Golf Course Properties for Sale in Koh Samui

Imagine waking up to panoramic views of manicured fairways, stepping onto your terrace with a morning coffee as the tropical breeze carries the scent of frangipani across the 18th green. This isn’t just a vacation fantasy in fact this is the daily reality for owners of golf course properties in Koh Samui, Thailand’s premier island destination for luxury living and smart investment.

With Forbes ranking Koh Samui as the 4th best place to live and retire abroad in 2025, the island has emerged as a compelling choice for high-net-worth individuals seeking both an exceptional lifestyle and a secure tropical asset. Golf course properties, in particular, represent the pinnacle of this opportunity, offering exclusive access to world-class amenities while delivering impressive investment returns.

Why Koh Samui Golf Properties Outperform the Market

The Numbers That Matter

Koh Samui’s luxury property market tells a remarkable story. Unlike the oversaturated markets of Phuket or Bangkok, Samui has maintained its exclusivity through strict building regulations that limit supply and protect natural landscapes. This controlled development has created a seller’s market where prime golf-front properties command premium prices and generate exceptional yields.

Investment Performance:

Short-term rental ROI: 12-15% annually
Long-term rental ROI: 7-10% annually
Capital appreciation: Consistent year-over-year growth driven by limited supply
Occupancy rates: Peak season often sees 80%+ occupancy for golf-front villas

These figures aren’t speculative and are backed by data from established property management companies tracking actual rental performance across the island’s premier developments, including us here at Horizon Homes.

The Lifestyle Premium

Golf course properties in Koh Samui offer something that standard beachfront villas cannot: structured luxury living. The presence of a world-class golf course creates a self-contained community with:

24/7 security and gated access
On-site restaurants and clubhouses
Fitness centers and spa facilities
Landscaped grounds maintained to championship standards
A community of like-minded international residents

This infrastructure elevates the property value while reducing the operational burdens that typically accompany luxury villa ownership in remote tropical locations.

Koh Samui’s Golf Course Landscape: Santiburi and Royal Samui

Koh Samui offers two distinct golf experiences for property investors to consider, each with unique characteristics and surrounding real estate opportunities.

Santiburi Samui Country Club: The Championship Standard

Santiburi Samui Country Club stands as the island’s only proper championship course, consistently ranked among Thailand’s top 10. Designed by renowned architect Robert Trent Jones Jr., this 18-hole, par-72 course spans 6,930 yards from the championship tees, featuring TifEagle Bermuda greens maintained to professional tour standards. The layout winds through coconut plantations and rolling terrain, offering stunning mountain and ocean views from multiple holes.

Course Pricing Structure (2026):

Package	THB	USD	EUR	GBP	SGD	JPY	CNY
Standard Round (Green Fee + Cart + Caddy)	5,800	$156	€145	£122	$209	¥23,780	¥1,160
Discount Rate (Promotional/Resident)	5,300	$143	€133	£111	$191	¥21,730	¥1,060
Junior Rate (Under 18)	3,550	$96	€89	£75	$128	¥14,555	¥710
Green Fee Only (Caddy compulsory +THB 350)	4,500	$122	€113	£95	$162	¥18,450	¥900

Caddy fees are compulsory at THB 350–550 per person; caddy tips (THB 300–500) are customary but not mandatory. Tee times available from 07:00 daily.

For property owners, Santiburi membership provides preferential tee times, clubhouse access, and significant discounts on green fees, thus reducing the standard round to approximately THB 4,000–4,500 (€100–113 / £85–95 / SGD 145–162). This adds tangible value to the property investment beyond the real estate itself, particularly for owners targeting the short-term rental market where guests expect bundled golf packages. Membership initiation fees typically range THB 150,000–300,000 (€3,750–7,500 / £3,150–6,300), with annual dues of THB 20,000–40,000.

Royal Samui Golf & Country Club: The Scenic Alternative

Royal Samui Golf & Country Club occupies a dramatic hillside location in Lamai, offering a distinctly different golfing proposition from Santiburi’s championship polish. This 9-hole, par-36 course measures approximately 2,100 yards, making it a compact layout that prioritizes scenic coastal views over competitive rigor. While maintenance standards trail Santiburi’s tour-grade conditioning, Royal Samui compensates with dramatic elevation changes and the island’s most photographed golfing vista: the par-3 7th hole delivers unobstructed panoramas across Lamai Bay, creating a compelling visual anchor for properties in the southern corridor.

