We caught up with a group of Indian golfers in Pattaya to find out how they were getting on, and they explained what the big difference is playing golf in Thailand.
They told us that the courses here are particularly good. Back in India, the fairways are very narrow as the land is expensive, and they are normally surrounded by real estate and a lot of trees. The Thai fairways are much wider, the courses are in better condition, so we found it relatively easier to golf.
Sundai said, “What worked for us as well was the direct four-hour flight to Bangkok, and visa on arrival was very easy too.”
They had initially asked Golfasian to select some courses to play and then they added on some of their favorites as well.
One of the golfers called Ram told us he had been coming here for a few trips and his favorite course was the Jack Nicklaus-designed Laem Chabang. His group also enjoyed Siam Country’s Plantation course.
Apart from the golf Ram said they had been out every night enjoying several types of food including Thai and Chinese.
“In fact, we haven’t been to any Indian restaurants!”
They all agreed that definitely, more and more Indians are getting into golf as there are many new golf clubs opening. Golf as a sport is catching up in India.
For Indian golf vacationers, it is easier to play in SE Asia because of visas on arrival rather than to Europe or America which is harder.
As we left them, they were already planning next year’s trip and may include Hua Hin and Bangkok in next year’s schedule.
