Golf club hire Udon Thani?

I have a freind coming to udon who plays golf. Is there anywhere in Udon Thani that hire golf clubs. Or is he better bringing his own? He his coming for 4 weeks. Thanks malc

Malc,

Looking at the club hire prices offered at the various courses, it would be in your friend's best interest to bring his clubs as he will have consistency of club and over 4 weeks he will run up a very high hire fee if he was to play on a regular basis. After Victory Park at Nong Khai and the other courses around UT, if transport is not an issue there are some quality courses in and around Khon Kaen http://www.rachawadeehotel.com/golf.php There is also a newly opened Singha Resort course in KK which comes highly rated but on the expensive side. Trust this information is of assistance.

Malc,
Unless your friend has some kind of deal with the airlines, the cost of bringing clubs will be very prohibitive.
When does he intend arriving?
Approx how many times does he intend to play?
There's a couple of guys here that I know that only play very occationally, and they have been known to "rent" out their clubs in the past.
It would be a good idea for your friend to join the Isaan Golf Association (B600 per year), if he intends to play at any of the 18 hole courses in Isaan (playing once at Victory park will save the cost of membership for the year).
As mentioned before KK now has by far the best courses in the area, and again membership of IGA will obtain a good discount at both Dancoon and Singha Park, together with a B900 reduction in the cost of a hotel room in Khon Kaen.

stattointhailand wrote:Malc,
Unless your friend has some kind of deal with the airlines, the cost of bringing clubs will be very prohibitive.

Are you sure about that Statto? I've taken my clubs back and forth to the UK numerous times and never paid a penny. I've only paid for excess luggage on internal Thailand flights and then it was wasn't much.

When my mate tried to bring his clubs last year he was quoted about a hundred quid.

When "The big scousser" went back to UK a while back he had to leave his new Calloway copies in my store room as the excess baggage charge (9kg) was more than the clubs had cost. He took them back next time he came, having used his air miles to upgrade to first class and therefore qualify for "free" baggage.

From Thai airways:-

Golfing

One set of golfing equipment shall consist of one golf bag containing a maximum of 14 golf clubs, 12 golf balls and a pair of golf shoes.

Golfing equipment may be included in passengers checked baggage allowance. If the baggage weight exceeds the allotted amount, a special charge may apply.

A flat fee is established for the first 15 kilos on the following conditions:

USD35 - (or equivalent currency) for travel wholly within Europe, within Asia, within South America or within the South West Pacific.

USD70 – (or equivalent) for travel other than those mentioned above.

If the weight exceeds 15 kilos, normal excess baggage charges will apply.

Kindly note that for domestic services, a charge equal to 6 kilos of excess baggage will be levied for articles weighing up to 15 kilos. Any excess weight over 15 kilos will be charged at the normal excess rate.

Such charges are only applicable when the actual weight is not included in the normal checked baggage allowance. If included and in excess, the normal excess baggage rate or special charge, whichever is less, shall apply.

From Eva air:-

Excess baggage charges

Baggage in excess of EVA Air's free allowance will be subject to additional charges.

* The piece system charge is based on the piece, size and weight exceeding EVA's free baggage allowance. Please contact EVA Air for details.
*
The weight system charge is calculated on the basis of each extra kilogram exceeding the free baggage allowance and can vary with the route.
*
Different regulations and charges apply to special baggage, e.g. golf clubs, surfboards, windsurfing equipment etc. Please click here and contact EVA Air for more details.

When I moved over here my "coffin", a rigid golf flight case, was packed with everything except the kitchen sink. Total weight about 42kgs. Flew Qatar economy with luggage allowance upgraded due to silver membership. Didn't pay extra.
I suppose if your luggage already weights 35kg, trying to bring golf clubs as well is pushing it.