In 1960 Pattaya was still a peaceful fishing village. Today South East Asia’s most famous and notorious seaside resort attracts a strange blend of tourists, consisting out of huge crowds of single men as well as entire families. The first type of traveller mainly visits Pattaya for pursuing their hedonistic desires. Nowadays there’s many other reasons to come to Pattaya and golf is one of the highlights. With nearly 20 courses within reach of Pattaya, no other place in Thailand offers such a big choice in a convenient area. The courses are brilliantly maintained, challenging and not too expensive.

During the last two decades golfing has become one of the most popular sports in Thailand. This sport’s fast increasing popularity was most likely also influenced due to the world’s best player, Tiger Woods, having a Thai mother. Recently Thailand organised several international golfing tournaments. Each year new courses are constructed. Destinations such as Chiang Mai, Phuket, Kanchanaburi, Hua Hin and Khao Yai offer well designed world-class golf courses too, but it is Pattaya that truly appeals to the golfer, since it’s so close to Bangkok and with its hospitality and nightlife creates a perfect boys weekend away.

Today Pattaya undoubtedly provides a haven for both the beginning and advanced golfers. You’ll also be pleasantly surprised by the cheap green fees, the golf equipment’s rental rates and several other necessary expenses. Enjoying a very reasonably priced golf day has become very popular among tourists. The person who will teach you the essential golfing skills is usually a professional player. In general the green fees will be between 400 and 1,000 baht on weekdays and between 600 and 1,700 baht on weekends. The hire rates for clubs vary from 400 to 600 baht and a pair of shoes and umbrella (highly recommendable during the afternoon) can be rented for 100 baht each.
In keeping with Pattaya’s spirit, even the caddies are pretty
In keeping with Pattaya’s spirit, even the caddies are pretty

Early in the morning is the most convenient time to arrive at the course of your choice as about three hours later it might become too crowded. The cooler weather conditions during the early morning hours along with the more laid-back atmosphere are benefits as well. If you still prefer to play around afternoon than you should keep in mind that the heat often reaches unbearable heights, which often seems to be the cause for other players to behave rather annoyingly.

You shouldn’t have any difficulties finding a travel agency in your country or in Thailand, which organises a selection of various golf trips. They also provide the option to experience plenty of world-class courses in two or three days, while Pattaya’s renowned Thai hospitality and vibrant nightlife may be enjoyed as well.

Most of the clubhouses at the golf courses are well-facilitated and often feature a bar, restaurant, golfing equipment shop and a service offering traditional Thai massages. At the majority of the courses it is possible to rent the necessary equipment. The International Pattaya Golf Club issues membership cards, which only cost 200 baht and are valid for two years. Many ex-pats and even tourists make use of this popular golfing. Once registered as a member you are allowed being a player in the club’s tournaments, which usually take place twice monthly on various course locations.

I recently had a most enjoyable golfing holiday in Pattaya and some of the courses I truly enjoyed playing included the Rayong Green Valley C.C., which is a scenic and superbly, by Thompson & Wolveridge, designed course. This golf course houses an outstanding clubhouse along with several accommodation options. Another of my personal favourites is Laem Chabang. This well situated 27 holes course enjoys the reputation being one of the finest in the country. Finally I would like to mention Siam C.C. Many golfers will tell you that this course offers Thailand’s most difficult challenge. The combination of narrow fairways, sand, water features and mature landscapes create an unforgettable golf course.

There are too many to mention here, but a list of golf courses in Pattaya can be found here, with full descriptions.