Your best Golf Courses near Pattaya Poll?

[duece]

Pheonix Golf and Country Club

 

On easy days out I like Phoenix, it is far from being the best golfing course around, but I think one of the most fun ones.

I don’t usually get up early mornings because of the night before activities. Being near to Pattaya is a big plus not having to travel a long way.

I think the caddies there are great (I have 2 x regular ones) probably because they see more farangs than other courses they will have a laugh with you and usually speak a little English.

The golf is not to difficult, not to long, and the greens are pretty slick.

The one thing disappointing about Phoenix is the restaurant, I found the staff in there had a bad attitude, but apart from that, a good fun day out can be had.

Another good thing is they do not allow more than 4 balls, as anyone who has followed a Taipei/Korean 6 ball on other courses will testify.

[duece]

Royal Thai Navy course Near Sattahip,

 

I thought this was a great course(s) 4 x 9 holes. I thought really interesting and good golf holes. A bit to travel, if you are finding your own way there the course was badly sign posted (signs were in Thai), but after this I thought really good.

Not as many farangs get to this course so the caddies probably speak less English, but they were good fun. After Leam Chabang the best I have played this comes second, but then again I still have only played about half the courses available.

This is the course where I went off Nike balls, put 4 in the water one after the other on the par 5 9th on the south course (anyone who has watched the Kevin Costner film Tin Cup will sympathise).

[doghaus]

Natural Park Resort

 

This is a challenging course with water and trees to contend with. The greens were in excellent condition the last time I played there. Fairways are undulating so you can end up with the ball above or below your feet. This is never a problem for me - I rarely have the good fortune to use the fairways. My natural game is to use the rough, water and sand as my preferred route to the greens.

 

Some of the caddies are great fun - especially the appropriately numbered 13. She is built like a water buffalo and has a habit of grabbing your goolies when you are driving the golf cart along!

 

Doggie

[doghaus]

St. Andrews 2000 GC

 

This would win my nomination for the most ridiculous golf course I have ever played. The founders of the Royal and Ancient would turn in their graves if they found out that this monstrosity had been named after the hallowed ground!

 

The course has 2 par 6 holes (that's right - par 6!) - one of them requires you to drive over the water on and then hit your second over the same bit of water. However, you can carry the water from the tee on to the main fairway if you hit your drive 90 degrees to the right of where the tee box sets you up!

 

The rough is played as a hazard - course rules require you to drop within 2 club lengths and take a one stroke penalty.

 

The course is in fine condition - it is just the layout and rules that are bizarre.

 

My comments have nothing to do with the fact that I tore my card up after 6 holes when I played a medal round there!

 

Play this one at your peril!

 

Doggie

[duece]

Khao Kheow

 

This is where the Rideher cup is going to be this year again.

I have only played it once(last years event) but I really enjoyed and would recommend it to anyone.

Thought it was a very good course, plenty of water and quite a few undulations to contend with. Has very picturesque holes and plays very well.

 

Thumper in action on the 18th last year

 

This 27-hole golf course is situated along route 36 heading towards 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 ponds, bunkers and hills that surround the greens and fairways. The course really has something for everyone. (I copied this bit)

 

The club house

 

Loved the last three holes, great holes for matchplay. In particular, watch out for the par-three seventeen it’s a bit of a Sawgrass TPC 17th a short par 3 to an island greed, it's a killer for both low handicappers and high handicappers and relies on the golfer having a bit of nerve.

 

The 17th Khao Kheow

 

For the guys who need to hire equipment;

Clubs = 350 Baht

Shoes = 150 Baht

Umbrella = 50 Baht

 

The card for the last 3 holes, look and learn :)

[ff29]

Laem Chabang International Country Club

 

This golf course is without a doubt the finest golf course I have ever played.  Back in the USA I’ve played many great courses and courses designed by Jack Nicholas who also designed Laem Chabang C.C.   There is none that compares to the beauty and quality of Laem Chabang C.C.  It’s about 30 kilometers from Pattaya and no problem getting there by limo or by having your hotel make the arrangements for you.

