FAHTHAI
75
2
AUSPICIOUS
SETTING
The stunning
Chiang Mai
Highlands
Golf is rifewith
superstitions. From
elaboratewarm-
up rituals to “lucky
socks”, golfers are
known for seeking
any advantage
they can
muster
THE ART OF ZEN
Chiang Mai Highlands, Thailand
Golf is rife with superstitions.
From elaborate warm-up rituals to
“lucky socks”, golfers are known
for seeking any advantage they can
muster. No extra effort is needed
to conjure up positive vibrations
at Chiang Mai Highlands Golf
and Spa, however, as the course
is built on a “power spot” – the
hermitage of Kruba Srivichai, the
revered monk who founded the
famous mountain temple on Doi
Suthep. The stunning setting amid
jungle-clad mountains bolsters the
spiritual aura. That said, golfers
will still need plenty of good
fortune if they’re to successfully
negotiate the challenging layout.
Designed by famed golf course
architecture firm Schmidt-Curley,
the course throws up a number of
hurdles for even the best golfers,
most notably its dozens of fairway
and greenside bunkers. There are
a host of highlights: the downhill
1st sets a highly inviting tone and
there are a number of other killer
holes. However, the best is saved
for last: the par-5 18th is a snaking
gem that involves a water hazard
and demands pinpoint accuracy.
(chiangmaihighlands.com)
