Golf in Thailand vs. the UK: Two Worlds, One Love for the Game

6 May 2025

Golfers from the UK are no strangers to tradition. After all, the modern game was born on Scottish links, refined across centuries, and embraced by millions. But sometimes, even the most loyal golf enthusiast needs a break from grey skies and muddy bunkers. Enter Thailand: a destination where golf feels different. Warmer, more relaxed, yet no less refined.

If you’re a UK-based golfer considering a golf holiday, this comparison will help you understand what to expect from Thailand’s vibrant golf scene and how it contrasts with your local experience. Lets dive into the differences between Golf in Thailand vs UK.

Heritage vs. Hospitality

Golf in the UK is steeped in history. The ancient fairways of St. Andrews, Royal Birkdale, and Royal Troon are sacred ground. Clubhouses tell stories that date back centuries. Etiquette and tradition run deep, shaping everything from dress codes to tee time conduct.

Thailand approaches the game with a different mindset. Here, it’s about hospitality and enjoyment. Golf is still taken seriously, but it’s wrapped in a package of friendliness and service that might surprise you. Caddies greet you with a smile and assist throughout your round. Staff help with bags, booking is smooth, and there’s often a cold towel waiting for you at the 18th.

While the UK leans on legacy, Thailand shines in the experience. It’s less about tradition, more about making your round as enjoyable and stress-free as possible.

A Warmer Welcome (Literally)

UK golf means preparing for the elements. Wind, rain, chilly mornings, and unpredictable weather are part of the experience. For some, it’s character-building. For others, it’s a reason to seek sun elsewhere.

Thailand, on the other hand, offers golf in tropical paradise. From November to February in the dry and “cool” season temperatures are comfortable, skies are clear, and conditions are perfect. Even during the warmer or wetter months, showers pass quickly and courses drain fast. Year-round play is the norm.

Many UK golfers book Thailand golf holidays in winter to escape the cold and keep their swing in shape. There’s something special about teeing off in shorts while your mates back home are stuck at the range in jackets.

Golf Caddies and Club Culture

In the UK, unless you’re at a prestigious club or an event, you’re likely carrying your own bag or using a trolley. In Thailand, every round includes a personal caddie. Often female and highly trained, they assist with distances, club selection, and reading greens. Some even track your score and offer local tips.

This is more than a luxury, it’s part of the culture. And for UK golfers used to playing solo, the social side of having a friendly local walking the course with you can be a refreshing change.

The atmosphere in Thailand is also more relaxed. Courses are professional, but the vibe is often lighter, making it easier for casual or mid-handicap players to feel comfortable.

Price and Value

Golf in the UK can be affordable or extremely pricey, depending on where you play. A round at a top-tier course may cost upwards of £200 and that’s without a caddie, cart, or extras.

Thailand offers exceptional value for money. Most packages through Fairways of Eden include the Green fee, Caddie fee, Golf cart and Hotel pickup and return.

All of this at many premium courses for what you might pay for just the green fee back home. Even five-star resorts and iconic courses like Blue Canyon, Black Mountain, or Chee Chan are often more affordable than you’d expect.

You get premium service and tropical scenery for less. It’s the perfect balance for your golf trip to Thailand.

Course Styles and Scenery

British golf is built on links and parkland. Coastal winds, pot bunkers, firm turf, and subtle undulations define the playing experience. Many UK courses favor accuracy and creativity over raw distance.

Thailand’s courses are lush, sculpted, and dramatic. Expect jungle-lined fairways, elevation changes, waterfalls, and vibrant green landscapes. Courses like Red Mountain in Phuket offer canyon-like holes and sweeping vistas. Others, like Laguna Golf Phuket or Springfield Royal in Hua Hin, wind through palm trees and water features.

It’s not just a round of golf, it’s an adventure.

The Full Holiday Experience

A UK golf trip often revolves solely around the game: golf, pub, sleep, repeat and there is nothing bad with that. On the other hand Thailand gives you the option to build a holiday that’s as relaxing or active as you want it to be.

Non-golfers in the group? No problem. With Fairways of Eden, you can mix rounds with Island boat trips, Spa days, Cooking classes, Gin or wine tastings, Temple and cultural tours and so much more.

Golfers can play a new course each day, while others enjoy beach time or local experiences. Everyone wins.

Planning and Booking Made Simple

Planning a UK golf break can involve endless emails, calls, and coordination between courses and hotels. With Thailand, especially through Fairways of Eden, the process is far more streamlined.

You can build your entire custom golf package online, mixing:

• Destinations (Phuket, Pattaya, Hua Hin, Bangkok)
• Number of nights
• Golf courses
• Type of accommodation
• Activities

Plus, the Fairways of Eden team is available to assist at any step. You see transparent pricing, book securely, and enjoy full support before, during, and after your trip.

Popular Thai Courses for UK Golfers

While each golfer has personal favorites, some Thai courses are especially popular among UK travelers:

• Red Mountain (Phuket) – Challenging and scenic, with elevated views
• Black Mountain (Hua Hin) – Impeccably maintained with a tour-level layout
• Chee Chan (Pattaya) – Modern design with the iconic Buddha mountain in view
• Laem Chabang Country Club (Pattaya) – Laid-back atmosphere near the beach
• Blue Canyon (Phuket) – Historic course where Tiger once played

All available through the Fairways of Eden booking platform, with easy add-ons for hotels and transfers. If you want to find a full list and more information about all partner courses please check out our Golf Course Overview.

Thailand may not have 500-year-old clubhouses or names etched into Open Championship history. But for UK golfers craving great golf, warm hospitality, and something a bit more adventurous, it’s quickly becoming a favorite.

Ready to design your perfect Thailand golf getaway? You can build your trip in minutes at Fairways of Eden and discover just how different your next round can feel.