New To Bangkok, (almost) New To Golf

[Mowgli]

I just moved to Bangkok and want to start playing golf. Is there anyone out there who can give me some advise....

1) Do I need a green card?

2) Are there any good driving ranges in the Sukhumvit area? Do they lease equipment?

3) Anyone who can recommend a good pro?

4) Any female Scandinavians that get together for a game now and then?

I appreciate any replies,

thanks!

Mowgli

[xbusman]

I am not sure what green card you might be referring to but the only thing you need in order to play golf is a generally masochistic tendency. If you are bound and determined to abuse yourself in public, a good pro will help you get off to a good start and can help you progress quickly.

Equipment is usually not "leased" but I do know at the All American driving range that you can try and rent vairous clubs for the few hours you are there. Thats an excellent way to get the feel of many differant clubs before making a purchase of your own equipment. Most courses have rental clubs that you can use for the round but I am unable to report on Thailand as I have a set of my own. Its not a bad idea to rent at each course while you are learning, saves wear and tear on the set you eventually will buy for your personal use.

I use the range Aree on Sukhumvit Soi 28 down towards the Rama IV intersection and before you reach Carrefoure. You can spend a great afternoon there hitting golf balls with drinks for just a few hundred baht.

Always remember that they call it golf because all the other good four letter words were taken.

Have fun!

[falong]

I just moved to Bangkok and want to start playing golf. Is there anyone out there who can give me some advise....

1) Do I need a green card?

2) Are there any good driving ranges in the Sukhumvit area? Do they lease equipment?

3) Anyone who can recommend a good pro?

4) Any female Scandinavians that get together for a game now and then?

I appreciate any replies,

thanks!

Mowgli

There is a pro at the driving range on Suk soi 18. Check with your embassy about golf groups etc...

Curious.... Are you Swedish?

[falong]

I am not sure what green card you might be referring to but the only thing you need in order to play golf is a generally masochistic tendency. If you are bound and determined to abuse yourself in public, a good pro will help you get off to a good start and can help you progress quickly.

Equipment is usually not "leased" but I do know at the All American driving range that you can try and rent vairous clubs for the few hours you are there. Thats an excellent way to get the feel of many differant clubs before making a purchase of your own equipment. Most courses have rental clubs that you can use for the round but I am unable to report on Thailand as I have a set of my own. Its not a bad idea to rent at each course while you are learning, saves wear and tear on the set you eventually will buy for your personal use.

I use the range Aree on Sukhumvit Soi 28 down towards the Rama IV intersection and before you reach Carrefoure. You can spend a great afternoon there hitting golf balls with drinks for just a few hundred baht.

Always remember that they call it golf because all the other good four letter words were taken.

Have fun!

How is the Aree driving range? Good food? Walking distance to Carrefour? New balls?

[xbusman]

Carrefoure is well withing farang foot range, just down the block a bit. Golf balls are new, tee machines work well. Havent tried the food but will give it a go and post a report. Large bucket of balls is 100 baht and I have a two bucket limit in the heat. If you buy the coupon book you get 10 large buckets for 850 baht, thats a deal in my book.

[falong]

Carrefoure is well withing farang foot range, just down the block a bit. Golf balls are new, tee machines work well. Havent tried the food but will give it a go and post a report. Large bucket of balls is 100 baht and I have a two bucket limit in the heat. If you buy the coupon book you get 10 large buckets for 850 baht, thats a deal in my book.

I was not thinking farang footrange. Thinking thai wifey footrange. Or will she be exposed to too much sunlight?

What about the fence? How far? and are the yardage markers good?

Do you know how the buckets compare to the standard ball racks that they use at most other driving ranges?

[xbusman]

Sorry, its more than 40 feet, my thai wifey would only traverse that great expanse by motorcy taxi.

Fence is about 250 yards and there is usually a strong driver banging on the backboard while the rest of us sweat bullets trying to reach the 200 yard mark. Regards markers they look fairly accurate. I have a few clubs dialed in and they seem consistant with the signs.

There is a driving range review on www.thaigolfer.com which is a great site.

[falong]

Sorry, its more than 40 feet, my thai wifey would only traverse that great expanse by motorcy taxi.

Fence is about 250 yards and there is usually a strong driver banging on the backboard while the rest of us sweat bullets trying to reach the 200 yard mark. Regards markers they look fairly accurate. I have a few clubs dialed in and they seem consistant with the signs.

There is a driving range review on www.thaigolfer.com which is a great site.

250 huh? Right up my alley. Next time you see a farang banging balls against that wall. It might be me.

[farangene]

You might also try "Tee Off Soi 42" driving range which is at Soi 42/1 and Sukhumvit. Many Pros there including Pro Ha who speaks pretty good English.

4 trays of balls for 100 baht between 8 am and 3pm M-F. Best deal I have found so far for balls. Food is so-so but there are nearby restaurants that are excellent. Staff is very friendly.

[Mowgli]

Curious.... Are you Swedish?

Nope, I am Norwegian...

Thanks for the feedback, will sure check out the Aree and Tee Off ranges!

[falong]

Curious.... Are you Swedish?

Nope, I am Norwegian...

Thanks for the feedback, will sure check out the Aree and Tee Off ranges!

Check this out.

Site for Norwegians in Thailand

[Mowgli]

Check this out.

Site for Norwegians in Thailand

Thank's a lot, great website!!!

[Knut Skaar]

Thanks!!!

Great to hear someone like our web site.

For those who what to see pictures taken during golf in Thailand

http://skaarpictures.com/images27/index.htm

Knut

[falong]

Sorry, its more than 40 feet, my thai wifey would only traverse that great expanse by motorcy taxi.

Fence is about 250 yards and there is usually a strong driver banging on the backboard while the rest of us sweat bullets trying to reach the 200 yard mark. Regards markers they look fairly accurate. I have a few clubs dialed in and they seem consistant with the signs.

There is a driving range review on www.thaigolfer.com which is a great site.

Went to that driving range today--the one behind carrefour. I thought it sucked.

Balls were expensive, and 25% of them were bald.

I suppose if you live in the area its a good place to go but there are many better ranges in bangkok.

BTW I stall managed to bang many off that big wall

[aclassiccigar]

Hi Mowgli,

I usually hit balls at soi 18 - not the greatest , but quiet and nice service.

aclassiccigar