- Kantarat Golf Course is an 18-hole public golf course that shares real estate with Don Mueang International Airport in Bangkok.
- Apart from its eyebrow-raising x-factor, it’s surprisingly affordable, and was founded by the Royal Thai Air Force in 1952.
- But there are a few logistical considerations, aside from the noise pollution and Boeing 747-induced jet wash, of course.
In defiance of everything we’ve come to know about golf, right down to the pin-drop silence concentration and whispered commentary, Thailand’s Kantarat Golf Course boasts a location like no other.
Nestled in the bustling heart of Bangkok, you’ll find this one-of-a-kind green between the runways of Don Mueang International Airport, which services Thailand’s low-cost carriers.
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This 18-hole public course was established back in 1952 by the Royal Thai Air Force, and dramatic surrounds aside, holds the distinction of being Bangkok’s first-ever golf course; and the second in all of Thailand after Hua Hin Royal Golf Course est. 1924.
Spanning 5,821 metres, Kantarat is a par-72 course characterised by its narrow fairways and straightforward design. And while it mightn’t deliver the same manicured opulence of a St Andrews or Pebble Beach, it certainly makes up for it with aviation-centric novelty, unforgettable charm in spades, and affordability.
According to Australian Golf Digest, green fees are less than $15 during the week and $27 on weekends. Given its within an active airfield, however, punters should be aware of certain safety protocols and logistical hurdles.
For one, you must pass through security screenings, which includes metal detectors and an explosive scanner, before accessing the course. For another, you’ll (reportedly) need to abide by a red light system and halt play during both aircraft landings and takeoffs (note: expect up to 55 flights per hour).
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Vehicles aren’t permitted on the premises, either, meaning golfers are required to carry their kit from the airport’s back gate to the fairway. Thankfully, you’re assigned a cart and caddie once you get there – also for security reasons.
Another common complaint involves how narrow the course is: if you’re not shooting straight, you might as well cut out the middle man and dump those balls straight into a bin at the terminal.
Kantarat Golf Course also features an on-site pro shop and a Thai restaurant to satiate those hard-earned appetites after hours of shanking it. Fortunately, for the first time, you’ll have a decent excuse.
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