Located just 40 minutes north of Pattaya towards Chonburi and set among hills of tropical forest in the Sri Racha area, Bangpra International Golf Club offers an entertaining day out for golfers of all standards.
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{timg title:=”Bangpra International Golf Club” thumb:=”images/stories/srv/blog/bangphragolf1.jpg” img:=”images/stories/srv/blog/bangphragolf1_big.jpg” gal:=”gallery-content”} Bangpra International Golf Club was one of the first courses in Thailand when it was built in 1958. Since then a joint venture between the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and a Japanese golfing organisation has seen the course extensively refurbished and improved. Initially in the late 1980’s, the first nine underwent a total overhaul with the addition of a number of challenging and picturesque water hazards. By 2007 the back nine had also been improved and now the course compares favourably with others in the area. The course is well tended and every hole offers great views of jungle covered hills and other stunning scenery. Nearly all the fairways are gently undulated and line with plenty of mature trees, and tropical plants. Bougainvillea bushes ensure that there are splashes of rich pinks, oranges, red and white blooms throughout the course. The water hazards that are mostly prevalent on the first nine offer not just challenging hazards but also a pleasing park style environment which is very pleasant for players as they traverse the course. Despite the more recent redesign of the back nine the first half of the course offers the best holes at Bangpra as well as the most interesting scenery. {timg title:=”Bangpra International Golf Club” thumb:=”images/stories/srv/blog/bangpragolf3.jpg” img:=”images/stories/srv/blog/bangpragolf3_big.jpg” gal:=”gallery-content”} |
The course plays to an even 72 par. The second hole, a long 206 yard par 3 with water protecting the right hand side of the green, provides an early test of accuracy and an idea of the role water plays on the first nine. The 533 yard par 5 is another challenge over the water giving the player the option of trying to drive the lake with a second shot or safely laying up short. The longest hole is the huge 622 yard 7th but a gentle downslope aids the drive and if hit right the ball can run and run to give the golfer a little extra yardage on the drive. {timg title:=”Bangpra International Golf Club” thumb:=”images/stories/srv/blog/bangphragolf4.jpg” img:=”images/stories/srv/blog/bangphragolf4_big.jpg” gal:=”gallery-content”} After the front nine, the inward holes are a little disappointing by comparison but still enjoyable. Generally coming home the holes are flatter and the fairways wide, however there are still some interesting hazards to offer a challenge. The 13th green (par4) is lake protected and being wayward off the tee will see you in the water at the 14th. The 18th is a straight drive toward the clubhouse and gives the golfer a fine view of the entire course which is a nice way to finish the round. There is a strong Japanese influence at Bangpra which ensures that the fairways and greens are kept in excellent order throughout the year. Further evidence of the Japanese presence is in the clubhouse where there is a large selection of Japanese cuisine (as well as plenty of Thai dishes) and relaxing Japanese style baths in the lavish locker room. Bangpra is an excellent choice for visiting golfers who prefer playing on more mature, well established courses. For further details, please follow this link to the official website of the Bangphra International Golf Club. {timg title:=”Bangpra International Golf Club” thumb:=”images/stories/srv/blog/bangphragolf5.jpg” img:=”images/stories/srv/blog/bangphragolf5_big.jpg” gal:=”gallery-content”}
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