Gymkhanna Club

[Fore Man]

Re Lanna, Currently they have suspended the Monday and Friday Sports Days in favour of upping the greens fee to the same as the other courses at 800THB, back to 500THB next month, making it very good value

Re Inthanon, played last week and the new clubhouse is a month or so away from being open. Construction has begun on the hotel

No one mentions Alpine which is in superb condition. A bargain at the 800THB and it is virtually deserted

Most courses are very quiet these days so a slow round is not an issue.

Good point regards Alpine...it is a great course. It is normally too pricey for me to consider in discussing value options for golf in the province. I had overlooked the fact that it is running the 800 THB special during this low period. That makes it perhaps the best bargain of all. Be mindful that you will need to watch the speed of your putts out there; those greens run rather fast.

Edited June 10, 2010 by Fore Man

[Thailand]

Re Lanna, Currently they have suspended the Monday and Friday Sports Days in favour of upping the greens fee to the same as the other courses at 800THB, back to 500THB next month, making it very good value

Copied from my blog on website:

Went early to Lanna today to avoid the crowds. Arrived at the first tee of the 1st nine, 6 players there, we asked the starter if we could go on as they had not teed off-nope! So went to the racecourse a couple of threesomes in front so relatively OK. Completed the 9 holes and returned to 1st nine, a five on the course with another 6 waiting to tee off!

Asked if we could play course 2-nope closed! Returned to the racecourse where an even earlier 6 had finished their first nine and were now in front of us. Switched to hole 7 of the racecourse played the 3 holes returned to the tee-and you guessed it there was another 6 in front of us!

Not that many groups on the course but I counted 5 groups of 6. Won’t be going there again in a hurry. TIT

[Fore Man]

Re Lanna, Currently they have suspended the Monday and Friday Sports Days in favour of upping the greens fee to the same as the other courses at 800THB, back to 500THB next month, making it very good value

Copied from my blog on website:

Went early to Lanna today to avoid the crowds. Arrived at the first tee of the 1st nine, 6 players there, we asked the starter if we could go on as they had not teed off-nope! So went to the racecourse a couple of threesomes in front so relatively OK. Completed the 9 holes and returned to 1st nine, a five on the course with another 6 waiting to tee off!

Asked if we could play course 2-nope closed! Returned to the racecourse where an even earlier 6 had finished their first nine and were now in front of us. Switched to hole 7 of the racecourse played the 3 holes returned to the tee-and you guessed it there was another 6 in front of us!

Not that many groups on the course but I counted 5 groups of 6. Won't be going there again in a hurry. TIT

You've hit the main reason I no longer go to Lanna...and never will again. Lanna is a sad example of how Thai golf plays the game by an entirely ungentlemanly set of rules, most of which would have you escorted off most courses in the West. Thai course owners will absolutely refuse to say no to money--even if means inconveniencing dozens of other players. The national trait of Thais to be unwilling to tell others of their nationality that they can't do something is perplexing and galling. But as the poster above relates, they have no qualms telling a non-Asian foreigner 'no'. Course marshaling is almost non-existent here...something we are very aware and mindful of in the USA and in Europe. I play here because it is generally a real bargain, great exercise and I don't really want to give up the game, but it is a very often a frustrating experience because I usually play as a single or in a 2-ball. If you are part of a 4 or 5-ball life is far more tolerable.

Expats who are thinking of joining a particular golf club should not jump into such a decision, but play there many times to determine the true tenor of how the course is run. It is quite disheartening to put up a huge sum of THB to pay for a membership and then find out that you are often stuck behind 6 and 7-balls. A local friend of mine had this happen to him and is now attempting to secure a refund of his fees, but I suspect that outcome will not be forthcoming from the greedy Bangkok owners of our particular course located in the Mae Rim area. During the low season, there are no refreshment kiosks open in the late afternoon and during evening play (we have lighting available on all 18-holes), and unless you come prepared with plenty of your own drinks, you'll experience a very unpleasant round, parched and badly needing to be rehydrated. As we all are aware, being dehydrated this time of year can lead to serious health problems and even death. Even though players teeing off for 9-holes at 4 PM have sufficient time to complete game using natural lighting, the course charges higher 'night golf' fees to help pay for their investment and additional utility bills...but the player never makes use of them before walking off the course at 6 PM. Another course located in the northern area of Chiang Mai has a published policy that golfers are not allowed to bring their own beverages, including water, onto the course. For all of these transgressions, it does absolutely no good at all to register a complaint, however tactfully it is done, with course management. They simply are not interested and you are wasting valuable time...even if you are a dues-paying member. I could go on and on, but the term Caveat Emptor is very applicable to golfing in Chiang Mai and throughout Thailand.

