Golf weekend choices in Pattaya
By Kirsty Turner
The selection of courses in Pattaya is impressive
Pattaya has some excellent greens to choose from and many of Pattaya’s leading resorts offer weekend golf packages, meaning that guests can really let go and relax, safe in the knowledge that everything will be taken care of.
There are numerous world-class golf courses located in and around Pattaya including some of the best in Thailand. In fact, Pattaya is the first choice for large numbers of Western golfers for several reasons. Not only is plenty of good weather guaranteed, but there are more than 20 different golf courses to choose from, with prices significantly lower than in most Western countries.
When it comes to hospitality, Pattaya’s accommodating and friendly staff can’t be beaten and there are golf lessons available for beginners, meaning that anyone can try their hand at golf in Pattaya. While each of Pattaya’s golf courses is special in its own way and has something unique to offer guests, below is a list of the clubs and greens which really stand out and offer guests something a little bit extra.
The Khao Kheow Country Club is one of the most popular places to play golf in Pattaya. Surrounded by large ponds, this large and lovely golfing green is divided into two, with the first 18 holes being a stadium championship course, while the last 18 holes have been designed as a resort course. There is plenty of hotel accommodation available here and guests can also make use of the club’s tennis courts and swimming pool. Fees for using the golfing green start at just 770 baht for guests, while visitors pay 1,100 baht.
Visitors to Laem Chabang International are sure to get into the swing of the game. The championship course here has been composed by expert designer Jack Nicklaus and is one of Thailand’s finest golf courses. This stunning course is comprised of three sets of nine holes, divided into 'Mountain', 'Lake' and 'Creek' sections, allowing for three different types of game. Prices start at 1,100 baht for those taking advantage of the spacious onsite accommodation.
Some courses are more hi-so than others
Those who appreciate natural beauty and style are sure to enjoy teeing off at the Phoenix Golf & Country Club, which boasts one of the most visually stunning golfing greens in the area. Here, the spacious greens are interspersed with lush bamboo and eucalyptus plants and there is a large lake in the centre of the course. Guests can play on this green for just 1,000 baht, while the sports complex here is also very popular.
At just 500 baht for guests, Siam Country Club certainly has one of the best value golfing greens in the area. However, Siam Country Club also has the reputation of having one of the most challenging courses in Thailand, making it ideal for those who really want to improve their game. The fairways here tend to be narrow, meaning that long, straight driving is essential. There are also plenty of bunkers and water hazards as well as dramatic holes set to defy all but the most determined golfers.
Sriracha Golf Club is often praised for its picturesque golf green, which was designed by Gary Player. Overlooked by distant mountains, this is a pretty place to play on the uphill and downhill fairway before retiring to the clubhouse for a drink and a good meal or splashing around in the golf club’s large swimming pool.
Another golfing green that often gets rave reviews from international visitors can be found at the Natural Park Resort. This 27-hole park and course is comprised of three sets of nine holes, with palm trees lining the fairways. For just 990 baht guests can tee off and try to improve their game as they practice a number of challenging shots. The clubhouse here is well known for serving excellent food and drinks, while pampering is the main agenda at the onsite spa.
All the golfing venues listed above offer guests and visitors the opportunity to hire golf clubs, caddies and carts for a small fee. Most also offer transfers to and from the airport as well as discounted travel packages to other parts of Thailand and local entertainment.
Many Westerners find that the best time to head to the greens in Pattaya is just after sunrise when the weather is still quite cool. It can get rather hot in Pattaya during the day and those who are not used to spending a lot of time in the full sun should apply sunscreen and take bottles of drinking water with them.
One of the best things about booking a golfing weekend in Pattaya is that the country clubs and hotels are second to none when it comes to pampering. After a day on the green guests can indulge in a number of spa treatments, soak away aches and pains in the Jacuzzi and let skillful masseurs manipulate sore muscles.
