Golf in Pattaya
The good life.
Fossil presents: Golf...Thai style
Well maybe not, but where else in the world can you go and have such a choice of international quality golf courses, all within an hour of Pattaya. I'm sure you can come up with places, however I suspect you may have to pay a little more than here. Be that as it may, those who have ventured onto any of the golf courses here will know just how good some of them are....not to mention the fun to be had with the caddies.
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This page is dedicated to golfing in Pattaya and it's surrounding environs. Each of these pictures will give you at least a small idea of what all the fuss is about. If you would like any of your valued golfing pictures displayed here, all you have to do is 
your photos with any text you want displayed with them and I'll do the rest. They'll be kept here for as long as the owner wishes, or until I need the space! The photos remain the property of the owner, and as such all international copyright laws are valid and enforceable. For all other pictures, please see the Readers Pix page. The same applies. End of blurb.
The following is a small introduction to some of the golf courses I have played in the Pattaya region recently. (photos below) For those that don't know or care, I have retired here. Therefore I have a little extra time on my hands to discover the joys and dismays of golf at its best. Obviously, some courses are better than others, but all that I've played are totally excellent, as well as many being of an international standard.
Laem Chabang International is rated at the best in the region, and when you play there you'll know why. The course consists of mountains, lakes and valleys that make it a very challenging course for any golfer. Its long and carts are compulsory, as at many other courses. It really is a dream to play on, and together with the very competent caddies, the vista's of each hole are quite striking. Of course, being rated the best, it's also the most expensive. However by many other country's standards, it's not really that bad at all. And to help out the financially handicapped, many courses have what they call "sports days". These are certain weekdays when the green fees are greatly reduced, sometimes by up to 50%. Carts and caddy fees remain the same. Pretty much all the courses in the region are within an hour's drive from Pattaya, traffic notwithstanding. And you need a navigator with local knowledge at times as well.
Another extremely scenic and challenging course is St Andrews. I say challenging as it has 2 par 6 holes. One is 754 yards and even a Tiger woods or a John Daly would find it somewhat difficult to get an easy par. Personally I rate this course (so far) as the most impressive as far as scenic beauty of the holes. It's a links style course which in theory should make it easier for most not to lose too many balls. But there are plenty of other hazzards to deal with, so never think it's going to be easy. Again carts are mandatory for this course, and in some ways is my favourite so far.
Khao Kheow is yet another scenic course located about 45 minutes north of Pattaya, and although carts are not compulsory, they do make for a less tiring outing due to the heat and humidity. This course is set within jungle clad hills, and together with numerous water traps and many large bunkers, make this a most enjoyable experience every time. So far all courses have either huge and or luxurious clubhouses. All provide free showers, lockers, towels and you can enjoy your favourite drink with or without a fine meal in a relaxed atmosphere in their restaurant or club area.
Eastern Star is another popular golf course in the Rayong-Ban Chang area. It's set in an old coconut plantation, and features wide fairways (helpful for my slice!), but with many lateral water hazzards and Out of Bounds, it makes for hooking and slicing a fairly punishing offense. Other than that it is a very pleasant course to play, and even has local dog that follows you around and trots after your cart.
With respect to the caddies, not all are stunners to look at, and not all are that competent at telling you where to hit a ball or with what club. Don't let this put you off. They have all been fun loving and so long as you come with a happy demeanour and don't get angry at anything, you'll have a great day To give you an idea of pricing, I'd say that to try and avoid playing on the weekend. Fees are much more than week days, as well as a fair bit more crowded. Pretty standard for most countries I would think. Stick to week days and phone the course to find out which days are their sports days. Laem Chabang being the most expensive will cost you on a normal weekday, will come out at around THB3350 + minimum THB300 tip to the caddy at the conclusion of the round. Add to that food and drink, transport costs and replacement of lost balls, it can end up a big day out. Having said that, it is worth every baht.
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