Do's & Don'ts When Golfing in Thailand

Thailand is a great place to go golfing. With over 200 golf courses all over the country, golfing in Thailand is not just a dream for many, but also a great way to have a vacation. Golfthai.com has proudly showcased some of the finest places to go golfing in the country, but now we would like to touch upon another topic that can enhance your golfing experience. These are the Do’s & Don’ts when you go golfing in Thailand.

The Do's when golfing

The golfing scene in Thailand has a large international following and a long list of golfing legends ranging from Jack Nicklaus to Tiger Woods. Whether you’re a newcomer to the sport or a seasoned golfing professional who wants some good old tee time, here are some Do’s that you should keep in mind when golfing in Thailand.

Book your tee time in advance.

Golfing in Thailand is a great way to relax and experience what the country has to offer. It’s even made more relaxing when you’ve got an advanced booking! While it seems like an obvious suggestion, an advanced booking enhances your golfing experience by ensuring that you can guarantee a spot on the greens, avoid the crowds, and relax yourself. Golfing is best enjoyed at your own pace, and advanced bookings allow you to do just that.

Dress appropriately.

You may have noticed that just about every golfer wears the following apparel when golfing in Thailand: a collared shirt, a hat, and golfing shoes. Other than following the timeless traditions of the sport, there’s practical reasons for these outfits, such as protecting you from the sun and keeping you from slipping on the greens when you play. Of course, this is going to depend on your golf club’s dress code, so do ask them about it before you go golfing.

Be respectful of the local culture.

Thailand is one of the most visited countries in the world, and with a sizable expat population living amongst welcoming people, it’s important to be respectful of the local culture. Learning simple everyday gestures such as a wai or a few basic Thai phrases can go a long way to enhancing your golfing experience in Thailand. As an added bonus, Thai people are appreciative of people who know a word or two in Thai, and find it endearing.

Bring sunscreen and a hat. / an umbrella 

Thailand is a tropical country, and when you step off the plane and begin your journey to golfing in Thailand, one of the first things you will notice is the heat. The weather in Thailand can be pretty hot and even unbearable to newcomers, and bringing sunscreen, a hat, or umbrella can make golfing much more enjoyable. During the summer months, the heat can be quite intense, so pace yourself and find some shade in between your golfing rounds.

Drink plenty of water.

Staying hydrated is an adage as old as time, but here at Golfthai, we take that adage seriously. Although golfing isn’t a physically demanding sport, golfing in Thailand presents players with new sets of challenges that can affect their tee time: the heat and the humidity. The weather in Thailand can be pretty challenging for newcomers, and the best way to deal with it is by drinking plenty of water. Not only does this keep you topped up and ready when golfing, it also makes the heat a bit more bearable. Do remember to pace yourself.

Don't forget to tip your caddy.

A caddie is more than just an assistant on the greens. They are your definitive guide while golfing, giving you the lay of the land, and the friend that helps make your golfing experience that much better, whether it’s through driving you around on a golf cart, or carrying your golf clubs for you. Don’t forget to show your appreciation by tipping them!

Do use the golf course facilities

Golfing vacations have become more popular in recent years, and many clubs have capitalized on providing golfers a bespoke experience when golfing in Thailand. Wherever you might be staying while golfing, those facilities are yours to experience, so make good use of them! Some of the more upscale golf clubs even include fine dining, and what better way is there to end a round of golf than have a fine meal afterwards?

The Don'ts when golfing

Golf is a beautiful sport that can be enjoyed by just about anyone of any skill level, from a casual golfer to seasoned professional. Just as there are spoken and unspoken rules when golfing, there are also several social rules that guide the sport’s social fabric. These are the don’ts when golfing in Thailand.

Be late for your tee time.

As a general rule of thumb, it’s social courtesy to show up on time when you’re golfing. Not only does this show consideration to other guests at the golf club, but it will also let you keep your time slot. Some of the bigger golf clubs’s slots fill out quickly, so try to make it on time so you can avoid the crowds while golfing.

Wear inappropriate clothing.

It is said that golfing is a social sport, and like all social activities, it’s important to dress for the occasion. Many golf clubs follow a particular dress code, so apparel such as jeans, t-shirts, or sneakers are definitely out of the question. While the dress code might seem a bit strange, the golfing dress code exists out of practicality when golfing in Thailand and following the sport’s traditions.

Be aggressive on the course.

We’ve all had that moment where emotions are high and get the better of us, and this happens even in the relaxed sport that is golf. While missing a swing that would have led to a hole-in-one is unfortunate, you are not the only person on the golf course, and golfing needs a bit of patience, so pace yourself. Even the best golfing moves can still end poorly. We’ve all been there.

Drink too much alcohol. 

Sometimes it’s nice to relax with a drink or two, especially while you’re golfing. As a social game, golfing is best enjoyed with a glass in hand and some friends. However, this can become a bit of a problem when you’ve had one too many drinks. This isn’t to say that you shouldn’t drink alcohol, but rather, know your limits and drink responsibly. A little moderation goes a long way to ensure that golfing in Thailand doesn’t leave you with a bad hangover.

Don't Bet Too Big With Others

Betting happens in all levels of golfing. From the lowest level of play to tournaments, money changing hands is just one way that players amuse themselves when golfing. Betting itself has a murky position in Thailand, and one thing to keep in mind is that you should be prepared to lose money and to only bet with an amount that you’re comfortable with.

Who should read this guide?

While this guide was written for newcomers who are golfing in Thailand, Golfthai.com believes that the guidelines written here can work for just about anyone. If you are new to golfing abroad, feel free to consider this as a primer for future golf tours. For seasoned professionals with a decent travel history, you are more than welcome to treat it as a refresher.

conclusion

Golf is a beautiful sport that is meant to be enjoyed by everyone at all levels of play. Golfing is a great way to socialize and meet people, as well as challenge yourself. The guidelines in this article are a way to help you have a safe and enjoyable golfing experience. By following these do’s and don’ts, not only are you golfing in Thailand stress free, you are also helping to make the sport safe and enjoyable for everyone.