Golf in Thailand vs. USA – Why Americans Are Booking Tee Times Across the Pacific

Golf i Thailand jämfört med USA – Varför amerikaner bokar starttider över hela Stilla havet

Q: Is golf really cheaper in Thailand compared to the United States?

Yes — golf in Thailand generally costs 50% less than playing equivalent courses in the US. Green fees at top Thai championship courses usually range from $60–$120 including a caddy , while many American resort courses can charge $200–$400 before adding carts or extras. Beyond green fees, Thailand’s value extends to hotels, food, and spa services, making the total trip cost far more affordable. For American golfers seeking world-class layouts with luxury touches, Thailand offers a better price-to-experience ratio without compromising on quality.

Q: What makes golf in Thailand different from golf in the US?

Golf in Thailand isn’t just about the course — it’s a full holiday experience . Every round includes a personal caddy, courses are often located near beaches or cultural attractions, and service is exceptionally warm. After golf, you can enjoy a Thai massage, fine dining, or a sunset boat trip. In the US, golf trips often focus mainly on the game, but in Thailand the lifestyle, hospitality, and off-course activities are just as important. For Americans, this means golf feels less like a day’s outing and more like a complete vacation.

Q: Which destinations in Thailand are most popular for American golfers?

American golfers often choose Phuket, Pattaya, Bangkok, and Hua Hin . Phuket offers dramatic championship courses like Blue Canyon and oceanfront layouts like Aquella. Pattaya is home to Chee Chan and Siam Country Club, famous for its tournament pedigree. Bangkok provides elite, easily accessible clubs like Ballyshear Golf Links and The RG City Golf Club. Hua Hin delivers scenic, great-value golf at Black Mountain and Majestic Creek. Each region balances golf with cultural and leisure experiences, giving US visitors the chance to mix city energy, tropical beaches, and mountain serenity in one trip.

Q: When is the best season for Americans to golf in Thailand?

The high season is November through March , when weather is dry, sunny, and comfortably warm. This coincides perfectly with winter in the US, making it a great escape. However, golf is played year-round, including during the green season (May to October) , when rain usually comes in short bursts and prices are lower. For budget-conscious Americans, green season offers fantastic value without sacrificing course quality. With proper planning and flexible tee times, you can enjoy excellent golf in Thailand any month of the year.

Q: Is Thailand safe for American golf travelers?

Yes, Thailand is widely regarded as one of the safest and most tourist-friendly countries in Asia . Violent crime is rare, and golf destinations like Phuket, Hua Hin, and Pattaya are heavily geared toward international visitors. English is spoken at most courses and hotels, and Thailand’s tourism infrastructure is highly developed. Of course, travelers should follow standard precautions like safeguarding valuables and drinking responsibly. With its warm hospitality and professional golf culture, Thailand offers American visitors a safe and welcoming environment both on and off the course.

14 maj 2025

The United States is home to some of the world’s most iconic golf destinations from the windswept dunes of Pebble Beach to the manicured fairways of Augusta National. With thousands of courses spread across the country, most Americans are spoiled for choice. But more and more golf travelers are looking east, not just for new challenges, but for an entirely different experience. Read more about Golf in Thailand vs USA.

Thailand has quietly become a top golf destination for Americans, offering a complete package: championship courses, year-round sunshine, warm hospitality, and prices that feel refreshingly affordable. So why are Americans flying 8,000 miles for a golf holiday? Let’s take a closer look at what makes golf in Thailand so appealing. Even for players who live in the land of golf abundance.

The American Golf Scene – Great Courses, But Not Always a Vacation

There’s no doubt the US offers incredible golf. From public access favorites like Torrey Pines and Bethpage Black to high-end resort destinations like Bandon Dunes and Pinehurst, the variety is unmatched. But that variety often comes at a cost. Both in terms of price and overall experience.

Booking a round at a top-tier course in the US can be expensive and complicated, with waitlists, high green fees, and additional charges for carts, caddies, and club rentals. Even resort packages can become pricey quickly, especially when you factor in food, lodging, and transportation.

