Not only does it have an eclectic choice of courses across the nation that suits every ability and budget, but the golf scene also leverages that famous Thai hospitality and intertwines it with your golf experience to take the service to the next level.
If your looking to play golf while living in Thailand it’s time to start considering which locations will suit not only your game, but what kind of experience you want to have.
Here are the best Thailand golf destinations.
Pattaya Golf
If you want to merge mind-altering nights out and have some memorable (or not so memorable depending on your consumption) parties, while also playing some of the best golf courses in Thailand, Pattaya is simply unbeatable.
There are over 22 golf courses within a 45-minte drive Pattaya City with something that caters for everyone. Courses such as The Plantation and The Old course at Siam Country Club, alongside Laem Chabang International Country Club are literally some of the Kingdom’s best quality Championship courses and routinely home to professional events, especially those from the LPGA Tour. Pattaya has beaches, babes, 5-star resorts, a wide choice of restaurants, the best nightlife in the world and the highest concentration of courses anywhere in Thailand.
Phuket Golf
The beautiful and sub-tropical atmosphere of Phuket really is very conductive to a mesmerizing Thailand golf holiday. Enjoy the pristine beaches and crystal seas, take advantage of the high end atmosphere and some of the best eateries in Thailand, or enjoy amazing nights out in places such as Patong Beach, Karon Beach, Kamala and Kata.
With courses such as the world-famous Canyon Course @ Blue Canyon Country Club and other low-cost options such as Mission Hills Phuket and Laguna Phuket Golf Club, you have a wealth of choice at your fingertips.
Chiang Mai Golf
One of the most unique places to play golf in Thailand is in Chiang Mai. This beautiful region in the north of Thailand has some fascinating golf courses that reside in the foothills of the breathtaking Doi Inthanon mountain range, which is the tallest in Thailand. With a beautiful and laidback city location and with lots of courses in the countryside such as Royal Chiang Mai Golf Club and the Alpine Golf Resort, Chiang Mai has a fledgling golf scene that is starting to become a major player on the SE Asian golf holiday market.
Other notable mentions
Affluent Thais really love playing golf, so it really doesn’t matter where you are in Thailand because there will be a golf courses nearby. Hua Hin is home to what is known as one of the best golf courses in Thailand in many publications, Black Mountain Golf Club. In and around the countryside that surrounds Bangkok, you will also find some of the Kingdom’s most loved courses such as Amata Springs. Whether you are in Krabi, Phang Nga or Koh Samui, golf is very prevalent right across Thailand.
Memorable Thailand Golf Courses
We could really go on forever about golf course recommendations in Thailand, but if you are looking to play best championship courses in Thailand, here are some solid options. If you research any ‘top golf courses in Thailand’ list, Ayodhya Golf Club in Ayutthaya normally comes in number-1 position.
The best courses in Pattaya include The Old Course at Siam Country Club, Lam Chabang International Country Club and Phoenix Gold Golf Club.
If you are in Phuket, make sure your play the Canyon Course at Blue Canyon Country Club and also the stunning Red Mountain GC.
Black Mountain GC and the Banyan Golf Club in Hua Hin are also very popular choices with golfers.
Thai Golf Etiquette & Caddies
Thailand golf hospitality makes playing golf in Thailand such a jaw-dropping experience unrivalled by any other country. The vast majority of golf courses, especially at the high-end courses, all have onsite caddies. Being compulsory on many courses, when you play golf in Thailand, you will definitely wind up with a caddy. She (assuming it is a she) will clean your balls, carry your bags, give you advice on yardage and putting lines and will generally make it so easy for you that all you have to do is swing! Make sure you tip your caddy in the region of 300 to 500 THB per 18-holes of golf as this is the standard caddy tip fee.
There is also a dress code in place on the vast majority of courses, similar to those in your home countries. You will need a full set of clubs (not shared with another person), proper golf shoes, trousers or tailored shorts or a skirt and socks (not knee length) and a collared polo shirt. Apart from that, just make sure you bring your nerve along. You will be needing that!
How much does it cost to play golf in Thailand?
How long is a piece of string? With so many different types of course across so many regions, talking about pricing is difficult. We would suggest that you use a reliable golf agent to organize your golf holidays because in some cases, they get cheaper prices than the walk-in green-fee rates of the courses.
Thailand is simply a world-class holiday destination that is pretty much unbeatable.
Whether you are a pro, expert, novice or beginner, there is no golf experience in the world that can compete with a golfing experience in Thailand!
