Chiang Mai StarDome review

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Chiang Mai StarDome review

Recent holiday in CM brought me to StarDome golf on the SW corner of CM city, just beyond the moat. Next door is the Pimanthip driving range, golf emporium and restaurant, so plenty to do and buy in one place. This being a low budget and short holiday for me, I kept the out-of- town transportation to a minimum and sought golf within the city. StarDome turned out to be far cheaper than trotting out to Alpine or Royal CM, that’s for sure.

I arrived about 8am via tuk-tuk and hit a few chippers and putts then smashed one box of balls at 40 BT. The course was rather empty so no problems paying up and heading out. The foreigner green fee for 18 holes was 1050 TB plus the caddy tip, 250 TB.

Plenty of water lurking along the edges of some holes and like everywhere, the best option is to keep the ball straight. This is a 9 hole track, so zip around twice for the total. Course condition OK, not great and the greens about the same. Numerous sand bunkers and big, old trees in addition to the many birds made this a nice outdoor morning. This was mid-April so the tourists were mostly gone. Course length 6200 yrds with pars 3, 4 and 5 represented. Caddy mandatory, like all of Thailand, and she spoke little English. The course is associated with the nearby Royal Thai Air Force but I saw no military people.

For each nine I joined up with another player, both members and they pointed out various features. This is quite a normal type USA municipal course so expectations need be kept reasonable. All told, if you need a golf fix this is a good choice. And it’s probably closest to the city hotel of your choice, if you too are a visitor. If the wife wants shopping and massage all morning, this is the place for you to knock the pill around for a few hours without the high fees connected to distant luxury resorts. I had no need but rental sticks are available.

Rating : Value 4/5, golf 3/5, convenience 5/5.