I am a lapsed golfer (of a couple of decades) and now considering a comeback after having shamefully never so much as struck a ball in the 4 years I've lived in Hua Hin. I have an ancient set of trusted blades in my attic in the UK which I could dust down, but I'm wondering how prices compare between Thailand and the UK for buying new golf equipment?
Can anyone please give me a rough comparison in terms of price, quality, availability etc.... Although I was a 10 handicapper back in the day, I should point out that I have no knowledge whatsoever about clubs these days and wouldn't know a lob wedge from a lobster - the Ping putter was an innovation in my time!
At the very least I could do with a new lightweight golf bag as carrying my old one around in the heat of Hua Hin would probably kill me. Oh, and a couple of dozen golf balls just in case I'm a bit rusty.
Any tips appreciated.
Noz
Buying Golf Equipment - in UK or Thailand?
Re: Buying Golf Equipment - in UK or Thailand?
As a starter, Taniya Plaza in Bangkok has everything. It's located on Silom near Patpong. Easy to find, google for map. Here is one link giving some details about the shops there.
http://www.thebangkokshoppingguide.com/ ... ps_bangkok
Here is an on-line shop out of Bangkok where you can compare to UK prices.
http://www.golfshopthailand.com/
I would still visit Taniya though as you can also get great deals there on used equipment as well as new. Pete
http://www.thebangkokshoppingguide.com/ ... ps_bangkok
Here is an on-line shop out of Bangkok where you can compare to UK prices.
http://www.golfshopthailand.com/
I would still visit Taniya though as you can also get great deals there on used equipment as well as new. Pete
Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed. Source
Re: Buying Golf Equipment - in UK or Thailand?
Thanks Pete. Wow, that Taniya place has 4 floors nearly entirely for golf. Now you mention used equipment, I'm sure I bought my existing clubs all those years ago as "nearly new". I think they were a trade-in and hardly used at all. Will check those sites out in more detail now. Cheers.
Re: Buying Golf Equipment - in UK or Thailand?
Whilst I've not bought anything but decent second hand clubs here in Thailand and it's been eons since I bought from the UK, I'd say that overall Thailand is expensive for clubs (new). I think you'll get a much better deal in the UK but will bow to those with more experience.
I've wiled away a good few hours in Taniya Plaza this year when I had time to kill in BKK and it's not cheap at all. The set up is mainly geared to the Japanese market and maybe clubs are expensive over there? Sure it has a huge selection of shops but most are small "designer" ones and you're looking at 13-16 K THB for a new, latest model, driver (Taylor Made, Titleist, Cobra etc) with sets of irons right up at that sort of level as well (I was mainly looking for a driver). Glanced at putters as well and they were 10K ish for Odyssey/Ping.
Having said that, there are some decent second hand shops there as well and that's where you're likely to find value for money. The one that stood out for me is located on the ground floor. Best way to describe how to get there is to enter the plaza from the side entrance off Soi Taniya rather than the main entrance on Silom. Walk up the Soi less than 100 yds and it's the first entrance on your left, up a couple of stairs. On entering, keep to the right and go to the shop that's on the far right corner (can't remember the name). That had a good selection at reasonable prices. Taniya was also good for accessories and I got a decent umbrella there in a sale for 300 THB (normal price 600).
Closer to home, you could try "The Outlet" which is just north of Cha-Am on the left hand side of Petchkasem. I havn't been in but have known people who've picked up some good deals there.
There's also a small golf shop on the way to Pranburi. If you're on the single lane road to Pranburi from HH (passing past Khao Takieb etc) you get to where the road merges with the bypass road from Cha-Am. Stick in the inside lane and as you pass by where the concrete road divider ends, there's a parade of shops immediately on your left before the traffic lights at Tannarat Army camp. The golf shop is the second last in that parade and coloured green. It's a right Alladin's cave in there and you can find some really good deals on second hand sets of irons. They have a selection of new and used drivers and other woods and the lady seems to be honest about which are real and which are copies. I got a good Taylor Made bag in there some three years ago for 600 THB (think I remember right) and it's lasting well. And gloves are cheap as chips. Stick to the Callaway black ones. They're copies I'm sure, but only cost 150 THB and I've never bought one yet that has "split" on me. The velcro will go before any of the stitching.
