Perhaps the most well-known of the Phuket golf courses, it has been voted Best Championship Course in Asia by Asia Golf Monthly on no less than six occasions. Designed by Yoshikazu Kato in 1991, measuring 7,179 yards off the back tees, it is well suited to tournament golf and has hosted the Johnny Walker three times in 1994, 1998 and 2007. Perhaps most famously in 1994 when Tiger Woods beat Ernie Els in a dramatic play off which first brought Blue Canyon international recognition.

The course itself winds its way through natural canyons and freshwater lakes and its well-guarded Bermuda greens are normally the fastest on the island. The back nine has the more spectacular holes and two par three’s, 14th and 17th are as hard as you will play. The 14th green is shaped as the country of Thailand and if the wind is blowing be prepared for a watery grave. Fred Couples described the 17th as the “best par 3 in golf” and can play anything from a 5 iron to a driver.

Blue Canyon has a superb traditional clubhouse with an excellent restaurant and bar that overlooks the 18th green, not to mention the massage and spa in the Lodge for those who prefer all in resort type golf holiday.

Recently taken over, the new owners are keeping to the tradition of providing a first class golfing experience.