GOLFING IN THAILAND
 Golf
is one of the most popular sports in Thailand. The game arrived
in the county a century ago and was quickly taken up by the
elite and the fashionable. Among the first sponsors of the game
were the armed forces and government institutions, which built
and continue to own some of the finest courses in the county.
About 350,000 visitors are believed to have played golf in Thailand
in 2002, generating an expenditure of nearly 6.2 billion baht.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand is planning to raise these
figures to one million golfers, generating an estimated 18.45
billion baht by 2007. In 2004 alone, the plan is to attract
400,000 golfers. Who will generate an estimated 7.1 billion
baht, an increase of 14.29% over 2002.
 There
are over 200 high standard golf courses nationwide, many of
them championship standards. The world’s top designers have
made a significant contribution. Jack Nicklaus, Roboert Trent
Jones Jr, Pete De Gar Player and many others have perfected
modern layouts, using the best grasses and latest techniques.
The result is some of the most attractive courses in Asia, with
excellent facilities, memorable signature holes and regular
maintenance to keep them in top-class condition. Every course
has its caddies; it's mandatory to empoly one caddie for your
round. They are Thailand’s secret weapon in making golf such
good fun. These brightly clad ladies, in smart uniforms and
straw hats, know lots about the course, smile almost all the
time, and very good at reading putts.
There are at least a few courses in or within easy reach of
all major cites. Most of the newer courses offer accommodation
on site or nearby, plus recreational facilities for the whole
family.
For the more adventurous, there are older, natural courses in
remote areas around the courses in remote areas around the country
owned by the Royal Irrigation Department, the Electricity Generation
Authority of Thailand, all offering good value. So for golfers
who not only appreciate a challenging course, but an exotically
different one too, there is an extraordinary choice.
The best time to plan a golfing trip is the cool season, from
November to March. From April to October it is hot and wet,
but even in the rainy months the downfall usually comes in the
afternoon, and for only a few minutes. Most courses have good
drainage systems, and the rains should not interrupt your game
for long. At some facilities you may need to book ahead, through
your club or your hotel, and advance booking is recommended
for weekends. Greens fees continue to be very reasonable, as
are the fees for caddies.
As most of the golf courses are located in the provinces, promoting
golf also furthers the TAT policy of ensuring that throughout
the provinces.
 
Bangkok & the Central region
There are many championship standard courses in Bangkok and
around the city perimeter, while the neighbouring provinces
of Pathom Thani to the north, Nakhon Pathom to the northwest,
and Chachaoengsao to the east, each boast a number of world-class
facilities.
This region is the major rice bowl of the county, and many of
the courses have been carved out of rice paddies, compensating
for the flat terrain with beautiful layouts and lots of water
hazards. The older courses have shadier fairways, with mature
vegetation, making it pleasant to play even in the most torrid
months.
Eastern
region The provinces on the Eastern Seaboard are major agricultural
and industrial producers. In the past decade, recreational golf
has grown in step with the industrial estates, with new courses
springing up to serve the expatriates and local enthusiasts.
Some of the most famous names in golf have created impressive
layouts with first-class facilities out of rocky and sandy terrain.
Some cater to serious players, others fall somewhere in between
Golfing action is centred around Chon Buri and Pattaya. Just
two hour’s drive from the capital, the area is ideal for day
trips, though most courses, if they don’t have their own hotels,
are within a short drive of good accommodation.
Western
region Golf in the Westerm region is centerd in the Hua
hin and Cha-am area, and around the River Kwai in Kanchanaburi.
Hua Hin and Cha-am are both resort tower on the Gulf of Thailand,
with excellent hotel accommodation. The Royal Hua Hin Golf Course
is the oldest course in Thailand. The weather on the coastline
here is pleasant for most of the year, with cooling breezes
offering respite from the sun even in the hottest months. Kanchanburi,
which like the two resort towns is around two hours by road
from Bangkok, is know primarily as the site of the historic
Bridge Over the River Kwai. Now, however, it is becomingly known
as an attractive destination for recreational golfers, with
several world-class courses in picturesque settings. The courses
have their own accommodation onsite or nearby the river but
few in the town itself, so reservations are advisable.
