Top 10 Best and Most Popular Thailand Golf Courses

Rowan (Guinness Bear) 3 min read

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Thailand is one of the premier golf holiday destinations in the world. Playing some of the best golf courses in your holiday destination is standard practice if you are a golf lover like myself.

However, if you're currently in Pattaya, Phuket, or Chiang Mai and want to play the best courses in the region, you can find many places to play golf. Besides trying to play golf, you can also enjoy other services these golf clubs provide.

So, here are the Top 10 Thailand golf courses you need to try while enjoying the world-class experience.

Discover Thailand's Premier Golf Courses: A Golfer's Paradise Awaits

Thailand is renowned as one of the world's top golf holiday destinations, offering an array of stunning courses that cater to golfers of all skill levels. From the picturesque landscapes of Hua Hin to the vibrant greens of Pattaya and Chiang Mai, each course provides a unique experience enriched by exceptional facilities and breathtaking views. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a beginner, these top 10 golf courses promise unforgettable rounds amidst Thailand's natural beauty and luxurious amenities. Explore the best that Thailand has to offer and elevate your golfing experience to new heights.

#10 Katathong Golf Resort & Spa

The Katathong Golf Resort & Spa is north of Phuket and takes about an hour's drive from Phuket International Airport. The course layout is amidst idyllic views of lush palm trees, a large lake, verdant mountains, and a stunning landscape in Phang Ngan 🥇 It's a challenging 18-hole championship golf course. It is a treat whether you are a beginner or an advanced golfer. First, you can experience the signature hole 10, surrounded by water. Then, you must drive the ball over the enormous lake from an elevated tee down onto the expansive green. At hole 17, you will drive the ball over the invisible green. And hole 18, a challenging finishing hole that you must hit tee off over 200 yards to cross over the water and be in a good position on the green.

Suppose you want to stay in or enjoy some leisure time here; then, in that case, the Katathong Golf Resort and Spa offers 4-star accommodation with exceptional service. It ranges from an outdoor pool to free wifi, private parking, a hot tub, air-conditioned rooms, and much more. The dining scene at this resort & spa is also unique; whether you're in the mood for a romantic dinner, a family gathering, or a business lunch, their inviting atmosphere and attentive service will make your dining experience memorable. Due to its convenient location, which is within reach of Phuket, the Katathong Golf Resort & Spa is number 10 on my list of world-class Thailand Golf courses 🧔

#9 Eastern Star Country Club and Resort

The Eastern Star Country Club and Resort is located on the shore of the Gulf of Thailand in Rayong, a 40-minute drive from Pattaya. The Golf course is a par 72 on 7,134 yards over 520 acres of land and has wide open fairways. Its picture-perfect scenery makes it the most famous golf course around. It features 65 bunkers, 11 lakes, over 2000 coconut palms, and a cool breeze from the sea 🏅 This golf club has been a venue for many regional and local tournaments.

This course will challenge you if you are a beginner or a pro golfer. Playing the 18 holes can take quite a long. Still, you don't have to worry anyway because every hole has picturesque scenery to be admired. The resort and club have many other facilities, such as a practice area and driving range. The clubhouse has all the amenities you can think of. The restaurant, however, is fantastic and serves various dishes at reasonable prices.

#8 Greenwood Golf Club

The Greenwood Golf and Resort is located amongst the tree-lined hills of Chonburi on Highway 331. It is a 27-hole 72-par course across 7015 yards with extensive landscaping, many plants, and flat-lining holes. Peter W. Thompson, a five-time British Open champion from Australia, designed this British-style course. It consists of three courses with 27 holes, divided into three types: links course, British course, and American course. The three courses are named A, B, and C, with A course having fewer water hazards and clover leaf sand traps with a mix of pot bunkers. The B and C courses have characteristic pot bunkers and native grass areas that require skill to exit through.

After a round of golf, you can enjoy the clubhouse and restaurant. The clubhouse overlooks courses A and B, where you can enjoy your drinks and postcard scenery in the backdrop. The Greenwood Golf and Resort is Thailand's 8th top golf course due to its affordable green fee, scenic views, and quality service. When you are in Pattaya, visit this beautiful golf club.

#7 Alpine Golf Resort

Alpine Golf Resort, located 31 km east of Chiang Mai's main town, is easily accessible. It takes only about 40 minutes by car from the city to this beautiful golf course. The 27-hole par 72 courses are spread across 7541 yards, and another 9-hole course called the Sanctuary 9 stretches 3652 yards. Alpine Golf Resort Chiang Mai won 4 awards as the best golf resort, voted by world-class golfers. The Alpine Golf Resort is surrounded by mountains and valleys with cold mornings in winter. This fantastic layout and challenging course make it the 6th top golf course in Thailand.

