Suggestions for Golf Tour Packages - Bangkok & Central Regions
1 Day Itineraries
The following are suggestions for businessmen who can squeeze just and day of golf into their busy schedule.
BANGKOK GOLF CLUB
This dynamic course in the northern suburbs is easily reached via fast motorway. This par-72, 6559-yard course offers an interesting challenge because of its many water hazards. In particular the elevated island green next to a waterfall on the par-5 eighth is a daunting shot, while the 18th around the lake is a testing finishing hole.
A superbly appointed clubhouse with many restaurants in an excellent sport to wind up the round. However, keen golfers may wish to tackle the International Par 3, 1 9-hole course copying the best par-3s in the world, designed by Phil Ryan. Great to be able to say you tackled the island hole at Pebble Beach of the postage stamp at Royal Troon.
SUPHAPRUEK COUNTRY CLUB
This typically difficult Dye Design course is about 30 minutes from the city centre on the road to Pattaya. At par 72 and 7,010 yards, long hitters need to beware as water that comes into play almost every hole, while the tricky par threes are no as easy as they look. Nevertheless the beautifully manicured layout with palms trees everywhere makes a playing here a pleasure. And the large luxurious clubhouse makes for a very pleasant end to your round.
PINHURST GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB
Every inch a country club, Pinehurst was designed by Yoshihara Aihara to be a championship course, located 15 minutes north the to the airport, Not surprisingly, it played host to the first Johnnie Walker Classic, with many European pros making their debut in Thailand. The three nines - The Meadow, The Lake and Forest - provide their own challenges, reminiscent of US courses with lots of water and undulating fairways. A glorious clubhouse attached hotel is a great draw for keen golfers.
7 Day Itinerary
Day 1: Start your tour with an early morning visit to the exquisite Grand Palacee and Emerald Buddha Temple, which date back to Bangkok's founding. Then take the expressway to Green Valley Country Club for lunch and an afternoon round at this lovely course full of trees and lakes. Robert Trent Jones Jr has been a little naughty in designing rolling fairways that slope gently towards the water hazards, causing you to think twice about your shots. Your evening is at leisure, or try shopping at one of the many mails that stay open until 10pm.
Day 2: Head north towards Bang Pa-in, for a round at testing Bangsai Country Club, built like a Scottish links course. Lots of water, sand dunes and thick rough will give golfers something to think about. The simple clubhouse adds to the pioneer feel. In the evening, learn something about Thai culture with a dinner of traditional Thai dishes accompanied by a stunning classical dance performance.
Day 3: Discover the ingredients of Thai life with a cruise along the Chao Phraya River to the former Siamese capital of Ayuttaya, with lunch on board. Stop first at Bang Pa-in to see the fabulous summer palace, with its fairy tale architecture. Then on to Ayuttaya to see some of the fascinating ruins of this World Heritage Site. Return to Bangkok by air-conditioned coach and treat yourself of a fun evening in one of the city's many Irish pubs.
Day 4: In the east, next to the Gulf o Thailand. Arnold Palmer designed the attractive Bangpoo Country Club, whose wide fairways and lack of water hazards attract many players. Strong sea breezes and fast sloping greens provide the challenge they seek. In the evening try slopping at the popular night stalls along Silom and Convert roads, where lively bars and discos help end an eventful day.
Day 5: Up early to visit the Floating Market at Damnoen Saduak about 100 kilometres from Bangkok, where Thai sell goods from small boats, and journey along small canals winding through the villages. Return via Nakhon Pathom, whose giant chedi pays homage to the birthplace of Buddhism in Thailand. Then onto the Rose Garden Country Resort for lunch overlooking the peaceful Tachine River, followed by one of the best cultural shows in Thailand, with elephants, dancing, and many traditional ceremonies. Stay overnight in this delightful hotel.
Day 6: After breakfast, transfer to the Rose Garden Golf Club, rated one of the world's top 30 resort courses. Full of flowers and birds - you may have to shoo swans and peacocks our of your path - the course is a delight to play on, with double greens on every hole. Excellent par 5 finishing hole with an elevated green surrounded by water. The clubhouse serves excellent Thai and Japanese food. Return to Bangkok for dinner at one of the well-known seafood restaurants on the river.
Day 7: Finish your tour with a game at Robert McFarland-designed Thanont Golf View & Sports Club, an unusual course completely surrounded by water. Not surprising water hazards are everywhere, with many island greens providing a good test of your accuracy. In the evening relax over Thai dinner and noisy jazz/blues performances at one of Bangkok's popular music venues, Saxophone.
