Email not displaying correctly? View it in your browser.
 
Golfasian - Asian Golf Nation
Home | Golf Holidays | Golf Courses | Golf Services | About Us | Contact Us

Asian Golf Travel Nation - April 2014

Facebook Like Button    Google +1 Button

Dear Golf Travelers,

Golf in AsiaWelcome to this edition of the Asian Golf Travel Nation, the source for news breaking information about Asian Golf. In addition, unique golf playing tips for Indochina's tropical environment, announcements of golf travel promotions, and our latest subscription offer are all integral parts of today's newsletter.

Unlike most other high quality golf destinations, SE Asia is blessed with sunshine and mild temperatures to offer year round golfing. Surrounded by the Gulf of Thailand to the South, the Andaman Sea to the West and the South China Sea to the East, our destinations are blessed with cooling ocean breezes even in the hottest months. In fact, during the summer Koh Samui and Bali, both fantastic tropical golfing islands, see some of the best beach weather in the world.

For water lovers there are few golf destinations which offer the diversity of Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, or Indonesia. At any time of the year you can play golf in the morning and take a dip in the sea or laze by the beach just a few minutes later.

Have my descriptions have tempted you to come to Asia for a golf holiday? Whatever golf journeys you dream of, we at Golfasian are on hand to help you make them a reality.

As always there are many golf happenings around the region so with that, I invite you to read this edition of the Asian Golf Nation.

 Visit Golfasian Today!

Golf news from around the region:

Thailand
*Thai Country ClubVarious destinations: Loads of new accolades pour in for Golf in a Kingdom. First, for the 11th year running, Thailand has won "the Most Popular Tourist Destination in Asia" award conferred by the German travel industry group Go Asia. Then, Thailand has been conferred "the Best International Golfing Destination" by the Confederation of Indian Industry which is made up of India's leading industrialists. Finally, Thailand's capital, and the locals' golf hub of Bangkok, has been ranked third in the latest Euromonitor International's 100 Top City Destinations Ranking. Three other popular Thai golf destinations, Phuket, Pattaya, and Chiang Mai, were respectively ranked 15, 17 and 70 in the same listing.

Blue Canyon Country ClubPhuket: Phuket's famous Blue Canyon has been sold by its Singaporean owners to a local Phuket businessman. After years of being in limbo this is really great news for the club which is in need of new capital. Blue Canyon opened in 1991 and put the Thailand golf industry on the international golf map. In fact, Blue Canyon Country Club is the only course in the world to have hosted three Johnny Walker Classics; 1994 (Greg Norman), 1998 (Tiger Woods), and 2007 when (Anton Haig).


Vietnam
*Montgomerie Links VietnamVarious Destinations: Not to be outdone by its bigger golf neighbor to the West, Vietnam took four spots on Trip Advisor's list of top Asian destinations. Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Hoi An, and Ha Long Bay are featured on the list of the top 25 destinations in Asia. It is no surprise then that these destinations also play home to Vietnam's best golf courses, particularly Hoi An, home of the Golf Coast Vietnam.

 

 

The Bluffs Ho Tram StripSaigon (Ho Tram): The most anticipated new golf course in Asia is open for play. The Bluffs Ho Tram Strip along Vietnam's south-central coast is hosting golfers on a preview basis. Designed by Greg Norman, The Bluffs Ho Tram Strip is routed over and around towering seaside sand dunes. With the new super-highway the time to get to Ho Tram from Saigon has been cut to less than two hours. The Bluffs Ho Tram Strip is one of the best examples of links courses in Asia with significant elevation changes, making for a "wow golf experience". In time to come, it will certainly rank among Asia's best.

 

Myanmar
*Myotha Golf ClubMandalay: The last country in SE Asia to have a true modern championship golf course is Myanmar. Therefore, the ground breaking the new Schmidt-Curley designed Myotha Golf Club is of great interest to me. The 8,000 yard course will be located southwest of Mandalay, the last royal capital of Myanmar and center of Burmese culture. Holes will be laid out along the sites deep river canyons and rolling landscape. Being one of the longest courses in Asia the layout Myotha will surely attract professional events. Stay tuned to hear more about the construction progress and planned opening in late 2015.

With that I would like to once again thank those of you who have golfed with us recently, it was nice seeing you and I hope your trip was memorable one.

