Like to know a little more about golf in and general information about
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Thailand: The Definition (or is there one?)
American Heritage Dictionary describes Thailand thus:
"A country of Southeast Asia on the Gulf of Thailand (formerly the Gulf of Siam), an arm of the South China Sea.
Various Thai kingdoms were founded from the 13th century on, frequently coming into conflict with neighboring
Burmese and Cambodian powers. Siam remained an absolute monarchy until 1932, when the king was compelled to accept
a constitution, and the country was renamed Thailand in 1939. Thailand was occupied by the Japanese in World War II,
and most of its numerous postwar governments were controlled by the military. Bangkok is the capital and the
largest city." and...
Lonely Planet has this to say about Thailand:
"The Kingdom of Thailand draws more visitors than any other country in South East Asia with its irresistible
combination of breathtaking natural beauty, inspiring temples, renowned hospitality, robust cuisine and ruins of
fabulous ancient kingdoms. Few countries are so well endowed.
From the stupa-studded mountains of Mae Hong Son and the verdant limestone islands of the Andaman Sea, to the
pulse-pounding dance clubs of Bangkok and the tranquil villages moored along the Mekong River, Thailand offers
something for every type of traveller."
Brief but precise; if you haven't been to this country of Buddhist temples of a unique Thai architecture dotting
the landscape of a diverse culture, it may be a litte hard to conceive so much of what was said in so few lines.
Festivals:
Most festivals are Buddhism-related and follow a lunar calendar. Songkran, or loosely known among most foreign
tourists as the Water Festival, is celebrated in April by sprinkling water over hands, and generally tossing a
lot of water in the air for fun. You haven't been out of the house on the day if you do not get soaked. The sowing
and harvesting of rice have given rise to a cycle of festivals. To start off, there's the official rice-planting
season in May in which the King participates in an ancient ritual in Sanam Luang, or the Royal Ground, right in
front of the Royal Palace in Banglamphu; a Rocket Festival is held in May in the northeast, using a
mixture of bamboo and gunpowder to plead to the sky to send rain for the new rice season; and the rice harvest
from September through to May leads to joyous local celebrations throughout the country.
The Festival of the Nine Kings, most popular in the provinces of Phuket and Trang and which is otherwise known
to Farangs (Western foreigners) as the Vegetarian Festival during which devout followers go on vegetarian diet
only throughout the festival period, runs for the first nine days of the Chinese Lunar calendar (mostly in October).
Merit-making processions as well as bare-foot crossing of fire pyres are the most visible expressions of this festival.
There are also ceremonies at Chinese temples devoted solely to the Nine Kings. In November, the Elephant Festival
in Surin is a popular festival. Perhaps one of the most
important festivals in Thailand is the Loi Krathong Festival, held after the rainy season (usually in October).
Candle-lit floats are cast into waterways to bring good wishes to the Gods in far-away lands.
Weather:
The best time to visit the country is from November to February when northerly winds cool and bring drier air to
the region. This is followed by a higher temperature from March to June after which the monsoon rain arrives and
lasts until September/October.
These days, tourist arrivals no longer so much conform to the pattern of the holiday period in the traditional
source countries. What more with the on-set of no-frills air-travels in many countries, any time of the year
could be a good time for the country's tourist industry depending on where the tourists originate.
Golf Vacation & Holiday in Thaiand:
In Southeast Asia and the Far East, Thailand has to be the country to visit for a once-in-a-lifetime golf experience.
Golf is played in a delightful tropical climate all year round. As one of the world's top tourism destinations,
it has all the attractions and the facilities to keep drawing millions of overseas visitors, not least golfers, year
after year. With more than 200 golf courses, mostly located in the more popular tourist destinations like Bangkok,
Chiangmai, Pattaya, Phuket and Hua Hin, golf in Thailand has been one of Asia's best kept secret. Many has been designed
by famous names in the sport like Jack Nicklaus, Greg Norman, Nick Faldo, Robert Trent Jones and Gary Player, just to name
a few. You will find superbly maintained and manicured courses, with impressive Club houses offering excellent facilities
in most of these golf clubs.
Thailand is a country rich in history and culture. Your golf programme is therefore always specially designed to provide
ample opportunity for sightseeing and shopping at amazingly attractive prices. A re-juvenating traditional Thai massage
or reflexology massage, relax by the pool or taking an elephant ride, these are some of the popular activities well suited
for in-between rounds of golf.
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Golf Courses in Thailand
There are simply too many good golf courses in this wonderful country of golf. We have compiled some details of
golf courses and golf tourism industry in general on a region-by-region basis. If you do not find your favourite
club or course below, you are most welcome to contact us. We just might have them in store awaiting update.
Bangkok:
Bangkok has by far the most in number of golf courses in and around a major city anywhere in the region, with a good portion
of these being of world class standard as well. It is also a great place for sightseeing. A multitude of Buddhist temples
dot the banks of the majestic Chao Phraya River. The Grand Palace near Wat Phra Kheaw and other monuments as well as the
bustling city life make Bangkok a city of delight to visit. Excellent restaurants offering tasty foods from every part of
the world are to be found in and around the city. For shopping, the range of products offered at attravtive prices will simply
overwhelm you. Classical Thai dancing, kick boxing, a soothing and relaxing Thai massage and not least the world famous
nightlife of Bangkok will ensure your stay will be a most enjoyable one. Nonetheless, here are some of the almost
listless golf courses in and around the capital city that we have sampled:
Amata Spring Country Club of Bangkok -
In 2007, Amata Spring Country Club won the Best New Course in Asia poll conducted by Asian Golf Monthly. Perhaps
not the least coincidental, it situates close to the more
established and illustrous
Thai Country Club.
Underlying its emergence in the regional golf scene is a world class golf course that tests, teases, penalizes,
rewards and requires play of utmost precision and thought if a good score is to be obtained. This 7,400-yard
new kid on the block boasts strategically placed tee-boxes to test experience, and at the same time demanding
power and strength on the longer front nine and accuracy and finesse on the more hazard-filled other. In
particular, the Par-3 145-yard Signature Hole#17 which has the only floating green in Asia, requires good club
selection and judgement on the ever-changing wind directions (read: Bring lots of spare balls!). Another memorable
one is the long Par-5 584-yard Hole#15 which you could get to the green in three but only accompanied by accuracy
and the ability to side-step well-placed bunkers and other hazards guarding the green in all directions.
