Siam Country Club, Rolling Hills

The front nine moves away from the clubhouse on relatively flattish land. It has more of an open feel to it with hardly any foliage or large trees on the property. Hole 5 is unique in it has two greens switched in and out to change the length and difficulty. Several others on this nine offer different approaches to the green depending on how aggressive you want to be in attacking the pins. There are severe run-offs on most greens, so a sensible pin attack angle is critical. The risk and reward here create unique scoring opportunities.

The back nine plays up and down with more elevation change. Two large lakes come into play here, one of which sits between holes 10 and 18. The landscape varies from marshlands to small stands of trees. Many planted pine trees ensure that straw is used to good effect, another design element from the past. The most dramatic hole is the par-5 15th.

Here the green is protected by a ‘wall of death,’ and coming up short or right will leave golfers in a series of 12-meter tall bunkers each, which is deeper and steeper than the next. A bailout left is a much-preferred way to play the hole. The final three holes climb up to the highest point on the course giving golfers excellent views of the surrounding countryside and scenery back towards Pattaya and the other Siam golf courses. Making a good score here requires attention to detail and focus until dropping back down to the clubhouse level on the 18th.

The modern Thai-inspired clubhouse is functional and classy. Marble surfaces used throughout the clubhouse are ultra-luxurious. Catering for all golfers needs and in a first-class setting, the quality of lockers, restaurant, and pro shop are more characteristic of a private club than a daily use facility. Enjoying the 19th hole is a sure way to enjoy some extra time at the Siam Country Club, Rolling Hills. The views from the clubhouse looking over the course are excellent and a meal with cold beverages caps off a perfect day at one of the best golf courses in Pattaya.