It’s not that often that I am asked – Which are the best Bangkok golf courses ? I surmise, this is because most people who plan on playing golf in Bangkok already know the answer. They have either already experienced Bangkok golf first hand or heard all about it a zillion times. Yet, there are a few first time golf travelers or those from farther afield who could use this knowledge. After all as it can be guessed by now, Bangkok is quite a golf destination. Those who have experienced it, would happily concede that it should feature on any golf buddies’ bucket list of destinations. There are many aspects that help in that, not the least of them being the golf offering. With over 60 courses available to play golf in Bangkok, there is plenty of choice. Here is a list of the top 6 golf courses in Bangkok.
(While this article is meant to carry only the top 4 golf courses in Bangkok, it has been extended to 6 courses, since access to Ayodhya Links and Amata Springs may be difficult if not impossible for tourists)
1. Ayodhya Links :
Ayodhya Links is definitely the most exclusive of Bangkok golf courses, where play is by invitation only. So, in one sense, it becomes irrelevant to tourists, if an invite cannot be arranged. However those who have got on, can only rave about the experience, both on and off the course. The golf course offers a challenging layout on the back of a Thomson, Perrett and Lobb design. The course is full of water, with practically no hole where it is not in play. The highly acclaimed greens for their interesting shapes, heavy contouring and speed are a key feature of the round here.
2. Amata Springs :
Situated about an hour and fifteen minutes from central Bangkok, Amata Springs is the top tournament course in Thailand. For this reason, it is great advertising for golf in Bangkok, considering the visibility it gets on television. Many fantastic layout features and superb course condition make it an absolute must to play amongst Bangkok golf courses. One of them is the floating island green of the par 3, 17th accessed by a boat. Ironically and unfortunately again, just as Ayodhya Links, access here is quite restricted, albeit not impossible.
3. Alpine Golf Club
Quite interestingly the 3rd ranked of the Bangkok golf courses, is also named beginning with an A. That makes it a AAA for the top 3 for golf in Bangkok. Name aside, Alpine offers a top drawer golf experience, full of challenge and thrills. And even if it has limited tee times for visitors, it is not so difficult to get on. It is safe to then say that it is a must play course in Bangkok. Tiger Woods played and won here in the Johnnie Walker Classic in 2000
4. Thai Country Club :
For a superb all round experience of playing golf in Bangkok, look no further than the Thai Country Club. It is safe to say that you will experience one of the best hospitalities amongst the Bangkok golf courses. That adds on to the superb golf experience on an immaculately maintained golf course with loads of challenge including water aplenty. The well trained and turned out caddies and the delightful restaurant are amongst the other highlights in the “TCC” experience.
5. Nikanti Golf Club :
Situated an hour and quarter away from Bangkok, Nikanti golf club offers another 5 star golf experience. The unique offering comes in the form of 3 sets of 6 holes, each comprising 2 par 3s, 2 par 4s and 2 par 5s. The course condition, the water bodies and the bunkering combine to deliver another must play amongst Bangkok golf courses. There are plenty of elevation changes too, offering a distinct feature for golf in Bangkok. One attractive feature of the golf experience is the golfer package that includes selected food and beverage.
6. Royal Gems Golf City ( Dream Arena) :
Playing at the Royal Gems ( Dream Arena) could possibly be an experience closest to playing at Augusta National. The back 9 of Royal Gems has a definite likeness to the back 9 of Augusta, including the famous Amen’s Corner. Not just that, each of the front 9 holes has a likeness to a famous golf hole. The par 3 Postage Stamp at Royal Troon, the Road Hole at the Old Course St. Andrews and the par 3 island green at TPC Sawgrass as key examples. In addition to this attraction, the course is always in great condition, making it a top contender for golf in Bangkok.
