We have visited Chiang Rai twice before for the sole purpose of playing Santiburi.  It is such a picturesque course with some great water holes.  September is considered to be the end of the rainy season and is a litle cooler.  We encountered two holes of drizzle over five rounds – what ‘rainy season’.

We like to tee off early to beat the heat of the day and most days we had the course to ourselves.  There is a tendency to have a little fog at that hour of the morning but it lifts fairly quickly – in fact, on the last day we played, Steve teed off and the visibility on the first was fair but by the time I teed off you could see right down the first hole.  The fog adds a mystical air to the water holes.

We were a bit disappointed with the course management as the flags were in the same position for five days in a row – apart from being boring the holes also get worn.  The Caddies were also nowhere near as good as we had elsewhere with very little conversation or interaction at all.  No disrespect but they were also a little past their prime causing me to wonder if this is where they go just prior to retirement : )

Despite the above we really enjoyed our five days golfing – for me, having the course to yourself and being able to walk a round in three hours is perfect.  If I could do that at home I would play everyday!

Santiburi was designed by Robert Trent Jones II and opened in October 1992.  The course is part of the Santiburi Group who also have a course on Koh Samui (Santiburi Samui Golf Club) and one in Hua Hin (Royal Hua Hin Golf Club).