Golf in Pattaya: The Complete Guide

Golf in Pattaya is one of the reasons people visit the Eastern Seaboard, and one of the reasons many of them stay. Within an hour or so of the city you'll find dozens of courses, from relaxed local layouts to championship venues that have hosted international tournaments. Rounds come with a caddie, tee times are easy to find, and a large community of golf societies plays almost every day of the week.

This guide covers everything you need to know before your first round: where the courses are, what's included in the price, how the caddie system works, what to wear, when to play, how to book and how to get around. It's written for visitors planning a golf trip and for golfers who live here and want to play more.

Why golf in Pattaya is so popular

Three things make Pattaya stand out as a golf destination:

• Choice. Pattaya and the wider Chonburi area have one of the biggest clusters of golf courses in Thailand. You can play a different course every day for a week or more without long transfers.

• Service. Every round is played with a caddie, who carries or drives your bag, gives yardages and reads greens. For many visitors this is the highlight of golf in Thailand.

• Access. Pattaya is around 1.5–2 hours by road from Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport, and U-Tapao Airport is much closer still. Hotels, golf vans and transfer companies are set up around golfers' schedules.

Add year-round warm weather, good-value food and accommodation and a big expat golf community, and it's easy to see why so many golfers return year after year.

Where the golf courses are

Pattaya's courses spread out in four main directions from the city. Where you stay makes a real difference to your daily travel, so it's worth thinking about which areas you want to play most.

Around Pattaya city and East Pattaya

The closest courses to most hotels, condos and villas are east of Sukhumvit Road. Depending on traffic and where you start, many are 20–40 minutes away. They're ideal for an early round before the heat, and for golfers who want to be back in town by lunchtime. This area includes Siam Country Club, a multi-course venue whose Old Course has hosted the Honda LPGA Thailand.

South towards Bang Saray and Sattahip

South of the city the roads get quieter and the courses more scenic, with views of hills, lakes and the coast. These courses suit golfers staying in Jomtien, Na Jomtien or Bang Saray. One well-known local landmark is the course named after Khao Chee Chan, the hillside with a giant Buddha image carved into the cliff, which forms a striking backdrop.

North towards Si Racha, Laem Chabang and Chonburi

Between Pattaya and Bangkok there's a strong group of courses, including some of the region's best-known championship layouts. Laem Chabang International Country Club, a Jack Nicklaus design, is one of the most famous. These courses are handy if you're travelling in from Bangkok, or if you want a longer day trip with a change of scenery.

East towards Rayong

Further out, the courses around Rayong take longer to reach but are often quieter, and they pair well with a day on the coast. Most golfers based in Pattaya play here occasionally rather than every week.

To see every course with live green fees and tee times, browse the EZLife course list for Pattaya. You can filter by area and price and open any course to see its details, scorecard and location.

What a round of golf in Pattaya costs

The total cost of a round in Thailand has several parts, and it helps to know them before you arrive. The table below shows what you'll typically pay for and when. Prices vary a lot by course, day and season, so use the course list for current green fees.

As a rough guide, many golfers tip their caddie somewhere between 300 and 500 baht for 18 holes, and more for an exceptional round. Some courses publish their own guidance, so it's worth asking at the desk when you check in. Our guide to green fees, caddies and carts in Thailand covers this in detail.

How to keep costs down

• Play weekdays. Weekday green fees are almost always lower than weekend ones.

• Look for twilight and afternoon rates, especially in the rainy season, when many courses discount.

• Share a cart with your playing partner, or walk with your caddie where the course allows it.

• Join a society golf day. Societies often have group rates, and many include transport.

• Book a package if you're visiting for several days. Bundling hotel, green fees and transfers can work out cheaper and saves arranging each day yourself.

How the caddie system works

If you've never played in Thailand, the caddie system is the biggest difference from golf at home, and for most people the best part.

What your caddie does

Your caddie looks after your bag for the whole round. That means carrying it, or loading it on the cart, cleaning your clubs and balls, giving yardages, helping with club selection, raking bunkers, repairing pitch marks and reading putts. Good caddies know every slope on their course, and listening to them will save you shots.

Caddie etiquette

• Caddies are assigned at the bag drop or starter. Many regular golfers ask for the same caddie each time they play a course.

• Treat your caddie as part of the team. A smile, a "thank you" (khop khun) and asking their opinion go a long way.

• Pay the tip in cash, directly to your caddie, at the end of the round.

• On hot days it's normal to buy your caddie a drink at the halfway house.

Carts, walking and pace of play

Course policies differ. Some courses encourage walking with your caddie, some require carts, and some leave it to you. Rules on driving carts on the fairway also vary, and during wet weather many courses restrict carts to the paths. Check the policy when you book, especially if you plan to walk in the hotter months.

Rounds in Pattaya are often played at a steady pace, helped by the caddies. Early tee times are usually the quickest, and the courses are coolest then too.

