Robert Cook One of the key attractions of Pattaya golf is that you can play all year round because of the tropical weather.
In addition, there are at least fifteen international standard championship golf courses in and around Pattaya, which have been designed by the likes of Jack Nicklaus, Nick Faldo, Robert Trent Jones, Pete Dye and Peter Thompson. Add to this the affordable green fees in comparison to playing at similar courses in other parts of the world, the excellent service and facilities, and you will realize why golfing in Pattaya is so popular.
Here is a guide to the best golf courses in Pattaya.
Laem Chabang
Rated one of the best in Asia, this Jack Nicklaus designed Pattaya golf course is spread over 700 acres. There are 27 holes, which include the Mountain 9, the Valley 9 and the Lake 9. Several streams and lakes run through the course to provide water hazards that add to the challenge that it presents. With lush greenery and beautiful scenery of the mountains in the backdrop, this course is part of the Laem Chabang International Country Club located half an hour away from Pattaya.
The club house and other facilities are world class and among the best of Pattaya golf courses. Unless you are a member, a round of golf could cost between 2000 baht and 3000 baht depending on whether it is a weekend or a weekday. Buggies are compulsory and cost an additional 600 baht. Caddy fees are 300 baht for 18 holes. All other gear such as clubs, shoes and umbrellas can be hired at an additional cost.
Siam Country Club
This club has two courses that are distinctly different from one another.
The Old Course, which is an 18-hole golf course was first designed in 1972 and has since been renovated in 2006. It still retains the charm of an old style golf course with tree lined fairways and lush greens. The Plantation course is the newer 27-hole course which was constructed in 2008. It has a modern design, the best feature of which is the well-designed club house located on top of the rolling hills offering panoramic views over the course and the ocean beyond.
Green fees for visitors range from 3000 baht on week days to 3600 baht on the weekend for 18 holes. In addition, the charge for hiring a cart (compulsory) is 650 baht and caddy fees are 350 baht at this golf Pattaya destination.
St. Andrews 2000
This Pattaya golf course shares its name with the oldest course in the world in Scotland, from where the game of golf originated. The 18-hole course designed by Desmond Muirhead is a par 74 that resembles a Scottish links course with its undulating surface, elevated tees and greens, and large putting surfaces. It is one of the most interesting as well as tough courses in Pattaya with two par sixes that are spread over 800 yards each. Green fees for playing an 18-hole round at this course cost 2500 baht on the weekends and 2000 baht on week days. Buggy hire is compulsory and costs 600 baht.
Khao Kheow
Designed by Pete Dye, this 27-hole course is one of the few international level Golf courses in Pattaya where carts are not compulsory. The course follows the undulating natural topography of the land through ponds, bunkers and hills, which add to its challenge. Like other courses on the eastern seaboard, the sea breeze adds to the level of difficulty. Visitor rates for green fees are 2500 baht on the weekend and 2000 baht on weekdays.
Green Valley
The Rayong Green Valley golf course is a Peter Thompson design. It is a picturesque Pattaya golf course that blends into the surroundings and hills in the background. Rocky surfaces and boulders act as natural hazards on this course. The 18-hole par 72 course is one of the most affordable with visitor green fees ranging from 900 baht on weekdays to 2000 baht on weekends.
Bangpra
One of the oldest Pattaya golf courses, Bangpra came up as early as 1958. It was renovated in 1988 through a joint venture between the Tourism Authority of Thailand and Japan Golf Professional Incorporated. Green fees vary depending on the time of day, with early morning rounds costing more than the afternoon. An 18-hole par 72 course, this is in a pretty setting in the midst of tropical foliage. Weekday rates for visitors range from 700 baht to 1400 baht, while weekday rates are between 1100 baht to 2400 baht.
Besides the hotels mentioned earlier, there are several others that have tennis courts, including the Montien Hotel, Centara Grand Mirage Beach Resort Hotel in North Pattaya and Jomtien Beach Resort. Fairtex is another Pattaya sports club that offers a wide range of sports facilities in addition to tennis courts.
The number of tennis courts in the city is an indication of the popularity of tennis as a sport in Pattaya. If you are planning a holiday and wondering what to do in Pattaya, signing up for a tennis holiday is the best thing you can do if you are a tennis fan. Besides enjoying the warm weather at this beautiful seaside resort town, you can take tennis lessons at one of the Pattaya tennis clubs during your stay or just relax and enjoy a game at your hotel.