Looking for Golf 'Duffers' playing nine-hole and cheap charly courses

[connda]

Haven't played golf since leaving the US over 8 years ago. I consider myself a 'duffer', shoot in the 120s+ for 18 on a good day, and basically suck at golf. But I enjoy the walk, exercise, and companionship. I don't take the game seriously (unlike other sports I used to do, like skiing, which I took very seriously). So I'm looking for other 'duffers' who just like to get out on the course, and who aren't in major hurry to get their game over with, but rather are just out to enjoy the best they can do and enjoy the exercise. And I'd rather hang out on one of the 9 hole or moderately priced 18 hole courses. Nothing ruins a nice day out duffing than a foursome of self-professed hot-shots, dressed in designer clothes and sporting Callaway custom clubs who feel the need to drop their first ball right in the middle of our foursome in order to make the point that they want to play trough instead of just giving a shout. So I enjoy playing 'laid back' with other like minded individuals.

I live in Lamphun and can make it up to Chiang Mai about once a week. I need to seriously get on a driving range, preferably with a pro. I have a wicked slice that I need to straighten out.

I'm open to suggestions for moderately priced driving ranges which have a pro available for lessons if anyone has suggestions.

[connda]

Hummm. Based on the response, I guess I'll be playing single-man golf again. Won't be the first time: 5 iron, a wedge, a putter, and a pocket full of balls. Makes for a quick game. Don't even need a bag.

[Chicog]

I'm totally in your ball park, and if I lived in CM I'd be up for it. Sadly, not old (or rich) enough to retire yet

But my golf is down there with the worst!

The best bit about Thailand is that if you tell your caddy that you're rubbish before you start, they'll cheer and clap madly if you do nail one down the middle (plus it saves them losing money betting on you!).

Good luck with your search, there must be other "social" golfers out there who prefer a leisurely amble and a few beers, interspersed with the odd "*swish* *<deleted>*".

And one positive. We always get much better value, because we see far more of the course than those posh seasoned semi-pros.

[Thailand]

My socks have " hacker" printed on them!

May be some suitable info on ChiangmaiGolfCourses.com/blog

[connda]

My socks have " hacker" printed on them!

May be some suitable info on ChiangmaiGolfCourses.com/blog

I checked it out. 18 topics with 46 posts, and most of those dated back to about 2011, with a bent toward promoting Gassan courses.

However, with that said, Gassan Khun Tan currently has a pretty good deal going on. I live about a kilometer away.

Pay a 100 THB membership fee, and then green fees are 500 THB or 900 THB with a cart. Not too shabby. But until I straighten out my slice and stiffen my putter lol, it would be a waste for me. But this offer lasts until Oct 31 (start of the high season) i believe. Let me go back and make sure and I'll post a picture of the poster. If I start working on my swing in Chiang Mai (GKT has no driving range), maybe I'll play the course a few times before the special runs out.

[Thailand]

My socks have " hacker" printed on them!

May be some suitable info on ChiangmaiGolfCourses.com/blog

I checked it out. 18 topics with 46 posts, and most of those dated back to about 2011, with a bent toward promoting Gassan courses.

However, with that said, Gassan Khun Tan currently has a pretty good deal going on. I live about a kilometer away.

Pay a 100 THB membership fee, and then green fees are 500 THB or 900 THB with a cart. Not too shabby. But until I straighten out my slice and stiffen my putter lol, it would be a waste for me. But this offer lasts until Oct 31 (start of the high season) i believe. Let me go back and make sure and I'll post a picture of the poster. If I start working on my swing in Chiang Mai (GKT has no driving range), maybe I'll play the course a few times before the special runs out.

141 posts but who's counting! (-:

Gassan Khuntan deal is similar to past years, the THB100 membership applied to the 3 Gassan courses in the past. Somewhat of a drive from Chiang Mai compared to most of the other courses around.

