Situated in the Thai province of Prachuabkhinkhan (or as the locals fondly refer to as Prachuab), Hua Hin has long been the preferred getaway for many Bangkok residents. This sleepy seaside town, less than three hours by car from the capital, offers visitors a stunning array of endless pristine sandy beaches, outstanding spa resorts and a number of worldclass golf courses. It is little wonder that Hua Hin has come to be known as the private playground of the kingdom’s rich and famous.

The latest addition to this playground of high society is Black Mountain Golf Club. Opened in April 2007, this club with a championship course and a world-class spa resort will play host to an Asian Tour event next year.

Set in a valley replete with narrow brooks and meandering creeks, Black Mountain owes it name to the black rocks that pepper the surrounding mountains overlooking the entire golf course. According to Black Mountain’s golf director, Harald Elisson, “These black rocks provide beautiful backdrops to many of the holes on the course.”

Located just 10km outside the centre of Hua Hin town, visitors can choose to stay in any of the world-class resorts this seaside town has to offer, or at Black Mountain itself. The 7,345-yard, par-72 course is a mere 10 minutes away from the town centre and is set in lush greenery amid virgin vegetation.

This former pineapple plantation has something to offer every level of player – be it the weather-beaten experienced player or the beginning duffer. The philosophy behind Black Mountain is that everyone goes home with an enjoyable experience. To help this along, the tee time interval of 10 minutes between flights gives an impression to visitors that they have the course all to themselves.

Visitors can expect a high quality golfing experience, with something for everyone. The course has been designed to make it challenging for the experienced players, while not being too intimidating for high-handicappers. Again, the emphasis seems to be to make sure that everyone has a memorable round, regardless of skill level. Elisson elaborated that the course was designed by Phil Ryan of Pacific Coast Design, with a concept on creating a course that could be a test for the top players in the world, but also very playable and enjoyable for the average golfer.

All the holes provide the golfer with a safe route. But for the more adventurous player, there is a higherrisk option with a potential greater reward. This has been designed to offer generous fairways for the short hitter, but also narrower for the long hitter. The greens are large, with many pin position possibilities and varying degrees of difficulty. Generally, the course is also well protected by beautifully sculptured bunkers.

Players will quickly appreciate the natural creeks and waterways that traverse the length and breath of the entire course, along with the natural rock formations that form an intricate part of the Black Mountain experience. What might be interesting for firsttime visitors are the two signature par-3 holes – the 155-yard 11th and the 176-yard 14th. Set against the magnificent backdrop of the mountains, these two holes provide an exhilarating test of golfing skills, demanding accurate play over water while stopping short on the greens.

With the course having worked its charm on players, Black Mountain also offers local and foreign guests, who are looking for an extended or permanent visit, the opportunity to purchase villas and condominiums. Buyers of each unit will also enjoy the extended benefit of four lifetime memberships.

Something not to be missed is the restaurant at the top of the clubhouse, which, incidentally, provides a magnificent view of the surrounding mountains and golf course. With a menu created to satisfy every taste bud, the restaurant’s homemade bread and classic Thai dishes have become highly popular in the local gastronomic community. It is with great pride that Elisson claims, “Almost every golfer makes it a point to dine at the restaurant. And we are also very happy that the restaurant has become a regular destination for Hua Hin residents.”

A great golf course and firstrate food combine to make Black Mountain pure magic.

Black Mountain Golf Club
565 Moo 7, Nong Hieng Road,
Hin Lek Fai, Hua Hin,
Prachuapkhinkhan 77110, Thailand,
+66 32 618666,
www.bmghuahin.com