DIY or Packaged Golf Tour?

DIY

or Package?

Is it best to come to Thailand on a golf package or a do-it-yourself tour?  There are other variations of these two options where one might come to Thailand on a do-it-yourself package and then book a packaged golf outing via one of the local operators.  For the most adventurous, there is the totally do-it-yourself route in which everything is done on your own.  Each choice is designed around one's allocated time, budget, and of course, the willingness to do the research and work to make the bookings and handle the logistics yourself.  

Fortunately, Thailand is a wonderful place for visitors.  Its safe, the people are friendly, and the hotels are reasonable and clean. Many first time visitors may benefit from having 'everything' taken care of in advance, but repeat visitors (and you will be one soon if this is your first visit), will want more control over their agendas and feel comfortable enough to do their own Tee time bookings and travel arrangements themselves. If you stay at a nicer hotel, the hotel staff will gladly assist you in booking, transportation, and other logistics - just ask.  Most western hotel staff speak English and other languages so with a little bit of patience, your stay can be a wonderful adventure.  

Some tour operators will try to scare you with the hard to book tee times stories,  the 'taxi driver from hell' stories and the ugly 'language barrier' monster, but Thailand is not one of the world's favorite tourists destinations by chance.  The infrastructure and accommodations, and service hospitality are world renown and its a wonderful place to come for a holiday, including a golf holiday 'on your own'. 

While one reason many visitors choose to do their own bookings for Tee times and transportation is flexibility, the other is the cost.  The cost savings from a DIY outing may be enough to pay for an upgraded hotel room or some shopping money,  so it can be a great incentive.  Here is an example:  A golf package to a local Bangkok course like Muang Kaew Golf Club, which is about 20-25 minutes from the Central Business District will run about 5,700 baht ($190 USD).  This will include transportation from your hotel, green fees, and caddie fee, but does not include tip.  

It typically costs 2,500 baht ($84 USD) for the weekday green fees at the course, plus 250  baht ($8.40 USD) for the caddie fees as a walk on visitor or a called in booking for a Tee time.  From a hotel in the Central Business District, a taxi to the course will cost about 600 baht ($20) round trip.  Total cost for a DIY booking is around 3,400 baht.  The total savings will be around 2,300 baht ($77 USD) on today's exchange rate (November 2010) over a packaged deal.   As you can see,  doing that over a three to five day period can save one a lot of money.  Local operators may not want me to tell you this because they make their money doing their best to cater to the first time visitors and those who like things taken care of in advance and don't mind paying for that service.

Local expats that live here rarely/never book packages unless its a real special deal.  Many will look for 'sports day' promotions offered by the courses where the green fees are reduced 50% or more - its open to all, even visitors.  Typically on a weekday, like Tuesday or Wednesday, many courses offer great promotions during the off-season.  Months other than November - February are typically considered off season months.  Sometimes, the Tourism Authority of Thailand will also arrange a regional promotion.  Last year for example, the TAT sponsored a program where a number of real great courses in the Chonburi/Rayong area could be played for less than 1000 baht during the promotion - a significant reduction of their normal green fees.

If you have golfing friends and family here, you've probably already heard about the great golf so don't be afraid to bring your clubs and call them.  Hopefully this blog will soon have a forum where new visitors and residents alike can hook up as playing partners in this slice of paradise we call Thailand.

Whatever route you choose - and there is something for everyone, don't hesitate to cover over for one of the great golfing experiences of your life.