Thailand Golf Holidays, Phuket Golf Packages, Hua Hin Golf Vacations

Thailand Golf Joiners at the Hard Rock Pattaya

Nick, a good Thailand golf buddy of mine who had recently returned from a long weekend Pattaya golf trip with six of his best friends was in a state of shock when he saw his Thai wife looking through his credit card bills. Being a curious and non-trusting type, his wife asked him to explain a 1,500 baht charge marked “joiner” from the Hard Rock Hotel in Pattaya (see photo at left).

Fortunately my friend was quite fast on his feet, maybe due to other past and similar occurrences, and explained that he and his friends had engaged in some play boxing which accidentally damaged the hotel room where they were staying. Upon checking out and learning of the room damage, the hotel management demanded the big foreigner pay the repair bill. The room needed a new joiner to “fix the door” my fiend told his now slightly confused Thai wife, who, by all accounts, accepted the explanation, albeit reluctantly.

Golf in Thailand: 5 Essential Items to Bring to the Course

Golf in Thailand can be different from golf in other parts of the world and many of the unique attributes of Thailand golf have been covered in my previous posts. One area that is often overlooked or assumed to be the same is what to bring with you to the golf course.

Five of the essential items to bring to the golf course in Thailand (aside from your golf clubs) include:

1. Light, loose fitting, cotton garments, including cotton socks. Many golfers prefer to wear tailored shorts (with black socks!) rather than long pants as this affords the best balance of comfort and fashion. Whilst Thai golf courses tend to be more relaxed than those in other parts of the world, the usual standards of dress still apply. Pretty much anything you feel comfortable in will be “allowed” ,the only exceptions being cut-off jeans and t-shirts which are frowned upon.

Thailand Golf Chip Shot

Last week at Green Valley Country Club I was down by one stroke playing a Stableford match against two visiting golfers with one hole to go. Then on the 18th after hitting a nice drive, I found myself short of the green due to a slightly fat long iron shot. For certain I was going to loose the round as one of my opponents was on in two, an assured of a par, or worse case bogey.

Well I thought about what club to hit, and after seeing the short cut fringe and green sloping towards me from back to front, I opted for an 8 iron and attempted to run the ball up the slope. Wouldn’t one of life’s finest moments come when my pitch shot went up the slope and right into the hole for a birdie (net eagle) thus clinching the match as well.

Afterward reflecting on my achievement over a few cold ones, I credit my club choice for this success. We all discussed how golf in Thailand has many different situations and lies around the greens and correct club selection is one key to a great score. 

Thailand Golf Food and Drink

With great Thailand golf plans in hand, golf holiday dates firmed up, and tee times confirmed, what else do you need to be aware for your Thailand golf vacation? 

The short answer is food and water! Here are some tips to help ensure that you enjoy your time golfing in Thailand.

Before play, don't skip meals. This could affect your focus and energy levels dramatically. I suggest you eat a small, balanced meal 30 to 60 minutes before tee time. An example of this may be a low-fat and low-carbohydrate snack, a piece of fruit and at least 12 to 16 ounces of bottled water. Skip the caffeinated drinks like soft drinks, coffee or tea. Caffeine will cause you to dehydrate, which is a very bad situation when walking a hot Thailand golf course.

Thailand Golf: Best Time of Day To Tee-Off

Thailand golf high season is fast approaching and golfers thinking about a Thailand golf vacation most always ask me:

1. When is the best time of year to play golf in Thailand? and
2. What time of day is best to tee off?

I have covered the first question in several past posts, but the later question is quite interesting and I have not seen much information on the topic.

Actually, you can golf at any time from sun up (around 6:30 to 7 a.m.), throughout the day. The latest tee-off time realistically, allowing sufficient time to get your round in before dusk is 2 p.m.

A few golf courses block off certain tee-times as reserved for members. Most Thailand golf travel agents will know and can advise you which tee times are unavailable when, and at which golf courses.

Most golfers opt to play either early or late. The advantages of playing early are that you have the benefit of the cool, early morning breezes, you are less likely to be held up by slow groups ahead, and the refreshment kiosks are well stocked. Also, you are assured of getting back to your hotel by early afternoon. This affords you to the rest of the day to spend with your family or friends while cherishing fond memories of your morning round.

