Siam Country Club - Old Course

RATING: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

PRICE: 💰💰💰💰💰

50 หมู่ที่ 9 ถนน พรประภา Pong, Bang Lamung District, Chon Buri 20150

15km Distance from The Classroom 15km (30mins drive time)

Website: www.siamcountryclub.com/old-course

Design:  Isao Mazumi, Schmidt-Curley (Opened 1971)

Walking Permitted? No

Google Maps: Siam Country Club Old Course

Siam Country Club Pattaya Old Course designed by I. Mazumi, was completely renovated with Mr. Lee Schmidt of Schmidt-Curley Design Inc. as a course architect. Some of the trees were removed allowing for an excellent breeze. A popular grass, Seashore Paspalum, was chosen for the fairways, and Novotek for the greens. In addition, the 101 bunkers are there for beauty and challenges for all golfers alike.

Since reopening in 2007, the golf course has hosted several international golf tournaments including being the home of the US LPGA, Honda Classic from 2010 onwards. In 2018, Siam CC Old Course was recognized for its excellence when it was voted 73rd best golf course in the world by USA Golf Digest magazine.

The 7,162-yard, par-72 Old Course at Siam Country Club is set in the low hills just a few kilometres from Pattaya and contains more than its fair share of mature trees, shrubs and plants. Various flowering and fruit trees on the course give one the impression of being in an arboretum or orchard, especially when in season. The abundant wildlife in the form of sculptured bushes and hedges is a feature unique to Siam Country Club.

The course has an out-and-back layout with many holes playing past a series of lakes and strategically placed creeks. Long, straight driving is required to negotiate the larger fairway bunker complexes. Wayward shots are punished by large trees flanking every fairway. The large greens at Siam Country Club Old Course are fast, excellently maintained, and extremely undulated. The many breaks favour the assistance of an experienced caddie to read them properly. As expected, the entire course maintenance is at championship levels year-round.

A large golden Buddha is watching over the course which can be seen clearest from the all uphill 9th hole. The Siam Old Course boasts many dramatic challenges, particularly the last four holes which are Siam’s answer to Amen Corner. The 15th through 18th holes taken together could arguably be the best finishing holes of any Pattaya golf course. If you're having a good day and scoring well, take care as these four holes could easily bring you back to earth and ruin a good score. The final hole, a par-5, in particular, is tempting to try to reach in 2. However, many a golfer has walked off with a bogey or worse as the closer you get to the green the more difficult the hole becomes.

The clubhouse is still the original structure dated from the 1970’s with major facelifts on the insides to brighten up the facilities. It sits up high and overlooks the Old Course and valley beyond. Permanently mounted binoculars help bring the distant farms and other golf courses in the area into close view.

The Siam Country Club, Old Course is one of the best in Asia and should be on every golfer's bucket list of courses to play.