Flagstick Marks Anniversary Celebrations with Laem Chabang Renovation

Flagstick, the world’s leader in golf course construction management, has been instrumental in the re-invigoration of Laem Chabang International Country Club, one of Thailand’s premier golfing venues.

With Flagstick to the fore, the acclaimed Jack Nicklaus layout is in the process of undergoing a dramatic facelift to all 27 holes that will reinforce its reputation for excellence.

“To work on this iconic course is a privilege. It’s been a wonderful team effort from all those involved with the renovation, which will, undoubtedly, serve to cement Laem Chabang’s standing among the finest golf clubs in the region,” said Martin Moore, President of Flagstick, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary this month.

The renovation of the Mountain Course, the first phase of the Laem Chabang project, began in March and will be completed this month with the opening scheduled for the first week of November.

Extensive work was carried out on greens and tees while bunkers have been completely rebuilt, adding sub-drainage, liner and new bunker sand.

Furthermore, completely new irrigation has been installed around the greens, new sprinkler heads installed throughout the golf course and two new irrigation pump stations have been added.

That’s not all. As well as building a new putting and chipping green complex, all existing grass on the course was stripped and replaced with TifEagle on the greens and Zeon Zoysia everywhere else.

“We also added a couple of new tees and bunkers … and closed in a few bunkers – all to enhance playability strategy,” said Moore.

Renovation of the Lake Course and Valley Course will be undertaken in 2019 and 2020.

Khun Surahan Wongwasin, President, Laem Chabang International Country Club, said: “We are delighted with the appointment of Flagstick for the upgrade works on the Mountain Course. The excellent quality of work completed within the short timeframe is testament to the experience and dedication to the project of Martin and his team. We look forward to welcoming our members and guests in November to experience the new design enhancements and exceptional conditioning at Laem Chabang.”

Sean Quinn of Nicklaus Design made a few site visits to provide input on the renovation of the Mountain Course, with great care taken to maintain the values that Nicklaus incorporated in his initial design that was opened in 1995.

By his own admission, the 18-time Major champion has always had a soft spot for Laem Chabang.

Reflecting on his involvement in the project at the outset, Nicklaus said: “Throughout the construction process, the commitment to quality never wavered. As a result, Laem Chabang became one of the most beautiful and enjoyable golf courses I have ever designed. The site offered many opportunities to create a sound strategy with good shot values as well as an aesthetically pleasing experience.

“We paid particular attention to the contouring of the fairways and greens as well as the bunkering of the holes. The golf course also had many lakes and streams providing the extra challenge inherent in all top courses.

“The abundant natural vegetation of the golf course was further enhanced by the lush landscaping and beautiful plants and flowers the owners placed around the course. Laem Chabang is truly world class in every respect.”

Since its formation in 1998, Flagstick has been involved in the construction and renovation of dozens of high-profile golf courses in Asia, and around the world.

Between 2008 and 2010, Flagstick managed the expedited construction process of all 10 golf courses at Mission Hills in Hainan, in a total of 28 months.

In 2015, Flagstick played an integral role in the opening of a trio of new courses in Vietnam – BRG Legend Hill Golf Resort and FLC SamSon Golf Links as well as FLC Quy Nhon Golf Links. All were collaborations with Nicklaus Design.

Flagstick also worked on the construction of the Schmidt-Curley designed FLC Quy Nhon Mountain Course and FLC Halong Bay Golf Club & Resort. Located on a rolling mountain overlooking Ha Long Bay, it’s a UNESCO World Heritage site and popular tourist hotspot.

In addition to its on-going work in Vietnam, Flagstick remains busy in China. It recently completed construction of the 18-hole Gary Player Signature Course at Tianzhu Golf Club in Beijing and is currently working on Sanya Grand Dragon in Hainan, an 18-hole Nicklaus Design project.

In Thailand, renovation improvements at Amata Spring Country Club were completed last year, while Flagstick is currently involved with the construction of the Gulf National Golf Club, north of Bangkok. A Kyle Phillips Golf Course Design, construction on the 18-hole layout is due to be completed in April, 2019.

Moore, whose company has more than 100 golf developments in 16 different countries to its credit, said: “We are proud to have achieved this milestone of 20 years in business. During these past two decades we have worked in more than a dozen countries in collaboration with many of the game’s most distinguished golf course architects.

“As a company, Flagstick’s commitment to the golf industry remains undiminished and we very much look forward to a continued involvement in Asia for many years to come.”