Pattaya Golf Guide: Discover Thailand’s Premier Golf Hub Near Bangkok
When mentioning Pattaya, many people immediately think of vibrant beaches, lively nightlife, and short getaways near Bangkok. However, for seasoned golfers, Pattaya carries a very different reputation: a destination where championship-level meets an unhurried holiday rhythm.
Golf in Pattaya doesn’t feel rushed or overly competitive. Instead, golfers can enjoy full rounds in an open space, with attentive service and a relaxed pace of life. This is why Pattaya consistently appears on the list of top golf destinations in Thailand and the region.
This Pattaya golf guide explores why the city continues to draw golfers from all over the world.
Why do so many people play golf in Pattaya?
The best thing about Pattaya is its location. Most top golf courses are located within 30 to 50 minutes from the city center and just around two hours from Bangkok, so golfers can easily plan a short Pattaya golf trip to play there. There are a lot of famous golf courses in Pattaya, and they all have their own style. They’re all less than an hour’s drive away.
Pattaya’s golf services are also known for their professional caddy system, modern facilities, and great service for golfers from other countries. Golf is not only a sport here, but it’s also a part of the vacation.
Notable Golf Courses in Pattaya
Siam Country Club
Siam Country Club
The Siam Country Club is not simply Pattaya’s most famous golf venue. It is the only destination in Thailand where four championship-standard courses coexist in one location, creating an experience closer to elite golf hubs like Florida or Dubai.
Each course delivers a distinct personality:
- The Old Course is the oldest course and shows how golf used to be played. There are a lot of big trees around the fairways, and the bunkers are in the right places. Golfers need to be able to control both their strategy and their short game because the greens are fast. This course has hosted many important tournaments, including LPGA events, which helped make Pattaya a popular place to play golf.
- The Plantation Course and Rolling Hills look more modern, with rolling hills and open spaces. You have to be very careful about which club you use on these holes, especially when the wind changes.
- The Waterside Course, on the other hand, has cleverly designed water features that make the course look better and make it harder for players.
Siam Country Club is the best place for golfers who want to play golf at a high level in a well-kept area.
>>> Refer to the Pattaya 3 Day golf tour to fully experience Siam Country Club and other top golf courses in Pattaya in just one short trip.
Laem Chabang International Country Club
Laem Chabang International Country Club
Designed by Jack Nicklaus, Laem Chabang offers consistency and balance. Three nine-hole layouts allow flexibility, making every round feel slightly different.
During the day, Laem Chabang is approachable. Fairways are forgiving, and hazards are placed to encourage smart decision-making rather than fear. But its true standout feature is night golf.
Laem Chabang is one of the best night golf venues in Pattaya, with excellent lighting and cooler evening temperatures. Playing after sunset changes both mood and strategy. Greens slow slightly, shadows alter depth perception, and the experience becomes surprisingly social.
Chee Chan Golf Resort
Chee Chan golf resort
Chee Chan Golf Resort stands apart the moment you arrive. Towering above the course is the golden Buddha carved into Chee Chan Mountain, one of Thailand’s most striking spiritual landmarks. It is not just a backdrop but a constant presence throughout the round.
Chee Chan’s design is all about making golf more relaxing. The course has wide fairways, smooth greens, and a well-thought-out layout that makes golfers feel at ease right away. The unique thing about Chee Chan is the landscape around it, which is almost untouched by humans and makes for a peaceful and luxurious atmosphere.
This golf course is great for people who like resort golf and want to play at a slower pace in open spaces. However, you might want to bring with you a polarized sunglasses because the white sand bunkers and exposed fairways reflect sunlight intensively, especially around midday which can be a little bothersome.
>>> For a more complete golf itinerary, check out the Pattaya 6 Days Golf Tour for your Pattaya golf trip.
Burapha Golf Club
Burapha Golf Club
This course is very close to Pattaya’s center, making it easy to get to and schedule during a Pattaya golf trip. There are lots of professional tournaments are held at Burapha Golf Club, which is a very technical golf course. Golfers need to have a clear plan from the tee shot because the fairways aren’t very wide and the bunkers are close together in important places.
