Is night golf the best way to survive the Thai dry season?
When the sun starts to sizzle over the Chao Phraya, even the most devoted golfers may retreat into the nearest air-conditioned mall. The Thai dry season, running from November to April, is the undisputed golden era for tourism, but it brings with it a specific brand of heat that makes the 4-hour round trip feel like a survival test.
So, many wonder, is night golf the ultimate hack to enjoying the greens sans sunburn? Let’s find out.
Beating the Midday Meltdown
If you have ever stood on a tee box in the city of Bangkok at 1 PM in late March, you understand the feeling. The humidity is as if someone wraps you in a warm towel, and the temperature easily rises above 40 degrees Celsius. That is where the Thailand golf weather forecast becomes your new friend, and if you pay attention to the weekly forecast, you will see that even though the temperature is hot during the day, it drops significantly at night as the sun goes down.
The timing of night golf usually kicks off around 4:30 PM or 5:00 PM, giving you time to enjoy the sunset before using the floodlights. The temperature difference is not just a perk; it makes a difference in the way the game is played. There will be no wiping your hands clean of sweat to maintain a grip on the club, or no necessity to drink a litre of water to keep your body upright.
Why Night Golf Just Makes Sense
Apart from physical comfort, which is experienced, there’s a social aspect that night golf provides that is absent in morning golf, specifically in dawn patrol. The relaxed and easy-going atmosphere is noticeable, as you can spot people, either friends or business executives, trying to unwind after a day’s work in the office.
Playing at night is like another world. The course feels cosier, the distraction of the city disappears, and the cool air even makes you want to walk the course instead of hiding in the cart.
Moreover, playing night golf is also economical. Many clubs provide discounts during Twilight or Night hours, as compared to playing during the morning hours. In this way, you save your expenses, as well as your skin, and play on world-class championship courses.
Is There a Catch?
Of course, it’s not all moonlight and birdies. Depth perception can be a bit tricky during the first few holes. Reading the grain on the putting surface at night even requires a little practice, and your caddie’s guidance becomes much more important. And, as the dry weather means rain is not always likely, the dew at night can make the grass just slightly slicker.
However, when measured against the alternative of fighting 38°C temperatures, these are all minor complaints. If you look at the Thailand golf weather forecast and see that there is a string of High Heat Index forecasts, then the booking of a floodlit tee time is the sensible thing to do.
Exploring the After-Hours Vibe
One of the best things about playing golf at night is the 19th hole experience. As you finish later in the evening, the restaurants and bars at the clubhouse are in full swing. There’s just something so cool about finishing a round at 10:00 PM and indulging in a plate of spicy Pad Kaprao and a cool drink while the rest of the city is just starting its nightlife.
The transition from the final green into Bangkok and Pattaya’s thriving nightlife is, for those looking for it, completely seamless. You’ve worked your way through avoiding the worst part of the day, enjoyed your favourite sport, and now you’re ready to take on the night in Thailand without suffering from exhaustion caused by the sun.
The Best Courses Lighting Up the Night
Thailand has invested heavily in stadium-grade lighting, and it is a sight to behold. You are not just playing in the dark; you are playing in a high-definition environment where the white of a ball stands out against a backdrop of green fairways. Some of the popular courses offering night golf are:
- Summit Windmill Golf Club (Bangkok): Located near Suvarnabhumi Airport, this is arguably the king of night golf. It’s designed for evening play, with lights that eliminate most shadows on the greens.
- Laem Chabang International Country Club (Pattaya): A Jack Nicklaus signature course that takes on a surreal, almost cinematic quality under the lights. The mountain backdrop and the glowing water hazards make for a round you won’t forget.
- Bangkok Golf Club: One of the pioneers of the night game. It’s shorter and tighter, making it a fun, strategic challenge when the air is crisp.
The Verdict: The Ultimate Dry Season Strategy?
So, is it the best way to survive the dry season? If you value your comfort and want to make the most of your vacation time, the answer is a resounding yes.
This means you can save precious daylight hours for sightseeing, island hopping, or simply lounging around the pool. You avoid the peak burn hours and get to see a side of Thai golf courses that most tourists miss. It turns a standard sport into a magical, atmospheric event.
The next time you’re planning a trip to the Land of Smiles during peak heat, don’t just pack your sunblock but also your sense of adventure and book a round under the stars.
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