When I am asked which course is my favorite in Thailand, I usually respond by giving a list of courses instead of just one because there are so many great courses to chose from. But in recent times, a course that is always on that list is St. Andrews 2000 in Rayong. People who play this course usually either really like the course or hate it. I'm one of those that really like it and feel its one of the courses in Thailand you should experience at least once.
Those that hate the course are usually golf course purists or beginners that have not yet developed the distance or skills to navigate the course. Those that love the course are often golfers that like something unusual and challenging and are tired of the same traditional course layouts where many of the holes fall into a predictable pattern. Its a challenging course and previously a HCP 18 was recommended. My personal view is that if you can hit the ball pretty straight, have decent distance, and a decent short game around the greens, you will enjoy this course. If you are a beginner still learning to play the game, its likely that you will not like anything about this course except the beautiful vistas and views from many holes around the course.
St. Andrews 2000 is part of a golf complex named St. Andrews Village which contains two other courses, Rayong Green Valley, and Silky Oak. You can book 'stay and play' packages directly from them and they are currently offering a promotion (see right image) where you can play any combination of two courses on two days, stay one night, and have an ABF too starting at 2600 baht per person, double occupancy. Works out to about $79 USD per person. A really great deal for such quality courses and accommodations.
The GLT Review of the course
St. Andrews 2000 is a links styled golf course. But as most people who have played links style courses know, without a lot of wind, the golf course loses much of its main defense against low scores. Thailand is not always blessed with a lot of strong wind on the eastern part of the gulf, so perhaps the designers thought by adding some usual features, they could make this course more difficult. These features include two par 6s, dual fairways, lots of bunkers, smaller elevated greens, and some long mandatory carries. Some purists may call these 'gimmicks' but I think it takes it out of the 'cookie cutter' class of golf courses so often seen around the planet and puts in a fun element.
GLT editor posing for a shot at the real Swilcan Bridge
on the Old Course in St Andrews, Scotland
Obviously inspired by the Old Course at St. Andrews, there is little resemblance except for the name and the style of design. The Old Course is very flat and next to the sea where there is almost always a strong breeze. The 2000 course is quite hilly, and while there is a breeze, its mostly mild. Due to its hilly conditions, golf carts are required.
The reception area
The key to playing St. Andrews 2000 is hitting the ball straight. With the many elevated fairways, bunkers, uneven fairways, and small greens, those who cannot hit the ball straight are going to have big numbers, no matter how long you can hit the ball. For example, look at hole #1 below. The tee shot is to a 'U' shaped gully to a smallish green. Not long, but drives off the fairway will get you into a lot of trouble. There is going to be either an uphill or downhill or uneven lie for the second shot unless your shot placement is perfect.
Hole #1
In the next example, we look at the first Par 6 on hole #4. The perfect shot is long over the little lip that extends from the rock ridge on the right. But if you hit it too short, there is a water hazard behind that rock formation. A good shot would be just on the very edge of the rocky edge. Hook it left and your dead. That tee shot is going to be followed by three other long shots, including a water carry, to the green. Fun, Fun, Fun!
The first Par 6 tee
This next hole is nicknamed the lady hole. Click on the photo below to see the obvious reason for the name. Its shaped like the hour glass figure of a woman! Fun hole, but drive it long and straight or end up off the elevated fairway with a very long second shot to the green.
The Lady Hole
Challenging par 3 17th hole.
Be careful, a bad downhill putt can cause your ball to roll off the green!
The photos above shows the beautiful vistas and views from the course. Its very well maintained and the caddies are good. It helps to speak a bit of Thai, as most are not too proficient in English even though they may know the course well. Hand signals are wonderful aids in communicating your needs.
I've included a copy of the scorecard below. A map from their website is also provided.
Score Card for St. Andrews 2000
Food and Service:
Food and drinks are available on the course and in the complex. There is a Japanese restaurant as well as Thai food. The locker and clubhouse facilities are nice, but not opulent like at some other high end courses in the area. You will be comfortable and well taken care of. Prices are mid range as at most courses of this class.
Map to the course:
If you are staying in Pattaya, its about a 20-30 minute drive from the center of town. From Bangkok, I would allocate at least two hours and take the motorway towards Pattaya and then take the Rayong turnoff before getting into town.
Would love to hear your personal comments on this course.
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