Thailand Golf Holidays, Phuket Golf Packages, Hua Hin Golf Vacations

Golf In Korea Versus Golf In Thailand

Mark — Tue, 21 May 2013 13:56:00 PDT

Here are my rankings on the golfing in these 2 countries on a scale of 1-10 with 10 being best.

Quality (30%):
Korea (7): Korea is a mountainous country with around 200 golf courses scattered from North to South. However the best golf courses are located on Cheju Island, sometimes called Korea’s Hawaii due to the year round temperate climate. My two favorite Korean golf courses are Nine Bridges and Sky 72, both of which have hosted numerous professional golf tournaments.

Thailand (7): There are many excellent golf courses in Thailand. Thai Country Club (site of Tiger Woods 1997 win) and Siam Country Club (home of the Honda LPGA) are two stand-outs. The best golf courses are all part of Golf In A Kingdom.

Service (25%)
Korea (6): Golf in Korea is a long but smooth process. Tee-times and pace of play are strictly adhered to as most of the better courses are full from sunrise to sunset. A round of golf can include a break for lunch too, which is good if you like Korea food.

Thailand (10): Service on the golf course in Thailand is all about smiles. You meet friendly locals and caddies which are standard at all Thai golf courses. Try playing without a caddie after you get back from a Thailand golf holiday to really appreciate the Thai service!

Golfing Experience (25%)
Korea (6): Korea has a rich cultural heritage and a number of historic and religious festivals celebrated throughout the year. Travel at any of these times and you will have a truly memorable golf holiday.

Thailand (10): Thailand is a world-class tourist destination, not only for golfers. Its famous beaches, temples, and après golf nightlife insure a great overall golfing experience. Every golfer should experience golf in A Kingdom first hand.

Value For Money (20%)
Korea (4): Golf in Korea is very expensive. All but the poorest courses are booked months in advance as the golf season is short on the mainland and in high demand in the southern island of Jeju. You should budget to spend in excess of $200 at the best courses and a lot more if you want to try some nightlife afterwards.

Thailand (8): Golf is more than it used to be in Thailand. However, accommodations, transportation, dining, and entertainment are all affordable compared to other world-class destinations. Most golfers still find their overall golf trip costs to be lower than expected and an excellent value-for-money.

Overall Verdict (100%)
Korea (5.90): Korea is an OK golf destination with some of the golf on Cheju Island as good as it gets. If you really want to experience golf in every country, then give Korea a try.

Thailand (8.70): Thailand wins easily over the Korea on every point. Ironically, Thailand is so good that Korean golfers come to Thailand for their own golf holidays in numbers larger than any other country.

Stay tuned for the next world golf challenge to see how Thailand stacks up against other golf destinations. Let me know if you want to see your country included in my survey.

Golf In Japan Versus Golf In Thailand

Mark — Sun, 12 May 2013 22:08:00 PDT

Here are my rankings on the golfing in these 2 countries on a scale of 1-10 with 10 being best.

Quality (30%)
Japan (7): The country has over 2,400 golf courses from North to South. Unfortunately, the best clubs are private, so make sure you call ahead to see if unaccompanied visitors are allowed. Some of my favorites that do allow visitors are the Fuji Course at Kawana Hotel and Taiheiyo Club Gotemba Course.

Thailand (7): The vast majority of golf courses in Thailand are open for daily fee play. Some of the best in this category include Siam Country Club (home of the Honda LPGA) and Riverdale Golf Club. The best golf courses are all part of Golf In A Kingdom.

Service (25%)
Japan (7): If you want to golf in less than 8 hours, then golf in Japan is not for you. Of course this includes 18 holes of golf with a 2+ hour break in between for lunch, sauna, and a change of clothes. Not bad actually if you want to experience real Japan.

Thailand (10): You meet friendly locals all over Thailand. A good example is the caddies which are standard at all Thai golf courses. Try playing without a caddie after you get back from a Thailand golf holiday and you will see what I mean.

