History of Golf in Thailand
Golf arrived in Thailand during the reign of King Rama V one hundred years ago. It was first played by nobles and other elitists of high society but since then, things have certainly changed. Over the past decade or so, the popularity of golf in Thailand has escalated; played both by local Thais and visiting foreign tourists and expatriates.
Statistics
Meeting to the recent needs of an average of 400,000 foreign golfers coming to the Kingdom annually, golf in Thailand has turned into a huge local industry with new courses constantly being churned out. Golf alone is annually bringing an income of 8 billion baht into the local economy. The amount of golf currently being played in Thai is so colossal that the country has rightly been given the nickname ‘The Golf Capital of Asia’.
Thailand offers over two hundred courses which are rated as of the highest world standard. Many of them have been designed and created by some of the classic names in the golfing world such as Nick Faldo, Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, Seve Ballesteros, Gary Player, and Greg Norman.
So, why is Thailand so popular for golf?
There are an abundance of reasons why golf in Thailand has become so huge. First, if you compare the cost to most golfing countries in the world, Thailand’s golf courses offer membership and course fees at absolute minimal. * * * The general low cost of vacationing in Thailand itself, making the country ideal for cost-efficiency minded tourists.
- Cost-effective: Thailand is great value for the greenback, especially in regards to accommodation, golfing, shopping and dining.
- Weather: Thailand has three different seasons. They are: hot season: March – May, Rainy season: June – October, Cool season: November – February. The best time to visit Thailand is during the cool season but anytime of the year is great. The climate, at most times of the year is hot and humid, Thailand’s hot lightly-breezed weather is just about ideal for golfers who don’t have a fascination for wind and cold.
- Golf Course: Many of the golf courses in Thailand have been designed by top names in the game such as Jack Nicklaus, Nick Faldo and Greg Norman and they are located in delightful locations.
- Geographical Diversity: Golf courses in Thailand are situated in a numerous different locations such as in the mountains or at the sea. Many of these courses can also boast beautiful surroundings, nestled in the misty mountains of the north, parked next to exotic white-sandy beaches or on the fringe of idyllic waterfalls. Thailand,
- Infrastructure: The Tourism Authority of Thailand fully supports golfing in Thailand and so the guaranteed standard is high.
- Accommodation: Five-star accommodation in Thailand is far cheap than anything in a developed Western country. Thailand is well-appreciated around the globe as a haven for an excellent array of 4 and 5 star hotels, again available for a fraction of the cost of what you would pay in a developed country.
- Thai People: Thais are known the world over for their friendly laid-back and friendly nature.
- Cuisine: All the major cities also have a wide selection of international restaurants. Thai food has climbed the ladder in regards to popularity and is now one of the world’s favourite cuisines. Thai food is obviously tastier and far cheaper than in Europe or The US.
- Culture & Customs: Thailand prides itself in that the country has never colonialized, so holding on to its original beliefs and ways of life. Many foreigners enjoy coming to Thailand just to join in a couple of the customs such as Songkran and Loy Krathong.
- Things to do: Besides just playing golf, there is a lot more recreation possible in Thailand. There is shopping, spa, swimming, sunbathing, nightlife and trekking etc.
Being the small country it is, makes traveling to your course of choice convenient. You can be rest-assured that that by car or plane, you are never more than a 90 minute trip away from a 5 star golf course.
Besides its stunning islands and bustling cities, Thai people are also world famous for that one and only ‘smile’, one that is now synonymous with Thailand. One can expect to be greeted everywhere with a Thai smile which will brighten the day and warm the heart. Thailand isn’t nick-named the ‘Land of Smiles’ for no good reason.
Thailand is unique in South-East Asia as never having been colonialized by a Western power. And it is this independence which has ensured an untouched culture seeped in belief in Buddhism and respect for the monarchy. One can come to Thailand and enjoy Thai traditions which have grown immensely in popularity in foreign countries, of these we have Thai boxing, Thai massage, Thai cooking, Thai dance and Thai music. Out of the golf course, Thailand boasts thousands of traditional temples, modern shopping malls, street markets, museums, restaurants and bars. Something for every taste.
What’s the best time of the year for golf?
Golf can be played in Thailand every day of the year. During the rainy season June – October, all the courses have drainage systems so they are still playable, no problems. The hot season is a good time for playing golf and getting a suntan, this runs through March-April. The cool season is probably the freshest time of the year though for golfing in Thailand, November – February.
Source : http://www.tourismthailand.org/interesting-article/content-427-1.html
Been to Pattaya a couple of times now, first time was in February 2000, then back at New Year 2010. What a great place! It caters for everybody: if your searching for social Thai people there is masses of them, if your looking for great food there is quite a little and nightlife is rich. If you want a affordable holiday, you can have it – if you want a pricey holiday, you can have it as well. My friend is really in love with the place and has just bought into a hotel over there. My children love it as well. What a great place to celebrate New Year!