Riverdale: A Captivating Thai Golf Story

If you’re a golfer who loves to travel – or a traveller who loves to golf – this might just be one of your ideal regional getaways.

The adjoining Bangkok Golf Club and Riverdale Golf Club on the outskirts of northern Bangkok are well-known to regular golfers to the kingdom. Smart golfers will make plans to play both of the 18-hole layouts and for those with the stamina for playing in the tropical heat, this could well be in one day. 

The Riverdale Golf Club is part of the MBK empire, which owns the well-known MBK Centre shopping mall near Siam Square in downtown Bangkok, as well as Red Mountain and Loch Palm Golf Courses in Phuket. Riverdale was designed by Jonathan Morrow and Al Tikkanen, who were responsible for the Red Mountain layout. At Riverdale, they created a challenging layout from what was previously a landscape dominated by flat fields. The undulating hills, bunkers and lakes, presented endless challenges to the design team.

Golfers enter Riverdale via a long avenue of topiary casaurina trees for their round of golf on a course known for its value-for-money. Opened in 2010, Riverdale is a mature course with well-established vegetation along its fairways. However, golfers may get the impression they are on a Phuket beach as there are extensive bunkers, with the sixth hole being a good example. This hole is also the longest hole at 623 yards off the black tee (just 474 yards off the red tee).

The course ranges from 7,041 yards off the black tee to the more leisurely 5,244 yards off the red tee. The signature par-five, sixth hole, requires two near-perfect shots to get on the green in regulation. Golfers comment that the greens are in excellent condition and run very true.

Riverdale’s signature eighth hole is one that can be played aggressively for those aiming for a birdie or more conservatively for those satisfied with par. Golfers can opt to drive towards two greens; one requires a drive of 97 yards, and the other, 152 yards. Being island greens, some golfers will find this a most challenging hole should they drive into the water or see their ball roll off the green into the lake. Be warned; the hole could see a major blowout in your game.

Regulars here suggested that it is best to play the second nine first, if permissible. This enables golfers to play the best three holes at the end of their game.

At game’s end, most golfers will agree that Riverdale is a course with character. It is undulating with numerous ups and downs in which sprawling white-sand bunkers and water come into play. Its elevated tees and rolling fairways keep golfers on their toes. Dune grasses growing in sandy wastes are another hazard that makes it difficult to locate wayward balls. Golfers will admire the Salam Paspalum grass on the tees and fairways and MiniVerde Ultradwarf grasses that flourish on the greens. Caddies are an important factor too, with many being quite experienced as they have worked here for several years. Each golfer requires one buggy and one caddy.

While the clubhouse isn’t as grand as some in Thailand, it is very functional with all the facilities required for a great round of golf. There is an air-conditioned restaurant and an outdoor terrace overlooking the course. Diners can choose from a comprehensive menu that includes cool serves of Hokkaido ice cream. Three refreshment kiosks located on the fourth, 13th, and 17th holes enable golfers to rehydrate as they play in the tropical heat.

There is a driving range with 20 bays, a practice putting, and a practice chipping green. The adjoining Bangkok Golf Club has fast Tif Eagle grass greens, and its signature fifth island hole is one that challenges most golfers. Night golf is a big attraction on this course.

RESTIVE RANGSIT

The 226-room Novotel Bangkok Future Park Rangsit, in the Rangsit/Pathumthani area, is close to Don Meuang, Bangkok’s second airport and the one used by AirAsia. Built in 2021, the hotel is located on the northern outskirts of Bangkok, on the way to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ayutthaya. It is a 15-minute drive from Don Mueang Airport and therefore makes an excellent location to be based for a round or two of golf at Riverdale, located just 30 minutes away. Its proximity to the airport makes it an excellent first- or last-night location in Bangkok.

All rooms are equipped with the latest facilities, including some many would not expect from midrange brands like Novotel. Bathrooms are innovative in being part of the room, not a separate room. Floor-to-ceiling windows add to their spacious appearance, although the view over suburban Bangkok only offers a mild distraction. Club rooms are on the 11th floor and come with access to a friendly club lounge with all the trimmings that premium travellers expect. Hotel guests also have access to a pool and a gym.

The Sports Bar in the lobby is a popular venue in the early evening when happy-hour prices prevail, and with numerous local and international beers on tap, few complain at the one-for-one offer from 4.30 pm to 6.30 pm. Just beyond the bar, Alberto’s is a cosy and inviting pizzeria and trattoria where patrons enjoy Italian authenticity. Interestingly, the hotel’s all-day dining restaurant now features South American Brazilian churrasco.

The Novotel is a refreshing addition in this part of suburban Bangkok, something welcomed by travellers using Don Muang Airport or planning an early start on a journey to the heritage sites in historic Ayutthaya some 50 km to the north.

The Novotel is part of a development that includes a huge shopping complex that is within walking distance of the hotel or via the hotel’s buggy service. Hotel guests can happily stay in this part of Bangkok and shop in department stores like Central and Robinson and other outlets such as Big C, Tops, 7-Eleven, Asia Books, Boots, and numerous fashion boutiques. A Cineplex and endless food concepts are there to ensure shopper happiness.

There are big plans to extend the Future Park precinct by adding to the already extensive shopping facilities and erecting an adjoining, higher-starred hotel next to the Novotel, so keep an eye on Rangsit for these future developments. 

With over a dozen golf courses in this part of Bangkok, it makes good sense to be based near the Don Mueang Airport to maximise your golf tour in the Thai capital.

TRAVEL FILE

Getting There

There are several airlines that fly from Kuala Lumpur to Bangkok, with AirAsia (airasia.com) flying directly to Don Meuang Airport several times per day.

Where to Stay

Golfers can stay beside the Riverdale course at the 128-room Trinidee Hotel (mbkhotels.com), but there are limited post-golf activities here apart from a spa, pool, and restaurant. The Novotel Bangkok Future Park Rangsit (novotelbangkokfutureparkrangsit.com) is a better proposition.

Contacts

Riverdale Golf Club (mbkgolf.com or riverdalegolfclub.com).

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