Welcome to the winter 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, and the lucky draw giveaway winner. This month we even have an exclusive Golf In Europe special only for the readers of the Thailand Golf Nation (see below).
The Thailand golf season is in full bloom with all regions now reporting excellent golfing weather and fantastic course conditions. Just 2 weeks ago at the Volvo Masters was held at Thai Country Club in Bangkok and green were so quick that even many of the professionals had a hard time 2-putting. One of the event attendees commented, “This was the best I have seen Thai CC; green speeds were an amazing 13 on the stimpmeter”.
Up north, Chiang Mai Highlands had their official grand opening and the event was well attending by press, professionals, and local businessmen. The new course will be the spotlight of this months course UBS golf challenge and featured on Star Sports. Moreover, the Highlands golf course continues to receive accolades from all players. It is now easily the best course in Northern Thailand.
In 
Pattaya, the former Century Golf Club is now under new management and has been renamed the Emerald Golf Club. This Dennis Muirhead & Nick Faldo design has been brought up to the international standards it deserves. The golf course conditions have improved to the point where the course is now ranked as one of the top 5 in Pattaya. Management continues to invest in good maintenance practices and I would not be surprised to see the course get into the leagues of Laem Chabang and Siam CC in the near future; the design is that good! We have secured a limited number of tee times at deep discounts and are pleased to offer this course individually or as part of a excellent value Pattaya golf package.
On the other side of the Gulf of Thailand, good construction progress on the new Banyan Golf Club in Hua Hin is being made and reports from several locals confirm that the opening is on schedule for early next year. This new Hua Hin golf course will be a great accompaniment to the other new Hua Hin championship course, Black Mountain. Speaking of Black Mountain, the Asian PGA event originally planned for 2008 is now scheduled for the 2009 season. By that time the Back Mountain's second course will be finished and open for play.
While still on Hua Hin, there is a great article on the Hua Hin golf scene in the current issue of Australian Golf Digest. Grab a copy from the newsstands, it makes for interesting reading!
As far as Golfasian, last month we exhibited at our first ever trade show, the 2007 International Golf Travel Mart in Cancan Mexico. The event was a resounding success drawing hundreds of golf travel agents from all over the planet. Being the only Thailand golf tour operator at the show, we had trouble satisfying the interests from all the tour agents in our 24 official appointments, so dozens more unofficial meetings were held at private functions after the show each evening. Many new friends were made and we have already received our first bookings from our new golf partners. Thank you to those who stopped by our booth!
On another note, we are launching 2 new golf tours and I thought you should hear about them first. One tour is a “Thailand Golf Expedition” covering everything Thailand has to offer for the visiting golfer and non-golfer alike. On this golf package you will get to experience the best luxury of the most enchanting golf destination on earth.
The other tour is the “Vietnam Golf Trail”; starting in the northern capital of Vietnam, Hanoi, and making its way south through Halong Bay, Dalat, and Phan Thiet, before finishing in Saigon. All of the top Vietnam golf courses will be featured along with visits to the main cultural and historical centers across the county making it a once in-a-lifetime opportunity for golfers looking for an exotic golf holiday. By the way Vietnam just won the “Best Upcoming Golf Destination” and you will see why on this trip!
If anyone is interested in finding out more about either tour, please contact me directly.
Finally, I want to wish everyone a very happy and healthy holiday season. For those of you who have not made any winter golf plans it is not too late; we have a few special last minute deals available for you.
Please remember if you want to get regular updates on the Thailand (and South East Asia) 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 winter and remember, think positive and YOU WILL SHOOT PAR.
Mark Siegel
Managing Director
Widely considered as the best course in Pattaya and one of the top 5 in all Thailand, this 27-hole Jack Nicklaus designed layout is as fun as it is challenging. The course has three distinct nines, the Lakes, Mountain and Valley Courses, each offering their own unique challenge. The Lakes and Valley courses meander along pristine natural waterways while the Mountain nine provides commanding views of the surrounding area and is a stern test of golf. 
There are millions of people addicted to golf, many of whom choose a Thailand golf holiday. Why? Golf can be played here on beautiful courses with as many people as you like and year round in very pleasant weather, at least here in Thailand. Golf if very gentle on your body, and is truly the sport of a lifetime.
