Fairways to heaven: Why the South of Thailand is a golfer’s paradise

If you want to know what it’s like to play golf in paradise, then Southern Thailand may be the place for you.

Hitting the fairways in this lush locale is a dream for golfers. It combines beautiful beaches and gorgeous sunsets with a fantastic mix of challenging and fun courses, and it’s all wrapped up in that world-renowned Thai hospitality.

Golf in the south of the country is divided across two main areas – Phuket in the west and Koh Samui in the east.

Phuket’s vibrant mix of luxury resorts, lively nightlife, and stunning beaches make it an ideal destination for those seeking both challenging rounds of golf and exciting off-course activities.

Koh Samui offers a more relaxed vibe, with courses like Santiburi Samui Country Club nestled in the mountains, providing sweeping views of the Gulf of Thailand.

Here we’ll give you a taste of the best courses and the most fun activities to enjoy on a trip to two of Thailand’s beautiful islands.

Phuket

Bucket list courses

Blue Canyon Country Club’s Canyon Course – It’s always a tantalising prospect to tee off on a course where Tiger Woods has landed a title and that’s exactly what you get here. The GOAT triumphed in a play-off with fellow legend Ernie Els at the Johnnie Walker Classic in 1998. Step onto the greens at the Canyon Course and it’s easy to see what drew such big names to the venue. The track was originally a tin mine and that plays hugely into its character, with rust-coloured streams and red and white tin ore-laden rock exposed in the surrounding cliffs. Signature hole is the par 4 13^th, played over a canyon with an elevated tee and island green.

Laguna Golf Phuket – This enticing layout has twice hosted Asian Tour events and is seen as one of the top resort courses in the region. It sits in the valley floor with wooded hillsides surrounding it and cooling breezes drifting in from the Andaman Sea. A redesign in 2014 has added to its charm and challenge and there’s a fantastic variety to the holes. You’ll need good strategy to negotiate the undulating fairways and multiple water hazards, not least at the monster 612-yard 17th where you play at least twice over water.

Mission Hills Phuket – The great Jack Nicklaus designed this beauty on the Andaman Sea and it should surely rank as one of the 18-time major winner’s best creations. Perched on the north-east coast of Phuket, it is surrounded by mangrove forests and has quite incredible ocean views. The seaside location plays a huge role in the course, with large white sand beach bunkers and water coming into play on seven of the holes. A coastal breeze adds to the challenge. Watch out for the par-4 5^th, playing to an island green from an island tee, and the signature 12^th which requires a carry of over 250 yards from the back tees and plays to a green guarded by a lake on the right.

The Fun One

Loch Palm – It may not be the longest course in the area, but Loch Palm makes up for that with a fun, challenging and picturesque layout. It’s got a stunning location among jungle clad hills and, not surprisingly given the name, palm trees are dotted liberally throughout. Much of the front nine runs alongside a large loch which eats into the rolling fairways. The back nine requires more accuracy and has a real gem in the par 3 14^th hole, which plays downhill to a green surrounded by water.

5 things to do in Phuket

• Phuket Old Town and night markets – To get a feel for the real Phuket, there’s nothing better than a trip to the Old Town. This charming area boasts vibrant Sino-Portuguese architecture and is a colourful tapestry of boutique shops and quaint cafes. Make sure to visit at night when it comes alive with bustling markets where you can sample delicious street food and fresh fruits, or pick up some handcrafted souvenirs.
• Wat Chalong temple – Phuket’s largest and most revered Buddhist temple, you’ll love its intricate architecture, colourful murals, and sacred relics, including a display housing what is said to be a piece of bone from Buddha.
• Sirinat National Park – This coastal gem is home to protected areas like Nai Yang, Mai Khao, and Nai Thon beaches, where sea turtles nest. Its 13sq miles of natural habitat boasts beach forests, mangroves and clusters of coral reef.      You can take a  dip in the clear waters that lap its white sandy beaches, or wander through lush forests that are rich in diverse wildlife.
• Snorkelling, diving and sailing – Phuket is the       gateway to some of Thailand’s best snorkelling and diving. The waters around the Phi Phi Islands, Phang Nga Bay, and the Similan Islands let you explore       vibrant coral reefs and a rich variety of marine life. Or if you want to stay above the waves, you can charter a private yacht to cruise through hidden coves, secluded beaches, and dramatic limestone cliffs.
• Beach trail – Phuket has more than 30 beaches, from lively Patong, with its vibrant nightlife and watersports, to secluded coves and bays. Kata and Karon beaches are great for relaxing, while you can hide away on secluded gems like Freedom or Banana Beach. If a stunning sunset is your thing, then head to the west coast where beaches like Nai Harn and Surin offer beautiful red skies in the evening or the famous Promthep Cape in the south.