Another design feature that makes this course unique is that it is blended with rice paddy fields around it. This championship golf course is divided into three courses, A, B, and C, to meet the international gold standards; it is a mix of easy and difficult holes. For example, the par 4 ninth hole is both beautiful and complex at the same time. It might prove challenging if you are a beginner, but it doesn't matter who is counting scores on holiday. You can also enjoy the full range of facilities, such as a banquet, resort, clubhouse, pro shop, swimming pool, and high-class accommodation 🥇

#6 Chiang Mai Highlands Golf and Spa Resort

Suppose you want to experience the most elevated course in the Chiang Mai region. In that case, Chiang Mai Highlands Golf and Spa Resort has the most awe-inspiring mountain landscapes and is memorable. This course is a special 45-minute drive outside the city, situated in one of the most beautiful parts of Thailand. The course has 27 holes, constructed and designed by the world-famous and award-winning golf course architects Schmidt-Curley Golf Design. There are 3 courses named Valley Course (A), Highlands Course (B), and Mountain Course (C). The course’s high elevation makes for a comfortable round of Thailand golf. Set amongst beautiful countryside, plantations, and rice fields, this course is breathtaking.

Over the years, the course has scooped many accolades, such as being voted number 3 in the “Best New Golf Course in Asia” category in Asian Monthly in 2007 and for “Best Value for Money Golf Course in Asia” from the same publication. Chiang Mai Highlands is unique in many ways, offering 5 different tee boxes that give all the holes a different perspective. Over 130 greenside bunkers are on the course, with sloping and super-fast greens that rate approximately 10 on the Stimp-meter.

Catering to international golf parties and holidays, the onsite facilities are of a high standard. They include a stunning clubhouse with an international restaurant, pro shop, locker rooms, accommodation, a resort, a spa, a 300-yard driving range, and many practice facilities such as putting and chipping areas. Merging a beautiful landscape at high altitudes and a stunning golf course that will blow you away is why I ranked it sixth on my list. Chiang Mai Highlands Golf and Spa Resort is a must-play Thailand golf course. 

#5 Laem Chabang International Country Club

Located just a 30-minute drive outside Pattaya, Laem Chabang International Country Club is arguably the region's most beautiful and aesthetically pleasing course. Known for its beautiful flowers, immaculate playing conditions, and holes named, as opposed to a number, the course is spectacular and quaint, all in the same breath.

This 27-hole championship course is set over 700 acres, designed and recommended by Jack Nicklaus, Laem Chabang. From the perfectly maintained conditions on-course to the stylish and impressive clubhouse, everything about this club is 5-star. The thing that makes Laem Chabang stand alone at the top of the food chain is how the holes seamlessly blend in with its exotic and jungle-laden surroundings. Each hole seems unique, with colorful flower beds at every turn, almost reminiscent of the Augusta National course where the Masters is hosted.

With the combination of flowers, exotic plant life, and palm trees lining the fairways, playing Laem Chabang is more of a total experience than a round of golf. From tee to green, you feel like you are playing in someone’s immaculately pruned back garden; that’s how personal this course is. You can also enjoy the full range of facilities, such as a clubhouse, accommodation, pro shop, locker room, driving range, and swimming pool & kiosk.

#4 Red Mountain Golf Club

At one time, not too long ago, the Canyon Course at Blue Canyon Country Club was considered the best course in Phuket, but over the past few years, a new contender has come into the fold. The Red Mountain Golf Club, located in Kathu next to Loch Palm, is now considered the best course in Phuket by many, although the argument is still ongoing.

Red Mountain is the island’s newest Championship course, first opened in 2007 with almost 10 years now under its belt to mature and grow into its surroundings. Built on a disused tin mine, which harks back to the island’s past, the stunning backdrops of the red mountains from which the course takes its name are awe-inspiring. This 72-par course is set over 7,000 yards from the back tees. It incorporates natural waste bunkers, tropical rainforests, mountainous backdrops, deep ravines, flooded gullies, and much more to create a once-in-a-lifetime golf experience.

There are many long par-4s, with a handful of drivable par-4s and dramatic par-3 challenges, making Red Mountain one of the most memorable courses.

