Desmond Muirhead, an English born golf course architect, has produced one of Pattaya's most fascinating golf courses by working with a magnificent, undulating natural topography. St Andrews is a golf course in Rayong, Thailand, that was designed to seem like a Scottish links course. It is about 45 minutes from Pattaya and 2 hours from Bangkok.
The golf course is designed for those with a handicap of 18 or less and provides an unforgiving test. This is a difficult course, measuring over 7700 yards and par 74. St Andrews has elevated tees and greens, tight landing zones, split elevation fairways, large putting surfaces, and two par 6's that are over 800 yards apiece, which is difficult for the real golfer to accept. The back nine, in particular, features significant elevation changes and panoramic vistas of the surrounding slopes.
This most difficult course in Pattaya should be played by all golf tourists, even if it is geared toward more experienced players. From any tee, the course is a rigorous test of golf, and the two par-6 holes are a bit much for a golf purist. The extra long fairway shot that must be hit necessitates a whole new level of attention and course management.
Nos. 4 and 13 are both par-6 holes, measuring 878 and 861 yards, respectively. Rather of being penal, both holes are "strategic." At hole 4, in particular, granite outcrops serve as a backdrop, and three ponds are fully utilized to guarantee that the hole is not only visually appealing, but also challenges the golfer to play their shots over the water in order to have a chance at par.
The course demands a combination of both power and accuracy, with the strategic positioning of hazards forcing the player to remain focused on each and every shot. Even one errant shot can be very costly. This Pattaya golf course requires the use of every club and also will be the subject of lots of stories about a challenging round of golf. Bring lots of golf balls, a camera, and expect to otherwise be beaten up by this course.
The Rayong Green Valley and Silky Oak courses share the same administration and facilities as St. Andrews 2000. The course is overlooked by the clubhouse and onsite golf resort, with the former serving as an excellent 19th hole to reflect on your day. The green fees are a little on the high side for Pattaya, and with the mandatory golf cart, this course may not be affordable for everyone. Even if it's just for the pride of being the first in the block to play a par 6 (really 2), it should be worthwhile. If you're searching for a golf package that includes the finest of Pattaya, St. Andrews should be on the list.