Golfing Experience (25%)
Japan (6): Many of the golf courses in Japan are known for their beauty, scenery, and perfect course maintenance. There are many unique activities that add to the Japan golf experience such as outdoor spas, sightseeing, and varied Japanese cuisine.

Thailand (10): Thailand is a top destination among tourists of all sorts. Its famous beaches, sights, and cultural attractions all add to the overall golf experience. Every golfer should try a Thailand golf trip to experience golf in A Kingdome first hand.

Value For Money (20%)
Japan (5): Golf in Japan can be reasonable or expensive. There are many unknown courses with low green fees to choose from. However, the famous ones and better resorts during the warmer summer months start to get very pricey with $200 green fees not uncommon at the best courses.

Thailand (8): Accommodations, transportation, dining, and entertainment are all affordable in Thailand. This combined with reasonable green fees make overall trip costs to be lower than expected and an excellent value-for-money.

Overall Verdict (100%)
Japan (6.35): Japan is an interesting golf destination and can be on the bucket list for world golf travelers who want to experience golf in all corners of the globe.

Thailand (8.70): Thailand wins easily over the Japan due to the wider appeal across all categories. Ironically, Thailand is so good that Japanese make Thailand their number one international winter golf holiday destination.

Stay tuned for the next world golf challenge to see how Thailand stacks up against other golf destinations. Let me know if you want to see your country included in my survey.

Golf In Ireland Versus Golf In Thailand

Mark — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 13:29:00 PDT

Here are my rankings on the golfing in these 2 countries on a scale of 1-10 with 10 being best.

Quality (30%)
Ireland (9): The country is home to some of the world's best golf courses. Most all are pure links courses. The best Irish golf courses include K Club (Ryder Cup), and the incredible Druids Glen.

Thailand (7): Of the 250 Thai golf courses, 60 are standouts. Thailand’s best golf course is Black Mountain in Hua Hin. Other notable favorites are the spectacular Red Mountain in Phuket and Banyan in Hua Hin.

Service (25%)
Ireland (8): Ireland has a good reputation for warm hospitality. Most resorts offer nice spas and excellent food and beverage choices. Many of the more popular golf courses also have caddie services available for visiting golfers.

Thailand (10): Thailand sets the standard for friendly hospitality by locals. Golf clubs welcome visitors from all over the world. Caddies are among Thailand’s secret weapons and make anyone’s game enjoyable.

Golfing Experience (25%)
Ireland (7): Good nightlife at Irish Pubs combined with many cultural and historical sites make an Ireland golf experience truly memorable

Thailand (10): Thailand is a major tourist destination with world famous beaches, sights, and cultural attractions. Moreover, the Thai golf experience is unique and every golfer should try a Thailand golf trip to find out what all the buzz is about.

Value For Money (20%)
Ireland (6): Golf in Ireland can be reasonable or expensive. There are many unknown courses with low green fees to choose from. However, the famous ones and better resorts during the warmer summer months start to get pricey as could be expected.

Thailand (8): Green fees at Thailand’s bet courses match what one would pay in Europe. However, accommodations, transportation, dining, and entertainment are all very affordable making overall trip costs lower than average.

Overall Verdict (100%)
Ireland (7.65): Ireland undoubtedly has some of the world’s best links courses and much better golf than Thailand. However, weather can be a factor for some and getting to/from Ireland can be a journey in itself, especially from places like Australia or the west coast of the USA.

Thailand (8.70): Thailand has a wide golf appeal, especially for those golfers looking to play in year round sunshine. Some 600,000 foreign golfers chose to golf in Thailand each year

Stay tuned for the next world golf challenge to see how Thailand stacks up against other golf destinations. Let me know if you want to see your country included in my survey.

Golf In Hong Kong Versus Golf In Thailand

Mark — Mon, 08 Apr 2013 17:41:00 PDT

Here are my rankings on the golfing in these 2 countries on a scale of 1-10 with 10 being best.

