Sampran Golf Club in Bangkok, Thailand, formerly known as Rose Garden Golf Club, was in dire need of renovation. As one of the oldest golf courses in Thailand, Sampran Golf Course has been elevated to a new level of quality and the new owners are undertaking refurbishment work to bring the course back to standard and to compete with other courses in the Thailand region as it has ever been done. The quality of the layout and design has never been questioned, as evidenced by the fact that it was home to the 1992 Thailand Open and has been ranked among the top 24 golf courses in the world. How times have changed.

The new owners want to revitalize the place and bring it back to its former glory.



The 7,085-yard course, designed by Visuth Junnanont, winds through towering mature trees and lush jungle-like vegetation. Visitors are treated to a special treat between January and April when the native flora is in bloom and provides a wonderful backdrop of vibrant colour.

This is a great course for those wishing to walk, as the course stretches out over the normally flat terrain, the designers have created a tranquil environment through the use of well placed water hazards, spectacular sand traps and a backdrop of lush vegetation. Environment, suitable for good environmental golf.

Narrow and tree-lined fairways require accurate tees to hit the best lines on the green.

Unusually, each hole consists of two greens. It may seem strange, but a golf course with so much traffic can benefit greatly from changing not only the hole location, but the actual greens as well. This "gimmick" is actually quite charming and makes a golf course that otherwise lacks the wow factor truly unique. I'm not saying this course isn't worth a visit, it's just that all the holes are so good in their quiet and unpretentious way that you forget how enjoyable and fun it is to be at Sampran Golf Club.

At Sampran, the par 5s pride themselves on being great holes. The toughest hole on the course is the 5th hole, over 550 yards requiring distance and accuracy to score well. When teeing off, you must follow the current that bisects the fairway, while avoiding the large trees surrounding the hole. the second is much easier, However, you have to make sure to place your layup carefully so that it is at a good angle to the green of the day.



The 11th hole is another good par 5. Water runs off the sides of the hole on the left side of this gentle right-to-left dogleg. Players who hit the ball longer might want to try and take corners and fairway bunkers around the corner, which offer excellent two-run homers.

As you'd expect from a highly rated design, the final hole is also challenging. A long par 5, you'll need a long tee if you want to have any chance of finishing in the stands. But only the longest golfers can bisect the greens of the day. From the tee you have to clear the big pond in front of the tee and then decide to set aside right before the creek that bisects the hole or try to carry it and leave a short climb in the greens of the day. Both are protected by a solitary bunker.

The facilities are good and have improved significantly since the refurbishment, and you can enjoy a good meal or a cold drink in a pleasant and comfortable environment.

It may not be the fanciest golf club in the Philippines, but it's certainly one of the most fun golf courses you're likely to ever play.

Tee Time Bookings at Sampran Golf Club (Former Rose Garden)

If you are considering a round of golf here then we can help you to book a tee time at Sampran Golf Club (Former Rose Garden) and Thailandgolftour have excellent discounted green fees which can be booked and confirmed online. Click here.