The Bunker Boys!

Golf in Thailand

Golf arrived in Thailand during the reign of King Rama V one hundred years ago. It was first played by nobles and other elitists of high society but since then, things have certainly changed. Over the past decade or so, the popularity of golf in Thailand has escalated; played both by local Thais and visiting foreign tourists and expatriates.

Although Thailand’s golfing history is indeed short, it is nevertheless noteworthy. Golf was first played at the aristocratic old Royal Hua Hin course in the 1920’s by the then King and members of the royalty and aristocracy.

Most of Thailand’s 200 plus golf courses of today were built to international standards during the mid-1980’s and early 1990’s, and were planned by some of the world’s leading course designers, including Arnold Palmer, Nick Faldo, Jack Nicklaus, and Gary Player.

These designers are reputed for making challenging, creative courses, with brilliant layouts, and Thailand’s courses do not fall short of that standard. Evidence in support of this claim can be found in the fact that Thailand’s courses play host to a number of international tournaments, including the Johnnie Walker Classic, which is a regular fixture on the European Pro Golfers Association Tour.
Presently there are over 200 golf courses spread throughout Thailand, making golf available nearly anywhere, even in some of the most remote areas.

Construction of courses came to an abrupt halt with the devaluation of the baht in 1997, however the established courses nonetheless remain well groomed to the highest international standards. Thailand is said to be one of Asia’s top golfing centres, and the commitment to quality courses and outstanding services are ample justification for that claim.

Statistics
Meeting to the recent needs of close to half a million foreign golfers coming to the Kingdom annually, golf in Thailand has turned into a huge industry with new courses constantly being designed. Golf is annually bringing an income of 9 billion baht into the local economy. The amount of golf currently being played in Thailand is so huge that the country has rightly been given the nickname ‘The Golf Capital of Asia’.

Thailand offers over two hundred courses which are rated as of the highest world standard. Many of them have been designed by some of the great names in the golfing world such as Nick Faldo, Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, Seve Ballesteros, Gary Player, and Greg Norman.

Why Is Thailand So Popular For Golf?
There are many reasons why golf in Thailand has become so huge. If you compare the cost to most golfing countries in the world, Thailand’s golf courses offer membership and course fees at the absolute minimum. The general low cost of holidaying in Thailand itself makes the country ideal for tourists looking for a bargain

- Cost-effective: Thailand is great value for money, especially in regards to accommodation, golfing, shopping and dining.

- Weather: Thailand has three different seasons. They are:

Cool season: November – February.

Hot season: March – June,

Rainy season: July – October

Thailand is largely tropical, so it’s hot and humid all year around with temperatures in the 28-35°C range, a degree of relief provided only in the mountains in the far north of Thailand. The careful observer will, however, note three seasons:

Cool: From November to the end of February, it doesn’t rain much and temperatures are at their lowest, although you will barely notice the difference in the south and will only need to pack a sweater if hiking in the northern mountains, where temperatures can fall as low as 5°C. This is the most popular time to visit and, especially around Christmas and New Year’s, finding flights and accommodation can be expensive and difficult.  

Hot: From March to June, Thailand swelters in temperatures as high as 40°C. Pleasant enough when sitting on the beach with a drink in hand, but not the best time of year to go temple visiting in Bangkok.

 

Rainy: From July to October, although it only really gets underway in September, tropical monsoons hit most of the country. This doesn’t mean it rains non-stop, but when it does it pours and flooding is not uncommon.

There are local deviations to these general patterns. In particular, the south-east coast of Thailand (including Koh Samui) has the rains reversed, with the peak season being May-October and the rainy off season in November-February.

The best time to visit Thailand to go golfing is during the cool season but anytime of the year is great. The climate most of the year is hot and humid, Thailand’s hot lightly-breezed weather is just about ideal for golfers who don’t like the wind and cold weather.

Check the weather in Thailand NOW!   http://www.tmd.go.th/EN/

For more information visit http://www.simply-thai.com/Thailand_page_Seasons.htm

- Golf Courses: Many of the golf courses in Thailand, as mentioned before, have been designed by top names in the game such as Jack Nicklaus, Nick Faldo and Greg Norman and they are located in delightful locations.

