Golf

There are some superb golf courses on Phuket attracting enthusiasts from around the globe. Golf package tour companies offer some great discounts on greens fees; try Phuket Golf (www.phuket-golf.com) or alternatively, give Phuket Golf vacation (www.phuketgolfcourse.com) a go. Below is a selection of some of the best courses on the island.

• The Blue Canyon Country Club, 165 Moo 1, Thepkasattri Rd., near the airport (tel. 07632-7440; fax 07632-7449; www.bluecanyonclub.com), is a par-72 championship course with natural hazards, trees, and guarded greens (greens fees: from 3,800B/US$108/#58).

• Laguna Phuket Golf Club, 34 Moo 4, Srisoonthon Rd., at the Laguna Resort Complex on Bang Tao Bay (tel. 07627-0991; fax 07632-4351), is a par-71 championship course with many water features (greens fees: 3,400B/US$97/#52; guests of Laguna resorts receive a discount).

• Mission Hills Golf Resort & Spa, 195 Moo 4 Phla Khlok ([tel 07631-0888; fax 07631-0899; www.missionhillsphuket.com), is the island's newest international course. It's designed by Jack Nicklaus and offers ocean views over 18 holes and a 9-hole bay-view, night course (greens fees: 3,800B/US$108/#58).

• An older course, the Phuket Country Club, 80/1 Vichitsongkram Rd., west of Phuket Town (tel. 07632-1038; fax 07632-1721; www.phuketcountryclub.com), has beautiful greens and fairways, plus a giant lake (greens fees: 3,000B/US$86/#46).