Chiang Mai golf courses guide
Chiang Mai presents some of the best golf choices in all of Thailand. Only Pattaya has a bigger selection in such a compact area, but golf in Chiang Mai is cheaper and enjoys more beautiful settings. There are more than 10 courses, none more than a 45 minute drive from the city centre. Many are situated outside of Chiang Mai in lovely settings with mountainous backdrops, but there are a few close the Old Town.
In general, the courses are all excellently maintained and some created by well known designers offering an interesting and challenging 18 holes with plenty of water features. The biggest attraction is perhaps the price, and despite varying quite considerably you can either have a round for less than 500 baht (Hang Dong Golf Club) or enjoy a really stunning course for 2,400 baht (Gassan Khuntan Golf resort). All of them rent clubs, caddies, carts even shoes and have very good club houses. Your hotel concierge or a local travel agent will be able to organise a golfing day, or you can call and arrange a tee-off time and find your own way there.
You might like to consider checking into one of the golf resorts for a multi-day experience that adds up to good value. Many have other activities and a spa for non-golfing partners. Of course, after a game of golf you can enjoy a massage and excellent Thai meal anywhere in the city.
Here are most of the courses open to the public.
Chiang Mai - Lamphun Golf Club and Heritage resort
This course has an excellent setting in a hidden valley and is part of a comfortable resort that makes an ideal golfing weekend getaway. Located about 30 minutes drive from Chiang Mai the course is mature and in excellent condition, a bit pricey compared to the others but the whole resort package is good value overall for a couple of nights. 1,600 baht per 18 holes. Caddy fee per 18 holes 200 baht and per 9 holes 120 baht. Equipment set: 600 baht. Cart: 600 baht. Shoes: 200 baht. Mae On District, Sankhaempeng, East Chiang Mai. Tel: 66 53 880 888. Email: info@chiangmai-lamphungolfclub.com
Lanna Golf Club
Located just 15 minutes from the city centre, on the Mae Rim road, this is one of the most established and popular courses in Chiang Mai and pick of the bunch for new-comers. A superb, mature course with challenging fairways and fast greens. Favoured by the who's who of Chiang Mai, booking might be necessary. 1,200 baht per 27 holes, 800 baht per 18 holes and 400 baht per 9 holes. Cars and hire clubs are available. Mae Rim Road, opposite Bank of Thailand building. Tel: 66 53 221 911 221 556 Email: kcalfee@loxinfo.co.th
Mae Jo Golf Club
Positioned north of Chiang Mai behind the Mae Jo University building, Mae Jo Golf Club can easily be reached within a less than 30-minute drive from the city centre. The course is much appreciated among golfers wishing to play a top-class fun course. Jaw-dropping scenery of mountainous areas including Doi Suthep surrounds the course. With an abundance of orchids and fruit trees alongside the course’s grass fairways, playing here is a real pleasure. The course is opened every day of the week. 1,600 baht per 18 holes and 800 baht per 9 holes. Caddy fee per 18 holes 200 baht and 120 baht per 9 holes. Golf set: 600 baht. Shoes: 100 baht. Cart: 600 baht per 18 holes and 400 baht per 9 holes. Tel: 66 53 354 431 2. Email: info@maejogolfclub.com
Chiang Mai Highlands Golf & Spa
Situated east of Chiang Mai nearby Sankampheang. This course, which opened in 2005, can be reached within a 30-minute scenic drive from Chiang Mai. The course is challenging and exciting for both beginners and advanced golfers. The course offers five different tee boxes. Golfers here will appreciate the wonderful views throughout the entire course. More than 100 greenside bunkers and fairways contribute to the course’s exceptional beauty. Chiang Mai Highlands Golf & Spa is opened each day of the week. 1,800 baht per 18 holes. 900 baht after 14:30. Golf set: 900 baht. Cart: 600 baht. Caddy fee per 18 holes: 200 baht. Shoes: 200 baht. Tel: 66 53 261 354. Email: info@chiangmaihighlands.com
Chiang Mai Green Valley Country Club
Located within a 15-minute drive from the city centre, Chiang Mai Green Valley Country Club is an 18-holes world class course. The atmospheric and professionally maintained course is wonderfully located, surrounded by green mountains. The combination of the fresh air, pretty lake and many trees make golfing here an unforgettable experience. 1,800 baht per 18 holes. After 15:00 charge for 9 hole game available as well. Golf equipment: 700 baht. Golf cart: 500 baht. Shoes: 100 baht. Caddy fee per 18 holes: 200 baht. Tel: 66 53 298 220 3. Email: info@chiangmaigreenvalleygolf.com
Royal Chiang Mai Golf Resort
Opened since 1996, this world-class golf course is set in a gorgeous valley boasting magnificent scenery. Trails, different trees, streams, waterfalls and trails are surrounded by a wonderful mountainous area. At the end of the course there is a fabulous view towards the clubhouse, which houses 54 guestrooms. This recreational facility also features a swimming pool, fitness centre and snooker room. 1,400 baht per 18 holes and 800 baht per 9 holes. Golf cart: 600 baht (18 holes) and 350 baht (9 holes). Caddy fee: 200 baht (18 holes) and 140 baht (9 holes). Set of golf clubs: 500 baht. Shoes: 100 baht. Tel: 66 53 849 301 6. Email: golf1@royalchiangmai.com
Hang Dong Golf Course Positioned about nine miles outside of the city, this relatively new course offers value for money. Golfers will enjoy the backdrop of mountains, view over the lake and many pretty water features. The spacious club house serves good food and cheaply priced beer. 350 baht per 18 holes. Caddy fee: 150 baht per 18 holes. Tel: 66 53 426 201.
Gassan Khun Tan Golf and Resort
Open since 2004, the Gassan Khun Tan Golf and Resort is located in Lamphun, which is about a one hour drive away from Chiang Mai city centre. Perfectly set amidst tropical surroundings and offering beautiful sceneries, this challenging course is one of Thailand’s finest. The resort also features a hotel, swimming pool, massage facility and bar. 2,400 baht per 18 holes. Caddy fee: 200 baht. Golf cart: 500 baht.
Gassan Marina Golf Club
Thailand’s longest course is situated in Lamphun about 45 minutes from downtown Chiang Mai. The course opened in 2006 and is positioned around the biggest lake in Chiang Mai province. Any golfer will be impressed by the course’s wonderful design with a daunting amount of water features, bunkers and ditches. Gassan Marina Golf Club also features a swimming pool, sauna, massage service, spa, wonderful Arabic club house and restaurant. 1,700 baht per 18 holes (low season 1,450 baht). Caddy fee: 200 baht. Golf cart: 500 baht. Set golf clubs: 600 baht. Tel: 66 26 730 966.
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