The golf, culture, and beauty of SE Asia are perfectly suited for an unforgettable golf experience. This includes playing private members clubs and championship golf courses, enjoying the world's best cuisines and entertainment, taking daily spas and massages, and best of all at prices so reasonable that you will think the costs are too low!

Tailor-made itineraries to your specific travel preferences, expectations, group size, and budgets are our specialty; contact us for a competitive quote.

Until the next newsletter, happy golfing and I hope to see YOU in the area very soon!

Mark Siegel
Managing Director of Golfasian

 

- Centara World Masters Golf Championship 15-21 June 2014 | Hua Hin, Thailand
Centara World Masters Golf Championship

We invite you to join golfers from around the world for Asia's Biggest & Richest Amateur Golf Week.
Joining you in Hua Hin, Thailand will be more than 600 golfers from more than 20 countries who share your love of the game and your thirst for fun. The 72-hole stableford competition features numerous prizes and gifts, plus nightly parties and entertainment. At the heart of the event is the camaraderie developed among participants. This is where lifelong friendships are forged.

So long as you are over 35 and have an official golf handicap, you can tee it up at the Masters. There are 15 tournament divisions based on age and handicap.

The Centara World Masters will see you play at Hua Hin's world class golf courses with all the trappings of a major professional tournament. Black Mountain, Banyan, Majestic Creek and Imperial Lake View will give you the ultimate golfing experience. You will be spoiled by Thailand's friendly caddies.

Much more than a golf tournament, there are lively social and entertainment events every night. International acts will be a highlight at the welcome and farewell celebrations. Thailand's biggest 19th hole moves each night to stunning rooftop, beach, and poolside settings. A decadent farewell dinner caps off the fun filled week.

This event is Thailand's richest amateur tournament with US $30,000 in prizes to be won. Whether you come on your own or with a party of friends, just don't miss it!

Visit www.thailandworldmasters.com for event updates and join our Facebook Page.

[Register today!]

- Golf Club Set Rental Service

Golf Club Set Rental ServiceDue to popular demand, Golfasian is now offering TaylorMade Graphite & Steel Golf Club Sets for rent during your stay in Thailand.

This gives you even more freedom and flexibility when planning your golf trip to Asia. Simply contact our golf travel experts and mention that you would like to rent clubs.

For more information contact us directly.

- Hua Hin Properties - Palm Hills Golf Club Villa For Sale

Hua Hin PropertiesThis Palm Hills Golf Club Villa For Sale is an absolute haven for relaxation in one of the most sought after locations in the Hua Hin area. Palm Hills Golf Club offers wonderful natural views and a lovely community where you, your family and friends may enjoy the beautiful all year round weather in Hua Hin.

This luxurious 3 bed house for sale on Palm Hills Golf Club has been made as comfortable as possible. Situated on a corner plot with neighbors only on two sides, it offers more than enough privacy.

Feel free to stop by our office and see what we can offer or take our property tour (free of charge).

For a complete listing of Thailand properties visit our website.

- Golfasian on Twitter & Facebook!

Stephen van der Merwe - General Manager - Golfasian PropertyGolfasian is on Twitter and hopefully so are you! If you are keen to be the first to know about golf course updates & golf travel news, join our Twitter Feed at:

https://twitter.com/golf_asian

For more in depth articles, news and Special Offers follow our Facebook Page at

https://www.facebook.com/thailandgolftour

- Golf Travel Testimonials

Hi Paul,

We have been back in the UK for a couple of days now and had time to reflect on our holiday. It was an amazing vacation! The success of it was in no small part due to you and your staff and your organisation.

The choice of hotels was excellent, they were central to most points of interest in the town or city and we were well looked after in all of them.

Your drivers and guides were knowledgeable and helpful. We felt very safe, even in the chaotic traffic of Ho Chi Minh City. The Mercedes and Toyota vehicles were comfortable to the point of luxury. On every occasion, your staff were at our location ten to fifteen minutes before they were due to collect us. We suffered not a moments anxiety in the entire eighteen days.

The trips you selected were all very interesting and well worth doing.

As keen golfers, we were astounded at the immaculate courses we played in all three venues. The greens were quick and true, the fairways were beautifully kept and the clubhouses were truly magnificent. We really were spoiled.

