Palm Hills Golf Club & Residence: Hua Hin’s Most Relaxed, Best-Value Classic

Introduction

Opened in 1992 as the first international-standard golf course in Hua Hin, Palm Hills Golf Club & Residence has quietly become a favorite among regular Hua Hin golfers. While newer, flashier designs like Pineapple Valley and Black Mountain grab headlines, Palm Hills wins hearts with something different: a relaxed atmosphere, generous fairways, walkable routing, and excellent value.

Set between Hua Hin and Cha-Am, directly across from the Hua Hin Airport, Palm Hills offers an easygoing, thoroughly enjoyable round with quick, tricky greens and a subtle links-style feel on the front nine. It’s not the most dramatic golf course in the region, but it might be the one you’d happily play over and over again.

If you’re building a Hua Hin golf itinerary and want at least one round that’s friendly, affordable, and fun without sacrificing quality, Palm Hills deserves a slot.

Location & Setting

Location: Between Hua Hin and Cha-Am, directly across from Hua Hin Airport
Distance from Hua Hin center: ~10 minutes by car
Distance from Cha-Am: ~20 minutes

Palm Hills is one of the most conveniently located courses in the Hua Hin area. Access is quick and simple, making it perfect for:

Arrival or departure day golf
Short hop from beachfront hotels
Multi-round trips when you don’t want long transfers every day

The course unfolds over a long, gently undulating strip of land, framed by hundreds of palm trees, colorful frangipani, and bougainvillea. You don’t get the big elevation vistas of Pineapple Valley or the canyon drama of Black Mountain, but you do get:

Breezy, open views
A subtle, almost coastal feel on some holes
A calm, pleasantly mature atmosphere

Course Overview & Architecture

Established: 1992
Architect: Max Wexler
Holes: 18
Par: 72
Max Yardage: 6,887 yards (back tees)
Style: Resort/links-style hybrid with parkland touches

Palm Hills was the first to introduce Hua Hin to modern golf, and the design still holds up today. The routing runs east–west, with lakes at either end separated by the clubhouse in the middle.

Key characteristics:

Wide, generous Bermuda fairways
Gently undulating terrain rather than extreme elevation changes
Hundreds of palm trees creating character and framing
Occasional hillside lies, especially on the “hill” side of the property

On paper, it’s not the longest or most punishing course in Hua Hin. But there is one element that gives Palm Hills real teeth:

The greens.

Greens & Main Defense

Palm Hills’ TifEagle greens are the star of the show — and the primary line of defense.

They are known for being:

Extremely fast by Thai resort standards
Heavily undulated in places
Deceptively sloped, with many slippery downhill putts

Even from the forward tees, scoring well requires a reliable putting stroke and good speed control. From inside 10 feet, the line matters; from outside 20 feet, the speed matters even more.

This combination — forgiving off the tee, demanding on the greens — makes Palm Hills:

Comfortable and welcoming for newer golfers
Interesting and challenging for better players
A superb “everyday course” you can keep learning from

Front Nine vs Back Nine

Front Nine — Links-Style Feel

The front nine has a slight links-style character thanks to:

Its long, gently rolling strip of land
Exposure to breezes
Wide fairways with occasional run-off areas
Strategic, not overly penal, bunkering

Here, the course feels open and inviting. It’s a great introduction to the day, with plenty of opportunities for pars and birdie looks… as long as you respect the greens.

Back Nine — Hills, Wind & Variety

The back nine leans more into the “hills” part of Palm Hills:

More noticeable elevation changes
A few uphill shots into prevailing breezes
More dramatic views across the property
A couple of standout strategic holes (notably 11 and 14)

The wind often picks up more on this side, and combined with the fast greens, it can create a sneaky-tough finishing stretch.

Signature Holes

Palm Hills is more about overall flow than one single hero hole, but a few stand out.

Hole 11 — Long Par 3 into the Breeze

The 11th is a long par 3 that typically plays:

Slightly uphill
Directly into the sea breeze when it’s up

Club selection becomes critical. Even mid- to low-handicappers may find themselves hitting long irons or hybrids. Missing short in the front bunkers is usually better than missing long and dealing with a quick, downhill chip or putt back toward the front of the green.

