Thailand Golf Holidays — Best Courses and Resort Hotels for Golfers
Thailand has over 250 golf courses, many designed by legends like Jack Nicklaus and Greg Norman, with green fees that make Western golfers weep with joy. Add caddie service (standard at every Thai course), warm weather year-round, and resort hotels built around the courses — it's a golfer's paradise.
Best Golf Destinations
Hua Hin
Thailand's original golf destination, with the highest concentration of quality courses. The royal family has been playing golf here since the 1920s.
Top courses: - Black Mountain Golf Club — Ranked #1 in Thailand repeatedly. Championship course in spectacular mountain setting. Green fee: 3,500-5,000 THB. - Banyan Golf Club — Hilltop course with panoramic views. Green fee: 3,000-4,500 THB. - Royal Hua Hin Golf Course — The oldest course in Thailand (1924). Heritage charm. Green fee: 1,000-2,000 THB.
Where to stay: Marriott Resort & Spa Hua Hin (3,000-6,000 THB), Centara Grand Beach Resort (4,000-10,000 THB), or budget options in town from 800 THB/night.
Phuket
Spectacular coastal and mountain courses. More expensive than Hua Hin but the scenery is hard to beat.
Top courses: - Blue Canyon Country Club — Host of the 1994 Johnnie Walker Classic. Canyon Course is legendary. Green fee: 4,000-6,000 THB. - Red Mountain Golf Club — Built in a former tin mine. Dramatic elevation changes and lake features. Green fee: 4,000-5,500 THB.
Chiang Mai
Mountain golf in cooler temperatures. Less known internationally but excellent value.
Top courses: - Alpine Golf Resort Chiang Mai — 36 holes in mountain setting. Green fee: 2,500-3,500 THB. - Chiang Mai Highlands — Dramatic mountain course designed by Schmidt-Curley. Green fee: 2,000-3,500 THB.
Pattaya
The most courses in one area — over 25 within 45 minutes of the city.
Top courses: - Siam Country Club — Two courses, both world-class. The Plantation has hosted LPGA events. Green fee: 4,000-6,000 THB. - Laem Chabang International — Jack Nicklaus design. Green fee: 2,500-3,500 THB.
What Makes Thai Golf Special
Caddies: Every golfer gets a caddie (mandatory at most courses). They know every break, every club selection, and they'll find your ball in the rough. Caddie fee: 300-500 THB + tip (200-500 THB). It's affordable luxury that changes the game.
Pricing comparison: | | Thailand | Australia | USA | UK | |--|---------|-----------|------|-----| | Green fee (top course) | 3,000-6,000 THB | $100-250 AUD | $150-350 USD | £100-250 | | Caddie | 300-500 THB | N/A | N/A | N/A | | Cart | 700-1,000 THB | $40-60 AUD | $30-50 USD | £30-50 |
Golf Trip Planning
Typical 5-day Hua Hin golf trip: - Day 1: Arrive, check in, practice range - Day 2: Black Mountain Golf Club - Day 3: Banyan Golf Club - Day 4: Royal Hua Hin + afternoon Majestic Creek - Day 5: Sea Pines or Springfield before departure
Budget for 5 days: 25,000-40,000 THB including hotel, green fees, caddies, and food. That's less than two rounds at a premium Western course.
FAQ
When is the best time for golf in Thailand?
November to February — cool (25-30°C), dry, and comfortable. March-May is hot (35°C+) — play early morning or late afternoon. June-October brings afternoon rain but morning rounds are usually fine and prices drop.
Do you need to book tee times in advance?
Yes, especially at popular courses during high season (November-February). Book 1-2 weeks ahead for top courses. Some courses have online booking; otherwise, your hotel concierge can arrange everything.
Is Thai golf good enough for serious golfers?
Absolutely. Several Thai courses host professional tournaments (LPGA, Asian Tour). Course conditions at top venues rival anything in Australia, the US, or Europe. The combination of quality, weather, and value is why Thailand has become one of the world's top golf tourism destinations.