Edited June 11, 2010 by Fore Man

[ChiangMaiFun]

Re Lanna, Currently they have suspended the Monday and Friday Sports Days in favour of upping the greens fee to the same as the other courses at 800THB, back to 500THB next month, making it very good value

Copied from my blog on website:

Went early to Lanna today to avoid the crowds. Arrived at the first tee of the 1st nine, 6 players there, we asked the starter if we could go on as they had not teed off-nope! So went to the racecourse a couple of threesomes in front so relatively OK. Completed the 9 holes and returned to 1st nine, a five on the course with another 6 waiting to tee off!

Asked if we could play course 2-nope closed! Returned to the racecourse where an even earlier 6 had finished their first nine and were now in front of us. Switched to hole 7 of the racecourse played the 3 holes returned to the tee-and you guessed it there was another 6 in front of us!

Not that many groups on the course but I counted 5 groups of 6. Won't be going there again in a hurry. TIT

You've hit the main reason I no longer go to Lanna...and never will again. Lanna is a sad example of how Thai golf plays the game by an entirely ungentlemanly set of rules, most of which would have you escorted off most courses in the West. Thai course owners will absolutely refuse to say no to money--even if means inconveniencing dozens of other players. The national trait of Thais to be unwilling to tell others of their nationality that they can't do something is perplexing and galling. But as the poster above relates, they have no qualms telling a non-Asian foreigner 'no'. Course marshaling is almost non-existent here...something we are very aware and mindful of in the USA and in Europe. I play here because it is generally a real bargain, great exercise and I don't really want to give up the game, but it is a very often a frustrating experience because I usually play as a single or in a 2-ball. If you are part of a 4 or 5-ball life is far more tolerable.

Expats who are thinking of joining a particular golf club should not jump into such a decision, but play there many times to determine the true tenor of how the course is run. It is quite disheartening to put up a huge sum of THB to pay for a membership and then find out that you are often stuck behind 6 and 7-balls. A local friend of mine had this happen to him and is now attempting to secure a refund of his fees, but I suspect that outcome will not be forthcoming from the greedy Bangkok owners of our particular course located in the Mae Rim area. During the low season, there are no refreshment kiosks open in the late afternoon and during evening play (we have lighting available on all 18-holes), and unless you come prepared with plenty of your own drinks, you'll experience a very unpleasant round, parched and badly needing to be rehydrated. As we all are aware, being dehydrated this time of year can lead to serious health problems and even death. Even though players teeing off for 9-holes at 4 PM have sufficient time to complete game using natural lighting, the course charges higher 'night golf' fees to help pay for their investment and additional utility bills...but the player never makes use of them before walking off the course at 6 PM. Another course located in the northern area of Chiang Mai has a published policy that golfers are not allowed to bring their own beverages, including water, onto the course. For all of these transgressions, it does absolutely no good at all to register a complaint, however tactfully it is done, with course management. They simply are not interested and you are wasting valuable time...even if you are a dues-paying member. I could go on and on, but the term Caveat Emptor is very applicable to golfing in Chiang Mai and throughout Thailand.

spot on! it's not so perplexing, of course, because the truth is that Thais are quite arrogant (generally speaking) and really do view farangs as second class - not comfortable reading but true and hence the attitude you accurately describe.

[eek]

Thanks to all of you again for advices.

