Phoenix Gold Golf & C. C. (27 Holes)

RATING: ⭐⭐⭐

PRICE: 💰💰💰

111 หมู่ที่ 9 ถนน สุขาภิบาล 2 ตําบล Bang Lamung District, Chon Buri 20150

Distance from The Classroom 20km (25 mins drive time)

Website: www.phoenixgoldgolf.com

Design: Dennis Griffiths (Opened 1993)

Walking Permitted? Yes

Google Maps: Phoenix Gold Golf & Country Club

Phoenix Gold Golf & Country Club was renovated in 2015 and has since hosted the Kings Cup (European Tour) and Thailand Open (Ladies European Tour) events in 2016 and 2017, respectively. Then in 2018, Pheonix Golf hosted both the Royal Cup (Asian Tour) and Ladies European Thailand Championship (LET). The European Tour returned in 2019.

A robust Dennis Griffiths design, Phoenix plays on wooded, rolling terrain. This 27-hole Pattaya golf course comprises three nines - Ocean, Lake and Mountain, and has magnificent views of the surrounding mountains and the Gulf of Thailand. Large mango, eucalyptus trees, and flowering shrubs add colour and give a natural feel to the layout.

Gently contoured fairways, shallow bunkers, and sloping greens characterize this palm tree-lined parkland course. Planted hedges define tee boxes and offer a range of distances that accommodate golfers of all abilities.

Compared to most other Pattaya golf courses, Phoenix Gold does not have much water, except on the Lake Course, which is also the shortest of the three loops. Most of the water here comes into play via a series of small ponds. The 8th hole is a tough par-4 dogleg around a lake and requires two accurate shots to achieve par.

The Ocean Course is a bit of a misnomer as there is no water on any of the holes. However, wait until the finishing hole on the Ocean Course. The tee box for this par-5 sits at the highest point on the course and affords a commanding view of the Gulf of Thailand and Pattaya skyline. The tee shot is straight down a sloping fairway followed by a 2nd shot aimed toward the Gulf of Thailand. Large sand bunkers lining along both sides of the fairway come into play on the 3rd shot into the green. The hazard on the front left of the green makes it difficult to get up and down for par. The centre of the green is preferred for an easy par or even birdie!

Scenically, top honours go to arguably the best nine, the Mountain Course. A very picturesque range of folding, jungle-clad hills is continuously in view. The rocky frontage of one mountain shines with a large, laser-carved image of Buddha, the golden lines of the image stand out against the grey of the rock face - quite a sight, especially when illuminated by the sun's rays. 

A massive clubhouse dominates the landscape with a large centre reception and pro shop. Although not as elegant as some other Pattaya golf courses, the locker rooms and other facilities are adequate, and the restaurant serving both Thai and European food is very good and well-priced.