The thinking man's golf course

WHILE Laguna Phuket Golf Club has undergone the occasional nip and tuck over the years since it opened for play in 1992, in July 2013 it embarked upon a US$4 million, 18-month redesign journey. Canada-based golf architect Paul Jansen was engaged and his major priority was to be environmentally conscious throughout the reconstruction process, but at the same time to create an interesting and memorable layout.

"We used Zoysia (grass) on the fairways, which is the lowest maintenance, warm season grass available; reduced the amount of grass (through woodchip and mulch areas on the side of fairways); decreased the number of sprinklers from 1,400 to less than 800; recycled trees in building steps and benches and accentuated water features," he said during the club's grand opening on Jan 11.

"Everything was done in-house by the Laguna Phuket maintenance staff and the course reflects its surroundings very well," he added. "We wanted to create an experience that stands the test of time."