Playing golf in Bangkok, Thailand’s capital is yet another attraction that adds power to the tourist magnet. In fact, the abundance of quality golf courses in Bangkok has helped make it a top golf destination in it’s own right. Many Bangkok golf courses are designed by the biggest names and have hosted world class tournaments. There are other major factors too, such as the climate which facilitates year round playability. Unlike European or American destinations, where the winter renders many golf courses closed, this is a big advantage.
The tourism friendliness of the golf courses with excellent infrastructure to match is another factor. Not to forget the caddies, who remain an indispensable part of the Thailand golf experience. Last, but not least, the city itself – Bangkok throbs at its very core. It scores full marks for the variety of cuisines, the nightlife and entertainment on offer, all essential to a top golf tour experience.
Many golf tourists tend to skip out Bangkok on Thailand golf tours, visiting destinations such as Phuket, Hua Hin or Pattaya. However those who have sampled golf in Bangkok would happily return year after year or even more frequently. Here’s an author’s list of the best golf courses in Bangkok to consider, when planning a Bangkok golf tour.
- Ayodhya Links : Any golfer who gets the opportunity to play at the most private of golf courses in Bangkok should grab it with both hands. Ayodhya Links offers a brilliant test of strategy and shotmaking, with flawless course conditions to go along. The expansive layout is full of water and features heavily contoured greens that run at high stimp speeds.
- Amata Springs : Yet another private golf club, Amata is one of the top championship experiences for golf in Bangkok. One key highlight is the moveable island green on the par 3 17th. Designed by Schmidt-Curley, the course is a superb test of strategy and shot execution
- Alpine Golf & Sports Club – A former Johnny Walker Classic venue, Alpine is a classic mix of beauty and challenge. Although a member course and very busy, getting tee times at Alpine should not be difficult. For this reason, Alpine is a must play amongst the Bangkok golf courses. It offers a full treat as a championship layout in excellent condition on all counts – tees, fairways and greens.
- Thai Country Club – For a top notch Bangkok golf experience with impeccable service, go no further. The superbly maintained Thai Country Club has hosted big events with some of the biggest names in golf. The clubhouse managed by Peninsula hotels is an absolute joy to wind down in whether it is the locker rooms or the superb restaurant. The caddies are arguably the best in the country.
- Nikanti Golf Club – Opened in 2014, Nikanti delivers as good an experience as any of the top golf courses in Bangkok. The slightly longer drive ( 1h 15m) to get there proves not to be a deterrent for a superb golf day out. Nikanti has an imaginative layout which is backed by excellent conditioning making it a fun and exhilarating offering. The all inclusive food and beverage package to go with it makes it truly worthwhile.
- Royal Gems Golf City: Designed by Ron Garl, the flagship course of this complex is inspired by Augusta’s back 9 and other world renowned holes. The opportunity to get a sense and feel of the most famous championship golf holes is a great novelty. The layout is backed by superb course conditioning and a country club experience to match.
- Cascata Golf Club may well offer the best value of all the golf courses in Bangkok, particularly if you play the C&D courses. The severely undulating layout, with challenging holes, elevated and heavily contoured greens make them a superb test. No golfer returns unimpressed by this experience. The relatively modest green fees to go along is a bonus, even if it takes a little longer to get there.
- Suwan Country Club: Featuring contrasting holes and superb maintenance levels, Suwan Country Club is yet another option for excellent value Bangkok golf. The rest of the facilities to go along are also first rate, so there is a good day lying in store.
- Riverdale Golf Club : Riverdale is a great example of a modern day design carved out in a dried out bed of the Chao Phraya river. The layout is characterised by deeply contoured fairways, elevation changes and some interesting holes, including a two pin option on the 8th par 3. The excellent clubhouse including a restaurant overlooking the 18th par 5 is a great place to wind down.
- Navatanee Golf Course : Best known for its hosting of the World Cup of Golf in 1975, Navatanee is a superb Robert Trent Jones Jr design. The member course has restricted tee times, allowing visitors only on weekdays.
