5 Golf Courses to Play in Pattay Area?

[globalexperiences]

I am coming in May and just want peoples opinion on 5 courses to play. I am 7 Handicap.

 

Recommendations?

 

Cheers

[Bear 181]

I'm arriving on May 24th, love my golf.

I am returning to Pattaya mainly because of the abundance of

Excellent courses in the area.

Also because there are quite a few bars that organize golf days.

I played last trip with the guys from the Travellers Rest in LK Metro

As well as a game with the boys from the Haven and another group

From an Irish Bar in Soi Buchow.

St Andrews is a good track with 2 par 6 holes.

Look up golf bars on google should help.

This is the best way to go.

[Finman]

There are more than 20 courses near Pattaya. It depens what you want, green fees from 200 2500 bath + caddy fee. 99 % are in good condition.

 

There are several bar, which arrage games all inclusive. So it is all up to you

[manu]

My top 5 courses would probably be:

 

Laem Chabang

Siam Old Course

Siam Plantation

Burapha

St Andrews 2000

 

But as others have posted, there are plenty of courses around Pattaya to choose from, so you can't really go wrong.

 

Cheers

[fatjack1]

Everyone has different taste in courses. As a 7 handicap you won't be put off by the more difficult ones. And while I can't rank them I'll mention a few I like. I am also a 7.

 

Siam - both the old course and Plantation. Usually in excellent condition and great layouts. If you get lucky and get a good caddy LISTEN TO HER. Where you land the ball on some of the greens is important. These are courses that get better if you can play them several times. My only negative comment is it is carts mandatory and cart paths mandatory. I'm OK with either one but not both. I have knee issues right now and can't play here because of this. I might be able to beg an exemption but pride forbids.

 

Treasure Hills - in the past was shunned for being too far (shitty roads) and poor condition. Well, the roads are better and the condition is supposed to be improved. I'll know in 12 hours when I finish my round. Lots of golfers also don't like it because it is challenging. Starts right off with a tricky par 5 and next up is a long par 3. It is however cheap as chips so some of the golfers who feel threatened by it play there anyway.

 

Khao Kheao. This is one of the best layouts here. Condition is always spotty. I haven't got a recent experience to report.

 

Burapa - 4 solid 9s. I play there every Monday. Condition is OK and good caddies.

 

Bangphra (spelling?) - the monkey course. I hate monkeys. But love this course. When in good shape really good one. In the past they had fast greens and they could turn this into a scary place to play. Really challenged not only hitting the ball but course management. Been a long time since the greens were that fast though. It also caters to the Japanese. This is a good thing as the food is really good and the Japanese like things clean.

 

I usually play out of either the Outback Bar or The Golf Club in soi LK Metro. If you don't have a car they can sort you out. Few bars schedule the Siam courses so if you want to play there you need to hook up with a member. I'd recommend having a drink or three in the Golf Club early evening one night and asking around if there is a game and an opening.

[tt2008]

My top 5 courses would probably be:

 

Laem Chabang

Siam Old Course

Siam Plantation

Burapha

St Andrews 2000

 

But as others have posted, there are plenty of courses around Pattaya to choose from, so you can't really go wrong.

 

Cheers

 

Have played all mentioned on this thread, but would agree with above as Top 5.

Have fun with the caddies!!

[irl]

My top 5 is:

Laem Chabang

Siam Old Course

St Andrews

Khao Kheao

Bangpra

I am 9 handicap hope u enjoy

[globalexperiences]

Thanks for your replys....

 

I love challenging courses rather than ones that are cheap and forgiving. Have played Siam old course (4 over) but not plantation. Can't wait, will definitely go to LK Metro to join others.

 

Is it worth getting the PSC card nowadays. Checked their website for the discount golf and all the top courses don't really give much off........

[tt2008]

Try calling the course to discuss any deals they might have, they will often give you a deal especially mid week if you are lucky.

[fatjack1]

You are more likely to get a better discount playing with one of the organized groups. And I "think" most require a PSC card to get the discount. I honestly don't know. I know who I'm playing with and pay the man when I get there. Of note is that recently they began asking to SEE the PSC card at the courses.

 

You might drop an email to the Golf Club website and see if you can get a heads up in advance.

 

Edit to add:

 

Well, I just got home from Treasure Hill. Excellent condition. Good caddies. Everything decent. No, not Siam chic but just in good nick. And the course itself is a nice challenge. Cost today for Outback bar patrons (might be the same for anyone I don't know) was 700 for green fee, 250 for caddy fee, and 550 for cart. (I think). Something in the area of 1500 baht all in.

