“All my bags are packed, I am ready to go” is how John Denver started his classic “ Leaving on a jet plane” which is about reminiscing the very recent good times and the desire to stay longer with his sweetheart. The golfer is no different before he gets on that plane to get back home, except that here he thinks about catching the one last round of golf and hopefully end his golf holiday in Bangkok on a high with a birdie finish on the last hole. With that sentiment to cater to, the practicalities of doing it take over, so it boils down to the logistics of getting to the golf course, playing a round and still making it in time to the airport. Thankfully, the golfing infrastructure in Bangkok supports this concept, there is enough golf near the Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport. There are plenty of golf courses in Bangkok – several of them are quality options and not more than a 30-minute drive from the Suvarnabhumi International Airport.
Here’s a list of golf near Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi) Airport with a brief description of each,
Thai Country Club
(about 30 minutes drive to Suvarnabhumi Airport)
One of the best golf courses in Thailand with a clubhouse and restaurant of the highest standards. Golf in Thai Country Club is a treat and there is no better way to start or end a golf holiday in Bangkok, than by playing a round golf here and then enjoying the food & beverage at the fantastic restaurant managed by Peninsula Hotels.
Thana City Country Club
(about 25 minutes drive to Suvarnabhumi Airport)
Part of a mega sports complex that will soon also have the Eastin Hotel, the Thana City golf course designed by Greg Norman has always been a favourite with many travelling golfers for the thrills on offer on the layout. The recent renovation of the golf course and the brand new clubhouse make it an even more compelling choice as part of a golf holiday in Bangkok.
Summit Windmill Golf Club
(about 20 minutes drive to Suvarnabhumi Airport)
Designed by Sir Nick Faldo, the course is part of a large residential complex that is also home to the 5 Star Le Meridien Hotel. This is one of the more challenging of the golf courses in Bangkok with water bodies almost always in play. The night golfing allows a longer play period and can come in handy for late arrival and departure flights.
Green Valley Country Club
(about 20 minutes drive to Suvarnabhumi Airport)
Designed by the legendary Robert Trent Jones Jr, there are no pretences about this golf course. It is a golf course for golfers who are challenged by the layout and shot making. The clubhouse and locker rooms are surely in need of a facelift, but there is no question that a serious golfer will enjoy this for its layout and greens.
Panya Indra Golf Course
(about 30 minutes drive to Suvarnabhumi Airport)
The 27 hole Jack Nicklaus designed golf course is as thrilling as golf in Bangkok can get. The course design and layout make one think plenty and it is satisfying to shoot handicap here. The driving range into a lake is just the perfect set up to your round of golf here. It’s a pity that some of the other aspects are not up to the mark, which leaves travelling golfers frustrated. But that aside, it is definitely recommended. And here again, the night golf adds the flexibility to start late. If golfers wish, they can choose to have Panya’s Indra’s umbrella girls accompany them in their round of golf.
In addition to these, there are plenty of other options for golf near the Bangkok airport. So, the desire to play on the way in or the on the way out can be easily catered to. To think of this as another benefit of golfing in Bangkok: If arrival or/and departure can be planned such that there is an opportunity to play a round of golf on each of those days, a 2 night golf holiday can easily contain 3 rounds of golf. Is that not bang for the buck?
