Golfing in Thailand : Part 1 (Siam Country Club)

July has arrived and we are officially into the 2nd half of 2014 and what a golfing year it has been so far. 

Last September, my mates and I traveled to Thailand where we played two courses in Hua Hin (Black Mountain & Banyan Country Club) and the Lotus Valley Golf Resort in Bangkok. 

This trip (19th - 23rd June), we decided to play two courses in Pattaya and one in Bangkok. All ground arrangements were made through a golf tour agency, which I will post about later on. For now, Golf!

Upon arrival at Suvarnabhumi airport, our friendly guides / drivers were there to greet us and we were whisked away to Pattaya. It was after dusk by the time we arrived and after we settled in at the Mercure Hotel, we made our way to dinner and had an early night in anticipation of our early tee-off at the Siam Country Club the next day. 

Bright and early the next, we assembled for a hearty breakfast by the pool-side and soon made our way for our first round of Golf. 

Breakfast by the pool. Can't get any better then this.

There are two Courses at the Siam Country Club, the Old Course and the Plantation Course. We took on the renown Old Course which was the venue for the Honda LPGA Thailand (2013, 2012, 2011, 2010 and 2008) How's that for credentials. Here's a look at the score-card.

The weather was great and we were raring to go. Needless to say, like most courses in Thailand, the Old Course is beautifully landscaped. But more importantly, how would amateur-weekend golfers like us fair on this LPGA course?

For starters, playing conditions were immaculate. The fairways, bunkers and greens were in great shape. Water hazards were not prominent in the layout, but there were plenty of bunkers, undulating / elevating terrains and narrow fairways to contend with.

Teeing off at the 10th hole

Compulsory group photo before tee off.

My first drive found the fairway and I was feeling very pleased. However, my joy was short lived as we reached the greens where the course revealed its true colours. 

The greens were undulating and super quick. A true test of one's short game. It was difficult to attack the pin and leaving your chip short on the fringe would stop your ball in its tracks. Chip it too hard and watch as your ball speeds off past the pin.

Missed a couple of putts and watched with trepidation as the ball rolled a good 6-7 feet past the hole.The putts back were just as nervy.

Hole 8 - Par 3

Hole 18 - Par 5

Measuring 471 yards from the white tee,  the par 5 - Hole 18 isn't very long, but plays longer due to the uphill elevation from tee to green.

Pars were a premium on the day and one was content with a bogey. But that said, the Old Course isn't a difficult round of 18 holes. If your short game is in key, you will tame the testing greens and produce good scores.

Green Fees etc

After the round, we adjourned to the club house and locker rooms which were 5 star in my opinion. After a nice hot shower and brief souvenir stop at the pro shop, we made our way back to Pattaya and bid farewell to the beautiful Old Course. A must play in my books and I would love to give it another go in the future.

There was though, a minor downside. Each golfer is assigned a caddy and in my past experience, the caddies really know their stuff. Yardage, green reads etc. My caddy that day was had been in the job for all of 3 weeks and thus was not as knowledgeable. 

But that said, she had a cheerful attitude and good work ethic (attentive and hardworking) so the round of golf was still very enjoyable and relaxing.

Just for reference, the usual tip for a caddy is THB300 (which is about RM30.00) and feel free to tip more if you want. So, on to the ratings. I will rate the courses in four categories (Course condition, difficulty, caddy rating and club house facilities)

My Ratings:-

Course condition - 5/5

Course difficulty - 4/5

Caddy rating - 3/5

Club house facilities - 5/5 

17/20 - Play it! But make sure your caddy is up to par

Next up, St. Andrews 2000.