Author Archives: Thailand Golf Holiday

Nikanti Golf Club
Thailand Golf Courses and Playing Conditions
Posted by - November 23, 2014

2014 New Thailand Golf Courses

Oftentimes I get asked about the supply and demand of the Thai golf courses. While I am no expert about the economics of golf courses and the Thai golf industry is some 20-30 years old, new golf courses are still coming online at a rate of around 5 per year. Some of these projects are completely new construction like Nikanti Golf Club in Bangkok and Katathong Golf club in Phang Nha. Others, such as Chiang Mai Highlands, are expansions, and lastly there are renovations. Laguna Phuket Golf Club an...

Laguna Phuket Golf Club
Thailand Golf Courses and Playing Conditions
Posted by - July 31, 2014

Laguna Phuket Golf Club Update

The recently redesigned Laguna Phuket Golf Club is both a strategic and memorable golf experience. The redesign by golf course architect Paul Jansen has highlighted the character of the existing property making for a memorable golf experience. Golfers are now asked to think their way around the golf course as each hole offers a multitude of shot options and both nines have good variety.

Siam Country Club Waterside Course
Thailand Golf Courses and Playing Conditions
Posted by - June 10, 2014

Siam Country Club, Waterside – Comparison With Old and Plantation...

Most golfers in Pattaya agree that the Siam Country Club Old Course and Siam Country Club Plantation Course are the two best golf courses in Pattaya. However, if there are any complaints about the two courses, it is that they are both quite difficult for high handicap golfers. Around the greens it is not uncommon for weekend golfers to take five or more shots to get up-and-down as the slopes, elevated greens, and bunker complexes require accuracy and precision in chipping and putting. Perch your...

Thailand Golf Courses and Playing Conditions
Thailand Golf Holidays and Vacations
Posted by - May 15, 2014

Is Koh Samui Golf For Real?

Major golf destinations share several things in common. They include, 1.    Three or more golf courses of international standard 2.    A range of golf resorts to accommodate all levels of price and luxury 3.    Easy to get to/from 4.    Reasonable prices 5.    Non-golf activities such as cultural, gastronomic, spa, and/or beaches Koh Samui has technically three golf courses, However, only Santiburi Samui Country Club is 18-holes and of international standard. The course is a spectacular example ...

Mountain Creek Golf
Thailand Culture
Thailand Golf Related Activities (Nightlife, Spas, Sightseeing)
Posted by - March 25, 2014

Will Khao Yai become Thailand’s Newest Golf Destination?

Khao Yai, relatively unknown outside of Thailand golfers,  is a mere 2 hours from Bangkok and is the home of Thailand’s second largest national park. Will this area develop into a full-fledged golf destination for tourists? The short answer is maybe and here are the reasons why and why not.

Loch Palm
Thailand Golf Courses and Playing Conditions
Thailand Golf Holidays and Vacations
Posted by - February 19, 2014

2 Phuket Golf Courses Are Sisters

Although sister courses, the only thing in common about Loch Palm Golf Club and Red Mountain Golf Club is the common drive way entrance and pedigree. Owned by MBK (the same company who owns the famous Bangkok shopping center), each of these two Phuket golf courses presents itself to the visiting golfer in very different ways.

Pattana Golf Resort
Thailand Golf Holidays and Vacations
Posted by - February 11, 2014

Pattana Golf Resort

It is very rare these days that I get to play a new course in my own backyard. Therefore, when my golfing buddies suggested playing at Pattana Golf Resort in Pattaya, I jumped at the change with much excitement. Pattana is a bit out of the way as getting to the course involved around a 1 hour drive from Pattaya or 2 hour ride from Bangkok. Either way the drive is pleasant enough as the road are good and there is little traffic along the way. Upon arrival I immediately saw the large club house, g...

Siam Country Club
Thailand Golf Holidays and Vacations
Thailand Golf Related Activities (Nightlife, Spas, Sightseeing)
Posted by - January 7, 2014

Where To Golf In Thailand – A City Or A Resort?

Thailand has 5 main golf destinations, two are cities (Bangkok and Chiang Mai) and three are beach resorts (Hua Hin, Pattaya, and Phuket). Bangkok is home to over 10 million residents. However, it’s safe to say that Bangkok has the most golf courses of any destination in Thailand. There are 60 golf courses located within 1 hour from the center of Bangkok; of which 20 or so are well-suited for visitor play. Bangkok also has world-class hotels, the best restaurants in Thailand, and a wide range of...

