Bangkok, Thailand, September 24, 2020 / TRAVELINDEX / In light of recent discussions about whether caddies should be mandatory in Thailand, well over two-thirds of golfers surveyed in the recently published “Golf in Thailand” survey by thaivisa agreed that caddies improve their golf game.

Golf had to take a step back at the beginning of the global pandemic, but now people are realizing that not only is it much safer to be outdoors than to stay at home, but it also provides a great way to exercise while ensuring social distancing.

The golf forum "Golf in Thailand" by thaivisa conducted a comprehensive survey in recent weeks, providing an up-to-date overview of the golf scene in the country. The results were published online today. Over 472 golfers who regularly play in Thailand participated in this independent survey, which ran for three weeks in September 2020.

The good news for local golf courses was that 37% indicated they intended to continue taking out a club membership, underlining their loyalty to their golf club.

54% confirmed that they regularly tip their caddie between 300 and 500 Thai Baht, which is approximately 10 to 15 US dollars per round.

Before the pandemic, over 48% of respondents said they played golf at least six times a month, and a further 28% played at least three times.

However, perhaps more worrying for the Thai golf industry was the finding that 67% of respondents observed golf clubs charging different prices for locals and foreigners. A further 52% agreed that golf in Thailand was more expensive than elsewhere.

The website "Golf in Thailand" has recorded over 85,000 visits since its launch in mid-July. It offers online information, local and international news, promotions and offers, and lists over 140 of the best golf courses with comments and ratings from golfers both in Thailand and abroad.

Mike Bridge, the forum's founder, said: "Thailand is the most popular golf destination in Asia, so we wanted to create an online resource that provides foreign golfers living here in Thailand with up-to-date information on prices, course conditions and ratings."

As soon as the country reopens its borders, golf in Thailand will naturally become the first port of call for golf tourists who want to play golf in the Land of Smiles.”