Khao Yai Country Club

Khao Yai Country Club (before that Mission Hills Khao Yai) is worth a visit if only to experience another fine example of Jack Nicklaus's design work. But don't expect the rest of the resort facilities to match the quality of the course layout. The resort has seen better days, with many of the outbuildings and condominiums now eerily empty and derelict. The resort does, however, remain popular with aficionados of well-designed golf layouts, and with large numbers of Koreans looking for low-cost golf packages. 

These undulating fairways challenge golfers, while the cliffs and rolling hills offer an immensely picturesque backdrop of the Khao Yai region. The natural contouring of the land gives good definition to the gently undulating holes, sometimes accentuated by additional earth mounding, and a light sprinkling of mature trees. Although the original bunkering seems rather modest for a Nicklaus design, some holes do exude a sterner bunker threat. The short par-4 7th is one such hole. The downhill 2nd is as good a par-5 as they come. From a wonderfully elevated tee box, play down onto the fairway, then risk as much water carry as possible to get close to the green in two. 

Holes 10 and 11 play into one of the valleys and are 2 of the best back-to-back holes in the Khao Yai area. Large bunker arrays including both green side fairway locations, typical for a Nicklaus design, requires precise shot making for golfers to score well. For a long time now maintenance standards have varied from poor to adequate, but have not been at anything like the level you would normally expect from a well laid out Nicklaus design.

Facilities are rather basic and in need of some upgrading. However, if only to take in the mountain scenery Khao Yai Country Club makes for a fun day out on the links. Several ownership changes have made this once famous original Mission Hills Khao Yai course less popular than it once was. Conditions vary depending on the time of year.   Checking on exact golf course status and availability near to preferred playing dates is highly recommended.  Moreover, the onsite golf resort remains unfinished as does many of the golf club facilities. Other accommodation is needed if staying in the area.