Golfing is an experience that everyone should try at least once, and Chiang Mai province can be a great place to start. Located in the north of the country, it is the second-largest province of Thailand and home to some of the best golf courses in the country. Chiang Mai has its international airport located in the capital city of the area, i.e. Chiang Mai International Airport. It has functional train connectivity, and you can reach the capital city from Bangkok in 10 to 12 hours via train.
Listed below are some of the best golf courses in Chiang Mai:
1. Alpine Golf Resort
Established in 2008 it was designed by the famous designer Mr Ron M Garl, winner of 'Golf Designer of the Year' by International Network of Golf. A 27 hole, par 72 courses it measures 7451 yards in length. It won the Best Golf Resort Title given by the Asian Tour Award for two consecutive years in 2013 and 2014. It was also included in the Asia Top 10 Best Golf Resorts 2014. The course is surrounded by a wide variety of trees such as Golden Teak wood and Mahogany. The fourth hole on the A course is the longest in Thailand at 652 yards. It is one of the more challenging golf courses in Chiang Mai. The course is a leisure experience complete with a four-star resort and other amenities to make your stay memorable.
Clubhouse Facilities: The resort provides various facilities such as banquet halls and meeting rooms, spa services, pro shop, driving range, clubhouse, a restaurant which is open from 10 am to 8 am and a swimming pool. They also provide caddy services. Prices: THB 4250 = USD 135 (online booking available) Cancellation Charges: No cancellation charges 24 hours before playing date Location: Sankamphaeng Banthi Road Timings: 6:30 AM - 2:00 PM
2. Chiang Mai Highlands Golf Course and Spa resort
As the name suggests, this golf course in Chiang Mai is located in the highlands of the region; this provides you with beautiful mountain scenery in the background as you golf. Established in 2005, it was designed by Arizona based Schmidt Curley Golf Design company, which is famous for designing many Asian golf courses. Another 27 holes and par 72/36 course measuring 7003 yards in length, it is considered to be the best course in Chiang Mai. It has won the Best Value Golf Experience and Ranked 3rd among the Golf Courses in Thailand among other awards.
Clubhouse Facilities: They provide you with facilities such as a pro shop, locker rooms, banquet halls, a restaurant, and accommodation facilities. It also has spa services to relax you after an exciting day full of golf. Prices: THB 3880 = USD 124 (online booking available) Location: 2 167 On Nuea, Mae On District Timings: 6:00 AM - 3:00 PM
3. Gassan Khuntan Golf & Resort
Established in 2004, it is an 18 hole par 72 championship course. Located near the peaceful valley of Doi Khuntan National Park, it is only a ten minutes ride away from it. It is going to the host to the Amazing Thailand Golf Challenge 2019 and more such events in the upcoming months. They have dwarfed Bermuda quality grass, which makes playing there an even more challenging experience. This resort is an instant hit due to its challenging courses and scenic beauty.
Clubhouse Facilities: It provides you with accommodation, caddy services, massage, sauna, spa and a swimming pool. It also has a Golf School if you are interested in learning then you can learn here as well. Prices: Available on call or via Email Location: 222 Moo3 Tha-Pladok T.Mae Lamphun Timings: 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM
4. Mae Jo Golf Resort and Spa
Another 18 holes and par 72, having a length of 6657 yards, this golf course in Chiang Mai is located in the north of Chiang Mai city and was designed by famous Thai designer Seni Thirawat it was established in 2004. It is open every day and allows groups of 5 people on weekdays and four people on the weekend. It is quite popular among seasoned golfers, surrounded by fruit trees and orchards. It has a premier quality of Zoysia grass. Moreover, the elevations near some of the holes can pose some challenges even for the expert players.
Clubhouse Facilities: Caddy services, accommodation, massages, spas and restaurants. Price: THB1,593 = USD 51 Location: Tambon Nong Han, Amphoe San Sai, Chang Wat
5. Gold Canyon Golf Course
This is an 18 hole, par 72 golf course of length 7329 yards. Another one designed by famous Thai designer Seni Thirawat, this golf course in Chiang Mai was established in 2009. Open every day of the week; it allows a maximum of 5 people in a group. Located amidst orchards, canyons and woodlands, it is a beautiful place to spend a fine day golfing. The course has a flat terrain with hardly any water hazards. It has something to offer to both beginners as well as experienced golfers. It may not be as challenging as Alpine Golf Resort but is a favourite among locals and tourists alike.
This is an 18 hole par 72 championship golf course measuring around 6789 yards. It is easily accessible as it is just a 15 minutes cab ride from Chiang Mai airport. The view of Doi Suthep looming in the background adds to the grandeur of this place. They have banquet halls for weddings, meetings and other events. They also provide shuttle service to the Chiang Mai Old Town.
Clubhouse Facilities: They have a five-star resort accommodation facilities available along with spa, jacuzzi, pro shop, fitness centre. They also have night golf services starting from 5 PM on holes 10 to 18 Prices: THB 3300 = USD 105 Location: Ambon Ban Waen, Amphoe Hang Dong, Chang Wat Timings: 6:30 AM - 7:00 PM
7. Summit Green Valley Chiang Mai Country Club
Established in 1990 it is one of the oldest and most well-maintained golf courses in Chiang Mai. It is regarded as the Queen of Golf Courses in Chiang Mai. Famous golf course designer Denis Griffin designed it who designed one of the best golf courses in the world. An 18 hole, par 72 courses, famous for its difficult shots from the back tees at 7200 yards. It hosted The Chiang Mai Festival on 5th April 2019
Clubhouse Facilities: Pro Shop, Thai Lanna Restaurants, Banquet halls and conference rooms, caddie services. Locker room and night golf facilities are also available. Prices: THB 2800 = USD 90 Location: 1 Chotana Rd, Tambon Mae Sa, Amphoe Mae Rim, Chang Wat Timings: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Visiting one of these golf courses in Chiang Mai that are located in the middle of nature will be an enjoyable experience and quite rejuvenating and will leave you wishing for more. I hope you have a good experience golfing here.