Memberships available:
Individual & Corporate
Green fee:
Weekdays 2,500 THB
Weekends 3,500 THB
Caddie fee:
400 THB (includes tip)
Golf cart hire:
600 THB (compulsory)
Facilities:
Accommodation | Driving range
Equipment
Rental | Pro Shop
Massage | Restaurant
Kirimaya is not the original name for this course but, after extensive redevelopment and re-branding in 2004, the results are commendable. This is a great resort course set in the scenic surroundings of the foothills of Khao Yai National Park and is just the right distance outside Bangkok to make it a pleasant weekend retreat.
This Jack Nicklaus design will challenge the golfer to the right level; not too long or difficult but no push-over either. One of its main charms, apart from the scenery, is that it gives players the feeling that they have the place all to themselves as none of the holes lie adjacent to each other. There are plenty of hazards to focus the mind although, as with most Nicklaus designs, it is harsh but fair; playing a truly bad shot results in punishment but play well and reward is sure to follow.
Tel. +66 (0)44 426000
Fax. +66 (0)44 929888
e. proshop@kirimaya.com
w. www.kirimaya.com
| The 3rd 487 yards par 5 stroke index 1 can be tricky with decisions to make, depending how well the tee shot goes. The drive is deceptive; foliage either side makes the landing area look narrower than it is, but negotiate this bit and then its decision time. The choices are: smack it on for two, or lay up on the right or left of the water running all along the left side before crossing over to the right. Going right avoiding the water sounds sensible, but your view of the pin may be blocked by reeds; have a good look at the left option even though it's slightly more difficult. |  |
| The 16th 348 yards par 4 is the signature hole here and although short, it requires some club selection ponderings before taking the plunge. It’s a slight dog-leg right with water and bunkers about 200 to 220 yards off the tee on the right which makes a very narrow landing area so a club to get off the tee about 190 yards is best. This avoids trouble but means a longer shot over a lake that surrounds half the green which also has a large bunker on the left; nothing other than a precise mid iron will do to make sure of a par. |  |
| The 18th 411 yards par 4 stroke index 2 is a strong finishing hole. With water in front of the tee box and all the way along the left, it deserves some respect. A nasty little bunker sits right in the middle of the fairway at about 200 yards from the tee which makes a good drive at a premium and, with a 4 or 5 iron left into a green very well protected by a bunker and the water. This will keep you on your toes just when the thoughts were straying towards a nice cold drink and a shower. |  |
