I teed off at 8:00 AM on August 5th at Lakeside Country Club, playing the West Course. Lakeside is a massive 63-hole complex operated by Samsung. It features three distinct 18-hole courses: South, East, and West. While the South and East courses are public, the West Course is an exclusive membership-only layout. Because of that, the West Course is slightly more expensive and highly sought after, though honestly, all three courses are fantastic choices.
One of the best parts about Lakeside is its location—it’s just a quick 30-minute drive from Gangnam, making it extremely convenient for a fast getaway from central Seoul.
Playing the West Course in peak summer
I joined Yohan, Jay, and a touring pro for the round. The course condition was nothing short of impressive. The fairway turf density was immaculate, lush, and deep green under the bright blue sky. The greens were remarkably fast and tricky, offering a real challenge on every hole.
However, the weather gave us a true test of endurance. We played in a scorching 35°C (95°F) heatwave. Survival came down to a simple trick: drinking slushy, frozen Powerade throughout the round. While we made it through all 18 holes safely, I would definitely advise avoiding extreme summer heatwaves if you can!
Good company beats a bad score
Between the suffocating humidity and relentless heat, my swing felt completely off today. My shots were messy and the final scorecard reflected it, but having a great group of people on the fairway made the day genuinely fun anyway.
If you're looking for a top-tier, impeccably maintained course that you can reach quickly from Seoul, Lakeside is always a brilliant option. Just remember to pack extra frozen drinks if you dare to tackle it in August!