Amata Spring Country Club was the host of the inaugural
Royal Trophy in January 2006. It is also the home
course of the darling of Thai golf, Virada Nirapathpongporn.
Cascata Golf Club of Bangkok -
Golf for pleasure? This is it! The Cascata, designed by Thanawat Subrungrueng, is primarily built for fun golf
with wide fairways and large, some call it 'stress-free' greens. Measuring 7,000 yards, this 18-hole Par-72 course
is 'fun and fair' and is an ideal destination for recreational golf. It is also popular among golfer-tourists
visiting the capital city.
Of interest among the 'easy' holes is the Par-3 193-yard Hole#2 with many sand traps and water hazards. If it
cannot be officially described as an island green, the water stretching along the left side of the hole and the deep
bunkers on the right will certainly remind amply of one.
Krungthep Kreetha Golf & Sports Club>/a> of Bangkok -
Comparatively Krungthep Kreeta is an old course considering that it openned in 1969 and then went through a
face-lift in 1995. It features a variety of lush green trees, numerous ponds, bunkers, well maintained fairways and
greens. Designed by J. R. Vaughn, this 6,300-yard 18-hole Par-72 course demands good course management and accurate
placement shots for laying up. Big hitters are not naturally advantaged here. The Signature Hole is perhaps the
Par-3 140-yard Hole#4 where hazards guard not only on the ground but also in the air. This special hole offers a
scenic view of the tall trees over-arching the big lake guarding the island green.
The Legacy Golf Club of Bangkok -
A Jack Nicklaus' design, the Legacy is an 18-hole Par-72 7,000-yard championship golf course. Previously knwon as
Winsan Golf Course, the layout features lush tree-lined fairways with wide expanse of sand waste and many water
hazards. One of the more exciting holes is the Par-5 474-yard Hole#6. The tricky green comes with a waist-line
at the middle. Long and reliable tee-hitters will again have a distinct advantage on this hole if the bunkers can
be successfully avoided.
Lam Luk Ka Golf & Country Club of Bangkok -
Designed by R. Packard, this course is made up of two 18-hole standard courses. The East Course, measuring
7,010 yards, is touted the most challenging course in the country. Hitters who can't keep the ball straight will be
severely punished. The West Course however is much shorter at 6,600 yards. The ease of a shorter distance here is
all but compensated by more water hazards placing greater demand on good course management skills. In fact all the
holes but three are infested by water obstacles.
The Signature Hole is the Par-5 550-yard Hole#2 of the East Course where the edge of water threatens all the way on
one side and fairway bunkers on the other. It will test your power drive as well as accurate placement shots.
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Muang Ake Golf Club of Bangkok -
Located just 10 minutes from the old Don Muang Airport of Bangkok, Muang Ake Golf Club is known for its forgiveness
in the flatness of the course layout, if not in the relatively short distance of 6,398 yards. Additionally, the
greens are wide with little undulation. But that's not to say there's a total lack in challenge. Several lakes
and small water holes surround many of the greens providing some deceptions to an otherwise open course of
seemingly easy birdies. The favourite holes are the Par-4s of the 371-yard Hole#9 and 365-yard Hole#18 both of
which come complete with island greens with blind spots to the lake. If you like, dense shrubs artistically
sculptured into shapes of animals serving as distance markers only provide further distractions when concentration
is needed most.
Designed by Maneerat Asadang in 1986, this Par-72 18-hole course is ideal for novices and high handicappers if it
is not already very popular among locals and foreigners alike for its proximity to the city and easy access along
the highway to Ayuthaya.
Muang Kaew Golf Club of Bangkok -
Muang Kaew is another grande dame of golf courses in and around the capital city. Less than half an hour's drive from
downtown Bangkok, the course was re-designed by Schmidt-Curly in 2003 and upgraded to international standards. For
a long while this course remained a best-kept secret until more got to know of its new facelift.
This 18-hole Par-72 7,010-yard course boasts of numerous challenging holes set in a parkland environment with lakes
and 'klong' (canals) segmenting the course. Not unexpectedly, the fairways are amply lined with mature trees that
befit its seniority.
The most difficult hole appears to be the Par-5 550-yard Hole#6 where two deep bunkers guard the small elevated
green at the sides and a large pond lining the right-hand side of the fairway approaching the green.
President Golf & Country Club of Bangkok -
This 36-hole RTJ2-designed championship course consists of four Par-36 9s namely the 3,034-yard North, the 3,128-yard
South, the 2,942-yard East and the 3,013-yard West. The characteristic of the course lies in the numerous water
holes and deep greenside bunkers. Good sand shots are essential to good scores here as often the ball has to be
literally dug out high for the fast greens with subtle burrows. There are also several Par-3s with wide area of water
in between. Particularly challenging of the Par-3s are the 177-yard Hole#6 North and the 197-yard Hole#17 East.
The South and West 9s generally have more long holes, the more memorable of which are the Par-5s of 557-yard Hole#11
and the 562-yard Hole#18 South, both have water running alongside the fairway to the green.
Generally in this course the fairways are wide and the greens large, and both are fast. The tough and wiry Tif-Way
419 grass of the fairways also encourages a more cautious and less aggressive shots. In all this is still a
challenging course if it is not the most difficult amongst the so many good golf courses of Bangkok. A little
outside of central Bangkok, President Golf is located north on the way to Cha Cheong Sao and thus is afterall not
too far away from the Suvarnaphum Airport.
The Royal Golf & Country Club of Bangkok -
This 18-hole Par-72 golf course was designed with a view to retain as much of the natural environment as possible
and at the same time provide a scenic backdrop for an enjoyable golfing experience. Measuring 6,800 yards, The Royal
Golf, designed by Chohei Miyasawa, was acclaimed one of the best managed courses in Thailand by the GA of Japan.
Perhaps there is a Zen-touch in it that while it is described as fairly challenging to the mind, one will
experience it in a beautiful and peaceful surrounding of colourful flowers and shady trees, shimmering lakes and
well designed landscape. Transcendental golf, anyone?
