Thailand's Top Golf Courses Kanchanaburi (River Kwai)

Barrington

On highway 323, 32 kilometres past Kanchanaburi.
Tel: (034) 591-110: Fax (034) 591-102

Not riverside, but a most attractive setting for this 18-hole par 72 course by Gary Roger Baird, who is another of the great designers of courses which are kind to the novice but tough for the expert. Carts are available. The complex also plans to have every kind of sports activity from polo and fishing to snooker. An hotel is under construction near the course, which is one of several worth visiting in this fast developing tourist-orientated area. All of them are good value.

Booking: open to all. Facilities: pro shop, club hire, carts, restaurant, driving range.

Green fees: weekday $$; weekend $$$.

Green World Hot Spring

On Highway 323, 110 km past Kanchanaburi.
Tel: 539- 4613; Fax: 539- 1946

A picturesque drive through the hills flanking the River Kwai Noi, Green World Hot Spring was designed by V.l. Golf. Set on a bend of the River Kwai, this is one of the most spectacular sites in Thailand, being surrounded by verdant hillside. All but one hole of the shortish course are across the river from the hotel, which is combined with the clubhouse and has lovely views. A long footbridge crosses the river. This is a really pleasant place for a few days holiday, especially as several other courses are within easy reach. Highly recommended.

Booking: advisable for accommodation; course should be all right. Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.

Facilities: pro shop, club hire, carts, restaurant, swimming pool, tennis, snooker.

Green fees: weekday $; weekend $$.

Home Phu Toey

On Highway 323, 66 km northwest of Kanchanaburi.
Tel: 280-3488; Fax: 280-3487

The course is reached by a ferry (passengers only) across the river Kwai, and a horse drawn buggy. Set alongside the deep, meandering river, the shortish (6,000-yard) course is surrounded by jungle-clad hills. A peaceful place for a restful golfing holiday, and quite outstanding value. There is a condominium and villas for rent on both sides of the river. Highly recommended.

Booking: No problem. Essential to reserve accommodation at weekends.

Facilities: pro-shop, club hire, carts, restaurant, swimming pool, tennis courts.

Green fees: weekday $; weekend $$

Khao Kruut

Inside 112 Bn Army base on Highway 3087. close to Rachaburi.
Tel: (032) 377-401

Also known as Engineer or Royal Engineers' Golf Club, this army 18-hole par 72 course is set in a deep valley surrounded by spectacular rocky peaks. Although the fairways and greens are less than perfect, the setting makes up for much, as do the prices. A brand new clubhouse has been built on the hillside, overlooking a pretty lake. As at all army courses inexpensive drinks and delicious Thai snacks are the order of the day.

Booking: open to all; reserve at weekends pro shop, carts, club hire, restaurant.

Green fees: weekday $: weekend $.

Nichigo

Highway 3199, turning off Highway 323 at Kanchanaburi.
Tel: 235.3034; Fax: 235-3035

Yet another of the new riverside courses in this area, the 27-hole course has a lovely site sloping gently down to a fast-flowing river. Designed with Japanese visitors in mind, the course has wide fairways and very kind rough. There are many stylish touches, such as a miniature version of the famous Bridge over the River Kwai, and a superb iron suspension bridge. There are a few rooms in the magnificent clubhouse, and an 80 bedroom golf lodge will be completed mid 1995. This course is as near perfection for the recreational golfer as any in the world.

Booking: must reserve through the club's Bangkok office.

Facilities: pro shop, club hire carts, restaurant.

Green fees: weekday $$; w/e $$$

River Kwai

On Highway 323. about 40 km past Kanchanaburi.
Tel: (034) 591- 037; Fax: 271-4832

Another stunning riverside setting between thickly wooded slopes, this 18 hole par 72 course is reached by ferry. The interesting course, which moves away from the river into surrounding hills, was designed by Atanant Yomchinda. Both nines start with a blind drive downhill, and finish with a steep climb up to the clubhouse, which is at the highest point. The views are magnificent, but this is a tough course, definitely not for beginners. A hotel by the Resotel Group is planned.

Booking: no problem. Closed on Mondays.

Facilities: pro shop, club hire, carts, restaurant.

Green fees: weekday $; weekend $$.

Sawang Resort

Right at km 120 of Highway 4.
Tel: (032)471-324: Fax: 231-0620

Built in low, spiky hills, the 27-hole course was designed by Isao Katsumata, who has created a very playable course in pretty surroundings. The surrounding land is gradually being occupied by the holiday homes of wealthy Thais. The course is just about in reach from Bangkok for a day's outing, or can be played en route for the River Kwai or Cha-am/Hua Hin.

Booking: open to all, no problem at present. Closed on Mondays.

Green fees: weekday $; weekend $$.

Sri Nakarin

Highway 3199, turning off 323 past Kanchanaburi.
Tel: (034) 531-000

This is one of several superb courses owned by the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) who have built a number of lovely courses at their various dams all over Thailand. Most of them are 9 holes, but Sri Nakarin has now been expanded to 18. In their attractive settings, all the EGAT courses are excellent value for money.

Booking: open to all, and usually no problem.

Green fees: weekday/weekend $