Golf in Thailand vs. Scandinavia – How Thailand Compares to Golf in Sweden, Norway & Finland

Гольф в Таиланде и Скандинавии: чем Таиланд отличается от гольфа в Швеции, Норвегии и Финляндии

9 Май 2025

Scandinavian golfers are among the most passionate in the world. Whether you’re teeing off under the midnight sun in Sweden or planning your weekend fourball in Finland, golf is more than just a hobby across the Nordics, it’s a lifestyle. But when winter sets in, fairways freeze and golf bags go into hibernation. That’s where Thailand steps in. Learn everything about Golf in Thailand vs Scandinavia.

With year-round sunshine, affordable pricing, and some of Asia’s most beautiful golf courses, Thailand has become a second home for thousands of Nordic golfers, especially during the colder months. Let’s take a closer look at how golf in Thailand compares to golf in Sweden, Norway, and Finland, and why so many Scandinavians keep coming back – particularly to Hua Hin.

Golf in Sweden with Deep Culture but Short Season

Sweden is a true golfing nation, with more than 450 courses and a proud history of producing international talent. The quality of public courses is generally high, and the golf culture is well-developed across the country.

However, the major downside is the season. In most regions, you’ll only get around five months of playable weather, from May to September. Even then, early spring and late autumn can be chilly, with rain or frost occasionally closing courses. Green fees and memberships have also seen price increases, especially at more desirable clubs.

Swedish golfers often find themselves juggling limited tee times, short summers, and the growing cost of a full golf experience – all of which make the idea of playing in Thailand that much more appealing.

Golf in Norway – Stunning But Short-Lived

Norway offers breathtaking scenery and some memorable golf moments. Playing with a view over the fjords is something special, but the number of courses is far lower than in Sweden, and the season is even shorter. Most courses only operate from June to September, and playing conditions can still be unpredictable.

Many Norwegian golfers love the game but struggle to fit it into their schedules, especially when travel within the country can be time-consuming and pricey. For that reason, it’s not surprising that Thai destinations with particularly Phuket and Pattaya have seen an increase in Norwegian bookings, especially in winter and early spring.

Golf in Finland – Popular But Weather-Dependent

Finland has steadily built up its golf culture, with around 140 courses and a growing number of enthusiasts. Golf is accessible and well-organized, but once again, the weather imposes limits. The courses are usually open from May until late September, leaving a large part of the year unsuitable for play.

While Finnish golfers enjoy a strong local community, many still look abroad when they want to take a real golf holiday. Something that includes not just golf, but also warm weather, relaxation, and a bit of adventure.

That combination is what makes Thailand such an attractive option.

Why Thailand Has Become the Go-To Golf Destination for Scandinavians

Thailand isn’t just a great place to play golf. It’s a destination where the game becomes part of a broader holiday experience. For Scandinavian travelers, the appeal is crystal clear: sunny weather, great hospitality, excellent food, and golf courses that are open all year round.

One of the standout destinations for Scandinavian golfers is Hua Hin. Often described as Thailand’s golf capital, Hua Hin offers a laid-back atmosphere, beautiful mountain and ocean views, and some of the best-maintained courses in the country. Over the years, it has quietly become a favorite for Swedes, Norwegians, and Finns alike. With many choosing to stay for weeks at a time, returning season after season.

The Courses You’ll Fall in Love With

While Scandinavian golf offers a burst of summer beauty, Thai golf delivers something more enduring — year-round variety, warm hospitality, and outstanding course conditions. And for many Nordic golfers, Hua Hin has become the heart of it all.

This charming coastal town is home to some of Thailand’s finest golf. At Black Mountain Golf Club, you’ll find a championship layout surrounded by mountain views. Pineapple Valley Golf Club (formerly Banyan) blends scenic beauty with top-tier service. Courses like Springfield Royal Country Club challenge your course management, while Palm Hills Golf Club offers wide fairways and relaxed play – ideal for social rounds. Even Seapine Beach Golf, set right along the beach, gives you the kind of setting that’s impossible to recreate back home.

In Phuket, you’ll discover Red Mountain Golf Club, dramatic and bold with elevation changes and jungle surroundings, and Mission Hills, which offers ocean views from several holes. Pattaya serves up Siam Country Club Waterside Course, a regular tour stop with immaculate conditions, and Laem Chabang International Country Club, a 27-hole Nicklaus-designed gem.

If your journey begins or ends in Bangkok, Nikanti Golf Club is a must-play — stylish, efficient, and all-inclusive — while The RG City Golf Club is ideal for a final round before flying home.

And if you’re still deciding where to play, you can always browse all of our trusted partner golf courses across Thailand on our Course Overview page. With over 60 options available, there’s something to match every style, level, and travel plan.