Quality (30%)
Hong Kong (6): There are some excellent golf courses in Hong Kong; many with great views over the surrounding South China Sea. The only public golf course is also one of the islands best. The 36-hole Gary player designed Kau Sai Chau Golf Course is set on an island just off the coast. Other standouts, albeit private, include the Hong Kong Golf Club’s Fanling Course; home of many professional PGA events.

Thailand (7): Golf in Thailand can be played across the country and of the 250 or so courses, 60 are worthy of visitors. The number one Thai golf course and only course in the 100 best courses outside the USA is Black Mountain in Hua Hin.

Service (25%)
Hong Kong (4): The island state is better known for shopping bargains than service and the same carries over to the golf clubs. Notably missing are caddies, which makes Hong Kong one of the few places to golf in Asia where one can carry his/her own bag.

Thailand (10): Thailand on the other hand is all about service excellence. Golf clubs are as visitor friendly as any place on earth. How hard could it be to play with a smiling caddie by your side through the whole round?

Golfing Experience (25%)
Hong Kong (7): Hong Kong is best known for shopping and fast-paced Chinese business culture. That being said golfing in Hong Kong is pretty good. If you are invited to join a round of golf in Hong Kong it will be a memorable experience for sure.

Thailand (10): Everyone knows about Thailand a major tourist destination. However, the Thai golf experience is unique in the world. Every golfer should try a Thailand golf trip before it is too late.

Value For Money (20%)
Hong Kong (4): Golf in Hong Kong is expensive, period! Everything from green fees, hotels, transportation, and entertainment will set the visitor back more than they would pay at home.

Thailand (8): Thailand golf holidays are relatively affordable, in spite of the green fees being more expensive nowadays then they were in the past. Accommodations, transportation and entertainment however are all very affordable making overall trip costs lower than average.

Overall Verdict (100%)
Hong Kong (5.35): There are now 10 golf courses in Hong Kong and more if you count Macau which is amazing for a relatively small island. However, unsurprisingly for a heavily populated country the golf courses are private, often full, and all but two do not welcome visitors without an accompanying member. Golf visitors are therefore best advised to stick to a shopping stopover and carry their sticks to other Asian golf destinations.

Thailand (8.70): Thailand wins easily over the Hong Kong due to the appeal to golfers from all over the world. It is so good that every year more and more foreign golfers chose to make Thailand their permanent home.

Stay tuned for the next world golf challenge to see how Thailand stacks up against other golf destinations. Let me know if you want to see your country included in my survey.

Golf In Germany Versus Golf In Thailand

Mark — Tue, 02 Apr 2013 11:52:00 PDT

Here are my rankings on the golfing in these 2 countries on a scale of 1-10 with 10 being best.

Quality (30%)
Germany (6): Since the 1980’s many new golf courses have been built and the golf in Germany has flourished. There are now more than 600 German golf courses across the country including hundreds of excellent ones and a handful of outstanding resorts. The Sport & Spa Resort A-Rosa set among pine forests is one of the best examples with the Nick Faldo 18 being the best of the 4-course (63 hole) lineup.

Thailand (7): Thailand has 250 courses spread out across the country. Every major designer is represented and the Jack Nicklaus courses at Laem Chabang in Pattaya, Springfield in Hua Hin, and Mission Hills Phuket are among the most popular. Other excellent courses include Siam Country Club in Pattaya and Black Mountain Golf Club in Hua Hin.

Service (25%)
Germany (5): Outstanding hospitality is far from synonymous with Germany. However, the unique character of each region makes for memorable golf trips nevertheless.

Thailand (10): Thailand sets the standard for service excellence and this extends to the golf courses as well. From the well-trained caddies to the bell boy at the hotels, outstanding service with a smile can be counted on. It is no wonder Thailand is nicknamed “Land of Smiles”.

Golfing Experience (25%)
Germany (8): Germany is best known for its many attractions, beautiful countryside, historic cities, famous beer and traditional food. This along with some excellent golf makes for unique golf experiences for any visiting golfer.

