The ‘golf capital of Asia’ sees hundreds of thousands of foreign golfers descending on its shores every year. Thailand offers scores of world standard 18-hole courses in all areas of the country, many of which have been designed by big-name players.
The best thing about golfing in Thailand is the cheap prices and fine weather. With most courses open year round, golfers can practice their swings in a variety of stunningly scenic locations, be it by the sea, among the north’s mountains or even in the capital.
Top Courses
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Siam Country Club: (Pattaya) - This 7,100-yard-plus 18 holer in Pattaya is one of the most highly rated golf courses in all of Thailand. Siam Country Club has been open since the early 1970s and is thus well matured, yet has also been greatly renovated.
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Alpine Golf Resort: (Chiang Mai) - This par 72 course in the verdant area of San Kampaeng just outside Chiang Mai is one of the country’s best with its stunning natural setting and quality design. The fairways and greens are perfect, as are the views, while clubhouse facilities are also good.
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Alpine Golf Resort: (Bangkok) - Part of the same company that owns the Alpine Golf Resort in Chiang Mai, the Alpine Golf Resort Bangkok was also designed by Ronald Garl and is one of the top golf courses in Bangkok. Facilities include a swimming pool and fine dining.
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Black Mountain Golf Club: (Hua Hin) - The Black Mountain Golf Club in Hua Hin is a fairly tough 7,345-yard, par 72 course amid stunning surroundings near Hua Hin. Natural creeks run through the course at various points.
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Royal Golf & Country Club: (Bangkok) - The Royal Golf & Country Club is a fair way out of Bangkok and suits most levels of golfer owing to its flat terrain and wide fairways. There are many water hazards to keep things challenging while the clubhouse and the luxury onsite hotel add to the experience.
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Lakewood Country Club: (Bangkok) - Lakewood Country Club in Bangkok has 27 holes over 6,500 yards and is one of many popular Thai golf courses on the Bangna-Trad Highway east of Bangkok. It has plenty of trees and water hazards and comes with superb facilities.
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Voyage Panorama Resort and Golf Club: (Nakhon Ratchasima) - A par 72 18 holer, the Voyage Panorama Resort and Golf Club in Nakhon Ratchasima has many naturally challenging holes in delightful surroundings. The course is immaculate and has onsite accommodation.
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Palm Hills Resort & Country: (Hua Hin) - A Max Waxler 18-hole Hua Hin golf course, Palm Hills Resort & Country is lined with huge palm trees and is beautiful. Facilities are excellent, with swimming and tennis to go with the golf, as well as excellent food.
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Royal Chiang Mai Golf Club: (Chiang Mai) - The Royal Chiang Mai Golf Club is one of northern Thailand’s best golf courses; a mature 18-hole course which was deigned by Peter Thomson, five-time British Open champion. It’s a fair ways from town yet boasts stunning scenery and well-thought out holes. A 60-room hotel is onsite.
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Phuket Country Club Golf: (Phuket) - One of Phuket’s best golf courses is the 18-hole Phuket Country Club Golf, which boasts lots of water and some tight greens. There is also a nine-hole course onsite and views from the well-equipped clubhouse are outstanding.
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Sheraton Grande Laguna Phuket: 10 Moo 4, Srisoonthorn Road, Talang, Phuket • Tel: 66(0)76-324-101 • www.starwoodhotels.com
18-hole course that features an island green.
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Santiburi Samui Country Club: 12/15 Moo 4, Baan Donsai, Ko Samui • Tel: 66(0)77-421-700 • www.santiburi.com
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Royal Hua Hin: Damnernkasem Rd, Hua Hin • Tel:66(0)32-512-475 • www.golfhuahin.com/royalhuahin.htm
The first golf course in the kingdom, founded in 1924
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Alpine Golf Club: 99 Moo 9 Bangkhan – Sathaneevitayu Rd, Pathum Thani • Tel: 66(0)2-577-3333 • www.alpinegolfclub.com