Initially i tried out SanSai for my first driving range day and lesson. I found it very nice, but quite far. Tutor was Thai, lesson in English. The charge was 1000 baht for 1hour but my tutor had another appointment half an hour later..so i only got half an hour..but still paid 1000!!

I then gave Gymkhana driving range a try (just for practice)..its not as neat as Sansai..has to be said. Went along the next day (as i initially thought Gymkhana was the closest to me)and paid a 500 baht for one hour. Lesson all in Thai..but was able to get by. Found it helpful, but not as helpful as the Sansai teacher. (Not just language barrier, but i felt the Sansai tutor was more professional...just my opinion though).

Checked out my map and realised that stardome is actually the closest to me. Went along yesterday and was very pleased at the layout and the atmosphere. Had a lesson with an American/Thai Luuk Krung. The easy conversation put me really at ease have to say. The lesson went fast. Decided to book a course with the company. 4500 baht for 5 lessons. Went in today just to practice and ended up getting a free tutorial for quite a long time from an freelance cute Thai instructor who was waiting for his next student. Student phoned that they were going to be late..and he stayed with me anyway. I guess thats a little perk of being a female golf player!

Anyway..I wasnt sure if golf would be my "thing"..but im finding it exhilarating when i get the combinations right. I still need to keep working on a natural swing..but seem to have my grip sorted.

Thanks again all. Hoping ill keep improving! (But being a Scot, its apparently in my blood to play golf..haha.)

[sticklee]

Golf Festival is now over and courses will be returning to their usual greens fees. Lanna is back to Sports Day rates of 500THB as of Friday. If crowded courses are an issue for you try some of the courses a little further away for a relaxing day at your own pace. Gassan Lake City has Sports Days Mon., Wed, Fri. at 500 THB. The course is roughish but greening up with recent rain. Sand traps are poor and overall groundskeeping is lacking but the clubhouse and locker rooms are very nice. A tough course. A longer drive but worth it is the Gassan Khuntan course. An amazing layout but could use a little more maintenance. I was one of only 2 players on the course all day a few weeks ago. 700THB everday, get the Gassan GO card for these rates, from their driving range office off the super highway @ 121. South of San Pathong is the Inthanon Course, Excellent new course with clubhouse about finished. 800 THB everyday last time I was their. Going again in about 10 days. Will update info on condition, clubhouse progress and new hotel progress. All these courses have few players so I can't see the point in griping over slow play and our patronage going unappreciated when there are some great alternatives out there. BTW I ride motorbike to all these courses.

[Thailand]

Copied from my blog:

New Prices

July 3rd, 2010

Club- Green Fee-Caddy fee- Promotion

Alpine 1000 220

Green Valley 1400 250

Highland 1000 250 GF/CF/Cart 1650

Royal CH 1400 220

Mae Jo 1100 250

Inthanon 800 200 GF/CF/Cart 1200

Gold Canyon 600 250 Special rate for locals call 0804991221

All the above rates are for “locals” and are weekday prices. Best value would be Gold Canyon and Inthanon package.

[eek]

Golf Festival is now over and courses will be returning to their usual greens fees. Lanna is back to Sports Day rates of 500THB as of Friday. If crowded courses are an issue for you try some of the courses a little further away for a relaxing day at your own pace. Gassan Lake City has Sports Days Mon., Wed, Fri. at 500 THB. The course is roughish but greening up with recent rain. Sand traps are poor and overall groundskeeping is lacking but the clubhouse and locker rooms are very nice. A tough course. A longer drive but worth it is the Gassan Khuntan course. An amazing layout but could use a little more maintenance. I was one of only 2 players on the course all day a few weeks ago. 700THB everday, get the Gassan GO card for these rates, from their driving range office off the super highway @ 121. South of San Pathong is the Inthanon Course, Excellent new course with clubhouse about finished. 800 THB everyday last time I was their. Going again in about 10 days. Will update info on condition, clubhouse progress and new hotel progress. All these courses have few players so I can't see the point in griping over slow play and our patronage going unappreciated when there are some great alternatives out there. BTW I ride motorbike to all these courses.