Hole 14 — Strategic Dogleg Left

The 14th hole is a short but clever par 4:

Dog-leg left with water guarding the inside corner
Tempts players to cut off too much and flirt with the hazard
A well-placed tee shot leaves a wedge or short iron
Out-of-position drives can leave awkward angles into the small, quick green

This hole rewards discipline and restraint more than raw power.

Difficulty & Golfer Profile

Difficulty Breakdown

Driving Difficulty: 4/10
– Wide fairways, forgiving off the tee, minimal forced carries.

Approach Difficulty: 5.5/10
– Some approaches guarded by hazards or elevation.

Green Complexity: 8/10
– Very fast, undulating, slippery downhill.

Recovery Difficulty: 5/10
– Bunkers and run-offs present but not brutal.

Overall Challenge: 6/10
– A fair, playable course on the surface — with scoring heavily dependent on your putting.

Who Will Enjoy Palm Hills Most?

Perfect for:

Golfers of all abilities who want a relaxed, low-stress round
Higher handicaps who appreciate wide fairways
Regular Hua Hin visitors looking for great value
Walkers who prefer to play without a cart
Mixed groups with varied skill levels

Less ideal for:

Golfers who only want ultra-modern, dramatic “trophy” courses
Players looking for severe championship difficulty from every tee

Palm Hills fits beautifully as the “easygoing round” in a Hua Hin itinerary that might also include Pineapple Valley, Black Mountain, and Springfield.

Caddies, Carts & On-Course Logistics

Caddies

Caddies are compulsory.

Caddy Fee: 350 THB
Recommended Tip: 400 THB (minimum), more for excellent service
Paid in cash directly to your caddy at the end of the round

Most caddies are:

Friendly and helpful
Essential for reading the quick greens

Some reviews mention occasional inconsistency in English and attentiveness (e.g., being on phones at times), but most golfers still find them very valuable for putting advice.

Carts & Walking

One of Palm Hills’ biggest advantages is that it is very walkable:

Terrain is relatively gentle
Distances between greens and tees are reasonable
Breezy, open layout makes walking pleasant, especially in the morning

Carts are available and optional:

Cart Fee: 700–750 THB per person
Many visitors choose to walk, especially if playing multiple rounds on different days
In hotter months or during midday tee times, a cart is a smart upgrade

Practice Facilities

Palm Hills offers solid practice options:

Driving range with a basic setup about 100m from the clubhouse
Large putting and chipping green
Enough space to warm up your swing and dial in green speeds

While not on the same level as Pineapple’s multi-tiered practice complex, it’s more than adequate for getting loose before the round.

Clubhouse, Sports Club & Amenities

Clubhouse

The clubhouse is large, attractive, and fits naturally into the surrounding landscape.

Some areas (especially locker rooms) are a bit dated by modern luxury standards and could benefit from a refresh, according to some reviews
But everything functions well and maintains a comfortable, classic club atmosphere

Dining

The restaurant offers:

Thai and international dishes
Reasonably priced food and drinks
Pleasant views over parts of the course

It’s a relaxed, unpretentious place to enjoy a post-round meal or cold drink.

Sports Club

One of Palm Hills’ distinctive features is its attached Sports Club, which includes:

A large, uniquely curved swimming pool
Tennis courts
Badminton and squash courts
Snooker tables
Fitness center

This makes Palm Hills especially appealing for:

Long-stay guests in the residence/community
Families or groups with non-golfers
Golfers wanting to combine a workout or swim with their round

Green Fees & Pricing (18 Holes)

Palm Hills is widely regarded as one of the best-value courses in Hua Hin, often undercutting premium courses like Pineapple Valley and Black Mountain while still delivering a quality experience.

