ALL ASIA GOLF 

ALL ASIA GOLF
Blue Sapphire Golf & Resort—Critical Review Course
Architects & Designers
Steven C. Youdan (also referred to as Stephen or Stephen Gerard Youdan)
Art-anan Yomchinda
This duo designed both 18-hole layouts—the Canyon Course (layouts A & B) and the Ocean Course (layouts C & D, including the new E nine).
Key Facts
Opening Year: 2002–2003
Total Holes: 36 holes, split into two 18-hole layouts—Canyon Course (A+B) and Ocean Course (C+D/E) Yardage & Par: Approximately 7,000 yards, par-72
Design Philosophy & Context
Built on an abandoned open-cast sapphire mine, the designers embraced the dramatic terrain—rock cliffs, mining ponds, and natural elevation—to craft one of Thailand’s most visually dramatic and strategically rich golf courses.
Local foliage and native trees are integrated throughout, enhancing both the aesthetics and the connection to the site’s mining heritage.
The course features five tee options per hole, catering to a wide range of skill levels.
Notable Course Characteristics
Ocean Course (Layouts C/D/E): Known for its elevated greens, tight fairways, and heavy water hazards—often playing alongside quarry cliffs that define hole routing and strategy.
Canyon Course (Layouts A/B): Incorporates dramatic water features and tighter landforms, utilizing the same former quarry landscape.
Layouts C & E | Bo Ploi,
Kanchanaburi, Thailand
Reviewed: June 2025
Played by: All Asia Golf Contributors
Cjayy AAG, (Bullet man) Bill Harper, and (Speck) Shane Luchterhand
Overview
Blue Sapphire Golf & Resort remains one of Kanchanaburi’s most intriguing and underappreciated golf destinations. Situated on the site of an old sapphire mine, the landscape is dramatic, with natural elevation changes, rugged rock features, and a strong sense of place. With five distinct nine-hole loops (A–E), we played the C + E combination, which delivered a compelling mix of tradition and daring innovation.
After several quiet years during and post-COVID, the course has clearly rebounded. While earlier criticism pointed to slow greens and rough conditions, we’re pleased to report a dramatic improvement in course quality. The new E Course, in particular, is a standout—designed around the dramatic sapphire mine topography and one of the more unique layouts in Thailand.
We strongly recommend Blue Sapphire as part of any Kanchanaburi golf itinerary. The course now rivals more popular regional tracks and is especially well-suited for group scrambles or match play formats.
Layout C—Traditional Test with Bite
Design:
Layout C provides a more classic parkland experience. Fairways are wide but subtly contoured, punishing poor positioning. The routing is sensible, with enough elevation and doglegs to keep players thinking.
Fairways: Mostly generous, but sloping and shaped to challenge lazy tee shots.
Greens: Mid-sized, mildly contoured. Some greens were sanded on our visit, but all rolled fairly true. Speeds were medium-slow but consistent.
Bunkers: Poor condition—several traps lacked adequate sand and were treated as GUR.
Rough: Extremely penal in areas—some holes had near U.S. Open-style rough. A warning: wayward shots are hard to recover without losing balls.
Highlight Hole:
C4—A stunning par-3 played downhill over water. Visually intimidating and rewarding for a well-struck tee shot.
Condition Summary:
Greens: Playable but slow, some maintenance ongoing.
Fairways: Impressive overall with minor dry areas.
Rough: Brutal in places—punishes errant shots severely.
Bunkers: Subpar—require attention.
Verdict:
Layout C is a dependable nine that plays best after the more undulating E course. It’s fair, scenic, and enjoyable, particularly for groups or seasoned players. Could use bunker renovation.
Rating: ★★☆ (2.5/5)
Layout E—The New “Mine Nine”
Design:
Unveiled in late 2023, E Course is a bold and memorable layout wrapped around dramatic mine cliffs, water-filled pits, and rocky escarpments. It's modern, visually stunning, and packed with risk-reward holes. It’s also the first of a planned full 18 using this design style.
Visuals: Striking scenery with sapphire-blue mine lakes, sheer drop-offs, and panoramic mountain views.
Routing: Smart and compact—tight fairways, elevated greens, and clever use of natural landforms. Occasionally blind off the tee.
Fairways: Lush and beautifully cut—comparable to carpet.
Rough: Minimal but strategically placed. Bad shots are punished without mercy.
Hazards: The mine edges are visually appealing but extremely unforgiving.
Highlight Hole:
E6—A thrilling par-5 with a peninsula-style green set beyond a canyon. Reachable in two with a bold second shot, but danger looms. A true championship-quality hole.
Condition Summary:
Greens: Firm, fastish, and still maturing in places. Some sand is visible—typical for the season.
Fairways: Best on the property. Excellent drainage and visually clean.
Cart Paths: Rough in parts—steep climbs could use surface work.
Tee Boxes: A few underdeveloped or awkwardly positioned.
Verdict:
Layout E is a triumph of adventurous golf design in Thailand. Not suited for beginners, but a treat for low markers and strategic players. It’s already among the most memorable nines in the country.
Rating: ★★★★½ (4.5/5)
Facilities & Service
Clubhouse: Functional and improving. Basic locker facilities.
Restaurant: Offers basic Thai food and cold drinks post-round.
Driving Range: Present, but the short game area is minimal.
Staff: Friendly and accommodating—English spoken at a very low level.
Value: Outstanding, especially for group bookings or midweek play. Among the best value in the region at 750฿ shared cart or 1000฿ single, includes Cart, caddy, and green fee.
Membership: Once work has finished, this course will be 72 holes, as a new 18 is being shaped left of the main entrance into the property. F9 has the greens cultivated and fairways sown, so it's probably 12 months away. Our contact suggests membership will be available.
Final Verdict
Blue Sapphire’s C + E combination delivers a compelling and contrasting 18-hole round—C with traditional rhythm and E offering a dramatic, unforgettable test of golf. It’s not a luxury resort, but it punches well above its weight in layout, uniqueness, and challenge.
Recommended For:
Golfers seeking something different
Low- to mid-handicappers
Groups and scrambles
Fans of rugged, natural course design
Less Ideal For:
Beginners
Players expecting five-star luxury
Those unprepared for a tough walk or penal rough
All Asia Golf Ratings
Category Rating
Layout C
★★☆ (2.5/5)
Layout E
★★★★½ (4.5/5)
Course Condition
7/10
Scenery
★★★★★ (5/5)
Value for Money
★★★★½ (4.5/5)
Overall Experience
★★★★☆ (4/5)