Thailand (10): The Thai golf experience is hard to describe. There are many reasons why Thailand is Asia’s biggest golf holiday destination and every golfer should try a Thailand golf trip first hand to find out why.

Value For Money (20%)
Germany (5): Golf in Germany is generally an expensive proposition, especially during the summer months when most Europeans travel. Adding to golf trip costs are high prices at the better resorts as well as fine dining establishments throughout the country.

Thailand (8): Thailand golf holidays are still affordable, albeit the green fees have risen steadily in the past few years. Accommodations and entertainment however is reasonably priced. The best golfing values can be found during the months of August and September where low green fees can be found at almost every Hua Hin golf course.

Overall Verdict (100%)
Germany (6.05): Germany has become a great alternative for a fascinating European golf holiday. If not for the short season and high prices it would attract many more holiday golfers.

Thailand (8.70): Thailand wins over the Germany due to superior service and wider appeal to golfers from all over the world. Many a golfer visitor has chosen to make Thailand their home away from home.

Stay tuned for the next world golf challenge to see how Thailand stacks up against other golf destinations. Let me know if you want to see your country included in my survey.

Golf In France Versus Golf In Thailand

Mark — Mon, 25 Mar 2013 18:59:00 PDT

Here are my rankings on the golfing in these 2 countries on a scale of 1-10 with 10 being best.

Quality (30%)
France (8): Excellent golf courses are found in almost every area of France. The most popular areas for golf holidays are Le Touquet in the north, Paris and its surroundings, and Biarritz and Bordeaux in the south. The best golf courses in France include Golf National near Paris and the Evian Masters Golf Club in the Alps.

Thailand (7): Golf courses in Thailand are spread out across the country. From the Trent Jones designed Santiburi Chiang Rai Country Club the far north to the spectacular Red Mountain Golf Club on Phuket Island in the south, tracks for every taste can be played all over Thailand.

Service (25%)
France (4): Unless you are French, forget about anything close to first class service. Most locals prefer to speak only French and hardly go out of their way to make a golf holidaymakers time in country easy or convenient. However, at some of the better resorts, well-trained overseas workers can make up for some of lacking French hospitality.

Thailand (10): Thailand is world renown for service, and golf in Thailand is no exception. Just ask any Thai person for help and you might have a friend for life! This service mindset is prevalent at every golf course and resort, irrespective of the service ranking or price.

Golfing Experience (25%)
France (8): France is a popular golf holiday destination, especially with Europeans. Excellent cuisine, temperate climate, rich culture & history, and stunning scenery all add to the overall golf experience.

Thailand (10): Golf in a Kingdom is all about the Thai golf experience. If you have not golfed in Thailand, then it is hard to imagine. However, there is a reason why Thailand is Asia’s biggest and fastest growing golf holiday destination.

Value For Money (20%)
France (5): France is a cost effective golf destination to reach for most Europeans. However, as with most European prices, France golf holiday costs are among the highest, especially costs for green fees, hotels, and food and beverages.

Thailand (8): Thailand golf holidays are affordable. Accommodations and food and beverages in particular are all reasonably priced. Green fees top out at $180 US Dollars on Phuket Island. However, golf at other popular locations like Hua Hin and Chiang Mai can be played for $100 US Dollars or less. Many golfers visit Thailand from June to September when costs can be lower than 50% of the costs at other times of the year, especially when staying at a 5* resort.

Overall Verdict (100%)
France (6.40): France is a beautiful golf destination with excellent golf courses. It is especially popular with Europeans looking for a short golf break. The summer weather is always good for golf and the food and culture are the best in Europe.

Thailand (8.70): Thailand wins over the France due to superior service and better value-for money. Many golfer travelers who once visited Thailand on a golf trip now make Thailand their permanent home.

Stay tuned for the next world golf challenge to see how Thailand stacks up against other golf destinations. Let me know if you want to see your country included in my survey.

