Expanding a resort in an emerging golf destination is no small undertaking. But Black Mountain Golf Club in Thailand has arrived at a concept for investment which continues to produce more homeowners, members and visitors.
More than 10 years since it first opened its championship golf course to visitors, Thailand’s award-winning golf resort has come a long way in a short space of time, having hosted three Asian Tour events, the Royal Trophy and two editions of the True Thailand Classic.
Located 10 km inland from the beach resort of Hua Hin, the resort has put development and expansion at the core of its investment programme – with an international school, water park and burgeoning real estate development now all features of the wider Black Mountain resort.
“We have never rested on our offering at Black Mountain,” explains Harald Elisson, Managing Director of Black Mountain Golf Club. “We have made continuing investment a trademark of our resort ever since we opened 10 years ago.
“This policy has meant that the quality of facilities and services we have on offer are always improving, while new developments added during the low season serve to continually enhance the customer experience and attract new customers to the resort. A policy of perpetual investment has been one of the keys to our success.”
Investing in golf
As the resort has expanded, increasing numbers of residents have been opting to live on the estate year-round.
This development has meant that the quality and scope of the golf experience has taken on an ever-increasing importance as it aims to satisfy visitors as well as residents using the course on a regular basis.
“In late 2016, we opened a new 9-hole layout, the West Course, which has taken Black Mountain up to 27 holes of championship golf and has allowed guests and residents at the resort to enjoy greater flexibility and choice in their game,” describes Harald.
Aside from the challenge of routing, the resort maintained a clear focus and relentless insistence on the new 9 holes resembling the characteristics and quality befitting of the existing 18.
“Every detail, from the depth of the bunkers to the length of the holes is in keeping with the existing 18. This could have only been achieved by viewing the project as a fully integrated, 27-hole product, rather than simply an independent 9-hole addition to the resort,” Harald adds.
Investing in community
Continued investment in services, facilities and real estate at Black Mountain has also resulted in the achievement of something that, one might argue, transcends any commercial objectives or targets – a thriving community.
“A number of residents now choose to stay at Black Mountain year-round, changing the dynamic of our estate for the better. Residents are mixing together and making the most of the fantastic facilities, while returning and new visitors benefit from the improvements we have made and continue to make.
“Our challenge now is to retain the approach that has served us well and continue to attract and exceed the expectations of our guests and residents,” explains Harald.
