Riverdale Golf Club is one of Thailand’s premier golfing destinations, offering a perfect blend of challenging course design, modern facilities, and professional service. Designed by Jonathan Morrow and Al Tikkanen, this course delivers a unique playing experience with rolling terrain, elevated greens, and abundant water hazards that demand precise strategy.
Complete amenities such as a modern clubhouse, a 4-star restaurant, spa, driving range, and even night golf make Riverdale a top choice for golfers seeking a premium experience. Although its green fees fall on the higher end, most visitors agree that the value and experience are well worth the price.
With its reputation as a course that is both challenging and rewarding, Riverdale Golf Club is highly recommended for intermediate and advanced golfers looking for a distinctive test near Bangkok. For international visitors, its convenient access from both the city center and airport makes it an ideal luxury golf destination. Below is full review from GoGolf.
Location and General Overview of Riverdale Golf Club
Located in Pathum Thani, Thailand, Riverdale Golf Club sits just 40 minutes from downtown Bangkok, making it one of the most accessible premium golf courses in the area. Its proximity has made it a popular choice for both local golfers and international travelers who want a high-quality round without venturing too far from the city.
The course features 18 holes with a par of 72, stretching across approximately 7,006 yards. One of Riverdale’s major highlights is its world-class design by Jonathan Morrow and Al Tikkanen, the same architects behind the iconic Red Mountain Golf Club in Phuket. This pedigree alone ensures a course of the highest caliber, with unique character and strategic complexity.
Unlike many Bangkok-area golf courses that are predominantly flat, Riverdale introduces rolling terrain, elevated greens, and unpredictable layouts. Golfers will encounter smooth fairways alongside lakes, ponds, and strategically placed bunkers—all demanding accuracy and thoughtful shot-making.
Beyond its design, Riverdale is also praised for its superb course conditioning. Fairways are lush and immaculately maintained, while the greens are fast, undulating, and challenging. Frequent elevation changes inject an extra layer of dynamism into each hole, creating a far more engaging experience compared to typical flat courses.
For tourists, accessibility is another plus. While traffic in Bangkok can be unpredictable, the roads to Riverdale are generally straightforward. Many visitors recommend planning an early departure to avoid congestion and ensure timely arrival for tee-off.
Overall, Riverdale combines a strategic location, world-class design, and pristine conditions—cementing its reputation as one of Bangkok’s top-tier golf courses.
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Riverdale Golf Club World-Class Facilities for Golfers and Guests
The allure of Riverdale Golf Club extends far beyond the course itself. Its state-of-the-art facilities enhance the golfing experience, offering comfort and convenience before, during, and after play.
Driving Range and Practice Areas
Riverdale’s modern driving range allows golfers to warm up effectively, complete with measured targets to hone both long and short shots. In addition, the club provides a putting green and chipping practice area designed to mimic actual course conditions—perfect for adjusting to the speed and breaks of Riverdale’s challenging greens.
Caddies and Golf Carts
Every round at Riverdale comes with the support of professional caddies trained to understand the course layout in detail. They don’t just carry bags—they assist with club selection, green reading, and strategic advice. Their expertise often proves invaluable in lowering scores. Golf carts are also included in the green fee, ensuring smooth mobility across the expansive course.
Night Golf
One of Riverdale’s standout features is its night golf facility. With LED lighting illuminating the fairways and greens, golfers can enjoy a cooler and unique atmosphere after sunset. This option appeals especially to those looking to avoid the midday heat while still enjoying a full premium golf experience.
Clubhouse and Dining
The clubhouse at Riverdale is a modern, elegant space housing a 4-star restaurant. Guests can indulge in a wide variety of Thai and international cuisine, making it a great spot for both pre-round meals and post-game relaxation. A comfortable lounge area and spacious locker rooms add to the convenience, though some visitors note that the sauna facilities are no longer in operation.
Spa and Relaxation
For those seeking recovery after a round, Riverdale offers professional spa and massage services, turning a day of golf into a holistic leisure experience.
