Golf is often known as a rich man’s sport. Apart from the equipment, membership of a golf course is not only a status symbol, but it can also become a very expensive hobby too. However, one of the most competitive areas to golf is in fact South East Asia’s Thailand.
According to a recent survey conducted by Asian golf vacation specialists Golfasian, Thailand has some of the most competitive golf rates for visitors across Asia and the Middle East.
The average round of golf was 29% lower in Thailand than a similar number of clubs surveyed across six different countries. The survey compared the midweek high season visitor rates. The most expensive golf course was US$271.00 at the Emirates Club’s Majlis course, home to the Dubai Desert Classic. At the other end of the scale, the lowest rate was US$111.00 at Bangkok’s Muang Kaew Golf Club and that rate even included a massage.
Mark Siegel founder of Golfasian and President of Golf in A Kingdom said, “We knew from the feedback we were getting from our regular customers, that golf here was very reasonable. However we were very surprised that our survey showed that there really was such a large difference between Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Dubai or Bali.
“For example, a round of golf at Black Mountain Golf Club in Thailand’s Hua Hin, who recently hosted both the Asian Tour Masters and the prestigious Royal Trophy, was only US$130.00. This compares with another Asian Tour venue, Sentosa Golf Club in Singapore, where they charge US$238.00 a round, but without a caddie.”
Siegel explained, “For our survey to be fair, we compared rates with similar top championship courses in Thailand and abroad. Many of the courses selected have held international golf championships, and all offer a first class golfing experience.
“Apart from the cost of actually playing 18 holes on some great courses, another plus factor for golfers holidaying in Thailand, is that the cost of lodging, transportation and food and beverages is also lower.”
Staying in the well-known Hilton Phuket Arcadia Resort starts from US$130.00 whereas starting rates at the Hilton Kuala Lumpur are US$177.00. The Marriott Hua Hin Resort and Spa charges US$157.00 while the Singapore Marriot has their best rate at US$335.00.
Golf in A Kingdom promotes the Thailand golf experience, and features the leading Thai championship golf clubs and top hotels and resorts… basically the cream of the crop:
- Banyan Golf Club in Hua Hin
- Black Mountain Golf Club in Hua Hin
- Chiang Mai Highlands Golf & Spa Resort
- Loch Palm Golf Club in Phuket
- Muang Kaew Golf Club in Bangkok
- Red Mountain Golf Club in Phuket
- Riverdale Golf Club in Bangkok
- Siam Country Club in Pattaya
- Thai Country Club in Bangkok
With the golf industry desperate to increase year on year revenues, at least Thailand seems to be addressing the situation, with good quality courses offering realistic rates.
Golf in A Kingdom www.golfinakingdom.com