Green Fees, Caddies and Carts in Thailand: What to Expect

One of the first surprises for golfers new to Thailand is that the green fee is rarely the full price of a round. A typical round has several separate parts: the green fee, a caddie fee, a tip for your caddie, often a cart, and transport to and from the course. None of it is complicated once you know how it works, and golf here can still be very good value. This guide explains each cost, when you pay it and how to plan for it.

Prices change with the course, the day, the time and the season. The numbers below are typical ranges to help you plan, not fixed prices. For current green fees and live tee times, check the EZLife course list.

The full cost of a round, at a glance

Some online prices and packages already include the caddie fee and sometimes the cart. Always check what's included before you compare prices between courses.

Green fees explained

What affects the price

• The course. Championship and tournament courses charge more than local layouts.

• Weekday or weekend. Weekends and Thai public holidays are almost always more expensive than weekdays.

• Time of day. Early morning is the most popular, and the most expensive at some courses. Afternoon and twilight rates can be much cheaper.

• Season. High season (roughly November to February) is the busiest. In the hot and rainy months many courses run promotions.

• Residency and memberships. Some courses offer resident rates, memberships or multi-round cards for people who play there often. Ask the course directly.

Online prices versus walk-in prices

Booking online through a tee-time partner is often cheaper and always more predictable than turning up and paying the walk-in rate. It also confirms your tee time, which matters at weekends and in high season. The course list on EZLife shows live online prices, so you can compare courses side by side before you choose.

Public holidays

Thai public holidays often get weekend pricing and busy tee sheets. They include the long holidays around New Year, Songkran in April and several other national holidays through the year. If your trip falls on a holiday, book early and expect higher green fees.

Caddies: fees, tips and how it works

Why every round has a caddie

At almost every course in Thailand, a caddie isn't optional. It's part of how golf is played here. Your caddie looks after your bag, gives yardages, helps with club choice, cleans your ball and clubs, rakes bunkers, repairs pitch marks and reads putts. A good caddie can easily save you a few shots a round.

The caddie fee

The caddie fee is a fixed charge set by the course, usually paid at check-in with your green fee. It goes to the course, not directly to your caddie. That's why the tip matters.

Tipping your caddie

Tipping is expected. Caddies rely heavily on tips, and a fair tip is the most direct way to say thank you. Many golfers give around 300–500 baht for 18 holes, and more for an exceptional round or a long, hot day. Some courses suggest a minimum. If you're unsure, ask at the desk or quietly ask other golfers in your group what's normal at that course.

• Pay the tip in cash, directly to your caddie, after the 18th hole.

• Keep small notes for tips. Caddies may not have change.

• On hot days, buying your caddie a cold drink at the halfway house is a common courtesy.

• If you play 9 holes, tip roughly in proportion. If you play extra holes, tip a little more.

Requesting the same caddie

Regular golfers often ask for the same caddie each time they play a course. They know your game, your distances and your habits. At many courses you can ask for a caddie by name or number when you book or at the bag drop.

Do I need one caddie each?

Usually yes: one caddie per golfer is the norm. Some courses allow a shared caddie in specific situations, but don't assume it. Check the course rules.

Carts: required, optional or not allowed

Cart policies vary by course:

• Cart optional: you can walk with your caddie or take a cart. Walking is a lovely way to play in the cooler months.

• Cart compulsory: some courses require carts, especially hillier layouts or on busy days.

• Walking only: a few courses keep carts to a minimum or have walking-only times.

Carts are usually charged per cart and shared by two golfers, with both caddies riding or walking alongside. Rules on driving onto the fairway vary, and after heavy rain carts are often restricted to the paths. In the hottest months (March to May), a cart makes a long round much more comfortable.

Paying at the course

• Check-in desk: green fees (unless prepaid), caddie fees and cart fees are paid here. Most larger courses take cards, and some smaller ones prefer cash.

• Caddie tip: always cash.

• Halfway house and clubhouse: food and drinks are often added to your locker or bag number and paid when you leave. At smaller courses it may be cash on the spot.

• Bring ID if you're claiming a resident rate, and keep your booking confirmation handy.

Example budgets for a day of golf

These examples show how the parts add up. Replace the numbers with the current prices for your course and day.

How to save money on golf in Thailand

1. Play weekdays. It's the single biggest saving.

2. Use afternoon and twilight rates, especially in the rainy season, when mornings are busier and afternoons are cheaper.

3. Book online in advance rather than paying walk-in rates.

4. Share a cart, or walk where the course allows it.

5. Join golf societies. Group rates and shared transport often make society days good value. See society golf days.

6. Consider a package for multi-day trips. Bundled hotel, golf and transfers can cost less than booking separately. Browse Tours & Services.

7. Hire clubs locally instead of paying airline bag fees, if you're only playing a few rounds.

8. Ask about resident rates and memberships if you live here and play the same courses often.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Comparing green fees without checking whether caddie and cart fees are included.

• Arriving without cash for the caddie tip.

• Forgetting that a public holiday means weekend prices and a busy course.

• Booking a walking round in April and finding the course requires carts.

• Assuming a cheap afternoon tee time will avoid the rain in the wet season. Storms often arrive in the afternoon.

Frequently asked questions

Is the caddie fee included in the green fee?

Sometimes. Some online prices and packages include it, and others don't. Check what's included before you book.

How much should I tip my caddie in Thailand?

Many golfers give around 300–500 baht for 18 holes, more for great service or tough conditions. Pay in cash, directly to the caddie.

Do I have to take a cart?

Only at courses where carts are compulsory. Many courses let you choose. Check the rules when you book.

Can I pay by card?

Most larger courses accept cards for green, caddie and cart fees. Caddie tips are always cash, and some smaller courses prefer cash for everything.

Why is golf more expensive at weekends?

Weekends and holidays are when local and visiting golfers all want to play, so courses charge more. Weekdays are quieter and cheaper.

Is golf in Thailand cheaper than at home?

For many visitors, yes, especially once you account for having a caddie on every round. But it depends on the course and day, so compare prices before you plan your budget.

Quick checklist

• Check what your green fee includes (caddie? cart?)

• Check the course's cart policy

• Bring cash in small notes for the caddie tip

• Avoid public holidays, or book early if you can't

• Compare live prices on the course list

New to golf here? Start with Golf in Pattaya: The Complete Guide.