And while golf trips in the US are often focused around the game itself, the off-course experience can sometimes feel like an afterthought, particularly for travelers seeking a mix of adventure, culture, and relaxation.

What Makes Golf in Thailand Worth the Trip

Thailand flips the script. Here, golf is only one part of the holiday, and everything around it from service to scenery to cost enhances the entire experience.

Courses are open year-round, always include a personal caddy, and are often located near beaches, resorts, and vibrant cities. You can play a stunning round in the morning, enjoy a Thai massage in the afternoon, and watch the sunset from a beachfront restaurant, all without breaking the bank.

The value goes beyond just pricing. Hospitality is built into Thai culture, and golfers feel that from the moment they arrive. Tee times are easily booked. Staff are friendly and efficient. Everything runs smoothly so you can focus on playing your best and enjoying your time off the course.

And while the flight from the US is long, it’s often cheaper than you’d think. Especially from the West Coast. Many travelers combine a Thailand golf holiday with other destinations in Southeast Asia, making it part of a broader bucket list trip.

Where to Play – American Favorites in Thailand

With dozens of world-class courses spread across its most popular destinations, Thailand offers something special for every traveling golfer and Americans are increasingly choosing to explore beyond the fairways of home.

In Phuket, the island’s tropical beauty is matched by bold golf course design. Blue Canyon Country Club – Canyon Course is a legend in Thai golf history — Tiger Woods famously played here, and its dramatic layout through deep canyons makes every hole memorable. To the north, near the Phang Nga border, Aquella Golf & Country Club offers a newer, upscale experience with ocean views and a serene, high-end vibe. Together, these two courses give visitors a mix of prestige and discovery.

In Pattaya, golf is big, bold, and beautifully maintained. Chee Chan Golf Resort, located beneath the towering Buddha Mountain, delivers wide fairways, fast greens, and five-star service. It’s a favorite for golfers who want modern design in a spectacular setting. Meanwhile, Siam Country Club with multiple 18-hole layouts including Old Course, Plantation, Waterside and Rolling Hills is the heartbeat of tournament golf in Thailand. Americans looking for a high-level experience will feel right at home here.

Bangkok offers a different kind of golf. Polished, elite, and surprisingly accessible. Ban Rakat Club (Ballyshear Golf Links) is an architectural masterpiece, inspired by early 20th-century links design and one of Asia’s most unique layouts. The RG City Golf Club, located conveniently near the airport, provides a modern and efficient final round for those flying in or out of Thailand’s capital.

Even if you’re heading a bit further south, Hua Hin offers incredible value and scenic golf. Black Mountain Golf Club is a championship-level favorite among international visitors, while Majestic Creek Golf Club is a more relaxed, rural experience, perfect for a day trip or a quiet stay.

All of these destinations and over 60 partner courses across Thailand are listed on our Course Overview page, with real-time pricing and full customization options available when planning your golf holiday.

Not Just a Round. A Whole New Golf Experience

American golf trips often involve early tee times, fast food lunches, and flights back home the next day. Thailand changes that pace completely.

You wake up in a beachfront resort. Your transfer is arranged in advance. You arrive at the course, where your caddy is already waiting with your clubs. After your round, you head for a massage, a cold drink, or a boat tour? No rush, no stress.

Golf becomes just one part of something bigger: a complete, relaxing, and unforgettable holiday.

Fairways of Eden makes this easy. You can choose your destination, select courses and hotels, and add as many or as few activities as you like. Whether you’re traveling with your partner, your golf buddies, or solo, everything is customizable and transparent from start to finish.

Looking for your next great golf story?
Thailand might just be the best round of your life and everything around it makes it even better.

👉 Start building your Thailand golf holiday today

FAQs: Golf in Thailand vs USA

Is golf really cheaper in Thailand compared to the United States?

