We expected this to be a nice course. Asian Tour Pro Darren Beck played the Black Mountain Masters here in March earlier this year and came in tied for eighth place. Opened just 2.5 years ago, the course conditions were excellent and very well maintained. The clubhouse was pretty big with lots of open air space overlooking the golf course.

The course has spectacular views of the “black mountains” in the background, so called because of the large black rocks that are set in the slopes. For a relatively flat area, the designer, Phil Ryan, utilized many natural features of the original jungle and pineapple plantation, such as the creeks and rocks that are featured on many holes. Since the course is so young, there were few tall and mature trees lining the fairways, therefore wayward tee shots will still be in play for a chance to save par or bogey at worst (assuming you don’t make other silly mistakes).

At 6,508 yards off the blues, that’s where we teed off from. The more skilled/adventurous players can try the golds (6,894 yards) or the blacks (7,351 yards). There are a set of whites at 6,100 yards and the ladies have 5,652 yards to enjoy.

The course is a typical risk/reward course as demonstrated on the Par 4 7th (447 yards from the blues). With a large lake on the dog leg hole, cutting the lake requires a 230 yard carry, and will leave you with a short 130-140 yard pitch to the hole. But taking the conservative route around the lake will play the full length of the hole.

The greens were pretty slick and became faster as the day progressed. They must have been at least 11 or 12 on the Stimpmeter but rolled very true.

A very enjoyable round although I fell asleep – I took a peek at birdie on the Par 3 14th. Faced with an uphill 30 footer, R argued with the caddie on the line of putt and did not believe her recommendation of a left to right break. We believed it was right to left and uphill, so we took less break and damn if he would just hit it. We were dead on line and two feet short! Well we’ll just have to come back then…

– 17/20

Black Mountain Golf Club
565, Moo7, Nong Hieng Rd,
Hin Lek Fai, Hua Hin
Prachaupkhirikhan 77110
Thailand
T: +66 (0) 3261 8666
E: proshop@bmghuahin.com
W: www.bmghuahin.com

091211 Black Mountain - Sunrise on the golf carts

091211 Black Mountain - Restaurant & bar

091211 Black Mountain - Scorecard (Par 72, 7,351 yards)

091211 Black Mountain - Hole 2 (Par 5)

091211 Black Mountain - Hole 4 (Par 4)

091211 Black Mountain - Hole 7 (Par 4)

091211 Black Mountain - Hole 8 (Par 3)

091211 Black Mountain - Hole 11 (Par 3)

091211 Black Mountain - Hole 14 (Par 3)

091211 Black Mountain - Hole 15 (Par 4)

091211 Black Mountain - Hole 16 (Par 4)