Golf for Relaxed Hacker

Post by **430xc** » October 28, 2015, 1:41 pm

I understand that some guys are very serious about golfing and I full respect that.

But I am not in that group of people. I have golfed occasionally in the USA and have a basic understanding of the rules and etiquette. My reasons for golfing are primarily having some fun and getting some exercise and if my score breaks 100 (for 9 or 18 holes) I am not too concerned, as long as I and my group are having a good time.

Are the rules of golf the same in Thailand as the USA? What courses are recommended in the Udon area for a non-serious golfer? What are the fees and suggested tips, etc? Is there a dress code for different courses?

Thanks for suggestions.

430xc

Post by **Martyn** » October 28, 2015, 2:16 pm

You could start with getting your swing better. Lucky Jack Driving Range has good facilities for that. Tuition if needed. 40 baht for 40 balls. Lucky Jack is near Intergames Park, the horse racecourse.

Post by **pal52** » October 28, 2015, 3:20 pm

430xc wrote:I understand that some guys are very serious about golfing and I full respect that.

But I am not in that group of people. I have golfed occasionally in the USA and have a basic understanding of the rules and etiquette. My reasons for golfing are primarily having some fun and getting some exercise and if my score breaks 100 (for 9 or 18 holes) I am not too concerned, as long as I and my group are having a good time.

Are the rules of golf the same in Thailand as the USA? What courses are recommended in the Udon area for a non-serious golfer? What are the fees and suggested tips, etc? Is there a dress code for different courses?

Thanks for suggestions.

430xc

If you want to practice the Nam Samrong has a driving range where the golf balls are 20 baht a tray.
I would not recommend the course for a high handicapper as I think it is the hardest course in Udon for a high handicap due to the amount of water you have to go over at every hole & twice at 3 of the 9 holes.
It will cost you in lost golf balls in the water.
The fees for Namsamrong are 310 Baht for 18 holes then you have to give the caddy a tip.
Air force is 350 Baht on Wednesdays (Sports Day). Caddy tip extra
Sri Thani is 350 baht Mondays & Wednesdays (Sports Days). Caddy tip extra.

Post by **trekkertony** » October 28, 2015, 8:23 pm

If going to play at Victory Park a Polo Shirt is the preferred option. I wore a button down shirt and was advised that l needed to wear a polo shirt. Without a Polo shirt my size, common sense prevailed and l was permitted to play with the button down shirt and a request to wear a polo shirt if l was to return.

Post by **mac1966** » October 28, 2015, 9:14 pm

How much do you tip the caddy

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Post by **socksy** » October 29, 2015, 7:56 am

pal52 wrote:
430xc wrote:I understand that some guys are very serious about golfing and I full respect that.

But I am not in that group of people. I have golfed occasionally in the USA and have a basic understanding of the rules and etiquette. My reasons for golfing are primarily having some fun and getting some exercise and if my score breaks 100 (for 9 or 18 holes) I am not too concerned, as long as I and my group are having a good time.

Are the rules of golf the same in Thailand as the USA? What courses are recommended in the Udon area for a non-serious golfer? What are the fees and suggested tips, etc? Is there a dress code for different courses?

Thanks for suggestions.

430xc
If you want to practice the Nam Samrong has a driving range where the golf balls are 20 baht a tray.
I would not recommend the course for a high handicapper as I think it is the hardest course in Udon for a high handicap due to the amount of water you have to go over at every hole & twice at 3 of the 9 holes.
It will cost you in lost golf balls in the water.
The fees for Namsamrong are 310 Baht for 18 holes then you have to give the caddy a tip.
Air force is 350 Baht on Wednesdays (Sports Day). Caddy tip extra
Sri Thani is 350 baht Mondays & Wednesdays (Sports Days). Caddy tip extra.

Yesterday, Wednesday was Air force sports day and it was a mere 270 baht for eighteen holes but that fee means you can play all day as long as you tip the caddy accordingly.

Post by **pal52** » October 29, 2015, 9:09 am

Yesterday, Wednesday was Air force sports day and it was a mere 270 baht for eighteen holes but that fee means you can play all day as long as you tip the caddy accordingly.

Socksy I think you will find the green fee covers you for all day but you must pay the caddy fee again.
You pay the caddy fee for 9 holes so when you paid your 270 baht it was for the green fee plus 2x9 holes caddy fees.
If you wanted to play another 9 holes you would have to pay the caddy fee again for 9 holes plus extra tip for the caddy

Post by **socksy** » October 29, 2015, 9:35 am

Yes I understand Pal.

Post by **pal52** » October 29, 2015, 4:38 pm

mac1966 wrote:How much do you tip the caddy

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Come on you golfers out there answer the man & be honest he only wants advice.
I will be honest.
I tip my caddy 250B if he/she is good.
IE - looks for the ball if it is lost with effort. Can read the greens & advise on which way the ball turn.
If the caddy has no interest in the game I am playing then I give 200B.
The caddy fees increase nearly every year so they get their pay rise from the fees.
I know most expats think the Thai players only give 80 or 100 Baht tips but does anyone know this for fact.
Lets have some honest replies from regular golfers & lets not have any sarcastic comments about Farang Cheap Charlies.

Post by **mac1966** » October 29, 2015, 4:41 pm

Thanks. Is that 9 or 18 holes

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Post by **samster** » October 29, 2015, 6:49 pm

I always tip minimum of THB 300 but more if they are exceptional (another THB 20/50). TBH I always thought the Thais tipped more!!

Post by **pal52** » October 29, 2015, 6:58 pm

mac1966 wrote:Thanks. Is that 9 or 18 holes

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If I only play 9 holes I tip the same as 18 holes.
The caddy has lost the place in the Q for the next player so has to wait again for the next round to caddy.

Post by **mac1966** » October 30, 2015, 8:36 am

Sounds sensible. Many thanks

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Post by **GARYZX6R** » October 30, 2015, 8:55 am

200 bht 18 holes.

Post by **430xc** » October 31, 2015, 10:52 am

Thanks to all for the responses.

We went to the Army base yesterday and used the driving range. It was fun. I agree with the suggestion about not playing this course for a while due to the amount of water.

When guys talk about tips for the caddys, I have a question. Golfers pay for the caddy (200 to 300 baht) plus a tip of 200 or 300 baht or is the tip the only payment to the caddy? In other words, 300 baht green fees, 250 baht for caddy and 250 baht tip?

Thanks

430xc

Post by **kubotatim** » October 31, 2015, 11:25 am

Most good ones have golf buggies as well, I give 100 for 9 holes and 200 for 18 holes tip, do not go to places with no buggies, too much walking in this heat and humidity is not fun as far as I am concerned.

Post by **pal52** » October 31, 2015, 12:23 pm

The caddy does not get all the caddy fee you pay the golf course.
That fee is to pay all the caddys.
Not quite sure how it works but the tip you give goes straight to the caddy