Please accept our grateful thanks for an incredibly memorable holiday.

I shall be recommending you to any friends considering holidays in the Far East.

Geoff O.
United Kingdom, March 2014

[Read more golf travel testimonials]
[Find out about Golfasian's Travel Satisfaction Guarantee]

- Boost for Bali's Golf Credentials - Destination Review

Boost for Bali’s Golf CredentialsMost people know the island of Bali as a tourism mecca of Asia Pacific. But 20 years after the first courses were opened there, not so many are as familiar with Bali's golf credentials.

Recognised and revered for its sumptuous resorts, spas, food, culture, ambience and happy, welcoming people, Bali is raising its golf profile through a new co-operative marketing group, Bali Golf Paradise, which aims to turn the Island of the Gods into the Island of Golf as well.

The imminent re-opening of Bali National Golf Club, formerly known as Bali Golf and Country Club, at Nusa Dua, after a 19-months makeover is a catalyst for Bali's new golf tourism push.

By far the best known of Bali's courses is Nirwana Bali Golf Club at Tanah Lot, about 45 minutes drive west of the island's Kuta-Seminyak- Legian tourism hub. This Greg Norman design opened 20 years ago and has long been regarded as one of the best courses in Asia. Indeed, just a few months ago US Golf Digest includes it among its best 100 courses outside the United States, while Forbes Travel Guide has named Nirwana among Asia's 10 most elite golf courses.

The on-site 278-room Pan Pacific Nirwana Bali Resort includes 12 one and two-bedroom villas as well as hotel rooms. It offers golf stay-and-play packages, which provide a welcome opportunity to escape Bali's notorious traffic on the island's narrow roads.

[Read the entire story articles]

- Featured Golf Course - New Kuta Golf

New Kuta GolfLocated on Bali's southern shore in the Pecatu compound at Dreamland Beach is one of Bali's finest and most spectacular golf courses; New Kuta Golf. Carved out of harsh limestone between the brilliant white cliffs and the blue waters of the Indian Ocean, New Kuta Golf ranks among Asia's most spectacular.

New Kuta was awarded as the Best New International Course by Links Magazine 2008 and 10th Best Course in Indonesia by Golf Digest in 2009. That same year the Asian Tour Indonesian Open was held at New Kuta.

[Read more about one of Indonesia's Best Golf Courses]

- Featured Hotel - The Laguna Resort & Spa Nusa Dua Bali

The Laguna Resort & Spa Nusa Dua Bali The Laguna Resort & Spa Nusa Dua Bali is a luxurious 5-star hotel centrally located in Nusa Dua and only ten minutes from Bali National Golf Club.This luxurious hotel provides Balinese hospitality and local design with 24 hour butler service and free of charge Wi-Fi internet access. This hotel is perfect in terms of value for those wanting to mix-in a little bit of sightseeing, golf and beach relaxation while visiting the island.

[Read more about one of Indonesia's Best Hotels]

- Golf Trip Idea: Best of Bali Golf

Best of Bali GolfPlay golf at all of the Bali golf courses, relax at one of the sand beaches, shop at local markets and huge shopping malls, and enjoy the great Balinese cuisine.
Not only will you play at the best courses but you will also discover the true Balinese culture and attractions. You have the option to stay at one of the selected top resorts on the island. Don't wait any longer and enjoy the Best of Bali!

[Best of Bali Golf Itinerary...]

Asia Golf Specials
- Press Release: Waterside Course Hosts First Tournament

Siam Country Club WatersideBangkok, March 31 -- The first competitive event played at Siam Country Club's Waterside course near Pattaya, Thailand, has underscored just how good is Asia's newest golf course.

The Pattaya Amateur Week tournament in mid-March featured the new IMG-designed layout as well as Siam Country Club's two existing courses and two others in the Pattaya area.

Waterside, which is in soft opening stage before officially opening in May, drew widespread praise from the 80 participants who came from 10 countries including Australia, the Philippines, Singapore, Malaysia, India, Hong Kong, Thailand, Indonesia, the United States and Great Britain.

"Another unique layout to go with the other two championship Siam courses. Thanks for the opportunity to be the first group competition here," said Matt Pitt of Victoria, Australia.

