Songkhla is one of the most convenient golf destinations in southern Thailand for golfers who want affordable rounds, easy airport access, and a mix of local culture with coastal sightseeing. With Hat Yai as the main transport hub, most golf courses in the area are only about 20 to 45 minutes from Hat Yai International Airport, making Songkhla a practical choice for short golf breaks as well as longer multi-stop trips through southern Thailand.
Compared with Thailand’s larger golf hubs, Songkhla feels more relaxed and less commercial, but it still offers enough variety to build a satisfying golf itinerary. The area is especially popular with Malaysian and Singaporean golfers because of its border access, competitive green fees, and the ability to combine golf with food, markets, and old-town experiences.
Best Golf Courses in Songkhla
Songkhla’s golf scene is built around a small group of courses that each serve a different type of golfer. If you are visiting for the first time, the most useful shortlist starts with Southern Hills Golf & Country Club, Hat Yai Resort & Golf Club, Thong Thai Ban Rai Golf Course, and Songkhla Navy Golf Club.
- Southern Hills Golf & Country Club
Southern Hills Golf & Country Club is the headline course in Songkhla and the one most likely to appeal to golfers looking for the strongest all-round test. GolfLux describes it as a 7,045-yard Perry Dye design set in a lush valley, with hills, lakes, and dense vegetation shaping the round. It is the course that gives Songkhla its championship identity.
- Hat Yai Resort & Golf Club
Hat Yai Resort & Golf Club is the other major round in the destination and a very solid companion to Southern Hills. Designed by Robert McFarland, it runs through former palm plantations with mountain scenery and plenty of water in play, giving golfers a scenic but still competitive resort-style experience.
- Thong Thai Ban Rai Golf Course
Thong Thai Ban Rai Golf Course is better suited to golfers who want a lighter, more casual round. It adds flexibility to a Songkhla golf trip, especially for groups with mixed handicaps or for travelers who want one easier day in the itinerary.
- Songkhla Navy Golf Club
Songkhla Navy Golf Club is a simpler option, but it has practical value because of its proximity to Songkhla city. For golfers staying near the coast or combining golf with city sightseeing, it works well as a convenient extra round rather than the centerpiece of the trip.
Which course is better?
If you want the best overall golf experience in Songkhla, Southern Hills Golf & Country Club is usually the first choice. It has the strongest design profile, the most memorable terrain, and the clearest championship feel.
If you want a course that feels scenic, established, and slightly more resort-oriented, Hat Yai Resort & Golf Club is the best alternative. In practice, most first-time visitors should plan around these two courses first, then use Thong Thai Ban Rai or Songkhla Navy Golf Club depending on time, budget, and playing level.
Best Time To Play Golf In Songkhla
The best time to play golf in Songkhla is from November to February, when the weather is cooler and generally more comfortable. This is the most reliable season for golfers who want easier playing conditions and fewer disruptions from rain.
March to May is hotter but still playable, while June to September brings occasional afternoon rain. GolfLux also notes that the northeast monsoon can affect southern Thailand from October to early December, so morning tee times are usually the most pleasant choice year-round.
Songkhla Golf Holidays and Package Tours
Songkhla works well as a short standalone golf break, but it also fits naturally into a larger southern Thailand or cross-border golf itinerary. For golfers who want a longer journey, relevant options include
both of which make sense for travelers combining Songkhla with other southern destinations.
If you want a more personalized program, the best option is to use Create My Tour so the trip can be built around your airport, preferred courses, hotel style, and any extra stops you want to add. That is especially useful in Songkhla, where golfers often want to combine golf with Hat Yai, Songkhla Old Town, or even onward travel into Malaysia.
Golf with Culture and Coastal Stops in Songkhla
One reason Songkhla feels different from many golf destinations is that the off-course experience is genuinely worth your time. Songkhla Old Town is known for its heritage streets and cultural atmosphere, while Samila Beach and its Golden Mermaid statue are among the city’s best-known landmarks.
Hat Yai also adds another layer to the trip. Golfers can explore Kim Yong Market, enjoy the cable car and hilltop viewpoints at Hat Yai Municipal Park, or use the city simply as a convenient base with strong food and shopping options before or after their rounds.
Book Tee Times in Songkhla
Songkhla is easy to play, but tee times should still be booked with a clear plan, especially on weekends and holiday periods. Since most courses are within comfortable reach of Hat Yai, the destination is ideal for efficient golf scheduling as long as transfers and preferred tee times are confirmed early.
For the smoothest trip, it helps to finalize your course list, preferred playing window, airport transfer needs, and hotel base before booking. In Songkhla, the best itineraries are usually the simplest ones: two strong rounds, one easy local add-on, and enough free time to enjoy the character of southern Thailand beyond the golf course.