[stephenh]

My top 5 courses would probably be:

 

Laem Chabang

Siam Old Course

Siam Plantation

Burapha

St Andrews 2000

 

But as others have posted, there are plenty of courses around Pattaya to choose from, so you can't really go wrong.

 

Cheers

 

Congratulations! You have just nominated the five most expensive courses in the area. I assume that you have been brainwashed by the golf tour operators who always try to get people to play these five, mainly because they can hide a bigger profit margin within the green fee price. Each of the five also have a mandatory cart policy, whether you want to walk or not.

Of the five, Laem Chabang and St Andrews are definitely worth playing, and probably Siam Old too. At the moment you will be paying circa 5000 bht for Siam, 4800 for Laem Chabang and 4000 for St Andrews. That is a huge amount of money in Thailand, and explains why the golf societies generally do not play these courses in high season and hardly ever in low season. Burapha is the most overrated course in the area and many people who have played Siam Plantation did not rate it either.

Far better choices- and not because they are cheaper- are

Green Valley (green fee circa 1200-1300 bht). The Golf Club and Caddy Shack play here regularly

Khao Kheow (green fee circa 1000-1100 bht). Most societies play here at least once a month

Bangpra (green fee circa 700 bht). My favourite course and best value too. Always in superb condition. All the societies play here regularly.

All these prices are high season prices. May is usually the start of low season when prices are lower, but with the flooding of last year the "sports day" promotions may start later than usual.

[Gambitt69]

Congratulations! You have just nominated the five most expensive courses in the area. I assume that you have been brainwashed by the golf tour operators who always try to get people to play these five, mainly because they can hide a bigger profit margin within the green fee price. Each of the five also have a mandatory cart policy, whether you want to walk or not.

Of the five, Laem Chabang and St Andrews are definitely worth playing, and probably Siam Old too. At the moment you will be paying circa 5000 bht for Siam, 4800 for Laem Chabang and 4000 for St Andrews. That is a huge amount of money in Thailand, and explains why the golf societies generally do not play these courses in high season and hardly ever in low season. Burapha is the most overrated course in the area and many people who have played Siam Plantation did not rate it either.

Far better choices- and not because they are cheaper- are

Green Valley (green fee circa 1200-1300 bht). The Golf Club and Caddy Shack play here regularly

Khao Kheow (green fee circa 1000-1100 bht). Most societies play here at least once a month

Bangpra (green fee circa 700 bht). My favourite course and best value too. Always in superb condition. All the societies play here regularly.

All these prices are high season prices. May is usually the start of low season when prices are lower, but with the flooding of last year the "sports day" promotions may start later than usual.

 

I would very much like to learn from you how you play so cheaply, our last golf trip to to Pattaya we payed top dollar for the top courses, some were very nice, others below average.

Siam Old Course was fantastic, although it was the week after the LPGA, so it was probably batting above average.

Laem Chabang was a great course also

St Andrews 2000 was a very nice challenging course.

Rayong Green. Khao Kheow, Burapha were reasonable/average

Phoenix was below average.

Was very disappointed with Plutaluang Navy Course, would be considered a goat track at home.

 

We paid 24000 Baht for 8 games of golf. incl. carts, transfers and all.

 

How does one go about getting information regarding the clubs and playing dates? do you need to be in the bars to get the info?

 

7 of the games we organised through Golf Asia before we got to Thialand.

 

The game at Phoenix we organised in Pattaya through Thai Ger Golf and they ripped us off majorly, we paid 4000 to play that course and after speaking to a few other players, most were paying 1800 and one guy said he paid 900, Needless to say the driver didnt get a very big tip.

[pefsundevil]

Great info....I am headed there to play golf in May

[fatjack1]

I would very much like to learn from you how you play so cheaply, our last golf trip to to Pattaya we payed top dollar for the top courses, some were very nice, others below average.

Siam Old Course was fantastic, although it was the week after the LPGA, so it was probably batting above average.

Laem Chabang was a great course also

St Andrews 2000 was a very nice challenging course.

Rayong Green. Khao Kheow, Burapha were reasonable/average

Phoenix was below average.

Was very disappointed with Plutaluang Navy Course, would be considered a goat track at home.

 

We paid 24000 Baht for 8 games of golf. incl. carts, transfers and all.

