I've recently taken up golf, and whilst off on our Xmas Hols this year I would like to be able to get a round in..

Either when we are at Pattaya or maybe when we head down to Samui.

Problem being I'm no pro just yet, and am a little way off getting a handicap But even so I love the game and am trying my best to get as much pratice in as possible.

I'm not sure if there would be any courses I could play, do I need a handicap I've been told there are quite a few courses around Pattaya, and I think there is only 1 on Samui

Any advice would be appriciated

Hi Sythai,
Firstly you don't need a handicap. Secondly there are some fantastic golf courses, as a beginer try Siam`country club.
And if you want to try a real pro course try, Cow Kiaw (spelling).
Just one thing though, I don't think that they let you play a round alone, you may have to have a partner.
Make sure you take a change of clothes, you will be drenched when you have finished, club houses have exellent facilities, showers etc.
Should cost you between £15,£30ish, depending on which course, and remember green fees are more expensive on a week end
And this will include cart, caddie, green fees,.

Look here and here

There are 21 or 22 golf courses around Pattaya
the best way is to go to one of the bars in Pattaya.

I would recomend the caddy shack as they are an informal bunch easy to get on with not as clicky as some of the others or the bunker bar for around 200 bhat they will take you to a course and bring you back you can just join in.

If you play 3 rounds they will give you a handicap
look on the Pattaya mail website under sports in any issue
it will give you the address of all the bars they will even
lend you some clubs if you don't have your own.
There is a bar on every second or third hole on most of the courses
I have played every course in Pattaya they are some of the best in the world, the caddies are nice too.
enjoy

I will be playing a round or 2 myself over xmas in Pattaya
well I have got to take her somewere for a honeymoon

I will be in thailand from 7/11--4/12
Won't be in Pattaya much but I,m up for a round if anyone else is?

Thanks guys, that sounds promising, looks like will be ok then after all..

quote:

I don't think that they let you play a round alone, you may have to have a partner.

Sorry forgot to mention will be hooking up with some friends out there so that won't be a prob... we're all pretty much of the same standard, so should be a laugh

quote:

There is a bar on every second or third hole on most of the courses

could make things a little more interesting, I like it

For the course on Samui, your right, there is only one, called Santiburi. It's a mountain course which is a challenge but the views are just outstanding. There is an English golf pro on the island (Alex Lester from Surrey) He has a shop at Tescos, he gives lessons at thedriving range or the course itself.

Have fun SyThai,

MakTB

Forgot to mention, just across the water on the ferry are two easier golf courses in and around Surat Thani.

the golf in pattaya is second to none, you'll enjoy it.
a couple of us used the sugar shack but found the lads ok but when you go to the course it's a free for all to tee of first and you get left to tee of with whomever you can, and as we were last off when we got back to the club house a few of the regular golfers had got fed up waiting for the last four ball and took the bus back and we had to wait for it to return.
the best people we have played golf with are called co-co golf, the proprieter being an english chap called simon, very organised and very friendly, if you require his details pm me.

SyThai
The course on Samui is not particularly long, fairly narrow fairways, and the views are absolutely stunning
Don't worry about the fact it's a mountain course, either get a buggy, or your caddy will push you up the hills anyway!

Like I said still bit of a novice.... but definately will give a couple a try in Pattaya - maybe Siam Country club if that is a good one for a beginner then.

And would love to go round tha Samui course and see all the views - but sounds a bit tricky to me, moutains and narrow fairways. Might see if can get a lesson in with the pro.

You never know I might have drastically improved by then, just gonna make sure I get as much practice in as possible before we go in 10 weeks.

Sy, it'll be worth a few lessons here at the driving range then ask the Pro about the course. he'll know better than anyone of your skill and that course. He is really good, helped my game. If you want, check out his website: Samui Golf

All the best

I couldn't get my head around the golf cours next to Bkk airport the first time I seen people playing next to the runway when our plane was taxying.Surely this wouldn't be allowed in England because with my slice I'm sure there would be a few cracked cockpits.
Also Bryn what airport do you fly out from as were going out and coming back the same dates as you.Manchester with Emerites 1.20pm for us
Oops got it wrong Bryn we fly 1 day before you and come back the day before.Any way have a good one.
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Dave

Dave posted.

quote:

Bryn what airport do you fly out from as were going out and coming back the same dates as you.Manchester with Emerites 1.20pm for us

Hi Dave, We fly 09.50 6th Nov with Qatar MAN.
Return 20.35 3rd Dec BKK.

Won't be in Pattaya much, but should be Pattaya and Koh chang for about a week. Fancy a meet?. Golf perhaps? Beer? I can tell you how Rovers hammered Man City 4-1
regards
Bryn

quote:

could make things a little more interesting, I like it

Siam country club is every 3rd hole, Have a heineken, and put another in your golf cart, to keep you going a bit

Siam country club for me is a great course,
Don't get it confused with Pattaya country club, that is a boring course.
And remember to book your cart when you book your tee off time, I went once didn't book the cart,and had to delay the tee off time while a cart came back in. I was a little merry before we tee,d off.
regards
Bryn

MakTB.... checked out the website and looks pretty good. Had a word with the friend I'll be going round with and we're gonna go halves on a couple of lessons which should work out ok, thanks for that.

Bryn... looks like Siam Contry club it is then plus a couple of beers on the way and l'll make sure we book our cart - thanks for the advice

Will let you guys know how I get on and how many balls I loose along the way, could be quite amusing

Bryn it would be great to meet up and maybe be have a round of golf or many rounds of beer. or both.
We are staying in our condo in Jomtien give us a pm and let us know nearer the time what dates you might be round and about and let the good times roll.
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Dave

quote:

Bryn it would be great to meet up and maybe be have a round of golf or many rounds of beer. or both.

That's a done deal then.
Contact you in the near future
regards
Bryn

Bryn
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Dave

a minor warning - it can be very busy around xmas time.
I've played for years with the sugarshack in pattayaland soi 1. I'm there around xmas too - so there's another option for you.

Well just got back from Thailand and me and Bryn did meet up as well as Mervyn with nights out together in Pattaya and we all went to Koh Chang together buts thats a different story.
Me and Bryn played the Siam Country club.What an excellant course and as Bryn said in a previous post a bar every third hole,which was needed as due to rain the night before no buggies were allowed on the course.We had a good laugh with the caddies who said they have never seen two worse players,oh well we were no Tiger Woods.
After the game a shower in the excellant facilites a free meal thrown in on the price and a few beers on the terrace overlooking the 18th green,all in all one day to be remembered.
Oh and I forget to say I won re-match booked for next time Bryn.
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Dave

i only started playing golf after i returned from thailand and it doesn't look like i will be getting out there soon again.

playing golf in london is great but after reading your story i'll probably be playing a round a day when i am next in thailand.

the wife won't be happy!