Paul Wilson, the managing director of Laguna Phuket, an integrated destination in Thailand featuring hotels, other properties and a stunning golf course, talks about agronomic challenges in a tropical climate, including drainage during the rainy season and irrigation during dry spells.
Consistency seems to be a hallmark of Laguna Golf Phuket’s playing surfaces. What are the core principles or systems in place that help deliver that standard across the year?
Absolutely – consistency is something we take very seriously. In a tropical climate like Phuket’s, you can’t leave anything to chance. We follow a detailed maintenance schedule, manage irrigation closely using moisture meters, and constantly monitor soil health. Our pest and disease control strategies are carefully planned, and we invest in the right equipment and training to make sure our grounds team is fully prepared.
It’s really a team effort, backed by smart technology and a proactive approach. By staying on top of things daily, we’re able to keep the course in excellent shape all year round – which is what our guests expect and deserve.
Laguna Golf Phuket consistently receives praise for its course conditioning. What are the biggest agronomic challenges of maintaining this level of quality in a tropical climate like Phuket’s?
Tropical climates bring a unique set of challenges. Here in Phuket, we experience intense rainfall during the summer and long dry spells in the winter, so we’re always adjusting.
Drainage is a major focus – without proper systems in place, heavy rain can flood greens quickly. On the other hand, during dry periods, we need efficient irrigation to avoid stress on the turf. Moisture meters help us make smart, data-driven decisions on watering times, which keeps things balanced.
We also do regular soil testing to ensure the grass gets the right nutrients. Our pest management approach is integrated and eco-friendly, so we’re not just protecting the course, but also the local ecosystem. Everything from mowing height to grass type is chosen with Phuket’s climate in mind – and that ongoing evaluation is key to staying ahead.
How does the team adapt their maintenance strategies during the rainy season compared to the drier months? Are there specific turf management practices that are unique to this environment?
During the rainy season, we adapt quickly. One of the first things we do is increase the use of solid tines across the course, this improves drainage and percolation of water moving through the soil profile. We also adjust mowing schedules as needed, depending on the situation, which helps avoid damage to the turf.
Fertiliser use is another area we adjust. We rely more on foliar fertiliser products. We still use granular fertilisers, but with a more conservative application frequency. Foliar fertiliser applications are more efficient in delivering nutrients to the plant. The foliar fertiliser is absorbed through the leaves and synthesised faster by the plant, compared to granular fertiliser, where the nutrient needs to break down first, only then absorbed by the roots in the growing medium, making it available to the grass.
Water management is a key concern globally. How do you manage irrigation and drainage in a region that can experience both heavy rainfall and intense heat?
Managing water efficiently is essential here, especially with Phuket’s climate extremes. Our drainage system is designed to handle stormwater during the rainy season, while our irrigation setup helps us conserve water during drier months.
We use wetting agents to help moisture penetrate and stay in the root zone, which reduces overall water consumption. The irrigation system itself is tech-driven – we monitor soil moisture in real time, so we’re not overwatering and the turf stays healthy.
We’ve also introduced native and drought-tolerant plants around the course, which reduces the demand on irrigation. And when it comes to heavy rainfall, our drainage systems are positioned strategically to move water away from fairways and greens, helping prevent erosion and keeping the course playable.
Looking ahead, are there any innovations or sustainability initiatives being explored to further enhance course conditioning or reduce the environmental impact of operations?
Definitely. One of our recent steps was renovating the lower driving range tee box with stadium zoysia grass. It uses less fertiliser, water and chemicals – and still offers a high-quality hitting surface. We’re treating it as a test case for future upgrades across the course.
We’ve also been planting more trees and installed three new water fountains in our lagoons. These keep the water moving and oxygen levels balanced, which improves biodiversity and supports local wildlife.
A major initiative we’re excited about is our partnership with SUGi, a specialist in rewilding. We’re starting with ‘pocket forests’ to bring native plants and wildlife back to the area – something we plan to expand at Laguna Golf Phuket. It’s a continuation of our transformation from a former tin mine into a thriving destination, and we’re proud to contribute to that legacy.
We have initiated the rewilding project within Laguna Phuket and will be expanding it to Laguna Golf Phuket – in the pipeline.
We’re also exploring autonomous and hybrid machinery for course maintenance. It’s early days, but we’re watching that space closely to reduce emissions and increase efficiency across our operations.
You bring a wealth of experience in golf and hospitality to your role. How has your background helped shape your approach at Laguna Phuket, and what do you see as key to continually enhancing the guest experience across the destination?
Over the years, I’ve come to see that the guest experience is shaped by the details – and how genuinely you care about delivering them. At Laguna Phuket, our vision is to be Asia’s finest integrated destination, and that comes from being attentive not just to our guests, but to the environment and community around us.
Sustainability is central to everything we do – from reducing our energy use and shifting to renewables, to recycling and sourcing locally. As the largest employer in Phuket, we are dedicated to actively engaging with the local community. Throughout the year, we establish partnerships and lead initiatives that positively impact the local economy, create opportunities and support those in need. Through programmes like ‘Step Up’ involving both international and local Laguna Phuket Kindergarten, we promote cross-cultural exchange and provide a comprehensive, immersive educational experience.
Laguna Phuket Kindergarten originally started as a free childcare centre for company employees. Over time, it evolved into a fully-fledged kindergarten, opening its doors to local children from underprivileged backgrounds. By 2023, SILK was introduced as an extension of Laguna Phuket Kindergarten, nurturing around 140 young minds aged three to six. Committed to sustainability and fostering equality, SILK provides an impactful and immersive learning experience that embraces inclusivity. The diverse student body consists of children from various cultures and religions.
Wellbeing is another area we’re growing. Our partnership with BDMS Wellness Clinic has added new dimensions – from holistic retreats to tailored wellbeing programmes for health-conscious travellers. And beyond golf, we’re developing Laguna Phuket into a dynamic venue for world-class sporting events, festivals, and international gatherings.
Across our six resorts, we offer over 10,000 square metres of meeting space, so we can host anything from global conferences to lifestyle experiences that showcase both our facilities and the rich culture of Phuket.
Laguna Phuket is more than just a golf course – it’s part of a unique integrated resort. How does the wider destination, with its hotel and leisure facilities, enhance the overall golf experience for visiting players?
That’s one of our biggest advantages. Laguna Phuket is a true destination – not just a round of golf, but an entire lifestyle experience. With six hotels and resorts, we offer everything from luxury stays to family – and pet-friendly options. It’s ideal for golfers travelling with partners or groups, or for anyone looking to combine sport with a longer holiday.
The golf course itself is a championship 18-hole layout, and we offer premium rental equipment plus access to southeast Asia’s only PGA Golf Academy. Our instructors provide lessons tailored to every skill level, whether you’re a complete beginner or refining your game.
Beyond the course, guests can enjoy world-class dining, spa treatments, beach activities, shopping and more – all within easy reach. It’s that combination of convenience, quality and variety that makes Laguna Phuket such a memorable place to play, stay and unwind.