Koh Samui Golf Courses - Thailand

Koh Samui Island is not a golfer's paradise or five star destination but there are more than enough golfing opportunities on Koh Samui Island to keep the serious golfer busy. All the opportunities are located in the northeastern portion of the island so golfers should bear that in mind when they book their accommodations. It is also probably a good idea to avoid booking in October and November, which are the months of quite heavy rain.

All of the golfing destinations are located near beaches, so golfers who don't want to play golf everyday can enjoy the beach. Chaweng Beach and Lamai Beach also have a very active nightlife – each has numerous beer bars and go-go bars, and Chaweng has several discotheques – so golfers can enjoy an active nightlife if they wish. Some of the other beaches are, however, very family oriented and have little nightlife. There are many restaurants in the area suitable for family dining.

Santiburi Samui Country Club

Opened in 2003, Santiburi Samui Country Club Golf Course is the island's first and premier golf course. It is 6,930 yards in length, has 18 holes, and is rated at par 72. Owned by the nearby Santiburi Resort, it is located on a hilly stretch of land and the holes have been designed so that the play is always either descending or ascending.

As such, it is not recommended for those who do not have some degree of fitness. It is also designed to blend in naturally with its environment, and players are almost always able to enjoy views of the ocean and beaches. The club also has a 25 bay driving range some golf pro shops.

The basic greens fee is 3,000 baht a round, the caddie fee is 200 baht (with the possiblitiy of an additional tip), golf cart rental is 550 baht, club rental is 700 to 1,400 baht, and shoe rental is 150 baht.

The address of the club is 12/15 Moo 4 Tambol Maenam, Ko Samui 84330 (Thailand), and the phone is (66 77) 421 700-8, fax (66 77) 421 709. Individual and corporate packages can be arranged with the Santiburi Resort, which is a five star resort located on Mae Nam Beach.

Royal Samui Golf and Country Club

Opened in 2008, the Royal Samui Golf and Country Club is located in mountainous terrain overlooking Chaweng and Lamai Beaches. It is rated at par 72 and is similar to Santiburi Samui in that it is designed for a continuously ascending or descenting game.

Presently there are only nine holes in play but it is designed to be an 18 hole course and the other 9 holes are in the process of completion.

The green fee is 950 baht – although this will certainly increase when the other nine holes are completed – a caddie fee is 150 baht, and a golf cart rental fee is 400 baht.

Royal Samui has a driving range, and five story high club house, "the 19th Hole", with bars and restaurants, a spa, massage and fitness center, conference and banquet facilities, and tennis and squash courts.

The Royal Samui Golf and Country Club may be reached at +66 (0)77 414104, fax +66 (0) 77414105, or through www.rsgcc.co.th

Bophut Hills Golf Course

Bophut Hills is a nine hole course located about five minutes from Chaweng Beach. It is 1,139 yards in length and is rated par 27. It was opened in 2006 and is considered an ideal course for beginners.

It is set in beautiful surroundings and has a nice clubhouse providing food and drink. It may be contacted through telephone 0872 671 042, or www.bophuthillsgolf.com

Samui Golf Club and Driving Range

This facility is located in the hills overlooking Bophut Beach. The name is a little misleading as the facility is actually only a 250 yard driving range. Club rentals are 600 baht, 100 balls may be rented at 100 baht. Gloves are provided free and instruction, if desired is available at 1000 baht an hour.

The Samui Golf Club and Driving Range may be contacted through telephone +66 77 245236-9, fax +66 77 425 342, at 123/1 Moo 1 BophutKo Samui 84320 (Thailand).

Lamai Driving Range

Lamai Driving Range is located in Lamai, just past the post office on the ring road. Clubs are available for 50 baht each and balls at 50 balls for 50 baht. It may be reached at telephone 0 810 907, or 0 862 820 749, fax 0 77 41 8995. It might or might not be in operation now as the owner has been trying to find a buyer.

Golf Shops on Koh Samui Island

There are said to be several golf shops on Koh Samui Island, especially in Chaweng Beach, an example of which is the Samui Gold and Sports Center located at Tesco Lotus, phone: 0 77 24 53 84. Most of these shops do not advertise.

Miniature Golf

For those seeking something a little less competitive and more fun and family oriented there are two miniture golf courses on the island. Mini Golf International is located at Choeng Mon Beach. It is described as being a "professional" miniture golf course. The owner has been trying to sell it and it might no longer be open.

The Treasure Island Miniture Golf Course is located opposite Pizza Hut and close to Burger King in Chaweng Beach. It has eighteen holes and is traditional in that the various holes feature animal challenges such as a crocodile, whale and tiger. It also serves Mexican food.

Another miniature golf course in Chaweng goes by the name of "Crazy Golf" and is located nearby the Treasure Island.