Golf in Pattaya
By Kirsten Ferguson
Golfing in Thailand is affordable and good value
Thailand’s stunning scenery, balmy climate, and quality golf courses rivaling those found in Europe and North America for a fraction of the price have earned the country the nickname ‘golf capital of Asia.’ No region of Thailand deserves this title more than the eastern coastal city of Pattaya, which boasts over 20 courses within an hour’s drive.
The Laem Chabang International Country Club, designed by none other than legendary golfer Jack Nicklaus, is considered not only Pattaya’s finest golf course, but is ranked among the top three courses in Thailand. The 27 holes scattered along Laem Chabang’s perfectly manicured 700 acres are filled with plenty of challenges and spectacular scenery.
The famous 18-hole Siam Country Club course has recently been renovated to international championship standards. This idyllic and carefully landscaped course, which hosted the October 2007 Honda LPGA tour event, is one of Pattaya’s most recommended. Overlooking the 18th hole is a new clubhouse including a driving range, restaurant, pro shop, and full locker and shower rooms.
The sweeping St Andrews Hill course also ranks among Thailand’s finest and most challenging. Each of its 18 holes offers a new challenge and this course must be managed carefully. St Andrews Hill also includes a new 80-room hotel, as well as a clubhouse with a swimming pool, spa, driving range, and a variety of restaurants.
The Siam Country Club Plantation course, which opened in March 2008, may be one of Pattaya’s newest golf courses, but it’s already become one of the region’s finest. The nearby ocean provides constant breezes, keeping golfers cool in sweltering weather, as well as a stunning backdrop to Asia’s only triple greens.
The mountain vistas overlooking the Khao Kheow Country Club course provide a magnificent backdrop to its 27 challenging holes and large clubhouse and restaurant overlooking the course. Bring plenty of balls before tackling Khao Kheow’s signature island green hole!
Fringed by colourful flowers and shimmering lakes, the 27-hole Crystal Bay Country Club course is a longtime Pattaya favourite thanks to its wide and gently rippling fairways and meticulously manicured greens.
Pattaya area has an impressive selection of courses
The 18-hole links-style Green Valley Country Club course, skillfully designed into a lightly rolling landscape of large boulders, lovely gardens, and sparkling waters, is an entertaining and pleasurable course to play all year long.
The Phoenix Golf and Country Club’s 27 challenging holes are divided into three distinct and spectacular settings. Nine holes are set among magnificent mountain ranges and rolling hills, nine holes are played surrounded by serene lakes and shady woods, and the final nine holes overlook the stunning skyline of Pattaya City and its beautiful beaches.
The Burapha Golf Club’s two 18-hole championship courses each have their own distinct character, but both feature stunning manicured greens, billowing fairways, and white sand bunkers surrounded by palm trees, rolling hills, and tropical vegetation. The resort also includes a driving range, swimming pool, tennis courts, conference facilities, and a teaching academy ideal for new golfers to learn the sport.
The Mountain Shadow Golf Club, once a mango plantation, is now a challenging 18-hole golf course filled with palm trees, narrow fairways, and difficult water holes. This is a perfectly manicured course in the middle of a tropical paradise.
The Eastern Star Country Club and Resort’s 18-hole golf course is carefully carved from a coconut palm plantation. The Eastern Star remains home to over 2,000 palm trees, along with 11 lakes, 65 bunkers, and many exotic birds that live in birdhouses set along the course to represent yardage distances.
The Bangpra Golf Club and Resort Hotel is Thailand’s second-oldest golf course, as well as one of the country’s most unique. The Bangpra features 18 challenging holes with snappy greens along hilly terrain, with an entertaining interruption by the troop of monkeys living around the sixth and seventh holes. The club’s proud history is reflected in its colonial style clubhouse and European design.
Another of Pattaya’s oldest and most unique golf courses is the Plutaluang Royal Thai Navy. This 36-hole course, divided into south, north, west, and east loops, is filled with elevated tee shots and stunning mountain vistas. Since the Thai Royal Navy still owns this course, it’s advised to allow any players dressed in military uniform to tee off first.
All of Pattaya’s championship golf courses are designed to the highest standard and provide caddies who guide golfers with plenty of supportive advice. Golfers can either bring their own clubs or rent them at the courses along with golf shoes and umbrellas. Using golf carts is highly recommended because of the hot climate, and golf carts are mandatory at many courses. Pattaya’s courses also include first-rate clubhouse facilities such as spas, swimming pools, tennis courts, showers, locker rooms, and fine restaurants.
Pattaya has two distinct golf seasons. The high season between November and March is usually cooler and more crowded while the low season from April to October is generally hotter and quieter. Golfers should follow the same dress code observed at other championship courses, as well as wear hats to protect themselves from the blazing sun. Tee times are available from 07:00 to 13:30, but afternoon tee times are recommended for those who wish to experience Pattaya’s famous nightlife during their stay.
The International Pattaya Golf Club’s website at http://www.ipgc.org/ is the best place to learn more about this area’s spectacular and affordable courses for golfers of all levels. Golfers may even wish to join this non-profit organisation of five Pattaya golf societies.
