Laem Chabang International Country Club

between Pattaya and Chonburi at km 31

Laem Chabang Golf Club is a picturesque Jack Nicklaus designed championship course is the best layout in Pattaya and one of the truly one of Thailand’s finest. Laem Chabang is made up of 27 holes on 700 acres and makes use of 3 types of features which characterize each of the 9 holes. This handiwork is widely hailed by critics for the unique usage of the land's mixed terrain of mountains, lakes and river valleys which are lovely as well as functional. Each type of terrain corresponds to a 9-hole course in a unique way, and as such each one is named Mountain, Lake and Valley.

The rolling hills of the surrounding countryside have been used to great effect, and hazards to stop you reaching greens are in abundance. Not only does the course have a lot of bunkers, sand traps and water hazards, there are also a lot of natural hazards in the shape of exposed rock formations, lakes, ponds and creeks. Cleverly shaped holes skirt water hazards and tall coconut trees. Every tee is signed with a board describing a distinctive tree or shrub planted nearby to give the course a unique floral emphasis. The large, undulating greens are mostly elevated and protected by wide bunkers.

The Mountain 9 is 3,446 yards in length and plays around many hills. The opening hole on the Mountain-nine requires you to squeeze the ball through a lush "canyon" of vegetation, but there’s more space out there than you at first think. The second, a wonderfully water-fronted downhill par-3, is just about as good as short holes get. From there on, you will be challenged by the course’s natural undulations, occasional water hazards and excellent sprawling bunkers that protect the front and sides of many nicely elevated greens.

The Lake 9 is 3,419 yards in length with a stream meandering through most all the holes. The Valley 9 plays the longest at 3,619 yards, and is shaped in the foothills of the surrounding mountains. Although the presence of water is not overwhelming (apart perhaps from on the opening four holes of the more technical Valley-nine), when it does occur, it does so with full force and knee-trembling impact.

These distinct playing conditions offer the golfer a challenging golf course in a variety of terrains. Beautifully maintained and presented, this is a golf course that effortlessly combines the man-made features and rich planting of flowers and shrubs, with the natural splendor of the surroundings hills, rocky outcrops and jungle vegetation. With many scenic views from the course, it all fuses harmoniously into a great golfing experience and one that is uniquely Asian. Excellent clubhouse facilities and accommodation superbly complement all of this.

This top course is a must play for anyone in the Pattaya area and should be included in all Pattaya golf holidays! Also, being located around 1:15 from Bangkok makes Laem Chabang Country Club a consideration for those in Thailand on a Bangkok golf vacation as well.