Many years ago, me and my golf buddy Razak boarded the AirAsia flight to Bangkok and traveled down to the beach town Pattaya and spent a few days golfing.
The AirAsia flight from KLIA to Bangkok return trip cost us RM 280. On arrival in Don Muang (DMK) airport Bangkok, we took a taxi to Pattaya and cost us RM 120 per trip and the journey took about 2 hours. We checked in at Areca Lodge for RM 120 per night, the rooms were booked through Sawadee.com.
There are 26 golf courses within 40 km radius of Pattaya! During the 5 days 4 nights there, we played at Laem Chabang GC designed by Jack Nicklaus, Khao Kheow GC designed by Pete Dye, the Pattaya Country Club and the Burapha Golf Club.
Opposite the hotel, there was a Pub called Kromberg, a meeting place for golfers. There is a notice announcing the venue and date where you can register your name to play golf at that particular course, then other Pattaya resident golfers who are interested will put their names. Once the participants are confirmed, they will determine the fares incurred by each golfer who shared the transport charges. Easy...but the locals don't play on weekends. The transport to and from golf courses ranged between RM 12 to RM 20 per person depending on location. Green fees ranged from RM 60 to RM 170 and cart fee about RM 60 twin sharing. Add some tips for caddies RM 15-RM 20 would be acceptable. For easy conversion THB 100 equal RM 10.
The town is busy at night with guys with Harley Davidson bikes or other huge bikes rode the street near the beach. For me and my friend, a trip to the many foot massages outlets, for THB 200 per 1 hour session.
Meals for Muslims a bit tough, not many Muslim restaurants to be seen at town centre. But I survived with plenty of fruits, breads and eggs. Eating at the hotel is the best..
Laem Chabang International Country Club
This is my pick of the courses in Pattaya. 27 holes of great beauty. we really enjoyed the experience which this course offers. Its presentation is fantastic. beautifully mowed fairways with lovely greens and well maintained bunkers.
It has the most beautiful clubhouse with great views from the balcony. Change rooms are excellent. The caddies are generally excellent but my caddy complained of the heat, she was rather pretty and afraid the sun might darken her skin. When in Pattaya, put this course on the top list as this is a must play course and I am sure you will enjoy and remember your golfing here for a long time.
There are many drinking huts where cold drinks are available...
large bunkers to test your skill...
and lakes too...
and ever smiling caddies...loved their job I guess!