Course Pricing Structure (2026):

Package	THB	USD	EUR	GBP	SGD	JPY	CNY
9-Hole Round (Green Fee + Cart + Caddy)	2,500–3,000	$68–81	€63–75	£53–63	$90–108	¥10,250–12,300	¥500–600
18-Hole Round (Playing the 9 holes twice)	3,800–4,500	$103–122	€95–113	£80–95	$137–162	¥15,580–18,450	¥760–900
Twilight Rate (After 15:00)	1,800–2,200	$49–59	€45–55	£38–46	$65–79	¥7,380–9,020	¥360–440

Royal Samui operates as a 9-hole facility; 18-hole rounds require looping the same nine holes with different tee positions. Caddy fees included in above rates; equipment rental (THB 800–1,200/€20–30/£17–25 per set) available on-site.

The pricing differential is approximately 45–50% below Santiburi’s rates which positions Royal Samui as an accessible entry point for villa owners targeting the mid-market golf tourism segment. Properties like HS0740 and LS0323 leverage this value proposition, offering guests golf accessibility without the premium pricing of the northern championship course. The Lamai location also provides proximity to the island’s second-largest tourist hub, where visitors prioritize beach and nightlife activities over championship golf, making Royal Samui’s casual atmosphere and dramatic 7th-hole views a complementary amenity rather than the primary draw.

Available Properties Near Santiburi Golf Course (Maenam)

Horizon Homes currently manages several premium listings within close proximity to Santiburi Samui Country Club, offering both ready-built villas and development land for custom builds.

Villas for Sale

HS0635: 4-Bedroom, 5-Bathroom Estate
Located in Mae Nam within easy reach of Santiburi’s fairways, this substantial villa offers expansive living spaces ideal for families or rental operations. The property features multiple master suites, a private swimming pool, and landscaped gardens that mirror the tropical luxury aesthetic found in Thailand’s finest resorts.

HS0780: 4-Bedroom, 4-Bathroom Contemporary Villa
This Mae Nam property combines modern architectural design with practical functionality for the investment-minded buyer. The four-bedroom configuration targets the sweet spot of the rental market, accommodating multi-generational families or groups of golfing friends seeking accommodation near the championship course.

HS0879: 6-Bedroom, 5.5-Bathroom Luxury Compound
For investors seeking scale, this expansive 6-bedroom villa in Mae Nam offers significant rental income potential. The additional bedroom capacity allows for premium pricing during peak tournament seasons and caters to larger family groups who prefer villa accommodation over resort stays. The 5.5 bathroom configuration ensures comfort for maximum occupancy scenarios.

Development Land

For buyers preferring custom construction, three prime land parcels near Santiburi offer the opportunity to design golf-oriented villas to exact specifications:

These plots provide the foundation for bespoke villas that can be optimized specifically for the golf rental market, incorporating features like outdoor showers, Thai salas for post-golf relaxation, and equipment storage facilities that standard beach villas lack.

Properties Near Royal Samui Golf Course (Lamai)

The southern golf corridor around Royal Samui offers alternative investment angles, particularly for buyers targeting the mid-market tourism sector or seeking value appreciation potential as Lamai continues its infrastructure development.

Lamai Area Listings

HS0740: 3-Bedroom, 4-Bathroom Villa in Lamai
Positioned to benefit from Royal Samui’s presence while maintaining proximity to Lamai Beach’s commercial amenities, this 3-bedroom villa in Lamai offers an accessible entry point into golf property investment. The 4-bathroom configuration (one more than bedrooms) provides the flexibility that rental guests increasingly demand.

LV0067: 4-Bedroom, 4-Bathroom Villa (Rental)
For investors wanting to test the market before purchasing, this Chaweng Noi villa provides insight into the operational aspects of golf-property management. While technically listed for rent, monitoring properties in this area helps investors understand the competitive landscape near Royal Samui.

