 Golfing in Phuket |
 Golf is one of the most popular sports in Thailand.
The game arrived in the county a century ago and was
quickly taken up by the elite and the fashionable. Among
the first sponsors of the game were the armed forces
and government institutions, which built and continue
to own some of the finest courses in the county.
About 350,000 visitors are believed to have played
golf in Thailand in 2002, generating an expenditure
of nearly 6.2 billion baht. The Tourism Authority of
Thailand is planning to raise these figures to one million
golfers, generating an estimated 18.45 billion baht
by 2007. In 2004 alone, the plan is to attract 400,000
golfers. Who will generate an estimated 7.1 billion
baht, an increase of 14.29% over 2002.
 There
are over 200 high standard golf courses nationwide,
many of them championship standards. The world’s
top designers have made a significant contribution.
Jack Nicklaus, Roboert Trent Jones Jr, Pete De Gar Player
and many others have perfected modern layouts, using
the best grasses and latest techniques.
The result is some of the most attractive courses in
Asia, with excellent facilities, memorable signature
holes and regular maintenance to keep them in top-class
condition. Every course has its caddies; it's mandatory
to empoly one caddie for your round. They are Thailand’s
secret weapon in making golf such good fun. These brightly
clad ladies, in smart uniforms and straw hats, know
lots about the course, smile almost all the time, and
very good at reading putts.
There are at least a few courses in or
within easy reach of all major cites. Most of the newer
courses offer accommodation on site or nearby, plus
recreational facilities for the whole family.
For the more adventurous, there are older, natural
courses in remote areas around the courses in remote
areas around the country owned by the Royal Irrigation
Department, the Electricity Generation Authority of
Thailand, all offering good value. So for golfers who
not only appreciate a challenging course, but an exotically
different one too, there is an extraordinary choice.
The best time to plan a golfing trip is the cool season,
from November to March. From April to October it is
hot and wet, but even in the rainy months the downfall
usually comes in the afternoon, and for only a few minutes.
Most courses have good drainage systems, and the rains
should not interrupt your game for long. At some facilities
you may need to book ahead, through your club or your
hotel, and advance booking is recommended for weekends.
Greens fees continue to be very reasonable, as are the
fees for caddies.
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