Robyn Spies discovers golfing experiences in Thailand, suitable for all the family!
With more than 200 world-class golf courses - many designed by professionals such as Jack Nicklaus, Nick Faldo and Greg Norman - Thailand has gained a well deserved reputation for fabulous golfing opportunities. Diverse landscapes present a challenge for golf enthusiasts, while luxury accommodation and interesting sightseeing options ensure other members of the family are sure to also enjoy your next golfing getaway.
BANGKOK
WHY GO Bangkok is a city like no other. Its extraordinary temples are a cultural phenomenon, while bustling markets and busy malls render it a shopper's haven. With more than ten million people it's a steamy, buzzing city that never sleeps. While the vibe is intense at first, it's highly addictive. Rich with experiences and extremes, Bangkok is a city where past and present intertwine and east meets west.
GOLF If you haven't experienced golf in Thailand, then Bangkok is the place to start. You'll find more than 30 excellent golf courses on the outskirts of Bangkok, including world-class facilities which are all easily assessable, within just one hour's drive of the city centre.
Thai Country Club (www.thaicountryclub.com) has a superb clubhouse which was awarded best in Asia from 2000 right through to 2007, by The Asian Golf Monthly. High-tech computer designed greens make for many interesting pin placements. And the entire course features immaculate conditions, with a neo-classic design and alkali variety from hole to hole, along with an abundance of water and sand hazards. This course will definitely test your golfing proficiency!
STAY If you need a hotel with easy access to the expressway try the Plaza Athenee Bangkok - A Royal Meridien Hotel (www.bangkok.com/plazaathenee), Windsor Suites (http://www.windsorsuiteshotel.com/) or Majestic Grande Hotel (http://www.majesticgrande.com/).
GETTING THERE Tiger Airways (www.tigerairways.com), AirAsia (www.airasia.com) and Singapore Airlines (http://www.singaporeairlines.com/) fly to Bangkok from Singapore on a daily basis.
Navatanee www.navatanee.com
Alpine Golf and Sports Club www.alpinegolfclub.com
Bangpakong Riverside Country Club www.brc-golfcourse.com
Subhapruek Golf Club www.subhapruekgolf.com
Royal Lakeside Golf Club www.royallakeside.com
PATTAYA
WHY GO Thailand's fastest growing region, Pattaya is a less than two-hour drive south-east of Bangkok. Facing the Thai Gulf it offers amusement parks, museums and lush botanical gardens and has numerous forms of leisure activities and cultural entertainment for all the family. While its busy nightlife is often the source of much debate, this is a vibrant city which also boasts numerous restaurants and is working hard to smarten up its act.
GOLF Laem Chabang International Country Club (www.laemchabanggolf.com) is one of Thailand's top five golf courses when it comes to design and is certainly Pattaya's best course. The 27-hole course was designed by Jack Nicklaus and bears all his traditional hallmarks, with large fairway bunkers, numerous water hazards and left to right dogleg holes. This course has three distinct nines - the Lakes, Mountain and Valley courses - each with their own unique challenges. The clubhouse is well known for its commanding views, overlooking the lakes and Valley course.
STAY The Golf Lodge, part of the Laem Chabang golf course, offers deluxe accommodation conveniently linked to the clubhouse by an adjoining bridge. Other facilities include a swimming pool and children's playground.
GETTING THERE Pattaya is approximately 140 kilometres south-east of Bangkok via the Bangna-Trat road and the Chon Buri motorway. Driving time will vary from two hours onwards, depending on traffic. Reputable car hire companies include Easy Car (http://www.easycar.com/) and Budget (www.budget.co.th).
Other Pattaya courses
Khao Kheow Country Club www.khaokheowgolf.com
Burapha Golf Club www.buraphagolfthailand.com
PHUKET
WHY GO Phuket is the undoubtedly Thailand's premier golf destination. As the courses are well maintained in both winter and summer months, it presents golfing opportunities year round. Non-golfers will appreciate the variety of activities on offer, from shopping and beach to spa and island-hopping.
