This is a smart move in that they can gain efficiency staff the clubhouse and locker rooms to serve more golfers. The downside is that the driving range is a long cart ride and the clubhouse is not near the 1st or 18th hole.
Since this is a cart course - you'd be insane to walk it as it can be very hot the distances between the holes/clubhouse/driving range is acceptable. The caddy is driving your cart so you need not worry about where you are going.
Overall the Silky Oak layout is a fun day out. There are a few short par threes. But some of the holes have some heft to them, especially after it rained and you're not getting much roll. Hole 5 has a forced carry off the tee, from the tips it is approximately 210 yards. We played from the whites so it was about 180 yards.
The green looked like they had a disease on many of them, and they were slower compared to other courses near Pattaya. However, they were playable and overall the pace was consistent.
Below are some pictures of Silky Oak Country Club, Banchang
Workshop at the driving range - changing a grip |
Consistent fairways |
Bunkering is acceptable but a little rough |
Some of the greens looks like they are diseased |