Few courses can claim to be as unforgettable-or—or unlikely as Kantarat Golf Course in Bangkok, Thailand. While some courses gain fame for their stunning seaside cliffs or mountainous vistas, Kantarat draws its charm from something much different, as its wedged between two active runways at Don Mueang International Airport.
Originally constructed in 1952 and managed by the Royal Thai Air Force, Kantarat Golf Course has ongoing airplane traffic of around 55 take-off and landings per hour.
The course itself is a par-72 layout stretching 6,366 yards. It features long, narrow fairways that run parallel to the runways. Kantarat remains surprisingly affordable. Greens fees are less than US$10 on weekdays and about US$20 on weekends. Services include a putting green, club and cart rentals, and caddie assistance. A small pro shop and a restaurant specializing in Thai cuisine. Private vehicles are not allowed and due to strict airport security measures, all golfers must pass through a security checkpoint.
For safety reasons, walking the course is prohibited. Carts and caddies are mandatory, and any golf ball hit out of bounds is essentially lost, as venturing too close to the runways is strictly forbidden.
The course’s story is linked to the history of Don Mueang International Airport, one of the world’s oldest operating airports. Opened to commercial traffic in 1924, Don Mueang was once Thailand’s primary international gateway. That changed in 2006 with the opening of Suvarnabhumi Airport, which took over most long-haul and international flights. Don Mueang was temporarily closed but later reopened to serve regional and low-cost carriers.
This unique golfing experience may not be around for much longer.
In early 2024, the Thai government announced a major shift in Kantarat’s future. After months of negotiation, a deal was struck to transfer ownership of the course from the Royal Thai Air Force to Airports of Thailand (AoT), the state-owned enterprise responsible for managing the country’s key airports, including Don Mueang, Suvarnabhumi, Phuket, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, and Hat Yai. Though the exact plans for the land have not been disclosed, speculation is rampant that the golf course may be sacrificed to make way for airport expansion.
The reported sale price of the property is roughly $31 million USD. While the transaction is still pending and funding has not yet been finalized, the future of Kantarat Golf Course remains uncertain.