The Par-4 358-yard Hole#18 appears the most memorable hole. With a view of the clubhouse to line the tee shot.
Watch for the water on the direct path to the clubhouse by drawing the ball, if you can. Otherwise a careful drive
to the left of the bottle-neck fairway will do the job.
Royal Ratchaburi Golf Club of Ratchaburi -
The Royal Ratchaburi is one of the rare courses in the country that is surrounded by scenic mountains. Stretching
nearly 7,000 yards, this 18-hole Par-72 mountain course makes much use of the natural hilly terrain as well as
the water catchment areas to provide challenging obstacles to a good score. Sand traps and testing greens add to
the degree of difficulty. Against the majestic mountain view as the backdrop, lush woodlands abound with regular
wild monkeys at the tree top; a hole-in-one is unlikely to be celebrated unnoticed any time on the course.
The sloping fairway of the Par-4 320-yard Hole#6 tests placement ability. Tee off shots leaning towards the right
will certainly find water and therefore disaster. And if the shot is well placed on the left side of the fairway, a
treacherous green sloping back towards the fairway will severely test club selection. A flatter club head for more
rolls will be helpful. In any eventuality, the beautiful mountain view and the refreshing air will either compensate
for the less than satisfactory finishing or simply add to the joy of having played in such devine surrounding.
Summit Pinehurst Golf & Country Club of Bangkok -
The Summit hosted the Johnnie Walker Classic Golf Tournament, part of the European Tours, in 1992. Designed
by Yoshihira Aihara,
this championship course is made up of three 9-hole courses called the North, the West and the South. The most
tricky of the holes has to be the Par-4 314-yard Hole#9 of the West course. If your tee shot is powerful and
quite confidently accurate, you could well try an eagle, if you are really hard up. With a bit of luck, the ball
may just sail past the water hazzard and sand traps and weave through the palm leaves for a one-on. A tall order
to dwarf the tall palm trees guarding the greens for some, but otherwise, there's always the conventional of
laying up before an accurate landing for a birdie. The real challenge, it appears, lies in the decision you make
base on the condition of the course as well as that of yourself.
Summit Windmill Golf Club of Bangkok -
Comparatively, Summit Windmill is not only older than most of the golf courses in and around Bangkok, it is also not
the easiest. Characterised by the many artificial lakes found all over the entire complex of about
160 hactares, the course is challenging to say the least. Take for instance, the Par-5 624-yard Signature Hole#1
has a large
water area port side all the way from the tee to the dogleg and beyond. Power and accuracy are both
badly needed here. This design is then repeated on Hole#18 and as well on two others making them somewhat representative
of what this course is all about. And to match in a different and more subtle way, there are also numerous
Par-3s well flanked by water holes with Hole#12 in particular which has an island green for the weak-hearted,
perhaps. Well, knowingly one suspects, Nick Faldo designed this Par-72 6,964-yard course of low shrubs of palm trees
lining most of the fairways with a challenging layout in mind. There are various coloured tees incorporated to suit
the different levels. Even then, the tee-boxes were not done without good angling and positioning.
Despite, this golf course remains one of the most popular with the locals and foreign visitors alike partly owing
to its close proximity to the city (about half-an-hour's drive) and good access (just off the busy Bangna-Trad
Express Way). And for that, bookings for premium tee-off time are as challenging.
Thai Country Club of Bangkok -
Voted 'The Best Golf Course in Thailand' for a consecutive 5 years to 2005 by Asian Golf Monthly, this Denis
Griffiths-designed Par-72 7,157-yard boasts one of the finest in attendance. Tiger Woods won the Asian Honda
Classic here in 1997 and in 2007 it staged the Volvo Masters of Asia featuring some of the best of European Tours
as well as many top Asian golfers. Gentle breeze from the Gulf of Siam constantly whispers through the flowering
trees and shrubs. Some describe playing here as 'an ultimate golfing experience'; whether or not the feeling is
influenced by the presence of Woods having won here is quite immaterial really.
As if one accolade is not enough, the 230-yard Hole#6 has been voted 'The Best Par-3 in Asia' for three
years running to 2003. With an average 3.38 strokes achieved during the tournament that Woods won, perhaps it should
be called 'The best but certainly not the easiest Par-3 of Asia'.
Thana City Golf & Country Club of Bangkok -
Designed by Greg Norman, this prestigious 18-hole Par-72 6,400-yard course staged numerous international golf
tournament including Thailand Open, Queen Sirikit Cup as well as the Johnny Walker Classic Super Tour Series.
Imposing jungle of tall and mature trees, hilly and undulating terrain, rivers and lakes, challenging sand traps are
the main features. The Signature Hole appears to be the Par-4 440-yard Hole#9 with large bunkers to thwart long
tee-off shots thereby increasing the degree of difficulty for a two-on. Sloping green adds more pressure to produce
excellent placement shot on landing.
Uniland Golf and Country Club of Bangkok -
Uniland Golf is another three 9-holes courses making up the entire complex of a 27-hole golf club. Surrounded
by mature lush green trees and lotus ponds, Courses A, B and C average 3,200 yards each with Course C touted as the
most interesting of the three.
The dog-leg left Par-5 Hole#8 of Course B appears the most challenging of the holes. At a hefty 640 yards, two ponds
hair-pin at the turn requiring the tee shot to be at least 250 yards off the tee to hope for a par. A long iron
or fairway wood second will not only provide the distance but also accuracy mindful of the water fronting the
narrow approach to the green. The large elevated green is by no means of any comfort for a good placement. Club
selection is crucial to counter the sloping green and the prospect of a birdie. At the very least, this is a very
challenging hole to most.
The Windsor Park & Golf Club of Bangkok -
Known as Panya Park Golf Club in the past, The Windsor consists of four Ron Fream-designed 9-hole courses, the A,
B, C and D Courses, with almost equi-distant for all four at approximately 3,200 yards. The main feature of the
courses is the lush tree-lined fairways and gently sloping greens, deceptive bunkers and meandering creeks bringing
water to almost every hole.
