| Without doubt Thailand is becoming one of the | | | | designed by famous golf professionals such as |
| fastest growing golf destinations for visiting | | | | Jack Nicklaus and Nick Faldo, together with top |
| tourists throughout the world. Only recently, the | | | | golf course architects such as Pete Dye and |
| association of world golf travel agents voted | | | | Robert Trent Jones, you will be amazed with the |
| Thailand the best up & coming destination, | | | | quality. |
| enhancing the excellent reputation it already has. | | | | What about the caddies? |
| In order to assist you in planning your Thailand | | | | Caddies are compulsory on a Thai golf course and |
| golf holiday, I have detailed below the most | | | | are a fantastic experience. Included in your green |
| frequently asked questions. | | | | fee, they cost around 250 baht (approximately 7 |
| When is the best time to visit? | | | | US dollars) a round, which has to be the best |
| Without doubt, the best time of year for golf is | | | | value for money in the world. In most cases they |
| from November - February/March. This is the | | | | will carry your clubs on 'caddy car' (trolley), should |
| 'cool' season, although is also the peak season for | | | | you wish to walk, although they will also ride with |
| visiting tourists. As such, be prepared for busy | | | | you in a cart if you prefer. Please note it is |
| golf courses and try to plan your holiday well in | | | | compulsory at only a few Thailand golf courses to |
| advance. | | | | use a cart. Your caddie will be allocated upon |
| What about the rest of the year? | | | | arrival, and will look after your clubs until you |
| You can play golf throughout the year in Thailand | | | | tee-.off and are of particular assistance for easy |
| outside the cool season, and the weather is a | | | | golf in Thailand. Always helpful with a smiling face, |
| mixture of very hot days, to very wet days. | | | | your caddie is another part of the unique Thailand |
| However, do not let this put you off as there are | | | | golf experience. They mark and clean your ball, |
| a number of great advantages. You can get | | | | give guidance on the line of putts, and try to |
| some great deals on hotel prices and the courses | | | | keep you cool when things get a bit hot during |
| are much quieter to play. | | | | your round. |
| April is still a 'dry' month, with the rainy season | | | | What is there to do outside golf? |
| not really starting until May. However, April & | | | | You will certainly never be short of things to do |
| May are without doubt the hottest months of the | | | | outside golf. As a leading tourist destination |
| year. June - August is not quite as hot, although | | | | Thailand has a number of alternative attractions |
| you tend to get daily downpours. Again, do not let | | | | and exciting opportunities to combine golf & |
| this put you off as they are normally short lived, | | | | travel, and its tourist magnetism remains unrivalled |
| and the courses dry out very quickly. September | | | | in any other part of the world. |
| and October, the weather tends to be similar to | | | | From the many temples and night markets, to |
| that of the summer months although things tend | | | | the state of the art shopping malls, from stunning |
| to be drier and the weather becomes more | | | | beaches, to the stunning waterfalls and scenery, |
| predictable as the year wears on. | | | | there is something for everyone. |
| Where is the best place to play? | | | | The culture and customs in Thailand also provide a |
| This depends very much what you are looking | | | | fascinating insight to this wonderful country leaving |
| for. Bangkok has a huge number of courses, | | | | you completely amazed. |
| infrastructure that you would expect from any | | | | Thailand also hosts some the best Spa facilities in |
| major capital and the city is very lively, providing | | | | the world, allowing you to relax and enjoy the |
| a great experience for everyone. | | | | rejuvenating treatments, and unbelievably friendly |
| The coastal resort of Hua Hin and the northern | | | | service that goes with it all. |
| cities of Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai are a bit | | | | I recommend all golfers allocate some time after |
| quieter, and very popular with couples looking for | | | | their rounds for, at least, a one hour foot |
| golf, relaxation, and a sampling of true Thai | | | | massage. This treatment is available throughout |
| culture. | | | | the country at clean specialized shops located |
| Pattaya is without doubt the entertainment city in | | | | almost on every street corner in the tourist |
| Thailand, and not for the shy and retiring type, | | | | areas. For around 200 baht (approximately 5 US |
| although it also boasts a large number of excellent | | | | dollars) is an experience not be missed. For the |
| courses. | | | | golfer who has walked his 18 holes, this papering |
| Phuket, the famous tropical island, offers a | | | | of his feet and legs only goes to further the |
| combination of great golf and stunning beaches, | | | | pleasure of the total golfing experience only |
| and there is also now a championship course on | | | | available in Thailand. |
| Koh Samui, another tropical island. | | | | What about transportation and getting around? |
| North of Bangkok, lies the famous Khao Yai | | | | Your package booked with most tour operators |
| National Park, and there are a number of excellent | | | | will provide transportation from the airport to |
| courses now open in this region, which boasts | | | | your hotel, and return transfers to the golf |
| spectacular scenery and views. | | | | course each day. You can reserve this private |
| Finally, the area of Kanchanaburi, and the famous | | | | transportation in the evenings although there is no |
| River Kwai, also has a number of fine courses, | | | | shortage of local transportation. |
| historical sights, and can be a great alternative to | | | | Taxi's are very cheap, and in abundance. Also, |
| the other popular tourist destinations. | | | | you have the famous 'Tuk Tuk's', a smaller open |
| What are the courses like? | | | | air version of a taxi that will transport you around |
| The majority of golf courses in Thailand are | | | | town at very little cost. |
| nothing short of first class. With many being | | | | |