Summit Windmill is one of the most challenging layouts in Bangkok. Despite its difficulty, it continues to remain an attraction for all types of players as course conditions are always kept up well.

Water comes into play on many of the holes starting with a large hazard that flanks the left side of the long par-5 1st hole. The same concept is repeated on the 18th and both these holes also happen to be the golf course signature holes that well exemplify the course challenge. The 1st hole is a long 624 yards, even by today’s standards, and the 18th is an exciting finishing hole that can provide some dramatic endings to any round.

Nick Faldo’s often innovative design also is further characterized by contoured fairways and four excellent quality, water-protected par-3’s, thebest of which is the island green 12th. A variety of palm trees line most fairways and give the course a Thailand tropical feeling. With little rough to worry about, golfers can look forward to getting their balls onto the many elevated greens and coping with the undulations.

Make sure you play from the set of tees most suited to your level of play or you’ll be in for a rough day. The black championship tees in particular are set on their own island teeing areas and are placed at very different and more difficult angles than the other tees.

The clubhouse is one of Thailand’s most opulent, resembling a European castle. Some of the golf villas in the surrounding housing estate are just as grand and could easily be mistaken for the clubhouse at any other course. Good views into these homes can be had from many of the holes at Summit Windmill making for interesting walks and when waiting between shots.

Lighting was installed in 2004 and this makes night golf an option for those with limited time in Bangkok and wanting to get in as much golf as possible. In 2007 course owners appointed Le Meriden Hotels to build a hotel on site. In 2009, the course and hotel will be re-branded as Le Meriden Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport Golf Resort.

Summit Windmill is popular with both locals who are mostly members and also tourists who want a quick round at excellent course as it just 30 minutes from the center of Bangkok. Good tee times are at a premium and the golf course is almost always fully booked on weekends. Although located within the city suburbs, there is a definite oasis quality about Summit Windmill. The golf course is great choice to escape to and enjoy the pleasures of tropical golf course – an outstanding choice for inclusion in any Bangkok golf vacation package.