Yearning for an eagle? You may get the chance at the Par-5 496-yard Hole#9 of C Course if you can rip it. Two large
bunkers guard on both sides at close to the 300-yard mark. A large pond sits close to the front edge of the large
green.
Chiang Mai & Chiang Rai:
Chiang Mai has five top class golf courses in Chiangmai Highlands GC, The Green Valley GC, Ghassun Khuntum GC, Royal Chiang Mai
GC and Chiangmai-Lumphun GC. In mid-2007 a
new 9-hole course was added to the long list of prominent venues. And there are more if these are not enough. All the golf clubs have excellent club house facilities.
Chiang Mai is Thailand's second largest city and is about 900 km. north of Bangkok. It is an extremely appealing
destination with sights and charms peculiar to the northern region of Thailand. This region is renowned for its
beautiful mountain scenery and hilltribes, and certainly not to be left out, the beauty of its women. Other attractions include
trekking, golfing, shopping and its clean mountain air. The quality and variety of accommodation, shopping and food are second
to none.
Chiang Rai has two international golf courses set in beautiful valleys, surrounded by teak-forested mountains. Santiburi GC is
by far the more famous because of the international tournaments held there. It is some 150km north of Chiangmai. It is renowned
for its natural mountain scenery, the Mekong river, interesting hilltribe villages, the Golden Triangle, temples, ancient
sites and ruins. It is a good crossing point into Myanmar for a glimpse of the mysterious country and perhaps even a round of
golf in the country governed by a strong socialist regime.
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For details of the golf courses in Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai, click:
Go There!
Pattaya:
With some 10 to 15 championship golf courses in and around this seaside resort, Pattaya shares some of the golf courses with
Bangkok. You will be simply spoilt for the choices on offer. Golf is played all year round in delightful tropical climate, with
charming caddies to carry your golf bag, beckoning drink huts strategically located to serve cold beers and exotic tropical fruit
drinks and impressive clubhouses offering full facilities.
Pattaya is perhaps the largest beach resort in South East Asia. Its skyline is dominated by modern high-rises and with the number
of hotels of various types and standards, it is an excellent holiday destination at reasonable prices. But otherwise, it is
infamously known as the sex capital of Asia with its uncountable number of bars and beaus-on-hire. If you do not
mind being in the 'sin bin of golf' playing in Pattaya, here are some of the better known golf courses you might
be interested in:
Burapha Golf Club of Pattaya -
Designed by Gary Panks and David Graham, this course features two 18-hole Par-72 Championship links-style golf courses.
The East course extends 6,700 yards while the other, the West Course, is shorter at 6,500 yards. Both courses
incorporate the natural beauties of the land - the lakes, hills, tropical fruit trees and other vegetation and not
least the ubiquitous coconut palm.
If there's a must-play hole, it will have to be the Par-3 179-yard Hole#8 where, at the highest point of the entire
course, the tee-off area offers spectacular panoramic views of the ocean and Pattaya city skyline. The idea is to
control the shot to land preferably in the middle of the small and sloping green. High winds and the drop in
elevation to the small green demand good club selection. For some, this hole is definitely a 'must-play' for this
is the spot where good shots of the digital kinds should be taken for the album.
Phoenix Golf & Country Club of Pattaya -
Beautifully landscaped with eucalyptus, bamboo and tropical shrubs, this Dennis Griffiths-designed course makes full
use of the availibity of local woods and the rolling terrain. The course consists of three 9-hole courses i.e. the
Mountain Course (3,450 yards) which is where the picturesque mountains slope to the sea; the Lake (3,260 yards)
which has generous fairways laid out of natural woodland and run in between shimmering lakes and the Ocean (3,360
yards) which, at the highest point of the entire course, has a commanding view of the Gulf of Thailand.
The most recommended hole is the Par-5 Hole#9 of the Ocean Course. Being at the high point of the course, the
tee-off area overlooks Jomtien Beach down below with the rest of the Pattaya city skyline at the back. Hard hitters
may take advantage of the down-sloping fairway to gain distance for an easier second. A two-on is not too
difficult if the spectacular view of the ocean does not become too much a distraction.
St. Andrews 2000 Golf Club of Pattaya -
They say copying is the best form of compliment and St. Andrews 2000 of Pattaya was built to replicate the
wind-swept links-courses of its namesake in Scotland offering an uncompromising challenge aimed at players with
handicaps of 18 or lower. Desmond Muirhead designed this uncompromisingly tough course featuring elevated
tee-off blocks and greens, tight landing areas, split-elevation fairways, huge putting surfaces and two Par-6's
that will test the best to their limits. Opened in the year of the new millenium, this 18-hole
Par-74 course is long, some believe, auspiciously at 7,777 yards. It certainly ranks as one of the best in Asia.
At a marathon distance of 878 yards, the Par-6 Hole#4 is not for the faint-hearted. It demands the combination of
both power and accuracy. The best bet is to tee-off powerfully for a carry-over the pond that splits the long
fairway into two sections at the approximately 250-yard mark at the onward-end. The second is fairly straight
forward and should be as long as possible, but watch out for the high winds. The third is crucial in preparation for
a good landing shot next. Keep to the right as there's water on the left. If you make it to this point in three
which is another 150 yards or so to the green, your game should revert back to a normal Par-5; otherwise depending
on the situation, there are many other options to consider which would not be discussed here. Ready, Marathon Man?
Laem Chabang International Country Club of Pattaya -
Designed by Jack Nicklaus, Laem Chabang offers a world class 27-hole beautifully crafted and well maintained
golf course. The course comprises three 9-hole Par-36 courses, namely the Mountain Nine which is 3,440 yards long
set in hilly terrain, the Lake Nine which is 3,420 yards long with a stream running through it and the Valley
Nine which is 3,620 yards long and is surrounded by scenic mountains.
The favourite is the intimidating Par-3 184-yard Hole#8 of the Lake Course where the small green is well defended by
bunkers and waters. But it is the high cross winds from the lagoon that will most likely decide the outcome of the
shot. Club selection is crucial to landing accurately.
