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

How I Avoided Three-Putting Golfing In Thailand?

Can you believe it? Over the past 2 weeks I played Thai Country Club twice, and Banyan Golf Club and Black Mountain Golf Club once each without a single three-putt. Here are the two steps how I did it.

1. Three years ago I took some lessons form an Australian golf professional in Bangkok. At that time he insisted that I go for every green every chance I had, as a lay-up shot would never get the ball in the hole. After following his advice ever since and thinking about it some more, I decided that this approach is better left to the professional golfers and not for me.

In my latest 4 rounds of golf in Thailand, instead of going for every green I decided to lay-up anytime I had more than 175 yards to the green. Then, instead of having very long putts, or worse terrible lies in those high lipped greenside bunkers at Black Mountain and Banyan, I was able to position my ball 50 yards or so safely in the fairway and on the “easy approach” side of the green. This all but assured me of a simple chip close to the hole and a one or at worst two-putt.

6 Thailand Golf Picks That Are “Twice As Nice” (Part 2 of 2)

Here are the final 3 picks for playing the best “Twice As Nice” Thailand golf courses. Two are Pattaya golf courses and the final one is a Phuket golf course.


4. Siam Country Club is situated just 10 minutes from Pattaya.  The original Siam Country Club, built in 1971, is now called Siam Country Club Old Course, after a two- year renovation.  A traditional shot-makers layout, this is one of the more well known tracks in Thailand and hosted the 2007 LPGA Honda Thailand upon re-opening.  The new Siam Country Club Plantation Course boasts a more challenging design with 27 holes of tremendous views toward Pattaya and the Gulf of Thailand.  The course recently hosted the 2009 LPGA Honda Invitational and received high praise from the world’s best lady pros. The same event is planned for February 2010. Both have very modern clubhouse facilities perfect for relaxing after the round.


5. Burapha Country Club is located about 30 minutes outside of the tourist friendly city of Pattaya.  The four nine holes are referred are Augusta, Belfry, Cypress and Dunes, referred to as A, B, C, and D.  The designers are famed architect Gary Panks and Australian touring professional and former US Open Champion David Graham.  All four nines offer scenic views, elevation changes, challenging greens and a mix of long and short holes.  Located just outside Pattaya I suggest staying at the Woodlands Resort, which provides an excellent choice for overnight fun in between playing all 36 holes.

6 Thailand Golf Picks That Are “Twice As Nice” (Part 1 of 2)

Of the many quality golf courses available to visitors in Thailand, some of the best are at facilities with 36 holes.  A visit to any of these will provide a golfing experience that is “twice as nice” as an 18-hole offering. Here are 6 of the best picks; 3 today (all by chance happen to be Bangkok golf courses) and 3 in the next post.

1. Lam Luk Ka Country Club is located about 30 minutes from the old Don Muang International Airport.  Lam Luk Ka is a real “sleeper”, as it is quietly one of the best-kept secrets in Thai golf.  The short Resort West Course is a favorite amongst tourists; however, with water on 15 holes one must manage their shots carefully.  The Championship East Course has hosted several professional events including the 2009 Asian tour qualifying event. Its small, sloping greens will provide a daylong challenge for even the most skilled players.  Tree lined fairways, well placed bunkers and menacing water hazards call for accuracy and skill but good shots are consistently rewarded on this well manicured layout.  The clubhouse offers scenic views back to the course while enjoying a cold beverage or meal at the fine dining facilities inside.

Phuket Golf Memberships

Owning a membership at of one of the golf courses in Phuket seems like a good idea to some, especially frequent golfers to the island who shun the idea of paying high green fees.

Thailand golf club memberships may be held by overseas residents and their prices are much lower than what one would pay at clubs in the USA, Europe, and Australia. Generally, the golf club membership secondary market in Thailand offers some even better deals than from the clubs directly. That is the good news.

However, like anything else, buyers beware!

Membership prices have been on a declining trend over the past year. The global economic slow down is apparent in Thailand and many expatriates are returning home and need to sell. There are very few buyers in the market, and Phuket is the worst hit area. I know of 4 high profile Phuket real estate projects that have been cancelled and put on indefinite hold.

Take note of the many Phuket golf club memberships now available and advertised in print and on the internet. The prices shown often do not include the transfer fee, back dues (can be as much as the membership itself), and taxes. These hidden fees are subject to negotiation with the seller. Make sure you check with the golf club in question about any specifics.

5 THAILAND GOLF ETIQUETTE TIPS

When golfing in Thailand remember these 5 simple points of golf etiquette and everyone will be assured of a satisfying golf experience. The overriding principle is that consideration should be shown to others on Thailand golf courses at all times.
 
1. The Spirit of the Game in Thailand
Unlike many sports, golf in Thailand is played without the supervision of a referee. The game relies on the integrity of the individual to show consideration for other golfers in Thailand and to abide by the rules of golf. You should conduct yourself in a disciplined manner, demonstrating courtesy and sportsmanship at all times, irrespective of how you are shooting. This is the spirit of the game of golf in Phuket and all golf destinations in Thailand.

2. Safety for Golf in Thailand
When golfing in Thailand, you should ensure that no one is standing close by or in a position to be hit by the club when you make a stroke. You should not play until the players in front are out of range, especially at the best golf courses in Pattaya such as Siam Country Club.  If you hit a ball in a direction where there is a danger of hitting someone, immediately yell (not whisper) FORE, even when playing golf with Thai golfers who speak Thai.

3. Consideration for Other Golfers in Thailand
Always show consideration for other players on the Phuket golf course and do not disturb others play by moving, talking or making any unnecessary noise.  Thailand golf visitors should ensure that any electronic device taken onto the course does not distract other players. TURN OFF YOUR CELL PHONE ON THE COURSE!