"I can't wait to play it again next year when it's officially opened," said fellow Victorian, Gary Bennett.

[Read the entire Press Release]

- Amateur Golf Week Update

Siam Country Club WatersideThailand Amateur Week series for 2014 kicked off in style at the 2013 golf destination of the year, Hua Hin. 45 players from around the world enjoyed the hospitality at Banyan Golf Resort staying in the great 2 bedroom villas. The golf courses that were played were Banyan Golf Club (voted best new golf course in Asia in 2008) and Black Mountain (voted best in the 100 courses outside USA).

After the four rounds at these courses, congratulations go out to the following winners:

Day 1 Black Mountain A Grade  Winner Steve Amiet B Grade Winner Allan Ball
Day 2 Banyan  A Grade  Winner Michael Lloyd B Grade Winner  Joe Bugeja
Day 3 Banyan   A Grade  Winner Geoff Ellenor  B Grade Winner Joan Ball
Day 4 Black Mountain A Grade  Winner Mick Edwards B Grade Winner Mike Shanks
         
Queen of clubs winner Bev Isaksen       
         
  A Grade winner Phil Durrington B Grade Winner  Joan Ball  
  A Grade runner up  Syd Meier B Grade Runner Up  Ted Gallimore

The Hua Hin Amateur Gross winner was Gary Hilliard from NSW.

The following week the tournament series moved onto the seaside resort of Pattaya. We had a world first at this event where the field of 80 played the first tournament to be held at the new Siam Country Club (Waterside) while not officially open to the public, our tournament had the pleasure of striking the first tournament blow.  The other 3 courses in the event were Siam Old Course, Siam Plantationand Laem Chabang.

Congratulations to the following players for their wins:

Day 1 Siam Old Course A Grade  Winner Tony Chapman  B Grade Winner   Jason Layton
Day 2 Laem Chabang   A Grade  Winner Syd Meier B Grade Winner Jimmin Kim
Day 3 Siam Waterside A Grade  Winner   Brad Gale  B Grade Winner  Angela Rarere
Day 4 Siam Plantation A Grade  Winner Robbie O’Donnell B Grade Winner Chris Ross
         
Queen of clubs winner  Jimmin Kim        
         
  A Grade Winner Phil Durrington B Grade Winner Cameron Innazone
  A Grade Runner Up  Brad Gale       B Grade Runner Up Ted Gallimore

The Pattaya Amateur Gross winner was Chris Black from Laos.

Next tournament in this series will be is the Phuket Amateur Golf Week.

Full details on all our tournaments for 2014 can be found on this link.

If you would like to enter one of these events please email us at [email protected]