Thai Culture and Thailand Country Information
Thailand Golf Courses and Playing Conditions
Posted by - December 26, 2013

Golf Holiday Destination Thailand

Why golf in Thailand?   Thailand is probably the most spectacular golfing destination in the world, the beauty of her golf courses expresses it all.  We have lush greenery year round with palm trees and every other type of tropical flora and flowers creating a feast for the eyes.  Beautiful lakes and waterways, birds you’ve never seen before become a breathtaking walk in the park.  Churchill was so wrong when he said “golf is a good walk spoiled” – he never played in Thailand! The challenge of g...

Mission Hills Phuket
Thailand Golf Courses and Playing Conditions
Thailand Golf Holidays and Vacations
Posted by - November 28, 2013

Thailand Golf Resorts Offer Unlimited Golf Packages

Mission Hills Phuket Nowadays golf resorts like Mission Hills Phuket and Bangkok Golf Club are offering unlimited golf holiday packages. These golf vacations are nothing new, but in fact they may be only a ploy to lure visitors to less than ideal courses. Think about it, there are only 12 hours of daylight in Thailand and the weather is generally hot and humid all year long. Therefore, how many round of golf can you play in a day? For most of us it is only two, and this is waking up very early a...

Uncategorized
Posted by - November 5, 2013

Thailand Golf Fried Eggs (Kai Dao)

Thailand golf courses are notorious for having soft sand. Many of the budget courses here use normal beach sand to fill their bunkers. This powdery and fluffy sand tends to promote many fried eggs or as the caddies call them in Thai “kai dao” because of the circular splash pattern created around the ball in the sand. When you look at it from the top, it looks like a yolk sitting in the middle of a fried egg. Don’t panic if you find yourself with a fried egg at a Thailand golf course. The s...

Thailand Golf Courses and Playing Conditions
Posted by - October 22, 2013

Golf’s Great Legends In Thailand

Wherever and whenever you play golf in Thailand, you’ll find courses designed by some of the best golfers, including Jack Nicklaus, Nick Faldo, Peter Thomson, Greg Norman, and Arnold Palmer. Jack Nicklaus is the great who left his mark the most in Thailand. Six Thailand courses are Jack Nicklaus designed. The two best by far are Laem Chabang International Country Club in Pattaya and Springfield Royal Country Club in Hua Hin. Coincidentally, both opened for play in 1993. Laem Chabang, a 27-hole c...

Posted by - October 8, 2013

Let These Asian Golf Courses Be the Judge Off Your Skills

Blue Canyon Country Club, Phuket As the name suggests, Blue Canyon Country Club is built on the edge of the canyon. The club features two courses; both carefully blend in the natural surroundings to give the courses their unique character. A feature of the course is its tough and stubborn nature, surrounded by freshwater lakes and natural hazards accompanied by slick Bermuda Tiffdwarf greens. This Course is both a pleasure and grief blended in together. Challenging your wit and technique...

Interesting Thailand Golf Snippits
Thai Culture and Thailand Country Information
Posted by - September 17, 2013

Will Thailand Become The World´s Biggest Golf Destination?

Lately Thailand golf tourism has skyrocketed to an estimated 750,000 arrivals in 2012, up 50% over the past three years. This is worth an estimated US$2 billion in revenue to the Kingdom. There is no doubt that Thai golf tourism is riding on the back of a general tourism explosion, with total foreign arrivals doubling over the last seven years to more than 22 million in 2012. While I personally would like Thailand golf to become the biggest golf destination in the world, I doubt that this will e...

Thailand Golf Holidays and Vacations
Posted by - September 4, 2013

Golf In Turkey Versus Golf In Thailand

Here are my rankings on the golfing in these 2 countries on a scale of 1-10 with 10 being best. Quality (30%) Turkey (8): Golf in Turkey is well-developed, especially the area around Belek (Antalya). There are some 15 golf courses to choose from here, all being located only 30 minutes from the main resorts. Most modern golf course architects are represented including Jack Nicklaus, Pete Dye and Robert Trent Jones Jr. Thailand (7): Thailand has 280 courses open for play. The best of these courses...