GOLF Just seven kilometers from Phuket's town centre is the Loch Palm Golf Club (http://www.lochpalm.com/) - a spectacular offering. This 18 hole, par 72 course is set below a range of majestic peaks surrounding Crystal Lake, the largest lake on any golf course in Phuket. Loch Palm has recently undergone a multi-million dollar upgrade and its second course - Red Mountain Golf Course - opened in 2007. It's now rated Phuket's most challenging golf course and provides an exhilarating test of golf, coupled with breathtaking scenery.
STAY Loch Palm offers luxurious villa accommodation within an easy 10-minute drive to Phuket's amenities. Villa Loch is one of resort's signature villas and boasts the ultimate in luxury and seclusion, combined with the freshness of nature. A contemporary courtyard villa set across three separate, spacious buildings, Villa Loch has four double bedrooms and three bathrooms and boasts a private pool measuring 18 metres, a secluded outdoor Jacuzzi and beautiful garden. Surrounded by Thai architecture, furniture and art, a stay at Villa Loch is a truly unforgettable Thai experience. And as it's a serviced villa, car rental or any other queries can be handled by office staff and airport transfers are typically included.
GETTING THERE Tiger Airways (www.tigerairways.com), AirAsia (http://www.airasia.com/) and Silk Air (www.silkair.com) fly to Phuket from Singapore on a daily basis.
Other Phuket courses
Blue Canyon Country Club, Canyon Course www.bluecanyonclub.com
Laguna Phuket Golf Club www.lagunaphuketgolf.com
Mission Hills Phuket Golf Resort and Spa www.missionhillsphuket.com
Phuket Country Club www.phuketcountryclub.com
KOH SAMUI
WHY GO Koh Samui is Thailand's third-largest island and accessible directly from Singapore, or via an 80-minute flight from Bangkok. The island's laidback atmosphere sets it worlds apart from the constant buzz of Bangkok. Just 20 short years ago, it was visited only by the most adventurous of backpackers, but today it has it all - luxury resorts, budget accommodation, high fashion shopping, chic dining and a full range of adventurous excursions.
GOLF One of Thailand's newest golf destinations Koh Samui has developed several world-class golf resorts - all within easy reach of the island's main beaches. You can also hire your golfing gear on the island, making for a relaxing travel experience.
Santiburi Samui Country Club (http://www.santiburi.com/) is recognised as the island's leading course. An 18-hole championship golf course set on a hillside above Koh Samui's northern coast, it commands breathtaking ocean and beach views. Described as challenging, you'll be put to the test by the course's steep uphill and downhill slopes - making a caddy cart a must. Fairways are cut into the jungle and meander around cliffs, streams and waterfalls - truly an up-close, personal experience with nature.
STAY Santiburi Resort provides individual luxury accommodation, hidden among the tropical greenery. To relax after hitting the links, wind down at Santiburi Spa (www.santiburi.com/spa). Another nearby option is Bo Phut Resort & Spa (www.samui-hotels.com/bophutresort/). And if you prefer a beachfront bungalow, try the unique family-owned and run Zazen Boutique Resort and Spa on Bo Phut beach (http://www.samuizazen.com/). For more accommodation options to suit all budgets, visit http://www.samui-hotel-link.com/.
GETTING THERE Bangkok Airways (www.bangkokair.com) flies daily from Singapore to Koh Samui, as well as from Bangkok and Phuket to Koh Samui.
Other Koh Samui courses
Royal Samui Golf & Country Club www.samuigolfandcountryclub.com
Bophut Hills Country Club www.bophuthillsgolf.com
WHEN TO GO November to May is the driest time of the year, with April and May the hottest months. The south west monsoon brings intermittent rains from June to October. And although courses do dry very quickly, prolonged rains may be an issue in September and October.
CONTACT GolfAsian is a specialist golf travel company offering personalised golf vacation packages throughout Thailand, as well as insider advice. GolfAsian go the extra mile and offers a wealth of information on tourist attractions, to ensure there's something of appeal to all family members. For a run-down of Thailand's best golf courses, check out GolfAsian's website. Tel: +66 2 714 8470, www.golfasian.com
Posted Mar 09
