14 Jun 2023

At our 3 websites, Pattayagolf.net, Phuketgolf.net and Thailandgolfdeals.com  we want to ensure you get the most from your Thailand golf holiday to not just play the best courses, but also get the best from your time in the Land of Smiles. With so many beautiful holiday and golf locations across the Kingdom, it is important that you get some honest information before you book your Thailand golf holiday.

We have assembled a comprehensive Thailand golf and holiday Q&A that covers everything from playing golf to other important tidbits of information that will help you to not only have the holiday of a lifetime but also to understand more about Thailand in general.

Playing Golf in Thailand

We are going to start with the most important information – playing golf in Thailand. Check out these very informative questions and answers in regards to your Thailand golf options.

Q: At Best Tee Times, which areas in Thailand do you cover in regards to booking golf?

A: Our scope is right across Thailand with a special focus on Pattaya, Bangkok, Phuket, Hua Hin, and Chiang Mai golf.

Q: Is there a dress code when playing on Thailand golf courses?

A: There are, yes! As you know, etiquette on the golf course is one of the most important things about playing golf, and Thailand is no different. Men will need to wear golf shoes, socks, tailored pants or shorts, polo shirts with collars or a golfing T-short.

Women will need to wear golf shoes, socks, tailored shorts, pants or skirts, blouses or polo shirts with collars. As you know, it’s important to look the part when playing golf. Non-golfers will also have to fulfill the same requirements.

Q: Are caddies compulsory, even if I take a cart?

A: Yes, you will need to hire a caddy on every course. Caddies are a great feature of playing golf in Phuket as they will carry your clubs, assist you with distances and reading greens and will also repair divots and rake bunkers. Caddies cost approximately 300-400 THB. At the end of the round, you will also have to tip your caddy, which is currently around the 300-500 THB range for 18-holes, but how much you tip is generally down to you.

Q: Do Thailand golf courses have adequate showering and changing facilities?

Yes, all courses have changing/locker rooms. Because of the heat, you will be very happy to have a shower at the end of your round to freshen up a little bit.

Q: Do I need to rent a golf cart on all Thai golf courses?

A: Yes and no! It basically depends on which course you play. There is a compulsory cart rule on most championship standard courses throughout Thailand. Carts are available on most courses if you do not wish to walk around the courses. Courses have different rules so you need to check that beforehand if you want a cart.

Q: Is it possible to rent or purchase shoes and golf clubs on Thailand golf courses?

A: Yes it is possible. You will find pro-shops on most of Thailand’s golf courses, all of which stock lots of clubs and equipment for both sale and rental.

Q: What is the best time of year to play golf in Thailand?

A: We would suggest that if you want to the least humidity and rainfall, between November and March is the best time. Although the golf conditions are pretty good all year round.

Q: Are my family or friends allowed to follow me around the course even though they are not playing?

A: Yes, that is possible, but please remember that there is usually a fee for non-golfers and they are also expected to fulfill the dress codes of the courses just like every other golfer.

Q: Will I be needing a handicap to play golf in Thailand?

A: No, you don’t need one, although you will be expected to have basic knowledge of golf course etiquette.

Q: Is it possible to share my golf clubs with another player?

A: No, this is against course rules. Every club insists that there is one set of clubs per player. If your playing companion doesn’t have clubs, he can hire them from the pro-shop.

Q: If I am playing alone, will the club assist in finding me another golf to join in with?

A: Yes that will most probably happen anyway. Just ask the ‘Starter’ before you tee-off if you can join another group or if they can find you another golfer to join you. If you tell us beforehand, we can talk to the ‘Starter’ for you.

Q: If I want to book a tour, who can I trust to organize it for me?

A: If you are staying in a hotel, it is highly probable that there will be a tour desk in the foyer. If so, use it. If not, there are hundreds of tour kiosks scattered throughout all of Thailand’s major tourist destinations, and as the tours are generally standard across the board, you will not be ripped off.

 

Phuket Golf Holiday Q&A

One of the most popular places to play golf in Thailand is on the beautiful island of Phuket. The island is the ideal place to play golf because of its reputation as a top-notch holiday destination. Check out our Phuket golf Q&A below to find out more details.

Q: What is the best time of the year to book a golf holiday in Phuket?

A: Weather-wise, between December and the end of April is the best time of the year in terms of humidity, but it’s also the busiest time of the year too. Although between May and November can throw up a bit of rain here and there, it is a quieter time for the island’s courses, ensuring you will get the tee-off time you really want.

Q: I have only recently took up golf, which courses in Phuket would suit a beginner?

A: We would suggest as a beginner that you start out with courses such as Phuket Country Club and Laguna Phuket, and if you are playing well, maybe a round at Loch Palm would be a great way to finish off your Phuket golf experience.