 

The buffet there is also top shelf.  Many, many choices and very attentive help who are always bringing beverages and anything else you need.  I was very impressed with every aspect of this truly world class golf course. . .even down to the toilet facilities where they provide you with combs, brushes, shaving items, hair dryers and a very large whirlpool unit.  Caddies I’ve had there on my visits were very well informed and helpful right down to distance to the pin, club choice, the exact way the ball will brake on the greens, and even the green speeds.  Without a doubt Laem Chabang C.C. gets my vote and thumbs up for the best golf course, clubhouse amenities, and the food!  It’s worth playing.

 

Here are a few pictures to look at:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kind of a silly closing comment but they serve the best corn chowder soup I've ever had but they don't serve it every day.

 

32 days 12 hrs 43 mins 21 secs and wheels-up. . .But who's counting?

 

Regards,

 

[smiley=devil.gif]

 

ff29

 

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   "I LOVE THE FLB BAR."

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[wobbly_1]

NATURAL PARK HILLS

 

I ve played all the course mentioned and although Laem Chebang is without doubt the most beautifully manicured and a great golf course, I think Natural Park Hills is a better test of golf, the coconut tree lined fairways make it that bit more difficult.

 

So for that matter is Khao Kheow, and the finishing nine shown above is fantastic.

 

But hey, its a bit like the girls I'm splitting hairs here over which is a 9 and which is a 10 they are all better that what I can afford to play on at home.

 

If any one goes to Chiang Mai you must play Royal Chiang Mai at 600 baht is the best value for money ANYWHERE and Lamphun - now there is a test of golf.

[jimmybcool]

Wobbly,

 

Soi Dao is further than 1.5 hour drive unless you are suicidal.  It is an excellent golf course.  The only problem is it is the middle of nowhere.  No bars, girls or restuarants (including the hotel - the service and food suck unless you order thai food).

 

But, if you bring some snacks and a girl of your own, it is a nice getaway.

 

On golf courses:

 

Laem Chabang - #1 in grooming and views.  Unless you play the back tees it is also a very easy golf course.  Off the back tees if becomes a good challenge.

 

Keao Keow - excellent layout.  I recommend it.  Off the tips this is a championship course.  Based on the handicaps I see for the Rideher Cup we better be playing this course short - like the white tees.

 

Natural Park Hills - toughest legitimate layout.  A real test of golf.  When it is in shape the best greens in the area.

 

Natiral Park Resort - easier than Hills and a nice day.

 

St Andrews - too difficult for most players.  You will be pulling your hair out by the 5th if you can't shoot in the 80s on a regular basis.  I love the par 6 BTW.  But I agree it is a BS hole.  Very tricked out.

 

Green Valley - an excellent layout (before and maybe again) and always in good condition.  Cute caddies on weekends.

 

PCC and Phoenix - bland but OK

 

Navy Course - sometimes really deep rough.

[gp2002]

I have only played 3 courses on my two visits.......Laem Chabang, Phoenix and Burapha.

 

I fell in love with LC from the first day I played it.......actually, I think it was caddie I fell in love with!! She is awesome (more on her in the BEST CADDIE post)

Seriously, ff29 described it perfectly. I don't think I can add anymore to his description. Obviously, the best time to play there is on a Sports Day as it is the most expensive. When I played on the Sports Days the course was still deserted!!

 

I really enjoyed Burapha. They have 36 holes but I only played one of the 18's. The course was in good condition and playing on their Sports Day is a huge bargain.......500 baht all day!! The greens were a little slower but I think that was because I was used to the greens at LC.

 

Finally, Phoenix. To be honest I really do not like the course or the conditions. Being a single player, they did not make much of an effort to join me with another group even though I saw other twosomes and threesomes on the course.

 

For the guys that have played Natural Park Hills, Natural Park Resort and Khao Kheow ..........how long does it take to get to these courses from Pattaya??

 

I really want to put these on my "to play" list during my next visit.

 

Cheers.......gp [smiley=cheers.gif]

[wobbly_1]

Khao Kheow, and the Natural Park Courses are all in a similar area, once your out of Pattaya its about 30-35 mins.

 

The Natural Courses have been taken over and were closed a month or so ago but expect them to be reopening soon.