Schmidt-Curley Design to Renovate Honda LPGA Thailand Course

Schmidt-Curley Design, one of golf’s most active and innovative design firms, has announced its extensive renovation of Siam Country Club’s Old Course which will be showcased during the Honda LPGA Thailand, Feb. 21-24.

Originally opened in 1971, the Old Course was rebuilt from tee to green by the Schmidt-Curley team in 2006-07. While the routing remained intact, the project required construction of new greens and bunkers, installation of new turf, expansion of water hazards and removal of approximately one quarter of all trees.

“We are experts not only at building new courses from scratch, but also fixing poorly designed or outdated layouts,” says 40-year industry veteran and firm co-founder Lee Schmidt. “At Siam Country Club, our work on the Old Course has been so well received that the LPGA will bring its only Thailand event there for the fourth time since 2007.”

Eighteen new greens were built to eliminate issues with standing water and reclaim pin locations. All bunkers were tiled to assist with drainage and high flashed to help give the course a distinctive, uniform look. The extensive tree removal not only improved strategic options on many holes, but also enhanced turf health by increasing air flow and sunlight exposure.

The Old Course is a par 72 and will play 6,469 yards for the Honda LPGA Thailand. In 2012, Yani Tseng successfully defended her title capturing a one-shot victory over 2010 champion Ai Miyazato.