Longhaul golfing holidays are becoming increasingly popular, with the more discerning golfer looking to combine outstanding golf with wonderful sightseeing and tropical beaches. Thailand offers a unique blend of all the above - and a lot more. From the far north with its forests, lush valleys and cool mountain air, through the vibrant capital Bangkok, to the southern peninsula boasting tropical beaches, lush rainforests and pretty islands; Thailand is a first class holiday destination. A trip to Thailand can easily be divided into three. Arriving into Bangkok, it would be a sin to miss this magnificent city with its exciting mix of Asian hustle and bustle, modern architecture, ornate temples, golden Buddha's and floating markets. Moving north, Chiang Mai is the second largest city in Thailand and is known as the 'Rose of the North' due to the abundance of flowers that grow there. The scenery is simply breathtaking and it is also a centre for arts and antiques with wonderful handicrafts in silk, silver and wood that make perfect souvenirs. The islands and beach resorts in the south benefit from tropical temperatures, white sandy beaches and crystal clear turquoise waters that are a holidaymaker's dream - real picture postcard stuff. And then there's the golf. There are now over 200 courses in Thailand, many of them championship standard and designed by some of the world's finest course architects, including Jack Nicklaus, Robert Trent Jones and Gary Player. With luxurious clubhouses serving fine cuisine, friendly caddies who are always on hand with advice, tips and the famous Thai smile, and unbeatable value green fees, it's not difficult to see why Thai golf is so popular. The Rose Garden Golf Club in Bangkok has an international reputation and deservedly so. It is relatively flat with narrow tree-lined fairways and heavily bunkered greens and winds its way through pretty woodlands. There are plenty of water features and some very interesting par 5 holes, including the infamous 11th, which requires a great deal of skill and accuracy. The Vintage Club offers a relaxing round, set in beautiful countryside with spacious, fast greens and pleasant fairways. However this is another course where you need to be aware of the par 5s, which will catch you unaware and require plenty of thought before each shot. There are around 26 other great clubs in Bangkok and the surrounding area, including the Thai Country Club, where Tiger Woods celebrated his win in 1997, the Kiartee Thanee Country Club and the Roger Packard created Lam Luk Ka Golf Club to name but a few. Moving North to Chiang Mai the scenery changes but the golf remains just as good. The Chiang Mai Lamphun Golf Course is always in superb condition. It lies in a beautiful valley, surrounded by rolling hills and is well designed around thousands of mature native trees, creeks and excellent water hazards. Ghassan Khuntan is a relatively new course but has quickly developed a sterling reputation. It's set in national park, 500 metres above sea level and features Bermuda grass fairways, Tidiwarf greens and there's water on every hole! Thailand's coast provides more scope for a different style of golf course. The resort of Hua Hin is home to the Kingdoms oldest golf course - Royal Hua Hin. Built around the base of limestone hills with lush tropical growth, it runs between the railway and spectacular cliffs and there are no water hazards - a rarity in Thailand! Majestic Creek is picturesque and requires both imagination and skill and the Nicklaus-designed Royal Springfield Golf and Country Club is simply wonderful with an outstanding signature hole - a par five 18th with an island green. The resort of Pattaya boasts the Khao Khew Country Club a cleverly designed course that is not for the high handicappers, the 36 hole Burapha with 18 holes designed as British links and 18 designed as American Parkland so you really get the best of both worlds, and the world class Nicklaus-designed Laem Chabang - one of Thailand's finest courses. It would be easy to go on, and on, and on as course after course boasts wonderful scenery, a challenging game and interesting features, but there really are too many to mention! No matter where you choose to stay whether its two weeks in one resort or a two or three-centre holiday taking in all there is to offer, Thailand is a first class golfing destination that should be on your 'must play' list. Bill Goff, in association with Marion and Gary Pike, are running a fantastic 12 night 5 star escorted tour to Thailand in February 2007, taking in some fine golf courses and sightseeing with Gary (one of Europe's top teaching professionals) on hand to help with your game and all the organising done for you.
For more information on that or other holidays to Thailand, call Bill Goff on 0808 156 5938 or email: sales@billgoff.com
You can also log on to: www.billgoff.com
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Golfing Destinations
