For those in search of an exotic golf excursion, the peaceful paradise of Pattaya, in the kingdom of Thailand, deserves honors as one of the top destinations in South Asia. Located two hours south of Bangkok on the east coast of Thailand, Pattaya has in recent years become a boom town for five star hotels, spas and excellent golf courses built by some of the leading architects in America.

The most exciting courses so far are the Pete Dye designed Khao Kheow, the Jack Nicklaus designed Laem Chabang and the Desmond Muirhead designed St. Andrews 2000. The development perfectly complements the area’s reputation for excellent diving, snorkeling, water skiing and game fishing. As a thriving commercial fishing town as well, Pattaya restaurants offer tasty local seafood dishes. December through mid April is considered the high season—venturing a trip during the months of September and October is likely to leave a golfer swamped by monsoon season.

We cannot help but mention one fringe benefit of golfing in this lush paradise—on Thai courses the caddies are now exclusively women, because the men too often bet against their clients. And while these caddies may not speak English, they are happy to hold an umbrella over our heads, offer back massages between holes and even fan us before that birdie putt. thaigolfguides.com
—Jay Akasie

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