- Golf Course Maintenance Updates

Thailand

  • Bangkok
    • Alpine Golf & Sports Club - Course will be undergoing coring green during 1 April - 30 April.
    • Lakewood Country Club - The Rock course will be undergoing coring green during 1 April - 30 April. The Lake & Wood Courses will be undergoing coring green during 1 May - 31 May.
    • Lam Luk Ka Country Club - Verticut and coring green schedule: Courses A - 1 April - 3 April, Course B - 8 April - 10 April, Course C - 22 April - 24 April, Course D - 29 April - 30 April.
    • Lotus Valley Golf Resort - Course will be undergoing coring green during 21 April - 28 April.
    • Riverdale Golf Club - Course will be undergoing coring green on 15 May.
    • Royal Gems Golf City - Course will be undergoing coring green on 1 April.
    • Royal Golf & Country Club - Course will be undergoing coring green during 16 June - 28 July.
    • Thai Country Club - Course will be closed for maintenance program from 31 March - 8 April.
    • Thana City Golf & Country Club - Course will be undergoing coring green on 24 April (9 holes) and on 18 May (9 holes).
    • The Vintage Club - Course will be undergoing coring green on 28 April.
  • Hua Hin
    • Banyan Golf Club - Course will be undergoing coring green during 12 May.
    • Springfield Village Golf & Spa - Course A will be undergoing coring green during 1 July - 31 July.
    • Banyan Golf Club, Black Mountain Golf Club, Imperial Lake View, Majestic Creek Country Club, Palm Hills Golf Club and Residence, Royal Hua Hin Golf Course, Sea Pine Golf Course, are in excellent condition.
  • Pattaya
    • Greenwood Golf and Resort - Course C will be undergoing coring green during 7 April.
    • Laem Chabang International Country Club - Coring green schedule: Courses A - 17 June, Course B - 17 April, Course C - 17 May.
    • Siam Country Club, Old Course - Course will be undergoing coring green during 2 June.
    • Siam Country Club, Plantation Course - Coring green schedule: Courses A - 9 June - 29 June, Course B - 30 June - 20 July, Course C - 21 July - 8 August.
    • Phoenix Golf & Country Club - The Mountain Course is under renovation until the end of June 2014.
    • Burapha Golf Course, Khao Kheow Country Club, Pattana Sport Club, St. Andrews 2000 Golf Club & Burapha Golf Club are in excellent condition.
  • Phuket
    • Blue Canyon Country Club, Canyon Course - Course will be undergoing coring green during 16 June - 18 June & 3 November to 5 November.
    • Blue Canyon Country Club, Lakes Course - Course will be undergoing coring green during 5 May - 7 May & 6 October - 8 October.
    • Laguna Phuket Golf Club - 9 holes (starting with the back 9) will be closed for 18 months from July 2013 onwards. The front 9 are playable until March 2014, while the back 9 are under renovation. The front 9 will start renovation in March 2014 while the freshly renovated back 9 will have been reopened for play.
    • Phuket Country Club - Course will be undergoing coring green during 1 April - 2 April.
    • Loch Palm Golf Club, Mission Hills Phuket, Red Mountain Golf Club are in excellent condition.
  • Koh Samui
    • Santiburi Samui Country Club - Course will be undergoing coring green during 17 April - 27 April.
  • Chiang Mai
    • Alpine Golf Resort - ourse will be undergoing coring green during 1 April - 2 April.
    • Gassan Khuntan Golf & Resort - Course renovation. Expected completion date in August 2014.
    • Gassan Lake City - Course renovation. Expected completion date in October 2014.
    • Chiang Mai Highlands Golf and Spa, Chiang Mai Inthanon Golf Resort, Mae Jo Golf Club, Royal Chiang Mai Golf Resort are in excellent condition.
  • Chiang Rai
    • Santiburi Chiang Rai Country Club - The front 9 holes will be closed from 21 April - 4 May for renovation.
    • Waterford Valley Golf Club & Resort - Course will be undergoing coring green during 1 April - 3 April.

Vietnam

  • Hanoi
    • Hanoi Golf Club, Heron Lake Golf Club and Resort, Tam Dao Golf Club - Closed every Monday morning for maintenance.
    • Kings Island Golf Resort - Course will be undergoing coring green during 31 March - 3 April.
    • Van Tri Golf Club & Chi Linh Golf Club are in excellent condition.
  • Saigon
    • Long Thanh Golf Course, Song Be Golf Resort, Twin Doves Golf Club andVietnam Golf & Country Club are in good condition
  • Danang
    • Danang Golf Club - Course will be undergoing coring green during 31 March - 15 April.
    • Laguna Lang Co Golf Club & Montgomerie Links Vietnam are in excellent condition.
  • Phan Thiet
    • Sea Link Golf Course, Ocean Dunes Golf Club are in excellent condition.
  • Nha Trang
    • Vinpearl Golf Club and Diamond Bay Golf Course are in great condition.

Cambodia

  • Siem Reap
    • Angkor Golf Resort, Phokeethra Country Club are in excellent conditon.

Malaysia

  • Kuala Lumpur
    • Saujana Golf & Country Club – Palm 1 will be under renovation from 1 August 2013 for 8 months. Palm 10 - immediately after completion of Palm 1 and will go on for 8 months.

