Graham Tomlin, 76 years young and playing off a handicap index of 16.8, is a member at Springfield Village Golf and Spa Resort in Hua Hin, Thailand. As a Dan Hendriksen Golf channel subscriber, Graham shares his insider’s perspective on this Jack Nicklaus-designed course and why Hua Hin deserves consideration as one of Thailand’s premier golf destinations.
Hua Hin: Thailand’s Golf Gem
Hua Hin is situated about three hours south from Bangkok and is considered one of the best golf destinations in Thailand (I am a bit biased as I live here). There are six or seven good quality courses within a half-hour car ride from Hua Hin town centre, among them Royal Hua Hin, which is the oldest course in Thailand, and Black Mountain, which has hosted several tour events and has several tour players associated with it, most notably Thongchai Jaidee.
Hua Hin is a family-friendly resort town with many hotels ranging from 5-star resorts to backpacker hostels. The town has a fantastic choice of restaurants and bars that cater for all tastes. The beach is family-friendly and vast, with vendors hiring sun beds and serving local food. It’s the perfect destination for combining golf with a proper holiday experience.
Springfield Village Golf & Spa Resort
Situated about 30 minutes’ car ride from Hua Hin town centre, it is technically in the next district of Cha-Am but still in the “county” of Prachub Khiri Khan. The 27-hole layout by Jack Nicklaus is part of a resort complex consisting of a large hotel with multiple facilities for guests to enjoy.
The course is divided into three distinct nine-hole layouts, with the Mountain and Lake nines being the original 18 holes and considered the “real” Nicklaus Signature course. This par-72 layout is very tight and tree-lined and favours a fader of the ball, but if you overdo it, punishing rough and mature trees await the errant shot.
The Nicklaus Challenge
The greens are normally considered some of the quickest in the area and are typically undulating. Water also comes into play on several holes with some interesting carries, and of course, strategic bunkers are well placed. All in all, a typical Nicklaus golf experience that demands strategic thinking and precise execution.
The course has five tee boxes: Gold = 7,043 yards, Blue = 6,695 yards, White = 6,285 yards, Red = 5,860 yards, and Green for juniors = 4,964 yards. This variety ensures every level of golfer can find an appropriate challenge whilst still experiencing the strategic demands of Nicklaus’s design philosophy.
Playing in the Tropics
As Thailand is a tropical country, the weather is always warm and mostly sunny, but the wet season, typically from June to October, can give very heavy downpours. During the hot season, typically from December to April, the temperature can feel extreme, with normal temperatures of 28 to 35 degrees Celsius feeling over 40 degrees.
Hydration is key to survival, and a wide-brimmed hat plus plenty of high-factor sunscreen are absolute necessities. Springfield is, of course, designed to deal with these weather conditions (as are most courses in the area), and it is rare to miss a day’s golf.
The Caddy Experience
It is worth pointing out that it is obligatory to have a caddy accompany each player on all courses, and whilst buggies are not mandatory, it is worth hiring one due to the extreme temperatures. The caddies do add to the golfing experience, and a good one can save the new visitor a few shots a round.
This is one of the unique aspects of Thai golf that international visitors quickly come to appreciate. The caddies possess excellent local knowledge, understand the nuances of each hole, and can prove invaluable in navigating the strategic challenges Nicklaus has built into the design.
The Verdict
Springfield Village Golf & Spa Resort represents everything that makes Thailand such an appealing golf destination. The combination of a proper Jack Nicklaus Signature design, excellent conditioning, comprehensive resort facilities, and the unique Thai caddy experience creates something genuinely special.
For golfers planning a trip to Southeast Asia, Hua Hin deserves serious consideration. The concentration of quality courses, the family-friendly resort atmosphere, the excellent value for money, and the warm Thai hospitality make it an outstanding choice.
Springfield itself offers the kind of strategic, challenging golf that tests every aspect of your game whilst remaining fair and enjoyable. The tight, tree-lined layout rewards accuracy and course management, whilst the quick, undulating greens demand respect and touch.
Whether you’re a seasoned golfer seeking a winter escape or someone looking to combine golf with a proper family holiday, Hua Hin—and Springfield Village in particular—delivers on all fronts. Just remember to pack that wide-brimmed hat and plenty of sunscreen!
Graham Tomlin, 16.8 Handicap