The Best of Bangkok

Lam Luk Ka Country Club ***1/2

Lam Luk Ka boasts two courses – something of a rarity for a Bangkok club – and its rather out-of-the-way location means getting a tee time is never usually a problem. Occupying a wetland area northeast of the city, the championship course here, the East, features water in abundance and plays much longer than its yardage due to its spongy, somewhat thatchy fairways. This is something of a surprise because the superintendent has kept the rest of the course in terrific shape – both the greens and the bunkers are immaculate. Although it’s often rated as one of the city’s better tracks – and there are a number of excellent holes – it’s fair to say the East lacks the variety of a truly great course. Nonetheless, if you can afford the travel time it’s worth a look. The club only opens both courses on weekends (they alternate during the week), so if you want to play experience all thirty-six holes in one visit you’ll have to make it a Saturday or Sunday. The West Course was not reviewed.
YARDAGE: 7,012 (East Course) / 6,605 (West Course) PAR: 72
ARCHITECT: Roger Packard (1994)
GREEN FEE: THB1,500-2,500 exclusive of cart and caddie
GETTING THERE: 90 minutes from downtown Bangkok
CONTACT: www.lamlukkagolf.net