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

Walking vs. Riding While Golfing in Thailand

One of the great things about golfing in Thailand is that at most courses, you have a choice, unlike in other golf destinations.

Many golf courses in Thailand are relatively flat, especially the Bangkok golf courses, but it is quite hot here so riding will require less energy in the heat and humidity. A golf cart or buggy will also provide a measure of shade protection from the intense sun and of course a breeze while moving. Speed of play may be improved here as one can get to their ball faster, but this will only be a benefit if the groups ahead are also on buggies. Things will be a bit easier on the caddies as well since their walking is reduced and they do not have to pull a cart loaded with a big bag and a couple of  bottles of water, especially at a hilly course like Red Mountain in Phuket. Naturally a buggy also provides a comfortable seat while waiting.

But, walking has many advantages as well. It is a delight to stroll the fairways without having to pull a cart or lug a bag. One can just carry their umbrella on days with intense sun or walk “like a pro” down straight down the fairway at say Thai Country Club on days when no umbrella is necessary. The exercise gained will increase your stamina for future rounds, help to shed a few pounds over time, and definitely enable one to sleep more soundly at night, all healthy attributes.

A Tale Of 2 Bangkok Thailand Airports

If it is a little while since your last Thailand golf tour, or if your on a golfing holiday in Thailand for the first time, you will need to be aware that Bangkok now has two airports, Suvarnabhumi (pronounced su-wan-na-poom), and Don Muang. All international airlines fly in and out of Suvarnabhumi, while domestic flights are operated at both airports. Domestic flights with 3 digit flight numbers and the airport code BKK operate at Suvarnabhumi, while those with 4 digit flight numbers and the airport code DMK operate to/from Don Muang.

For those golfers who have been used to arriving in from overseas at Don Muang, you will be pleasantly surprised at the ultra-modern Suvarnabhumi, especially if you fly in at night when the airport buildings are spectacularly floodlit. Not that the new airport has been without teething problems. After numerous delays, the airport opened for all commercial flights September 2006. The airport, 25 km east of Bangkok, is the main hub for all international airlines.

Long Game Equipment When Golfing In Thailand

I notice from the groups which my Thailand golf vacation company hosts, that these days there is an ever-increasing choice of long game equipment. Nearly everyone has a different approach to their long game set-up, with varying combinations of fairway woods, utility clubs and long irons.

Even golf professionals use diverse equipment. Traditional long irons are now complemented by fairway metals in 13°, 15° and 18° options as well as utilities or hybrids (‘rescue woods’ or if you are golfing in Thailand  a “katoey”) in 17°, 19°, 21° and 24° loft. Each of these clubs offers a different trajectory and ball flight option to each player. So, in Thailand, what is the best option that gives you a playable trajectory for your game at preferred yardages?

The answer is that your ball flight, yardage, and courses you are playing will influence your choice of long game equipment. A number of factors come into play when changing your long game golf clubs.

The Vintage Club Golf, Bangkok Thailand, January 2008

Here is a fresh review of one of the lesser known Bangkok golf courses.

The Vintage Club was designed by Arthur Hills, a top designer from the state of Michigan, USA who has designed more than 180 courses worldwide and renovated or modified more than 120 others.

Fairways are quite generous and provided a fair amount of roll on tee shots. They were just a bit dry, but not to the point of making any negative impact on play as they were still in fine condition as was the rest of the course. The rough was cut short and water comes into play often, but since the fairways are wide, one can play away from the lateral hazards.

This course is entirely Bermuda grass which only became an issue when the greens seemed to be running less than the posted 9 on the stimpmeter.  Perhaps they were slower as we played in the afternoon. It took a while to get comfortable with hitting putts harder in order to have the proper speed but the greens did roll smooth and true with solid strokes and they were in excellent condition.

Solo or Group Golf Travel in Thailand?

The great majority of guests of my Thailand golf vacation company travel in golfing groups, some large and some small. There are plenty, however, who choose to take their Thailand golfing holiday independently or as a couple. So what are the pro’s and con’s of the two approaches?

When you are traveling in a group you have partners to play with, and you can have a lot of fun participating in a tournament or  matches over the course of your holiday. Depending on the size of the group often your Thailand golf travel agent can negotiate discounts for you. On the other hand, if your group is very, it can be difficult to get your preferred tee-off times. It is best to book via your Thailand golf travel operator who often has special relationships with the golf courses, and give as much notice as possible of your requested courses, dates and times. Most groups have a terrific time on their golfing holiday in Thailand, and everybody gets on fine.