Golf in Pattaya: Top 10 Courses, Green Fees and Caddies

Pattaya and the surrounding Chonburi-Rayong belt hold over 25 golf courses within a 45-minute radius, including seven that host Asian Tour events and the Honda LPGA Thailand at Siam Country Club Pattaya Old Course every year. That keeps Pattaya in the world's top three golf destinations alongside Scottsdale and the Algarve.

The real sell is value: championship courses charging $250-400 in the United States cost 4,500-6,500 THB here ($125-180) including caddy, drinking water and GPS cart. Hot weather makes year-round play possible, but November through February is the driest stretch with the firmest courses, while March-May forces early tee times before 09:00.

Siam Country Club Pattaya Old Course, known locally as Pong, plays 7,138 yards par 72, designed by JMP and refreshed by Lee Schmidt, and hosts the Honda LPGA Thailand. Non-member green fees land at 6,500 THB including caddy and cart, booking runs two to four weeks ahead and the dress code is strict with no cargo shorts allowed.

Siam Country Club Plantation Course plays 7,290 yards par 72 across themed pineapple and rubber plantations with 27 holes arranged as three nines (Plantation, Pineapple, Rubber) and occasionally hosts LPGA events at 5,800 THB. Siam Country Club Waterside Course, designed by Nicklaus Design, plays 7,126 yards par 72 with water in play on 14 holes, the toughest of the three at 5,200 THB.

Laem Chabang International Country Club, designed by Jack Nicklaus, offers 27 holes in three nines — Mountain, Lake and Valley — with the Valley course drawing the most praise for its exciting elevation changes. Green fees run 4,200-5,500 THB depending on day and time, and the course sits 30 minutes from Pattaya, ideal for golfers who like mountain views.

Burapha Golf and Resort has 36 holes across two courses, A and B, designed by Jim Engh and used for Asian Tour and Thailand PGA events. Green fees run 3,200-4,200 THB with challenging contours that outprice Siam in value, and the driving range is the largest in Pattaya. Khao Kheow Country Club offers 27 holes suited to beginners with a free halfway-house buffet at 3,500 THB.

Phoenix Gold Golf and Country Club has 27 holes — Lakes, Mountain and Ocean — designed by Denis Griffiths, with green fees at 2,800-3,800 THB, the best value for mid-handicappers. Pattana Golf Club runs 27 holes A/B/C at 2,500-3,500 THB and hosts the Thailand Open every two years. Pattavia Century Golf Club has 18 holes par 72 with wide fairways at 2,200-3,200 THB, a solid pick for beginners.

Mountain Shadow Country Club is a resort-style valley course at 2,000-2,800 THB, scenic but with conditioning a step below tier one. Treasure Hill Golf and Country Club par 72 runs 2,400-3,200 THB with buffet and accommodation packages. Eastern Star Country Club and Resort bundles hotel, pool and spa into two-day stay-and-play packages at 6,500-8,500 THB per person.

Thai golf differs from Western golf in that every round comes with a mandatory caddy. Caddy fees of 400-500 THB per person are rolled into the green fee, but tipping is separate at 500-700 THB for good service or 1,000 THB for excellent work. Thai caddies read greens, recommend clubs and cheer enthusiastically — never be short-tempered or dismissive toward them.

Golf carts (buggies) are usually included in the fee, with a 200-400 THB discount for walking, but many courses require carts during hot midday slots. Club rentals run 800-1,500 THB for a standard set or 1,800-2,500 THB for premium TaylorMade or Titleist gear, though drivers are typically two to three years old. Serious golfers should bring their own clubs or book a premium rental set.

Book through GolfDigg, GolfAsian or Thai Country Club for 10-25% off rack rates including hotel transfer vans. Siam Country Club and Laem Chabang need four to eight weeks advance booking during high season, while other courses need only one or two weeks. Peak tee times are 07:00-10:00 and 13:00-15:00 and fill up fast.

Three to five day golf packages from multiple operators run 15,000-35,000 THB per person including 4-5 star hotels, three or four rounds, transfers and breakfast — perfect for groups of four to eight friends. Long-stay players can go extreme with a PGM Club annual card at 45,000-120,000 THB that unlocks 15-30 courses in the network.