SEAPINES GOLF COURSE

The golf course Sea Pines (also known as Army Golf Club II) runs along the Gulf of Thailand, in the heart of the Suan Son Pradiphat (The Maritime Pine Garden). Originally owned by the Royal Forestry Department, the site was taken over by the Royal Thai Army during the reign of Field Marshal Sarit Thanarat, Prime Minister of Thailand from 1957 to 1963.

Much of the area is covered in mountain pines, enhanced by the proximity of the ocean and mountains. The military originally developed the area as a retreat for serving soldiers, veterans, and their families.

The Sea Pines course was designed to offer golfers a wide variety of challenges. Depending on wind conditions, it can seem relatively accessible or become particularly demanding. Six holes play along the seashore, while the others extend toward the mountains, separated by the railway.

THE 12th hole, a par 5, is among the most difficult: protected by fairway bunkers and a water hazard on the right, it also has a small bunker in the middle of the fairway. The latter forces the player to choose between a risky drive or a cautious lay-up approach.

At the end of the course, the sea breeze comes into play, making the last three holes among the most spectacular in Hua Hin.

• THE 16th hole, a dog-leg par 5, requires a precise drive on a narrow, sunken fairway, with water hazards on either side. The approach is decisive: attack the green by passing over the water and the bunker, or opt for a safer shot to the left of the fairway.

• THE 17th hole, a par 3, is arguably one of the most beautiful on the course. From the tee, you have to fly over the water to reach a wide, undulating green, protected by beach bunkers at the front and back. The wind and the position of the flag make this hole even more challenging, with the slightest mistake sending the ball into the sand.

• Finally, the 18th hole, a par 4, is considered one of the most difficult. A canal is the main obstacle and requires a drive of more than 200 meters to reach the fairway. A cautious approach with a fairway wood, however, remains a safe option if you hope to save par.