Thailand is a well-known centre for golf in Asia, drawing golfers from all over the world. People are attracted by the attractive scenery, good weather and quality facilities. Golfers have a choice of outstanding courses across the country. For this feature, brought to you by travel blogger Jenny Littlewood, our focus is on the picturesque courses of Southern Thailand.
(Photo: Shutterstock)
With courses set against stunning islands and off-the-beaten-path landscapes, playing golf in Southern Thailand is a golfer’s dream. A golf holiday here also offers unique cultural and culinary delights making it an unforgettable experience. You can choose to play on the popular islands of Phuket and Ko Samui or explore the less-visited areas of Phang Nga, Surat Thani and Trang.
Phuket golf
Phuket has some of the greatest concentrations of golf courses in Southern Thailand including two that regularly host professional tournaments. The courses are spread over the island. Near Phuket Airport you have Blue Canyon Country Club which has two courses. The Canyon Course has undergone major renovations to bring it up to PGA standards. The Lakes Course is less glamorous and less expensive but provides a great test. Both courses reflect the contours of the tin mines that they evolved out of.
(Photo: Jenny Littlewood)
Many visitors to Phuket are familiar with Laguna Golf Phuket which sits in the middle of the Laguna holiday complex on the west of the island near Bangtao Beach.
Red Mountain Golf Club and its neighbour, Loch Palm Golf Club, are situated in the middle of the island. Both are surrounded by tropical forest and this creates some spectacular sights; look out for the long 12th at Loch Palm and the par three 17th at Red Mountain which both give a feel that you are playing jungle golf.
(Photo: Jenny Littlewood)
Phuket Country Club has an 18-hole course and a 9-hole course and both represent great value for money. Finally, there is Mission Hills Phuket Golf Resort in the northeast of the island.
(Photo: Shutterstock)
The courses get busy during high season, particularly on the best-known courses (Laguna, Red Mountain, and the Canyon Course at Blue Canyon) so we advise you to make early reservations. All the courses provide a good challenge and are worth checking out.
Phang Nga golf
Crossing the Sarasin Bridge from Phuket to Phang Nga province, you’ll enter an upcoming tourist destination with three excellent golf courses.
Katathong Golf and Country Club is about 90 minutes from both Phuket and Krabi airports, with on-site accommodations and a restaurant, making it ideal for more than just a day trip. Set in stunning scenery, an overnight stay and an early morning swim as the mist rises from the valley is a must.
(Photo: Jenny Littlewood)
Aquella Golf and Country Club is a newer course with superb greens. Aquella is well-managed and more affordable than many of Phuket’s courses. It’s about 45 minutes north of Phuket Airport and 40 minutes from Katathong.
Kirinara Golf Course is a challenging 9-hole course around 30 minutes away from the centre of Khao Lak. With plans to expand to 18 holes, the course features interesting contours from its former life as a tin mine.
Surat Thani golf
If you have time on your Southern Thailand itinerary, visit the Rajjaprabha Dam Golf Course course in Khao Sok National Park. Renowned for its stunning views of Cheow Lan Lake, the course is approximately two hours drive from central Khao Lak.
(Photo: Jenny Littlewood)
If you are planning to play golf here, Khao Sok National Park is a wonderful location to spend at least one night. Immerse yourself in the rainforest or stay at one of Khao Sok’s incredible floating hotels for a unique experience.
Still in Surat Thani province but located on the island of Ko Samui is Santiburi Samui Country Club. The only 18-hole course on Samui is located in the north of the island. This is a challenging, hilly course with narrow fairways that reward accuracy. While not cheap, discounted green fees are available at certain times of the year.
Krabi golf
An alternative Southern Thailand golf tour would see you head south to Krabi after Katathong in Phang Nga and play Pakasai Country Club. This is a full 18-hole course set amidst rainforest and lakes half an hour outside Ao Nang.
(Photo: Sofitel Krabi Facebook page)
Krabi also has two 9-hole courses. Phokheethra Golf Krabi is set in the grounds of the Sofitel Krabi Phokeethra Golf & Spa Resort. The course is short but has some lovely views as it stretches out alongside Klong Muang Beach. The other 9-hole course (though it has 18 tee boxes) is the Hula Hula Golf Club close to Krabi airport.
Trang golf
Two hours southeast of Krabi in the province of Trang is where you will find Sritrang Golf Course. Operated by the Royal Thai Army, Sritrang may lack the polish of more famous courses, but is good value. The course has a lovely layout but be prepared for the odd rough area and bump on the greens and fairways. This is an ideal course if you are visiting Trang province and combined with other activities such as a trip to Ko Mook island with its Emerald Cave.
(Photo: Sritrang Facebook page)
Best time to play golf in Southern Thailand
With its tropical climate, Southern Thailand offers warm weather year-round, making it an attractive destination for golfing. With different weather patterns affecting the Gulf Coast and Andaman Coast, you can still find good golfing conditions at any time of the year. As a general rule, April to October sees more sunshine on the Gulf Coast islands (e.g. Ko Samui) while November to April is ideal for golf on the Andaman Coast (Krabi, Phang Nga, Phuket)
Thai golfing etiquette
(Photo: Jenny Littlewood)
Golfers should wear smart attire and typically are expected to use a caddie. Expect to pay a 300 Baht caddie fee plus a 500 Baht tip. Ask for an experienced caddie who has worked at the course for at least 6 months; they will be an indispensable source of local information on how to play the course and guide your putting lines on the greens.
Golf carts are usually provided and can be invaluable for hilly courses and hot conditions. They cost approximately 700 Baht and at some courses their use is obligatory. Some courses allow walking, especially during off-peak times.
Travel to Southern Thailand
Southern Thailand is easily accessible, with several international airports in the region. Popular golfing destinations such as Phuket, Krabi, and Ko Samui are all served by direct flights from Bangkok and Chiang Mai. There is also an airport at Surat Thani which is convenient for Khao Sok National Park and the Rajjaprabha Dam Golf Course.
Map of golf courses
Jenny Littlewood
Little Wandering Wren
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