Indonesia

  • Bintan
    • Ria Bintan Golf Course – Golf course maintenance is usually done on Mondays. At any time only 9 holes will be closed while the other 18 holes remain open.
- Golf Tournaments

Thailand Golf TournamentsPhuket Amateur Golf Week - June 2014
Date: June 8 - 14, 2014 | Location: Phuket, Thailand [Find out more]

Centara World Masters Golf Championship - June 2014
Date: June 15 - 21, 2014 | Location: Hua Hin, Thailand [Find out more]

Cambodia Amateur Golf Week - July 2014
Date: July 27 - August 4, 2014 | Location: Siem Reap, Cambodia [Find out more]

Vietnam Amateur Golf Week - August 2014
Date: August 4 - 10, 2014 | Location: Danang, Vietnam [Find out more]

Pattaya Amateur Golf Week - October 2014
Date: October 18 - 25, 2014 | Location: Pattaya, Thailand [Find out more]

Chiang Mai Amateur Golf Week - October 2014
Date: October 25 - November 01, 2014 | Location: Chiang Mai, Thailand [Find out more]

- Best of the Blog Thailandgolfzone.com

Golf Holiday Destination Thailand

Golf Holiday Destination ThailandWhy golf in Thailand? Thailand is probably the most spectacular golfing destination in the world, the beauty of her golf courses expresses it all. We have lush greenery year round with palm trees and every other type of tropical flora and flowers creating a feast for the eyes. Beautiful lakes and waterways, birds you've never seen before become a breathtaking walk in the park. Churchill was so wrong when he said "golf is a good walk spoiled" – he never played in Thailand!

[Read the entire article]

Other golf stories can be found at the Thailand Golf Zone, Vietnam Golf Zone and Phuket Golf Zone where there are over 600 other original articles dealing exclusively with golf in Asia and golf travel.

I would love to hear about any golf tips that any of you may have developed for getting the maximum enjoyment from your golf trips, and can incorporate some in future articles. Therefore if you have any golf tips or suggestions you would like to share, please let me know by dropping me an email.

 Subscribe to our RSS Feed.

- Golfing Tips by Ian Morgan - Warm Up Before Your Game

Warming up is still important before playing golf, even in hot countries. Prevention is better than cure and it's a simple process to reduce the likelihood of aches and pains. If you don't have time to go the driving range, then take a few minutes to do some stretching or swinging two golf clubs and this can help you have a more comfortable game.

[Read on]

[Read more Golf Tips Articles]

If you have any other questions regarding golf tips to help you with your game email us at [email protected] and we will reply in upcoming newsletters

For more golf tips visit www.golfthink.com

- Meet Golfasian at these Trade/Roadshows/Fam-Trips

-Golfasian has a full schedule of tradeshows and roadshows during the next few months.

You can find us at the following events:

  • March 31 - April 06, 2014 - North Asia Golf Media FAM Trip Central Thailand (Bangkok, Pattaya, Hua Hin, Thailand)
  • April 20 - 25, 2014 - ASEAN Golf Media FAM Trip (Bangkok & Hua Hin, Thailand)
  • April 28 - May 07, 2014 - Thailand Golf Road Show - South Africa (Johannesburg, Cape Town)
  • May 17 - 23, 2014 - North America Golf FAM Trip (Pattaya, Bangkok, Chiang Mai)
  • July 24 - 31, 2014 - Thailand Golf Road Show - Australia (Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane)

Arrange an appointment with Golfasian at one of these exhibits.

- About Us & Contacts
GolfasianIf any reader would like to suggest a topic to be covered or better yet contribute materials, photos, or even commissions an article please contact us by e-mail, we welcome the help.

 

  • Licensed by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), License No: 14/00515
  • Licensed by the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism, License No: 79-302/2011
  • Recommended by the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA)
  • Member of Association of Thai Travel Agents (ATTA)
  • Member of the International Association of Travel and Tourism Professionals (SKAL)
  • Member of the American Chamber of Commerce (AMCHAM)
  • Founder and member of Golf in a Kingdom (GIAK)
  • Founder and member of Golf Coast Vietnam (GCV)
Golfasian Co., Ltd.
Unit 1105, 29 Bangkok Business Center
Soi Ekamai, Sukhumvit 63 Road
Klongtan Nua, Wattana
Bangkok 10110 Thailand
Tel: +66 (0) 2 714 8470
Fax: +66 (0) 2 714 8471
Golfasian Vietnam Co., Ltd
5th floor, HAN Building
301 Tran Hung Dao Street
District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Vietnam
Tel: +84 (0) 8 3838 6510
Fax: +84 (0) 8 3838 6537

Toll Free US/Canada: 1-866-550-2284

E-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.golfasian.com

The #1 Golf Experts in Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia,
Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos & Myanmar!