Rancho Charnvee Golf Club

I'm a bit sunburned after a day of golf.  There is no golf course up here near the resort, but my friends had arranged a golf outing at Pak Chong.  Its about half way between Bangkok and the resort and one of the regular stops for our golf group.   Pak Chong is a favorite destination for affluent Bangkok residents who own homes near Khao Yai National Park.  In fact, there are some people whose homes have encroached on park land and is now the subject of seizure and destruction by the current government.  While the tourists head to the beaches, many of these rich and famous Thais head to the mountains where the weather is cooler and they can get some solitude from the madness we call the city of angels.

Clubhouse facilities are very good, with a very spacious locker room, a couple of restaurants, and a pro shop.

Rancho Charnvee Golf Club is a fabulous destination for golf and a holiday stay.  What other golf course has a boat in the lake, which you must carry, off the tee on the first hole?  There are horses and stables on the property and trails around the golf course where one can ride. Accommodations are both luxurious and varied.  Two bedroom villas are available for 20,000 baht per night, but smaller hotel rooms are available for those of normal means.  Private home lots are available and there are several in the 20+ million category.  The Golf club is intended as a facility where one can host meetings, have a wedding, or just relax for a few days.

First Tee - mandatory carry over water to the fairway

Play some golf and watch the local riders with their horses

Oh, did I tell you about the airport on the property too?   Yes, this resort has its own airport and landing strip for private planes.   To tell you the truth, I've never seen a private airplane here in the LOS - but according to my Thai friends, there are many private planes and pilots, its just that we don't normally see or meet them as they hang out with their own 'circle of friends', which we are typically not part of.  You know.... the same people who own million dollar cars, etc.

Fly in for 9 holes in the afternoon?

Didn't have a great day at the links...it was expected as I've not played in 3 weeks and haven't been to the driving range in a long time.  Hit the ball well, but couldn't putt or chip worth a darn.  Working out in the gym really helps the power and ball striking, but one cannot play well without a short game and putting.  I just have to get out more and play!  I did manage to post an 89 from the white tees.  

Golfing life editor about to tee off...yep, the shaft does bend forward before impact!

Directions:  I've embedded a map of the resort from google maps.  I've found that the easiest way to get to the course from Bangkok is to look for the 68km marker from Saraburi.  You will need to make a U-turn before connecting to hwy 2235 as it is accessible on the Bangkok inbound side of the road only.  From there, its about 5-7 minutes to the course.

As of this post, standard rate green fees are 1,300 baht plus 450 baht for caddie service on weekdays.  Weekends are higher at 2400 baht.   This is the link to the latest fees:  http://www.charnveeresortkhaoyai.com/golf-course/#

In summary, this is a wonderful course that is not too difficult but is scenic and fun.  Not exceptionally long from the white Tees and the caddies and facilities are excellent.  I play there often and its worth the drive up as you can play another great nearby course, Mountain Creek, the next day for something a bit more challenging.