You can't be too far away from Mae Moh golf course which is reasonably priced.

And the new course at Lamphun, Haripunchai.

[sharktooth]

Lots of courses have reduced their prices recently so it's best to give them a call rather than look what they have on their website. If you walk you'll get a round for 1200-1500 baht not including caddy tip on a good course.

[sticklee]

I understand Mae Moh is now closed. You have a great new 9 hole course almost in the town of Lamphun, next to the old airport. Priced right at 600incl. for 18 but certainly not a 'duffer's' course. They have a range. The pro speaks some English, maybe he does lessons. At least it's near enough for you check out. You would likely find Khuntan a struggle. Also not far is Gold Canyon, no range, 800incl. resident rate.

[sticklee]

PS, the manager, Gevan (sp?) at Gold Canyon speaks excellent English and maybe he can advise you and set you up with someone local for instruction.

[BB24]

Spent a little time recently at the Stardome driving range - not a bad facility - good golf carpet and automatic ball placers - shaded hiting areas and some overhead fans - 40baht for 40 balls (less if you buy a card) - shops and restaurants - parking under cover - all good so far.

http://www.stardomegolfclub.com/main.php?op=About

https://www.google.co.th/maps/place/Star+Dome+Golf+Club+(Wing+41)/@18.781446,98.975079,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m2!3m1!1s0x30da3078a7a73071:0x33feedac9842bbd

I did not use them, but they have golf coaches available - it maybe worth a lesson or two to try and get rid of that slice

Cant play at the moment - haven't played for a long time after injuring both shoulders (well over a year) - maybe in a few months.

[sharktooth]

I had a lesson at Stardome two years ago. The so called "pro" was worse than me. Waste of time and money.

[prism]

A bit far from you but you might look at the "New San Sai" course near Maejo. Not really new but it's a cheap 9 hole course that's suitable for duffers. There's a pro named Tommy that speaks good English. He might be able to help you get that wickedness out of your slice.

[Thailand]

May not help you but it certainly worked for me and my huge slice. Turning your right hand over the grip over little by little to the direction you are trying to aim until the slice disappears/ reduces significantly.

I ended up with almost a baseball grip but it worked,certainly acceptable at the level I play at. ( not saying much granted (-: )

[Thailand]

I understand Mae Moh is now closed. You have a great new 9 hole course almost in the town of Lamphun, next to the old airport. Priced right at 600incl. for 18 but certainly not a 'duffer's' course. They have a range. The pro speaks some English, maybe he does lessons. At least it's near enough for you check out. You would likely find Khuntan a struggle. Also not far is Gold Canyon, no range, 800incl. resident rate.

Closed for good?

Gassan Marina is also closed.

[Trujillo]

If you just want to get out and stretch your legs, Gymkhana might be good. They have that nice big tree in the first teebox area and have beer.

The course is cheap (I don't recall, something like 300 baht for 9 holes). They have old clubs for rent, which will not help your game, but enable you to play.

The problem with the course is that there is very, very little maintenance. The fairways have Heinz 57 varieties of grass, much being Malaysia grass (or St. Augustine-like if you are American). Moreover, the ground itself is hard as a rock, which makes playing certain shots exasperating.

Having said that, it is the oldest course in Thailand -- founded in 1898 -- and is a nice walk. They have a clubhouse (not the beautiful wood building they had before the "modern" concrete improvements) and a full snooker table, and a room full of old books.

They have a refurbished driving range.

I could get you to stop slicing the ball, either by having you correct your swing to better conform to correctness, or, if you just want to fudge, just use some stop-gap "tricks" to compensate for what you are doing wrong.

I don't know if you have clubs, sounds like you don't, but I can say that modern (and expensive) clubs DO make a difference. If you really wanted to start playing regularly, and not give up, investing in a decent set of clubs might make your playing experience more pleasurable.

Let me know if you have other questions.

