11 members made the trip, with some driving from Udon, and some flying to Bangkok and then travelling by road from there.
We all met up for an evening meal and some liquid refreshment on the first evening, and it was descided to play Royal Ratchaburi the following day, as this had been recommended as being the best condition course in the area. True to the reports, it was indeed in imaculate condition, with the greens fast and true, if a little difficult to read, the fairways and tee boxes all well kept, and the flowers around the course making it very scenic. There was also the attraction of wild monkeys, squirrels, and various other forms of wildlife all over the course, which added to the "entertainment".
Our hotel was the River Kwai Mansion, chosen for it's central location by the river (and the fact that it was only B500 for a room with hot shower, TV and Aircon !!). Most people ate at the "Jolly Frog" a resturant near the hotel, which had a huge menu of both Thai and Farang food, and all at prices well below anything available in Udon. Most evenings were spent in one of the various bars (all types available), although our regular "haunt" turned out to be the "Gutter Bar", which provided tables and chairs (made out of empty paint pots) on the pavenment and often in the road ........ hence the nickname. A "shot" with coke and ice cost B10 (no overheads equals low prices), so even I managed to "stand my round" (11 drinks for B110
).The second days golf took place at the EGAT course at Sri Nakerin Dam, about 70 km North of Kanchanaburi. This was the course that every single person who went on the previous Kanchanaburi trip insisted that we returned to. May be it's not for the "Very Serious" golfer, but it is pure enjoyment and entertainment for those who enjoy playing the game more than the score that you record. Some of the holes here are quite unbelievable, with blind tee shots over gorges and bridges, where your only hope of finding your ball is the fact that one of the caddies has gone on ahead to act as a "spotter". One word of warning about this course, is the fact that even if fit and healthy, it is advisable to take a buggy (some of us walked it last year ........ nobody did this year).
Day three was spent playing the Nichigo Resort and Country Club about 20km outside Kanchanaburi. This was the most expensive course that we played, even allowing for the fact that we managed to negotiate an IGA discount when booking the tee times. In my opinion, this was the least enjoyable course that we played, not withstanding the fact that it was still "head and shoulders" above anything we have in the Udon area. It is a 27 hole course, and we played the "mountain 9" followed by the "Lake 9". It is an enjoyable course, and quite scenic, but we had been "spoiled" by the previous two courses that we played.
Some of our party were heading back to Bangkok on the Saturday, and flying home on Sunday, so those that remained descided over "dwinkies" on Friday night, that we would like to return to Sri Nakerin once again, to pit our skills (and luck) against the fiend that designed the EGAT course. Being an Egat course, it had the added advantage of having green fees of only B400 at weekends, and just for good measure we were the only cars in the car park at 10:00am..
Including the side trips to the courses the whole trip totaled 1976Km from Udon and back.
Everyone appeared to enjoy both the golf and the company, and had a very enjoyable time.
We are now eagerly awaiting the next "Roadtrip" which will take place in about 3 - 4 months time.
