Siam Country Club, Bangkok

Located 30 minutes south of Thailand's capital, Siam Country Club Bangkok is the 5th edition of the prestigious Siam Country Club. This Toby Cobb-designed championship 18-hole layout plays 7,250 yards and utilizes Zoysia grass for fairways and ultra-dwarf Bermuda grass for greens. The Bangkok layout is Cobb’s first solo project after working for Coore & Crenshaw and Tom Doak.

This Bangkok golf course is distinct from many in the nearby area. A good description is a hybrid course - a sparsely treed parkland course on a links site. Fairways are generously wide with a gentle rolling slope. At the same time, elevated and super-large greens feature catchment areas and nice bunker complexes—effective use of native red grass and mounding frame many holes. The off-fairway semi-rough is cut short and makes play enjoyable for all.

Only four water holes come into play with more unique features than other Bangkok golf courses. Many potted grass face bunkers are scattered throughout the course and are small but often come into play. The 18 turtle-back greens, ranging from 425 to 1,000 sqm, are tricky yet challenging. Proper club distancing and daily pin placements to the greens are crucial since there could be a difference between a seven iron and pitching wedge to get near the flag on any given day. Most average golfers stick to the middle of the greens as the best aim points to avoid nasty runoffs or awkward chip shots.

The unique 18th hole, facing the clubhouse’s restaurant, is a 100-yard par-3 with a large green and is one of the putting surfaces that seems impossible to miss. But a careless shot left of the green could end up at the bottom of a tiny 3-meter “big ass” deep pot bunker, from which the escape is a real test. Some prefer a more conventional fishing hole that challenges several shots for accuracy and distance instead of ending with a short wedge or less.

The controversial finishing hole will give everyone a memorable experience at Siam Country Club Bangkok.

The 4,400 sqm modern clubhouse resembles other Siam Country Club Pattaya facilities. All are well-appointed and have first-class changing rooms, a well-stocked pro shop, and an excellent restaurant specializing in Japanese cuisine. Caddies are well-trained, many coming from other nearby courses.

The only omission at Siam Country Club Bangkok is the lack of a driving range. However, warm-up nets are available. Otherwise, most Bangkok golfers have an excellent time playing at Siam Country Club Bangkok, and the course is an excellent addition to the Siam Country Club brand.