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Eastern Star Golf Course
Four sets of tees and measuring only 6100 yards from the yellow markers stretching to 7134 from the champion tee. The emphasis here is not so much on trees as obstacles, but bunkers - 69 in total. Basically a thinking man's course, it features sandy terrain, water along the fairways and numerous dog-legs. The par four holes are not overly long, which makes for enjoyable golf. The clubhouse amenities are good, and there is also a swimming pool, tennis court and sports complex.

Great Lake Golf & Country Club
The course has four sets of tees, varying from the ladies' tees at 5,150 yards to the demanding championship tees at 6,910 yards. Each hole offers a challenge to the professional and beginner alike. Sculpted in a magnificent setting on the banks of the Dok Krai reservoir, players enjoy cooling breezes off the adjacent body of water. Apart from water, there are 120 strategically placed bunkers for the golfer to contend with. Eleven of these bunkers can be found on the long par four eighteenth, which requires two perfectly struck shots to reach the putting surface. Hotel and clubhouse facilities are of the highest standard.

Designer Nick Faldo
Holes 18 - Yards 6910 - Par 72
77 Moo 5
Off Highway 36 Bangkok-Rayong Rd
Mabyangporn
Pluakdang
Rayong

Tel 038 622630

Khao Kheow Country Club
The first 18 holes here have been designed as a stadium championship course and the last 18 holes as a resort course. Both are surrounded by hills. When the wind blows, players need to plan their shots on account of the numerous bunkers surrounding the greens and large ponds surrounding the fairways. Signature hole seventeen is a very challenging par three where the tee shot must be hit to an island green. Clubhouse facilities are extensive and there is a sports complex, swimming pool and tennis courts. Hotel accommodation is available.

Designer Dye Design
Holes 27 - Par 36 per course
Course A 3107 Yards
Course B 3252 Yards
Course C 3102 Yards
222 Moo 12
New Rama IX Rd
Bangplira
Srircha
Chonburi

Tel 038 338368-9

Laem Chabang International Country Club
This championship course designed by Jack Nicklaus is undoubtedly one of the finest golf courses in Thailand. The three nines comprising the 27-hole layout - 'Mountain', 'Lake' and 'Valley' - offer interesting variations in terrain. The rolling hills of the surrounding countryside have been used to effect, and the exposed rock formations add to the beauty of the fairways. Lakes, ponds and creeks pose a major threat to stray shots and some of the water carries are very challenging. The large, undulating greens are mostly elevated and protected by wide bunkers. Excellent clubhouse facilities and accommodations on site complement the outstanding golf course.

Phoenix Golf & Country Club
Blessed with a wooded, rolling terrain, this coastal course comprises three nines-"Ocean", "Lake" and "Mountain". The fairways tend to be narrow, but the greens tend to be narrow, but the greens are spacious and landscaped with bamboo, eucalyptus and bushes. Water has been used sparingly, except for the middle nine where there is plenty of it. This is exemplified on the very tough par-four 17th, which doglegs left around a big lake. The second shot here has to be played with extreme accuracy, as there is water on the left and right approach to the green. Good clubhouse facilities, a sports complex and nearness to Pattaya make this course well worth visiting.

Plu-Ta-Luang Golf Club
The Old Course is one of finest natural courses in the country. This is borne out from the very first tee, which is set high up on a plateau. Even a poor shot played from there will roll down the hill. Hills indeed, are one of the main features of this delightful course, with scenic views at every turn. The third and fourth holes are played in the vicinity of a huge lake, as are the twelfth and short thirteenth. The home hole is up-hill all the way to the green and from there a rope lift helps weary golfers back to the clubhouse. Both courses are quite difficult, but the Old Course has the best view.

Thailand is renowned for it's excellent golf courses. The Rayong and Chonburi regions around Pattaya are rich with some of the countries best.

Green fees vary from:
300-1000 Baht weekdays
600-1600 Baht weekends

Caddy fees vary from:
150-520 Baht

Golf carts range from:
500-620 Baht

Rayong Green Valley Country Club
This beautifully landscaped course set in attractive countryside is a delight to play. The layout features a profusion of flora and large rocks. Lodged on the side of a hill, the rocky outcrops and boulders pose additional hazards. Bunkers have been used very intelligently, inviting the good golfer to drive over them, whilst the lesser player has plenty of room to lay up. There are some very cunning dogleg holes to complete the challenge. There is a fine clubhouse, Polo club and equestrian track. Houses and a condominium overlook the golf course.

Royal Lakeside Golf Club & Resort
The riverside setting, cooling breezes and golfing enjoyment is enhanced by the beautiful surroundings, especially the profusion of shrubs and flowers. Some holes run right along the riverbank. From the white tees the course gives the average handicap golfer the chance to make a few pars, especially on the par-three holes. The greens are fast and true on the fairways and bunkers are always kept in immaculate condition. Inside the dazzling white clubhouse the ambience is very pleasant. Close by is the marina from which boat trips can be organised.

Designer Sumitomo Construction
Holes 18 - Yards 6815 - Par 72
150 Moo 3
Bangna-Trad Road Km. 51
Tarkham
Bangpakong
Chachoengsao

Tel 038 573275-9

Siam Country Club
Without doubt one of the finest and most difficult courses in Thailand. Set in lovely country in low hills behind Pattaya, the course is well established and has masses of mature trees and shrubs. Long, straight driving is required to negotiate the often-narrow fairways. Dotted with many bunkers and water hazards, the course boasts several dramatic holes, particularly the last four. The home hole is a long, dogleg parr five, uphill towards the rather unusual clubhouse. Rooms are available at the club, but most golfers opt to stay in Pattaya.

Sriracha International Golf Club
Gary Player's contribution to golf in Thailand is a relatively short course set in beautiful countryside. The course does not feature many water hazards and the par-four holes tend to be short, especially from the standard men's tees. There are many uphill and downhill fairway lies. The greens and bunkers are beautifully maintained. Clubhouse facilities are very good, including an enormous swimming pool. There is some accommodation available in the neighbouring condominiums.