Thailand is a golfing paradise with a long history of welcoming international visitors to its courses. There is something for everyone from challenging links of world class design to picturesque seaside courses.
Caddies are compulsory in most Thai golf courses, they are highly professional and can help with your club selection, drive the golf cart, give you advice on the best way to play each hole and keep your score for you!
The History
Golf in Thailand has a long and rich history that dates back to the reign of King Rama V. There are now hundreds of courses across the country and it’s one of the most popular sports in Thailand.
While the sport is dominated by men, women’s golf has seen great development in the last decade. This is especially true with the emergence of players like Pornanong Phatlum and Ariya Jutanugarn on the LPGA.
It’s also worth noting that the majority of Thai golf courses are owned by foreigners, who usually have a deep connection to the local culture. This translates into a highly sophisticated and refined golf experience that’s sure to make you feel like royalty.
The Infrastructure
Thailand is a world class travel destination, and one of the best places in Asia to play golf. You can find over 200 courses across the country, with many top rated and international standard.
It’s not difficult to see why golf has become such a hugely popular sport in Thailand, and there are more and more new courses being built all the time. The main areas for golf tourism in the country are Chiang Mai, Bangkok, Pattaya and Hua Hin.
The infrastructure surrounding Thai golf is second to none and it’s something that adds to the overall experience of visiting Thailand. You can find hotels to suit all budgets and it’s not difficult to get around as the air and road connections are great.
The infrastructure behind Thai golf also demonstrates a real commitment to promoting the game among the Thai community and this is evident through the efforts of several family owned golf venues. The Phornprapha family’s Siam Country Club, the Samakoses family’s Chiang Mai Highlands and Muang Kaew courses, and the Pongsak family’s Suwan Golf and Country Club are all testament to the importance of private family investment and management in the game of golf.
The Cost
There is no doubt that the cost of playing golf in Thailand will vary depending on where you choose to play and what kind of accommodation you book. This will not only affect the quality of the golf course you play but also the cost of green fees.
There are many different courses to choose from in Thailand. These range from simple fields to championship golf courses.
If you are on a budget, there are a few ways to save money on your Thai golf holiday. The first is to book your tee time as early as possible.
The second is to take advantage of the discounts that are available at most courses.
One of the best things about playing golf in Thailand is that you don’t have to pay a fortune to play it. The cost of green fees is much lower than in most other countries and there are also plenty of affordable tee times to choose from.
The Locations
Thailand is home to many first-rate golf courses, each with a unique design and impressive vista. From the mountainous north to the beaches of the southern coast, there are a wide array of remarkable golf locations for every taste and budget.
The best time to play is undoubtedly during the cool and dry months of November to February. Other good times include March, September and October. The weather can be surprisingly mild and pleasant for the most part, although it does get pretty hot in the south. The most important thing to consider when planning a Thai golf trip is where you want to stay and what type of course you would like to play. A reputable tour operator can help you find the right mix of attractions and activities to fit your needs. For the best golfing experience, you might also want to consider a little bit of sightseeing and adventure as well. The best way to make sure you get the most out of your golfing trip is to book a customised Thai golf package.