List of Jack Nicklaus Designed Golf Courses In Thailand
Achieving 117 professional tournament wins in his career, Jack Nicklaus, also nicknamed as The Golden Bear is considered one of the greatest golfers of all time. Holding a record of 18 won in Major Championships, 3 more than second placed Tiger Wood, is a dream of every professional golfer.
Jack Nicklaus had a deep interest in golf architecture even during his prime. Jack studied worlds top course designs and layout while competing at highest levels, paying close attention to how they challenged players.
(Photo - Jack Nicklaus's Facebook)
Since the mid 1960s, Jack was requested by Pete Dye to share his opinion in the architecture process of the golf club in suburban Columbus, Ohio. In 1969, Harbour Town Golf Links, which was the very first design of Jack co-created with Dye, was opened for play. After the success of Harbour Town, Nicklaus decided to venture into golf course design and founded the Nicklaus Design in 1973.
Nicklaus's first ever solo designed course Glen Abbey Golf Course was opened in 1976, became a major success and hosted the Canadian Open multiple times. After retiring from professional play in 2005, Jack remains actively involved in golf course design and continues to lead projects through Nicklaus Design.
Till nowadays, Nicklaus Design has completed over 425 golf courses in 45 countries. Nicklaus focuses on creating courses that are challenging but fair, where golfers need to think strategically, just like he did during his competitive career.
Heres the list of Nicklaus Designed Golf Courses in Thailand that you would likely want to experience.
1. Laem Chabang International Country Club (Pattaya)
(Picture from - Laem Chabang International Country Club)
This might be the best Jack Nicklaus's best course in Thailand. A 27 hole golf course located in Chon Buri, approximately 1 hour from The Bangkok Suvarnabhumi airport, and 30 mins from Pattaya. Separated into three distinct 9 hole courses : the Mountain Course, Lake Course, and Valley Course, each offers unique challenges and scenic views, considered the best layout in Pattaya. Laem Chabang International Country Club can be easily put into one of the best golf courses in Thailand. This championship golf course also held many professional tournaments. This golf course is in the bucket list of many golfers traveling to Thailand, and if you do wanna give a try, make sure to reserve a tee time in advance due to its popularity.
Laem Chabang International Country Club's Website
2. Legacy Golf Club (Bangkok)
(Photo - Legacy Golf Club Bangkok)
The only Nicklaus's course in Bangkok, Thailand. This 18 hole golf course is located just 40 mins drive from downtown Bangkok, next to the safari world, easily reachable. It was called Ramintra Natural Park Golf Club before, and is the only Jack Nicklaus Golf Course in Bangkok. The course features wide fairways, characterized by its parkland layout, built between two lakes. You will see the Jack Nicklaus's signature features like strategically placed waste bunkers, water hazards and tight approach make it a fair challenge to all levels of players. Overall, the course is in good condition with beautiful surroundings and challenging layouts. Very reasonable rate makes this golf course a must try for golfers traveling to Bangkok.
3. Springfield Royal Country Club (Hua Hin)
(Picture from - Springfield Royal Country Club)
The championship 27 hole golf course is located in Hua Hin-Cha Am, about two and half hours drive from downtown Bangkok. This course is divided into three parts consisting of Lake, Mountain and Valley, offering strategic layouts and beautiful scenery as traditional Jack Nicklaus's course. Yet it was designed to meet the high requirement of a championship, it is still enjoyable for all standards of golfers. Its affordable price makes it an excellent alternative to the most expensive course in Hua Hin like Pineapple Valley and Black Mountain Golf Club.
Springfield Royal Country Club's Website
4. Mission Hills Golf Club (Kanchanaburi)
(Picture from - Mission Hills Kanchanaburi's Facebook)
This 18 hole, par 72 course, which stretches over 7100 yards, is located 40 mins from Kanchanaburi. It is a stunning course that takes full advantage of the regions natural beauty, providing panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and countryside.
Pro Tip: To make the most of your day, plan your transportation ahead, as Kanchanaburi is a bit farther from major cities. The peaceful location makes for a great getaway, but its essential to arrange transport to and from the course in advance.
Mission Hills Kanchanaburi's Facebook
5. Mission Hills Resort (Phuket)
(Picture from - Mission Hills Golf and Resort Phuket)
A beach sided course located on the Phuket island, featuring the breathtaking views of Phang Nga Bay and Andaman Sea. The lush tropical landscape, including rolling hills, lagoons, and palm trees, creates a serene backdrop for a memorable golfing experience. The par-3 4th hole, which demands a precise tee shot over water, and the par-5 13th, a risk-reward hole that can lead to exciting scoring opportunities, are the signature holes of this course. This golf course also offer stay and play packages, which is a great option for golfers who like to play, relax and enjoy the beauty scenery of the island.
Mission Hills Phuket's Website
6. Kirimaya Golf Club (Khao Yai)
(Picture from - Kirimaya Golf Club Khao Yai)
Another exceptional golf course designed by Jack Nicklaus, surrounded by the natural beauty of a UNESCO world heritage site : Khao Yai National Park. The layout combines rolling fairways, large bunkers, and water hazards to keep the game both engaging and strategic. The course is known for its beautiful mountain views, abundant wildlife, and natural water features, creating a calm and immersive experience. Make sure to plan your transportation in advance since Khao Yai is really far from the major cities.
7. Khao Yai Golf Club (Mission Hills Golf Club Khao Yai)
(Picture from - Khao Yai Golf Club - Mission Hills)
Known for its challenging layout and scenic mountain backdrop, located in the breathtaking surrounding of Khao Yai, around 15 mins drive from Kirimaya Golf Club. The course spans over 7,000 yards and is characterized by wide fairways, large bunkers, and water hazards that blend seamlessly with the natural terrain. Nicklauss design integrates the rolling hills and unique flora of Khao Yai, ensuring that each hole provides a fresh challenge and showcases the areas beauty.
If you are a golf enthusiast, traveling to Thailand who likes watching Jack Nicklaus plays, you should not miss a chance to play at those courses reflecting Jack Nicklaus's design philosophy. And please don't forget to contact us if you need any help with planning your trip.
