Quick Facts

Holes / Par: 18 holes · Par 74 (includes two par-6s, which is very rare).
Designer / Opened: Designed by Desmond Muirhead, opened in 2000.
Layout style: Dramatic, “modern links-inspired” layout with elevated tees/greens, tight landing zones, big contour and aggressive bunkering.
Location: Ban Chang, Rayong, roughly 40–45 minutes from Pattaya, part of the same complex as Rayong Green Valley and Silky Oak.
Facilities (shared complex): Clubhouse with restaurant/bar, locker rooms, pro shop and on-site resort accommodation.
Signature feature: Two full par-6 holes plus some huge elevation drops and forced carries that make it one of the more “extreme” scorecards in Thailand.

Course Overview

St Andrews 2000 was built to feel like a Thai take on a Scottish-style, wind-exposed test, but with modern resort drama turned up: big elevation changes, deep ravines, bold bunkering and greens with plenty of slope. The terrain was originally rubber and plantation land, reshaped into a course that constantly changes look and angle from tee to tee.

From the back tees (around 7,700+ yards), it’s aimed at strong players who enjoy forced carries and long-iron approaches. Forward tees take some of the brutality out but still leave you with tight landing areas and demanding second shots, especially on the par-5s and par-6s.

Greens are generally large with noticeable internal movement. Misses in the wrong spots often leave awkward pitches over bunkers or from shaved run-offs. The two par-6 holes are the headline: played well they can be genuine scoring chances; played poorly they become true “card-wreckers” with water and fairway hazards waiting for greedy lines.

Keeping Score

Tee choice & expectations

Treat St Andrews 2000 as a “big-boy test”: if you don’t regularly hit it long and reasonably straight, move up a set of tees.
Think of par-6s as extended par-5s: build the hole backwards from a favourite wedge distance rather than chasing the green in as few swings as possible.

Strategy around the course

Off the tee: many holes give you elevated views with obvious trouble. Choose clubs that keep you short of ravines or narrow necks rather than always pulling driver.
Approach play: the safest line is usually into the fattest quadrant of the green, not the tucked pin—especially when you’re playing from a hanging lie or after a lay-up.
Recovery: when out of position, the smart play is often a pitch back to the widest part of the fairway rather than trying to carry bunkers or ravines.

On and around the greens

Expect big, sloping surfaces; long putts are common. Favour speed control over dying everything at the hole.
Short-sided misses are punished—on many greens it’s better to leave a longer uphill putt than a delicate downhill chip.

Policies & Practical Stuff

(Exact details can vary by season and package; below is what the partner sites and local operators consistently report.)

Carts: Golf carts are compulsory at St Andrews 2000.
Caddies: Caddies are required (standard for Thailand). Fees are usually bundled or paid separately, with a recommended tip around THB 400 per round.
Dress code: Standard Thai championship-course etiquette—collared shirt, tailored shorts/trousers, golf shoes, no jeans or beachwear (various partner sites mention standard golf dress).
Who it suits:
Best for single-digit and strong mid-handicaps who enjoy a challenge and don’t mind a few high-risk shots.
Higher handicaps can still enjoy it from forward tees, but should treat it as a “bucket-list” experience and focus on smart lay-ups rather than target score.

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