Thailand's True Paradise - Chiang Mai

The northern city of Chiang Mai is Thailand's true paradise.

- Godfrey Robert

With fewer and fewer golf clubs in land-starved Singapore over the past four years or so, the local golfing population has been venturing abroad to fulfil their craving for the joys that the game offers.

Jurong Country Club and Raffles Country Club have gone, Keppel Club and Marina Bay Golf Course will be gone in the next five years, and even the future of some of the remaining golf clubs is shrouded in uncertainty.

But all said, the social and corporate games have been thriving, with Singaporeans being among the most-travelled in the region because of the strength of the Singapore dollar.

Johor in Malaysia beckons, Batam and Bintan are very inviting, and Vietnam and China provide a haven for golf.

And all things considered, Thailand continues to be a very attractive golfing destination for Singaporeans with Phuket, Pattaya and Bangkok seen to be familiar playgrounds.

In fact, one location is making a big mark on the radar of the Singapore golfing population for a variety of reasons; namely for its naturally scenic and cool climate, high-standard golf courses, professional systems, good quality caddies and easy accessibility.

Chiang Mai in northern Thailand is not exactly a new kid in the golfing block, but it is now a location that has improved all that they have offered previously in terms of quality, service and options.

The sites are awash in lush greenery, life-affirming mountain views, open skies and a healthy environment.

On a recent six-day trip to Chiang Mai, I savoured four golf games and enjoyed the best of Thai and European cuisine stuffed with quality, variety and a sample of delectable dishes immersed in Thai hospitality and 'at-your-call' service.

The four rounds were played at Mae Jo, Gymkhana, Chiang Mai Highlands and the Alpine Golf and Resort Club.