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

Destinations For A Thailand Golf Package

Many golfers ask me what is the best destination for golf in Thailand. My answer is always ‘it depends”.

For those who like a sunny beach destination, then the best golf in Thailand is either Phuket or Hua Hin. On the other hand, Thailand golfers looking for more authenticity and value-for-money would like golfing in Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai the best.

Next up are golfers in Thailand who are here for only a short break and want  a taste of Thailand’s best shopping. In this case, Bangkok has by far the best golf in Thailand with over 60 courses to choose from all located 30-60 minutes from the city center and many local markets where everything under the sun is on offer at reasonable prices. For the best golf and partying, golf in Pattaya is the choice. The resort’s nightlife is infamous and there are over 20 Pattaya golf courses to select from.

Thailand Flooding Update

As you may have heard, parts of the Kingdom of Thailand have been suffering from flooding over the last few weeks. As monsoon rains continue, the situation has now become more critical.

Bangkok is bracing for the worst flooding it’s seen in decades as waters from the flooded central plains continue to rush in. Rising water levels on the Chao Phraya River and city canals have left some riverside restaurants, shops and homes submerged, while public piers are covered in makeshift platforms and sandbags to keep ferry passengers dry.

While the flooding is having some impact on golf in Thailand, most key golf destinations throughout Thailand have not been affected by the floods and almost all Thai golf courses remain open. The floods are mainly affecting the provinces in central Thailand and a few provinces in the north and northeast. Provinces in the south of Thailand, such as Phuket and Samui have not been affected by the floods.

In Bangkok, major city tourist areas such as Sukhumvit Road and Silom are unaffected by the floods. The airport has a variety of flood protection measures in place, so things are expected to be fine.However, Bangkok will be hit particularly hard between October 20 and 24, as a high spring tide will prevent the Chao Phraya River from draining into the sea, leaving Bangkok and its surrounds fighting to keep waters from flooding the city. 

Here is some more information from other parts of Thailand. The provinces on the Central Plains are severely affected. Road access from Bangkok to the north is also affected as part of the highway is flooded. This means that overland golf tours from Bangkok to northern Thailand cannot be operated as planned.

Lam Luk Ka, A Piece of Bangkok Golf Countryside

Lam Luk Ka Country Club sets the stage for a golf experience not easily forgotten.  Lam Luk Ka has two 18-hole courses; the East and West courses. These 36 holes meander through Bangkok's wetlands, where shade trees and water ways provide homes for birds and wildlife and a relaxing day in a park land environment.

The Championship East Course played host to the 2002 Thailand PGA Championship and 2009 Asian Tour qualifying events. The Lam Luk Ka East Course will challenge the best players, but make for an enjoyable round if played from the somewhat friendlier white tees.

The West Course is relatively short, at 6,605 yards, but water comes into play on 15 holes making course management a key factor in scoring. The West Course is a favourite of tourists, recreational golfers, including myself. Unusually, it is actually feasible to play a combination of these two courses, making each visit to the club a unique experience.

Most of the time I prefer to play golf at Lam Luk Ka in the afternoon. This ensures quieter fairways as Lam Luk Ka gets little play after 12:00. Watching the sunset on the back nine is a great way to finish any day, no less one that includes a good round of golf. The course is kept in fabulous condition from tee to green.  However, green reading can be tricky and it is best left to one of the friendly and experienced caddies.
Some of the most memorable holes on the West Course include the par-3 eighth. A large water hazard short and right of the green punished errant tee shots with a slide fade. This applies to me most of the time!

Number 13, lucky for some and unlucky for others, is perhaps the best par-5 on the West Course. The key is to hit the fairway with your tee shot, because water guards the entire left side of the hole, and anything right forces you to aim at the water for your lay-up. It is a difficult approach shot with mounding guarding the front right of the green and water and bunkering guarding the left. A par is a good score here.
To complete the round the 18th is a long a 415 yard par-4. I often play conservative and hit a 3-wood off the tee. Too long goes through the fairway, or worse into the water. The second shot is a layup up short of the creek that bisects the fairway. Hopefully good strategy is rewarded with an easy chip and one put to save par.

The club house although not modern, does have large lockers and an excellent restaurant with reasonably priced Thai food.

Thai Country Club and Alpine Golf Club normally rate as the top Bangkok golf courses, but I would add Lam Luk Ka as a contender, especially if you enjoy a relatively unknown, but nevertheless good golf course in a countryside setting as a top priority.