Golf Travel 2026
Golf Destinations
Thailand, Dubai, Scotland, Japan, Bali, Portugal โ resort courses, seasonal windows, club-bag airline guide, and airport-to-course transfers for serious golf travelers.
6
Destinations
250+
Courses in Thailand alone
Year-round
Somewhere in season
4 Majors
Event calendar covered
Golf Destinations
From $30/round in Thailand to links golf at St Andrews โ six destinations covering every budget and style.
Thailand
BKK ยท HKT ยท HHQ
The most popular golf destination in Asia โ 250+ courses, exceptional value (green fees from $30), warm weather, and resort infrastructure. Hua Hin is the top golf town: Black Mountain, Banyan Golf Club, and Majestic Creek. Pattaya's Siam Country Club Waterside is often ranked best in Thailand. Bangkok stopovers suit Alpine Golf Club.
Dubai & Abu Dhabi
DXB ยท AUH
10+ championship courses within 30 min of DXB. Emirates Golf Club hosts the DP World Tour Championship each November. Abu Dhabi Golf Club hosts the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship in January. Yas Links on Yas Island is the region's best links-style course.
Scotland
EDI ยท GLA
The birthplace of golf. St Andrews Old Course ballot requires advance planning โ ballots open January for same-year play. The Open Rota includes Carnoustie, Royal Troon, Turnberry Ailsa, and Muirfield. Golf tours from Edinburgh reach St Andrews in 1h15m.
Japan
NRT ยท KIX ยท ITM
Japan has 2,000+ golf courses with immaculate conditioning, exceptional service, and dramatic mountain and coastal settings. Hakone, Karuizawa, and the Fuji Five Lakes region are premium near Tokyo. Caddie service is standard; dress codes strictly observed.
Bali, Indonesia
DPS โ Ngurah Rai
Resort golf with dramatic ocean and rice terrace views. Nirwana Bali Golf Club's cliff-top Par 3 7th โ with Tanah Lot temple visible from the fairway โ is one of the most photographed holes in Asia. New Kuta Golf offers elevation changes and sea views.
Portugal (Algarve)
FAO โ Faro
Europe's premier golf destination โ the Algarve has 40+ courses within 90 min of Faro Airport. Vale do Lobo, Quinta do Lago, and Vilamoura Victoria are the flagship courses. Strong direct connections from UK, Germany, and Netherlands make this the most accessible European golf break.
Flying with Golf Clubs
Club bag policies and fees for 8 major airlines. Always pre-book โ airport walk-up rates are typically 2ร higher.
| Airline | Fee |
|---|---|
| Emirates | Free (within weight) |
| Qatar Airways | Free (within weight) |
| Etihad Airways | Free on Business/First |
| Singapore Airlines | SGD 50โ100/sector |
| Thai Airways | THB 1,000โ2,000 |
| British Airways | ยฃ60โ90 each way |
| AirAsia | $40โ80 each way |
| Ryanair | โฌ35โ80 each way |
Golf Events Calendar 2026
Majors, DP World Tour highlights, and team events โ plan your trip around tournament week for the best atmosphere.
Jan
๐ฆ๐ช Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship
DP World TourYas Links, Abu Dhabi
Feb
๐ฆ๐ช Ras Al Khaimah Championship
DP World TourAl Hamra GC, RAK
Apr
๐บ๐ธ The Masters Tournament
MajorAugusta National, Georgia
May
๐บ๐ธ US PGA Championship
MajorVarious US venue
Jun
๐บ๐ธ US Open
MajorVarious US venue
Jul
๐ฌ๐ง The Open Championship
MajorOpen Rota (UK)
Sep
๐ Ryder Cup
Team eventBethpage Black 2025 / Ireland 2027
Nov
๐ฆ๐ช DP World Tour Championship
Tour finaleJumeirah Golf Estates, Dubai
Golf Resort Hotels โ Thailand
Hua Hin and Pattaya โ close to Black Mountain, Banyan, and Siam Country Club.
Common Questions
Which is the best golf destination in Asia?
Thailand is the top golf destination in Asia โ over 250 courses, excellent value, warm weather year-round, and strong resort infrastructure. Hua Hin (Black Mountain, Banyan), Pattaya (Siam Country Club Waterside), and Bangkok's outskirts are the main clusters. Japan (Hakone, Kyoto courses) is the premium alternative with world-class design. Bali and Singapore (Sentosa) are strong short-trip options.
How do I fly with golf clubs internationally?
Most airlines allow a golf bag as checked luggage at standard baggage fees or a sports equipment surcharge ($25โ$150 depending on carrier). Always use a hard-sided travel bag or padded soft bag with a club protector stiffener. Emirates, Qatar, Singapore Airlines, and Thai Airways are consistently golf-traveler-friendly. Weight limit is usually 23kg โ most golf bags run 12โ15kg. Check at bag drop and declare as sports equipment.
What are the best golf courses in Dubai?
Emirates Golf Club (home of the DP World Tour Championship) is the most famous, with the Majlis and Faldo courses. Jumeirah Golf Estates (Fire and Earth courses) hosts the DP World Tour finale. Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club has the iconic dhow-sail clubhouse. The Address Montgomerie is popular for a relaxed round. Golf season: October to April. Summer is possible but hot โ early morning tee times only.
When should I book to play St Andrews Old Course?
The St Andrews Old Course uses a ballot system โ apply via the Links Trust website. Ballots open in January for the same year. Success rates vary but are roughly 1-in-3 for popular months. The best alternative is the computer ballot for day-before play (released at 2pm the day before). Book accommodation in St Andrews 6+ months ahead for peak summer.
Which airlines are best for travelling with golf clubs?
Emirates and Qatar Airways both allow a golf bag within standard checked baggage allowance on most routes (no surcharge if within weight). Singapore Airlines charges SGD 50โ100 per sector. Etihad includes golf bags free on many fare classes. Budget airlines (Ryanair, AirAsia) typically charge โฌ35โ80 per flight for golf equipment as a separate oversized item. Always book golf equipment online before check-in.
What is the best month to golf in Thailand?
November to March is the best period across most of Thailand โ cool, dry, and low humidity. Hua Hin and Bangkok are best October to February. Peak golf tourism: December to February when European and Australian visitors arrive. Rates are lowest AprilโSeptember.
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