Laem Chabang International Country Club Est. 1995

Comprising three nine-hole loops - Mountain (A), Lake (B) and Valley (C) - there are few golf courses in Asia, let alone Thailand, to rival Laem Chabang. This is Jack Nicklaus designing at his best. The opening hole on the Mountain-nine, requires you to squeeze the ball through a lush "canyon" of vegetation, but there's more space out there than you at first think. The second, a wonderfully water-fronted downhill par-3, is just about as good as short holes get. From there on, you will be challenged by the course's natural undulations, occasional water hazards and excellent sprawling bunkers that protect the front and sides of many nicely elevated greens. Although the presence of water is not overwhelming (apart perhaps from on the opening four holes of the more technical Valley-nine), when it does occur, it does so with full force and knee-trembling impact. Beautifully maintained and presented, this is a golf course that effortlessly combines the man-made features and rich planting of flowers and shrubs, with the natural splendour of the surroundings hills, rocky outcrops and jungle vegetation. With many scenic views from the course, it all fuses harmoniously into a great golfing experience and one that is uniquely Asian.