Introduction

Thailand, the ideal Holiday Venue

   Players of all standards are welcome too, for most courses have golf pros ready to pass on a few tips,as well as practice putting greens and driving ranges where golfers can sharpen up their game. Top international stars are regular visitors,coming here to either play in exhibition games or to compete in the prestigious Johnnie Walker Classic, now a regular fixture on the European P.G.A Tour.
   Another great advantage of playing in Thailand is the weather. The country's balmy tropical climate means that there's hardly a day in the year when a round of golf cannot be enjoyed. It takes a mighty downpour to force golfers off the fairways and into the bar.

    Many of Thailand's golf courses have been designed with assistance from the game's top names : Robert Trent Jones Jr, Arnold Palmer, Nick Faldo, Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player to name but a few. As a result, they are international class in layout, full of clever challenges and riddled with interesting hazards. In virtually all cases,imported grass has been used for greens and at least part of the fairways, so the actual feel of the course is reminiscent of top overseas courses. Golf carts are widely available too.
    Maintenance is high priority. Teams of workers are always on hand to ensurethat courses stay in the best shape all year round. Proper drainage and sprinkler systems are employed, and lakes, or "klong" are often built to ensure plentiful supplies of water and to help beautify the surroundings.

    Yet another attraction of Thail golf courses is the caddy system. In general, this task falls to the ladies whose courteous nature frequently belies a thorough knowledge of the course and the way it plays. As many golfers have discovered, Thai caddies can provided timely advice on impending hazards,where bestto lay up and the speed of the green, savingvaluable shots on your scorecard.

   Once the game is over, it's time to retreat to the clubhouse, an oasis in every sense of the word. In Thailand,golf clubhouses offer thewarmest of welcomes amid luxurious surroundings. Changing rooms are not only plush and comfortable, but are usually equipped with sauna and massage - just perfect afer a hot and arduous day on the fairways. They also boast good quality restaurants and bars serving local and international fare at affordable prices. Some even have accommodation and facilities equivalent to a four-star hotel.

    Bangkok has the highest concentration of golf courses, making it an ideal base for golf tours. Some are located within the city limits and take on 30-40 minutes' drive to reach from the city centre, while others are set slightly farther afield, though still within easy reach of central Bangkok.
   The popular beach resorts of Pattaya and Hua Hin have plenty of excellent courses to choose from, including several with stunning ocean views. Western Thailand similarly boasts a selection of first class courses,set in remote but beautiful areas of the country, while places like the southern island of Phuket andthe northern capital of Chiang Main maintain the very high standards to be found throughout the kingdom.

Paying golf in Thailand is a truly rewarding experience. The combination of world-class courses and facilities set amidst breathtalking scenery, welcoming clubhouses, friendly and helpful caddies, and some of the lowest fees in Asia, is very alluring. Little wonder, the, that Thailand is rapidly becoming know as the region;s top golfing centre.