Banyan Golf Club, Hua Hin
If residing right next to your all consuming passion or somewhere close to spoiling a good walk - depending on how you view the game of golf, is for you; then there has seldom been a better time to consider buying a property on or at the very least, next to one of Thailand’s beautiful golf courses.
One of the upshots of Thailand’s economic boom in the late 80’s and early 90’s was an unprecedented property bubble, with banks seemingly willing to lend money to any project regardless of viability. A number of the country’s courses were built during this period with some having grandiose plans for property development and resorts even if the site was miles from any population centre.
Back then, most banks found themselves as obliged owners of foreclosed golf courses together with incomplete condos or villas. Legend has it that a certain bank couldn’t find any takers for one of their acquired courses, but the bank’s directors could be seen playing it most weekends for many years afterwards. However, time has marched on and most properties are now back in the hands of private owners or consortiums. As for the unnamed course, it has new owners along with a new name and more to the point, lots of new players!
In recent years however, a lot of new money has come in to buy up distressed assets and, as a result, very few courses have actually shut down. With the ever-growing popularity of golf tourism throughout Southeast Asia things are back on track with mini booms taking place, much of it due to property development.
The choices are getting better by the day and nowadays most of Thailand’s golfing regions have something to offer in the form of course-side property. Whereas some are new projects, many from yesteryear have matured into flourishing communities, where sports and recreation as well as relaxation and wellness are all part of the package. No mean feat considering the rapidly growing popularity of spas currently sweeping the country.
Some property options come with memberships to the club that they look out over included in the price, and in some cases the club is exclusively open to the property owners and their guests, thereby creating an attractive incentive to buy.
Generally, purchasing options include fully furnished houses with gardens and perhaps a swimming pool, or just bare plots of land pending construction − ideal for those wishing to appoint their own architect and design team to stand out from the crowd. For those who don't want to change the style of their interior décor from what they are used to, a number of interior decorators and designers are on hand. And, for those wishing to take advantage of their new tropical surroundings and soak themselves in the local ambience, there are options like traditional Thai furniture, meticulously renovated, rebuilt or even created from scratch.
Not all homes, however, serve as permanent dwellings, which opens up possibilities of renting them out. There are local agencies that deal with such a service and cater to the needs of both owner and potential renters alike. Some also extend their services to include property management and will look after homes both whilst they are occupied and after they have been vacated. They also make all the necessary preparations beforehand; imagine arriving at your house after an absence of several months to find the garden in pristine condition, the swimming pool clean and the fridge fully stocked with exactly what you like!
The city limits of Bangkok mainly attract the local property market with some of the best houses found lining courses such as Navatanee, Windmill, and Green Valley. So if you live and work in Bangkok and a sneaky game of golf before going to or from the office is on the cards, these areas could be worth looking into.
Heading east and within easy driving range of Bangkok, the Pattaya and Chonburi areas provide great escapes from the city's hustle and bustle. Although there are no courses on the beach as such, Pattaya and Jomtien have enough water sports, including scuba diving, sailing, kite boarding and windsurfing, to more than make up for the short journey from the clubhouse.
With over 20 courses within striking distance, many designed by well known names, it’s no surprise that golf is one of the area's main draw cards. Residential property has, of course, sprung up round a number of courses in an assortment ranging from hacienda-style golf villas to condos and houses with splendid ocean views.
The Pattaya Sports Club is the local golfing society. They play regularly so, if you so choose, you won’t be short of company. The club has also managed to negotiate discounts at local courses for members; a good deal it is too!
If living in the hills is more to your liking, the Khao Yai area, again just a short drive from Bangkok, has some different offerings. Royal Hills in the south sports a grand hotel and some beautiful privately-owned golf lodges, which can also be rented out. To the north, Forest Hills has land plots available around the course, with many already occupied by second homes resembling alpine cottages. With its hilly terrain, comfortable climate, dairy farms and vineyards flaunting fine dining and wine lists, one could be forgiven for thinking that this area is more like a slice of Europe than a National Park in Thailand! Overall it’s not as hot as the central plains or the south and, in the cool season from November to January, evenings in particular have pleasant temperatures. Is it any wonder then, that the park settings are very appealing to the local populace, with many residents of Bangkok setting up second home’s here?
