Golf in Thailand vs. Singapore & Malaysia – Why Thailand Leads the Way for Golf Holidays

Golf in Thailand vs. Singapur & Malaysia – Warum Thailand bei Golfurlauben führend ist

8 Mai 2025

Southeast Asia is a golfer’s paradise, but not all countries offer the same experience. If you’re based in or traveling through Singapore or Malaysia, you may wonder: Should I plan my next golf trip locally or hop over to Thailand for a more memorable experience? In this article, we compare golf in Thailand vs. Singapore and Malaysia, looking at accessibility, pricing, course variety, service, and the overall vibe of a golf holiday. Spoiler: Thailand comes out swinging.

The Golf Landscape in Singapore – World-Class But Limited

Singapore may be known for its clean streets and cutting-edge infrastructure, but when it comes to golf, the space constraints are very real. In recent years, several well-known golf courses have shut down, including the iconic Jurong Country Club and Raffles Country Club, making it harder for locals and visitors to secure a tee time.

What remains are top-tier but mostly private or exclusive clubs, such as:

Sentosa Golf Club (home of the HSBC Women’s World Championship)
Laguna National Golf Resort Club
Tanah Merah Country Club

These are incredible courses, but access is often limited to members or hotel guests. On top of that, green fees in Singapore are among the highest in the region, often starting at 150–250 SGD per round – and that’s without a caddy or golf cart in many cases.

If you’re looking to combine golf with a real holiday feel, Singapore can be restrictive, expensive, and less relaxing.

Golf in Malaysia – Great Courses, Uneven Experiences

Malaysia offers more space and more courses than Singapore, with over 150 golf clubs across the country. Popular areas for golfing include:

Kuala Lumpur (TPC Kuala Lumpur, Saujana Golf & Country Club)
Langkawi (The Els Club)
Johor Bahru (Palm Resort Golf & Country Club)

Courses in Malaysia range from luxurious to very basic, but one recurring issue is inconsistency. While some clubs offer excellent service and facilities, others struggle with upkeep or fall short on hospitality. For a Malaysian resident, local golf is a decent option – but for a full golf holiday experience, many travelers still look north.

Even Malaysian golfers often travel to southern Thailand or Hua Hin to enjoy a more premium, reliable, and organized experience.

Why Thailand Is the Golf Holiday Champion

With over 250 golf courses, a rich golfing culture, and warm hospitality, Thailand is Southeast Asia’s top destination for golf tourism. Whether you’re an experienced golfer or just enjoy relaxing rounds with friends, Thailand has something for everyone.

1. Wide Choice of Courses

Thailand’s courses cover every style. From mountain views to ocean-side layouts, from fun resort-style rounds to PGA-level challenges.

You’ll find Tropical island golf in Phuket, Mountain-backed fairways in Hua Hin, Night golf and modern layouts in Bangkok, Championship courses in Pattaya and Chiang Mai.

Every trip can be customized based on your preference and that’s where Fairways of Eden comes in, offering fully personalized golf holidays across the country.

2. Excellent Value for Money

While green fees in Thailand can vary, even the top-tier courses are more affordable than Singapore’s, and you always get more for your money:

🏌️‍♂️ Caddy included in every round
🛺 Golf carts at most courses
⛳ High-end service at clubhouse and pro shops
📱 Easy online booking & English-speaking staff at most clubs

Compared to Malaysia, the value lies in consistency. Thai clubs take service seriously, and the condition of courses is generally superb year-round.

3. Warm Service & Holiday Vibe

Golf in Thailand is more than a sport, it’s part of the holiday. Imagine starting your day with a round of golf overlooking the ocean, followed by a massage, beachside lunch, and cocktails at sunset.

Thailand simply understands that golf is a lifestyle, not just a game.

Top Courses to Consider in Thailand (Beyond the Usual Picks)

To avoid repeating the same famous names, here are some hidden gems and strong contenders for your next Thai golf getaway:

Bangkok

The RG City Golf Club – Located just north of Bangkok, The RG City Golf Club offers a unique golfing experience by replicating some of the world’s most iconic holes. The front nine features recreations of famous holes from courses like Oakmont, Bay Hill, and TPC Sawgrass, while the back nine mirrors the legendary back nine of Augusta National, including the renowned Amen Corner.
Nikanti Golf Club – Located in Nakhon Pathom, just west of Bangkok, Nikanti Golf Club offers a unique all-inclusive golfing experience. The course features a distinctive layout of three six-hole loops, providing variety and challenge for golfers of all levels. Its innovative design and exceptional service make it a standout destination for golf enthusiasts.

Pattaya

Siam Country Club – Plantation – Located 12 kilometers north of Pattaya, the Siam Country Club Plantation Course is a 27-hole championship facility set on a former pineapple and tapioca plantation. Known for its rolling hills, panoramic views, and the distinctive triple green feature, it offers a challenging experience for seasoned golfers.
Pattana Sports Resort – Located approximately 45 minutes from Pattaya, Pattana Sports Resort is a comprehensive facility featuring a 27-hole championship golf course. The resort offers full-service accommodation, a range of sports facilities, and dining options, making it ideal for both leisure and corporate events.

Hua Hin

Springfield Royal Country Club – Designed by the legendary Jack Nicklaus, Springfield Royal Country Club is a 27-hole championship course situated in Cha-Am, near Hua Hin. The original 18 holes opened in 1993, with an additional nine holes added later. The course is renowned for its challenging layout, well-maintained fairways, and greens, making it a favorite among golf enthusiasts.
Majestic Creek Golf Club – Located approximately 25 minutes west of Hua Hin, Majestic Creek Golf Club is a 27-hole course set amidst rolling countryside and natural creeks. Designed by Dr. Sukitti Klangvisai, the course features undulating fairways lined with palm trees and offers a challenging layout that appeals to both amateur and professional golfers.