Thailand Golf Courses and Playing Conditions
Thailand Golf Holidays and Vacations
Posted by - August 27, 2013

Golf In Singapore Versus Golf In Thailand

Here are my rankings on the golfing in these 2 countries on a scale of 1-10 with 10 being best. Quality (30%) Singapore (8): For a small island state Singapore has allocated land for close to 30 golf courses. The quality ranges from good at course like Orchid and Raffles to world-class at Laguna National and Sentosa Island. Thailand (7): Of the 280 golf courses in Thailand, 60 are up to international standards. Thailand’s best courses include Siam Country Club in Pattaya and Black Mountain in Hu...

Golf in Russia VS Golf in Thailand
Thailand Golf Courses and Playing Conditions
Thailand Golf Holidays and Vacations
Posted by - August 20, 2013

Golf In Russia Versus Golf In Thailand

Here are my rankings on the golfing in these 2 countries on a scale of 1-10 with 10 being best. Quality (30%) Russia (5): There are only 20 golf courses in Russia and most are located in and around Moscow. The best golf club is the Jack Nicklaus designed Tseleevo Golf and Polo Club. The inaugural Russian Open and first ever European Tour event played in Russia was held at Tseleevo in 2013 Thailand (7): Thailand has 280 golf courses and many have won numerous “best of” awards including Black Moun...

Posted by - July 30, 2013

Golf In Qatar Versus Golf In Thailand

Here are my rankings on the golfing in these 2 countries on a scale of 1-10 with 10 being best. Quality (30%)Qatar (7):  There is only 1 golf course in Qatar and since 1998 Doha Golf Club has hosted a European and Asian Tour event; the Qatar Masters. The quality of Doha Golf Club somewhat makes up for the lack of other courses. Thailand (7): The best courses in Thailand are located in the major cities and resorts. Pattaya sports over 20 courses and in 2012 was voted the best golf destinati...

Interesting Thailand Golf Snippits
Thailand Golf Courses and Playing Conditions
Posted by - July 18, 2013

Golf In Portugal Versus Golf In Thailand

Here are my rankings on the golfing in these 2 countries on a scale of 1-10 with 10 being best. Quality (30%) Portugal (9):  Even though there are only 70 golf courses Portugal is one of Europe’s best golf destinations. The Algarve region is the most famous golfing area and the best course there is Victoria Golf Vilamoura, home of the 2013 Portugal Golf Masters and tour stop for the European Tour. However, my course in Portugal is the Seve Ballesteros designed Porto Santo. This traditional links...

Posted by - June 25, 2013

Golf In New Zealand Versus Golf In Thailand

Here are my rankings on the golfing in these 2 countries on a scale of 1-10 with 10 being best. Quality (30%)New Zealand (10): With over 400 golf courses, New Zealand is a golfer’s paradise. My 2 favorite New Zealand golf courses are Cape Kidnappers and Paraparaumu Beach, both of which rival any of the best golf courses in the world. Many other great golf courses in New Zealand can be found around the big cities of Auckland and Christchurch and also among the smallest country towns. Thailand (7...

Posted by - June 11, 2013

Golf In Malaysia Versus Golf In Thailand

Here are my rankings on the golfing in these 2 countries on a scale of 1-10 with 10 being best. Quality (30%)Malaysia (5):  Golf in Malaysia ranges from merely average to PGA quality. The best Malaysia golf courses are all located in the capital of Kuala Lumpur. Access is mostly private, but some weekday visitors are allowed at Kuala Lumpur Golf & Country Club and Saujana Golf & Country Club; both of which have hosted PGA and LPGA events, respectively. Thailand (7): Thailand golf c...

Posted by - May 28, 2013

Golf In Laos Versus Golf In Thailand

Here are my rankings on the golfing in these 2 countries on a scale of 1-10 with 10 being best. Quality (30%)Laos (5):  Laos is behind other neighboring countries with only 7 golf courses open for play. Most Laos golf courses are in the capital Vientiane and are only average in quality. However, Luang Prabang Golf Club, in Luang Prabang is the country’s best having hosted 2 Asian Tour events, with spectacular scenery, and excellent playing conditions. Thailand (7): There are many champion...