John Wither at Monkol Driving Range quite often sells second hand sets privately on behalf of other golfers. He definitely won't sell rubbish and can have some great deals. It's definitely worth while making a trip up there to see him.
There's also the classified section - http://classifiedshuahin.com/ - Look under "general" and you'll occasionally come across other members who are selling.
For balls, I've noticed that the range at Tavimook now have a reasonable selection of second hand ones. Just have a browse. Last time I looked, a dozen Callaways were 450 THB. Some are cheaper but a bit more bashed up. I havn't bought any new balls over here, ever, but that's because I'm a cheap charlie.
Happy hunting.
Oh yeah, you don't carry your clubs here. The courses have caddies. Even at the free course at Dolphin Bay you hire a trolley for 30 THB. Carry your clubs? You'd be insane, so there's no need really to limit yourself to a small lightweight bag.
I've wiled away a good few hours in Taniya Plaza this year when I had time to kill in BKK and it's not cheap at all. The set up is mainly geared to the Japanese market and maybe clubs are expensive over there? Sure it has a huge selection of shops but most are small "designer" ones and you're looking at 13-16 K THB for a new, latest model, driver (Taylor Made, Titleist, Cobra etc) with sets of irons right up at that sort of level as well (I was mainly looking for a driver). Glanced at putters as well and they were 10K ish for Odyssey/Ping.
Having said that, there are some decent second hand shops there as well and that's where you're likely to find value for money. The one that stood out for me is located on the ground floor. Best way to describe how to get there is to enter the plaza from the side entrance off Soi Taniya rather than the main entrance on Silom. Walk up the Soi less than 100 yds and it's the first entrance on your left, up a couple of stairs. On entering, keep to the right and go to the shop that's on the far right corner (can't remember the name). That had a good selection at reasonable prices. Taniya was also good for accessories and I got a decent umbrella there in a sale for 300 THB (normal price 600).
Closer to home, you could try "The Outlet" which is just north of Cha-Am on the left hand side of Petchkasem. I havn't been in but have known people who've picked up some good deals there.
There's also a small golf shop on the way to Pranburi. If you're on the single lane road to Pranburi from HH (passing past Khao Takieb etc) you get to where the road merges with the bypass road from Cha-Am. Stick in the inside lane and as you pass by where the concrete road divider ends, there's a parade of shops immediately on your left before the traffic lights at Tannarat Army camp. The golf shop is the second last in that parade and coloured green. It's a right Alladin's cave in there and you can find some really good deals on second hand sets of irons. They have a selection of new and used drivers and other woods and the lady seems to be honest about which are real and which are copies. I got a good Taylor Made bag in there some three years ago for 600 THB (think I remember right) and it's lasting well. And gloves are cheap as chips. Stick to the Callaway black ones. They're copies I'm sure, but only cost 150 THB and I've never bought one yet that has "split" on me. The velcro will go before any of the stitching.
John Wither at Monkol Driving Range quite often sells second hand sets privately on behalf of other golfers. He definitely won't sell rubbish and can have some great deals. It's definitely worth while making a trip up there to see him.
There's also the classified section - http://classifiedshuahin.com/ - Look under "general" and you'll occasionally come across other members who are selling.
For balls, I've noticed that the range at Tavimook now have a reasonable selection of second hand ones. Just have a browse. Last time I looked, a dozen Callaways were 450 THB. Some are cheaper but a bit more bashed up. I havn't bought any new balls over here, ever, but that's because I'm a cheap charlie.
Happy hunting.
Oh yeah, you don't carry your clubs here. The courses have caddies. Even at the free course at Dolphin Bay you hire a trolley for 30 THB. Carry your clubs? You'd be insane, so there's no need really to limit yourself to a small lightweight bag.
Re: Buying Golf Equipment - in UK or Thailand?