Siam Country Club of Pattaya -
Founded by Dr. Thaworn Phornprapha in 1971, Siam is one of the oldest private golf courses in the country. In 2007
Lee Schimdt-Curley renovated the course by retaining most of the original layout of tall and mature trees but
re-building the tee-boxes and greens. The course has also been lengthened to 7,200 yards to include more sand
traps, elevated greens and steeper slopes for a more challenging game. The same year, the new international
championship course hosted the Honda Ladies Professional Golf Association - Thailand
(re:
Golf Par Excellence of our Articles page) and it
attracted no less than 50 of the top female golfers and the 'who's who' of LPGA including Annika Sorenstam,
Paula Creamer, Laura Davies and the eventual winner, Suzann Pettersen of Norway.
The most exciting hole is likely to be the Par-4 422-yard Hole#9 requiring an approach shot up an elevated, tight
and steep-sloping green which is further guarded by quite a few sand traps.
An Update on Siam Country Club:
This golf club is expanding! In May 2008 a new 27-hole course a mere few kilometers away from the existing will
be opened and called the New Siam Country Club Pattaya Plantation. This comes in addition to the recent
upgrade and renovation of the existing 18-hole course which hosted the Honda LPGA Thailand 2007 (Article: Golf Par Excellence). Again, Schimdt-Curley designed this
Par-72 7,450-yard new course. Send your review if you play there!
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Khao Yai - Nakorn Ratchasima - Saraburi - Korat Region:
The region about 150 kilometers north-east of Bangkok boasts of no less than nine resort golf clubs and courses.
Easily accessible by road via the highway, it is also where the Khao Yai National Park, now a world heritage site, is.
Back when economic development was more than zealously pursued, controversies abound over what should be built and
where should these great creations by creative pioneers with 'visions' be sited - inside the park?
Much was left to those well equipped with words and endowed with real power to seek divine truth in the
natural beauty of the primary forest the saga of which nontheless brought greater fame to the golf courses listed individually
below. In hind-sight, if the economic developement that had taken place so far has been any success by any standard
and the region proved environmentally harmonised afterall, it owes no less to the boldness and bravery of
these creative pioneers who not only championed the cause but also made it into reality, albeit with a pinch of salt you might ponder
whether the laws of the jungle which Khao Yai is also famous for had been freely applied?
Kirimaya Golf Resort & Spa of Khao Yai -
Set on the edge of the national park, Kirimaya Golf Club - known formerly as Khao
Yai Country Club - is a nature retreat a mere 150-km of easy drive along the highway to Korat from Bangkok.
Together with the other golf clubs in the vicinity, it provides an escape from the hectic city life in addition
to a truly memorable golfing experience.
A Jack Nicklaus-designed 18-hole 7,115-yard Championship course, Kirimaya provides a panoramic view of the
lush green surrounding rising to the top of the Khao Yai Mountain range. Its fairways weave through what was
primary forest in a single track design layout giving the visitor a certain feeling of 'privacy' playing here. The
course design makes use of bunkers and water hazards cleverly carved out of the natural habitat. It is a
challenging course to say the least.
Bonanza Golf & Country Club of Khao Yai -
The Bonanza is another popular course in the vicinity of the Khao Yai National Park. Measuring 7,480 yards, this
18-hole Par-72 course was designed by Bob McFarland and opened in 1996. The terrain over which the fairways
meander is generally considered mountainous as there are quite a few spots with steep slopes demanding a higher
level of control for a good score. In particular the Par-5 Hole#4 is additionally long and calls for more accurate
shot making. Players with a handicap of 24 and above are generally advised not to start from the longest tee.
If the natural beauty of the surrounding mountain range and the all-enveloping lush green and fresh mountain air
are not enough to bring visitors back to the earthy nature of the place, the carefully crafted site probably will.
Here, the accommodation features western style log-cabin type of houses giving it a rustic country feel of the
place. There is also an orchid nursery over a 100-acre large, a
Koi pond and a
Macaws Park within the compound of the club.
Mission Hills Golf Club of Khao Yai -
Yet another of the Mission Hills' brand of golf resorts. Well-tucked in between two valleys at the foothills of the
national park and covering an immense area of over 1,500 rai (1 rai=0.4 acre or 0.16 hectare) in all, Mission Hills Khao Yai reputedly enjoys a
temperature some 6 degrees lower than the national average. This 18-hole Par-72 7,058-yard cool beau, designed
by Jack Nicklaus, opened in 1993 not only to provide yet another great venue for golfers but also aimed to preserve
as much of the prestine original forest through which the fairways weave in and out. The favourites are the dogleg Par-5
Hole#2 and Hole#12. Of late, there's been some rumbling about the poor grass condition of the course. We are
awaiting report of a possible upgrade.
Royal Hills Golf Club of Khao Yai -
Open since 1992, Royal Hills is a Nelson & Wright-designed 18-hole Par-72 6,981-yard course featuring streams of
water flowing through the immaculate tree-lined fairways. Not unexpectedly water hazards constitute the main
obstacle for this course. Accuracy and good positioning are the orders of the day. As in all the other golf clubs
in the region, the attractive clubhouse with superb facilities complements the good golf course.
Friendship Meadows Golf & Country Club of Khao Yai -
Friendship Meadows Golf Club is situated in a beautiful rolling countryside about two hours' drive from Bangkok
along Route#2 and in between Saraburi and the town of Pak Chong. Albeit a 27-hole course, the 18-hole Par-72
6,569-yard standard for tournament is designed by Nelson Wright & Haworth. Relatively a short course, it features
narrow fairways and greens well-guarded by water hazards and sand traps. Good course management and accuracy are
the keys to a good score here.
The Khao Cha-Ngok Golf & Country Club of Khao Yai -
Perhaps to hitch a ride on the fame of the national park, Khao Cha-Ngok Golf is generally referred to as one of the
many golf courses in the Khao Yai region when it is actually a wee bit closer to Bangkok being sited within the
Chulachomklao Royal Military Academy than the national park proper. This 18-hole Par-72 7,016-yard course was
designed by Colonel Veerayuth Phetbansak. Opened in 1993, this beautiful and challenging course is better known
for its toughness perhaps reflecting on its military background. Open to the public, it is generally more suitable
to long hitters particularly on the more rugged terrain of the first nine. Water hazards are more common on the
back nine requiring more controlled and accurate shots. This is especially so with the several dogleg holes. Greens
are mostly undulating if not notoriously steep on some.
