Everybody prefers to play golf in the sunshine no matter what some golfers say. The term fair weather player has sometimes been levied at golfers who are reluctant to go out in the wind and rain.
Thailand can offer the perfect solution, world class golf courses and fantastic weather guaranteed. Pattaya and the Eastern Seaboard area offers the most attractive conditions and challenging courses to even to scratch golfers, and is a popular destination for many overseas players.
Burapha Golf Club
A very picturesque course located close to the new Chonburi Highway for ease of access. Designed by Gary Panks and touring professional David Graham the two 18 hole courses are split into four 9 hole layouts.
The course takes full advantage of the beautiful scenery with lakes, hills, mangoes, coco palms and tropical vegetation.
The first nine holes are themed as the American Wood nine and are combined with the British Links nine to make the first course. It is a bit of a stretch of the imagination to class this course as a links course.
The second course begins with the first Crystal nine and the Dunes back nine. This course is more akin to a UK / American style golf links course without the high winds and the marrow grass.
Laem Chabang International Country Club
Laem Chabang International Country Club is among the most elite golf courses in the whole of Thailand. It is a twenty seven hole golf complex designed by the legendary Jack Nicklaus.
There are three loops of nine holes encompassing Mountain, Lake and Valley themes. The first two holes are as diverse as you could possibly get and set the scene for the rest of the challenging and scenic course.
Ideally situated just off Highway 7 and only 30 kilometers from Pattaya, Laem Chabang is very convenient for the keen golfers from Bangkok.
Siam Country Club
Revamped and restyled with massive investment in 2007, Siam Country Club has been elevated to the top ten golf courses in Thailand with it’s famous Old Course.
One of the main features of the course are the stunning bunkers surrounding the fairways and greens. The course is immaculately maintained and is one of the most beautiful and greenest on the Eastern Seaboard. Hardly any real estate can be seen whilst on the course apart from the odd glimpse of the refurbished clubhouse.
Seashore Paspalum is chosen for fairway grass, and Novotek for greens. Despite a new look, the old course remains with a classic traditional tree line and retains it’s heritage.
Khao Kheow
A well designed and crafted championship course put together by world respected Peter Dye.
The course is surrounded by lush jungle-clad hills, with a tropical backdrop of palms with a three hundred degree vista. Situated just off Highway 7 it is easily accessible from both Bangkok and Pattaya.
There are three nine hole loops all similar in difficulty and challenges. The main point to remember is to stay on the fairway as the rough tends to be pretty unforgiving. Add to that the addition of small greens and plenty of water it makes for a really testing day’s golf.
Rayong Green Valley Country Club
A fantastic parkland course designed by Peter Thomson, set only 45 minutes from Pattaya. The course is set in Rayong Green Valley with all it’s picturesque vistas and scenery.
The whole course is built on the side of a hill and takes in many of the natural features as part of it’s make up. So expect rocky outcrops, boulders and thick vegetation.
The bunkers have been designed to give the more experienced players a chance to drive over them and the less so to lay up before. It is a pleasure to walk the course as the remote location gives excellent peace and serenity.
One of the most frequent questions we get asked by potential condo buyers is where can they play a good game of golf in and around Pattaya. Hopefully this post will shed some light on 5 of (what we think) are the best courses around.
