are available at a reasonable rate.