 

How does one go about getting information regarding the clubs and playing dates? do you need to be in the bars to get the info?

 

7 of the games we organised through Golf Asia before we got to Thialand.

 

The game at Phoenix we organised in Pattaya through Thai Ger Golf and they ripped us off majorly, we paid 4000 to play that course and after speaking to a few other players, most were paying 1800 and one guy said he paid 900, Needless to say the driver didnt get a very big tip.

 

You really want to hook up with one of the local bars running bar outings. They get discounts and organize tee times and transport. If you are a tourist they make it easier to play. They charge a bit but in the end worth it.

 

Other venues doing the same:

 

Lewinskis

Haven

Solar Golf

 

And I'm drunk and missing a few.

[stephenh]

I would very much like to learn from you how you play so cheaply, our last golf trip to to Pattaya we payed top dollar for the top courses, some were very nice, others below average.

Siam Old Course was fantastic, although it was the week after the LPGA, so it was probably batting above average.

Laem Chabang was a great course also

St Andrews 2000 was a very nice challenging course.

Rayong Green. Khao Kheow, Burapha were reasonable/average

Phoenix was below average.

Was very disappointed with Plutaluang Navy Course, would be considered a goat track at home.

 

We paid 24000 Baht for 8 games of golf. incl. carts, transfers and all.

 

How does one go about getting information regarding the clubs and playing dates? do you need to be in the bars to get the info?

 

7 of the games we organised through Golf Asia before we got to Thialand.

 

The game at Phoenix we organised in Pattaya through Thai Ger Golf and they ripped us off majorly, we paid 4000 to play that course and after speaking to a few other players, most were paying 1800 and one guy said he paid 900, Needless to say the driver didnt get a very big tip.

 

yes you were ripped off by Thai-gerline golf. Until the end of last month they were organising daily golf trips and the cost when they visited Phoenix was 1800 bht for transport, caddy fee and green fee.

 

Golf tour companies who specialise in providing services to/ripping off tourists spend a lot of time telling visitors that they MUST PLAY the so-called top 5 courses- the Siams, Laem Chabang, St Andrews and Burapha. They were then charging between £80-£100 to play them this high season. A ludicrous price. My advice would be if you want to play them then wait until low season kicks in and the courses' weekly sportsday is introduced. For Laem Chabang that will be in May this year I think. Last year its sports day green fee was 1000 bht.

 

There are over 20 other excellent courses in the area which are well worth playing. I have just returned from a trip to Pattaya. Before I went I made a list of 12 courses I wanted to play and managed to play ten of them. I played with five different golf societies, using the PSC website to find out where they were playing.

 

The courses I played, and the green fees I paid, were

Greenwood 700 bht

St Andrews 1250 (+ 600 bht for cart)

Treasure Hill 750 bht

Lotus Valley 950 bht

Green Valley 1250 bht

Khao Kheow 850 bht

Bangpakong 800 bht

Crystal Bay 750 bht

Mountain Shadow 750 bht

Plutaluang 500 bht

 

For the cost of each day add 250 bht for transport, 300 bht as caddy fee (220 at Plutaluang and 280 at Crystal Bay and Mountain Shadow) and 300 bht as a caddy tip. At 2 societies there was also a 250 bht contribution towards prize money.

 

From the beginning of April, the green fees at Phoenix and Green Valley on tuesdays has reduced to 800 bht for PSC members. St Andrews has reduced its green fee also.

 

My advice is to get yourself a PSC card and play with a number of the many societies in the area. You will meet the locals and you will pay much less. It is true that the so-called top 5 courses do not offer much of a discount to PSC members. But that is because they prefer to host people playing with the international golf tour companies who are made to believe that paying £80-£100 for a round of golf in Thailand is (to use a golf phrase) "par for the course". They are mugs.

[globalexperiences]

stephenh

Just wanting to get your comments on the courses you played if possible.

 

Thanks in advance

[Baron of Beef]

Laem Chabang

Burapa

Crystal Bay

Siam Plantation

Khaow Keaw

[Veg71]

yes you were ripped off by Thai-gerline golf. Until the end of last month they were organising daily golf trips and the cost when they visited Phoenix was 1800 bht for transport, caddy fee and green fee.

 

Golf tour companies who specialise in providing services to/ripping off tourists spend a lot of time telling visitors that they MUST PLAY the so-called top 5 courses- the Siams, Laem Chabang, St Andrews and Burapha. They were then charging between £80-£100 to play them this high season. A ludicrous price. My advice would be if you want to play them then wait until low season kicks in and the courses' weekly sportsday is introduced. For Laem Chabang that will be in May this year I think. Last year its sports day green fee was 1000 bht.

