Green Valley Country Club

Green Valley Country Club is one the oldest courses on the way from Bangkok to Pattaya.  It is one of three Trent Jones Jr courses in Bangkok, the others being the Navatanee Golf Course and Suvarnabhumi Golf & Country Club. Being close to the Suvarnabhumi International Airport, Green Valley is convenient for those Bangkok golfers who want to get in an extra round on their day of arrival or departure.

Green Valley laid out on relatively flat terrain makes it easy to walk. The greens are large, fast and undulating with the pins tucked away in some tricky spots. Accurate drives are a must to score well as water flanks most of the fairways. The greens are firm and fast, especially when putting down grain. Green Valley has many well-placed hazards which add further to the golf challenge.

The extended opening holes along the water are good examples of the golf course difficulty and what is to follow. The four par-5 are all tough holes; the 11th and 18th particularly so, as water hazards line both sides of the fairway. The par-3 14th hole is the signature hole. An island tee requires an accurate shot to hit the green in regulation and secure par. The short par-3 17th is also a  good hole with the 11th and 18th two of the best par 5 in Bangkok.

The driving range and practice facilities are next to the first tee and very convenient for warming up. Caddies are well trained, but hardly any English is spoken.

The clubhouse, one of Bangkok better facilities, is elegant and luxurious albeit a bit dated. High ceilings, original furnishings and modern decorations make it functional yet relaxed. The clubhouse restaurant provides lovely views of the opening and closing holes and serves a good selection of Thai, European and Japanese cuisine.  A plunge in the sauna with Jacuzzi and Thai massage offer options for relaxation after the game.

Green Valley is popular with locals and expatriates. Booking is a must, and higher green fees as compared to other area courses are common. Slow play is often encountered, especially on weekends when the course accommodates 300 golfers daily. Bangkok golfers seeking challenge with decent playing conditions are recommended to give Green Valley Country Club a try.