Lakewood Links

Lakewood Links is the second course by the same owner in the Bang Na area of Bangkok. The course is one of the closest layouts to downtown Bangkok and is easily reached in 30 minutes by elevated expressway.  True to its name, the 18-hole, 7017-yard layout spreads over flat links land interspersed with sandy waste areas dunes and water. Add to this elevated tees, rolling fairways, and large undulating and multi-tiered putting surfaces, and you have challenging after challenging hole. Water comes into play on 16 holes and with many narrow fairways and elevated greens; low markers only best play Lakewood Links. High handicappers are better off playing the more straightforward sister course at Lakewood Golf & Country Club.

Lakewood Links is unique in that there are two signature holes. Both the par-3 hole #8 and #16 boast island greens in the shape of a crab and starfish, respectively. The cute course sayings are that crabs and starfish are hungry for balls. While this is no joke, a fair amount of shots end up in the water surrounding both holes.

Both the greens are next to one another in the middle of a large lake and are connected to the main course only by footpaths. The green shapes resemble sea creatures surrounded by sand and water. Even stranger, the two holes share a tee box! With ‘crab and starfish’ greens, these holes might better belong to an ocean course. This weird combination of two holes sharing tees and with greens shaped like sea creatures cannot be found anywhere else the world.

Another standout hole is the par-5 twelfth playing a whopping 647 yards. The longest of all par-5s, this dogleg right requires three perfectly hit balls to avoid trouble left, right, and center. This hole can easily blow up a good score, and a bogey is a good result for anyone here.

Lakewood Links is also open daily for night golf under floodlights and carts are compulsory. The clubhouse is rather small, but functional with restaurant, pro shop, and very nice locker rooms. Local Thai dishes at the coffee shop are best, but there are also ample international selections too.

All in all Lakewood Links is best for scratch golfers looking for the ultimate challenge in Bangkok.