LS0323: Development Land in Lamai
This Lamai land plot offers an alternative to the higher-priced Mae Nam market, with potential for capital appreciation as the southern golf corridor develops. The location benefits from Lamai’s established tourism infrastructure while offering golf proximity that differentiates it from standard beach plots.

Understanding Your Investment: Leasehold vs. Freehold

The Foreign Ownership Landscape

Thailand’s property laws create specific considerations for international buyers. Understanding these structures is essential for making an informed investment decision.

Freehold Condominium Ownership:

Foreigners can own condominium units freehold
Limited to 49% of total project foreign ownership
Full ownership rights with minimal annual costs
Easier resale process with broader buyer pool

Leasehold Villa Structure:

Initial 30-year lease (renewable for two additional 30-year periods)
Total potential tenure: 90 years
Requires registration at the Land Department (1.1% fee)
Lower upfront cost than freehold equivalents
Ultimate control remains with Thai landowner

Most foreign buyers in Koh Samui opt for leasehold villas, which offer legally secure, long-term use rights without the complexity of Thai company structures required for freehold land ownership.

Ownership Structure & Payment Terms

The Green Golf Villas offer a straightforward payment schedule:

20% upon signing
20% at foundation completion
20% at roof structure completion
20% at windows/doors installation
10% at electrical systems completion
10% at handover

This milestone-based structure protects buyer interests while providing the developer with working capital throughout construction.

The Maenam & Ban Tai Lifestyle

Beyond the Golf Course

Owning property in the Maenam district means access to a sophisticated expatriate ecosystem that has developed around the Santiburi Golf Course and nearby luxury resorts.

Dining & Entertainment:

Maenam Night Market: Authentic Thai street food, fresh seafood, and local crafts (open Thursday evenings)
The Wharf Samui: Upscale dining and shopping complex with international restaurants
Fisherman’s Village (Bophut): 15 minutes away, offering boutique shopping and waterfront dining
Secret Garden: Hidden gem restaurant known for Thai-European fusion cuisine

Wellness & Recreation:

Kamalaya Wellness Sanctuary: World-class holistic health resort (15 minutes)
Absolute Sanctuary: Detox and yoga retreat center
Maenam Beach: 5km of quiet, swimmable coastline with beachfront restaurants
Bangpor Fishing Village: Fresh seafood markets and authentic local dining

Practical Amenities:

International schools (PanyaDee, Samui International)
Private hospitals (Bangkok Hospital Samui)
International grocery stores (Tesco Lotus, Macro)
Banking and financial services

This infrastructure ensures that residents enjoy international standards of living without the isolation that often accompanies luxury tropical properties.

Santiburi Golf Course: The Crown Jewel

Championship Golf in Paradise

The Santiburi Golf Course isn’t just a stunning backdrop, it’s a major factor in the investment thesis for nearby properties. Designed by renowned golf architect Robert Trent Jones Jr., this 18-hole championship level course consistently ranks among Thailand’s top 10 finest gold courses.

Course Highlights:

Par 72, 6,930 yards from championship tees
TifEagle Bermuda greens maintained to tour standards
Stunning mountain and ocean views from multiple holes
Challenging layout that rewards strategic play
Professional coaching staff and practice facilities
Active tournament calendar including Asian Tour events

The Investment Case: Short-Term vs. Long-Term

Short-Term Rental Strategy

Koh Samui’s tourism market has evolved significantly post-pandemic. The island now attracts a more affluent, longer-staying visitor demographic that specifically seeks villa accommodations over hotels.

Short-Term Rental Dynamics:

Peak season (Dec-Feb): $400-600/night for 2BR golf villas
High season (Nov, Mar-Apr): $300-450/night
Green season (May-Oct): $200-300/night
Average occupancy: 65-70% annually
Management fees: 20-30% of gross rental income

Net ROI Calculation:

With professional management, a two-bedroom golf villa generating $80,000-100,000 in annual gross rental income typically delivers 12-15% net ROI after all expenses.

Long-Term Rental Approach

For investors seeking lower-touch management, long-term rentals to expatriate families offer attractive yields with reduced operational complexity.