Golf In Egypt Versus Golf In Thailand

Mark — Mon, 18 Mar 2013 20:44:00 PDT

Here are my rankings on the golfing in these 2 countries on a scale of 1-10 with 10 being best.

Quality (30%)
Egypt (6): Golf in the Egypt is widespread, especially in the resort areas such as Taba and Sharm El-Sheikh. Additionally, the Gary Player course at Soma Bay Resort is a sure standout. A high concentration of golf courses can also be found are in and around Cairo with the 27-hole Katameya Heights leading the pack.

Thailand (7): Over 250 golf courses in Thailand are spread out across the country. The best courses include Thai Country Club in Bangkok, Banyan Golf Club in Hua Hin, and Red Mountain in Phuket. Chiang Mai in the north also has some top courses including Chiang Mai Highlands.

Service (25%)
Egypt (5): The golf courses in Egypt are generally self-serve with limited on-course service and no caddies. The resort courses attached to 5* beach resorts have better facilities, albeit Egyptian service is not the main reason why people travel to golf in Egypt.

Thailand (10): Golf in Thailand sets the standard for service. All Thai golf courses have caddies to assist visiting golfs in every task imaginable, except hitting the ball of course. Expect service excellence at all courses, whether the course itself is 5* or not.

Golfing Experience (25%)
Egypt (8): Many consider Egypt as one of the world’s most interesting golf destinations. Nowhere else in the world can one play golf in the shadows of the Great Pyramids or golf in the morning and then visit the mountain where Moses passed down the Ten Commandments in the afternoon. It hardly rains, so the weather is ideal for year round golf. In addition to site seeing, good shopping and excellent water sports round out the Egypt golfing experience.

Thailand (10): Golf in a Kingdom is all about the Thai golf experience. It is hard to explain in just a few words, but there must be some reason why 60% of the golf who visit Thailand regularly return each year.

Value For Money (20%)
Egypt (10): Only a few hours by airplane and served by many low cost carries Egypt is a very easy destination to reach from most European countries. Moreover, with recent security risks and associated drop in tourism, golfing in Egypt has never been so affordable. In fact, Egypt may currently be the lowest cost premium golf destination in the world!

Thailand (8): A Thailand golf vacation is affordable as resorts, entertainment, and food/drink are all reasonably priced. Green fees at the high end are around $180 US Dollars at Red Mountain in Phuket. However, many good courses can be played for half this amount or less. Travel during the summer months of July and August where costs can be lower than 50% of those the rest of the year.

Overall Verdict (100%)
Egypt (7.05): Egypt is an up-and-coming the golf destination. The main draw is the weather, scenery, and excellent value-for-money.

Thailand (8.70): Thailand wins over the Egypt due to its wide appeal over a larger range of criteria. I know many golfers who take one golf trip a year and make Thailand their annual destination of choice.

Stay tuned for the next world golf challenge to see how Thailand stacks up against other golf destinations. Let me know if you want to see your country included in my survey.

Golf In the Dominican Republic Versus Golf In Thailand

Mark — Mon, 11 Mar 2013 18:08:00 PDT

Here are my rankings on the golfing in these 2 countries on a scale of 1-10 with 10 being best.

Quality (30%)
Dominican Republic (9): Golf in the Dominican Republic is well-developed. The areas around Punta Cana and Casa de Campo are worth travelling to as they have some incredible golf courses thanks to the work of golf-course designers like Pete Dye and Robert Trent Jones Sr.

Thailand (7): Thailand boasts over 250 courses and the best courses are located in one of five major golf destinations. Hua Hin, Pattaya, and Phuket are all resort areas near the sea. Chiang Mai is in the northern mountains, and some 60 courses are available to those golfing in Bangkok.

Service (25%)
Dominican Republic (7): The golf courses located in Punta Cana and Casa de Campo are affiliated with a 5* beach resort, which practically guarantees high service levels before and after each round. However, on course there is an apparent absence of caddies and limited facilities or refreshments.