 

There are over 20 other excellent courses in the area which are well worth playing. I have just returned from a trip to Pattaya. Before I went I made a list of 12 courses I wanted to play and managed to play ten of them. I played with five different golf societies, using the PSC website to find out where they were playing.

 

The courses I played, and the green fees I paid, were

Greenwood 700 bht

St Andrews 1250 (+ 600 bht for cart)

Treasure Hill 750 bht

Lotus Valley 950 bht

Green Valley 1250 bht

Khao Kheow 850 bht

Bangpakong 800 bht

Crystal Bay 750 bht

Mountain Shadow 750 bht

Plutaluang 500 bht

 

For the cost of each day add 250 bht for transport, 300 bht as caddy fee (220 at Plutaluang and 280 at Crystal Bay and Mountain Shadow) and 300 bht as a caddy tip. At 2 societies there was also a 250 bht contribution towards prize money.

 

From the beginning of April, the green fees at Phoenix and Green Valley on tuesdays has reduced to 800 bht for PSC members. St Andrews has reduced its green fee also.

 

My advice is to get yourself a PSC card and play with a number of the many societies in the area. You will meet the locals and you will pay much less. It is true that the so-called top 5 courses do not offer much of a discount to PSC members. But that is because they prefer to host people playing with the international golf tour companies who are made to believe that paying £80-£100 for a round of golf in Thailand is (to use a golf phrase) "par for the course". They are mugs.

 

We are just about to book with Pattayagolf.com 6 rounds at the 2 siams, st andrews, Burapha, Khao Kheow, Laem chabang. Including 8 nights at Areca Evergreen and all transfers including to/from bangkok airpport is costing us about 4300 baht (AU$135ish) per day. that will be for end of March 2013 which i think is end of the high season

 

It may be true that the tour operators make the most on those courses, but this is our first trip and we WANT to play these highly recommended PGA quality courses. I think the price we've obtained is very reasonable considering everything will be done for us. As newbies to Pattaya with not a lot of time (6 rounds in 8 days) we want a smooth experience and are willing to pay a bit more for it. We are aware of the PSC offerings but chose to do it this way as we couldnt see much savings in doing it ourselves but a lot more work. the only thing we have to do with these guys is show up, pay the caddy tip, and buy beer and food. perfect!

 

After this trip, when we've had a chance to familiarise ourselves, and visit some of the golf bars etc, we may choose to go it alone, but for this trip the tour operators make sense.

[Hawkeye]

^Veg71,

^{Your plan to do the first trip with an agent and get a lay of the land seems the best solution.  There are many of the golf bars in the LK Metro area and you can find them on the Pattaya Sports Club website.  Should visit a few and talk to them for future trips as that works out well for good prices and having people to play with.  Most bars play 2 or 3 times a week and generally not weekends, so you need to play with more than one if you want to play 5-7 days a week.  An exception is Le Katai which does monday-Friday.  You can also look in the Friday Pattaya Mail newspaper which lists the various bars and where they go the following week.  Also is a good list of places to visit.}

^Hawkeye

[avatar80]

Some great info here... cheers  

Played a round with the guys from outback golf bar last trip, everything went smooth and good price

think it was at khao kheow, all up inc clubs, caddy, tip, buggy, fees, transport about 2500bht I think.

[bossofzip]

Played a round with the guys from outback golf bar last trip, everything went smooth and good price

think it was at khao kheow, all up inc clubs, caddy, tip, buggy, fees, transport about 2500bht I think.

I don't know whether that was High or Low Season, where you were staying etc etc,   but

 

Value, like beauty, is in the eye of the beholder,

 

there would may have been better value alternatives available, but as long as you enjoyed it, ok.

[eskiefan]

Great information here guys.We will be there in April and have made all arrangements through GolfAsian. 8 rounds of golf,caddies,all transfers to/from hotels/to from courses,golf carts,5 nights hotel Pattaya/5 nights hotel Phuket inc.breakfast daily and we are very happy with the price we were quoted.We got 4 star hotels,single room each,and all as mentioned and it works out to just over $200 per day.May seem like a lot to you regular LOS travellers but by our standards that is fair pricing.Seems like they booked the popular courses as well, Siam Plantation/Burapha/Laem Chabang and Khao Kheow plus 4 in Phuket.