What to wear and what to bring

Dress code

Thai courses expect a standard golf dress code:

• A collared golf shirt (tuck it in if the course asks)

• Golf trousers or tailored golf shorts. No denim and no sports shorts

• Soft-spiked or spikeless golf shoes

• Some courses ask for socks to be visible with shorts. If you're not sure, ask when you book

Packing list for the heat

• High-factor sunscreen, a hat or cap, and sunglasses

• Plenty of water. Most courses also sell drinks from carts or the halfway house

• A spare shirt and a small towel

• An umbrella in the rainy season. Your caddie will often carry one too

• Cash for the caddie tip and refreshments

When to play golf in Pattaya

You can play golf in Pattaya all year, but the seasons feel quite different:

Courses may stop play during lightning, so it's worth starting early in the wet season. Our guide to the best time of year to play golf in Pattaya goes into more detail.

How to book a tee time

1. Compare courses and prices. Use the EZLife course list to filter by area and price, and to check which courses have tee times on your date.

2. Choose your date and time. Early morning is the most popular slot, so book ahead for weekends and high season.

3. Book online and keep your confirmation. You'll need it at check-in.

4. Arrange transport if you don't drive (see below).

5. Arrive 30–45 minutes early to check in, pay any course fees, meet your caddie and warm up.

Getting to the course

Most visitors don't drive themselves. The usual options are:

• Golf vans and transfers. Vans with room for several golfers and their bags, booked for the day. This is the easiest option for groups.

• A regular driver. Many golfers who play often use the same driver every time.

• Taxis and ride-hailing apps. Fine for the closer courses. Check the car can take your bag, and agree a return pickup time.

• Society transport. Many golf societies arrange transport from their meeting point.

Local transfer and golf van partners are listed in Tours & Services.

Golf societies: the easiest way to get a game

Pattaya has a large and friendly community of golf societies. Most are based at a bar, restaurant or hotel. They organise regular golf days at different courses, usually with a meeting time, a group price and often shared transport. Visitors and newcomers are usually welcome, which makes a society day one of the best ways to play if you're travelling alone or new to the area.

A typical society day looks like this: meet at the venue in the morning, travel to the course together, play in groups with a competition format, then go back to the venue for results and prizes. Check the details of each society before you go.

You'll find upcoming society golf days, with dates, courses, prices and contacts, on society golf days. Our guide to how golf society days work in Pattaya explains the formats and what to expect.

Golf trips, packages and local services

If you'd rather have everything arranged, local partners offer:

• Golf packages combining hotel, green fees, caddies and transfers

• Day trips to courses further afield

• Airport and hotel transfers with room for golf bags

• Club hire, so you can travel without your own clubs

• Golf simulators for practice or rainy days

• Repairs and regripping, and lessons and coaching

Browse current offers in Tours & Services. Enquiries are free and there's no obligation.

Living in Pattaya and playing regularly

For golfers who live here, Pattaya is a golf town. Many residents play several times a week, rotate between favourite courses, join one or two societies and play through the low season at lower rates. A few habits help:

• Get to know a couple of courses well and ask for the same caddies.

• Join a society for regular games and to meet other golfers.

• Keep your scorecards in one place so you can see how your game is changing. My Golf lets you record rounds and see your stats over time.

• Watch for course promotions in the low season.

Frequently asked questions

Do I have to take a caddie in Pattaya?

At almost every course, yes. Caddies are a standard part of golf in Thailand. The caddie fee is charged by the course, and a cash tip is given to your caddie after the round.

How much should I tip my caddie?

Many golfers tip around 300–500 baht for 18 holes, and more for an exceptional round. Ask at the desk if you're not sure what's usual at that course.

Can I walk, or do I need a cart?

It depends on the course. Some encourage walking with your caddie, others require carts. Check when you book, and consider a cart in the hottest months.

Do I need to bring my own clubs?

No. Club hire is widely available, either at courses or from local hire services that can deliver to your hotel. See Tours & Services for options.

Is golf in Pattaya good in the rainy season?

Yes. Rain usually comes as short afternoon storms, so morning rounds are often dry. Courses are quieter and rates are often lower.

Can I play if I'm on my own?

Easily. Most courses will pair you with other golfers, and golf societies welcome visitors. Check upcoming society golf days for a game with a group.

What should I wear?

A collared golf shirt, golf trousers or tailored shorts and golf shoes. Denim and sports shorts aren't usually allowed.

How far in advance should I book?

For weekends and high season (November to February), book as early as you can, especially for early morning tee times. On weekdays in the low season you can often book a day or two ahead.

Your first Pattaya round: a quick checklist

• Tee time booked and confirmation saved

• Course cart and caddie rules checked

• Transport arranged, with a return pickup time agreed

• Cash for your caddie's tip and refreshments

• Collared shirt, golf shoes and the right shorts or trousers

• Sunscreen, hat, water and a spare shirt

• Arrive 30–45 minutes early

Ready to play? Compare Pattaya courses and tee times, find a society golf day, or plan your trip with Tours & Services.