Northern
region The North is ideal for a golf holiday, with its long
mountain ranges, wide valleys and spectacular jungle scenery
within easy reach of culture rich cities, and pleasant weather
year-round. Because of the altitude it is cooler than other
regions, with temperature in the single digits in the cool months
of December and January. The regional capital of Chiang Mai,
700 kilometrwes from Bangkok, has the biggest number of golf
courses, most with magnificent views of surrounding hills and
valleys. Chiang Rai, three hour’s drive further north, boasts
a number of championship courses in picturesque settings. Around
the region are game of courses owned and run by the Electricity
Generating Authority of Thailand, in areas surrounding its dams,
with moderate albeit comfortable accommodation nearby.
Northeastern
region Golf in the Northeast is centred around the Khao
Yai area in Nakhon Ratchasima, gateway to the region, about
three hours’ drive from Bangkok. Khao Yai, the largest protected
area in the country, enjoys the status of a National Pack. The
area is at fairly high altitude, so the weather is pleasant
all year round, with temperatures averaging 7-8 degrees Celsius
lower than in Bangkok. It is possible to drive to Khao Yai,
enjoy a round of golf and then return to Bangkok within the
day, but there is first-rate accommodation in the area if you
choose to stay for a few days
Southern
region The major resort towns on the southern peninsula,
know for their pristine beaches and first-class facilities,
are also home to some of the best golf anywhere. The island
of Phuket off the western coast has some of the country’s coat
has some of the country’s best courses, including the Blue Canyon,
host to the Johnnie Walker Classic in 1994 and again in 1998.
Neighbouring Phang-nga, also on the coast of the Andama, has
one of only a handful of links-type Samui has the country. The
island of Samui has the Samui Golf Club & Driving Range,
with professional golf instructor. The southern courses have
been carved out of tin-mine workings and coconut plantations,
and are set against spectacular backdrops of ocean, mountains
and wooded hills.
Golf tour packages Seven days near Bangkok
DAY 1: Early morning visit to the Grand Palace and Emerald
Bubbha Temple. Then take the expressway to the Robert Trent
Jones Jr-designed Green Valley County Club for lunch and an
afternoon round. Evening at leisure, or try shopping at one
of the many malls that stay open until 10 pm.
DAY 2: Early round at the Scottish link –style Bangsai
County Club. In the evening, learn something about Thai culture
with a dinner of traditional Thai dishes accompanied by a class
dance performance.
DAY 3: Discover the Thai life with a cruise along the
Chao Phreya River to the former Siamese capital of Ayutthaya,
with lunch on board. Stop first at Bang Pa-in summer palace,
then on to Ayutthaya to see some of the fascinting ruins of
this World Heritage Site. Have fun in the evening in one of
the city’s many lrish pubs.
DAY 4: Early round at the Arnold Palmer-designed Bangpoo
Country Club. In the evening try shopping at the popular night
stalls along Silom and discos help end an eventful day.
DAY 5: Early visit to the Floating Market at Damnoen
Saduak about 100 kilometres from Bangkok. Then onto the Rose
Garden County Resort for lunch, Followed by one of the best
cultueal shows in Thailand, with elephants, dancing, and many
traditional ceremonies. Stay overnight.
DAY 6: Early round at the Rose Garden Golf Club, rated
one of the world’s top 30 resort courses full of flowers and
brids.The clubhouse servers excellent Thai and Japanese food.
Return to Bangkok for dinner at one of the wellknown seafood
restaurants on the river.
Day 7: Finish your tour with a game at the Robert McFarland-designed
Thanont Golf View & Spots Club. In the evening, relax over
Thai dinner and noisy Jazz/blues performances at one of Bangkok’s
many popular music venues. |
