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Santiburi Country Club - The Charm of Chiang Rai Story & Photographs By Kim Inglis A leisurely one-hour drive from Anantara Resort & Spa and just 20 minutes from Chiang Rai International Airport, Santiburi Country Club is one of those courses that you just can't wait to play the moment you catch a glimpse of the first hole. Owner Santi Bhirombhakdi, who's better known as the man behind Thailand's Singha Beer, together with course designer Robert Trent Jones Jr., have created one of Thailand's most alluring golf experiences. The spectacular front nine wanders gracefully amidst gently sloping hills and around a skillful combination of pristine natural and man-made waterways. Every hole gives players several options from tee to green with the dogleg left 403-yard Par 4 2nd epitomizing the risk-reward philosophy that Trent Jones is so clever in incorporating into his designs. An exciting trio of holes completes the back nine beginning with the 193-yard Par 3 7th, who's green sits arrogantly on top of a hill and seems to call out "Hit me if you can". The downhill 8th is as picturesque as it gets, and the long uphill 9th completes what could very well be the best front nine in Thailand. The back nine has a distinctly different but equally pleasing feel to it, weaving its way through and around the scenic terrain of Chiang Rai with a continued variety of great holes that contrast, yet compliment the first nine. The two short Par 3's are annoying little gems. The signature 170-yard 17th is not a long hole even from the back tees, but your tee shot is over water to a small r-shaped green. Watching all four players in the group ahead hit it in the water doesn't make it any easier, and reminds you that sometimes Par is a good score. The Par 5 18th is played back up towards the inviting clubhouse, with the green set in a TPC-like amphitheatre. Even after a thigh-hurting hike back up to the clubhouse, it wouldn't take much encouragement to tee it up for another 18 on a course that's sure to please any of us who have picked up a golf club. "The holes build in intensity and offer varying options to challenge all skill levels and ages" says Robert Trent Jones Jr. "It is a very playable and memorable golf course from the middle and forward tees and offers a strict examination of your game from the back tees" he adds. After playing the course, don't be surprised to find you've used every club in your bag and played every shot in the book. It's tough, yet fair, rewarding good golf shots and punishing the bad. Your course management skills will be put to the test, and if you lose concentration and hit it in the wrong places you can quickly find yourself writing down a high score. Testament to Santi's commitment to excellence, the course enlists the help of Quality Golf Consultants who's impressive resume includes course maintenance contracts with some of the finest courses in Asia and several tournament preparations for the USPGA, EPGA, APGA and USGA. Their work ensures the course is kept in immaculate condition year-round. The attention to detail is seen at only a handful of other courses in Thailand, and even that almost-iconic Thai golf course dog is welcomingly absent. (I like dogs, but ever tried playing out of a bunker that's just hosted the early evening dog playtime?) For even the most discriminate golf connoisseur, the course delivers on almost every aspect of golf course excellence. The contemporary Thai style clubhouse sits stylishly perched a hilltop overlooking the 1st, 9th 10th and 18th holes and the stunning views of the course and surrounding area equal any in Thailand. The inexpensive restaurant serves up a nice combination of local and western dishes and the staff start your day off right with that Northern Thai charm that's famous even amongst the Thai's. Small touches like the gorgeous meet and greet lady and daily pin sheets set it apart from all the other courses in Thailand and are just part of what is a genuinely unforgettable golf experience. The course receives numerous flattering reviews and you can believe every one of them. Trent Jones Jr. describes the course as "One of our better efforts in Asia" and any who have played the course should agree. Santiburi's combination of spectacular golf holes, charming Northern Thai service, and relaxing atmosphere is golf as it good as it gets anywhere in this part of the world.