Most golfers in Pattaya agree that the Siam Country Club Old Course and Siam Country Club Plantation Course are the two best golf courses in Pattaya. However, if there are any complaints about the two courses, it is that they are both quite difficult for high handicap golfers. Around the greens it is not uncommon for weekend golfers to take five or more shots to get up-and-down as the slopes, elevated greens, and bunker complexes require accuracy and precision in chipping and putting. Perch yourself one afternoon above the Old Course’s 18th and you will see what I mean!
With this in mind, the owners of Siam Country Club have given the design brief to IMG to develop a new golf course that is friendlier and accommodates a wider variety of golfers. The Waterside Course takes advantage of gentler terrain and does away with raised greens and high-lipped bunkers to create a more balanced course with many excellent scoring opportunities.
That is not to say the course is easy. In fact the closing two holes on both the front and back nines are 4 of the best holes around. Playing around a massive lake they take advantage of strong “Waterside winds” and make use of a spectacular “stadium effect” around the greens. Other holes on the new Waterside Course play through and around large tracts of native grasses. Many of the Par-3 and Par-4 holes are shorter than those found on the Old or Plantation Courses leaving the course yardages more manageable for average length hitters.
Facilities at Waterside include a contemporary clubhouse with large atrium and Japanese style rock garden in the center and extensive practice facilities that resemble an international golf academy rather than golf course, and 18-hole putting course, all first class to match the golf course and other Siam Country Club courses.
The Siam Country Club, Waterside Course is a welcome addition to the Pattaya golf scene. As a frequent Thailand golf visitor, I would be very happy playing these three as the main courses of any Pattaya golf holiday.
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