Daring to be Different

Nikanti, which is scheduled to open to the public in December, is a breath of fresh air and almost the complete antithesis to what has become known as the modern course. For a start it measures less than 7,000 yards from the very back tees - how refreshing! - but it is Khun Ope’s ‘triple-six’ concept that is really unique. Sign of the devil it may be but at Nikanti three sixes equates to fun, for here there are six par-3s, six par-4s and six par-5s.

The idea of having an equal number of par-3, par-4 and par-5 holes might sound whacky, but it isn’t. Indeed, the philosophy makes perfect sense; this is not a course that has been designed to stage a professional tournament, it has been created for amateur golfers to enjoy themselves, which one could argue has been missing from the design brief of countless courses that have sprung up in recent times.

There’s something reassuring about having more than the standard number of par-3 and par-5 holes. Golfers, almost regardless of ability, are always looking for holes to score on - and Nikanti’s configuration provides opportunities to do so. But don’t be mistaken. This is not a course which your average player is going to start carding personal bests. The fairways, while wide enough to accommodate drives that haven’t necessarily been struck from the centre of the club, feature plenty of movement; you’re not always going to have a nice flat lie. Many of the greens, meanwhile, are strongly contoured (and at times frighteningly quick) and are impressively defended by attractively sculptured bunkers. Where water has been used it has been used intelligently, particularly on the par-5s.

Nor is Nikanti flat. Bangkok courses often get criticized for their lack of elevation change, but that’s not the case here. Furthermore, clubbing is made trickier by an almost constant breeze that sweeps through the property. It could be said that Nikanti rewards good play more than any other course in Thailand. But ignore its strategic demands by trying to bit off more than you can chew and you’ll soon find yourself in trouble.