Bangpra Golf Club

RATING: ⭐⭐⭐

PRICE: 💰💰

45 Moo 6, National Highway 3144, Si Racha, Chonburi 20210

Distance from The Classroom 50km (50mins drive time)

Website: n/a

Design: Japan Golf Promotions Co (Opened 1958)

Walking Permitted? Yes

Google Maps: Bangpra Golf Club

Bangpra Golf Club initially built in 1958, was one of the first golf courses in the Pattaya area. In 1988, the layout and facilities were completely renovated by a joint venture between the Tourism Authority of Thailand and Japan Golf Promotions. Bangpra was the first project as a purposely built golf facility to promote golf tourism in Thailand and today remains one of the more mature golf courses in the area.

This challenging golf course is an attractive parkland environment, full of tall, mature trees of many varieties. Bangpra is spread out over undulating land in a gently sloping valley surrounded by densely wooded forests. There are lots of tropical flora and bougainvillaea bushes of all colours on every hole, making Bangpra one of the prettiest Pattaya golf courses. Watch out for the monkeys who live in the forest, but sometimes venture out onto the course to see if there is something to steal from the carts. Also be wary of the deceptively fast greens.

The best holes at Bangpra are on the front nine, which is laid out in a very natural domain at the foot of small tree-clad hills. The par-3 2nd across the water and long par-4 3rd are attractive highlights on the outward nine, where excellent bunkering and dangerous water hazards combine to good effect. The relatively tight and well-bunkered short par-4 6th makes a gentle move up the wooded hillside, only for the monstrously long par-5 7th (622 yards from the tips) to bring you gently back down the slope.

The flatter back nine is less dramatic but the inward holes are not without their own challenges. The par-3 12th and long par-3 17th both require tee-to-green shots over water, while the testing 12th, 13th and 15th holes, also need approach shots over water to reach the safety of the uniformly circular, slightly elevated and often dome-shaped greens. The par-4 18th is a reminder that not all the fairways look 'comfortably wide' from the tee, it also allows you to reflect on what a pleasant and enjoyable parkland course this is.

A luxurious modern clubhouse comes lavishly furnished with locker rooms featuring Japanese-style baths. The clubhouse restaurant specializes in Japanese cuisine which makes after-golf dining particularly well-suited to those who prefer this type of food.