Lam Luk Ka Country Club features an outstanding 36-hole golf facility located just north of Bangkok. The club boasts two 18-hole courses that are often less crowded, making it easier for players to secure tee times and enjoy lower green fees compared to many other golf venues in Bangkok.
Both courses wind through the wetlands of the area, surrounded by over 10,000 trees and waterways that provide habitats for numerous bird species and wildlife. The well-designed parkland courses offer more shade than most in Bangkok, and the breezy conditions provide a refreshing change from the city’s usual heat.
In this serene, rural setting—away from the vibrancy of downtown Bangkok—four similarly designed nine-hole loops can be combined for play on any given day. The Championship East Course consists of the A and B nines, while the Resort West Course includes the C and D loops.
While both courses are excellently maintained, the East Course is longer and more challenging than the West Course, featuring water hazards on nearly every hole. If golfers can navigate the numerous lakes and ponds that line the fairways and protect the greens, finding wayward balls from the semi-rough should be manageable along the gently undulating, generally wide fairways.
Golfers are drawn to Lam Luk Ka not only for its excellent course design but also for its greens, regarded as some of the best putting surfaces in Bangkok. The courses also feature impressive bunkering and well-maintained, sloping greens that enhance the overall golfing experience.
The Championship East Course emphasizes long, straight drives. Having hosted the 2002 Thailand PGA Championship and the 2009 Asian Tour qualifying events, the East Course can be punishing for errant shots while providing an enjoyable round from the more forgiving white tees. The long 7th and 8th holes are standout Par 4s that often play into the prevailing wind, and the back nine is considered among the best in Thailand, culminating in a thrilling risk-reward Par 5. The 18th hole, a short par-5 with a generous fairway, requires precision off the tee. Golfers should aim 5-10 yards right of the fairway bunker for the best shot while avoiding the deep bunker in front of the green. There is ample room right of the green, making it easier to chip for a birdie if the approach shot strays.
The West Course may be shorter, but water hazards come into play on 15 holes, requiring thoughtful course management for a good score. Each hole offers various options, allowing longer hitters to utilize their drivers, although it’s often unnecessary. The West Course is particularly popular among tourists and recreational players and is home to diverse native birds and wildlife.
The 18th hole provides a challenging finish, with golfers advised to use a 3-wood off the tee and aim down the left side of the fairway. Precise aiming is crucial; missing the fairway may require laying up short of the creek that bisects it. The green slopes from front to back, complicating efforts to approach a pin located at the front.
The clubhouse at Lam Luk Ka offers a range of amenities, though it shows signs of age. After a round of golf, players can unwind in the Olympic-sized swimming pool or indulge in a variety of Thai and international cuisine at the clubhouse restaurant, which overlooks the 18th hole of the East Course. The practice facilities include a grass driving range along with two chipping and putting greens. Overall, Lam Luk Ka is an exceptional golf course and one of the best values for golf in Bangkok.
Photos: Alexi Van Damme CEO and Founder AX Media Thailand