At the very least I could do with a new lightweight golf bag as carrying my old one around in the heat of Hua Hin would probably kill me. Oh, and a couple of dozen golf balls just in case I'm a bit rusty
Hi Noz..........No need to worry about carrying clubs around here.you will get a caddy included in your green fee.
Hi Noz..........No need to worry about carrying clubs around here.you will get a caddy included in your green fee.
“Never argue with an idiot. They will only bring you down to their level and beat you with experience.”
― George Carlin
“The further a society drifts from the truth, the more it will hate those who speak it.” -George Orwell.
― George Carlin
“The further a society drifts from the truth, the more it will hate those who speak it.” -George Orwell.
-
Albie Quick
- Member
- Posts: 56
- Joined: Wed Jul 29, 2009 3:07 pm
Re: Buying Golf Equipment - in UK or Thailand?
Hi Noz,
I've always bought my golf clubs in the UK and have saved a fair bit of money by doing so, despite the fact that most of them have been assembled in Thailand!
If you do buy, don't assume that you have to purchase a full set of irons (3 iron to sand wedge). Many retailers in the UK are recognising that a lot of 'average' golfers don't require a 3/4 iron as they tend to use lofted woods or rescue clubs. My current set, (which I bought in the UK), was the latest model of Callaway Fusion at the time and I found a reputable company on the web who would sell me 5 iron to sand wedge. I paid just over £200, when the same model in Taniya Plaza was over £600 for 3 iron to sw. Just be aware that, as in Thailand, the UK sites are riddled with 'fakes', so take care.
I've always bought my golf clubs in the UK and have saved a fair bit of money by doing so, despite the fact that most of them have been assembled in Thailand!
If you do buy, don't assume that you have to purchase a full set of irons (3 iron to sand wedge). Many retailers in the UK are recognising that a lot of 'average' golfers don't require a 3/4 iron as they tend to use lofted woods or rescue clubs. My current set, (which I bought in the UK), was the latest model of Callaway Fusion at the time and I found a reputable company on the web who would sell me 5 iron to sand wedge. I paid just over £200, when the same model in Taniya Plaza was over £600 for 3 iron to sw. Just be aware that, as in Thailand, the UK sites are riddled with 'fakes', so take care.
[i]'The ability to recognise the extent of your knowledge on any particular subject is a condition which, (unfortunately), far too few people are afflicted with'.[/i]
Re: Buying Golf Equipment - in UK or Thailand?
sateeb wrote:At the very least I could do with a new lightweight golf bag as carrying my old one around in the heat of Hua Hin would probably kill me. Oh, and a couple of dozen golf balls just in case I'm a bit rusty
Hi Noz..........No need to worry about carrying clubs around here.you will get a caddy included in your green fee.
You never know........perhaps the caddies would appreciate a lightweight bag, you mean buggers...lol
Don't try to impress me with your manner of dress cos a monkey himself is a monkey no less - cold fact
Re: Buying Golf Equipment - in UK or Thailand?
I would guess that you could save 40 to 50% by buying in the west as opposed to Thailand. Not only that, here you stand a good chance of paying an inflated price for knock-off copies. That doesn't happen in the U.S. and I doubt it would in the U.K. in a reputable golf shop.
My brain is like an Internet browser; 12 tabs are open and 5 of them are not responding, there's a GIF playing in an endless loop,... and where is that annoying music coming from?
Re: Buying Golf Equipment - in UK or Thailand?
Theirs a Thai guy (I like to support the locals) who hangs out between Blackout Bar and Prime Steakhouse who sells loads of golf balls. Variety of balls and prices. He is there every night.
He is cheaper than the people who walk around selling balls.
Just down the street from Macdonalds. Not the hilton street but other one. Lol.'
If your looking at Macdonalds go to your left 50m and turn right. maybe another 50m turn right and he is down there about 50m.
Ed
He is cheaper than the people who walk around selling balls.
Just down the street from Macdonalds. Not the hilton street but other one. Lol.'
If your looking at Macdonalds go to your left 50m and turn right. maybe another 50m turn right and he is down there about 50m.
Ed
Re: Buying Golf Equipment - in UK or Thailand?
