Golfing in Thailand

The first recognized 18-hole golf course, the Royal Hua Hin, was built by a Scottish engineer in 1924. It became known as The Railway because of its proximity to the aristocratic seaside resort's charming and historic rail station. There are now nearly 200 golf courses scattered throughout the Kingdom, the majority being in and around the popular tourist destinations, Bangkok, Pattaya, Hua Hin, Phuket and Chiang Mai. Many of them were designed by famous players like Jack Nicklaus, Nick Faldo, Gary Player, Greg Norman, Pete Dye, Robert Trent Jones and many others. They have sophisticated modern layouts, a wide diversity of topographical challenges with the finest grass. These are some of the most attractive golf courses in Asia, with excellent facilities, memorable signature holes, consistently and painstakingly maintained to keep them in top-class condition. Spacious, well-designed clubhouses with air-conditioned changing facilities, restaurants, bars and rooms for post-tournament functions ensure that golfers begin and end their game in style and comfort. Some golf courses provide massage and sauna facilities, others have accommodation in landscaped villas and apartments for really keen golfers. Many have practice areas, usually with a pro to tune up your game. You can also rent a golf cart, hire clubs and shoes, and buy souvenir hats and polo shirts at the pro-shop.

Most importantly, each golf course has its caddies, and it is mandatory to employ one. These brightly clad ladies in smart uniforms and straw hats are Thailand's secret weapon in making golf such good fun. They know lots about the golf course, smile readily, and can probably read putts far better than you. Greater Bangkok has many excellent golf courses spread throughout its area, mostly within a 30- to 60-minutes drive. The popular seaside golf courses of Pattaya and Hua Hin are two hours' drive from the city, and the island of Phuket also has a superb array of layouts with views of the ocean. If you prefer broad, green spaces, jungle terrain and mountains, the golf courses near the northern cities of Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai, Nakhon Ratchasima in the Northeast, or Kanchanaburi and the River Kwai in the West will surpass your expectations. Apart from golf, Thailand also offers a host of many other great and interesting aspects and activities to discover, to experience and to enjoy. Special programs and activities have also been fine-tuned to appeal specifically to honeymooners, families and young travelers, as well as sports and special interest holidays such as health and wellbeing packages. For active visitors, there are lots of water sports on offer on the beautiful inland waterways or along the 3,000 kilometers of coastline.

Thailand's white beaches and enchanting islands have something for everyone - superb diving, snorkeling, island-hopping, whitewater rafting, sailing, wind-surfing, fishing and more. Visitors can also take pleasure in Thailand's many national parks found in all regions of the country and enjoy hiking or trekking on foot, mountain biking or elephant-back riding, nature-walking, bird- and butterfly-watching and star-gazing. International car rental firms provide a comprehensive range of self-drive or the fly- and drive holiday packages tailored to those traveling in groups. Many visitors also love to go trekking and camping in the northern forests, the high plateaus in the Northeast or the rainforest of southern Thailand. And these days, more and more travelers are enjoying the possibilities of touring the country on two wheels. Thailand's local culture, traditional arts and the diverse ways of life of the people are a fascinating discovery, and you can enhance the experience through personal contact by joining the home stays in rural huts or on river barges as eco-sensitive alternatives to hotels and guesthouses. Many visitors discover deeper interests on their travels in Thailand, and they can pursue them in many different forms, from Buddhist meditation classes in a forest monastery to lessons in Thai cooking at a five-star hotel.

For visitors who seek a healthy lifestyle in more luxurious surroundings, the Kingdom is home to many world-class spas and modem beauty centers. Thai spas offer variety and value in a blend of Western leisure concepts and traditional Asian well-being therapies. With world-class products and excellent service complemented by the friendly and caring nature of the Thai people, a visit to any spa is always a memorable experience. There are day spas for those with limited time; luxury and relaxing spas in hotels and resorts for a truly rejuvenating experience, destination spas for a full revitalization of body and mind, and medical spas for holistic and preventative treatments.

Also, the Western world has now discovered the benefits of the age-old skills of Thai massage, where manipulation of muscles and limbs, pressure points and stretching yoga positions provoke an exhilarating feeling of well-being. Visitors can enjoy relaxing massages on the beach, in their hotels and at establishments throughout the country. After the spa, let's join a fun session learning to cook popular Thai dishes, and eating them, too, or better still joining a culinary journey to taste the Kingdom's distinctive regional cuisine. Thai food has gained tremendous popularity due to its high nutritional value and its harmonious blend of flavors. The use of aromatic herbs and spices adds to the healthy properties of Thai dishes as well as providing wonderful taste sensations. Without doubt, Thailand is a paradise for shoppers, with Bangkok rapidly becoming the most popular destination in Asia for buying just about anything from brand-name fashions and watches to Thai handicrafts.

The range of choices is mind-boggling, and you're sure to find some great bargains. Shopping and browsing is made easy in the numerous air-conditioned malls and department stores. The famous Weekend Market at Chatuchak is a fun place to browse among stalls crammed with clothing, plants, antiques, furniture, books, decorative items and pets. But if golf is uppermost in your mind, there can be no better place to bring the family for a holiday than Thailand. Be warned, though: while you're out on the golf course they will have so many things to do and so many interesting places to visit, you might find yourself giving up some golfing time to join them.

Golf Course in Thailand

Alpine Golf & Sports Club