Eastern Star Country Club & Resort

RATING: ⭐⭐⭐

PRICE: 💰💰

241/5 Thanon Tessaban Street 2, Phla, Ban Chang District, Rayong 21130

Distance from The Classroom 48km (45mins drive time)

Website: www.easternstargolfcourse.com

Design: Robert Trent Jones Jnr. (Opened 1992)

Walking Permitted? Yes

Google Maps: Eastern Star Golf Center

The links-style course at Eastern Star, located near the Gulf of Thailand, is one of five courses in Thailand designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr. Set on 530 acres, the course meanders through lovely residential areas of Eastern Star Country Club & Resort. 

The wide fairways and hundreds of palm trees make it a popular local favourite. The gently undulating fairways and greens feature 65 bunkers, 11 lakes, and over 2,200 coconut palms. The golf resort is conveniently situated just 2 kilometres from the ocean and often delivers a welcome cooling breeze. Like most links courses, it is only slightly above sea level in altitude.

Eastern Star has been the venue for local and regional golf tournaments. It offers plenty of challenges for the experienced golfer but offers enjoyment for beginners. It is a "Thinking Man's Course" that can be successfully navigated with a little strategy and well-positioned shots. Tall mature coconut and mango trees define the holes, enhanced by areas rich in colourful flowers. There are numerous dog legs and a lot of water along the 18 fairways of Eastern Star.

The golf course can play quite long, particularly from the championship blue tees. The signature hole is the picturesque par-3 13th, which lulls players into admiring the scenery. An accurate tee shot over water is required so as to stay out of the deep bunker or the lake on the right of the green. The key is to play to the centre of the green or slightly to the left. Too far left, however, is sand and deep rough. If the hole appeared intimidating from the tee, look back from the green for an entirely different perspective.

There is a good practice area and driving range in addition to a basic clubhouse providing a wide range of facilities including adequate locker room and showers.