Phoenix Gold Golf & Country Club

A robust Dennis Griffiths design, Pheonix plays on wooded, rolling terrain. This 27-hole Pattaya golf course comprises three nines - Ocean, Lake and Mountain, and has magnificent views of the surrounding mountains and the Gulf of Thailand. Large mango, eucalyptus trees, and flowering shrubs add color and give a natural feel to the layout.

Gently contoured fairways, shallow bunkers, and sloping greens characterize this palm tree-lined parkland course. Planted hedges define tee-boxes and offer a range of distances that accommodate golfers of all abilities.

Compared to most other Pattaya golf courses, Phoenix Gold does not have much water, except on the Lake Course, which is also the shortest of the three loops. Most of the water here comes into play via a series of small ponds. The 8th hole is a tough par-4 dogleg around a lake and requires two accurate shots to achieve par.

The Ocean Course is a bit of a misnomer as there is no water on any of the holes. However, wait until the finishing hole on the Ocean Course. The tee box for this par-5 sits at the highest point on the course and affords a commanding view of the Gulf of Thailand and Pattaya skyline. The tee shot is straight down a sloping fairway followed by a 2nd shot aimed toward the Gulf of Thailand. Large sand bunkers lining along both sides of the fairway come into play on the 3rd shot into the green. The hazard on the front left of the green makes it difficult to get up and down for par. The center of the green is preferred for an easy par, or even birdie!

Scenically, top honors go to arguably the best nine, the Mountain Course. A very picturesque range of folding, jungle-clad hills is continuously in view. The rocky frontage of one mountain shines with a large, laser-carved image of Buddha, the golden lines of the image stand out against the gray of the rock face - quite a sight, especially when illuminated by the sun's rays. 

A massive clubhouse dominates the landscape with a large center reception and pro shop. It is indeed not as elegant as some other Pattaya golf courses. However locker rooms and other facilities are adequate, and the restaurant serving both Thai and European food is quite excellent and well-priced.

Phoenix Gold Golf Club's easy access from Pattaya plus decent playing conditions and reasonable green fees make this course worthy of consideration for Pattaya golf packages.