Dear Members,
We are pleased to announce a series of planned course enhancements at Laguna Golf Phuket, which will be implemented over the coming year, starting in June 2025. These upgrades are based on valuable feedback from our recent member survey.
Key Improvement Areas
1. Tee Boxes
After successfully trialing new grass at the lower driving range tee, we will begin a program to resurface all on-course tee boxes with new Zoysia (Zeon) grass.
In conjunction with the resurfacing, we will be:
- Expanding teeing areas
- Level playing surfaces
- Install additional drainage
Our project will include all tees, and work will start on the most played Blue tees. This new grass will provide a firmer, premium surface to hit from and greatly enhance year-round playability.
2. Bunkers
We will be renovating all bunkers to improve bunker durability, prevent bunker faces collapsing during heavy rainfall, and provide more consistent sand conditions.
All bunkers will be upgraded with:
- New Dura synthetic bunkers face material
- New base liner material
- Enhanced drainage
- Minor reshaping to make bunkers accessible and playable
The picture below on the left shows our hole 15 greenside bunker after a rainstorm, the collapsed bunker face and pooling of water takes the maintenance team several hours to repair each time.
The above picture on the right shows an example bunker, reshaped and with Bura bunker material installed, which significantly improves the bunkers tolerance to heavy rain and ensures much more consistent sand conditions.
Tee Box Modifications
Hole 1
- The narrow water section between the black and blue tees and extending opposite the 9th green will be filled, significantly expanding the 1st tee area.
- This modification will allow for potential lengthening of the hole when required, which will better accommodate large events and groups.
- Though no green resurfacing is planned for this year, this alteration enables future expansion of the nearby putting/chipping greens.
The pictures above are taken from Hole 1 black tee and show the water opposite the 9th green and between the black and blue tee on hole 1, this water will be filled in and extended to create a large first tee.
- Expansion of the black tees
- Relocation of the blue, white, and red tees to add distance and challenge to both holes
Hole 7 black tee below will be extended forwards just before the cart path, where the new blue and white tees will be.
Hole 10 black tee above right will be filled and levelled to create a new large tee box where the new blue and white tees will be the red tees will move back to the existing white tee box.
- The red tee area will be expanded to allow for more flexible placement and variety in playing distance.
- The design and shape of the 16th green are more suitable to receive a shorter club.
- This change will also help us better vary the length of all the par 3’s, thus giving golfers a more varied challenge over a round of golf, with more different lengths of par 3 holes.
Hole Design Alterations
Hole 5
- To add more challenge and aesthetic appeal to this short par 4, a section of earth will be removed from the front-right area before the green, to expose more water hazard, increasing visual appeal and strategic challenge.
- This change will also resolve existing drainage issues in this area.
The below picture of Hole 5 is taken from 80 yards short right of the green, approximately where the new water hazard will come out to.
The above picture is taken looking back from green 5, the new water feature will extend across approximately half the green width.
Hole 6
In preparation for future developments adjacent to the golf course on the left side, we will evolve hole 6 into a more memorable risk and reward short par 4, playing (Approx. 300 yards).
- New tees will be constructed on the lagoon edge (behind the existing 5th green), creating a picturesque partially overwater tee shot.
- Fairway bunkers will be repositioned, and a new greenside bunker added on the short left of the green for more playing interest and to resolve drainage issues in this area.
- Additional trees will be planted near the green adjacent to Hole 7 tee areas.
The picture below is taken behind the 5th green, this will be a similar view and teeing angle from the new 6th tee box which will go into the lagoon.
The diagram above right shows the 6th green, a new bunker will be positioned front left of the green.
Additional Enhancements
Grass & Irrigation
Under the leadership of our new Director of Agronomy, we are focusing on:
- Improved irrigation control and cultural practices, supported by new machinery
- Drainage improvements, particularly on the front nine
- Better playing surfaces
Landscaping
- Ongoing upgrades to non-playing areas with native, low-maintenance plants for a consistent attractive aesthetic
- Renovation of Bridge 13
Water Quality
- Lagoon dredging between Holes 5–8
- Installation of new water fountains to improve oxygenation and circulation
All work will be carefully scheduled to minimize disruption to play with clear communication in advance provided. Your golfing experience remains our highest priority.
We thank you for your continued support and look forward to sharing a revitalized Laguna Golf Phuket with you soon. A new member survey will be conducted later this year to help shape future improvements.
Warm regards,
Laguna Golf Phuket