New golf courses in Chiang Mai (Thailand)

[Benzil]

Hi everyone, I am extremely happy after visiting yet another excellent new course close to home.

Wowee, this course rocks! It's called Chiangmai Highlands and hasn't been advertised much yet, but when I visited with Matt from Siam Elite to do a write up for his new website I was blown away.

Any golfers travelling to Thailand, ask for more details here, or at Siam Elite (click on the link on our home page). Golfers already in Thailand give it a try, you will not be dissapointed.

[the hacker]

Having recently played this course i can concur. Great rolling fairways, and some outstanding moutain views.

The 18th is also quite some hole.

Other courses i'd seriously recommend in thailand: mission hills in kanchanaburi, the royal and country club outside of bangkok, chiang mai and lamphun club outside of chiang mai.

All make golfing a sheer pleasure.

[Benzil]

There is still no news about when the new Gassan project 'Gassan Marina' (billed as 'the longest course in the Kingdom') is going to open.

Does anyone know any details?

[Monkey Boy]

I recently heard the revamped Wing 41 will be opening in May. Whatever they have done up there, it can't fail to be an improvement on the old course (those of you unfortunate enough to try it will know what i'm talking about  ).

Hopefully the new 9 hole course will be worth playing and a good addition to the Chiang Mai scene. Apparently, a driving range has been built up there too.

[Benzil]

Thanks for the info Monkey, i've just been handed some literature (all in Thai unfortunately) about the new Wing 41. The driving range is calling itself 'Star Dome' and from the pics looks liike a large, modern and impressive two tiered affair. It opened a few days ago.

The 9 hole course will not be ready until May, and if the pictures are correct it will have absolutely no resemblence to the old Wing 41 (thank goodness!). I heard it was designed by the same team as The Highlands (Schmidt - Curley). It appears they are doing a yearly membership of THB30,000 for the course and range.

Their website is 'Under Construction', but does contain contact details. The address is www.stardomegolfclub.com.

[Monkey Boy]

Hi Benzil and GV,

I just got a little more info on Gassan Marina to share with you.

The course is not open to the public yet and will probably stay that way until the end of this year.

BTW: Star Dome is a nice range, shame about the balls though, can't win 'em all  .

[Benzil]

Hey Monkey, just managed to get some information on the Stardome driving range and the course (not yet completed) in English.

To find Stardome you can either drive from from Airport Plaza towards Chiang Mai and turn left at the big orange sign with black Thai writing as you join the moat road. For those of you with Wing 41 passes access through the Air Force base is possible, with the turning located near the football pitches, small signs lead you the rest of the way.

The driving range itself is very impressive and by far the most modern and well run in Chiang Mai. Facilities are second to none, with a large air-con reception / waiting room with free wireless internet. The well known Steak Banrai and a coffee shop are also located in the same area, other notable facilities include two golf schools, a pharmacy, massage, beauty salon, drinks, VIP room, and more. With all these amenities golf wives should be a whole lot happier  .

The range itself is large with two tiers, and the driving area has water and sand obstacles by the greens - making it a more realistic than others.

The opening times are from 7am until 10pm.

[Benzil]

The course at Stardome is opens in September 2007 and is 9 holes containing two par 5's giving it more of a full-size feel.

There are 3 different 'Special Introductory Membership Prices' with different conditions for each:

5,000 baht Package - 3 month period

Green Fees: for Members 9 holes for 300 baht (Guests 500 baht)
                  for Members 18 holes for 500 baht (Guests 800 baht)

Maximum of 4 guests.

20,000 baht Package - 1 year period

Green Fees: for Members 9 holes for 200 baht (Guests 400 baht)
                  for Members 18 holes for 300 baht (Guests 600 baht)

Maximum of 4 guests.

Benefits: Local membership and special discount rates at Mae Jo and Chiangmai Lamphun.
             Free beauty gifts.
             Discounts on goods and services at other Star Dome shops.

30,000 baht Package - 1 year period

Green Fees: for Members 9 holes for 100 baht (Guests 300 baht)
                  for Members 18 holes for 200 baht (Guests 500 baht)

Maximum of 4 guests.

Benefits: Free use of exclusive golf lounge.
             500 trays of balls at Star Dome driving range (17,500 baht value).
             Local membership and special discount rates at Mae Jo and Chiangmai Lamphun.
             Free beauty gifts.
             One Aroma Massage at the Kangsadan Home Spa (800 baht value).
             Discounts on goods and services at other Star Dome shops.

[Benzil]

There's an 18 hole course near completion in Lamphun  . I'm not sure regarding many of the details of this facility. I did see it in the early stages of development a year ago and they had 9 holes nearly complete.

The location of the course is about the same distance from Chiang Mai as Gassan Khuntan, so not such an easy trip to make. It is situated in some beautiful hills on the south side of Lamphun.

It is certainly one to keep an eye on. If anyone has any more details, i'd love to hear them.