Golf arrived in Thailand during the reign of King Rama V at the Royal Bangkok Sports Club and Royal Hua Hin Golf Course.[1] It was first played by nobles and other elites of high society but is now played by a wider segment of the population.[2] Retail and fashion industries golf promotions are popular in the Si Lom Road part of Bangkok in Thaniya Plaza shopping mall.
As of 2022, there are approximately 300 golf courses in Thailand. 124 golf courses were built between 1990 and 1995.[3] An estimated 700,000 tourists fly into Thailand every year to play golf.[4][5] Destination diversity and the choice of golf courses throughout the country are key factors attracting the large numbers of visitors coming to play golf in Thailand. The most popular destination for golfing in Thailand especially for tourists is the Chonburi Province, where there are 27 golf courses.
Thailand's female golfers have won major championships and reached the #1 world ranking, notably Ariya Jutanugarn, Atthaya Thitikul, Patty Tavatanakit, Moriya Jutanugarn.
Male golfers Thongchai Jaidee, Kiradech Aphibarnrat, Prayad Marksaeng, Boonchu Ruangkit, Pornanong Phatlum have had international success as winners. Many Thai professional golfers and aspiring amateurs compete in All Thailand Golf Tour tournaments.[11]