Chiang Mai Inthanon Golf & Natural Resort

Chiang Mai Inthanon Golf Course & Nature Resort opened in 2009 near Thailand's highest mountain, Doi Inthanon.

The course is built into an old fruit orchard, obviating the need for new and artificial vegetation.

It offers views of Doi Inthanon and the surrounding mountain ranges from every hole. There are plenty of bunkers and also a few creeks meandering through the course, with water hazards in play on twelve of the eighteen holes.

The course opens fairly easily with a relaxed par-5 two par-4s that can be quite easily reached in regulation.

Holes 15 and 16 will make a challenging bump on the way to a good overall score, with 15 being an uphill hole that requires some length on all shots. Hole 16 is a bit of a relief but here the downhill hole location makes club selection crucial again.

The finishing 17th and 18th are two of best laid out and most scenic holes on the course and in the entire Chiang Mai region.

The newly built contemporary styled club house at the Chiang Mai Inthanon Golf Resort has basic locker rooms and the service personnel speak only a small amount of English.

The restaurant serves common golf fare, the beers and soft drinks are ice cold.

Sitting outside after a round with a panoramic view of both the Inthanon golf course and Doi Inthanon Mountain reinforces what golfing in Chiang Mai is all about.