Hua Hin’s Black Mountain Masterpiece
A Founders Love
Black Mountain is a remote, golf and family vacation spot located in Hua Hin, Thailand. I rate it among my favorite places in the world because of the location, course design and hospitality. I have traveled all over the world and Black Mountain is one of the best. Originally founded by Scandinavian entrepreneur Stig Notlov a successful businessman who made his fortune in the hardware industry. Notlov frequented Thailand throughout his life and often to the Hua Hin area. He faced many obstacles to build his dream golf facility and was finally able to do so in 2007, with the north and south courses laid out by Phil Ryan of Pacific Coast Design.
The Course at Black Mountain
There is a variety of terrain allowing many holes to move through the hillside with others heading down into the valley below. Every hole presents golfers with a number of challenges and scenarios primarily because water hazards are a feature throughout the course. The north courses second hole is my favorite because it places precision on every shot from start to finish, among the best par 3’s I have ever played. A masonry wall shapes the front of the green with two bunkers protecting the side and rear of the green. The putting surface is undulated and multi-tiered with no bailout area. The greenside bunkers offer the best opportunity to save par because a miss anywhere else will likely end up in the water. The property has a third nine hole course and world class 9-hole par 3 course (pictured top).
Black Mountain has been a popular location for professional golfers because of Notlov’s love and support for Scandinavian professionals. Many DP World and Asian Tour players base themselves at the resort throughout the winter months in Europe. The club has also hosted numerous professional golf tournaments in conjunction with the Asian and DP World Tours.
Black Mountain is a resort
The resort offers luxury accommodations with amazing views across the property. Those stretching the length of holes 1-3 on the north course are my favorite because of the second hole views. It has become a very family friendly resort because of the amenities and activities. These include a water park, tennis courts, gym, wake board park, beach volleyball and world class restaurants with exquisite food. If you are planning a trip to Southeast Asia, be sure to check out Black Mountain Golf Club. If you do make the trip make the effort to experience downtown Hua Hin and all the wonderful restaurants, shops, and bars.
