Golf

Vintage Golf

Exotic Bangkok Golf Vacation Mini Guide

Thinking of places to enjoy a golfing vacation adventure and go somewhere exotic

Consider Thailand as a Golf Vacation destination and you will never forget your experience and the adventure.

In this article I will be talking to you about Bangkok Golf Vacations in particular, although there are hundreds of golf courses throughout Thailand.

First a little about Thailand from Wikipedia. Thailand is home to several distinct geographic regions, partly corresponding to the provincial groups.

The north of the country is mountainous, with the highest point being Doi Inthanon at 2,576 meters (8,451ft.).

The northeast consists of the Khorat Plateau, bordered to the east by the Mekong river. The centre of the country is dominated by the predominantly flat Chao Phraya River valley, which runs into the Gulf of Thailand.

The south consists of the narrow Kra Isthmus that widens into the Malay Peninsula.

The local climate is tropical and characterized by monsoons. There is a rainy, warm, and cloudy southwest monsoon from mid-May to September, as well as a dry, cool northeast monsoon from November to mid-March.

The southern isthmus is always hot and humid. Major cities beside the capital Bangkok include Nakhon Ratchasima, Udon Thani, Nakhon Sawan, Chiang Mai, Surat Thani, Phuket, and Hat Yai, in Songhla Province.

Bangkok, known in Thai as Krung Thep, is the capital and largest city of Thailand, with an official census population of over 10 million. Bangkok is located on the east bank of the Chao Phraya River, near the Gulf of Thailand.

Its also in the World Book of Records for the longest named city, Krung Thep is abbreviated.

Bangkok is one of the fastest growing, most economically dynamic cities in Southeast Asia. It is emerging as a regional center to rival Singapore and Hong Kong.

The World Meteorological Organization has dubbed Bangkok the world's hottest large city. Moreover, it is one of the world's most popular tourist destinations. Bangkok is also known for relatively low retail prices.

Bangkok is the place to visit for breathtakingly beautiful temples, magnificent palaces, Thai dancers, Thai kickboxing, museums, and island hopping, with
6 international airports , destinations all within one hour or so flights within Thailand. You will also find great bargains while shopping country wide.

Thailand's new airport is a work of art which stands alone and sets a new international standard for travelers, with all the latest hi-tech equipment , and visitor friendly features no where else to be found, just now opening in July through September.

So, besides the enjoyment of your golfing vacation, you will also be able to enjoy the visit to Bangkok, Thailand in many other ways, not the least of, which is the fantastic Bangkok nightlife and world-class hotels at rates you won't believe.

All in all, a golf vacation to Thailand is more than just an average golfing vacation, it's an adventure to remember.

Lets talk about some of the particular Golf Clubs and Golf Courses in Bangkok.

Windmill Park Golf & Country Club: Designed by Nick Faldo, this 18-Hole, Par 72, golf course is very challenging from the back tees. It features a lot of water for most of the entire course and the Par 5 holes are all doglegs. The last hole is probably the biggest challenge where you have to hit onto an island where the clubhouse is also located.

Bangpoo Country Club: This 18 hole course was designed by Arnold Palmer and is one of the most popular golf vacation destinations. It is located about 60 miles southeast of Bangkok. You will not contend with as much water as you will on the Windmill course but wind will be a factor in your golf game at Bangpoo. Wide Fairways make the course a little easier for the average golfer.

Vintage Golf Clubs: There is a lot more here than just golf. It features a glamorous clubhouse with tennis courts, a swimming pool, and even a fitness center. This 18 hole, Par 72 golf course was designed by Arthur Hills and is a rather flat course. However the greens, fairways, and water hazards are well placed. The Par 5 holes will give any golfer the challenge they are looking for and the 18th hole is especially challenging with a narrow green sporting water on two sides.

Bangpakong Riverside Country Club: Built by the Bangpakong River, this 18 hole course presents unique challenges for golfers at any skill level. The river intertwines through the golf course and into some of the greens themselves.
It sports thick rough areas even though the fairways are wide. Golfers will also have to contend with strong winds in addition to the obvious water hazards.

Thana City Golf & Country Club: This Golf Club is located along the Bangna-Trad Highway. A beautiful course designed by Greg Norman gives golfers a chance to play holes of varying skill levels.
There are Par 4, 300 yard holes up to Par 4, 440 yard holes. Very fast greens make this golf course a real challenge.

Dynasty Golf & Country Club: Designed by Dennis Griffiths, Dynasty is an 18-hole golf course about an hour-and-a-half drive from Bangkok. The greens are well placed and the course is fairly flat.
There are creeks that provide good water hazards and the trees and flowers that surround this beautiful golf course are something to be admired.

Subhapruek Golf Club: (Formerly Bangna Country Club). The name, Subhapruek, was given to the golf course by Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn in 1995 and means Beautiful Plants.
This golf course is one of the most beautiful courses in Thailand. Every single one of the 18 holes was designed by Pete Dye as a signature hole. The course presents physical and mental challenges that rival the best golf courses in the world.

Natural Park Ramindra Golf Course: (Formerly Winsan Golf Club until taken over by the Natural Group in 1992) Designed by Jack Niclaus, this 18-hole golf course features holes with sandy wastes, water hazards, and bunkers.
Like any golf course designed by Jack Niclaus, it presents challenges golfers at all skill levels can enjoy. It is located near Safari World, about and hour drive from Bangkok.

These are only a few of the golf courses in and around Bangkok, Thailand. You will enjoy exploring to find other courses such as those I will recommend below. A trip to Thailand for a golf vacation is one you will never forget.

Other recommended Golf courses you can search for online before booking your Bangkok, Thailand golf vacation.

Green Valley Golf Club, Rose Garden Golf Club, Kiarti Thanee Country Club, Royal Gems Golf & Sports Club, Krisda City Golf Club, President Golf & Country Club, Krung Kavee Golf Club, Pinehurst Golf & Country Club, Lakewood Golf & Country Club, Panya Indra Golf Club, Lum Luk Ka Golf Club, and Navatanee Golf Club.

Note from the author:
Although there are many excellent choices, my personal favorite is Pinehurst Golf & Country Club, minutes from Don Mueng International Airport, great accommodations in a country setting , excellent service with a smile, and moderately priced to fit within your budget.

Just watch out for the water traps. I've donated 100's of golf balls over the years.

About the Author

Reed Langdon lives in Thailand with his family and is an avid golfer. For more information and tips on great golf vacations visit his website at http://www.golfvacationonline.info

Information about a vintage golf club?

My dad found an old wooden golf club. On the head, it says "Special" "Warranty" "Hand forged" "J. A. Donaldson" "Golf Ill." "Glenview Club" "Approach Cleek"
Does anyone know how old this is, or how much it's worth? Any information would be appreciated.

Usually the answer to these questions is "nothing" or "next to nothing". Your club is likely worth something, however.

The value depends on condition but assuming it's mint I see the similar club being sold online for $150, which may not seem like much but for a vintage club that's actually a lot of money. Generally speaking, they're rarely worth much.

See lot #118

http://www.golfforallages.com/cat118.htm

"MACGREGOR, DAYTON, OH: A virtually Mint New smooth face Jigger or Lofting Iron circa 1910-15 stamped "J A Donaldson, Glenview Golf Club, ILL". This shallow faced beauty has no other markings, but the grip and shaft look like those used by Macgregor during this time frame. G-9+ $150"

vintage golf champs sing it again!!

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