Sticklee, can i ask how you take your clubs on the bike? Looked up about this on google, and there were a few options, but wonder what you did in Chiang Mai to tackle this. Atm i just take a few clubs that i need on the bike, but later would be good to know of a way to carry the set and bag.

[twofortheroad]

Sticklee, can i ask how you take your clubs on the bike? Looked up about this on google, and there were a few options, but wonder what you did in Chiang Mai to tackle this. Atm i just take a few clubs that i need on the bike, but later would be good to know of a way to carry the set and bag.

This works.

   

[sticklee]

Golf Festival is now over and courses will be returning to their usual greens fees. Lanna is back to Sports Day rates of 500THB as of Friday. If crowded courses are an issue for you try some of the courses a little further away for a relaxing day at your own pace. Gassan Lake City has Sports Days Mon., Wed, Fri. at 500 THB. The course is roughish but greening up with recent rain. Sand traps are poor and overall groundskeeping is lacking but the clubhouse and locker rooms are very nice. A tough course. A longer drive but worth it is the Gassan Khuntan course. An amazing layout but could use a little more maintenance. I was one of only 2 players on the course all day a few weeks ago. 700THB everday, get the Gassan GO card for these rates, from their driving range office off the super highway @ 121. South of San Pathong is the Inthanon Course, Excellent new course with clubhouse about finished. 800 THB everyday last time I was their. Going again in about 10 days. Will update info on condition, clubhouse progress and new hotel progress. All these courses have few players so I can't see the point in griping over slow play and our patronage going unappreciated when there are some great alternatives out there. BTW I ride motorbike to all these courses.

Sticklee, can i ask how you take your clubs on the bike? Looked up about this on google, and there were a few options, but wonder what you did in Chiang Mai to tackle this. Atm i just take a few clubs that i need on the bike, but later would be good to know of a way to carry the set and bag.

I have a small 'practice bag'. An old thing I picked up across the road from Lanna. It has stiff sides, cylindrical and about 3 feet or so in length. I put all the irons in this and strap with bungees to the side of the seat and foot peg. My full size bag, minus all the weight, I carry with two shoulder straps as usual. It rests nicely across the back of the seat. I have a picture in my other computer, can post when i get back home next week. Alternative would be one of the lightweight golf travel bags but you'd be limited to what you could carry other than set of clubs as they usually only have one small pocket. Available at most any golf shop. My shoes go in the well under the seat and I hang a small cooler bag on the hook, as on most bikes infront of your knees. My only prob is the nice wide brimmed Panama style hats I like to wear.

[Blinky Bill]

................

but im finding it exhilarating when i get the combinations right. I still need to keep working on a natural swing..but seem to have my grip sorted.

Thanks again all. Hoping ill keep improving! (But being a Scot, its apparently in my blood to play golf..haha.)

It seems Michelle Wie has got her grip sorted also, eek.

[femi fan]

Expats who are thinking of joining a particular golf club should not jump into such a decision, but play there many times to determine the true tenor of how the course is run. It is quite disheartening to put up a huge sum of THB to pay for a membership and then find out that you are often stuck behind 6 and 7-balls.

We play at mae jo, and membership is just about 4 or 5000 baht i think. Then a round is 600 baht for the green fee. I've never seen anything more than a 5 ball, but to be honest, apart from jan-march the course is never that busy. We very rarely get held up, and that's based on playing there most mondays or fridays. It's an absolute golfing pleasure to be spending time at this course.

And in general everything is run well, and i never see any signs of arrogance from those working there. There are one or two gripes, but that is normal in life and golf.

I would also recommend highlands, in contrast with one or two other posters! They keep their prices for people living in chiang mai down to a reasonable rate, again i've never seen more than five in a group, and again we hardly ever get held up. The course is also a beauty.

The old farang habit of expecting things in thailand to work out according to farangland can only lead to the suffering that the great buddha man talked of. It is certain to ruin what should be a great day out on a golf course.

Luckily these days we have much more choice in chiang mai, so if one's experience is not so good at one course, find another one. If one never gets a good experience, then look within to find some answers.

