Lam Luk Ka Country Club

Both courses meander through Bangkok’s wetlands, where over 10,000 trees and waterways provide homes to 100’s of species of birds and wildlife. The strong parkland layouts blessed with more shade than many Bangkok golf courses and together with windy conditions are a welcome repute from Bangkok’s usually balmy weather.

In this natural, rural environment, away from the hustle and bustle of downtown Bangkok, four relatively similar nine-hole loops are interchangeably used on any given day. The Championship East Course comprises the A & B nines, the Resort West Course the C & D loops.

Though there is little to separate them regarding the quality of upkeep and presentation, which is always excellent, the East Course is longer than the West Course and be tougher as a result. Water hazards feature on just about every hole on both courses. As long as you can avoid the many lakes and ponds that flank the fairways and protect the greens, ball-finding from wayward shots should not be too difficult with semi-rough beyond the gently undulating and generally wide fairways.

Golfers will also be attracted not only by the good course layout but also by the greens, which are some of the best putting surfaces in Bangkok. Good bunkering throughout and well-paced sloping greens reinforce the overall high-quality golf environment at Lam Luk Ka Country Club.

The Championship East Course places a premium on driving the ball long and straight. The host of the 2002 Thailand PGA Championship and the 2009 Asian Tour qualifying events, the Lam Luk Ka East Course will punish errant golf shots but makes for an enjoyable round if played from the somewhat friendlier white tees.

The long 7th and 8th holes on the East Course are two of the better Par 4's in Bangkok and usually plays into the prevailing breeze. The back nine is considered one of the best in Thailand, ending with a dramatic risk-reward Par 5. The 18th is a short par-5 with a generous fairway. The key is not to get too greedy with your drive. Aim for 5-10 yards right of the right edge of the fairway bunker for your tee shot. Avoid the deep bunker guarding the front of the green at all costs. There is a lot of room right of the green and missing your fairway wood or long iron approach will give you the best chance to make an up and down for birdie.

The West Course is relatively short, but water comes into play on 15 holes making course management a key factor in scoring. Every hole provides several options, so longer hitters can still hit driver although it’s not necessary on most holes. The West Course is a favorite of tourists and recreational golfers and is home to a plethora of native birds and wildlife.

The 18th is a challenging finishing hole where golfers should consider hitting a 3-wood off the tee, aiming down the left side of the fairway. Pay particular attention to aim. Miss the fairway, then consider lying up short of the creek that bisects the fairway. The green countours from front to back. This makes it difficult to get the ball close to a front pin location.

The large clubhouse provides every amenity for the golfer, albeit it is showing its old age. After a round at Lam Luk Ka, golfers can relax and take a swim in the Olympic-sized swimming pool or enjoy a range of Thai or international culinary delights in the clubhouse restaurant overlooking the 18th hole of the East Course. Practice facilities include a grass driving range and two chipping and putting greens. All in all Lam Luk Ka is an excellent golf course and one of the better values in Bangkok golf.