Sir James Country Club of Saraburi -
Formerly Forest Hills Country Club, Sir James is one of the top quality mountain golf courses in Thailand. Just next to the Khao Yai
National Park this 27-hole course spreads out on natuaral hilly terrain with dense forest surrounding.
Designed by John Rogers, the course is made up of three 9-hole smaller courses: Course A, B and C. Rock gardens,
streams of water, mature trees and vegetation make up the main features of this course. The favourite hole is the
Par-5 560-yards Hole#5 of C Course. Despite the distance, a two-on is quite possible for most rippers as it tees
off to a great running slope below. Stay clear at the turn of the dog-leg left to position for the landing second
shot. The green is well protected by large sand traps and water hazards.
Rooks Korat Golf Resort & Country Club of Khao Yai -
This is a beautiful 18-hole Par-72 6,842-yard inland course surrounded by mature trees and local vegetation. The
Par-4s on this course are generally challenging and the layout is a good test for all levels. The greens are
relatively small but attackers are freely assisted by the presence of trees at the back of the greens facilitating
good judgment of distance to the pin. Roots Korat Golf is an enjoyable course to play in if the comfortable lodge
and good clubhouse facilitities are not impressive enough.
Voyage Panorama Resort & Golf Club of Khao Yai -
Voyage Panorama is another one along Route#2 to the town of Pak Chong. Designed by Golftech Corp Ltd & Elm
Consultants of Florida, it measures 6,901 yards long and is a Par-72 18-hole course. Opened in 1993, this pleasant
course was built along the natural contour of a valley with water play on Hole#3, #4 and #15. The most memorable
has to be the difficult Par-4 Hole#10 where the tee shot carries over a valley onto the slope of a hill for a
second landing shot to a blind green.
Hua Hin, Cha'Am, Koh Samui, South Thailand:
The coastal city of Hua Hin, two hours' drive south of Bangkok, has five international standard golf courses, and
one of which is the oldest in Thailand. The biggest town of them all before Ha'adyai in the deep south just before
Malaysia, it was established as a Royal resort about 100 years ago. It has since become one of the most popular
beach resorts on the Gulf of Thailand. With its wide range of luxury hotels, excellent restaurants, championship
golf courses, its clear blue water and a charm of its own, Hua Hin has slowly but surely developed into a resort of
class and luxury. Together with the other smaller towns and beach resorts along the coast or anywhere else on the
narrow neckline-strip of the
Kra Isthmus, they make up a potent source of quality golfing activities rivalling
other more well known regions like Bangkok, Pattaya and Chiangmai.
Black Mountain Golf Club of Hua Hin -
This 18-hole Par-72 7,345-yard Phil Ryan-designed course south of Bangkok on the isthmus of Kra features a visually
stunning view of many large black boulders scattered against the mountain in the background. Natural creeks and
mature vegetation make up the rest of the beautiful landscape. The best hole is the Par-3 148-yard Hole#8 with
water hazards and beautiful petal-shaped sand bunkers (pic) guarding the narrow and slanting green but most
of all testing confidence.
Royal Hua Hin Golf Club of Hua Hin -
There have been 'grand dame' being mentioned to describe some very old courses or golf clubs in Thailand but trust
your sweet-smiling caddy, this is the real one! Openned in 1924 during the reign of King Rama VI, this historic golf
course designed by O.A. Robins, a Scottish railway engineer, is located just behind the same old railway station of
the days gone by which is still being used today. It is
the oldest in the country. Period.
The charming seaside town of Hua Hin, incidentally is one of the favourite holiday destinations of the royals. As
such, many places of interest here bear a certain touch of royalty at least. The golf club is no exception. Watch
for the bearskins-shaped fur tree tops lining the perfectly smooth green in front of the clubhouse (pic). And
if you haven't noticed in this country, only royal guards of the King of Thailand don such head gear.
Constructed around the base of a limestone hill, this 18-hole Par-72 5,690-yard course is covered in lush vegetation
clinging to the edge of the rocky overhangs and boulders. Naturally the course winds up some vantage points where
one could also enjoy spectacular views of the ocean as well as Hua Hin town snugly fitting in on the narrow strip
between the hill and the shores of the Gulf of Thailand. The most technically memorable hole is the Par-3 149-yard
Hole#14 where you would inevitably be reminded by your friendly caddy to add club because the yardage tends to be
misleading for a tee-shot up an elevated green. But failing all else, you could always try a shot of the digital
kind, one you would probably not miss at all of what some call it, a 'breathtaking view' of a Thai temple perched on
the hillside across.
The Imperial Lake View Hotel & Golf Club of Cha'am -
This Roger Packard-designed 18-hole Par-72 6,910-yard course features rolling hills and lakes as well as having
mounds surrounding the greens providing obstacles not found in most other courses. Recently a new 9-hole Par-36
3,420-yard course was added and it features desert play. The most sought after hole for a good challenge is the
Par-3 207-yard Hole#14 with a sloping island green guarded by surrounding waters and sand traps. The idea is simple,
read the pin position on the green and hit a lofty spin shot perhaps and hope for the best.
Springfield Royal Country Club of Cha'am -
Another of Jack Niclaus' master pieces, Springfield Royal, at the tropical beach resort of Cha'am further down the
isthmus of Kra, is a 27-hole course consisting of three 9-hole courses, namely the Lake, the Mountain and the
Valley. The main features of the courses are the strategically placed bunkers and numerous lakes common to all but
with each course offering varying degree of difficulty. The most challenging hole is the Par-4 361-yard
Hole#8 featuring a small and tight green thereby requiring a long tee-shot off the box to be followed by an accurate
landing.
Palm Hills Golf Resort & Country Club of Petchaburi -
Just north of Hua Hin, Palm Hills is a relatively flat course with generous fairways. There are several strategically
placed water hazards throughout the course and fast new greens. The course has been transformed over recent years
to being one of the best manicured courses in the area. Built around the lower slopes of hills, there are some
magnificent views of the coastline on the back nine holes. Designed by Max Wexler, this 18-hole Par-72 6,888-yard
course is turfed with Bermuda Tifway 419 on the fairways and Tiff Eagle for the greens.
