If you’ve lived in or traveled to Bangkok recently, you’ve probably seen the wellness trend hit an all-time high. Every other weekend, it seems like someone is packing a yoga mat and heading off to a silent retreat or a detox camp in the hills. And don’t get me wrong, finding your zen is great.
But lately, there is a new sound replacing the quiet hum of a meditation bowl: the satisfying clink of a driver hitting a golf ball.
Bangkok’s social scene is shifting, and it’s moving straight onto the green. Forget the crowded yoga studios where you’re trying to balance on one leg while someone accidentally kicks your water bottle. Girls’ days out are getting a major upgrade, and the city’s world-class golf courses are becoming the ultimate ‘it’ spot for friends to hang out, get some sun, and actually talk to each other.
Why the green is the new zen
Why are women in Bangkok choosing golf clubs over yoga mats? For starters, golf is incredibly social. In a yoga class, you spend an hour being told to be quiet and focus on your breathing. On a golf course, you’ve got four hours of quality time with your best friends. You can catch up on the latest news between holes, share a laugh over a missed putt, and enjoy a cold drink while cruising in a cart.
It’s also a fantastic way to stay active without feeling like you’re doing a punishment workout. Walking a full 18-hole course can easily rack up over 10,000 steps, which is more than most people do in a whole day at the office. Plus, being outdoors in the fresh air (and away from the city’s mall-and-traffic cycle) does wonders for your mental health.
Finding your perfect playground
If you’re new to the game, the idea of heading to a professional course might feel a bit scary. But here is a secret: Bangkok is home to some of the most welcoming and beautiful facilities in Southeast Asia. Whether you want a luxury experience with a spa-like clubhouse or a fun night-golf session under the bright lights, there is a spot for you.
When planning your group outing, you’ll want to look at the best golf courses Bangkok has to offer to ensure you get the right mix of scenery and service. For example, some clubs are famous for their caddie culture, where helpful guides make the game easy and fun for beginners, while others offer incredible post-game dining that makes the 19th hole (the clubhouse bar!) the highlight of the day.
It’s not just about the game
Let’s be honest: a huge part of a girls’ day out is the vibe. Modern golf fashion has come a long way from the baggy trousers of the past. Nowadays, golf chic is a legitimate style, and half the fun is showing up in a cute outfit that looks just as good at brunch as it does on the fairway.
And then there are the facilities. Many of the high-end courses located close to the urban areas have lockers which are comparable to those found in five-star hotels. This means that one can enjoy rain showers, a sauna experience, and even receive massages. One can play on nine holes during the morning and then relax during the afternoon with a foot massage or have an exquisite Thai meal while admiring the ocean view.
A game for everyone
One common myth is that golf is only for pros or people who have been playing since they were kids. That couldn’t be further from the truth. In fact, places like Topgolf Megacity have made the sport accessible to everyone. You don’t even need to know how to swing a club to have a good time there. It’s more like a giant party with climate-controlled bays, great music, and delicious food.
For those who want to take it a step further and get on a real grass course, Bangkok’s landscape is filled with options. From the floodlit fairways of Panya Indra, where you can play night golf after the sun goes down (and the temperature drops!), to the pristine greens of Alpine Golf Club, the variety is endless.
How to plan your first golf outing
Ready to trade your leggings for a golf skirt? Here is how to make it happen:
- Pick Your Crew: A group of four is the standard flight, but even two people can have a blast.
- Book a Caddie: In Thailand, caddies are mandatory, and they are amazing. They’ll drive your cart, find your balls, and tell you which way the wind is blowing. They make the day stress-free.
- Check the Dress Code: Most clubs just want you to wear a collared shirt and proper shoes. It’s less about being fancy and more about being comfortable.
- Have Fun: Don’t worry about your score. The best part of a girls’ day out on the golf course is the memories you make between the shots.
The verdict: Swap the mat for the tee
While yoga continues to be a hot favorite activity, if you would like to spend quality time together with your friends, get some exercise, and indulge yourself in the luxury that Bangkok offers, it is time that you gave golfing a shot.
So, the next time someone suggests a retreat, maybe suggest a round of nine instead.
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