I had forgotten about these until I saw Eric Franzen's post on Vidbynas .
These were taken at the Europe v Asia match for the Royal Trophy at Bangkok in January .
The course had just opened last year and I knew it was a Curley & Schmidt , but I wasn't expecting much to be honest . Most of the Asian Tour courses I have seen are flat , bland with a flat pancake style of bunkering . I had also played a few Nicklaus Design courses in Asia , which I presume was the work of Lee Schmidt [?] , and again I wasn't exactly impressed .
But Amata Spring was different and the style of bunkering really stood out . Not only that but they were bunkers , some had lips and players were having think when in them . Also the lack of rough was refreshing , especially around the greens .
Of course , it wouldn't be an Asian course without a few gimmicks that they love so much . Island greens seem to be mandatory in these parts , and the finishing hole had a waterfall around the green .
Well that would be the finishing hole if you played the course . The nines were reversed for the competition , due to a worry that the matches would all finish before reaching the Island Green .
Behind the par 3 4th , on a scorching hot day .
Fairway of the 5th
The 8th . Before someone ask's there is a boat !
Fairway of the 9th . I have no idea why they shy away so much from an Asian style Clubhouse .
Approach to the 13th
Par 5 15th
Left of the 16th green
The par 3 17th , was my fav. hole on the course . Pro's were having a real problem , due to it playing into a wind . The bail out area right and bunkers were popular spots , which was no pushover shot either .
Tee of the 18th.
