Unique design in Bangkok focuses on fun and ground game golf
PALO ALTO, California and BANGTOK, Thailand – Robert Trent Jones II Golf Course Architects unveiled the design for an entirely new 18-hole Members’ course and comprehensive practice facility at Thai Country Club, adding a second course at the award-winning club.
“This is about creating one of Thailand’s absolute best golf experiences,” said Trent Jones, COO, RTJ II. “We’re adding a new course to complement Thai Country Club’s storied reputation while establishing its own distinct character.”
Since opening in 1996, Thai Country Club has enjoyed a long-term relationship with the Asian Tour, having hosted the 1997 Asian Honda Classic, won by Tiger Woods, the Volvo Masters four times, and the Thailand Open on three occasions.
The design philosophy of the new course is rooted in the origins of the game, in which strategy, variety, and an emphasis on ground game options are paramount.
“We wanted to flip the script of what one expects when playing golf in the tropics and bring something new to the region,” explained Mike Gorman, Senior Project Architect, RTJ II. “This course allows golfers to use the terrain to their advantage. We call it ‘lay of the land’ golf, following the existing terrain and emphasizing the ground game over artificial hazards.”
Among the key design features are:
- Continuous Loop Design: The course flows as a seamless loop around the perimeter of the property with a routing that takes players on an adventure through different landscapes
- Ground Game Emphasis: Wide, contoured fairways provide a variety of playing options, encouraging imaginative shot making.
“We studied how this land naturally wants to connect,” Gorman added. “The routing emerged from land we carefully selected in collaboration with the ownership. It emphasizes subtle elevation changes, natural contours that feed balls toward and away from targets, and landforms that reward both strategic thinking and creative play. The playing strategy will change from day to day as hole positions change, emphasizing the flow of the ground to get the ball close to the pin.”
Sand bunkers will be used sparingly, with the course instead relying on the shape and positioning of fairways as the primary forms of hazard. As Gorman explains, traditional bunkering has become less relevant for better players while often proving overly penal for higher handicappers.
“By shifting the emphasis to strategic fairway design, the course will present an engaging challenge for the low-scoring golfer while remaining fun and approachable for those newer to the game.”
“Great golf courses feel timeless,” added Jones. “They’re rooted in their landscape and offer something new each time you play. We’re creating a course that honors Thai Country Club’s championship while expanding its reputation as one of Southeast Asia’s premier golf destinations.”
The Chairman of Thai Country Club, Prasong Phataraprasit, said, “We were drawn to Robert Trent Jones II for the firm’s long-standing design legacy and global reputation for creating courses that stand the test of time. As a club with a proud history, it was important for us to work with a partner that shares our values and vision for the future. We believe this collaboration will deliver something truly special for generations to come.”
Construction will begin this year, with completion of the first nine holes targeted for 2027 and the second nine holes to follow soon after.
For more information about RTJ II courses and award-winning designs, visit the company’s website at www.rtj2.com.