Yes — golf in Thailand generally costs 50% less than playing equivalent courses in the US. Green fees at top Thai championship courses usually range from $60–$120 including a caddy, while many American resort courses can charge $200–$400 before adding carts or extras. Beyond green fees, Thailand’s value extends to hotels, food, and spa services, making the total trip cost far more affordable. For American golfers seeking world-class layouts with luxury touches, Thailand offers a better price-to-experience ratio without compromising on quality.

What makes golf in Thailand different from golf in the US?

Golf in Thailand isn’t just about the course — it’s a full holiday experience. Every round includes a personal caddy, courses are often located near beaches or cultural attractions, and service is exceptionally warm. After golf, you can enjoy a Thai massage, fine dining, or a sunset boat trip. In the US, golf trips often focus mainly on the game, but in Thailand the lifestyle, hospitality, and off-course activities are just as important. For Americans, this means golf feels less like a day’s outing and more like a complete vacation.

Which destinations in Thailand are most popular for American golfers?

American golfers often choose Phuket, Pattaya, Bangkok, and Hua Hin. Phuket offers dramatic championship courses like Blue Canyon and oceanfront layouts like Aquella. Pattaya is home to Chee Chan and Siam Country Club, famous for its tournament pedigree. Bangkok provides elite, easily accessible clubs like Ballyshear Golf Links and The RG City Golf Club. Hua Hin delivers scenic, great-value golf at Black Mountain and Majestic Creek. Each region balances golf with cultural and leisure experiences, giving US visitors the chance to mix city energy, tropical beaches, and mountain serenity in one trip.

How does the service at Thai golf courses compare to the US?

Service is where Thailand shines. In the US, caddies are optional and often costly, while in Thailand, a dedicated caddy is mandatory and included with every round. Caddies guide you with distances, green reading, and even moral support, turning each round into a more enjoyable experience. Courses also provide seamless transfers, friendly clubhouse staff, and a relaxed pace of play. Many American golfers comment that the warm hospitality and attention to detail in Thailand far exceed what they’re used to at home, making the overall experience feel special.

When is the best season for Americans to golf in Thailand?

The high season is November through March, when weather is dry, sunny, and comfortably warm. This coincides perfectly with winter in the US, making it a great escape. However, golf is played year-round, including during the green season (May to October), when rain usually comes in short bursts and prices are lower. For budget-conscious Americans, green season offers fantastic value without sacrificing course quality. With proper planning and flexible tee times, you can enjoy excellent golf in Thailand any month of the year.

Do American golfers need to bring their own clubs to Thailand?

Bringing your own clubs is always an option, but it’s not required. Most Thai courses offer high-quality rental sets, often featuring leading brands like Titleist or TaylorMade. Fairways of Eden can arrange rentals in advance, ensuring you arrive stress-free. For Americans planning multiple rounds, bringing clubs may be worthwhile, but casual travelers often prefer to rent. Since domestic flights within Thailand are club-friendly and affordable, you have full flexibility. Either way, you’ll have everything you need for a seamless golf holiday.

Is Thailand safe for American golf travelers?

Yes, Thailand is widely regarded as one of the safest and most tourist-friendly countries in Asia. Violent crime is rare, and golf destinations like Phuket, Hua Hin, and Pattaya are heavily geared toward international visitors. English is spoken at most courses and hotels, and Thailand’s tourism infrastructure is highly developed. Of course, travelers should follow standard precautions like safeguarding valuables and drinking responsibly. With its warm hospitality and professional golf culture, Thailand offers American visitors a safe and welcoming environment both on and off the course.

Is the long flight from the US to Thailand really worth it for golfers?

Many American golfers find the trip more than worth it. From the West Coast, flights to Bangkok can take under 20 hours, often with affordable fares compared to luxury US golf trips. Once in Thailand, costs for accommodation, food, and golf are much lower, so the savings balance out quickly. Plus, you’re not just playing golf — you’re enjoying beaches, cultural experiences, and world-class hospitality. Some travelers combine Thailand with nearby countries like Vietnam, Cambodia, or Singapore, turning one long flight into a bucket-list golf adventure across Asia.

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