Long-Term Rental Market:

Monthly rates: $2,000-3,500 for furnished golf villas
Typical lease terms: 6-12 months
Tenant profile: International school teachers, remote workers, retirees
Management intensity: Minimal compared to short-term

This approach sacrifices some yield (7-10% ROI) for significantly reduced management burden and guaranteed income stability.

Due Diligence Checklist for Golf Property Buyers

Before You Commit

Legal Structure Verification:

[ ] Confirm leasehold registration requirements
[ ] Review developer track record and financial stability
[ ] Understand renewal clause specifics
[ ] Verify property management contract terms

Financial Projections:

[ ] Request audited rental performance data from comparable properties
[ ] Calculate total cost of ownership (maintenance, taxes, management)
[ ] Model multiple occupancy scenarios
[ ] Understand currency exposure (THB vs. USD/EUR/GBP)

Physical Inspection:

[ ] Visit during both dry and rainy seasons
[ ] Assess construction quality and finish specifications
[ ] Verify utility connections and infrastructure
[ ] Review maintenance history (for resale properties)

Market Context:

[ ] Compare pricing with equivalent Phuket/Bali properties
[ ] Research planned developments that could affect supply/demand
[ ] Understand seasonal tourism patterns
[ ] Verify airport connectivity and expansion plans

Comparing Koh Samui to Alternative Markets

Why Not Phuket or Bali?

Phuket:

✅ Better international flight connectivity
✅ More developed infrastructure
❌ Significantly higher property prices (40-60% premium)
❌ Overdevelopment concerns in prime areas
❌ More congested with mass tourism

Bali:

✅ Lower property prices
✅ Established expat community
❌ Foreign ownership restrictions (nominee structures common but risky)
❌ Infrastructure challenges (traffic, utilities)
❌ Oversupply in villa market affecting rental yields

Koh Samui strikes the optimal balance: reasonable entry prices, controlled development, strong rental demand, and improving infrastructure without the overdevelopment that plagues Phuket or the legal uncertainties of Bali.

The Horizon Homes Advantage

When navigating Koh Samui’s property market, local expertise matters. Established agencies like Horizon Homes Samui provide:

Curated property selection matching buyer criteria
Legal and due diligence support through vetted lawyers
Property management referrals with proven track records
Market intelligence on pricing, trends, and opportunities
Ongoing support for maintenance, rentals, and resale

Our deep knowledge of the Maenam, Chaweng, and Bophut markets, coupled with relationships with premier developers, positions us as invaluable partners for serious investors.

Your Next Steps: From Interest to Ownership

The Acquisition Process

Phase 1: Discovery (1-2 weeks)

Define budget, timeline, and use case (personal vs. investment)
Virtual or in-person property tours
Financial modeling and ROI projections
Legal structure consultation

Phase 2: Due Diligence (2-4 weeks)

Property inspection and verification
Legal review of contracts and ownership structure
Financial verification of developer
Negotiation of terms

Phase 3: Transaction (4-8 weeks)

Contract execution and deposit
Leasehold registration at Land Department
Payment milestone management
Handover and commissioning

Phase 4: Management Setup (1-2 weeks)

Property management company selection
Rental platform setup (if applicable)
Utility connections and service contracts
Furnishing and staging (if rental-focused)

Timeline to First Rental Income

For buyers targeting rental yield:

New build properties: 6-12 months from contract to first guest
Resale properties: 2-4 weeks from closing to first rental

Conclusion: A Rare Opportunity in a Maturing Market

Koh Samui’s golf course properties represent a confluence of factors rarely found in tropical real estate: lifestyle appeal, investment returns, legal security, and market exclusivity. As the island continues its evolution from backpacker haven to luxury destination thanks to shows like White Lotus, the strict development controls that protect its natural beauty remain hurdles buyers must navigate and mean the window for acquiring prime properties at accessible prices is narrowing.

For investors willing to conduct proper due diligence and partner with established local experts, the rewards extend beyond financial returns to encompass something increasingly rare, namely a genuine tropical paradise that retains its magic while delivering modern golfing luxury.

Ready to explore golf course properties in Koh Samui? Contact the team at Horizon Homes Samui to discuss your requirements and arrange a personalized property tour. Whether you’re seeking a retirement haven, vacation home, or income-generating investment, their local expertise will guide you to the perfect property.

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