[sticklee]

Mae Moh was ordered by the courts to close a few months ago, based on a ruling from a few years ago. Supposedly to 're-develop' the land and also some mine reclamation was ordered. I don't know anyone who can confirm, but the ruling sounded final. PS I searched and found a BKK Post article, the ruling was issued in Feb. 2015 and the initial court case was in 2003. Kind of sad/comical to read the reasoning behind the decision. TIT

[LarryBird]

May not help you but it certainly worked for me and my huge slice. Turning your right hand over the grip over little by little to the direction you are trying to aim until the slice disappears/ reduces significantly.

I ended up with almost a baseball grip but it worked,certainly acceptable at the level I play at. ( not saying much granted (-: )

Assuming you're saying he should move his right hand counter clockwise, this is the opposite of what he should do. He should want to see more of his fingers, and less of the backside of his right hand.

Op, if you want to take a lesson with a good pro, see Note at CGA at Stardome.

Also, not sure why Inthanon hasn't been mentioned as a good place to play.

[Loptr]

I'm up for a duffers league in and around CM... I used to play quite a bit, then life got in the way and I quit playing for a long time... Getting back into it now, been hitting the driving range at Star Dome and have joined one of the CM golfing societies which play several times per week, but as the OP noted, it's 18 holes and can be a bit competitive... Star Dome is short, cheap, not busy in the mornings during the week and it's a 9 hole course... Whoever organizes this deal send me a PM when things get sorted as I would like to join...

[Loptr]

May not help you but it certainly worked for me and my huge slice. Turning your right hand over the grip over little by little to the direction you are trying to aim until the slice disappears/ reduces significantly.

I ended up with almost a baseball grip but it worked,certainly acceptable at the level I play at. ( not saying much granted (-: )

Assuming you're saying he should move his right hand counter clockwise, this is the opposite of what he should do. He should want to see more of his fingers, and less of the backside of his right hand.

Op, if you want to take a lesson with a good pro, see Note at CGA at Stardome.

Also, not sure why Inthanon hasn't been mentioned as a good place to play.

I've had a slice with my driver for most of my life as I have a tendency to swing over the top... A coach told me to roll my left hand clockwise until I could see 2 knuckles on my left hand when addressing the ball, along with working on backswing and body-turn... Worked like a charm after hitting a few thousand balls...

[Trujillo]

I don't think you can fix a swing by reading posts.

[chingmai331]

According to murrinman, posting on the TV Golf threads, 9 July 2015, , Mae Moh golf in Lampang

its not closing any time soon golfing full steam ahead

But i'd say for a learner the New San Sai 9 hole par 3 course, at 250 bath per ALL DAY, including trolley is the best buy. Some water on track and must bring own balls, etc.

[LarryBird]

May not help you but it certainly worked for me and my huge slice. Turning your right hand over the grip over little by little to the direction you are trying to aim until the slice disappears/ reduces significantly.

I ended up with almost a baseball grip but it worked,certainly acceptable at the level I play at. ( not saying much granted (-: )

Assuming you're saying he should move his right hand counter clockwise, this is the opposite of what he should do. He should want to see more of his fingers, and less of the backside of his right hand.

Op, if you want to take a lesson with a good pro, see Note at CGA at Stardome.

Also, not sure why Inthanon hasn't been mentioned as a good place to play.

I've had a slice with my driver for most of my life as I have a tendency to swing over the top... A coach told me to roll my left hand clockwise until I could see 2 knuckles on my left hand when addressing the ball, along with working on backswing and body-turn... Worked like a charm after hitting a few thousand balls...

I agree with what you said about the left hand. The left and right hands should move/work together.. And more importantly, the part about hitting a few thousand balls. As I also agree with "I don't think you can fix a swing by reading posts."

It's kind of a pet peeve with me that people ask for tips, when they have no intention on actually working to fix their mistake, or improve their process. Not trying to brag, but if I get asked "why do you hit it so far??" Because I've hit a million balls at the range, and with that have developed good timing and rhythm.