Equipment Rentals and Golf Academy
Riverdale provides rental equipment including clubs, shoes, and umbrellas, ideal for international travelers without their own gear. Additionally, the Riverdale Golf Academy offers instruction for both beginners and seasoned players looking to refine their skills under the guidance of professional coaches.
With such extensive facilities, Riverdale positions itself as not just a golf course, but a complete premium golf resort experience.
Course Conditions and Playing Challenges
What sets Riverdale apart is its meticulous course maintenance and demanding design. Every element of the course tests skill, accuracy, and mental strength.
Fairways
The fairways are pristine, lush, and smooth, providing excellent lies for tee shots and approaches. However, strategic water hazards line many fairways, demanding precision and discouraging overly aggressive play.
Greens
The greens are a defining feature of Riverdale—fast, contoured, and often unpredictable. Reading the breaks correctly is crucial, as subtle slopes and elevated placements can quickly turn an easy putt into a three-putt challenge.
Bunkers
Bunkers are positioned to force strategic play, some of which are deep with compacted sand. Successfully escaping requires advanced sand play techniques, adding another technical layer to the game.
Elevation Changes
Unlike flat Bangkok courses, Riverdale’s changing elevations create additional complexity. Uphill and downhill lies require precise club selection and swing adjustments, giving seasoned players a chance to fully test their repertoire.
For beginners, Riverdale can feel unforgiving. Many holes demand precise shots with little room for error. But for experienced golfers, these challenges are exactly what make Riverdale so rewarding—transforming every round into a true test of skill and strategy.
Visitor Reviews and Playing Experience
Feedback from golfers consistently highlights Riverdale’s top-tier quality, both on and off the course.
- Course Conditions: Visitors frequently praise the immaculate fairways and consistently challenging greens, though some note that bunkers can be firm due to age.
- Clubhouse & Dining: The modern clubhouse and 4-star restaurant receive excellent reviews, especially for post-game comfort. Locker rooms are clean, though some note the sauna is no longer in use.
- Caddie Service: Caddies are lauded for professionalism and valuable insights, often helping golfers improve their course management.
- Playing Challenge: The abundance of water hazards and tricky greens are frequently mentioned as defining characteristics—ideal for experienced players but potentially overwhelming for beginners.
- Location: Its proximity to Bangkok is a plus, though traffic can extend travel times. Players often suggest booking a shuttle or leaving early.
- Value for Money: While fees are premium, most players feel the quality of the course, facilities, and service fully justify the price.
Overall, golfers describe Riverdale as a premium yet rewarding challenge, best suited for those seeking a competitive round in a luxury environment.
Green Fees and Cost Information
As a premium golf club, Riverdale’s pricing reflects its world-class status while still offering fair value for what it delivers.
- Weekdays (Mon–Fri): Around 3,500 Baht, inclusive of caddie and golf cart.
- Weekends (Sat–Sun): Approximately 4,800 Baht, also including caddie and cart.
- Caddie Tips: Typically 400–500 Baht, depending on service quality.
- Tourist Packages: Range from 4,200 to 6,600 Baht, often including hotel transfers and extras.
- Equipment Rentals: Clubs, shoes, and umbrellas available at additional cost.
Due to its popularity, advance booking is essential, especially for weekends. Reservations can be made up to a month in advance, though single-golfer bookings are not accepted.
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Despite the higher rates, Riverdale is consistently rated as excellent value, given its course design, pristine conditions, and complete premium facilities.
Final Verdict: A Premium Golf Experience in Bangkok
Riverdale Golf Club stands out as one of Bangkok’s finest golfing destinations. Its technical challenges, immaculate course conditions, modern facilities, and professional service combine to deliver a truly world-class experience.
Pros:
- Exceptional design with water hazards and elevation changes
- Premium facilities including driving range, restaurant, and spa
- Unique night golf option
- Convenient location near Bangkok
Cons:
- Less forgiving for beginners
- Premium pricing compared to other Thai courses
- Sauna facilities no longer operational
For golfers seeking a luxury golf experience in Thailand, Riverdale Golf Club is a must-play. Its combination of challenging play and upscale amenities makes it a standout choice for international visitors and local enthusiasts alike.
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