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.

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Golf Tours and Academy Asia offers golfing trips based from Hua Hin Thailand.

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Competent service for golf tours in and around Pattaya on the Eastern Seaboard of Thailand.

All Star Golf Complex
518/5 Soi Ramkhamheang 93 (Theplela 1)
Wangthonglang, Bangkok, 10310
Tel: 0 2934 8057-8 Fax: 0 2934 8059

Alpine Golf & Sports Club
99 Moo 9, Bang Khan Sathani Vitthayu,Khlong 5,
Pathum Thani 12120
Tel: 0 2577 3333 Fax: 0 2577 7100

Bangkok Golf Club
99 Moo 2, Tiwanon Poad, Muang District, Pathum Thani 12120
Tel: 0 2501 2828 Fax: 0 2521 2778

Bangkok Golf Mah BoonKrng International par 3
99/8 tiwanon Road, Muang District, Pathum Thani 12000
Tel: 0 2501 2815-9 Fax: 0 2501 2814

Bangkok Royal Country Club & Resort
KM 9, Khlong 14, Rangsit-Ongharak Road, Nakhon Nayok 26120
Tel: 025601387-8 Fax: 0 2569 1389

Bangpakong Riverside Country Club
49 Moo 2 Bangkok-Chachoengsao Road, Chachoengsao 24140
Tel: 0 3851 3523-5, 0 1664 459 Fax: 0 3851 3526

Bangpoo Country Club
191 Moo 3, pragsa, muang, Samut Prakan 10280
Tel: 0 2324 0302-9 Fax: 0 2324 0330

Bangplee Driving Range
12/4 Moo 7 Bangna Trad Rd., Bangkaew,Bangplee, Samutprakarn 10540
Tel: 0 2751 1829 Fax: 0 2751 0702

Bangsai Country Club
77/7 Moo 3, Bang Sai District, Ayutthaya 13190
Tel: 08 1643 9121 Fax: 0 3537 1491

Chuan Chuen Golf Club
100 Moo 8, Bangkok-Patthum Thani Road, Pathum Thani 12000
Tel: 0 2598 2839 Fax: 0 2598 2879

Dynasty Golf & Country Club
99 Moo 3, Phon Damri Road, Bang lane District,
Nakhon Pathon 731030
Tel: 0 3439 1076-9 Fax: 0 3439 1111

Ekachai Golf & Country Club
8 Moo 5, Ekachai Road, Muang District, Samut Sakhon 74000
Tel: 02416 5557 Fax: 02416 5559

Green Field Driving Range
92 Soi Ramkhumhaeng 53 Rd., Wangthonglang, Wangthonglang, Bangkok 10310
Tel: 0 2935 2610-1 Fax: 02935 2612

Green Valley County Club
92 Moo 3, Bang Na- trat Road (Km 15), Samut Prakan 10540
Tel: 02312 5883-9 Fax: 02312 5890

Kirrit Thanee Country Club
199-200 Moo 3, Bang Na-Trat Road(Km 29),
Samut Prakan 10560
Tel: 0 2707 1700-9 Fax: 0 2707 1710-1

Krisada City Golf Hills
110/215 Moo 3, Pin Klao-Nakhon Chaisa Road,
Nakhon Pathom 73120
Tel: 0 3423 1101-5 Fax: 0 3423 1107

Krungthep Kreetha Sport Club
516 Krungthep Kreetha Road, Bang Kapi, Bangkok 10240
Tel: 0 2379 3716 Fax: 0 2736 2230

Krung Kavee Golf Course & Country Club
Km 9 Rangsit-Nakhon Nayok Road, pathum Thani 12130
Tel: 0 2557 2891 Fax: 0 2557 2894

Lakewood Country Club
29 Moo 7, Khlong 11.Lam Luk Ka District, Phathum Thani 12150
Tel: 0 2312 6278-86 Fax: 02312 6270

Lam Luk Ka Country Club
29 Moo 7, Khlong 11, Lam Luk Ka District, Phathum Thani 12150
Tel: 0 2995 2300-4 Fax: 0 2995 2305

Muang-Ake Dolf Club
52 Moo 7, Phaolythin Road, Muang District, Pathum Thani 12000
Tel: 0 2997 7315, 0 2533 9335-40 Fax: 0 2533 9345

Muang-Ake Wang Noi Golf Club
Km 61 Phaolyothin Road, Wang Noi, Ayutthaya 13170
Tel: 0 3521 4825 Fax: 0 3521 4828

Muang-Ake Vista Golf Course
52/999 Phaholythin Road, Muang District, Pathum Thani 12000
Tel: 0 2997 8501-6 Fax: 0 2533 9915