#3 The Old Course at Siam Country Club

One of the highest-ranked golf courses in Thailand is The Old Course at Siam Country Club. This world-famous Pattaya golf club was first established in 1971 and was designed by I. Izumi, although the course was recently renovated by Lee Schmidt. Known as a host to numerous international tournaments, especially the LPGA Honda Classic, the Old Course is a real challenge, but at the same time, it offers one of the most special rounds of golf in Thailand.

Due to its age, the course has matured into its woodland surroundings and offers 18 holes of Pattaya golf with a par-72 layout over 6,608 yards from the back tees. The course is always in immaculate condition, as you would expect from such a world-class club, and with a total of 101 bunkers, it’s a real challenge but very rewarding. No expense has been spared in creating this stunning course, utilizing Seashore Paspalum grass for the fairways and Nonotek for the greens.

The course is wholly tree-lined, which gives it a uniquely intimate feel, but you better make sure you are driving the ball straight, or the approach shots can be challenging. Alongside the stunning conditions, the club has world-class onsite facilities, such as a 5-star clubhouse and restaurant, pro shop, and high-end changing and practice facilities. When you want to play one of the best courses in Thailand, The Old Course at Siam Country Club is the ultimate choice. 

#2 Black Mountain Golf Club

Located approximately 10 kilometers west of Hua Hin, Black Mountain Golf Club is a premier golfing destination in Thailand, celebrated for its stunning landscapes and exceptional facilities. Opened in 2007 and designed by renowned architect Phil Ryan, this championship course has earned accolades, including being listed among the 100 Best Golf Courses Outside the USA by Golf Digest and seven times voted Best Golf Course in Thailand on Golf Digest´s list of Best Golf Resort in Asia 2017.

The course features 27 holes with a par of 72, set against stunning black granite hills and lush landscapes. Known for its exceptional conditioning and variety, Black Mountain offers multiple tee options catering to golfers of all skill levels. The course has hosted prestigious events, including Asian PGA Tour tournaments, solidifying its reputation as one of the best in the region.

The clubhouse at Black Mountain enhances the golfing experience with first-class amenities, including a top-notch restaurant serving diverse cuisines, a driving range, a fitness center, spa services, and pool villas. The professional caddies are known for their expertise and friendly service. With its breathtaking scenery and outstanding facilities, Black Mountain Golf Club promises an unforgettable round of golf in Thailand.

#1 The Canyon Course at Blue Canyon Country Club

The Canyon Course at Blue Canyon Country Club is famous for hosting major tournaments throughout the years, with many of the modern greats playing the course, such as Tiger Woods, Freddie Couples, Ernie Els, and many more in the Johnnie Walker Classic 🏆

As the name suggests, this impressive course weaves through tree-lined fairways and a natural canyon that creates stunning backdrops and scary hazards. The course is over 18 holes with a 72-par distance of over 7,000 yards from the back tees, offering one of Thailand's most aesthetically pleasing rounds of golf. Personified by its signature canyon holes on the 13th and 17th, bring your camera along to catch the views. The course has fantastic natural canyons, rolling streams, sheer cliffs with massive drops, and many tree-lined fairways and bunker defense systems.

Alongside the excellent layout of the course, Blue Canyon also offers world-class onsite amenities that include a large clubhouse, 2 restaurants (Golfer Terrace and The Canyon Restaurant), swimming pools, a spa, a pro shop, massage facilities, and changing rooms. Visiting Phuket to play golf without playing the Canyon Course at Blue Canyon Country Club would be sacrilegious, which is why it takes the top spot on my top 10 golf courses in Thailand.

🐻 Top 10 Recap: Thailand's Best Golf Courses

Already seen our #1, but need a refresher? No worries! Here’s a quick recap of our Top 10 Best Golf Courses in Thailand. Each course offers a unique and thrilling golfing experience, making your next golf trip to Thailand an unforgettable one!

Conclusion: Unforgettable Golfing Adventures in Thailand

Thailand offers more than just great vacations—it’s a premier destination for world-class golf. There are around 250 golf courses across Thailand, and more than 70,000 tourists yearly head for their golf holidays. From the challenging Canyon Course at Blue Canyon to the serene landscapes of Katathong Golf Resort, these top 10 golf courses promise an unforgettable experience.

With stunning views, luxurious amenities, and top-notch facilities, golfing in Thailand is a complete package. Whether you're a pro or a casual player, these courses provide more than just a game—they deliver a relaxing, memorable holiday.

Make sure you visit the top 10 world-class Thailand Golf courses to make your golf holidays more memorable. 

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