Major redevelopment at one of Thailand’s most iconic golf courses is reshaping six holes through mountainous jungle terrain while keeping the full 18-hole experience in play.
Red Mountain Golf Club, Phuket Thailand
18 Holes | Par 72 | 6,723 Yards
Opened in 2007, Red Mountain Golf Club has become one of Phuket’s most iconic golf destinations and a must-visit course for golfers traveling to Thailand.
What makes Red Mountain truly unique is its incredible transformation from a former abandoned tin mine, once filled with rugged red rock formations, steep natural terrain and dense tropical jungle, into one of the most exciting and memorable golf experiences in Asia.
Designed by renowned architect Jonathan Morrow, the course takes full advantage of the island’s dramatic natural landscape, featuring significant elevation changes, diverse terrain and breathtaking scenery throughout the entire layout.
After nearly two decades of operation, ownership has recently undertaken a major course enhancement project designed to further improve the overall golfing experience.
Construction of six newly designed holes began in March 2025 as part of a long-term redevelopment plan. Throughout the renovation process, the course has remained fully operational with 18 holes in play.
Golfers are currently enjoying four newly completed holes, while construction continues on the final two holes.
A Landscape Shaped by Mining and Nature
One of Red Mountain’s most remarkable features is its extraordinary natural environment.
Towering cliffs, dramatic gullies shaped over decades by tropical rainstorms, sandy mining remnants and flooded canyons create a rugged and visually stunning landscape rarely seen on a golf course.
Designer’s View: Jonathan Morrow
Asian GOLF & More recently received a personal update on the redevelopment directly from course designer Jonathan Morrow, the architect behind Red Mountain Golf Club, Bangkok’s Riverdale Golf Club and several holes at neighboring Loch Palm Golf Club.
Morrow guided the publication through the ongoing construction work and shared the vision behind what it describes as one of the most ambitious golf course redevelopment projects currently taking place in Thailand.
“This has been a massive undertaking,” Morrow explained. “We have essentially been carving new tee boxes, fairways, greens, and cart paths directly through mountainous jungle terrain, which has required significant engineering and infrastructure work.”
The challenging topography has required extensive planning beyond traditional golf construction.
Even the golf cart fleet has been specially programmed with downhill speed-control systems to ensure golfer safety throughout the dramatic elevation changes.
As Morrow humorously noted, “This is definitely not a golf course you would want to walk — unless you are a mountaineer.”
The construction team has even had to build an entirely new road network throughout the property, allowing heavy machinery and transport trucks to remove massive amounts of earth while navigating difficult terrain and avoiding Phuket’s notoriously muddy conditions during the rainy season.
A Completely Reimagined Back Nine
While the front nine remains unchanged, the redevelopment has introduced a completely reimagined back-nine experience.
The new Hole 10, a challenging 507-yard par 5, begins with a dramatic uphill climb leading to a relatively narrow and undulating green, immediately testing both distance control and strategic positioning.
The new Hole 11 introduces a spectacular 125-yard par 3, played from an elevated tee box across a natural ravine toward a green perched high on the hillside.
One of the most notable changes is the retirement of the former 17th hole, previously famous for its iconic par-3 mine-shaft green, where caddies regularly helped golfers capture memorable photographs.
In its place, Morrow has created what promises to become the course’s new signature hole.
The new 13th is a dramatic par 3 featuring a 56-meter vertical drop from tee to green, creating one of the most visually spectacular golf shots in Phuket.
Strategy Takes Center Stage
The new 18th is a spectacular 449-yard par 4.
The future 15th hole features a drop of between 42 and 22 yards from the tees to the turn point, creating another challenge in controlling distance.
During the dry season, players may not feel the helping wind from the tees, making it particularly important not to overhit the fairway.
The prudent drive is aimed toward the flatter landing area left of the fairway bunkers, while skilled players can potentially gain 30 to 40 yards with a well-played left-to-right shot skirting or carrying the bunkers and finishing near the creek edge.
The green has been designed to assist running approaches, potentially rewarding caution over aggression for players who can avoid the pot bunkers framing the approach.
Red Mountain Targets January 2027 Completion
Four of the six newly designed holes are already open for play, while construction continues on the new par-4 16th and par-4 17th holes along with final improvements to the redesigned course.
During this final construction phase, golfers continue to enjoy a full 18-hole experience through a temporary routing system incorporating selected holes from the original layout.
Morrow expects all six new holes to be fully completed and operational by January 2027, marking the completion of a new chapter for Red Mountain Golf Club.
For golfers who appreciate elevated tee shots, dramatic landscapes, tropical jungle surroundings and risk-reward golf design, the new Red Mountain promises an experience unlike anything else in Thailand.
As Asian GOLF & More concludes:
“The next generation of Red Mountain Golf Club is not simply an upgrade — it is a bold evolution of one of Asia’s most unforgettable golfing experiences.”
Source Credit
Originally published in Asian GOLF & More, Edition 5. Reprinted with permission.