As a complete hacker an expensive set would have been wasted on me so in the UK I went to Sport Direct and bought a complete set of Dunlop clubs with irons, metal woods, rescue club, putter and bag for £130, they also had 24 Dunlop balls for £7.99. Suited me just fine.
Re: Buying Golf Equipment - in UK or Thailand?
Loads of great info there guys. Thanks a lot. Had completely forgot about the required caddying in HH, so might rethink the need for a new bag. Thinking hat on.......
Re: Buying Golf Equipment - in UK or Thailand?
I'd be interested to get a set of fitted clubs while I'm there. Any suggestions?
Re: Buying Golf Equipment - in UK or Thailand?
Just got fitted for a new set of clubs at my local fitting center in the UK. They use all the latest computer measuring aids giving distance, carry,spin etc. Tried different combinations of heads and shafts on Callaway, Ping, Mizuno,Yonex and Taylor Made. Ended up ordering Taylor made RII irons with light weight steel shafts and a modified lie angle. The combination I choose gave an extra 10 yards over my old Callaway Big Berthas. Interestingly the next best for me were the Yonex.
I selected PW to 5 iron, total price for the custom built set £440. Session in the performance center 1 hour no charge.
I selected PW to 5 iron, total price for the custom built set £440. Session in the performance center 1 hour no charge.
Re: Buying Golf Equipment - in UK or Thailand?
On our last trip to Bkk a couple of weeks ago I found that Emporum (near Sukhumvit Soi 24) also has a huge section of golf stores and they were all having a big 50% off flood or Christmas sale.
My brain is like an Internet browser; 12 tabs are open and 5 of them are not responding, there's a GIF playing in an endless loop,... and where is that annoying music coming from?
Re: Buying Golf Equipment - in UK or Thailand?
Thanks for everyones suggestions, and especially the moderator.
I went to a few shops in Hua Hin and the small shop in Pranburi suggested by the Moderator, but found they all had limited choice both in new and used sets.
Since I could not find what I was looking for, I was considering checking out the suggested shops in BKK, but wanted to check the one suggested by the moderator in cha-am.
I'm not sure if I found the one mentioned in the post, but I found a real big golf shop with the name Golf Challenge. They have all the newest gear and are situated in the "Premium Outlet Mall" just North of Cha-am (on left hand side of the big road from Cha-am to BKK). When you enter the parking lot of the Premium Outlet Mall the golf shop is on your left hand site.
Enormous choice almost like a Golf supermarket. A pleasure to look around at all the newest gear, however, no good deals, unless on stock clearance items, and even then prices are high.
Staff was friendly and gave me some good advice. They proposed me to go for the 9.5 lofted driver after I tested some different settings, and it worked out fine on the course.
I ended up buying (even if I think that I paid to much), mainly because they had the newest driver in many different lofts and shafts and I found exactly what I needed.
So for those who want the latest in golf equipment, and not worried about paying for it, it definetively is worth a visit. For those tight on the budget, avoid going there and follow the other recomendations on this post.
I went to a few shops in Hua Hin and the small shop in Pranburi suggested by the Moderator, but found they all had limited choice both in new and used sets.
Since I could not find what I was looking for, I was considering checking out the suggested shops in BKK, but wanted to check the one suggested by the moderator in cha-am.
I'm not sure if I found the one mentioned in the post, but I found a real big golf shop with the name Golf Challenge. They have all the newest gear and are situated in the "Premium Outlet Mall" just North of Cha-am (on left hand side of the big road from Cha-am to BKK). When you enter the parking lot of the Premium Outlet Mall the golf shop is on your left hand site.
Enormous choice almost like a Golf supermarket. A pleasure to look around at all the newest gear, however, no good deals, unless on stock clearance items, and even then prices are high.
Staff was friendly and gave me some good advice. They proposed me to go for the 9.5 lofted driver after I tested some different settings, and it worked out fine on the course.
I ended up buying (even if I think that I paid to much), mainly because they had the newest driver in many different lofts and shafts and I found exactly what I needed.
So for those who want the latest in golf equipment, and not worried about paying for it, it definetively is worth a visit. For those tight on the budget, avoid going there and follow the other recomendations on this post.