Santiburi Samui Country Club
A challenging and visually stunning golf course on Koh Samui, offering panoramic ocean views and a demanding, mountainous terrain.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds
Santiburi Samui Country Club
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A challenging and visually stunning golf course on Koh Samui, offering panoramic ocean views and a demanding, mountainous terrain.
"Most difficult but also most beautiful course I've played."
🎯 Book Tee Times in Advance
Secure your spot to avoid disappointment, especially during peak season. :ticket:
💰 Caddie & Cart Fees
Factor in mandatory caddie and cart fees, which can add to the total cost. :moneybag:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Challenging Mountainous Terrain
Throughout the course
Experience dramatic rises and vertical drops on this challenging course, testing your golfing skills amidst stunning natural beauty.
Panoramic Ocean Views
Various holes
Enjoy breathtaking views of Koh Samui's coast and the ocean from many vantage points on the course.
+1
Lush Tropical Greenery
Fairways and greens
Play through a beautifully manicured landscape of lush greenery, tropical trees, and even waterfalls.
+1Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Ahead for Peak Times
Understand Caddie & Cart Policies
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Tee Times in Advance
Secure your spot to avoid disappointment, especially during peak season. :ticket:
💰 Caddie & Cart Fees
Factor in mandatory caddie and cart fees, which can add to the total cost. :moneybag:
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking on a challenging course, so good footwear is essential. :athletic_shoe:
📸 Capture the Views
Don't forget your camera for the stunning aerial and coastal vistas. :camerawithflash:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Tee Times in Advance
Secure your spot to avoid disappointment, especially during peak season. :ticket:
💰 Caddie & Cart Fees
Factor in mandatory caddie and cart fees, which can add to the total cost. :moneybag:
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking on a challenging course, so good footwear is essential. :athletic_shoe:
📸 Capture the Views
Don't forget your camera for the stunning aerial and coastal vistas. :camerawithflash:
💧 Stay Hydrated
The tropical climate can be warm; bring plenty of water or purchase it on-site. :droplet:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Santiburi Samui Country Club offers a visually stunning and challenging golfing experience with breathtaking ocean views. While many praise the course's beauty and demanding layout, some visitors have noted issues with service quality, staff attitude, and the mandatory caddie policy, suggesting room for improvement in overall guest experience and course condition.
"Unfortunately my experience today of playing Santiburi was most underwhelming. Having looked forward to playing the course since I first visited Koh Samui in November 2005, my whole experience today was rather disappointing.
From my arrival experience, when the caddies were too busy on their phones to even extend a welcome or take my golf bag from the car, to the ladies in the ProShop who did not even bother with a smile, to the ladies in the restaurant, although slightly more pleasant, who seemed less than interested in serving their guests.
Being the only golf course on Koh Samui, the course is fine but nothing exceptional. I expected a much better experience to be quite honest and I was left bitterly disappointed by the whole experience playing Santiburi Golf Club.
I booked caddy Number 56. For booking a specific caddy I was charged an extra fee of 500 baht. This is an unacceptable extra cost and is NOT charged if you book a specific caddy at the courses in Hua Hin. In fact, this was the first time I’ve experienced this extra cost to book a caddy anywhere in Thailand.
Overall, the experience at Santiburi could be dramatically improved. The management needs to seriously address way too many staff shortcomings (service, attitude, telephone usage while working, quality delivery) and the general condition of the golf course. I strongly suspect that I will not bother playing the course again and will leave Santiburi with barely any positive memories from the day. The fact that I was disappointed and then irritated right from the moment I arrived to the course resulted in me not playing particularly well which further contributed to my negative experience of the golf course and my overall enjoyment.
Oh well, what a shame. Let’s hope the owners and managers take urgent action to address these matters and take the whole experience from below average to where it should be."
CHARLES ARNESTAD
"Fantastic golf course. Very challenging. Narrow fairways. Well manicured greens. Caddies were really good in helping with lines. Highly recommended to attempt if you want a challenge"
Thabiso Madiba
"Easily worst golf experience. They force you to have caddies. I went with my wife, she paid to be a follower (spectator) and did not play. They forced us to get a caddie for her as well (??). We had to sit in separate golf carts. These 2 elderly women we got as caddies were a pain. They rushed me at the tee, sped the golf carts, and were obnoxiously loud during my swings. After 5/9 holes I wanted to leave😅. They then tell you it’s required to tip minimum x baht per caddie - so in a nutshell this golf club is a tipping scheme with zero regard for experience. 1 caddie was useless following a spectator. Really strange experience.
The rental golf club sets are all worn out… opted for the graphite clubs and they still gave me steel (found out at the first hole).
Views 7/10 - photos look better than real life
Staff 1/10
Rental clubs - 2/10"
Shivam R. Patel
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Santiburi Samui Country Club is located in Maenam, Koh Samui. You can reach it by taxi or private car from your accommodation. Many hotels also offer shuttle services or can arrange transport for golfers.
