Suvarnabhumi Airport is relatively new, replacing the aging Don Muang airport. It's location is much better for travel to Pattaya as it's closer to the edge of Bangkok. Travel time to Pattaya is approx 2 hrs.

You can expect to do a bit of walking to get to immigration, but then it's a short (crowded) walk to the front entrance. You can exchange currency after immigration while waiting for your clubs and other baggage, and I would suggest getting at least$100 worth to cover initial eating/drinking expenses. The airport exchange rate is pretty good! Once cleared if you follow the crowd out EXIT "B" (there are 4, A thru D) then follow the crowd moving to the right where you will most probably see our driver. If you're traveling on your own, then turn left after processing and taxis are located at that end of the airport. Taxi fee into Bangkok is about 600-900 baht. It's between 1,000 and 3,000 to Pattaya. A good gathering point at the airport is after baggage claim out Exit "B" but before going outside the airport facility, near exit door #6 (there are 12 sequentially numbered rotating exits alongs the front of the airport).

Here’s what and how I pack for this trip. Bags (3):

1. Golf clubs bag.  I take golf balls and everything else except a rain jacket out of the bag, leaving 14 clubs, rain jacket and golf shoes in the bag to keep it under 40lbs. Your Rodney Dangerfield bag may be a bit heavy.
2. Suitcase –  This has clothes, toiletry kit and a few other odds and ends. Really, what do you need to play golf everyday and eat dinner at night when there is laundry service? Not much...
3. Carry-on bag.  Everything heavy goes here, including golf balls, computer cables, etc.  I take a net-book computer and put it in this bag also.

Clubs:  just the basics...You won’t need a golf buddy-type bag as the caddie gets what you'll need.

Clothes:  Not much is needed.
                Shorts – a couple pair
                Slacks – at least one pair in case the mosquitoes get bad at night or your legs get sunburned.  Wear these on the flight to/from because they are heavier than shorts.
                Rain Gear – only a rain jacket is necessary, pants are okay.  I consider an umbrella as optional equipment.
                Shirts – Most courses require a collared sports shirt to play. You can buy dry-fit type shirts for about $6 ea in Thailand.  You might consider going with only a couple of shirts and then buying more once there.  I wouldn’t recommend cotton shirts as they’ll get wet with sweat.
                Shoes – sandals work fine for just about everything but golf.  I usually bring one pair of regular shoes and sandals.

Note: there is laundry service so you can wash everything as often as you like for a reasonable fee.

Medicine: I’ve never been sick in Thailand, but here’s what I take…
                Motrin for those bad mornings, sore muscles, etc.
                Imodium
                Tums
                Band-aids
                Sun block
                Mosquito spray

Note: you can buy bottled water near the hotel.  I would recommend getting several quart-sized bottles for daily golf, and a gallon sized jug to refill the smaller bottles.