Very scenic 27-hole Pete Dye design between Pattaya and Bangkok

Wedged between two valleys just off the main highway, about one hour from Pattaya, Khao Kheow Country Club is a well-maintained course with fast greens that are notoriously difficult to read. Unlike many of the other courses in the area, there are significant elevation changes which make the course play long as you negotiate the many water hazards, sand traps, hills and mounds that line the excellent fairways.

The course has a strong emphasis on upkeep, most in evidence on the greens which run lightning fast. The putting surfances run true, but endless bumps and hollows makes picking the right line a real challenge.

There are three nine-hole loops to choose between (A, B, and C), each with a smattering of great holes and plenty of opportunities to scar your scorecard. On Course A, the par-4 7th stands out for its narrow fairway bordered by water running all the way up the left hand side, a pair of bunkers to the right designed to catch anyone playing too conservatively.

After a gentle opener, Course B features a long par-5 again with water all the way up the left, but it's the 8th that's the draw. One of the best par-3s in Thailand, it plays to a picturesque island green that bears a striking resemblance to the 17th at TPC Sawgrass, down to the bunker guarding the front edge.

Course C is the most water heavy, with water alongside the first three fairways and seriously in play on the closing three holes. A nervy approach over a lake is required to reach the 7th green, there's water left and long of the putting surface at the par-3 8th, and the last is short par-4 with water running all the way up the left. It's an intoxicating finish to a great round of golf.

An impressive clubhouse is spoilt by so-so locker facilities but the restaurant offers great local fare, cold beer, and great views of the course. The friendly staff and attentive caddies add to the positive experience and make Khao Kheow Country Club a great choice for any Pattaya golf holiday.

Holes:27

Established:1992

Availability: Open every day

Group Size: 1 - 4 players

Type: Parkland

Designer: Pete Dye

Fairways: Unknown

Greens: Unknown

Address:220/25 Bang Phra, Si Racha District, Chon Buri 20110

Tel: +6680 4492266

Open: 06.00-19.00Hrs Every Day