Public transport options on Koh Samui can be limited. Taxis and pre-booked transfers are the most convenient ways to reach the club.
Travel time can vary depending on traffic, but it typically takes around 30-45 minutes from Chaweng to reach Santiburi Samui Country Club.
Yes, some packages or arrangements may include hotel pick-up and drop-off services, especially if booked through certain tour operators or directly with the club.
Yes, ample parking is available for visitors at Santiburi Samui Country Club.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Green fees can vary, with prices starting around THB 2,925 for 9 holes. It's advisable to check their official website or contact them directly for the most current pricing and package deals, which may include cart and caddie fees.
Yes, booking your tee time in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak season, to ensure availability and your preferred playing time.
Yes, caddies are generally mandatory at Santiburi Samui Country Club, and there may be an additional fee for booking a specific caddie.
The golf course typically opens early in the morning and operates throughout the day. It's best to confirm the exact operating hours when booking your tee time.
Yes, golf club rentals are available. However, some reviews suggest that rental sets can be worn out, so it's worth inquiring about the condition or options available.
🎫 ⛳ Onsite Experience
Santiburi Samui Country Club is known for being a challenging course due to its mountainous terrain, narrow fairways, and dramatic elevation changes.
The course offers stunning panoramic views of Koh Samui's coastline and the surrounding ocean, making it a visually spectacular golfing experience.
Yes, the club typically has a pro shop for golf equipment and apparel, as well as a restaurant or clubhouse offering food and beverages.
The course is generally well-maintained with manicured greens and fairways, though some reviews mention it can appear a bit tired.
While beautiful, the challenging layout might be more suited for intermediate to advanced golfers. Beginners may find it quite difficult.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The club usually has a restaurant or clubhouse where you can enjoy meals and drinks. It's a convenient place to refuel after your game.
Yes, you can typically purchase drinks and snacks from the clubhouse or potentially from a beverage cart during your round.
While specific menus can change, most club restaurants offer a variety of dishes. It's advisable to inquire about dietary options upon arrival or when booking.
Prices at golf club restaurants can be on the higher side compared to local eateries, but they offer convenience and a pleasant dining atmosphere.
Absolutely, the dining facilities are available for golfers before their tee time or after completing their round.
📸 📸 Photography
Look for elevated tees and greens that offer panoramic views of the ocean and the lush landscape. The natural beauty provides numerous photo opportunities.
Drone usage policies can vary and are often restricted at golf courses. It's best to check with the club management directly before flying a drone.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive landscapes, while a telephoto lens can be useful for details on the course or distant ocean shots.
The coastal location offers beautiful light, and playing later in the day might provide opportunities for stunning sunset shots over the ocean.
Many holes offer scenic beauty, but those with significant elevation changes and clear ocean vistas are particularly popular for photos.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider if your children are old enough to appreciate the game or if they would be content simply enjoying the views from the clubhouse or a designated spectator area. It's worth inquiring about specific family packages or policies regarding companions before booking.
💰 Budget Travelers
To make it more affordable, look for off-season deals, consider playing 9 holes instead of 18, or explore packages that might bundle services. Comparing prices with other golf courses on the island is also a good strategy.
🏌️ Serious Golfers
Be prepared for the elevation changes and narrow fairways. The stunning views are a bonus, but the primary focus here is on the golf itself. Experienced golfers often appreciate the unique design and the opportunity to play on such a scenic and demanding course.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Challenging Layout
This course is not for the faint of heart and offers a true test of a golfer's skill. Players often describe it as one of the most difficult yet beautiful courses they've played. The strategic placement of hazards and the undulating landscape ensure that every hole presents a unique puzzle to solve.
For those seeking a demanding round with breathtaking scenery, Santiburi delivers. It's a course where course management and strategic thinking are as important as raw power. The unique design, utilizing the natural topography, makes for a memorable and rewarding golfing experience, even if it pushes your limits.
The Scenic Beauty of Santiburi
+2Many holes are designed to maximize these scenic vistas, providing golfers with constant visual rewards. You might find yourself pausing to admire the turquoise waters or the verdant hillsides between shots. The integration of natural elements, such as waterfalls, further enhances the tropical ambiance and the overall aesthetic appeal of the course.
This combination of challenging golf and breathtaking scenery makes Santiburi a unique destination. It's not just a round of golf; it's an immersive experience in the natural splendor of Koh Samui. The visual appeal is so strong that even non-golfers might appreciate a visit for the views alone.
Understanding Caddie and Cart Policies
There can also be additional fees associated with these services, including a specific charge for booking a particular caddie, which some find unusual compared to other courses in Thailand. It's important to clarify all associated costs upfront to avoid surprises.
While the club aims to provide a complete golfing experience, it's advisable for visitors to be aware of these policies and to communicate any concerns or preferences to the club management to ensure a more satisfactory visit.
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