Green Valley Country Club Golf Course a Robert Trent Jones Jr. design very conveniently located close to Bangkok’s Suvanabhumi International Airport and despite its location it is set in beautiful countryside covered with mature trees and shrubs.
There are some very challenging holes, including some long water carries on the opening holes of both nines. The undulating fairways mean that you are often playing from a hanging lie or with the ball below you and some of the greens are hidden behind large mounds. The strategically placed bunkers and the undulating greens increase the difficulty of this very demanding course.
The challenge begins as early as the second hole which is a long par 5 with water all along the left side and fairway bunkers to the right – better to play safe than attempt to get on in two. The fifth is another interesting par 5 and you need to flirt with the water hazard along the right to get in the right position – if you try to get on in two then it’s a full water carry to the green which is very close to the edge of the lake. The sixth hole is a great par 3 which will reward those brave enough to carry the water direct to the green but there is a bail-out area to the left for those who don’t wish to attempt this shot. The par 4 eighth requires two solid blows to get on in two and the shortest route is guarded by a series of bunkers and the approach is protected on the left but open on the right and is safe place to leave it short. A classic risk and reward hole to finish the front nine. To get in the right position off the tee you need to get close to the bunker protecting the left side of the fairway – too far right ad you have a long approach over water to a with water in front.
A very tough par 4 to start the back nine as a huge bunker protects the left side of the fairway and the entrance to the green is very well protected with some deep bunkers. The par 5 eleventh is not for the faint hearted and anyone with hopes of reaching in two has to position their tee shot between the lake and the bunkers. Even if playing in regulation you still need to play an excellent shot over the lake to a narrow green with bunkers over the back. The twelfth is another par 3 with a water carry all the way to the putting surface. The sixteenth is bordered by a lake along the left waiting to catch the errant tee shot and also adjacent to the left side of the green. More trouble on the par 3 seventeenth with water left of the green and then it’s a brute of a par 5 to finish. The landing area off the tee has water on the left and bunkers on the right and for the second it’s the opposite problem with water on the right and bunkers on the left ad if this wasn’t enough then the green sits right on the lake edge.
However, if you end up losing more golf balls than you would have liked, the very comfortable clubhouse is an ideal place to drown your sorrows in relaxing, opulent surroundings. If a nice cold beer isn't for you, then head for the Jacuzzi or maybe a Thai massage can do a similar job.
Tee Times at Green Valley Country Club.
Booking a tee time in advance is a must at Green Valley Country Club, which for good reason is a popular choice among locals, expats and holidaymakers alike