The recommended hole is the Par-3 162-yard Hole#11 where the green is fast, undulating and well protected by many
large bunkers.
Santiburi Samui Country Club of Koh Samui -
The one and only golf venue on Koh Samui to take you away from the sun, sea and surf of this charming tropical
fantasy island. But fret no more, this is not a 'course-on-the-beach' to have a few hits in swimming trunks. It is
a championship course which hosted Asian Tour's Bangkok Airways' Open in 2005 and 2006. Measuring 6,880-yard,
this 18-hole Par-72 course has two waterfalls in addition to having streams running through the fairways. The
spectacular hole of the course is called the Waterfall. It is a relatively short Par-3 157-yard Hole#6 which
tees off to a green some 130 yards below sitting pretty and well supported by a cascading waterfall at the
back (pic). Don't miss it: both the birdie opportunity and the photo kind!
Kanchanaburi:
More renowned for the Death Railway over the Kwai River of WWII, golf in Kanchanaburi has been something of a well-kept secret.
Those lucky few who have discovered it, have found a new dimension to the game and that, only Thailand's slowly-emerging
new premier golfing destination can produce.
Kanchanaburi is Thailand's fourth largest province and borders Myanmar to the west of Bangkok. It is of course the site of
the world famous Bridge Over the River Kwai immortalised in books and movies, and is noted for its rugged natural beauty where
mountains and river valleys have inspired development of scenic golf courses. Dam reservoirs and wet-land areas, in addition
to the numerous waterfalls, caves, national parks and tranquil riverine settings only further add to the scenic beauty of
this place.
Mission Hills Golf Club of Kanchanaburi -
A spectacular 18-hole Jack Nicklaus-designed golf course that will test your mind, swing, spirit & soul. It's an
awful lot to experience if the words of the operator are true. Measuring 6,600 yards, this course is approximately
2-3 hours' drive from Bangkok and provides a perfect get-away if you have had enough of the big capital city.
The least one can expect from playing here is it will give you a unique golfing pleasure and holiday enjoyment in
beautiful natural surrounding.
This is a challenging course; meets Professional Golf Association's standards and no expense was spared to achieve
excellence. The relatively flat and lightly wooded terrain together with the few roughs and water hazards present a
perfect deception to the casual golfers. There are in fact quite a few sand traps along the way. It staged the
World Cup Qualifying Rounds in 1995.
(For those keen on the Mission Hills brand, click to visit
Mission Hills Golf Course in Shenzhen, China.
or go to Mission Hills Phuket Golf Resort & Spa below.)
Nichigo Golf Resort & Country Club of Kanchanaburi -
This 27-hole course designed by Mitsuaki Kobayashi consists of three Par-36 9-hole courses, namely the Lake 9, the
River 9 and the Mountain 9. Measuring 3,330 yards, 3,325 yards and 3,240 yards respectively, the fairways are covered
by the environmental friendly Norshiba grass, which requires little fertilizers and pesticides, and the greens,
Tifdwarf.
Covering an area of about 500 acres in natural surrounding, Nichigo is a fully integrated golf and recreation
resort sandwiched between the highlands along the Thai/Myanmar border on the western side and the famed River Kwai
of World War II.
Evergreen Hills Golf Club of Kanchanaburi -
Set in a valley between hills of jungle vegetation, this 18-hole Par-72 Artnan Yomchinda-designed course lies about
26 km from Kanchanaburi City and is about 140 km south-west of Bangkok.
As the course lies in a natural water
catchment area, water hazards inevitably constitute the main feature of the course. There are at least three holes
each on both nines heavily guarded by waters with Par-4 Hole#17 in particular where water encroaches on both sides
of the fairway making it difficult even for making par.
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Phuket:
Of late, golf has taken a prominent place in this island aptly dubbed 'Pearl of the South' by the tourism industry. Banyon Tree
GC and Blue Canyon GC are the premier and championship courses. Other than those, there are other good courses around the island
that one needs to fret no more of running out of courses to play in.
Phuket is Thailand's largest, most populous and most visited island. A whirl of colour and cosmopolitanism, Thailand's only island
province revolves around and thrives on tourism, but still retains a spark of the real Thailand. There are a hundred and one ways
to pass the day in Phuket. There are also more tourists here than on any other Thai island. It certainly knows how to cater to
tourists' needs. Most flock to the beaches on the southwestern side, which are complete with amenities and entertainment outlets.
Blue Canyon Country Club of Phuket -
Some say, the
Canyon Course is one of the most prestigious golf courses in Asia. Designed by Yoshikazu Kato, it has
so far hosted three Johnnie Walker Classic, a PGA European Tour event.
" ...it's one of the best I have ever
played on.." said a certain Mr. Woods who happens to be the winner of one of the three events in 1998. The holes
are built along gradual ridges with undulating and narrow fairways, and the greens are fast and sloping. The
recommended hole on this Par-72 7,179-yard championship course is the Par-3 194-yard Hole#14 where a lofted tee-box
overlooking the fairway down below leading to a tight green well-guarded by waters intimidates even the very
experienced. The scenic view of the canyon though often serves a consolation to most starters on this hole.
As for the
Lake Course, just as the name suggests, all but one of the 18 holes are well protected by water hazards created not only to provide a degree
of difficulty but also to please the eyes. This Par-72 7,129-yard complimentary course to the Canyon is also
designed by Yoshikazu Kato. Described as 'the most challenging and exciting finishing hole in golf', the Par-4
471-yard Hole#18 appears a must-play. A large tree sits on the fairway at about the range of a driver-shot making
laying up on the right side of the tree for a second landing so much more difficult as the small elevated green is
very well defended by water at the front.
Laguna Phuket Golf Club of Phuket -
Formerly known as Banyan Tree Golf Club, the Laguna is a recently renovated 18-hole Par-71 6,650-yard resort golf
course. Scenic lagoons, coconut plantations and undulating fairways all make up to provide a good golfing experience.
The new conditions and improvements over the old course make it much more interesting and requiring more
imagination to play on. The dog-leg left Par-4 373-yard Hole#9 tempts a carry-over tee-shot past the dog-leg to lay
up for a second landing on the relatively small island green which, not surprisingly, slopes towards the water.
