Myotha National Golf Club

Myanmar's Myotha National Golf Club is a unique establishment. Situated on a 688-hectare area, the golf course's 18 holes are by far the best layout in Myanmar. The Myanmar Golf Club is of such high caliber that it will draw professional Asian Tour events and competes against the best in Southeast Asia. One of the most difficult golf courses in Asia, if not the globe, it measures an impressive 8,000 yards from the tips. However, the course is quite easy to control from the forward tees, and it's one of the few that's more forgiving to shorter hitters. While many courses make similar claims, very few actually do.

Situated in a developing industrial zone 50 kilometers south of Mandalay, the second largest city of Burma, the Myotha National Golf Club is a part of an extensive complex of industrial parks. The natural area with cliffs, canyons, and height fluctuations of 40 meters is covered by Myotha National Park. Many holes have been carved around the course, which is surrounded by two dramatic and extremely deep arroyos. The landscape is more akin to an Arizona desert than an Asian rainforest because of the year-round dry weather, dense desert plant life, and scrubby exposed surface rocks.  Among Asian golf courses, Myotha is exceptional in this regard.

Every hole is accentuated by broad Zoysia Zeon grass fairways and multi-tiered, undulating Champion Bermuda grass greens. Deep bunker complexes and rugged terrain provide several routes to the green. Bump-and-run shots are preferred over target practice shots since several of the putting surfaces have salad bowl surrounds and are level with the fairways.  Hard, quick conditions and lots of roll-outs are generally encouraged by relatively dry conditions. Those who practice on parkland courses may need to pick up some new shots in order to score well, but those who are used to links courses will feel right at home.

Certain may argue that certain holes are better than others. But the third is an unusual par five with a S shape.  The fourth hole is a dogleg left that long hitters can nearly drive if they clear the left scrubby area. Observe how the second shot enters the green. Anything that goes above the pin is likely to land on the incorrect tier, making a 3-putt at the very least. Aggressive strokes are not recommended over under-clubbed chips. One of the shorter par-3s is the fifth hole. Ahead of the green, take care to steer clear of the intricate waterfall and rockwork. Carters must park nearly 360 degrees around the back of the green, while walkers use a rock trail that leads to it.

The 12th hole, which boasts one of the largest tiers in the center of the green that Asia has ever seen, is one of the back nine standouts. Go ahead and try it if the pin is on the lower tier because the hole is easy. If you choose the incorrect tier, though, you'll need to make a huge putt to get back over the "wall" in the green. Three-putt bogey is performing admirably. The 13th and 16th are the two places to take selfies. Of the two par-3s, the first is in an open canyon with exposed rock surrounding the putting surface 270 degrees. Myotha National Park is most characterized by these rocks and the ensuing canyon. The boulders from neighboring holes were moved to create an island green in the later play. Anything apart from a precise tee shot will find water.

Not to let up, you need to have nerves and distance on the final two holes to have a shot at a respectable score. The 17th hole, a par-5, has a "cross green" that is situated diagonally opposite to the fairway. If the pin is on the far right, it will be simple to hit the green that is fronted by a creek.  Here, a pitch and layup is just as good as an 80-foot putt from the other side of the green. With the exception of playing nearly 500 yards as a par-4, the last hole at Myotha is as simple as they come. The elevated has a harsh false front, which makes things more difficult. Lay up in two, take a long shot on the third, and celebrate a bogey. Well done on finishing Myotha National!

With the exception of December through February, Mandalay's daytime highs often reach 40 degrees Celsius. Furthermore, there are several holes at Myotha that are pretty far apart. Walking is possible, although golf carts are practically required and are part of the cost of the green fee. Unlike most Asian courses, where driving is only permitted "on the paths," Myotha's sturdy grasses and hard surfaces allow golfers to drive directly to their ball. Definitely a welcome way to play in the heat.

At Myotha National, the facilities, caddies, and service are excellent. Fine dining specializes in Thai and Burmese cuisine, and F&B is always available with a mobile beverage cart. The best golf course in Myanmar is well worth the drive, even though it's a little out of town!