Q: Can I rent golf clubs in Phuket, because I don’t want to traipse mine across the world?

A: Yes! All golf courses in Phuket have clubs available for rental, with prices slightly different depending on the quality and also which courses you rent them from.

Q: Are any courses in Phuket located near the major tourist destinations?

A: Phuket is a relatively small island, so no matter where you want to stay, every course can be reached within a 45-minute drive. Courses such as Laguna Phuket are situated in Surin/Bang Tao, which is a popular holiday location on the west coast. Loch Palm, Phuket Country Club and Red Mountain GC are all located in Kathu, which is just a 10-minute drive from Patong Beach, which is known as the island’s most popular holiday destination.

 

Thailand Holiday Questions

Coming on holiday to Thailand to play golf is an amazing experience, but let us help you to get the best from your holiday by giving you some valuable tips to enjoying a Thailand golf holiday.

Q: What is the voltage of electricity?

A: The voltage in Thailand is 220 volts, 50 cycles per second. Generally speaking, Thailand’s plug sockets are two-pronged, so bringing along a converter is a good idea, although you can actually purchase a converter in Thailand.

Q: Can I drink water directly from the tap in Thailand?

A: Nobody would recommend you to drink tap water in Thailand. Bottled water is so cheap, and is the best thing to drink in Thailand if you want to avoid an upset stomach. Even brushing your teeth with tap water is a no no.

Q: Are the dental services in Thailand of a high standard?

A: Yes! If you need any dental work done, we would advise that you take advantage of the excellent dental services in the kingdom. In most cases, they have the innovative technology that you would see in top quality dental practices in the western world, for a quarter of the price.

Q: What are the opening hours of banks and currency exchange services?

A: Commercial Banks

Hours of Operation: Monday – Friday (9:30am-3:30pm, except bank holidays)

Currency Exchange Services - Hours of Operation: 7 Days (8:30am-10:00pm)

Authorized Money Changers in hotels - Hours of Operation: 24-hour service

 

Q: Is every item I want to purchase in Thailand open to the bartering and haggling system?

A: The vast majority of goods you want to buy from the non-food markets are definitely open to bartering. Items that are on display in shopping centers and high-street stalls have fixed prices, so bartering isn’t needed.

Q: Can I use my credit cards when holidaying in Thailand?

A: Credit card usage is accepted in most upscale restaurants and in department stalls. Tailors will also accept credit cards. Restaurants at the cheap end of the scale normally only accept cash payment.

Q: What is the best form of transport to travel around Thailand?

A: It all depends on what you are looking for. Hiring a car is a great way to traverse the country in comfort and at your own pace, but if you are looking for the most cost effective method, the national bus services are very good. From Bangkok bus station, you can reach the four corners of the nation efficiently for great value.

Q: What happens if I can’t use the SIM card in my mobile phone from my home country in Thailand?

A: You can simply purchase a Thai SIM for as little as 100 baht. This will allow you to make cheap calls in the country at all times. You can obtain a Thai SIM card from one of the small mobile phone kiosks/shops you will see at street-side, or even from the 7/11.

Q: Are there any poisonous/dangerous animals or insects in Thailand?

A: Yes, there are a few poisonous animals in Thailand, although there are very few incidents that occur. Generally speaking, you will only come into contact with venomous creatures when in countryside or jungle environments. Thailand does have poisonous snakes, scorpions, jellyfish and centipedes, but 99.9% of travelers never have any problems.

Q: Is Thailand a safe place to walk at night?

A: You can find places within any country that aren’t safe. This is a sad fact of life. However, Thailand is one of the safest holiday destinations in the world to walk the streets at any time of the day or night. Use your common sense though, especially if intoxicated.

Q: In case of emergencies, what standard are the hospitals?

A: Bearing in mind you will have holiday insurance which covers medical bills from accidents or illness; you will most likely be treated in one of the nation’s international hospitals. This is ideal, because the international hospitals can be akin to glorified hotels with private rooms and extensive food menus. The facilities in Thailand’s international hospitals are more than likely better than those of your own country. They really are that good.

Q: Are supermarkets and shopping malls closed on Sundays?

A: No. All the major shopping malls and supermarkets are open 7 days a week.

Q: Will I need to speak Thai to get by?

A: In all the major tourist destinations such as Bangkok, Pattaya, Phuket, Koh Samui, Chiang Mai and Hua Hin, you will easily get by just using English. However, if you are travelling across the country through rural areas and Thai towns, you will struggle to converse, so some kind of translation book might be a good idea, just in case you find yourself in a squeeze.

We hope you found some valuable information in this article to not only get the best from your Thailand golf experience, but also to get the best from your entire holiday. There are so many things to see and do in Thailand, so it’s important you know the lay of the land.

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