Thailand is often seen as a hidden gem amongst golfing circles. With a range of holiday destinations and fantastic value, this part of the world is starting to become a fantastic golfing destination for anyone wanting to do something slightly off the beaten track.
Whatever your golfing ability there is nothing like the anticipation of travelling abroad to test your skills. There is always a mixture of abilities in any group of holiday golfers ranging from the very good to the ‘why do they bother’, but if you all love the game, travelling to one of the worlds most beautiful countries to play is something worth doing.
Thailand may not be a destination that is instantly associated with a golf holiday. Spain, Portugal and France are probably more popular given there closer proximity to these shores and, it has to be said, the quality of the majority of their golf courses. But in recent times the cost of a trip to these countries has increased to a point where a short break can be as expensive as a trip to a more exotic location. Thailand however, while not ‘near’ (a direct flight is about 12 hours) is a destination well worth the effort. A beautiful country with exceptional golf courses, food that is beyond compare and just about the happiest people on the planet! It is not known as ‘The land of a thousand smiles’ for nothing.
Our hotel was in South Pattaya and about ten minutes from the hustle and bustle of the world famous Pattaya beach. It was made up of a selection of lodges set amongst beautiful gardens and was close enough to the action on Pattaya beach at night but far enough away to enjoy some much needed rest after a day on the course. Each of us had our own lodge and they all surrounded the swimming pool so that every morning the ritual was to run naked from the room, leap into the pool and get back again before security could see you!
The rooms were spotless, cleaned every day and had all the usual facilities. They were pretty basic but very comfortable and considering that there would not be a huge amount of time spent in them they were perfectly adequate. One small complaint was that the air conditioning was noisy but this was a small price to pay for cool air.
Playing golf in Thailand is an experience. The courses are in superb condition and the quality of the facilities is generally 5-Star. From the moment you arrive at the palatial clubhouses the level of service and hospitality is excellent. All of the courses in Thailand have a caddie service which is usually compulsory but very inexpensive. These caddies are polite and knowledgeable who know their way around the courses and will definitely point you in the right direction on the greens.
Top of the list is the Siam Country Club. Just 15 minutes from Pattaya, it is the first privately owned golf course in Thailand. The original course was built in 1972 but underwent considerable renovation in 2006. Another 27 holes were added in that year as well as a new clubhouse and you now have one of the best resorts in the area.
The Old course measures a lengthy 7162 yards from the blue tees and has a par of 72 but, with a selection of tees on every hole, it offers a favourable challenge to the novice golfer as well. An excellent driving range means there is no excuse for first tee nerves and the superb practice putting green should iron out all of those tentative first putts. The course renovation has proved to be very successful with new bunkering, fairway reshaping and greens that putt beautifully. It has water on five of its holes but don’t let that put you off. This is a fair test of golf that even players with the highest of handicaps will enjoy.
When it re-opened in 2007 it was awarded the Honda LPGA tour event which is an indication of its quality. Its traditional, tree lined fairways proved popular with the lady professionals and the tournament has become a popular fixture on the Asian tour.
Bangpra is one of the more established courses in Pattaya. It was opened in 1958 and in 1976 hosted the World Cup of Golf. The USA won that year (as they did most years!) with Johnny Miller scoring 63 at a time where he was always scoring 63! After that the reputation of the resort spread and with its excellent hotel complex it soon became one of the best places to play and stay in all of Thailand.
Around 40 minutes from the centre of Pattaya its location is perfect. The front nine was completely redesigned in 1987 to incorporate more (yes, more!) water hazards and at over 7200 yards from the back tees it is certainly no pushover but, it is so beautiful to walk that you may find yourself hoping the round never ends. As with Siam Country Club the condition of the course is excellent with fast, slick greens and generous fairways. A hilly, tree lined terrain will satisfy the better golfers but the higher handicappers will still find much to enjoy on this great course.
Without doubt with the quality and value of its golf courses, Pattaya is a ‘must visit’ destination for a golf holiday. Wonderful courses with superb clubhouse facilities that have everything from swimming pools to massage facilities and great restaurants. Oh yes, and don’t forget those smiling faces!
Golf in Thailand is a match for anywhere in the world and at a fraction of the cost it is well worth considering before you look to other more popular places for your golf break. Each course offers a fantastic experience for golfers of all abilities. So if you are a low handicap golfer who enjoys a real challenge or a rookie eager to experience the best that international golf has to offer you should look no further and head east and visit the courses of Thailand.
Your Golf Travel.com organise luxury golf holidays to Thailand and more than 1500 destinations across the world. For more information on Thailand Golf Holidays simply call 0800 043 6644.
Have played in Thailand three times with Coco Golf Thailand. Pattaya is a great area for golf but don’t miss the north and play Santiburi, golf heaven, located near Chaing Rai. Fantastic finish and a magnificent club house.