| On The Course Mission Hills has been carved
from rubber plantations and sits among Phuket's environmentally-friendly mangroves.
Great expanses of
white sand beach bunkers have been added to contrast with the translucent blue hues of the
ocean and the vibrant greens of the Sea Isle grassed fairways and putting surfaces.
It is accurately
described as a “piece of living art,” the kind of pastiche that Vincent Van Goh would
have created given half a chance and a love of a long drive. The ocean views are delivered
at a price: water comes in to play at seven holes.
The sea breezes also
are a regular feature. What time of day you choose to play can turn a following zephyr
into a stiff headwind. While the spa awaits at the 19th hole, stress and tiredness are
further banished with caddies and golf carts both being compulsory. It is not unknown for
snacks to be delivered out on the course at lunchtime.
TOP HOLES: Hole 4, first of the ocean holes, is a medium-length par three
with spectacular views across the Phuket Sea. The putting surface is an island of grass in
a sea of white sand.
One island, two greens: Hole 2 is a par five that requires two well-placed shots to give
the golfer a comfortable third to the island putting surface
. The island is
shared with the green for Hole 5, a par 4 that plays back towards the clubhouse from tees
situated in a sandy expanse. |