Posted by - May 22, 2013

Golf In Korea Versus Golf In Thailand

Here are my rankings on the golfing in these 2 countries on a scale of 1-10 with 10 being best. Quality (30%):Korea (7):  Korea is a mountainous country with around 200 golf courses scattered from North to South. However the best golf courses are located on Cheju Island, sometimes called Korea’s Hawaii due to the year round temperate climate. My two favorite Korean golf courses are Nine Bridges and Sky 72, both of which have hosted numerous professional golf tournaments. Thailand (7): The...

Posted by - May 13, 2013

Golf In Japan Versus Golf In Thailand

Here are my rankings on the golfing in these 2 countries on a scale of 1-10 with 10 being best. Quality (30%)Japan (7): The country has over 2,400 golf courses from North to South. Unfortunately, the best clubs are private, so make sure you call ahead to see if unaccompanied visitors are allowed. Some of my favorites that do allow visitors are the Fuji Course at Kawana Hotel and Taiheiyo Club Gotemba Course. Thailand (7): The vast majority of golf courses in Thailand are open for daily fee play....

Posted by - April 30, 2013

Golf In Ireland Versus Golf In Thailand

Here are my rankings on the golfing in these 2 countries on a scale of 1-10 with 10 being best. Quality (30%)Ireland (9): The country is home to some of the world's best golf courses. Most all are pure links courses. The best Irish golf courses include K Club (Ryder Cup), and the incredible Druids Glen. Thailand (7): Of the 250 Thai golf courses, 60 are standouts. Thailand’s best golf course is Black Mountain in Hua Hin. Other notable favorites are the spectacular Red Mountain in Phuket and ...

Posted by - April 9, 2013

Golf In Hong Kong Versus Golf In Thailand

Here are my rankings on the golfing in these 2 countries on a scale of 1-10 with 10 being best. Quality (30%)Hong Kong (6): There are some excellent golf courses in Hong Kong; many with great views over the surrounding South China Sea. The only public golf course is also one of the islands best. The 36-hole Gary player designed Kau Sai Chau Golf Course is set on an island just off the coast. Other standouts, albeit private, include the Hong Kong Golf Club’s Fanling Course; home of many professio...

Posted by - April 3, 2013

Golf In Germany Versus Golf In Thailand

Here are my rankings on the golfing in these 2 countries on a scale of 1-10 with 10 being best. Quality (30%)Germany (6):  Since the 1980’s many new golf courses have been built and the golf in Germany has flourished. There are now more than 600 German golf courses across the country including hundreds of excellent ones and a handful of outstanding resorts. The Sport & Spa Resort A-Rosa set among pine forests is one of the best examples with the Nick Faldo 18 being the best of the 4-co...

Posted by - March 26, 2013

Golf In France Versus Golf In Thailand

Here are my rankings on the golfing in these 2 countries on a scale of 1-10 with 10 being best. Quality (30%)France (8): Excellent golf courses are found in almost every area of France. The most popular areas for golf holidays are Le Touquet in the north, Paris and its surroundings, and Biarritz and Bordeaux in the south. The best golf courses in France include Golf National near Paris and the Evian Masters Golf Club in the Alps. Thailand (7): Golf courses in Thailand are spread out across the c...

Thai Culture and Thailand Country Information
Thailand Golf Courses and Playing Conditions
Posted by - March 19, 2013

Golf In Egypt Versus Golf In Thailand

Here are my rankings on the golfing in these 2 countries on a scale of 1-10 with 10 being best. Quality (30%) Egypt (6): Golf in the Egypt is widespread, especially in the resort areas such as Taba and Sharm El-Sheikh. Additionally, the Gary Player course at Soma Bay Resort is a sure standout. A high concentration of golf courses can also be found are in and around Cairo with the 27-hole Katameya Heights leading the pack. Thailand (7): Over 250 golf courses in Thailand are spread out across the ...

Posted by - March 12, 2013

Golf In the Dominican Republic Versus Golf In Thailand

Here are my rankings on the golfing in these 2 countries on a scale of 1-10 with 10 being best. Quality (30%)Dominican Republic (9): Golf in the Dominican Republic is well-developed. The areas around Punta Cana and Casa de Campo are worth travelling to as they have some incredible golf courses thanks to the work of golf-course designers like Pete Dye and Robert Trent Jones Sr. Thailand (7): Thailand boasts over 250 courses and the best courses are located in one of five major golf destinations. ...