I did have to laugh at the comment above that thais are arrogant in general. It's amazing what opinions people can hold, never mind when they then tout their opinions as 'truth'. Unreal.

[ChiangMaiFun]

Gymkhanna has a lesson 'package' at 10 one hour lessons for 3,000 - and you can rent a locker for your bag very cheaply.

[femi fan]

Kitty who i and others mentioned before has now opened up a franchise golf instruction operation at the driving range opposite the airport plaza, it's based on the croker system, an aussie instructor who has developed a certain system towards golf instruction.

I was taught by kitti, and although i don't know his prices now, he basically gave me my swing and this allowed me to improve in the game to each new level. He was not expensive at the time, about five years ago. A bonus for farangs is that he speaks better english than thai, even though he's thai!

[cardinalblue]

Thanks to all of you again for advices.

Initially i tried out SanSai for my first driving range day and lesson. I found it very nice, but quite far. Tutor was Thai, lesson in English. The charge was 1000 baht for 1hour but my tutor had another appointment half an hour later..so i only got half an hour..but still paid 1000!!

I then gave Gymkhana driving range a try (just for practice)..its not as neat as Sansai..has to be said. Went along the next day (as i initially thought Gymkhana was the closest to me)and paid a 500 baht for one hour. Lesson all in Thai..but was able to get by. Found it helpful, but not as helpful as the Sansai teacher. (Not just language barrier, but i felt the Sansai tutor was more professional...just my opinion though).

Checked out my map and realised that stardome is actually the closest to me. Went along yesterday and was very pleased at the layout and the atmosphere. Had a lesson with an American/Thai Luuk Krung. The easy conversation put me really at ease have to say. The lesson went fast. Decided to book a course with the company. 4500 baht for 5 lessons. Went in today just to practice and ended up getting a free tutorial for quite a long time from an freelance cute Thai instructor who was waiting for his next student. Student phoned that they were going to be late..and he stayed with me anyway. I guess thats a little perk of being a female golf player!

Anyway..I wasnt sure if golf would be my "thing"..but im finding it exhilarating when i get the combinations right. I still need to keep working on a natural swing..but seem to have my grip sorted.

Thanks again all. Hoping ill keep improving! (But being a Scot, its apparently in my blood to play golf..haha.)

EEK,

I cringe when I hear poor customer service like your example. I glad you posted it so it will cost him business. Just so short-sightedness on his part. He should have re-scheduled you for a full 30 minutes and maybe even adding 15 minutes at no charge b/c of inconvenience to you...Just a complete lack of understanding of what customer service is all about...

The customer is always right and go from there...

CB

[likite]

Thanks to all of you again for advices.

Initially i tried out SanSai for my first driving range day and lesson. I found it very nice, but quite far. Tutor was Thai, lesson in English. The charge was 1000 baht for 1hour but my tutor had another appointment half an hour later..so i only got half an hour..but still paid 1000!!

I then gave Gymkhana driving range a try (just for practice)..its not as neat as Sansai..has to be said. Went along the next day (as i initially thought Gymkhana was the closest to me)and paid a 500 baht for one hour. Lesson all in Thai..but was able to get by. Found it helpful, but not as helpful as the Sansai teacher. (Not just language barrier, but i felt the Sansai tutor was more professional...just my opinion though).

Checked out my map and realised that stardome is actually the closest to me. Went along yesterday and was very pleased at the layout and the atmosphere. Had a lesson with an American/Thai Luuk Krung. The easy conversation put me really at ease have to say. The lesson went fast. Decided to book a course with the company. 4500 baht for 5 lessons. Went in today just to practice and ended up getting a free tutorial for quite a long time from an freelance cute Thai instructor who was waiting for his next student. Student phoned that they were going to be late..and he stayed with me anyway. I guess thats a little perk of being a female golf player!

Anyway..I wasnt sure if golf would be my "thing"..but im finding it exhilarating when i get the combinations right. I still need to keep working on a natural swing..but seem to have my grip sorted.

Thanks again all. Hoping ill keep improving! (But being a Scot, its apparently in my blood to play golf..haha.)

