Golf in Thailand is a relaxed, welcoming experience — local courses are friendly to visitors, formal stuffiness is rare, and the atmosphere is generally more social than strict. That said, a handful of conventions differ meaningfully from what golfers expect in the UK, US, or Australia. Understanding them before you arrive means you spend your round enjoying the course instead of navigating awkward moments at the first tee or the 18th green.
1. Caddies — Mandatory at Most Courses
At the vast majority of Thai golf courses, caddies are not optional. Even courses that technically allow you to carry your own bag will almost always assign a caddie by default, and declining the offer can cause confusion. Treat a caddie as a standard part of your round, not an add-on.
What your caddie does: 1. Carries your bag for the full 18 holes 2. Rakes bunkers after every splash 3. Cleans your clubs after each shot 4. Reads putts and advises on line and pace 5. Gives yardages and advises on club selection 6. Keeps an eye on your ball flight
Listen to their club recommendations, especially on courses you haven't played before. Thai caddies know their home course precisely, and their yardages and local knowledge are reliable.
2. Tipping — Amounts, Timing, and How to Handle It
Tipping your caddie is expected at every course. It is not included in your green fee and is always paid directly to the caddie at the end of the round — not through the pro shop.
| Course Type | Recommended Tip | |---|---| | Standard public / pay-and-play course | 400–500 THB | | Mid-range or well-regarded course | 500–600 THB | | Premium or private club | 600–1,000 THB |
1. Bring cash in small denominations to the course. 2. Pay at the end of the round, not the start. 3. Hand the tip directly to your caddie, not to a cart driver or starter. 4. If your caddie has gone above and beyond, 700–1,000 THB is a generous but appropriate acknowledgement.
Handing over the cash with a "khob khun" (thank you in Thai) and a smile is perfectly correct.
3. Pace of Play — What to Expect
Thai golf rounds run longer than the four-hour benchmark that Western golfers often expect. At Bangkok-area courses, a standard 18-hole round with caddies and buggies typically takes **4.5 to 5.5 hours**. Plan your day accordingly.
Reasons for the longer duration: 1. Caddie and buggy logistics add coordination time at each hole 2. Many Bangkok-area courses have longer walks between green and the next tee 3. Weekends are busy, and four-balls are common
Book an early tee time (6–7 am) if you want to finish before the midday heat peaks. Don't schedule a tight afternoon commitment after a morning round.
4. On-Course Behaviour
Thai golf culture is sociable but observes the same fundamental courtesies as anywhere else:
1. **Silence on the tee** — stop conversations when a player is addressing the ball 2. **Mobile phones** — set to silent; step away from the group for calls 3. **Divots and ball marks** — replace divots and repair pitch marks on greens. Caddies handle bunkers, but fairway divots are the golfer's responsibility 4. **Cart paths** — follow any 90-degree rule or cart-path-only restrictions, particularly after rain
5. Dress Code
Thai courses are more relaxed about dress than courses in Japan or Korea, but standards still apply:
- **Collared shirt required** — polo shirts and golf-specific shirts are the standard - **No cargo shorts** — the extra pockets and casual cut disqualify them at virtually every course - **Tailored shorts or trousers** — clean, golf-cut shorts are fine at most courses - **Soft spikes** — metal spikes are banned at most courses - **No denim** — jeans or denim shorts are not permitted
6. Arrival and Check-In
Arriving on time matters more at Thai courses than at many Western ones, because check-in involves caddie assignment and buggy allocation.
1. **Arrive 20–30 minutes before your tee time** — this gives time to check in, pay, collect your caddie assignment, and warm up 2. **Bag drop** — most courses have a bag drop area near the entrance; staff deliver clubs to the first tee 3. **Caddie assignment** — caddies are assigned by the course, not chosen by the golfer 4. **Green fee and caddie fee** — these are usually paid separately; the caddie fee is typically 400–600 THB paid to the course at check-in
Key Takeaways
- Caddies are mandatory at virtually all Thai courses — budget 400–600 THB caddie fee plus a 400–500 THB tip in cash
- Pay the caddie tip directly at the end of the round, not through the pro shop
- Budget 4.5–5.5 hours for a standard 18-hole round — longer than Western norms
- Book early tee times (6–7am) to beat the midday heat and weekend crowds
- Collared shirts required; no cargo shorts, no denim, soft spikes only
- Arrive 20–30 minutes before your tee time to allow for caddie and buggy assignment
Try It Yourself
Experience indoor golf at LENGOLF, The Mercury Ville @ BTS Chidlom, Floor 4, Bangkok. Open 9am – 11pm, Monday – Sunday. No experience needed.