Overseas Golfers Say "We Prefer Thailand"

Korea Golf Association 2023 Korea Golf Index Released
65.8% of Golf Activity Participants Have Golf Experience Abroad
Thailand 42%, Philippines 32%, Vietnam 28%

'We Love Thailand.'

Among domestic amateur golfers, Thailand emerged as the most preferred country for overseas golf trips. This is based on the 2023 Korea Golf Index conducted by the Korea Golf Association, surveying 10,000 adult men and women aged 20 to 70 across 17 cities and provinces nationwide. According to this survey, 65.8% of respondents who participated in golf activities last year reported having experience playing golf abroad. The countries visited for foreign golf activities ranked Thailand first overwhelmingly at 42.1%, followed by the Philippines (32.2%), Vietnam (28.0%), Japan (26.1%), and China (14.3%).

This is a view of Happy City Golf & Resort located in Chiang Rai, Thailand.
[Photo by Thailand Tourism Authority]

Thailand is a favored destination for domestic travelers. Approximately 1.22 million Korean tourists visited Thailand up to last month. On weekends and holidays, the average daily visitors number between 6,000 and 7,000, while on weekdays about 5,000. Thailand is a beloved golf travel destination for Korean golfers due to its cost-effectiveness. Thailand boasts clean golf course facilities and affordable prices. Golf can be enjoyed in various cities such as Bangkok, Pattaya, Phuket, Hua Hin, Chiang Mai, and Chiang Rai. Golf hotels are also well-equipped. Visitors can experience systems like one cart per person and one caddie per person.

Various package programs are also available. There are many travel agencies and related applications (APPs) that arrange golf trips to Thailand. Competition in the industry is fierce. Some companies have branches in Thailand and operate premium concierge systems. They provide differentiated services such as dedicated managers, airport fast-track immigration, hotel fast-track check-in, and VIP vehicle services.

Thailand offers a natural environment ideal for golf. Unlike Korea, which has four distinct seasons, golf can be enjoyed year-round in Thailand. Many rounds can be played at affordable prices. Each region has its own character, and excellent golf courses are abundant everywhere. Additionally, the abundance of food and sightseeing attractions captivates domestic golfers. It is often difficult to choose which courses to play during the travel itinerary.

Above all, Thailand is very welcoming to golf. It provides an atmosphere where Korean golfers can enjoy rounds to their heart’s content. Thailand takes great pride in golf. The mother of the 'Golf Emperor' Tiger Woods (USA), Kultida, is Thai. Moriya and Ariya Jutanugarn sisters, Atthaya Thitikul, and Patty Tavatanakit have all brought winning news from the U.S. Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) Tour.