Koh Samui

Bucket list course

Santiburi Samui – This stunning layout that was Koh Samui’s first golf course is a visual feast. Waterfalls and creeks run throughout the lush landscape and steep hills provide a beautiful backdrop. You’ll also get panoramic views of the Gulf of Thailand as you walk the fairways. It’s a great test of golf too and has hosted the Bangkok Airways Open. The fairways are sharply sloped as they wind between cliffs and streams, while rocky outcrops and fast greens add to the challenge. There’s a premium on accuracy rather than distance off the tee, and you’ll need to think about your approach shots to make sure you leave yourself in the right spot on the large greens.

The fun one

Royal Samui Golf & Country Club: Nestled in the mountains above the picturesque Chaweng and Lamai beaches, Royal Samui was founded 18 years ago by golf enthusiasts who wanted to offer an affordable but enjoyable layout. They definitely succeeded in that. Royal Samui is just nine holes but you’ll want to play them twice. It’s also quite challenging with sharp elevation changes that add to the test and the fun. The fairways, which run beside coconut plantations, are narrow and huge boulders offer natural obstacles. All the way round are breathtaking views and on a clear day you can see Koh Tao island.

5 things to do in Koh Samui

• Chaweng beach – Koh Samui’s vibrant hub is heaven for shopping and nightlife. Cruise the main strip, and you’ll find bustling markets, boutiques, and souvenir shops selling everything from handcrafted goods to trendy fashion. After sunset, it’s great to enjoy the mix of beach bars, clubs, and cosy lounges. You can choose between a laid-back evening by the beach or a night of dancing.
• Ang Thong National Marine Park – A day trip to beautiful Ang Thong National Marine Park is a great way to really savour the natural beauty of Koh Samui. The park is an archipelago of 42 islands that see lush limestone cliffs tower over crystal clear waters. Book a tour and you’ll be able to snorkel amongst amazing marine life, kayak through hidden lagoons, and hike to panoramic viewpoints. Truly unforgettable.
• Island tour – To get a true taste of Koh Samui’s diverse attractions book an island tour. You can start at the iconic Big Buddha statue, before exploring hidden waterfalls like Na Muang, surrounded by lush jungle. There are serene coconut groves that offer a glimpse of local life, and majestic viewpoints like Lad Koh where you’ll be treated to panoramic island vistas. Cap it all off with a trip to serene temples, such as Wat Plai Laem, and the Secret Buddha Garden, which nestles in the hills and makes for a tranquil end to your day.
• Fisherman’s village – This historic area is a must-visit at night when Bophut’s beachfront restaurants are a lively hub of activity. You’ll be able to taste some of the best fresh seafood to be found anywhere in the world, as well as a rich variety of international cuisine. If you venture down on a Friday, there’s the popular Fisherman’s Village Walking Street Market with its vibrant stalls, live music, and street food vendors.
• Samui Elephant Sanctuary – Animal lovers will enjoy nothing more than this fantastic shelter for rescued elephants who live in peace and dignity. These rescued elephants live a more natural life here and visitors can watch them roam, bathe and play in natural surroundings.      . There are educational tours where you learn about elephant conservation and care. A truly heartwarming experience.

Coming soon

DoubleTree by Hilton Phuket Golf Invitational – July 23-27 2025

This fun event offers you the chance to mix some competitive golf into your visit to this island paradise. The competition will see golf enthusiasts from around the world get the chance to test their skills over five days on a collection of the island’s most prestigious courses. There’s also great hospitality with luxurious accommodation and fine cuisine to make sure you unwind in style after your round.

Top Tips for playing golf in Thailand

• Travel in the low season (April to November) for the best deals on hotels and green fees
• Mid week fees are cheaper and there are some great twilight and night offers too (is also cooler then!)
• Book a caddie – they are compulsory at most courses but will be your secret weapon! And always tip them.
• Thailand offers great value for money. Fees range from £30 to £120 approximately depending on the course quality, day of the week etc.

If all this has whetted your appetite for golf in Southern Thailand, you can book a holiday at golfbreaks.com. You can also get more information about travel to Thailand at fanclubthailand.co.uk or by following @fanclubthailand on Instagram.

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