Bangkok/Pattaya Trip Report Aug 2019

[WahooJoe]

Got to play 5 rounds over a couple weeks in Bangkok/Pattaya (plus the one in Cambodia), so has been a great trip so far.

 

Tier 1 Courses

Siam Country Club - Plantation Course - This remains a solid choice in my rotation. Pricey, but for a once a year type trip, worth every baht. Course is in fabulous condition, greens running great, caddies excellent, and most rounds take only 3 to 3.5hrs. Always a great day and worth the price of admission

 

Laem Chabang - Lake and Valley 9s - Hadn't played LC in about 15 years and didn't have great memories, but couldn't really remember why. Anyway, tried it again and wow, course continues to be in great condition and is a very playable Nicklaus design (though don't believe he's ever made it to the course...). Anyway, we were running late for our tee time and the starter did something in Thailand I'd not seen before -- rather than putting us out behind two, slower foursomes, they sent us out to #3 to jump ahead of them and so we finished our round on 2. Great idea and turned what would have been a 4.5 hour round into 3.5 leisurely one. Course in great shape. All facilities super well maintained and they have one of the best stocked pro shops in Thailand. Definitely going to add to my rotation and look forward to getting back.

 

Tier 2 Courses

Bangkok Golf Club - Picked up a 1,000 baht round here via GolfDigg app. Nice, shorter course. Need to keep the ball in play to score, so drive and gouge not always the smartest option. Maintenance of the course could improve (and if it drops, would easily put this in a tier 3 course, but for now still a 2), but overall we had a great time. Super caddies... mine had been working there 20+ years and knew the course like the back of her hand.

 

Tier 3s

So I normally don't play the Thai military courses, but i had two great invitations to play with Thai friends that I couldn't pass up.

 

Kantarat Golf Course - This is the course that sits between the runways at Don Mueng airport. Have stared at it upon arrival for 25+ years, but never played, What a treat. Because of it's location, you have to go through security to tee-off. Course design is naturally limited by the space available between the two runways, but they do everything possible to keep it interesting. Played with a stiff wind which had me fearing of hooking one out over a runway, which fortunately never happened :-) Anyway, lovely once in a lifetime experience I recommend anyone take if given the oppy.

 

Dhupatimeya Air Force Course - This course sits just north of Kantarat and is also on approach to Don Mueng so have plenty of flights overhead. Full disclosure, while this is a fabulous course - fun design, incredibly tough greens and great price ~1,200 baht - it was the first time I've played in a 6-some and that 6-somes are permitted is exactly why I don't play the military courses often despite the great price/value. Played with a solid group of golfers (winner was 1-under) so we were moving efficiently, but only made about 15 holes in 5 hours before downpours. Had a great time in the 6-some, but man, would have been hurting (and prolly walked after 9) if I were behind our group :-) So in sum, if invited to play with locals, I highly encourage it (and will definitely play again), but looking for a good value on my own or with a friend, I'd pass and look fora tier 2 course at a similar price (or touch more) where you can get around in 4 hours no problem.

 

until next time from the land of smiles

 

 

 

[shadymg]

Thanks for the awesome report/write-up, perfect timing as i'll be going to bangkok in December. How difficult would you say transportation to/from Bangkok to Pattaya area, or Hanh Hai area? I noticed Hanh Hai is about 2.5 hour drive, so probably would want/need to stay there to play. But Pattaya shows just 90 minute drive from Bangkok. How easy is it getting around the cities with golf clubs? Is there uber/grab readily available?

Thanks for any help!

[siamserpant]

Hey Shady,

 

Sorry I know you have already left for your trip but for anyone else coming to Bangkok/Pattaya the best way to get around is Grab. If the course is outside of the city what i do is pre book the grab SUV. That way you have someone ready to come pick you up. If you don't pre book and are outside of the Grab service area it will just say they are "busy" its happened a few times but have managed to get local taxi's.

Otherwise your best to talk to the course and try and arrange round trip transfers which a van company.

[Schley]

Played Ayodhya Links last weekend and was impressed with the course, although IMO not a top 100 course. It is in nice condition and the greens had character, more than I would have thought, there was a ton of water. Probably more than I would like to play regularly. On almost every shot there is water, albeit not in play closely. Very nice locker room and above average dining options. Biggest problem for me is it is opposite the airport so I can't play a round and make an afternoon flight comfortably.

Really looking at Ban Rakat GC which is the new Gil Hanse design, but very far behind schedule. Should maybe be end of year, but most likely next year. Love the McDonald linage and template holes of CB designs. Also close to the airport. See info.
BAN RAKAT - Eng 2020.pdf

[TokyoM]

Thanks for sharing your trip report. I have always wanted to do a Thailand golf trip. This will be helpful if it ever happens.

[jobin]

Can tell you this about northern Thailand at this time: all golf closed till further notice. Hopefully will reopen 1 May, but very uncertain. I believe that green fee structure during balance of year will be greatly reduced at most courses to encourage play, help the many out of work caddies, and get the courses back up to speed. About 15 good courses nearby CM so expect lots of opportunity, but i think few players as many from Korea, EU, UK, etc won't be here.

Alpine Golf, near Chiang Mai, now offers green fee + caddy for 900 baht walking, after opening day and for following 60 days. Usually Alpine about 3200 baht. But the Thai golf treatment of tourists is v cr*ppy since tourists must pay big surcharge. Same at many courses, less true at Military.

Folks here geting bored 'out-of-their-skulls' with no golf, no swim, no massage, no pubs, no restos,...but i am saving $$ staying home.