Laguna Golf Phuket

In less than a week, AJGA PBE Status per final ranking on the JGTA Junior Order of Merit will land on Thai soil for the first time in history at Laguna Golf Phuket. Laguna Golf Phuket hosts the Singha Laguna Phuket Open, a co-sanctioned professional event with the Asian Development Tour as well as the All Thailand Golf Tour and is the recipient of the Best Golf Resort in Thailand Award (Golf Digest Editors’ Choice Awards) and the Top-10 Best Maintained Course in the Asia Pacific Award (Asian Golf Awards). Measuring at just over 6700 yards, the course plays to a par of 71 and features scenic lagoons, coconut groves, and undulating fairways. With a slope rating of 124, this Paul Jansen design is sure to put JGTA players to the test.

The first hole to take advantage of is the par-four-3rd. It is short enough to drive the green for long hitters taking an aggressive line but can easily be played with caution. The par-five-11th is a great opportunity to make up strokes as well. Playing at 569 yards from the tips, this hole is one of a few on the course that does not feature challenging water hazards.

The first hole is ranked the second hardest on the course. A well-placed tee-shot is necessary to avoid the lagoons lining the right side of the fairway and the large tree around the landing area that may block your approach shot. It features a well-protected green that slopes from front to back.

A challenging par four on the front nine is hole number six. At 388 yards from the tips, this hole requires a well-placed tee shot in a well-guarded fairway. This hole is the fourth most difficult on the course.

The Par four 13th hole features water along the entire left side. It plays 403 yards from the tips and requires precise accuracy on both the tee shot and approach. The green is two-tiered and ending up on the incorrect tier will prove difficult. The most difficult hole on the course is the 461-yard par-four 15th. It features an elevated green that is protected by two large bunkers.

The overall course design focuses on position and strategy from the tee, with well-placed bunkers and water hazards to consider. Low scores are possible, as the 2017 Singha Phuket Open champion, Chanachok Dejpiratanamongkol, came in at 27-under par for the weekend. Who will go low and be crowned champions of the JGTA Phuket Junior Open?