Thailand (10): Golf in Thailand is all about the service. Thai hospitality is some of the world’s best and golf in Thailand is no exception. Caddies are compulsory at all Thai golf courses for every golfer whether or not golf carts are used, thus ensuring excellent service is available at all times.

Golfing Experience (25%)
Dominican Republic (6): The Dominican Republic is developed towards golf tourism and the main golf areas offer top class golf courses combined with beach resorts. The Punta Cana area has its own international airport making it easy to get to this area on flights from a large number of airports around the world. However, this also makes this area a poor representation for those who expect to sample an authentic Dominican experience.

Thailand (10): The Thai Golf Experience is too hard to describe and must be seen to be believed. Take my word for it; give it a try and you might just get addicted and become local. Anything and everything is possible when you golf in the Kingdom of Thailand.

Value For Money (20%)
Dominican Republic (5): Golf in the Dominican Republic is expensive, especially at the better courses which are in high demand. is fairly pricey. Green fees run around $250 US Dollars a round. Hotel costs are also on the high side and can be $300 US Dollar a night for a 5-star golf resort. Better deals can be had on the low season from April to September.

Thailand (8): An overall Thailand golf vacation is affordable as hotels, entertainment, and food are all reasonably priced. Green fees start at $30 US Dollars a round at remote courses (Chiang Rai) and go up to $200 US Dollars (Blue Canyon Phuket). To get the best deals buy a package with golf, hotel, and transfers from a local golf tour operator and travel during the summer months of July and August.

Overall Verdict (100%)
Dominican Republic (6.95): Dominican Republic is the best golf destination in the Caribbean especially for jet setters and those looking for world-class golf courses at ultra-luxury resorts. However, cost conscious golfers and those looking for an authentic golf holiday might best look towards other golf destinations.

Thailand (8.7): Thailand wins over the Dominican Republic due to its wider appeal across all golf travel sectors. It is so good over so many aspects that many golf tourists now make Thailand their annual home away from home.

Stay tuned for the next world golf challenge to see how Thailand stacks up against other golf destinations. Let me know if you want to see your country included in my survey.

Golf In Cambodia Versus Golf In Thailand

Mark — Wed, 06 Mar 2013 18:34:00 PST

Here are my rankings on the golfing in these 2 countries on a scale of 1-10 with 10 being best.

Quality (30%)
Cambodia (6): Golf in Cambodia has been introduced only in the last 10 years and as such there are only 6 courses, 3 in Phnom Penh and 3 in Siem Reap. Although Phnom Penh is the capital the courses here are either private (Phnom Penh Grand) or in serious need of maintenance (Cambodia Country Club and Royal Cambodia). On the other hand the three Siem Reap golf courses welcome visitors and are in good condition.

Thailand (7): Golf in Thailand has been played since the early 1900’s. There are now over 250 golf courses in Thailand and the standard varies from average (Pinehurst) to world-class (Black Mountain, Siam CC, Thai CC).

Service (25%)
Cambodia (8): Service levels at Cambodia golf courses are quite good especially considering how new golf in Cambodia is. Caddies are supplied at all courses and they help visitors navigating the courses for the first time.

Thailand (10): The best thing about golf in Thailand is the service. From the moment you land to the time you leave Thai hospitality is first class all the way. Some people say other countries might catch up to Thailand in the future. However, it is hard for me to believe as service is not learned in Thailand; it is a way of life.

Golfing Experience (25%)
Cambodia (6): Golfing in Cambodia is best from November to March when the weather is drier. Other times of the year can be wet, although showers last only 1 hour and mainly occur late in the afternoon. Experiences on the courses are good with many drink stations and well-marked signage.

Thailand (10): The Thai Golf Experience is hard to describe. Take my word for it and give it a try. I guarantee you have not experienced anything like it. Anything and everything is possible when you golf in the Kingdom of Thailand.