And, as if it is still not well-protected enough by the waters, there are sand traps on the front-right
and at the back as well.
Loch Palm Golf Club of Phuket -
The Loch Palm is one of the most refreshing and scenic golf courses in Phuket. Nestling below a panoramic range of
mountain peaks, this challenging 18-hole Par-72 golf course is built around the largest fresh water lake in Phuket,
the Crystal. Wind, water, undulation as well as elevational changes make up most of the natural hazards. The
greens with subtle breaks are turfed with Bermuda Hybrid; the type that makes fast surface
even in wet conditions.
The favourite hole, the Par-3 168-yard Hole#14, is another one of the favourites of the designers for golf courses
in Phuket: an elevated tee-off area overlooking the fairway below leading to a water hazard and sand trap-protected
green. [ Also, find out about Loch Palm's new extension course of
Red Mountain Golf Club (below). ]
Mission Hills Phuket Golf Resort & Spa -
Located just 10km from the island's international airport and nestling at the relatively peaceful north-eastern
corner of the island, Mission Hills is ideal for a relaxing round of golf in scenic ocean surrounding. Measuring
6,800 yards long, this Jack Niclaus-designed jewel of the island has paspalum grass for both the fairways and greens.
The Par-4 481-yard Hole#12 is a long hole requiring a carry-over tee-shot to the left of the fairway which is not
unexpectedly filled with bunkers in the vicinity, but this will lay up for the shortest route to the green.
(For those keen on the Mission Hills brand, click to visit
Mission Hills Golf Course in Shenzhen, China.
or go to Mission Hills Golf Club of Kanchanaburi above.)
Phuket Country Club -
That the Thailand Ladies' Masters of 2005 and Phuket Asian Senior Masters of 2006 were hosted on this course stand
testament not only to the fact that Phuket CC is the oldest on the island but also one of the finest. This 18-hole
Par-72 6,483-yard championship course was built over an old tin mine site (Refer:
Mines Golf & Country Club of Kuala Lumpur)
giving it a uniqueness few in the country could find similarity. Not unexpectedly, lakes and ponds from the old
mine site make good water hazards. In fact, the most interesting hole of the course, the Par-5 557-yard Hole#10, is
one such hole that tests your confidence level to the fullest. With the fairway winding right along the shore of the
lake, setting up the tee-shot by making a good right turn at the tee-box could well see the ball going straight through
to the green in one, yes, in one! Well, fortune always favours the brave, didn't they say?
Red Mountain Golf Club of Phuket -
Touted as 'one of Asia's most exciting new courses', Red Mountain, opened in 2007, was built on a former tin mine
site (A sister course of this nature would surely be
Mines Golf &
Country Club of Kuala Lumpur if not the course built on scarred terrain of
The Jockey Club Kau
Sai Chau Golf Club of Hong Kong). This Par-72 6,781-yard Jonathan Morrow-designed course is actually an extension
of the
Loch Palm Golf Club (above). What is different is that while the older Loch Palm is more gradual in the terrain and
shorter in course yardage, the Red Mountain course winds on what's left of the former mine and in between ferrous
red hillocks (and therefore the name) and at points sweeps up the steep terrain providing some dramatic changes in
elevation thus giving it a special character quite unlike many others.
The Par-3 176-yard Hole#5 tees off down through the tips of tall trees to a large green some 45 meters down below
and surrounded by these tall trees. The wind at the high tee-box would generally not affect the flight much,
appropriate under-clubbing is however very necessary.
The relatively short Par-4 365-yard Hole#3 has a deep gorge almost all the way to the green. A strong iron or
straight fairway wood is preferred to lay up at the turn to the elevated green. The Par-5 492-yard Hole#8 has wide
fairway that picking the correct line tends to be more difficult than usual. The left side is ideal for a good
drive to lay up for the second approach shot but water danger lurks nearby. The Par-4 458-yard Hole#16 has a superb
panoramic view of the island if having to decide on the best line of approach down the wide but danger-fraud
fairway takes the back seat.
Golf Course Designers let loose...
Jakarta is renowned for the monuments that President Sukarno built to dot the city's sprawl; and so is Thailand, if only the
'monuments' stand testimony only to the professionalism of famous golf course designers. For instance...
Robert Trent-Jones designed Santiburi GC,
Arnold Palmer designed Bangpoo GC,
Manabu Saramoto designed Krung Kavee GC,
Roger Packard
designed Lum Luk Ka GC,
Jack Nicklaus designed Legacy GC,
Ronald Fream designed Panya Indra GC,
Visuth Junnanont designed Rose Garden
GC,
Greg Norman designed Thana City GC,
Nick Faldo designed Windmill Park GC...and the list just goes on!
Confused? To help you out of these myriad of information, perhaps it's time we took you back to view the golfing packages we have on
offer so you can begin your course management to all the golf courses in this wonderful country of golf that some call it 'The Fairway to
Heaven!
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This page provides ready golf packages for the various hot golf destinations in Thailand.
Content in this page is similar to but at least as much as those contained under the blinking
'Golf Packages' located at the top-left corner of this page as well as on most other pages. The reason for this apparent
repetition is to facilitate ease of page-indexing by search engines. Visitors are welcome to browse and check for availability
and details of packages on offer. New packages are constantly re-packaged to suit the various travel seasons in the region.
In as much as GOLFnTours.com could elaborate on the individual packages, prices as stated are best taken as the nearest
indication of what they should cost. All order enquiries on packages similar to those listed in this page shall be subject
to final confirmation.
You will play in some of the most popular golf courses in and around the city as listed here (the list is by no means exhaustive):
- 1 round 18-hole golf play each at the Banyan Tree Golf Course and Blue Canyon (Lake Course) Golf Course
Play at Evergreen Hills GC & Resort & Mission Hills GC. Stay at Pung Waan & Spa or Felix River Kwai Resort.
All American breakfasts & fully air-conditioned transportation. Enjoy riverine beauty of River Kwai. Explore rich WWII history;
dinner by the river & light & sound show of The Bridge of River Kwai.
