How Golf Society Days Work in Pattaya

If you ask golfers who live in Pattaya how they get a game, most will name a society. Golf societies are informal golf clubs, usually based at a bar, restaurant or hotel, that organise regular golf days at different courses. Some play once a week, others several times a week. Between them, Pattaya's societies mean there's a group game on almost every day of the year.

For visitors travelling alone, newcomers who've just moved here and regular golfers who want company and competition, a society day is often the easiest and most enjoyable way to play. This guide explains how it all works.

What is a golf society?

A golf society is a group of golfers who play together regularly without owning a course. In Pattaya, most societies:

• Have a home venue, often a bar, restaurant or hotel, where members meet before and after golf.

• Have an organiser who books the course, arranges groups and handles results.

• Play a schedule of golf days at different courses, often published weekly.

• Run a competition each day, with prizes and sometimes a season-long order of merit.

• Welcome visitors, often with no membership fee. Check with each society.

Societies vary a lot in size and style. Some are large and well organised with dozens of players, some are small groups of friends, and some focus on a particular nationality, ability level or format. It's worth trying a few to find the one that suits you.

A typical society day, step by step

1. Book your place. Contact the organiser in advance, usually by LINE, WhatsApp or in person at the venue, and give your name and handicap. Many societies set a deadline the day before so they can confirm numbers with the course.

2. Meet at the venue. Golfers gather at the society's home venue in the morning. The meeting time is often an hour or more before the first tee time, to allow for travel.

3. Travel together. Many societies arrange shared transport, such as vans or minibuses, to the course. Others meet at the course.

4. Pay and check in. You'll pay the society price (to the organiser or at the course) and the caddie tip on the day. The organiser checks the group in.

5. Play in groups. Groups are usually fours, set by the organiser. Most societies play a competition format (see below).

6. Return for results. After golf, the group heads back to the venue for food, drinks, results and prizes.

Common formats

Stableford

The most common society format. You score points on each hole based on your net score (after your handicap shots): typically 2 points for a net par, 3 for a net birdie, 1 for a net bogey and 0 for anything worse. Bad holes don't ruin your day, and the pace stays good because you can pick up once you can't score. The highest points total wins.

Medal (stroke play)

Every stroke counts, and the lowest net score wins. Less common on a casual society day, but often used for special competitions.

Team formats

Some days use team formats, such as the best one or two Stableford scores per hole from each group, or scrambles, where everyone plays from the best shot. These are relaxed, social formats that suit mixed abilities.

Side prizes

Many societies also have nearest the pin on par 3s, long drive on a chosen hole, and sometimes a pot for "twos" (a score of 2 on any hole). Check the rules and costs at the start of the day.

Handicaps in society golf

You don't need to be a low handicapper to play society golf. Most societies welcome all levels. How handicaps are handled varies:

• Official handicap: if you have an official handicap from your home club, bring proof or tell the organiser.

• Society handicap: many societies give each player their own society handicap and adjust it after good results. A win usually means a cut of a shot or more.

• No handicap yet: tell the organiser honestly what you usually score. They'll give you a starting handicap, often with a limit on prizes until it's settled.

Honesty about your ability matters. It keeps the competition fair, and societies are quick to adjust handicaps that look too generous.

What does a society day cost?

Each society sets its own price for each golf day. Depending on the society and course, the price may include some or all of:

• Green fee (often at a group rate)

• Caddie fee

• Cart

• Transport to the course

• Competition entry and prizes

The caddie tip is almost always extra and paid by you, in cash. Check exactly what's included when you book, especially the cart and transport. Upcoming society golf days on EZLife show the course, date, meeting time and price where the society has provided them. See society golf days.

Society etiquette

• Be on time. Vans and tee times won't wait. If you can't make it, tell the organiser as early as possible.

• Pay promptly and in the way the organiser asks.

• Keep up the pace. Play ready golf and pick up once you can't score in Stableford.

• Mark cards carefully. Check your card and your marker's before you hand them in.

• Treat caddies well and tip fairly.

• Stay for the results when you can. It's a big part of the day, and organisers appreciate it.

• Respect the venue. The home bar or restaurant supports the society, so having a drink or a meal there helps keep it going.

Is society golf right for you?

Many golfers do both: society days a couple of times a week, and their own rounds in between. To book your own round, compare courses and live tee times on the course list.

How to join your first society day

1. Find a day that suits you on society golf days. Check the course, date, meeting time and price.

2. Contact the society using the contact details shown, and book your place. Mention it's your first time and give your usual score or handicap.

3. Confirm what's included: green fee, caddie, cart, transport.

4. Turn up early at the meeting point with cash for the caddie tip and any side games.

5. Enjoy it, and stay for the results.

Running a society?

If you organise a golf society in Pattaya, you can list your society golf days on EZLife, so visitors and new residents can find you. Get in touch through Become a golf partner.

Frequently asked questions

Can visitors join a golf society in Pattaya?

Usually yes. Most societies welcome visitors and don't require membership. Contact the organiser before the day to book your place.

Do I need a handicap?

Not necessarily. If you don't have one, the organiser will usually give you a starting handicap based on your normal scores.

What format do societies play?

Stableford is by far the most common, sometimes with team formats and side prizes like nearest the pin and long drive.

Is transport included?

Many societies arrange shared transport from their venue, but not all. Check when you book.

How far ahead should I book?

Book at least a day ahead. Many societies confirm numbers with the course the day before.

What should I bring?

Your clubs (or hired clubs), golf clothing, sunscreen, water, cash for your caddie tip and side games, and your booking details.

New to golf in Pattaya? Read Golf in Pattaya: The Complete Guide and Green Fees, Caddies and Carts in Thailand.