EEK,

I cringe when I hear poor customer service like your example. I glad you posted it so it will cost him business. Just so short-sightedness on his part. He should have re-scheduled you for a full 30 minutes and maybe even adding 15 minutes at no charge b/c of inconvenience to you...Just a complete lack of understanding of what customer service is all about...

The customer is always right and go from there...

CB

Yes it's pretty bad 1000 baht and only half back in return, but not surprising.

Golf and value for money some how don't mix on many occasions. My post on Highlands is typical. Strange but true, you would think that spending 1000 baht and up would galvinise some golf course minds with regard to customer service but no. Eek I would go back and try and get what you paid for.

[eek]

I let the money slide. Just wont be going back to him. At the time it was mentioned about only being for 30mins..but didnt make a difference. Very surprised. But I dislike to argue a point too much if it seems not worth the hassle, so I did my usual of "voting with my feet". He lost out on potential business for the sake of 500 baht.

Anyway, been enjoying Stardome. Was a good find. However, my main problem right now is pain. My grip and swing is tense. So my fingers are very sore (Ive been going in most days to practice), and also my left hand side is sore from the twist when i swing. I thought i would be pretty ok because i use the gym and do yoga..but no, hurts. From what i gather its a common complaint when starting out though..?

[sticklee]

Copied from my blog:

New Prices

July 3rd, 2010

Club- Green Fee-Caddy fee- Promotion

Alpine 1000 220

Green Valley 1400 250

Highland 1000 250 GF/CF/Cart 1650

Royal CH 1400 220

Mae Jo 1100 250

Inthanon 800 200 GF/CF/Cart 1200

Gold Canyon 600 250 Special rate for locals call 0804991221

All the above rates are for "locals" and are weekday prices. Best value would be Gold Canyon and Inthanon package.

Until the end of July Gassan Lake City is 200 THB on Mon. and Thur. That's right, just pay the caddy fee and golf is gratis. Due to no one patronizing the facility, the caddies were not earning anything and walked out in protest. So to enable them to earn a living and to keep some of their staff the management is offering this special to attract golfers.

Edited July 16, 2010 by sticklee

[sticklee]

The clubhouse at Chiang Mai Inthanon Golf Course is now open. It is very nice with beautiful panoramic views all around from its elevated location. Highly recommended. With recent rain the course is coming along nicely. Prices have increased accordingly. Mon-Fri 1000THB inc caddie, Sat Sun 1200 inc caddie. The day I went a special included a power buggy also.

[bjohn34]

Until the end of July Gassan Lake City is 200 THB on Mon. and Thur. That's right, just pay the caddy fee and golf is gratis. Due to no one patronizing the facility, the caddies were not earning anything and walked out in protest. So to enable them to earn a living and to keep some of their staff the management is offering this special to attract golfers.

Just show up at Gassan Lake City on Monday and Thursday to get this deal??

[sticklee]

Until the end of July Gassan Lake City is 200 THB on Mon. and Thur. That's right, just pay the caddy fee and golf is gratis. Due to no one patronizing the facility, the caddies were not earning anything and walked out in protest. So to enable them to earn a living and to keep some of their staff the management is offering this special to attract golfers.

Just show up at Gassan Lake City on Monday and Thursday to get this deal??

I went on a Thurday, just show up and it's 200 THB. I was informed, cannot confirm, that the deal is also on for mondays.

[rich54321]

yes on a monday too - until the end of July

[drtreelove]

The driving range on Mahidol Road near Airport Plaza will have clubs for rent, quite convenient.

In my opinion the Gymkhana Club is better in that you can hit your balls off the grass. Once you have done that you can relax under the big tree with a cool drink.

Be careful where you sit under that big raintree. On request of the board, I did a free consult for tree health and risk assessment and saw some big dead wood in the canopy that I recommended be removed for safety. The last time I looked it hadn't been touched, except to install a new support under the long low limb. There was one big 3 meter long dead branch in the northwest quadrant of the crown that could take you out if it happened to fall on your noggin. It's a great tree, just needs some maintenance.