- Geography: Golf courses in Thailand are situated in many different locations such as in the mountains or by the sea. Many of these courses can also boast beautiful surroundings, nestled in the mountains in the north of Thailand or next to exotic white-sandy beaches or with idyllic waterfalls nearby.
 
- Infrastructure: The Tourism Authority of Thailand fully supports golfing in Thailand so the standard of roads, directions to golf courses etc. are guaranteed to be high.

- Accommodation: Five-star accommodation in Thailand is far cheaper than anywhere in the developed Western world. Thailand is greatly appreciated around the globe as a haven for the excellent choice of 4 and 5 star hotels available for a fraction of the cost elsewhere.

 

-Thai People: Thais are known the world over for their relaxed, friendly nature, laid back style and, of course, their smiles.

 - Food: All the major cities also have a wide selection of international restaurants and Thai food is now one of the world’s favourite cuisines. Thai food is often spicy, but not always, tastier and much less expensive than many other places around the world.

-Culture & Customs: Thailand prides itself in that the country has never been colonized, thus, holding on to its original beliefs and ways of life. Many foreigners enjoy coming to Thailand just to join in with some of the celebrations and customs such as Songkran and Loy Krathong.

- Recreation: Apart from just playing golf, there is a lot more recreation possible in Thailand like shopping, spa’s, swimming, sunbathing, nightlife and trekking etc. There are zoos, tropical gardens, crocodile farms, elephant rides, fun fairs, water parks and much more.

Besides its stunning islands and bustling cities, Thai people are also world famous for that one and only ’smile’, one that is now synonymous with Thailand. One can expect to be greeted everywhere with a Thai smile and a “Wai” which will brighten the day and warm the heart. Thailand isn’t nick-named the ‘Land of Smiles’ for nothing.

Thailand’s independence has ensured an untouched culture steeped in belief in Buddhism and respect for the monarchy. You can come to Thailand and enjoy Thai traditions which have grown immensely popular with foreigners. There is: Thai boxing, Thai massage, Thai cooking, Thai dance and Thai music. Away from the golf course, Thailand boasts thousands of traditional temples, modern shopping malls, street markets, museums, restaurants and bars. Something for every taste.

-What’s The Best Time Of The Year For Golf?

Golf can be played in Thailand every day of the year. During the rainy season June – October, all the courses have drainage systems so they are still playable, no problems. The hot season is a good time for playing golf and getting a suntan, this runs through March-April. The cool season is probably the freshest time of the year though for golfing in Thailand, November – February.

Charity Golf Tournaments

The Bunker Boy’s have an annual golf tournament in memory of John Preddy who was one of our regular golfer’s and, in fact, played a large part in organizing golf at The Bunker. Local children’s charities benefit from this increasingly popular event which is held every year near the end of November. The Pattaya Sports Club have many events throughout the year and we strongly recommend a visitor to Thailand join this non-profit making organisation as the many discounts available and other benefits are well worth the membership fee. For more information visit www.pattayasports.org

Tips To Enjoy Golf In Thailand

- Now, when foreigners come to a place like The Land of Smiles to play golf, having a good time is of the upmost priority.

- The Thai are pretty laid-back, so don’t complain a lot even if they lose, in fact they usually don’t even have handicaps.

- The Thais really appreciate foreigners who attempt to learn some of the local language and even if it’s only a few words the foreigner can say, he will be making lots of new friends in no time.

- In Thailand membership is not needed to play at a golf course.

– Friendly pretty caddies and carts can be hired for a fraction of the cost of the Western world. A lot of foreigners may be mystified to see their caddies walking around in blazing temperatures but being typical Thai, they prefer to stay out of the sun.

- Clubs and all other golf equipment can be hired at The Bunker Bar and all golf courses in Thailand.

- All foreigners when entering the gold course should adhere to Thai ways and dress respectably when out on the course and that means wearing a nice shirt trousers (or skirt) and shoes, no-one is allowed in if they course show up bare-chested wearing only shorts and sandals.

