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Thailand is a golfer's paradise with over 200 superb golf courses. Green fees are generally reasonable (US$20 - US$40 with the most expensive being less than US$100). The relaxing style of playing golf accompanied by charming helpful caddies, combined with Thailand's unique culture, ensures a memorable golfing holiday.
There are five main golfing areas in Thailand:
Bangkok and Surrounding Areas
Over 30 golf courses around the exciting, exotic city of Bangkok, including: Natural Park Ramindra (Robert Trent Jones Jnr.), Navatanee (Robert Trent Jones), Krungthep Kreetha, Rose Garden, Subhapreuk (Pete Dye), Thana City (Greg Norman), Kiarti Thanee, Lake Wood (Michael Doellot), Thai Country Club (Denis Griffiths), Pinehurst (Yoshihara Aihara), Windmill (Nick Faldo), Green Valley (Robert Trent Jones Jr.), Panya Indra and Panya Park (both Robert Fream).
Pattaya and the Eastern Seaboard
Around the lively sea-side resort of Pattaya, (about 2 hours by road east from Bangkok), there are over 20 inexpensive golf courses, including Laem Chabang (Jack Nicklaus, 27 holes), Noble Place (Peter Thompson), Great Lakes (Nick Faldo), Siam Country Club (I. Izumi), Khao Kheow (Pete Dye), Phoenix (Denis Griffiths), Natural Park Resort and Natural Park Hills (Robert Fream).
Kanchanaburi
The historic and scenically beautiful area alongside the River Kwai, with its infamous bridge (about 3 hours by road west from Bangkok). 10 golf courses, including Mission Hills (Jack Nicklaus), River Kwai, Nichigo and Evergreen.
Cha Am / Hua Hin
The older seaside resort of Cha Am / Hua Hin, site of the Thai Royal family summer residences, (about 3 hours by road south east of Bangkok). 10 courses including Springfield Royal (Jack Nicklaus), Dragon Hills (Jack Nicklaus), Lake View (Roger Packard), Royal Hua Hin (A. O. Robins - 1924), Majestic Creek, Palm Hills (Max Wexler), Milford and Sawang Resort.
Chiang Mai/Chiang Rai
(About 1 hours flying time north from Bangkok), 10 courses including Chiang Mai/Lamphun, Green Valley (Dennis Griffiths), Lanna, Royal Chiang Mai Golf Club, and Chiang Rai International.
Phuket
The beautiful, tropical island of Phuket (1 hour's flying time south of Bangkok) has five great golf courses: Blue Canyon Country Club (36 holes, designed by Yoshikazo Kato with Gary Player), the site of the 1998 Johnny Walker Classic -- won by Tiger Woods after a play-off with Ernie Els; Phuket Country Club and Loch Palm Golf Club (both designed by renowned Thai architect, Dr. Sukitti Klangvishai); Banyan Tree Club (Max Wexler) and Thai Muang Beach Resort, Thailand's only links course (Pete Dye Designs).
What makes Thailand the best golf destination on earth? In a recent article for Sawasdee, the in-flight magazine of Thai Airways International, Peter Andraes, a Thailand-based golf pro and writer, offered the following seven wonderful ways why golf Thai-style is uniquely different:
No. 1 Fun, fun, fun.
The spirit of sanuk sanan which translates as "fun and games", a basic feature of the culture of the Thai people.
No. 2 The Caddies.
Most Thai caddies are female. Generally, they are attractive, friendly, polite and radiate pure feminity.
Many golfers hire two or even three!
With the caddies in their colourful overalls and sun-bonnets,
your foursome turns into a colourful parade crossing the fairways.
No.
3 The Rhythm of Three.
On most golf courses, at every third hole there is a shaded kiosk or gazebo.
These charming little oases serve a wide variety of refreshments ranging from fresh fruit, soft drinks and beer, to chicken and rice.
The rhythm of three - golf, recharge, play.
No. 4 Help From Mother Earth.
Feng Shui is the Chinese art
of harmonizing the natural as well as man-made 
environment to bring good health, fortune and happiness to people around it.
In Thailand, golf courses are designed using Feng Shui principles and other Thai religious beliefs.
Thus, it is not unusual to see special "spirit" trees wrapped in brightly-colored cloth, flower leis lining the fairways, and immaculately kept shrines, all combining to give an elusive mystical quality.
No. 5 User Friendly.
Thailand's vital and exuberant culture expresses itself through the natural graciousness, politeness and beauty of her people, which enhances the golf experience immeasurably.
The Thais light-hearted and relaxed approach to life, mai pen rai, or "don't worry, be happy", makes the most difficult things easy to accept -- even that 7 on a Par 3!
No. 6 Easy Access.
Almost all of Thailand's finest courses are open to the public.
You won't need special connections or to meet a member to penetrate the links.
In Thailand, you are welcomed with open arms, bright smiles, and affordable green fees.
No. 7 Spas, Massage and
Rejuvenation. 
One of the most delightful aspects of golf Thai-style is the addition of the spa experience, and the regenerative benefits of traditional Thai massage.
Thailand's finest golf resorts have elegant clubhouses with every conceivable amenity, including great restaurants, luxury hotels and relaxing spas.
At many golf clubs, highly trained masseuses are available to to provide therapeutic massage, and foot reflexology massage.
Book Phuket hotels at the last minute at Wotif.com.
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Date this site last updated: 26 July 2007
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