Relish Hole-In-Ones in Bangkok's Premier Golf Courses

If you are in Bangkok and would like to experience golf Thai style, or if you just have a hankering to play golf on an international course, then fret not. The city is home to numerous world-class golf courses, including 20 breathtaking, verdant courses in or around it that should satisfy even the most avid fan of the sport. Golf was first introduced to the kingdom about a century ago by the monarchy under the reign of King Rama V. The sport, first enjoyed by those in elite circles only, has experienced a resurgent popularity in the past decade as more and more locals start to play and enjoy the games and tournaments. Here are some of the Thai capital's golf courses that you might find ideal to swing that club in:

Thai Country Club

This golf club is within an hour’s drive from Bangkok’s center and is perhaps the city’s best known and most awarded golf course. Voted as the best course in Thailand for 10 years straight since 2001, it was developed by Denis Griffiths and associates to US PGA international standards and first opened in 1996. Since then, it has played host to numerous tournaments including the Asian Honda cup in 1997 that Tiger Woods won and up to the Volvo Masters Asia won by Lam Chih Bing in 2008. The 18-hole international golf course has a challenging computer-designed layout that incorporates bodies of sand and water into the course. The Thai Country Club is currently managed by The Peninsula Hotels and offers one of the best club houses in Asia (awarded in 2008) as well as some of the best trained caddies in the world--truly a world-class experience, so expect some steep guest or membership fees, too.

Muang Kaew

Self-proclaimed as the “Golfing Oasis of Bangkok,” the Muang Kaew Golf club is about 30 minutes away from Bangkok’s city center. Redesigned in 2003 by Lee Schmidt of the Schmidt-Curley group, the course now features 18 elevated green complexes on what was originally a farm land in the outskirts of Bangkok.The 72-par golf course is balanced with par 36 9-hole loops that take the player past the clubhouse at the start and finish of each loop with four refreshment stands on each loop to help players replenish their energy sources. There are also apartments available at the 1st and 10th tees for those intending to stay overnight or a few days at the course. The proximity of the greens to the new Suvarnabhumi International Airport makes it an ideal stopover for travelers and golf enthusiasts alike.

Lam Luk Ka

An hour-and-a-half drive outside of Bangkok in the northeastern district of Lam Luk Ka in the province of Pathum Thani, this prestigious course boasts not one but two 18-hole golf courses, a Championship course to the east, and a Resort course to the west. The Championship course was the venue of the 2002 Thailand PGA Championship and is considered as one of the most challenging in the country. The Resort course incorporates various bodies of water into the course as well as native birds and wildlife, making for a more leisurely and enjoyable round of golf for the recreational golfer. Designed by Roger Packard and opened in 1994, the club also features a relaxing swimming pool by the 10th hole and an international restaurant overlooking the 18th and final hole. Function rooms, locker rooms, and various practice greens and driving range are also available for those who want to practice their swings and strokes. A Pro Shop that promises the latest in golfing technology and equipment is also available for those seeking to get professional gear.

These are only some of the famous golf courses in and around Bangkok. Take your pick or search for other options to suit your schedule and golfing needs. With its many courses and long golfing tradition, Thailand will surely have the golf course you are looking for.