Pinehurst Golf & Country Club

Northern Bangkok, near the Don Muang Airport

Pinehurst Golf Club, originally inspired by the famous golf club in the USA, was the venue for the 1992 Johnnie Walker Classic and 1994 Thailand Open. The Bangkok golf course  was previously one of the most famous courses in Thailand and on Thai golf visitor’s must-play list. However, nowadays Pinehurst is only of average quality and the golf course, club house, and golf resort are all showing their age.

On the other hand, Pinehurst is conveniently located 15 minutes north of Don Muang (Bangkok's domestic) airport and 45 minutes from Bangkok center. Moreover, wide fairways and flat greens make it suitable for mid to high handicappers who want a relaxing game at an easy to reach Bangkok golf course.

Pinehurst Golf & Country Club consists of 3 nine holes each with theoretically different styles. The North Lake course is similar to many American municipal golf courses. The South Greenfield nine is very smooth and flat. The West Forest course is the most challenging of the 3 nines with water hazards and mounds off the sides of the fairways, albeit without any forests.

The West Forest 8th is a par-3 hole and boasts one of the largest putting greens in Asia.  Water practically surrounds the green. There is a two-tier driving option. Regular hitters tee from ground level and longer hitters and professionals tee from an elevated tee box suspended by concrete columns. The upper tee box acts as a kind of “roof” for the lower tee box.

Another unique point at Pinehurst is the VIP golf carts with Rolls Royce branding that are available for rent. This together with night time flood lighting makes Pinehurst popular with the locals and Asian expatriate golfers.  Many also like the ‘night time’ caddies who double as local university students and can be selected more for their figure, age, and other services rather than their on-course abilities.

Pinehurst has a generous clubhouse, on site golf lodge (only 2-3 star quality), and several restaurants. The view from the clubhouse lounge is quite nice, with the golf course all around. The main restaurant serves some of the best Japanese and Korean food in Bangkok, so be sure to order from these menus if you want something more than decent.

Overall Pinehurst is not a great challenge, but satisfying enough for higher handicappers. It can be very slow and over crowded with up to six hours for 18 holes, so be prepared for a long day on the golf course in Bangkok.