Value For Money (20%)
Cambodia (6): Golf in Cambodia is fairly pricey. Green fees run around $100 US Dollars a round. Caddie and cart fees, transportation to/from the courses, and tips also need to be factored into the costs. Hotel costs range from $20 US Dollar guest houses to $300 US Dollar a night 5-star resorts.

Thailand (8): An overall Thailand golf vacation is affordable as hotels, entertainment, and food are all reasonably priced. Green fees start at $20 US Dollars a round at countryside courses (Khao Yai and Kanchanaburi) and go up to $200 US Dollars (Red Mountain). To get the best deals buy a package with golf, hotel, and transfers from a licensed golf tour operator.

Overall Verdict (100%)
Cambodia (6.5): Golf in Cambodia is still in its infancy. As such Cambodia is not a golf destination in itself, but best combined with a golf trip to a nearby country like Vietnam.

Thailand (8.7): Thailand wins over Cambodia as it is a mature golf destination, offers good value-for-money, and has service that is cannot be beaten.

Stay tuned for the next world golf challenge to see how Thailand stacks up against other golf destinations. Let me know if you want to see your country included in my survey.

Golf In Bulgaria Versus Golf In Thailand

Mark — Mon, 25 Feb 2013 17:12:00 PST

Here are my rankings on the golfing in these 2 countries on a scale of 1-10 with 10 being best.

Quality (30%)
Bulgaria (6): While a relatively new sport and hardly played by locals, Bulgaria golf courses range from best in the world to rather ordinary. The best Bulgarian golf courses by a long shot are Thracian Cliffs and BlackSeaRama, both of which are Gary Player Signature courses. If there were a few more courses in this category, then Bulgaria would score even higher.

Thailand (7): There are over 250 golf courses in Thailand, where golf is played by 600,000 locals and 700,000 visitors each year. Thai golf courses include well-known championship venues like Siam CC (2013 LPGA) and Suwan (2012 Thailand Open) and undiscovered tracks that are perfect for visitors like Riverdale and Red Mountain.

Service (25%)
Bulgaria (6): Service in Bulgaria can be perfect, especially in the 5* resorts along the Black Sea. However, for inland destinations like Sofia, more of a big city can be expected. Overall though, the service in Bulgaria is better than Western Europe as golf tourists are well-liked and looked after.

Thailand (10): Thailand is all about service stemming from the fact that the Thai people are some of the kindest in the world. The only expression that visitors see while golfing in Thailand are the smiles on the faces of the Thai people they meet. It is no wonder Thailand is nicknamed the “Land of Smiles”.

Golfing Experience (25%)
Bulgaria (8): Golfing in Bulgaria during the warmer summer months is excellent. The weather is ideal and the combination with some of the nicest European beaches is hard to beat. January and February however is best avoided as the overall experience can be variable at best.

Thailand (10): The Thai Golf Experience is unique world over and hard to describe. Take my word for it and give it a try. You have not anything like it as everything is possible when golfing in Thailand.

Value For Money (20%)
Bulgaria (6): On the surface, Bulgaria is a relatively affordable European golf destination. However, food and beverages tend to be vacation killers as sky high prices are the norm. Some good Bulgaria golf tour operators selling all inclusive packages and can be found online.

Thailand (8): An overall Thailand golf vacation is quite affordable as hotels, transportation, entertainment, and food are all reasonably priced. Single green fees range from a Greta value for money at courses such as Chiang Mai Highlands and Suwan, to overly expensive at famous tracks like Blue Canyon in Phuket. To get the best deals buy a golf package from a local tour operator.

Overall Verdict (100%)
Bulgaria (6.2): Bulgaria was voted the 2012 best undiscovered golf destination. As more courses come online Bulgaria will continue to gain favor over more traditional European golf destinations.

Thailand (8.7): Thailand wins over Bulgaria due to the diversity of courses/destinations, service and overall golfing experience.

Stay tuned for the next world golf challenge to see how Thailand stacks up against other golf destinations. Let me know if you want to see your country included in my survey.