Loch Palm is probably the most popular course on Phuket and generally is in great condition since its recent refurbishment. The opening holes are played around Crystal Lake, a spectacular site measuring 48 acres in the centre of the golf course. The object of the first three holes is to stay well away from it as anything slightly right will end up in a watery grave. The first nine holes are fairly flat with water in play on most of the holes and second nine is very undulating with some dramatic elevation changes, with none more so than par 14th hole where a medium iron has struck perfectly to find the target over water 100 feet below the tee.

The par five 18th is a great finishing hole and has ruined many medal rounds. A genuine three shot par five, the fairway is only 18 yards wide at one point so a very accurate medium iron has be perfectly placed to leave you short iron in to well-guarded green. The long hitters have to be very brave if they want to get on in two with out of bounds left and the lake on the right.

Sister course to Red Mountain which is close by, Loch Palm won the Tripadviser Certificate of Excellence in 2013 and their modernized clubhouse has first rate facilities with a well-stocked pro shop and restaurant.