Thailand Golf Tips Or Giving Tips in Thailand? (Part 2 of 2)

Thailand golf is what you are all here for and in today's continuation post I will cover common tipping practices on the golf course, in bars, and while traveling on the road here.

On the golf course, tips are one of the main ways the caddie generates their income. Although you pay a caddie fee in the cost of your green fee, only a portion of this goes to the caddie so the emphasis is then on them receiving good tips. At my golf travel company a 300 baht minimum is suggested to all Thailand golf holidaymakers. Although you can consider paying more, 500 to 1000 baht, if you have a particularly excellent caddie that helps you shoot under your handicap or you feel overly generous. Certainly any caddie that gets a 500 baht or more tip, will be the pride of her group for the evening.

As for the bars tipping again is expected, although certainly not compulsory. Although the girls employed in many of these establishments will very tactfully try to ensure you buy as many drinks as possible, a small tip at the end is expected. A guideline here would be to leave around 50-100 baht ($1.25 to $2.50 US), especially if you are satisfied with services received.

Thailand Golf Tips Or Giving Tips in Thailand? (Part 1 of 2)

I bet you thought I would post another golf tip. The next 2 articles deal, not with golf advice, but rather with gratuities. I find this an even more appropriate discussion topic since many golf travelers to Thailand may be wondering about local practices.

Although not traditional in Thailand, you should plan to tip drivers, porters, and restaurant and bar staff and of course your golf caddies.

However, please note that the level of tipping is still extremely small in comparison to that in the US and Europe, where as much as 10 – 15% of your bill in a restaurant would be expected. In Thailand, tips are much less and the following is a guideline which will ensure you are neither offending, nor over generous whilst tipping.

In hotels, a porter will take care of your luggage both whilst checking in and leaving. A tip of around 20 baht (50 cents US) is sufficient, although if you would like to give more, then this will be gratefully received.

Thailand Golf Caddies Re-loaded (Part 2 or 2)

In yesterday's post  I wrote about what to expect from your caddie. In return, she will appreciate being treated with politeness and respect. It is normal to offer your caddies refreshment when you stop at a drinks kiosk.

Find out from your Thailand golf travel agent about the ‘going rate’ to tip your caddie and, if she has performed well, double it – remember, her tip may be all she is earning that day.

Most especially, the spirit of sanuk sanuk, which translates as "fun and games", is a basic feature of the culture of the Thai people, and your caddie will enjoy your company more if you are smiling and joking. On the other hand................

Thailand Golf Caddies Re-loaded (Part 1 or 2)

Thailand golf caddies raise so many questions for golf travelers here that I thought to completely re-write, including some original photos,my prior Thailand Golf Caddies article.

As regular golfers in Thailand know, one of the undoubted joys of playing golf here is being aided and abetted by our delightful lady caddies. Yet, first time visitors are sometimes nervous about having to take a caddie (even when they rent a golf cart), perhaps feeling that their standard of golf is not up to being observed at close hand.

Don’t worry! The caddie is only interested in making your golf round as enjoyable as possible.  She sees her job as allowing you to concentrate on playing your game and, if you play well, she joins in your delight.

Most Thai caddies are female. Generally, they are attractive, friendly, polite, and radiate pure femininity (see photo above). Apart from carrying your golf bag for you, the caddie will also, when asked to do so, advise you on the layout of the course, forewarn you of hazards, give you yardage's and even suggest which club to play.

Golf Thailand Rainy Season Update

Golf travelers to Thailand should be very concerned about the weather as it can have a dramatic affect on the success of your trip.

September and October are the wettest months of the year (see insert at left) and this year in no exception. Yearly flooding throughout the country continues, with the north east and central areas the most affected. In addition, low lying areas in and around Bangkok have standing water and are best avoided until the rains subside later this month.

The northern cities of Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai see daily showers, however the heavier rains seen last month have subsided and everything is normal.

Coastal town and resort islands of Pattaya/Hua Hin and Phuket/Samui, respectively all are experiencing scattered showers, mainly in the late afternoon and evenings.

What does all that mean for Thailand golfing? Well the short answer is practically nothing. Read on...