Golf Etiquette and Local Customs in Thailand

Golf in Thailand follows the same rules as anywhere else, but the experience is different. You play with a caddie on every round, the heat shapes the day, and Thai culture puts a high value on politeness, calm and respect. Visitors who understand these customs get better service, enjoy their golf more and are always welcome back. This guide covers what to know before your first round.

Working with your caddie

Your caddie is the most important person in your round. Most caddies are highly skilled, know their course in detail and take pride in helping you score well.

Do

• Greet your caddie and ask their name. A simple sawasdee khrap (said by men) or sawasdee kha (said by women) is always appreciated.

• Tell them your distances for your main clubs, so their advice fits your game.

• Ask for their read on putts. They know the greens.

• Say thank you: khop khun khrap or khop khun kha.

• Tip fairly in cash at the end of the round. See our guide to green fees, caddies and carts.

• Offer a drink at the halfway house on hot days.

Don't

• Blame your caddie for bad shots or misreads. Losing your temper is seen as a serious loss of face in Thai culture.

• Shout or raise your voice, at your caddie or anyone else.

• Throw clubs or slam them into the bag.

• Make inappropriate comments or behave disrespectfully. Caddies are professionals and should be treated as such.

Keeping calm: jai yen

Thai people value jai yen, a "cool heart": staying calm and good-humoured, even when things go wrong. Showing anger in public makes everyone uncomfortable. On the golf course, that means taking a bad hole with a smile, being patient with slow groups and dealing with any problem politely and quietly. You'll find people are far more willing to help when you stay relaxed.

Dress code

Thai golf courses take dress codes seriously, and a few have strict standards.

• Shirts: collared golf shirts. Some courses ask for shirts to be tucked in.

• Trousers and shorts: golf trousers or tailored golf shorts. No denim, cargo shorts, sports shorts or swimwear.

• Shoes: soft-spiked or spikeless golf shoes.

• Socks: some courses expect visible socks with shorts.

• Clubhouse: smart-casual clothing in the restaurant and lounge. Change out of very sweaty clothing if you're staying for a meal.

Pace of play

• Be ready to play when it's your turn, and let your caddie get the right club to you.

• Keep up with the group in front, not just ahead of the group behind.

• Limit searches for lost balls. Your caddie will often spot the ball, but don't hold up the course.

• Pick up once you can't score in Stableford.

• Follow the marshals' instructions politely if they ask you to speed up.

Carts

• Follow the course's cart rules: fairway or path only, and keep carts away from greens and tees.

• After rain, carts are often restricted to the paths. Respect the signs.

• Many courses have the caddie drive the cart. Ask before driving it yourself.

• Never drive a cart after drinking too much.

Looking after the course

• Repair your pitch marks and replace divots. Your caddie will help, but it's your responsibility too.

• Rake bunkers, or let your caddie do it before you move on.

• Avoid practice swings that take divots on tees.

• Take your rubbish with you.

Weather, safety and local rules

Lightning

Thailand's afternoon storms can bring lightning. When the course siren sounds or staff tell you to stop, leave the course straight away and take shelter. Don't wait to finish the hole.

Heat

Drink plenty of water, use sunscreen and play early. Stop and rest in the shade if you feel dizzy or unwell.

Local rules

Check the scorecard and notice boards for local rules, such as preferred lies ("lift, clean and place") after heavy rain, or how to play from particular hazards. Your caddie can explain them too.

Wildlife

Thai courses are home to plenty of wildlife, from birds to monitor lizards, and occasionally snakes. Admire them from a distance, don't reach into long grass or undergrowth for your ball, and let your caddie check first.

Thai customs worth knowing

• The wai: the traditional greeting, with palms together. As a visitor, you can return a wai with a smile and a slight bow, or a friendly sawasdee.

• Feet and heads: don't point your feet at people or touch anyone's head. Both are considered disrespectful.

• The monarchy: the Thai royal family is deeply respected. Avoid any jokes or negative comments, which can also be against the law.

• Smiles go a long way. Politeness and patience will get you better service everywhere.

In the clubhouse and at the halfway house

• Many courses charge food and drinks to your locker or bag number, and you pay when you leave.

• The halfway house is a quick stop. Don't hold up the groups behind.

• Keep phone calls short and quiet, both on the course and in the clubhouse.

Playing with a golf society

Society golf has its own etiquette: be on time for transport, pay promptly, mark cards carefully and stay for the results. See how golf society days work in Pattaya.

Quick etiquette checklist

• Correct golf clothing, including collared shirt and golf shoes

• Greet and thank your caddie

• Stay calm. No temper, shouting or club-throwing

• Keep up the pace

• Follow cart rules and course care

• Leave the course immediately for lightning

• Tip your caddie fairly, in cash

Frequently asked questions

What is the dress code for golf in Thailand?

Collared golf shirt, golf trousers or tailored golf shorts, and golf shoes. Denim and sports shorts aren't allowed at most courses.

Is it rude not to tip a caddie in Thailand?

Yes. Tipping is expected and makes up an important part of a caddie's income.

Can I drive the cart myself?

It depends on the course. At many, the caddie drives. Ask at the start of the round.

What happens if there's lightning?

Play stops when the siren sounds or staff tell you to stop. Leave the course and take shelter immediately.

How do I say thank you in Thai?

Khop khun khrap (said by men) or khop khun kha (said by women).

Ready to play? Read Golf in Pattaya: The Complete Guide and compare courses and tee times.