[Thailand]

I had a lesson at Stardome two years ago. The so called "pro" was worse than me. Waste of time and money.

There are a few pros at Stardome, board opposite the cashiers desk. Chances are at least one of them could meet your requirements.

Hang Dong, Sand Creek, San Sai, Haripunchai, and perhaps Gymkhana meet the 9 hole cheapie criteria. Stardome is the most expensive of the nine hole courses.

[arunsakda]

Spent a little time recently at the Stardome driving range - not a bad facility - good golf carpet and automatic ball placers - shaded hiting areas and some overhead fans - 40baht for 40 balls (less if you buy a card) - shops and restaurants - parking under cover - all good so far.

http://www.stardomegolfclub.com/main.php?op=About

https://www.google.co.th/maps/place/Star+Dome+Golf+Club+(Wing+41)/@18.781446,98.975079,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m2!3m1!1s0x30da3078a7a73071:0x33feedac9842bbd

I did not use them, but they have golf coaches available - it maybe worth a lesson or two to try and get rid of that slice

Cant play at the moment - haven't played for a long time after injuring both shoulders (well over a year) - maybe in a few months.

How much will I be fleeced for if I break a driver?

[sharktooth]

Spent a little time recently at the Stardome driving range - not a bad facility - good golf carpet and automatic ball placers - shaded hiting areas and some overhead fans - 40baht for 40 balls (less if you buy a card) - shops and restaurants - parking under cover - all good so far.

http://www.stardomegolfclub.com/main.php?op=About

https://www.google.co.th/maps/place/Star+Dome+Golf+Club+(Wing+41)/@18.781446,98.975079,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m2!3m1!1s0x30da3078a7a73071:0x33feedac9842bbd

I did not use them, but they have golf coaches available - it maybe worth a lesson or two to try and get rid of that slice

Cant play at the moment - haven't played for a long time after injuring both shoulders (well over a year) - maybe in a few months.

How much will I be fleeced for if I break a driver?

Most coaches won't work on your swing with a driver, it's normally 7i the whole time. Probably a reason for that...

[Trujillo]

I have always wondered how a person breaks a club at the driving range. I know this happens sometimes when people try hitting balls who have never tried to swing a golf club in their life, but someone who actually does know the fundamentals?

I have never seen anyone or heard of anyone breaking a club at a driving range who knows even a little about how to swing a club.

Usually, at least on the course, one uses the "over the knee" technique to break a club....

[LarryBird]

Clubs get old. I have broken clubs at the top of my backswing.

[Thailand]

I have always wondered how a person breaks a club at the driving range. I know this happens sometimes when people try hitting balls who have never tried to swing a golf club in their life, but someone who actually does know the fundamentals?

I have never seen anyone or heard of anyone breaking a club at a driving range who knows even a little about how to swing a club.

Usually, at least on the course, one uses the "over the knee" technique to break a club....

A workman and tools comes to mind?

[arunsakda]

I have always wondered how a person breaks a club at the driving range. I know this happens sometimes when people try hitting balls who have never tried to swing a golf club in their life, but someone who actually does know the fundamentals?

I have never seen anyone or heard of anyone breaking a club at a driving range who knows even a little about how to swing a club.

Usually, at least on the course, one uses the "over the knee" technique to break a club....

I was at driving range in Sendai (Just for fun) when the head hit the floor in front of the ball, and flew off. They gave me another driver, no suggestion of "you pay". Unlike Thailand, where a child damages a 25 baht juice glass glass at a nice hotel you get presented with a bill even when your party is spending thousands.

I admit I have never had a lesson and never don't see the point of golf. I know it is difficult to learn and addicting, many of my colleagues devote all their free time to it. Primarily I do not like Golf fashions. Secondarily I it appears exclusionary and elitist use of land. I'd rather see public parks, and People's Agricultural Cooperatives.