The land at Burapha has a lot of hills and valleys, and the greens are hard to read, so every round is a real challenge. This golf course is great for intermediate to advanced players who want to improve their strategic thinking and ball control.
The Phoenix Gold Golf & Country Club
Phoenix Gold Golf & Country Club
If you want to play golf and relax on vacation, Phoenix Gold Golf & Country Club is the best place to go. It is close to the center of Pattaya, making it easy to get to and schedule.
The course is pretty easy to play, with wide fairways and greens that are easy to get to. It’s great for beginners or people who want to relax after a long trip. Phoenix Gold is a popular stop on short golf tours, especially for groups of friends or businesses.
Comparison of Pattaya Golf Courses
| Golf Course | Difficulty (1-5) | Price Range | Distance from Center |
| Siam Country Club | 5 | $$$ | 30 min |
| Chee Chan Golf Resort | 3 | $$$ | 40 min |
| Laem Chabang | 3 | $$ | 35 min |
| Burapha Golf Club | 4 | $$ | 25 min |
| Phoenix Gold | 2 | $ | 20 min |
When is the best time to play golf in Pattaya?
Although Pattaya has a stable tropical climate which is suitable for golfing all year round, November to March is the best time to play golf in Pattaya when the weather is cooler and the course conditions are perfect. The course is less crowded and costs less during the rest of the year, even though it is hotter.
You might want to book a tee time in the early morning to enjoy the nice weather and the best course conditions.
Who is Golf in Pattaya Good For?
Pattaya suits a wide spectrum of golfers
- Intermediate players seeking improvement
- Groups ad corporate outings
- First-time visitors to Thailand who want reliability and comfort
Few destinations combine quality golf, cultural ease, and leisure option as seamlessly as Pattaya.
Practical Expert Tips for a Pattaya Golf Trip
Golfing in Pattaya also has its own cultural things that golfers should know about.
Caddy Tips and Etiquette
Caddies are mandatory at most Pattaya golf courses and are a key part of the experience. They assist with yardage, green reading and pace of play.
Standard tipping ranges from $15 to $20 per round, depending on service quality. A polite attitude and basic respect go a long way and often result in extra care throughout the round.
The clothes people wear to play golf in Pattaya are pretty standard. Golfers should wear golf shoes, pants, and shirts with collars. Some courses have stricter rules, especially during busy times.
Transportations and Tee Times
Most golfers choose private transfers or personalized packages for Pattaya golf trip for convenience and timing control. Courses are spread out, and having a dedicated driver ensures you arrive relaxed and on schedule.
Also, it’s best to book tee times ahead of time, especially on weekends or during the busy season. It’s easy to get from one golf course to another, but you should plan your day carefully so you don’t have to travel too much in one day.
Golf and Relaxation Together in Pattaya
One of the best things about Pattaya is how easy it is to relax while playing golf. After a round of golf, players have a lot of ways to relax that don’t require long trips or complicated plans.
Most golfers get a Thai massage or spa treatment on the same day to relax their shoulders, back, and hips, especially if they are playing more than one round in a row. There are a lot of good spas near golf courses or in the city center.
Pattaya has casual beachfront dining, international restaurants, and quiet bars for the evenings, which are perfect for a relaxed post-golf atmosphere. Golfers who finish late or play at night might like to stop by walking street or a hotel lounge for a short time to keep the night light and relaxed.
This mix of golf, rest, and fun is what makes golf in Pattaya feel like a vacation instead of just a 18-hole golf game.
If you’re looking for a destination that combines quality golf with a complete vacation, Pattaya is a very worthwhile option. From its diverse range of courses and professional service to its relaxed pace of life, everything is there to create a truly memorable golf trip.
Start planning your own itinerary, choose a course that suits your playing style, and experience Pattaya like a true golfer. A good round of golf sometimes just starts with the right decision.
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