Welcome to the fall edition of the Thailand Golf Travel Nation. As in the past, this newsletter contains original and news breaking stories on the state of golf in Thailand as well as provides useful golf course information, unique golf playing tips for Thailand’s tropical environment, announcements of special golf travel promotions, and the lucky draw giveaway winner.

This coming Thailand golf season is set to be the best ever! In addition to the new golf courses mentioned in the last issue (Black Mountain in Hua Hin and Red Mountain in Phuket), several other golf courses have recently opened or been elevated to premier status. Namely Ratchakram and Suwan golf clubs in Bangkok and Wangjuntr Golf Resort in Pattaya. All 3 courses have been built or significantly upgraded in the past 2 years, are now of championship quality. They should be considered as top draws for anyone planning to be in either area.

Up north, there is one news worthy event  that will have a substantial impact on the Chiang Mai golf scene. Yet to be announced, but already implemented, the infamous and Thaksin Shinawatra owned Alpine Golf Club in Bangkok has purchased the Chiang Mai Lamphun Golf Club. Early next year the course will be re-branded as the Alpine Chiang Mai Golf Club. Alpine’s management has already moved to Chiang Mai and started course maintenance and operations improvement work. Once Lamphun is brought to the quality of Alpine, Chiang Mai will be a serious golf destination, with 3 premier courses (Highlands, Gassan, and Alpine) topping the list. Stay tuned for the official press announcement which is expected towards the end of the year, but remember you read about it first in the Thailand Golf Nation!

As far as course conditions go, this year’s rainy season appears to be less severe than those seen in the past. The effect is that golf course maintenance is being made easier and this will go along way to insuring near perfect playing conditions during the drier months ahead.

These developments coupled with the growing global buzz about the Thailand golf quality, value, and service continues to fuel growth in the golf travel sector here. While this is good for business, it almost guarantees busy conditions during the best months from November to March. Already I am seeing some of the better resorts around Thailand starting to have limited availability. We still have some room allocations for our clients, but I expect the better hotels to be full for the season in the next month or two. Therefore, I urge anyone considering a Thailand golf holiday for the 2007-2008 winter months to make your plans early. This way you will be assured of good arrangements and if something comes up later on, your plans can always be adjusted accordingly.

One last note, Golfasian has started to offer golf tours to Cambodia and Vietnam on a limited basis. There are several noteworthy golf courses in both countries as well as some interesting cultural and historical sights. If anyone is interested in visiting either of these destinations as part of this years golf trip, please contact me directly. I will send you all the information prior to it being announced as a regular Golfasian tour destination.

Please remember if you want to get regular updates on the Thailand golf scene, then sign-up for uninterrupted email delivery of this newsletter. In addition, all persons signing up will automatically enrolled to win a chance for a free sleeve of Titleist Pro V1x golf balls, plus a special Golfasian exclusive member's only gift.

Have a great fall and remember, think positive and YOU WILL SHOOT PAR.

Mark Siegel
Managing Director

21 km south of Phuket International Airport and 20 km north of Phuket Town, Sheraton Grande Laguna Phuket overlooks a 3.2 km stretch of pristine white sandy beach on Bang Tao Bay. In a beautiful beachfront setting on the north-west coast of Phuket Island, the resort faces the warm waters and cool breezes of the Andaman Sea.

Ranked amongst the five best resorts in Asia-Pacific, the hotel is a piece of paradise providing optimum service and luxury. 298 beautifully appointed guest rooms which consist of Garden, Lagoon, Grande, Luxury, Pool Access and Ocean Room with a choice of different views plus 125 Grande Villas, an exclusive world of one, two, three and four bedroom suites, presents guests with the privacy and exclusivity of a boutique-style hotel, while providing the benefits and activities expected of a full-service luxury resort.

Sheraton Grande Laguna Phuket is one of five integrated resorts in the Laguna Phuket complex. Complimentary transport throughout Laguna Phuket is via shuttle bus and pontoon boat. Guests may enjoy signing privileges in 30 restaurants and bars at the five resorts, as well as the Laguna Phuket Golf Club.

Laguna Phuket Golf Club is an 18-hole golf course located within the Laguna Phuket complex, a nine iron away, with a complimentary shuttle from the resort. The golf course is designed to challenge golfers of all abilities, with lagoons, coconut groves, undulating fairways and an island green.

Dining at Sheraton Grande Laguna Phuket is a culinary haven of excellence; a choice of the world’s most tasteful delights. With ten dining and entertainment venues featuring gourmet Thai favorites, Chinese spa cuisine, Italian or other Asian specialties, guests can savor an extensive selection of dishes while enjoying air-conditioned comfort or the tropical breeze al fresco style.

Whether it be Golf, Spa or Recreation, Sheraton Grande Laguna Phuket has everything for everyone.