Thailand’s Culture, Traditions And Etiquette

- Just like any country in the world, the locals are proud of their country and culture and appreciate foreigners who take the time to read up and adhere to some of their ways.

– The Thais avoid confrontation, arguing and constant bickering, so the foreign visitor ought to relax, be patient, try not to raise your voice and chill out; ‘mai pen rai’ which means ‘never mind’/'it’s all right’.

If the foreign visitor respects the locals they will receive respect back; it is best advice to try and have good manners at all times. ‘Nam jai’ literally ‘water heart’ which means ‘understanding’/ ‘considerate’, most of the times the Thais will selflessly go out of their way to ensure that the foreigner’s stay in Thailand is a truly pleasant one.

Appreciation for such acts of kindness should be returned. ‘Wai-ing’, this is done by placing ones palms together in prayer-like fashion and placing them on the chest with the tip of the fingers touching the nose. The depth of the wai depends on the amount of respect someone wants to show.

Pee-nong system or in English, patron-client-relationship wai first. wai children or service assistants, such as waiters or taxi drivers. The Thais think it’s funny when they see foreign visitors mistakenly doing this.

- Thailand is a Buddhist country and so the head is the most sacred part of the body, therefore it is essential not to touch someone on the head.

- Unlike in the west, a Thai would never start waving his/her arms frantically in the air and making a big fuss if the waitress got the order slightly wrong,

- There is a phrase in Thai ‘mai pen rai’ which means ‘never mind’/'it’s all right’. If the foreign visitor respects the locals they will receive respect back; it is advised to try and have good manners at all times.

- Another phrase in Thai that the foreigner should know is is ‘nam jai’ literally ‘water heart’ which means ‘understanding’/ ‘considerate’, most of the times the Thais will selflessly go out of their way to ensure that the foreigner’s stay in Thailand is a truly pleasant one. Appreciation for such acts of kindness should be returned.

– Thais greet each other by ‘wai-ing’, this is done by placing ones palms together in prayer-like fashion and placing them on the chest with the tip of the fingers touching the nose. The depth of the wai depends on the amount of respect someone wants to show.

- Age and social class are very important, Thais show a lot of respect to elderly folk and those in authority. This is part of Thailand’s ” pee-nong” system or in English, patron-client-relationship

- The person of who is the lesser, for example the younger, should usually wai first.

- Thais do not usually wai children or service assistants, such as waiters or taxi drivers. The Thais think it’s funny when they see foreign visitors mistakenly doing this.

- The lowest part of the body are the feet, these must be tucked in. Unlike in the west for example, the Thais do not stretch out their legs and feet on say the bus or train.

- Thais never use their feet to grab someone else’s attention or open a door for example.

- Thai-style eating is by using a spoon to put rice into the mouth and not a fork. Forks are OK though for fried noodles and snacks but not usually for rice dishes.

- Foreign tourists are recommended not to eat in their hotel every day, instead, they ought to try some of the food sold on the street by vendors, a lot of it is just as good, if not even more tasty that the 5 star variety.

- When in Thailand, it is advised to keep ones alcohol consumption under control, no-one appreciates folk who are uncontrollable; otherwise they could end up major problems with the Thai police.

- Thai people have a lot of respect for their religion. When foreigners enter a temple they should dress respectably; women certainly do not wear a revealing mini skirt, hot pants or strapless top; if they did the old monks may be offended.

- It is perfectly acceptable to snap a picture of a Buddha Image but under no circumstances should anyone climb on or even touch it.

- Thais, when seeing a monk walking towards them, step aside and let them pass. They also give up their seats on the bus for monks. Women must never touch a monk.

- Thais, when giving a donation to a monk or temple, always put the money in an envelope and hand it over like that. It is incorrect for a monk to touch money but some still improperly do.

- Thais do not appreciate foreigners who come here and walk around bare-chested, including going topless on the beach, in fact it is actually illegal and a fine could be imposed.

- Shorts are acceptable in Thailand but they ought to look neat and tidy.

- Thais women are conservative and self-conscious about their looks; foreign women should wear a bra at all times.

- Besides Buddhism, the Thais also have a lot of respect for the royal family. It is socially taboo for anyone to say anything negative about any of the royals.