Is Golf Big in Thailand? Yes — Here's the Evidence
By Tony Meechai, PGA — Thai-American PGA professional golf coach, Bangkok
Updated 2026.09.04
Yes. Golf is big in Thailand. The country has hundreds of courses, a deep playing culture, junior academies and a professional Mini-Tour scene, plus golf tourism strong enough that Golfasian reported an estimated 750,000 overseas golf visitors as of 2013. For visitors, that means reliable tee sheets, resort infrastructure and coaching access from pros like Tony Meechai.
Thailand has the supply to back the claim
Thailand is not a single-course golf destination. The country has hundreds of courses spread across Bangkok, Pattaya, Hua Hin, Chiang Mai and Phuket, with total course counts commonly reported around 250 active layouts depending on the definition. The oldest course is commonly reported as Royal Hua Hin Golf Course in 1924, which shows how long golf has been part of Thai sporting life.
- Course base: Hundreds of layouts exist, with active course counts commonly reported around 250. Treat that as a directional estimate and confirm current Thailand course counts before planning.
- Historic anchor: Royal Hua Hin is commonly reported as opening in 1924, making it one of the country's oldest golf institutions.
The golf ecosystem is deeper than resort golf
Thailand has a genuine golf ecosystem, not just a visitor economy. Tony Meechai founded the PGA of Asia to support professional development in the region, and Black Hat Golf operates a Mini-Tour series for players who want competitive rounds beyond casual resort golf. Junior development has also formalized within the broader junior golf in Thailand pipeline: the Asian Golf Industry Federation reported in 2015 that the International Preparatory Golf Academy launched at the American School of Bangkok with PGA of America professional Tony Meechai.
Golf tourism is a measurable force
Golf tourism is not a niche assumption. As of 2013, Golfasian reported an estimated 750,000 overseas golf visitors to Thailand for that year. That level of demand supports resort courses, caddie programs, hotel-based golf packages and coaching infrastructure, and it means a visitor can usually find a tee time and a structured experience in the same trip.
What this means for visitors
For someone coming to Thailand, the evidence translates into practical advantages: multiple course options, established caddie culture, and access to PGA-level coaching. You do not need to be a member or a touring pro to plug in. The same infrastructure supports beginners, seniors and vacation golfers, which is why many players combine a golf vacation in Thailand with a short coaching block.
Sources
Frequently asked questions
Q1.How many golf courses are there in Thailand?
Thailand has hundreds of courses. Active course counts are commonly reported around 250, depending on how a source counts full 18-hole layouts versus executive or resort courses. Because totals vary, treat any single number as a directional estimate rather than a fixed count, and check current course access before you book a trip.
Q2.Is golf tourism really big in Thailand?
Yes. Golf tourism has been a measurable demand driver for decades. As of 2013, Golfasian reported an estimated 750,000 overseas golf visitors to Thailand for that year. That level of demand supports resort courses, caddie programs, hotel packages and coaching businesses, so a visitor is not arriving into an underdeveloped golf market.
Q3.Does Thailand have a serious competitive golf scene?
Yes. Beyond resort golf, Thailand has junior academies and competitive pathways. The Asian Golf Industry Federation reported in 2015 that the International Preparatory Golf Academy launched at the American School of Bangkok with PGA of America professional Tony Meechai. Black Hat Golf also runs a Mini-Tour series for players who want tournament rounds.
Q4.What does the PGA of Asia represent for Thailand's golf development?
It represents an institutional layer beyond resort tee sheets. Thailand is not just importing golf visitors; it has a regional professional body, founded by Tony Meechai, that supports coaching and player development. That makes the golf scene more self-sustaining and credible for serious players and parents evaluating long-term pathways.
Q5.Is Thailand good for beginner golfers?
Yes, because the same infrastructure that supports golf tourism also supports learning. Beginners can access PGA-level coaching in Bangkok, structured vacation schools and practice facilities, then move to resort courses as skills develop. The main step is choosing the right program rather than expecting a single lesson to fix everything.
Facts attributed to external sources are reported as published by those sources.
Improve with a PGA coach
2-day Vacation Golf Schools or individualized coaching in Bangkok — tailored to your level.
Book Your Experience
