My Thai Golf-The Caddies.

Caddies are not just the key ingredient of the Thailand golfing experience.
To me they are the unique selling point.

They take away all the hassle and allow you to focus on your game and get the most from your holiday.

Don't be fooled by thinking that the best looking caddie is necessarily the 'best caddie'. They all look so professional in their uniforms but it's usually age and experience that will assist you in playing your best golf.

 
I have had plenty of caddies who look very young only to find out during the round that they are twice the age I thought and have been caddying for many years.

A good knowledge of English is always a good sign that you are in the hands of a knowledgeable and experienced caddie, but it is not essential.

 A really top caddie will provide the right yardages, suggest the right club and read the greens correctly.
They are paid to rake the bunkers, repair your divots and pitch marks, and to mark and clean your ball.
Always tip generously especially if you're going back.

Occasionally even the best caddies will make mistakes but you shouldn't berate them.

If you are having a bad day do your best to control your temper, even if your game is in bits.
You are the one who is playing the loose shots, not the caddie.

Relax and enjoy the surroundings. you could be in worse places.

In Thailand it is considered very bad manners to lose your temper in public and a tantrum may be construed as a slight on your caddie's ability. This may in turn upset the other caddies in the group. Stay calm!

All caddies enjoy a laugh so involve them in your funny moments.
It's also wise to let them know if you are not feeling well or have an injury.

 One of the funniest thing I've witnessed is one of my pals [Spencer] teeing off at beautiful Bangpra GC when the main button on his shorts burst. He held his follow through pose perfectly as all four caddies fell about in fits of laughter.

Spencer had earlier decided to 'go commando' due to the heat.
He was not wearing any underpants and his shorts were firmly lodged around his knees.

As my caddie later remarked, 'the little bird has fallen from the nest!'
Priceless!

More of my Thai golfing experiences will follow in due course.

I'm also on Twitter @mythaigolf

 

Playing competitive golf in Pattaya with the IPGC

If you want to play golf in Thailand but you don't fancy an organised Tour then can I suggest you book your stay in Pattaya and join the International Pattaya Golf Club (IPGC).

There are four Hotels/Bars where you can sign up, all listed on their website, along with all the other information you will need, including handicap requirements. The four bars, plus one other, each runs it's own society under the umbrella of the IPGC. The concept is excellent and it is very popular amongst visitors and ex-pat residents.
www.ipgc.org

It will cost you £8 [400 Baht] for a one year membership card. This will allow you to play organised competition golf from any of the five bars at a host of superb local courses, for the duration of your holiday. Each bar has it's own golfing schedule with courses booked weeks ahead.

You can look forward to some great days out with opportunities to play with golfers of all Nationalities. Even if you are on your own you'll be made most welcome. This is for lady golfers too.

Each bar organises transport to and from the courses with a presentation of prizes upon the return of all players.  Green fee prices are reduced for IPGC members.

My bar of choice has always been the Haven Hotel on Soi 13. I last stayed there in 2011, my seventh time. The boss, Stephen aka 'The Doc' and his assistant Russell are a very well organised duo.

They collect competition money, arrange transport, check all score cards and pay out the winners, all with military precision.

You don't have to stay at the Haven. You can stay where you like.
All you need to do is get yourself to the Haven in plenty of time for the departure of the buses.
All tee times are pre booked so timing is most important.

Wise golfers arrive early for breakfast so they don't miss the bus.

The Haven golf days are Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays with an option to play Sunday.
Competitor numbers vary and you can be up against as many as 40 others in high season.
The majority of competitions are stablefords or single medals.

If you wish to play other courses not on any of the IPGC schedules 'the Doc' can sort that for you too.
It's well worth having a chat with him or Russell and exploring this website for more info.
www.thehaven-hotel.com

If you are a Tour group then why not let 'the Doc' arrange all your golf?
You just tell him what you want and let him fix it for you.

The Haven is close to the beach and some cracking bars, as well as the indoor market and the 'Mike Shopping Mall'. Walking Street is minutes away.

The Haven rooms are excellent and suit our budget, and the food is fantastic too, but there are plenty of other excellent Hotels in the immediate area to suit all budgets and preferences.

I will be back Doc!



 

My Thai Golf is my take on Golfing Holidays in Thailand.

My Thai Golf is my take on golfing holidays in Thailand.

Fantastic weather, beautiful beaches, great food, magnificent temples and the
friendliest people you will ever come across. Then add in nearly 300 golf
courses and you're in dreamland.

I was just one of the 50,000 Brits who took a golfing holiday in Thailand in
2012. It also attracted another 700,000 golfers from around the World during the same year
and it's easy to see why.

Playing golf in Thailand is a unique and memorable experience.

Are you thinking of going to Thailand to play golf?
Maybe you're keen to organise your own trip?
Maybe you'd prefer to book through a major tour operator?

Whatever your choice, I know my experiences will help with your planning as I've
been organising trips for groups of golfing friends from the UK since 2005 to a number of resorts around Thailand.

If you want to play golf and take advantage of great nightlife then Pattaya is the place.
I 've taken seven tours there, and all have been very memorable.

Perhaps you're looking for something a little more laid back?
Personally I am hooked on Hua Hin and will be back there next February.

Maybe you like the idea of mixing some golf with a little culture? Well, that's easily arranged.

Or how about a bit of island hopping mixed in with some golf?  How does that grab you?

The stories start next week here on this new blog.

Before then I have 3 days at Forest Pines GC in Lincolnshire, playing in the 13th
Wyder Cup. (Yes it is Wyder!)
14 a side over Foursomes, Four Balls and Singles.
I will be representing Long Marston (LM) against The Rest of the World (ROW)

Check us out at www.wydercup.co.uk
Score updates will appear via Twitter.
@mythaigolf