Toscana Valley is a challenging course located in a deep valley of the world heritage site of Khao Yai National Park. An excellent setting for a golf club, Toscana Valley compliments the Khao Yai backdrop and, save for the palm trees, resembles the environment of Tuscany Italy.

Bob McFarland from the USA provided initial drawings for the course at Toscana Valley . However, after extensive local inputs and modifications to McFarland’s plans, the course now presents golfers with some of the most challenging golf holes in Thailand. In fact, the team that finished Toscana Valley was the same group who were responsible for the par 74 layouts at Saint Andrews in Pattaya.

Raised greens, deep bunkers, and razor sharp fairway drops-offs feature on of every hole. Several of the par 4’s include 200 plus yard water carries. Adding to this are the 18 undulated greens that have severe contours and massive breaks for almost every pin position.

For example, hole 12 a par-4 features multi-tiered tees with elevated views over the water to the fairway. The most prominent danger is hitting through the fairway into the water hazard that protects the elevated green. The green features a severe back-to-front and right-to-left slope that rejects anything not aimed close to pin. Hitting over the hole into the bunkers over the green almost certainly prevents par, and even a bogey is unlikely.

A multi-million dollar housing estate around the Toscana Valley golf course makes the views from every hole that much more unbelievable. The golf course is not for the faint of heart, but at least the scenery is spectacular. The theme is the Tuscan region of Italy and clubhouse and magnificent homes incorporate that style. Golf carts are compulsory as the significant green to tee distances in the residential estate are too far to walk. As expected in a private members club the facilities are all first rate. Try the Italian restaurant for some traditional Tuscany favorites.