One of the most overlooked features about playing golf in Thailand, night golf in Thailand offers a unique and thrilling golfing experience that combines the serene beauty of lush fairways with the enchantment of twilight and starry skies.
Just because the sun is setting over Thailand’s verdant landscapes doesn’t mean that the chance to play golf has passed. At a select few golf courses in Thailand, golfers can tee off under the warm glow of floodlights, a popular choice for locals and tourists alike keen to enjoying cooler temperatures and a magical ambiance. Whether you’re a seasoned golfer or a novice, playing under the stars in this tropical paradise adds an unforgettable twist to the game, creating memories that last a lifetime.
Night golfing is an excellent option for those who want to make the most of Thailand’s cultural treasures and sunbaked beaches during the day, but need to scratch that golfing itch. Where available, night golf is usually the cheapest way to play 18 holes on some of the best golf courses in Thailand, with the added bonus of avoiding the soaring temperatures and baking sun of the day.The night golf season usually runs between November and May each year and this coincides with many visitors from the northern hemisphere. Night golf usually tees off around 7pm, with courses closing after midnight, so there is plenty of time to enjoy a full round of golf in the evening.
Read on for our picks for the best places in Thailand to play night golf:
Summit Windmill Golf Club (Bangkok)
Situated a mere 30-minute drive from Bangkok and renowned for its popularity, Summit Windmill Golf Club features a unique design crafted by Nick Faldo. The course showcases an inventive artificial layout, involving significant earthmoving to simulate elevation changes and hillside fairways.
Despite its synthetic characteristics, the club is recognized as one of Bangkok’s premier courses. The course’s ambiance is delightful and park-like, adorned with palm trees along most fairways and hosting a diverse array of wildlife, including birds and reptiles.
Although the course plays to less than 7,000 yards, even from the back tees, it’s no walk in the park as water hazards come into play on numerous holes, beginning with a substantial lake that borders the left side of both the lengthy par-5 1st hole and the thrilling final hole. Faldo’s frequently inventive design is further distinguished by undulating fairways, expansive bunker complexes guarding most greens, and water-protected par-3s, notably the 12th hole featuring an island green.
Location: 30 mins from downtown Bangkok
Night Golf Tee Times: 4:30pm – 7:30pm (weekdays) / 5:55pm – 6:30pm (weekends)
Green Fee Price: from THB 2,900 (~$83 USD) for 18 Holes + Caddie + Cart
Rachakram Golf Club (Bangkok)
Designed by renowned Thai golf architect Sukitt Klangvisai, who also designed Phuket Country Club, Rachakram Golf Club boasts a remarkable array of memorable holes at an affordable price, making the long trip from Bangkok well worth it. The course isn’t too busy either, so you can keep up a good pace of play as you enjoy the attractive surroundings.
The course opened for play in 2006 and plays much like a links-style course, with undulations and open spaces in-front of the greens, allowing for low approach shots. The fairways are flat and generous, with firm and fast greens, which are very receptive to spin. There are several water hazards, some of which are blind and even longer hitters will struggle to clear the water on some of the par-5 holes.
The course looks tremendous once the floodlights come on, and playing at night offers great value for money too. While the distance from central Bangkok will ensure a late night if you choose to play at night, there is an onsite resort if you want to stay overnight and maybe squeeze in another round in the morning.
Location: 90 mins from downtown Bangkok
Night Golf Tee Times: daily from 3pm
Green Fee Price: from THB 1,000 (~$29 USD) for 18 Holes (caddie and cart are extra)
Pinehurst Golf & Country Club (Bangkok)
Once one of the best golf courses in Bangkok but arguably no longer up to the standard of some of the newer courses in the area, Pinehurst Golf & Country Club hosted the 1992 Johnnie Walker Classic and the 1994 Thailand Open. Conveniently located just 15 minutes north of Don Muang Airport, it features wide fairways and flat greens, making it ideal for mid to high handicappers seeking a relaxing game at an easily accessible Bangkok golf course.
Pinehurst also offers unique VIP golf carts branded with Rolls Royce and night time flood lighting, making it popular among locals and expatriate Asian golfers. The ‘night time’ caddies, who are also local university students, add to the course’s charm, though they may be chosen more for their figure, age, and other services than their on-course abilities.
Location: 40 mins from downtown Bangkok
Night Golf Tee Times: daily until 7:30pm
Green Fee Price: from THB 1,600 (~$46 USD) for 18 Holes (caddie and cart are extra)
