Thailand, a land of rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning natural beauty, is a golfer’s dream destination. With its world-class courses, delectable cuisine, and warm hospitality, this Southeast Asian gem has something to offer every enthusiast.
As a golf course reviewer and roaming reporter for the African American Golfer’s Digest, I was fortunate enough to spend an unforgettable time in Thailand, not only exploring its spectacular golf courses but also indulging in a variety of non-golf related adventures. Join me on this journey as I unveil why Thailand should be your next golfing destination.
A special thanks to the incredible teams at Thailand Golf Travel Mart, GolfAsian, Tourism Authority of Thailand, and SAESHE for their seamless coordination and the unforgettable experiences they made possible.
Planning your golf getaway to Thailand is a breeze is especially if you reach out to the professionals like GolfAsian. The flight time, though a bit lengthy, is well worth it. Choose a comfortable flight class to accommodate being seated for several hours.
Bangkok, the bustling capital, offers a plethora of attractions both on and off the golf course. While the traffic can be a bit hectic, careful planning can make your commute smoother. The city’s golf courses are top-notch, equipped with all the modern amenities you’d expect.
Thailand golf does have some perks that American golfers my find to their liking. These perks are the caddies and “comfort stations.” Caddies in Thailand are typically women and provide a valuable service to golfers. They are not only knowledgeable about the course but also serve as hosts, ensuring that you have a pleasant experience. Caddies often offer advice on club selection, shot placement, and even provide a bit of local insight into the area. They also play a crucial role in keeping you hydrated and comfortable, especially during the hot and humid months. The shade from the umbrellas and fanning is priceless. In Thailand, many golf courses feature convenient “comfort stops” every three to four holes, providing players with the opportunity to grab ice-cold drinks, snacks, or take a break in restrooms that rival the amenities of a luxurious halfway house back home. These thoughtful touches make it much more manageable to enjoy a round in the sweltering heat.
Siam Country Club Bangkok: A Timeless Classic
Siam Country Club Bangkok is a testament to timeless elegance. Designed by Toby Cobb, this hybrid course blends parkland and links elements for a truly unique challenge. The zoysia fairways are generous, but the dwarf Bermuda greens can be tricky. The subtle rolls in the fairways can be tricky to navigate when hitting approach shots to these large green complexes. While the course is still young, the maturing landscape of newly planted saplings promises to add to its visual appeal in the coming years.
The clubhouse is a luxurious haven with a fine dining restaurant, a well-stocked pro shop, and comfortable locker rooms to include showers. While there’s no driving range, hitting nets are available for pre-round warm-ups.
One of the things I really enjoyed about Siam Country Club was the layout. The course is designed for almost any level of golfer. Siam Bangkok’s signature 18th hole is an exceptionally great par 3 to finish a round. The green is encompassed by pothole bunkers, including a pair that name translates to “Big Ass” a named that perfectly describes its shape. Typically, courses do not like to end with a par 3 in this case this was a wonderful choice by the architect. If you’re looking for a world-class golfing experience in Bangkok, Siam Country Club is a must-play. Although a private club, reservations for play can be made by most third parties. I’d highly recommend GolfAsia as your source for booking any golf trip in Asia.
Riverdale Golf Club Bangkok: A Hidden Gem
If you are seeking a slightly more off-the-beaten-path experience, Riverdale Golf Club is a hidden gem. This course, designed by Jonathan Morrow and Al Tikkanen, offers a challenging blend of elevation changes and water hazards. Navigating the undulating Paspalum fairways and strategic bunker placements is just part of the difficulty presented at Riverdale the greens are MiniVerde and have subtle breaks that may not visible to the untrained eye. Trust your caddie.
The clubhouse is comfortable and welcoming, and the practice facilities have everything you need to prepare for your round for most golfers. Riverdale offers excellent value for money and boasts stunning scenery. All holes have a 3-foot painted circle around the pins known as the “gimme circle”. This unique feature was added to help speed up play for the golfers who wish to use it.
A highlight of the course is the island green on the eighth hole, a 100-yard par 3 that demands accuracy and nerves of steel. The course also features two greens on this hole, giving golfers the choice to choose their approach. This course, when played by a golfer from the correct tee box for their skill level, offers some risk and reward opportunity holes which always make for interesting conversations either at the 19th hole or later.
Thailand offers a wealth of experiences beyond the golf course. Explore ancient temples, vibrant markets, and stunning beaches. Indulge in delicious Thai cuisine and immerse yourself in the country’s rich culture. Thailand is a golfer’s paradise, offering a perfect blend of world-class golf, stunning scenery, and unforgettable experiences. From the luxurious Siam Country Club to the hidden gem of Riverdale Golf Club, this Southeast Asian destination has something to offer every enthusiast. Bangkok was a great starting point. Stay tuned as we move to the beautiful ocean city of Hua Hin for part two of this trip.
As you plan your trip, remember the words “Your stories never end.” The experiences you have in Thailand will create lasting memories and stories that you’ll cherish for years to come.