From Frost to Fairways – The Scandinavian Shift

It’s not just the courses or the weather. It’s the full package. In Thailand, golfers from Sweden, Norway, and Finland find something they rarely experience at home: a golf trip that truly feels like a vacation.

You can start the day with a round of golf, have a beachfront lunch, enjoy a massage in the afternoon, and still be back in time for cocktails. Whether you’re traveling solo, with friends, or as a couple, Thailand offers full flexibility and all of it at a fraction of the cost compared to similar resorts in Europe.

And when you book through Fairways of Eden, you get full transparency, hand-picked courses and hotels, and the ability to customize every detail of your trip.

Dreaming of fairways instead of freezing mornings?
It might be time to take your golf game south.
👉 Start planning your custom golf holiday in Thailand now

Frequently Asked Questions?! Golf in Thailand vs Scandinavia

FAQ – Golf in Thailand vs. Scandinavia

Is golf really cheaper in Thailand compared to Sweden, Norway, or Finland?

Yes — and the difference is often significant. While Scandinavian green fees are rising, Thailand’s courses remain affordable, especially considering what’s included. In Thailand, your round comes with a professional caddy, high-quality facilities, and warm hospitality. Even championship courses like Black Mountain or Siam Country Club are often priced lower than mid-range Scandinavian clubs. Factor in food, transfers, and spa options, and the overall value is far superior.

Can I play golf in Thailand year-round, even during the rainy season?

Absolutely. All major Thai golf destinations — Bangkok, Pattaya, Hua Hin, and Phuket — operate 12 months a year. Even in the rainy season (May–October), showers are usually short and courses drain quickly. Morning tee times are especially reliable. Scandinavian golfers often plan trips between November and March for the best weather, but many also enjoy “green season” travel, where courses are lush, crowds are smaller, and prices drop significantly.

Why is Hua Hin so popular among Scandinavian golfers?

Hua Hin has become the “winter home” of many Nordic golfers. It combines a relaxed coastal atmosphere, safe environment, and some of Thailand’s best golf courses. Black Mountain and Pineapple Valley rank among Asia’s top layouts, while Springfield and Palm Hills add variety. Many Scandinavians stay for weeks at a time, often with partners or families. With excellent dining, clean beaches, and a slower pace than Bangkok or Pattaya, Hua Hin perfectly matches the lifestyle preferences of Swedish, Norwegian, and Finnish golfers.

How does the Thai golf experience differ from Scandinavia?

The biggest differences are convenience and hospitality. In Thailand, courses are open to everyone — no membership barriers. Every golfer has a dedicated caddy, transfers are easy, and off-course amenities like spas, pools, and beach clubs are part of the holiday. In Scandinavia, golf often feels seasonal and competitive. In Thailand, it becomes a full experience — golf in the morning, Thai massage in the afternoon, and a beachfront dinner at night. It’s not just a round, it’s a vacation.

Are Thai golf courses suitable for all skill levels?

Yes. Thailand offers everything from championship courses that test low-handicappers to forgiving resort-style layouts perfect for beginners. Scandinavian golfers traveling as couples or groups appreciate this flexibility, as players of different abilities can still enjoy the same trip. Many courses also provide English-speaking PGA pros for lessons, and modern indoor simulators are available for those who want extra training. Whether you’re a scratch golfer or just starting, Thailand makes the game accessible.

How do Scandinavian golfers usually book golf holidays in Thailand?

Most golfers from Sweden, Norway, and Finland prefer booking through specialist agencies like Fairways of Eden. This ensures tee times, hotels, transfers, and caddies are pre-arranged. It also avoids language barriers or on-the-ground confusion. Packages are customizable: you can choose your courses, accommodation type, and add extras like spa days, boat tours, or nightlife. Independent booking is possible, but golfers usually find curated packages smoother, especially for multi-destination trips.

What’s the best time for Scandinavians to travel for golf in Thailand?

The peak season is November to March, when Thailand enjoys dry, sunny weather and Scandinavia is deep in winter. This makes it the ideal escape. However, many golfers also travel in April, May, September, and October, when prices drop and crowds thin. Since Thailand offers golf year-round, the “best time” depends on your schedule and budget. Unlike Scandinavia’s 4–5 month season, Thailand’s golf never stops.

Is traveling to Thailand for golf easy from Scandinavia?

Yes. Direct and connecting flights from Stockholm, Oslo, Copenhagen, and Helsinki regularly serve Bangkok, and onward connections to Phuket are seamless. Travel time averages 10–12 hours, making it a manageable long-haul trip — especially for winter escapes of 1–3 weeks. Once in Thailand, domestic transfers between golf regions are efficient, whether by private van, train, or short flight. Many Scandinavians combine golf with beaches, wellness, and cultural experiences, making the journey well worth it.