Bangkok, Thailand: More than two-thirds of expat and international golfing tourists to Thailand agree that caddies enhance a round of golf in the Kingdom. But less than one-third of golfers would use a golf buggy if it weren’t compulsory.

Those are among the findings of a survey conducted by Golfing in Thailand by Thaivisa.com.

A total of 472 golfers, who regularly play their golf in Thailand, took part in the survey, which was held over a three-week period in September.

Of the respondents, 67 per cent said taking a caddie made the game more enjoyable. That was further reflected by the fact that 54 per cent show their appreciation for their caddie by tipping them between 300 and 500 baht (between US$10 and US$15).

A further nine per cent said they routinely tip more than 500 baht. Conversely, only 11 per cent tip less than 200 baht.

Golf carts, it would seem, are less sought after than caddies.

Asked if they would still book a golf cart if it was not compulsory, only 152 respondents (32 per cent) replied in the affirmative.

Meanwhile, 67 per cent of those polled said they’d noticed that many golf clubs in Thailand were charging lower rates for locals than foreigners. And a further 52% agreed that golf in Thailand was more expensive than elsewhere.

Nonetheless, in spite of the costs of playing the game, 37 per cent said they would still take up a golf club membership.

Survey results can be found at https://newscontent.thaivisa.com/2020/09/23/special/golfsurvey.pdf