Pattaya Golf

Thailand golf course

Khao Kheow Country Club
Address: 220 Moo 12, Bang Phra, Chonburi 20210.

This 27-hole golf course is situated along route 36 heading towards Pattaya and takes about 80 minutes to reach from central Bangkok. Like so many of the Eastern Seaboard’s courses the Khao Kheow country club catches a strong sea breeze thus players have to plan their shots carefully on account of the numerous large pond, bunkers and hills that surround the greens and fairways. The course really has something for everyone. In particular, watch out of the par-three seventeen, it’s a killer for both amateurs and professionals and relies on the golfer having a certain amount of luck on his/her side.

The first 18 have been designed with a stadium championship course, while the back 18 are definitely more geared towards a resort course. Those daring enough to do the whole lot in one day can look forward to relaxing at the lush clubhouse afterwards, which incorporates a sports club, swimming pools, hotel accommodation and tennis courts in its design.

Laem Chabang International, Sriracha, Chonburi
Address:106/8 Moo 4, Bueng, Chonburi 20230.

This championship course designed by Jack Nicklaus is undoubtedly one of the finest golf courses in Thailand. The three nines comprising the 27-hole layout-'Mountain', 'Lake' and 'Creek' offer interesting variations in terrain. The rolling hills of the surrounding countryside have been used to effect, and the exposed rock formations add to the beauty of the fairways. Lakes, ponds and creeks pose a major threat to stray shots and some of the water carries are very challenging. The large, undulating greens are mostly elevated and protected by wide bunkers. Excellent clubhouse facilities and accommodations on site complement the outstanding golf course.

Mountain Shadow Golf Club
Address: 159/1 Moo 2, Saensuk-Bang Phra Road, Chonburi 20130.

The former Natural Park Hill GC was re-opened 2004 after a complete renovation, including the club house.
The best route is No. 36, turning left at the height of Khao Kheow Country Clubs. The course is located at No. 3144, exactly 5 km behind the Bangpra International GC.

The flat course is now in excellent condition and very challenging for the player. For example because of the fast but hilly greens (4 on islands) or at Number 14 (par 5, dogleg to the left), 549 yards from the white tee; there is a lake where the whole left side of the fairway is bordering. Difficult is also the relative long distance between the tees and the fairways, because the ball will hit the semi rough if the tee-off is too short.

The clubhouse was generously renovated with an exclusive pro shop at the lobby.

Natural Park Resort
Address: 502 Moo 10, Bang Phra, Sri Racha, Chonburi 20210.

A 27-hole park and course comprising three nines, the layout is somewhat uninteresting, but has been improved by extensive use of palm trees lining the fairways. There are some good dog-leg holes, particularly the third on the "In" course. At this hole it is important to "place" the tee shot to avoid the huge expanse of water on the left and well placed traps on the right; the second shot has to be hit over water and the shot to the green is well guarded by bunkers. The short eighth on the "out" course is an exciting hole, as the tee shot has to be played to an island green. Clubhouse facilities are of a very high standard.

Noble Place Golf Course
Address: 88/8 Moo 6, Highway 331 RD, Ban Bung, Chonburi 22020.

Designed by the 'old master' Peter Thomson and Dennis Wolverine, this is a thinking man's course. There are many pot bunkers lying in wait to catch the errant shot. Palm-tree-lined fairways tend to be undulating, as do the greens. There is not much water, but the designers have provided masses of sand, reeds and heavy rough, which gives the course a links feel. This course is without doubt one of the best in the Pattaya area. Clubhouse facilities are very good and hotel accommodations are available.

Phoenix Golf & Country Club
Address: Sukhumvit Road km 158, Huai Yai, Chonburi 20260.

Blessed with a wooded, rolling terrain, this coastal course comprises three nines-"Ocean", "Lake" and "Mountain". The fairways tend to be narrow, but the greens are tend to be narrow, but the greens are spacious and landscaped with bamboo, eucalyptus and bushes. Water has been used sparingly, except for the middle nine where there is plenty of it. This is exemplified on the very tough par-four 17th, which dog-legs left around a big lake. The second shot here has to be played with extreme accuracy as there is water on the left and right approach to the green. Good clubhouse facilities, a sports complex and nearness to Pattaya make this course well worth visiting.

Siam Country Club
Address: 50 Moo 9, Ban Lamung Dist, Chonburi 20150.

Siam Country Club is without doubt one of the finest and most difficult courses in Thailand. Set in lovely country in low hills behind Pattaya, the course is well-established and has masses of mature trees and shrubs. Long, straight driving is required to negotiate the often narrow fairways. Dotted with many bunkers and water hazards, the course boasts several dramatic holes, particularly the last four. The home hole is a long, dog-leg parr five, uphill towards the rather unusual clubhouse. Rooms are available at the club, but most golfers opt to stay in Pattaya.

Source: Information by Tourism Authority of Thailand