Jack Nicklaus designed championship courses rarely fail to impress and Laem Chabang Golf Club doesn’t let the Golden Bear down.
Widely considered the best layout in Pattaya, Laem Chabang is made up of 27 holes on 700 acres and incorporates three diverse nine incorporating the property’s mix of mountains, lakes and river valleys. Each type of terrain corresponds to the aptly named Mountain, Lake and Valley nines. The rolling hills of the surrounding countryside have been used to significant effect and hazards are in abundance. Not only does the course have a lot of bunkers and water hazards, there are also a lot of natural hazards in the shape of exposed rock formations, lakes, ponds, and creeks. Cleverly shaped holes skirt water hazards and tall coconut trees. The large, undulating greens are mostly elevated and protected by deep bunkers.
The Mountain course is 3,446 yards in length and plays around many hills. The 2nd hole, a wonderfully water-fronted downhill par-3, is about as good as short holes get. The Lake course is 3,419 yards in length with a stream meandering through most all the holes. The Valley Course plays the longest at 3,619 yards in the foothills of the surrounding mountains. Although the presence of water is not overwhelming (apart perhaps from on the opening four holes of the more technical Valley course), when it does occur, it does so with full force and knee-trembling impact.
These distinct playing conditions offer the golfer a challenging course in a variety of terrains. Beautifully maintained and presented, this is a golf course that effortlessly combines the human-made features and rich planting of flowers and shrubs with the natural splendour of the surrounding hills, rocky outcrops, and jungle vegetation. With many scenic views from the course, it all fuses harmoniously into a tremendous golfing experience and one that is uniquely Asian.
Located around 1h 15m from Bangkok, Laem Chabang should also be a consideration for golfers coming from the Thai capital or Bangkok International Airport.
