Golf i Thailand vs. Japan – Japanska golfare återupptäcker Thailand som sitt drömresmål

23 juli 2025

A Closer Look at Two Very Different Golfing Worlds

When it comes to golf, both Thailand and Japan are standout destinations – but for very different reasons. While Japan is home to tradition-rich clubs, refined etiquette, and a deep respect for the sport, Thailand delivers a more relaxed, tropical, and highly accessible golfing experience. It’s no wonder that more and more Japanese golfers are trading rigid tee sheets and strict routines for palm trees, personal caddies, and beachfront views. In this comparison of golf in Thailand vs. Japan, we explore what sets these two countries apart – from course access and travel convenience to the overall holiday experience. Whether you’re a passionate player or a casual weekend golfer, this guide will help you understand why Thailand is fast becoming the preferred choice for Japanese golf travelers.

Golf is deeply rooted in Japan – but not always easy to enjoy

Japan is one of the most golf-loving nations in the world. With over 2,300 golf courses, a long list of top-tier professionals like Hideki Matsuyama and Rikuya Hoshino, and a tradition of corporate golf that shapes business relationships across the country, the sport is as culturally significant as it is popular. But while the love for the game is deep, playing it regularly – especially as part of a true holiday experience – can be more complicated than many would expect. Here´s why:

Rounds are time-consuming

Many Japanese golf courses enforce a full-day structure, with tee times starting early, mid-round meal breaks, and long waits on weekends.

Formal expectations

Dress codes, reserved behavior, and club traditions can sometimes overshadow the joy of the game.

High costs

Even standard rounds can cost the equivalent of luxury experiences abroad, especially on weekends or holidays.

Weather limitations

With harsh winters in the north and rainy seasons in other parts of the country, playable days are limited.

For younger players, women, casual golfers, or those simply seeking a relaxing time, these restrictions have turned golf from a passion into something that requires serious planning, time, and money. It’s no surprise then that more and more Japanese golfers are looking outward—and Thailand has quickly become their tropical, tee-ready escape.

🏝 Thailand: Where Golf Meets True Freedom

Golf in Thailand is a different world. Whether you’re teeing off beside the Andaman Sea, threading a fairway through jungle-covered hills, or finishing your round with a beachfront Thai meal, the whole experience is tailored toward ease, enjoyment, and unforgettable memories. In short, it’s everything Japanese golfers don’t always get at home:

⛳ Walk-on access at most courses 🛺 Short transfers from resorts to the fairway 💆‍♂️ Spa treatments after your round 🥥 Tropical backdrops and warm weather year-round 🎉 A holiday built around golf, not the other way around

Even more importantly, Thailand doesn’t try to control how you enjoy the game. You can play early or late, wear what you feel comfortable in, rent premium clubs or bring your own, and mix in amazing off-course experiences every single day.

✈️ Why Japanese Golfers Keep Choosing Thailand for Their Golf Holidays

The bond between Japanese travelers and Thailand is already strong. Over 1.5 million Japanese tourists visit Thailand each year—not just for golf, but for the full range of wellness, cultural, food, and nature experiences that Thailand does so well. Now, golf is moving from the “bonus activity” list to the main reason to travel. Here’s why Thailand hits the sweet spot for Japanese golfers:

1. Golf-Friendly Weather Year-Round

No need to worry about seasonal closures or snow. From Bangkok to Phuket, Thailand enjoys warm, playable conditions every month of the year. Rainy season rounds are usually still possible in the mornings, with quick drainage on most top-tier courses.

2. Golf Without Barriers

Thailand’s golf scene is designed for public access. Most courses allow anyone to book a tee time, without membership, formal introduction, or strict behavior rules. That freedom makes it easy to plan a golf holiday without stress or awkwardness.

3. Incredible Value

For what you pay in Japan for a weekday round, you could be enjoying a luxury course in Thailand complete with: A dedicated caddy 🧑‍🦱 A golf cart 🛺Scenic fairways and top-notch facilities 🏌️And even a sunset drink by the pool after your round 🍹

4. Golf and Non-Golf Balance

Whether you’re traveling with a spouse who doesn’t golf, with friends who want adventure, or as part of a group with mixed interests, Thailand offers something for everyone. Play a morning round, then explore temples, beaches, Thai massages, or nightlife.

5. Easy Access and Direct Flights

Thailand is well connected to Japan with direct flights from Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, Fukuoka and more to Bangkok, Phuket, and Chiang Mai. Visa-free entry and tourism-focused infrastructure make the entire process smooth and hassle-free.

🏌️‍♂️ Where Japanese Golfers Prefer to Play in Thailand

Japanese travelers tend to be highly selective about quality. The good news? Thailand delivers. Let’s look at the top destinations that keep Japanese golfers coming back year after year.

Phuket – Island Paradise with Championship Courses

Phuket is the perfect mix of tropical island holiday and elite-level golf. It’s often the top pick for golfers combining luxury and leisure.

• Red Mountain Golf – A dramatic layout carved through jungle and red rock cliffs, often ranked Thailand’s most beautiful.

• Blue Canyon Country Club (Lakes Course) – A former home of the Johnnie Walker Classic, known for its bold design and lush greenery.

• Laguna Golf Phuket – Set within a luxury resort area, this course is perfect for couples or families seeking an all-in-one golf and beach stay.

Pattaya – Golf Meets Entertainment and Convenience

Just a two-hour drive from Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport, Pattaya is ideal for short stays, group golf tours, and nightlife-lovers.

• Laem Chabang – A world-class 27-hole Jack Nicklaus design with elevation changes and manicured fairways.

• Siam Country Club (Old, Plantation, Waterside) – Home to the LPGA Thailand, all courses are pristine, professional, and perfect.

• Chee Chan Golf Resort – One of Thailand’s newest gems, set against the dramatic backdrop of the golden Buddha mountain.

Hua Hin – Coastal Calm with a Golfing Heart

For those seeking a quieter, more traditional atmosphere, Hua Hin offers elegant beachfront hotels and some of Thailand’s finest courses.

• Black Mountain – Ranked as one of Asia’s best courses, with championship pedigree and incredible conditioning.

• Pineapple Valley Golf Club – Formerly Banyan, this scenic course delivers peaceful rounds and top service.

• Springfield Royal – A forgiving layout that still challenges, great for mixed-ability groups and relaxed rounds.

🏨 It’s More Than Golf – It’s a True Holiday

This is where Thailand really wins.

In Japan, a golf trip is often just that—a trip for golf. But in Thailand, the same trip can include:

• 🌊 Longtail boat rides or private yacht charters

• 🛍 Shopping trips and local night markets

• 🍣 Thai-Japanese fusion dining in beachfront settings

• 🍵 Spa treatments and wellness retreats

• 🎭 Cultural shows, temples, and historical day tours

Whether you’re traveling solo, with a partner, or in a society group, Fairways of Eden helps you mix golf with meaning. You’re not just booking tee times—you’re planning experiences.

You decide:

• 🏨 Where to stay (budget or luxury)

• ⛳ How often to play

• 🍹 What kind of activities you want outside the course

Everything is fully customizable and booked in one place.

🎯 Ready for a Golf Trip That Feels Like a Reward?

If you’re ready to experience golf in a way that’s stress-free, beautiful, and full of unforgettable memories, Thailand is calling. No complicated bookings. No rigid routines. Just great golf, stunning views, and a holiday designed around you.

👉 Start planning your Thai golf holiday with Fairways of Eden now

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