Alpine Golf Course

A round at Alpine, ten minutes from the lodge

Alpine Golf Course is about 2.2 miles from Baanpong Lodge, so on a clear March morning in 2026 I left the coffee on the terrace and went to play. The drive took under ten minutes, and I was back in time for the pool.

Getting there

It is 5–10 minutes by scooter or car on quiet rural roads through San Kamphaeng District. I rented a scooter from the lodge; a car or taxi is just as easy. Parking at the resort is free and there is plenty of it. Book a tee time in advance, particularly at weekends.

The course

Alpine Golf Resort Chiang Mai is a 27-hole championship course designed by Ron Garl, played as three nines — A, B and C — in a valley ringed by forested hills. The fairways run between bamboo and trees, with a lot of water.

It is a demanding layout. The fairways are narrow, water comes into play often (most of all on the longer C nine), there are several doglegs, and the greens are quick, around 10 or more on the stimpmeter. Accurate players will enjoy it; wayward drivers will lose balls.

How it played

I played the A and B nines, which are more forgiving than C. The fairways and greens were in excellent condition and the greens rolled true. It stayed quiet even into mid-morning, with no one pushing from behind.

The best holes were the elevated tees looking out over the valley, and the long par 5 where you can let the driver go. The caddies were good on club selection and reading the greens.

• Tee off by 7–8 a.m. for cooler air and fewer groups.
• March, in the dry season, is a good month to play, though play can be slow when the course is busy.
• Bring sunscreen, plenty of water and a light jacket for an early start; wear sturdy shoes for the hilly sections.
• Stop at the halfway house.

Practical information

• Opening hours: 6:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. daily, which leaves room for a twilight round.
• Green fees: resort rates, around 3,700–6,500 THB for visitors, often including cart and caddie, with lower rates for residents and during promotions. Check current prices with the resort.
• Facilities: clubhouse with pro shop, Thai and international restaurant, bar, driving range, putting green, swimming pool, lockers and spa.
• Afterwards: eat at Baanpong Restaurant by the lodge, or go on to San Kamphaeng Hot Springs for a soak.

Because it is so close, a round at Alpine fits into a morning and still leaves the afternoon for the lodge’s pool.