T he commercial and economic growth of Thailand will not be news to anyone in business. If one is looking for well made products at competitive prices in increasing hi-tech areas Bangkok will be a regular port of call. Golf was introduced to the country around the turn of the century when the Royal Bangkok Sports Club was founded. Others followed quite quickly and it was in the 20's, when the Royal Family took up the sport, that impetus was provided to create the first championship standard course at Royal Hua Hin, some 200 km southwest of Bangkok. This beach resort provides an ideal spot for relaxation, away from the bustle and congestion of the capital. Arguably the best, but certainly the most famous course in Thailand is Navatanee, home of the 1975 World Cup. It was designed by Robert Trent Jones for the owner of an uninspiring rice paddy and waste land. It is a course of 6.241 yards, par 72, grassed entirely with Tifton, which gives superb fairway lies and smooth putting surfaces. Several lakes give the course the familiar Trent Jones feel and it is kept in excellent condition. It is a 40 minute drive from the city - jams permitting.

Royal Hua Hin, western region, the oldest golf course in Thailand

A caddy is mandatory

St. Andrews 2000 course in Ban Chang by Desmond Muirhead

About 350,000 visitors are believed to have played golf in Thailand in 2002, but the Tourism Authority of Thailand is planning to raise this figure to one million golfers by 2008.

Despite the country's increasing industrialization it remains a firmly agricultural economy with major crops meeting local needs for rice, tapioca, maize and sugar cane with surpluses of them and rubber available for export.

Tourism is the country's principal source of foreign exchange earnings and given Thailand's people, geography and cultural heritage; it's easy to see why. The kingdom was founded in the 13th century and with Buddhism these two cohesive forces in the country's life have maintained stability and independence for 700 years. This has allowed a unique Thai personality to develop, gentle, friendly with a ready sense of humour and a great capacity to enjoy themselves.

Summit Windmill course, Bang Phli Yai near Bankok designed by Nick Faldo

For European golfers Thailand presents far more than a golfing experience. Much as we all think golf is the essence of life, there are other considerations we should bear in mind. The main one that springs to mind is “the family”. If they are kept busy with the many attractions available in Thailand such as shopping malls, department stores and market stalls that offer everything from top European names in fashion and jewellery to local craft work you will be able to slink off to play a few holes.

Laem Chabang course in the eastern Si Racha district, designed by Jack Nicklaus

The beach resorts tan Europeans on both sides before returning them home and so many miss the extraordinarily rich cultural heritage that has survived all over Thailand. Although Bangkok has been the capital only since 1782 it is a city of great diversity. Time must be found for a visit to the Grand Palace which contains the greatest concentration of classic Thai arts and architecture in the country. In the south at Surat Thani, surrounded by walls and moats is the most important monument of the Srivijaya period (7th-13th century) which contains a large number of Buddha images and in the centre of the courtyard an ancient stupa restored in the reign of King Rama V. In the north the ancient capital of Chiang Mai has history narrated by its many temples.

So much for satiating the appetite of the mind, but what of the flesh? Although Thai food in Europe has a reputation for being rather expensive, it is not nearly so widespread as Chinese and therefore a good deal less familiar. In is influenced by Chinese and Indian cooking and its appearance and presentation is almost as important as it is in Japan. Though generally laced with fiery chillies, the tiny green ones are volcanic, many dishes are mild and restaurants give their dishes a hot chilli rating. Soups are generally bland and the curries use fresh fish, pork or chicken. Garlic is widely used. Local beer is strong and cold and local whisky well worth trying. But if Thai food palls, the cuisines of Europe, India, Korea and Vietnam are readily available.

Anyone wishing to be on the first tee in good order is recommended to avoid the go-go bars, massage parlours and hi-tech discos – or you can go for a late tee-off time! Modest consumption of cultural shows and bouts of Thai boxing are permitted. So is abstaining from the lusts of the flesh worth the effort? Golf in Thailand has an importance, quality and scale that will amaze the most seasoned travelling golfer and reward the sober focused athlete!

A Buddhist temple in Bangkok

When to visit? The cool season runs from November to February when temperatures range from 10ºC to 20ºC and golf is at its most enjoyable. Naturally this is when there are most visitors. The warm season is from March to June when the temperature averages 32ºC and 18 holes requires regular intake of a fluid of choice, a hat, an umbrella and liberal applications of suntan cream. The monsoon season is from July to October, is cooler, but humid with intermittent rain, so golf is still enjoyable and courses less crowded.

Accommodation in Thailand is of a very high standard and you should have no difficulty finding a hotel when and where you want it.

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