Phuket

Mission Hills Phuket – Crafted by the renowned Nicklaus Design, Mission Hills Phuket Golf Resort is a world-class 18-hole, par-72 course located on the northeast coast of Phuket. The course is set amidst mangroves with phenomenal ocean views, offering golfers a unique experience with bunkers filled with white sand contrasting against lush green fairways and the turquoise Andaman Sea.
Laguna Golf Phuket – Set within the renowned Laguna Phuket Resort, Laguna Golf Phuket is an 18-hole, par-71 course that underwent extensive remodeling in 2015. The course features undulating fairways, well-placed bunkers, and water hazards that provide a challenging yet enjoyable experience for golfers of all abilities.

Why Travelers from Singapore & Malaysia Choose Thailand

Many golfers from Singapore and Malaysia are making the switch to golf holidays in Thailand for one reason: total experience.

Instead of paying more for a single round back home, they can enjoy 2–3 days of golf, Hotel + transfers, Beach, spa, or nightlife, Great food and still spend less than a weekend in Singapore or Langkawi.

With direct flights to Phuket, Bangkok, and Chiang Mai from both Singapore and Malaysia, it’s a no-brainer.

Plan Your Next Golf Trip the Easy Way

If you’re tired of limited tee times, overpriced rounds, or underwhelming experiences, Thailand is your next move. Whether you want a solo golf escape, a fun weekend with friends, or a couples retreat with optional activities, we’ve got you covered.

Fairways of Eden helps you build your own golf trip exactly the way you want it from hand-picked courses and hotel deals to relaxing or adventurous activities on non-golf days.

Ready to plan your ultimate golf holiday in Thailand?
👉 Explore our customizable packages and discover how effortless it is to combine golf, travel, and fun – the Thai way.

FAQ – Golf in Thailand vs. Singapore and Malaysia

Is golf really more expensive in Singapore compared to Thailand?

Yes — by a large margin. Green fees in Singapore often start at 150–250 SGD per round, and that usually doesn’t include a caddy or cart. In contrast, Thailand’s top-tier courses often cost less and always include a personal caddy, with many also including carts. Plus, clubhouse dining, spa services, and overall hospitality are more affordable in Thailand. For the price of one round in Singapore, many golfers enjoy an entire weekend package in Thailand — hotel, transfers, multiple rounds, and extras included.

How does golfing in Malaysia compare to Thailand?

Malaysia has a wide range of courses, but quality can be inconsistent. Some clubs like The Els Club in Langkawi or TPC Kuala Lumpur are world-class, while others struggle with maintenance and service. Thailand, on the other hand, offers consistency across regions. From Bangkok to Phuket, courses are professionally managed, fairways are in excellent condition year-round, and service is reliable. This makes Thailand the preferred choice for golfers who want a seamless, worry-free holiday experience instead of rolling the dice on uneven quality.

Benötige ich eine Mitgliedschaft, um in Thailand Golf zu spielen?

No. Unlike Singapore, where access is often restricted to members or hotel guests, almost all golf courses in Thailand are open to the public. Booking is simple — you can secure tee times through agencies like Fairways of Eden, who handle all details from course selection to transfers. This flexibility means that whether you’re a solo traveler, part of a golf society, or on a couple’s holiday, you can always enjoy Thailand’s best courses without any membership barriers.

How many golf courses are available in Thailand?

Thailand is home to over 250 golf courses, spread across its most popular regions: Bangkok, Pattaya, Hua Hin, Phuket, and Chiang Mai. Each region offers unique landscapes, from coastal fairways and island layouts to mountain-backed greens and city golf clubs. By comparison, Singapore has only a handful of courses, most private, while Malaysia offers around 150 but with varying standards. Thailand’s sheer variety and accessibility make it the most complete golf destination in Southeast Asia.

How easy is it to reach golf destinations in Thailand from Singapore or Malaysia?

Very easy. There are daily direct flights from Singapore and Kuala Lumpur to Bangkok, Phuket, and Chiang Mai. Flight times are short — often under 3 hours — making Thailand a convenient weekend or week-long getaway. Once you land, most top golf courses are only 30–60 minutes from the airport. With organized transfers and pre-booked tee times, you could leave Singapore in the morning and be on the fairways in Thailand by the afternoon.

What makes a golf holiday in Thailand different from Singapore or Malaysia?

Thailand combines world-class golf with a true holiday atmosphere. After a morning round, you can spend the afternoon on a beach, explore night markets, enjoy a Thai massage, or dine at sunset overlooking the ocean. In Singapore, golf often feels like an exclusive sport. In Malaysia, it can feel like just a round. In Thailand, golf is part of a bigger lifestyle — blending sport, relaxation, culture, and hospitality into one seamless holiday experience.

Is Thailand a good option for group or corporate golf trips from Singapore and Malaysia?

Yes. Thailand is one of the best destinations in Asia for group golf travel. Courses in Pattaya, Hua Hin, and Bangkok offer block tee times, tournament-style setups, and resort packages that cater to golf societies and corporate groups. Fairways of Eden regularly arranges events with group transport, scoring formats, and even branded welcome kits. For the cost of a single corporate round in Singapore, companies can host full multi-day retreats in Thailand with golf, team activities, and entertainment included.

Can I book a customizable golf holiday in Thailand online?

Yes. Fairways of Eden offers an industry-first online booking tool that lets you design your trip exactly as you want it. You can select destinations, mix and match golf courses, pick your preferred hotel category, and even add activities like spa days, cultural tours, or boat trips. Once built, your itinerary is reviewed by a local expert to confirm availability. It’s a flexible, transparent system that makes booking a golf trip to Thailand far simpler than arranging the same in Singapore or Malaysia.

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