Typical high-season (Nov–Mar) pricing for international guests:

Cost Component – Status – Estimated Price (THB)

Green Fee – Required – 1,950–2,000 THB
Caddy Fee – Mandatory – 350 THB
Golf Cart – Optional (per person) – 700–750 THB
Mandatory Costs Total (Green Fee + Caddy) – ~2,300–2,350 THB
Total with Cart – ~3,000–3,100 THB
Caddy Tip – Customary – 400 THB (minimum recommended, in cash)

Notes:

Promotional rates — especially low season or early-bird — can drop the green fee significantly, sometimes as low as 1,300 THB.
Package deals (including caddy fee and round-trip transfers) generally run 2,700–3,550 THB per person, depending on group size and season.
Followers (non-golfers) are often allowed onto the course free of charge, which is a nice perk for couples or families.

Compared to other Hua Hin courses, Palm Hills often delivers the lowest cost-per-enjoyable-round.

Weather & Best Time to Play

High Season: November–March

Cooler temperatures
Stable weather
Prime conditions

Low Season: April–October

Hotter and more humid
Showers possible but often short
Excellent value on green fees

Best Tee Times:

7:00–9:00 AM — Ideal for walkers and for avoiding midday heat
2:30–3:30 PM — Pleasant breezes and softer light, carts recommended

Palm Hills in Your Hua Hin Golf Itinerary

Palm Hills pairs perfectly with:

Pineapple Valley Golf Club – for a premium, highly scenic round
Springfield Royal Country Club – for 27-hole Nicklaus strategy
Black Mountain Golf Club – for a championship challenge

An ideal 4-round Hua Hin itinerary could look like:

Day 1: Palm Hills (arrival day, relaxed)
Day 2: Springfield
Day 3: Pineapple Valley
Day 4: Black Mountain

Palm Hills’ role: the enjoyable, less intense, great-value round that balances out the premium “trophy” courses.

ThaiGolfGuide Value Index – Palm Hills

Course Design & Flow: 7.8
Conditioning: 8.2
Playability (All Handicaps): 9.0
Greens Interest & Difficulty: 8.0
Facilities & Sports Club: 8.3
Overall Value: 9.0

Palm Hills is not the most famous course in Hua Hin — but it may be one of the smartest plays, especially for repeat visitors or golfers who prioritize value, walkability, and relaxed fun.

Practical Information — Palm Hills Golf Club & Residence

Category	Details
Location	Between Hua Hin and Cha-Am, directly across from Hua Hin Airport
Distance to Hua Hin Center	~10 minutes by car
Course	18 holes, Par 72
Yardage	6,887 yards (back tees)
Architect	Max Wexler
Course Style	Resort/links-style front nine, parkland/hills back nine
Fairways	Bermuda
Greens	TifEagle Bermuda (very fast and undulated)
Caddies	Compulsory — Fee: 350 THB + Tip (400 THB recommended)
Golf Carts	Optional — 700–750 THB per person
Walkability	Excellent — one of Hua Hin’s most walkable courses
Practice Facilities	Driving range, large putting/chipping green
Clubhouse	Restaurant, locker rooms, pro shop; slightly dated but functional
Sports Club	Pool, tennis, badminton, squash, snooker, gym
Dress Code	Standard Thai golf attire (collared shirt, tailored shorts/trousers)
Typical Green Fees	1,950–2,000 THB (high season)
Total Mandatory Cost	~2,300–2,350 THB (Green Fee + Caddy Fee)
Total With Cart	~3,000–3,100 THB
Best Season	November–March
Ideal Role in Itinerary	Relaxed, best-value round; perfect for arrival/departure day

Verdict

Palm Hills Golf Club & Residence is the kind of course you fall in love with quietly. It doesn’t shout with dramatic cliffs or ocean carries. Instead, it offers:

Wide, forgiving fairways
Very fast, interesting greens
Pleasant, walkable routing
A friendly, mature club atmosphere
And some of the best value in Hua Hin golf

If you want at least one round on your trip that is easy to enjoy, easy to get to, and easy on the wallet, Palm Hills is an excellent choice — especially when combined with Hua Hin’s more high-profile tracks.

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Reviewed independently by golfers who live and play in Thailand. — ThaiGolfGuide.com