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The fabled Old Course at Siam Country Club was just the second course to open in Thailand. Originally designed by Japanese architect Ichisuke Izumi, it featured heavily contoured greens, large overhanging trees and gentle bunkering when it was opened in 1970.
Closed in 2006-2007 for a complete renovation, American architects Lee Schmidt and Brian Curley have kept the original routing, for the most part, while modernising all aspects of the course. Upgrades to the original out-and-back parallel holes included curved fairways, new water hazards, high lipped bunkers and relocated greens. New greenside bunker complexes add to Siam’s legendary, undulating putting surfaces.
Since reopening in 2007, the golf course has hosted several international golf tournaments including being the home of the LPGA Tour’s Honda Classic since 2010. In 2018, Siam CC Old Course was recognised for its excellence when it was voted 73rd best golf course in the world by Golf Digest magazine.
The 7,162 yard, par-72 layout is set in the low hills just a few kilometres from Pattaya and contains more than its fair share of mature trees, shrubs and plants. A large golden Buddha is watching over the course and can be seen clearest from the all uphill 9th hole. The Siam Old Course boasts many dramatic challenges, particularly the last four holes which are Siam’s answer to Amen Corner, arguably the best finishing holes of any Pattaya golf course. If you’re having a good day and scoring well, take care as this closing stretch which can easily bring you back to earth.
The clubhouse is still the original structure dated from the 1970’s with major interior facelifts brightening up the facilities. Permanently mounted binoculars in the clubhouse help bring the distant farms and other golf courses in the area into close view.
