Since the US elections are just around the corner, or one would think given all the campaigning, I thought it appropriate timing to post this review of the President Golf Club in Bangkok.
A Robert Trent Jones designed layout opened in 1993 and located on Suwintawongse Road (route 304) in Lumitoiting Nongjok consists of 36 holes with water coming into play on three holes on the west and eight of nine holes on the east course. Although a bit far away from central Bangkok (48 km) this is one of the best priced courses around. At the end of January, we found the course to be in generally good condition but the fairways (west and east nines) were a little bit thin, a bit dry and bumpy but not to the point of really affecting play that much and in fact drives experienced good fairway roll, unlike a course such as Lakewood with its soft fairways. Additionally, the fairways are generous so hitting your share should be no problem.
What was a surprise since the last time played; just over a year ago was the speed of the greens. They were significantly faster (probably 11 on the stimpmeter) than before but rolled very true with no aeration or sanding; thus a pleasure to play.
Like most Bangkok area golf courses President is relatively flat but soft sand and an abundance of water on the east course will keep your attention. The west/east combination plays to 6488 yards from the blue tees which are slightly shorter than the average blue tee distance in Thailand (6600-6750 yards) and even the black tees measure only 6949 yards. Par 4’s are not too long as only four of them measure just over 400 yards from the blue tees and three of the four par 5’s could be reached in two by big hitters on a windless day. The longest par three is 183 yards so Thai golfers can generally find the green. With moderate distances, the course provides the opportunity to grab some birdies.
Our caddies were well trained and pleasant which is one of the delights of playing a course for the first time as well as anytime one plays golf in Thailand. Sometimes this fact is overlooked, but even playing with average caddies is an advantage by knowing where the holes and hazards are and not having to lug clubs.
Despite a full complement of golfers this day (which is unusual), the starters had the tees pretty well organized and play took place in a reasonable amount of time.
Clubhouse facilities are fine and the large variety of food offered cuisine for all tastes.
President Country Club is perhaps not as popular as some other Bangkok area courses due to the distance from the CBD but in reality it is not that far away and again, the favorable rates make it worth while.
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