Muang Kaew Golf Course
52 Moo 8, Bang Na-Trat Road`(KM 7),Samut Prakran 10540
Tel: 0 2316 3918 Fax: 0 2316 3922

Nakhon Chaisri Golf& Marine Country Club
105 Moo 14, Nakhon Chaisri River Home, Nakhon Pathom 73190
Tel: 0 3439 1912-4 Fax: 0 3439 9016

Natiral Park Ramintra Golf Club
10 Moo 7, Khlomg Samwa,Bangkok 10510
Tel: 0 2914 1930-60 Fax: 0 2914 1970-70

Navatanee Golf Course
22 Navatanee Serithai Road, Wang Noi, Ayutthaya 13170
Tel: 0 3527 1755-6 Fax: 0 3521 5413

Northern Ransit Golf Club
19-2 Moo 7, Phaholyothin Road,Wang Noi, Ayutthaya 13170
Tel: 0 3527 1755-6 Fax: 0 3521 5413

Panya Indra Golf Course
99 Moo 6 Ram Indra Road, (KM 9), Bung khum, Bangkok10230
Tel: 0 2519 5840-3 Fax: 0 2519 5843

Panya Park Golf Club
46 Moo 8, Suwinthawong Road,Nong Chok, Bangkok 10530
Tel: 0 2989 4200-23 Fax: 0 2989 4224-25

Pinehurst Golf & Country Club
73 Moo 17, Phaholyothin Road,Nong Chok, Bangkok 10530
Tel: 0 2516 8679 Fax: 0 2516 8685

President Country Club
42 Moo 8, Suwinthawong Road,Nong Chok, Bangkok 12530
Tel: 0 2988 7555-63 Fax: 0 2988 7564

Rose Garden Golf club
53/1 Moo 4, Sam Pran,Nakhon Pathom 73110
Tel: 0 3432 2769-71 Fax: .03432 2768

Royal Bangkok Sport Club
Henri Dunant Road, Pathumwan,Bangkok 10500
Tel: 0 2251 0181-6 Fax: 0 2255 4158

Royal Thai Air Force Course
14 Moo 8, Lam Lukka District,Pathum Thani 12170
Tel: 0 2531 1484 Fax: 0 2523 6404

Royal Thai Army Sports Center
459 Ram Indra Road, Bang Khen,Bangkok 10220
Tel: 0 2521 5338-9 Fax: 0 2521 3391

Sanambinnam Driving Range Co.,Ltd.
99/127 moo 5 Sanambinnam Rd. Tasai, Muang,
Nonthaburi 11000
Tel: 0 2526 9382 Fax: 0 2526 8373

Sports City
20/262-264 Moo 9, Prachacheun Rd., Bangtalad,
Pakkred,Nonthaburi 11120
Tel: 0 2575 0607 Fax: 0 2575 0609

Subhapruek Country Club
1102 Moo 7, Bang Na-Trat (KM 26),Samut Prakran 10560
Tel: 0 2317 0801-4 Fax: 0 2317 0805

Summit Windmill Golf Club
72 Moo 14, Bang Na-Trat Road (Km 10.5), Samut Prakan 10540
Tel: 0 2750 3223-3. Fax: 0 2750 2124

Tanya Tanee Country Club
26/13 Moo 3, Lam Lukka District,khlong 11, Pathum Thani 12150
Tel: 0 2533 2408 Fax: 0 2533 2813

Thai Country Club
88 Moo 1, Bang Na-Trat Road (Km 35.5) Chacheongsao 24180
Tel: 0 3857 0234-46 Fax: 0 3857 0225

Thanont Golf View & Sport Club
61 Moo 5, Pracharuamjai Road, Min Buri,Bangkok 10530
Tel: 0 2916 9100-4 Fax: 0 2916 9903

The Royal Gens Golf & Sport Club
98 Moo 2, Salaya-Bang Lane Road, Nakhon Pathom 73170
Tel: 0 2441 9314-6 Fax: 0 2441 9843

The Royal Golf Course
47 Krungthep Kreetha Road,Bangkok 10250
Tel: 0 2379 3752, 0 2379 3780 Fax: 0 2379 3752

The Vintage Club
549,549/1-4 Moo 2, Panvithi Road,Nakhon Pathom 73000
Tel: 0 3427 1351-3 Fax: 0 3427 13513

Watermill Golf & Gardens
44 Moo 1, Onkharak District,Nakhon Nayok 26120
Tel: 0 2905 8938 Fax: 0 2905 5036

For more information, please visit www.thailandgolfpradise.com