St Andrews 2000

St Andrews 2000, designed to replicate a Scottish links course by Desmond Muirhead, is located in Rayong, about 45 minutes from Pattaya and 2 hours from Bangkok. The golf course offers an uncompromising challenge aimed at players with handicaps of 18 or lower. St Andrews features elevated tees and greens, tight landing zones, split elevation fairways, huge putting surfaces and while difficult to accept for the true golfer, two par 6’s, over 800 yards each. The back nine in particular has large elevation changes and views of the surrounding hillsides.

St Andrews 2000 demands a combination of both power and accuracy, with the strategic positioning of hazards forcing the player to remain focused on each and every shot. Even one errant shot can be very costly. This golf course requires the use of every club and also will be the subject of lots of stories about a challenging round of golf. Bring lots of golf balls, a camera, and expect to otherwise be beaten up by St Andrews 2000.

St Andrews 2000 is under the same management, sharing the same facilities as the Rayong Green Valley and Silky Oak courses. The club house and onsite golf resort overlook the course, while the former makes for a good 19th hole to reflect on your round. Green fees are on the high side for Pattaya and with the compulsory golf cart; this course may not fit into everyone’s budget. However, if just for the bragging rights to be the first on the block to have played a par 6 (actually 2) it should be worth it. For those looking for a best of Pattaya golf package, St Andrews 2000 should be one of the included stops.