Navatanee Golf Course

In 1975, the selection of Navatanee by the International Golf Federation to be the host venue for the 23rd World Cup of Golf was the most fitting accolade and spurred the Thailand golf revolution. The event won by the US team represented by Johnny Miller, at the peak of his game, and Lou Graham. Navatanee also hosted the Thailand Open in 1999. In the same year, Navatanee was ranked the top course in Thailand by Golf Digest USA.

 

Such rich history, coupled with the striking beauty of the ‘Flame of the Forest’ and Rosewood trees and vivid arrays of bougainvillea that adorn the fairways, creates a perfect harmony of serenity and challenge that enchants golfers from all over the world. Nowadays Navatanee continues to rank among the top Bangkok courses.  The golf course located close to downtown Bangkok has only improved with time and remains one of Bangkok’s most beautiful courses. The play is strictly for members only during weekends, but the course does allow international guests to play during weekdays.

 

The Navatanee golf course is always well-maintained, and the caddies are very knowledgeable. Forty years after opening the Robert Trent Jones Jr. design makes for some of the most challenging golf in Thailand. Upon entering the course, excitement levels rise as you pass by the par-3 17th at right and the par-4 16th at left. Some more great holes sprinkled throughout the course include the short par-4 5th which is one of the more difficult despite being only 329 yards, and the par-5 9th around the water, which receives unanimous approval from all who play here. The signature 6th hole at Navatanee is a 445 yard par-4 that demands a draw from the tee to reach the green in regulation. However, with water guarding both the entire left side of the fairway and another lake fronting the green in a reverse ‘S’ shape, making par on this hole is a notable achievement!

 

The clubhouse at Navatanee Golf Club has a superb indoor/outdoor restaurant overlooking the 9th that serves up some of the best local food around including excellent wine selection. Changing and shower facilities renovated in 2015 are some of the nicest in town. On-course kiosks supply a wealth of beverages and snacks during the round. Warm-ups are limited to the large putting green at the staging area as there is no driving range. 

 

Navatanee is as close to a private country club experience you can have in Thailand. The play is brisk and sub-four hour rounds are the norm. Golf carts are compulsory, and caddie pre-booking is only allowed for members. The golfing experience is first-rate, and high green fees make Navatanee suitable for those looking for top golf in Bangkok.