Hua Hin Golf Gossip

[heartofmidlothian]

Yes, you are right PJG, there is no "caddy union" but it is just normal in Thailand for caddies to be compulsory. Only seems to be compulsory in Thailand and Indonesia. I really think that the courses here in Thailand need to start thinking about making it optional, but it will have to be done carefully. Seems like about half the golfers want a caddie and half don't and it can certainly save you a lot of money if you play 100 or more games in a year. If one of the Hua Hin courses was to give this a try, it would certainly attract a lot of golfers, making their costs for the year a lot less.
The golf courses spend a lot of time. money and effort in controlling and training their caddies and for a new course it is the toughest part of their first 2 years - finding 200 caddies, training them from scratch, getting them kitted out and controlling them. Then once you get them up to scratch, they start leaving for the next new course that opens! Anyone that has been involved in this process at Black Mountain and Banyan will tell you that it drives you barmy! The real problem is that there are not enough local girls that want to do this for a career.
Any course could run down their numbers, by not replacing those that leave, and making caddies optional after 2pm and before 7am, and also not forcing you to take a caddie if you take a cart. The caddies that remained would be the better caddies and they would still have plenty of work. The golf course would also sell more carts (huge money maker).
I love it when I play in the UK and can pull my own trolley but I also understand that many do want a caddy and they should always be available if you want one. I have heard stories about Hua Hin golf courses making you wait, when no caddies are available - well that is wrong and would really piss me off. I once played Kaeng Krachan, pulling my own trolley, and really enjoyed it. Any golf course,that gave me that option, would be one that myself and my wife would join.

[tijeigrin]

Thank you Iomuamart for the link below, which provided me (a newcomer who has not arrived yet) with a nice overview of a dozen courses, and their relative yardage, cost, and distance from town.

http://www.tourismhuahin.com/golf-huahin.php

In posing my question several entries above, I had not been thinking about caddies, but about my personal desire and need for exercise, and finding a course where one has the "right to walk and pull or push one's own cart" if one so chooses.

Of the courses listed on the link above, only the Royal Hua Hin description mentions a "trolley" which I hope means a manual push/pull 2-wheeled cart. (In addition, someone above mentioned a par 3 course at Black Mountain where you can perhaps rent and pull a cart--but a par 3 course also provides much less golf and walking distance).

I had been hoping to find a more casual, cheaper, and basic type of walking golf course, with fewer frills.

Based on what I understand thus far, my best option will be the Royal Hua Hin, especially on Wednesdays, which have cheaper fees.

[barrys]

I had been hoping to find a more casual, cheaper, and basic type of walking golf course, with fewer frills.
Based on what I understand thus far, my best option will be the Royal Hua Hin, especially on Wednesdays, which have cheaper fees.

Then you might want to try the Tanarat army course in Pranburi.
18 holes, relatively long and demanding - condition not too bad this time of year now that there's been some rain, but certainly nowhere near the standard of somewhere like Black Mountain.

Yo do have to have a caddy there, but you can walk the course with the caddy pulling the trolley.
About 1000 baht for green fees and caddy.

[tijeigrin]

Thank you Barrys.

I found reviews of it here:

http://www.thaigolfer.com/courses/viewc ... tml?id=181

This sounds like what I was looking for. I will go there in July.

[Phil D]

Can anyone provide advice re Dragon Hills Golf Club. What is the condition of the course like - fairways,greens etc? How difficult is the course? Which Hua Hin course would you consider to be comparable? Is it worth the trip from Hua Hin to play. Are there any touristy activities along the way?

[lomuamart]

I havn't played there since February but I do rate it. Can't be certain of the condition but it's likely to have had some rain and therefore not be too bad.
I never find it easy and it's a fair walk as distances from green to tee can be long. All-in-all a good course and I'd definitely reckon it's worth the effort of getting there.
Look out for promotions. I was thinking of playing it this week and called them to check if the following was current as there dosn't appear to be a year stipulated http://dragonhillsgolf.com/web_Eng/promotion_e.htm but you've got to be able to speak Thai.
Another course in the area that you might want to consider is Royal Ratchaburi. That's fantastic as well. Weekday rates are 740 incl caddie.
I don't know of any touristy activities. Have only been for the golf and the beer!!

[Phil D]

I have checked several web sites for details of courses participating in this years golf festival but there seems to be some confusion. Does anyone know whether Sea pines is participating this year?

[buksida]

It appears to be: http://huahingolffestival.com/

[jingjoe]

Im thinking of applying for membership to the golf society when i move up to hua hin,i notice they meet up at bernies bar,do they have organized transport from the bar or does everybody make there own way to the courses??
What does a typical round cost with the society after membership is paid.I'm just trying to work out a budget for golf and whether or not i will need a car in hua hin.

[lomuamart]

You make your own way to the courses. Prices vary, but are usually 1,250-1,500 for green fee, caddie and in the case of the 1,500 cart (Banyan).

[jingjoe]

thanks for the reply lomuamart, i might look at getting a cheap runabout car to get to the courses and shops etc,and leave the pick up with the ex so she can bring my son up for visits

[Houdi]

Transport is arranged for 'out of town' courses. Members without transport usually arrange a lift with someone. You'll find they are a good friendly crowd.

[jingjoe]

i'd certainly be willing to chip in for fuel,one of the things i like about thailand is not having to have a car

[maccastime]

Anyone considering a round at B/Mountain at the moment,you may be well advised to give it a miss.
There are some serious works happening there,for e.g. the first hole with the sand bunkers on the left,have been dug up,as well as a large section of turf in front of them,to make it a little more tricky,yesterday there was an excavator sitting on this section.Other holes have makeshift Bamboo Bridges in place,new ones being built. More bunkers going in,some removed.It is very dangerous for the workers on site,there are hundreds of them on site,some on main fairways,we managed to hit over them...but...what happens if you hit them?
They have set aside an area near the 18th tee i think i noticed where they are growing new turf ready to go straight back in. Speaking of the 18th it is now a very short par 3,while work is being carried out.
Prices are down at the moment....but me thinx once all the work is completed they may raise the bar.
Hopefully in a few months all will return to normal,it should be once again the best course in H/H.

[Mrock]

Work is scheduled to be completed by September.....hopefully.

I myself think the price should be higher. Then it wouldn't be so busy during high season. Just a selfish thought.

Anybody interested in a round at BMG....after construction. Pm me.