Red Mountain Golf Club Reimagines Six Holes, Targets 2027 Completion

Phuket Course Undergoes Significant Redevelopment

Red Mountain Golf Club in Phuket, Thailand, is currently undertaking a major redevelopment project. The work focuses on reshaping six holes across its 18-hole, Par 72 layout. This course measures 6,723 yards and opened in 2007. Ownership undertook the enhancement project to improve the overall round of golf. Construction began in March 2025 as part of a long-term plan.

The club has maintained full operation, offering 18 holes for play during the entire renovation period. Golfers visiting now can play four newly completed holes. Work continues on the final two redesigned holes.

Architect Jonathan Morrow Details Design Challenges

Jonathan Morrow, the architect who originally designed Red Mountain Golf Club, leads the current redevelopment. Morrow also designed Bangkok’s Riverdale Golf Club and several holes at neighbouring Loch Palm Golf Club. He explained the scale of the project, which involves carving new tee boxes, fairways, greens, and cart paths directly through mountainous jungle terrain.

This process required significant engineering and infrastructure work. The challenging topography necessitated extensive planning beyond traditional golf construction methods. A new road network was built to allow heavy machinery to remove earth. This also helps navigate difficult terrain and avoids Phuket’s muddy conditions during the rainy season.

The golf cart fleet has been specially programmed with downhill speed-control systems to ensure player safety across the property's significant elevation changes.

A Completely Reimagined Back Nine

The redevelopment specifically targets the back nine, leaving the front nine unchanged. The new 10th hole is a 507-yard par 5, starting with an uphill climb to a narrow, undulating green. The new 11th introduces a 125-yard par 3, played from an elevated tee box across a natural ravine. This shot lands towards a green positioned high on the hillside.

A notable change involves the retirement of the former 17th hole. In its place, Morrow created the new 13th, a par 3 featuring a 56-metre vertical drop from tee to green. This design creates a visually striking golf shot. The new 18th is a 449-yard par 4. The future 15th hole includes a drop of between 42 and 22 yards from the tees to the turn point.

Strategic Play and January 2027 Completion

The design for the new 15th hole requires strategic play. During the dry season, players may not feel a helping wind from the tees. This makes distance control particularly important to avoid overhitting the fairway. A prudent drive aims towards the flatter landing area left of the fairway bunkers.

Skilled players can potentially gain 30 to 40 yards with a well-played left-to-right shot. This shot skirts or carries the bunkers and finishes near the creek edge. The green assists running approaches, rewarding caution over aggression for players who avoid the pot bunkers. Four of the six newly designed holes are currently open for play.

Construction continues on the new par-4 16th and par-4 17th holes. Final improvements to the redesigned course are also underway. Red Mountain Golf Club targets January 2027 for full completion of the redevelopment. Golfers planning a visit to Phuket can play the partially completed layout now, or schedule their trip for after January 2027 to experience the full redesign.