Summit Windmill Golf Club

Although not overly long at 6964 yards, Summit Windmill makes up for the distance as it is one of the busiest Bangkok golf courses due to its convenient location, just 30 minutes from downtown. Although in the city suburbs, the surroundings are also pleasant and park-like. Plenty of wildlife, including birds and reptiles, share the course with golfers. 

Water comes into play on many holes, starting with an enormous lake hazard flushing the left side of the long par-5 1st hole. The same concept repeats on the 18th, and both these holes are the golf course's signature holes that exemplify the course exceptionally well. The 1st hole is a long 624 yards, even by today's standards, and the 18th is an exciting finishing hole that can provide some dramatic endings to any round.

Contoured fairways and water-protected par-3s also characterize Nick Faldo's often innovative design, the best of which is the island green 12th. The par-4 9th is also an excellent risk-reward hole in that long hitters can shave off much of the 438 yards by cutting their tee shots across the water, which leaves a mid-iron into the green. However, anything short or right will entail hitting over bunkers to the green with a long iron or hybrid, a shot that often winds up in the sand.

Much earthmoving was done on the golf course to create elevation changes and hillside fairways. Various palm trees line most fairways, and extensive landscaping gives the layout a tropical feeling. With little rough to worry about, golfers can look forward to getting their balls onto the many elevated greens and coping with the severely undulated putting surfaces.

The clubhouse is one of Thailand's most wealthy, resembling a European castle, although the restaurants, locker rooms, and other facilities are modern. Some golf villas in the surrounding housing estate are just as grand and could easily be mistaken for the clubhouse at any other course.

A five-star luxury golf resort is onsight, making overnight options possible at Summit Windmill. However, most would be better advised to stay elsewhere, save costs, and enjoy more of what Bangkok offers.

Lighting installed makes night golf an option for those wanting to golf at sunset or after dark.