Asian Golf Travel Nation - April 2015

Early March saw Hua Hin the venue for the first of 10 Golfasian Amateur Weeks; tournaments run along professional lines but very much with the emphasis on enjoyment and camaraderie. There were 70 participants from as far afield as Australia, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Germany, United States, Norway, India and the Czech Republic. Players were competing for a huge array of daily prizes in many categories and of course the ultimate accolades of scratch champion and net champions in 3 divisions.

Golfasian partnered with primary sponsor Amari Hua Hin who were gracious hosts, plus in-vogue golf ball producer Volvik and the Springfield Royal Country Club. 4 competitive rounds were played at golf courses chosen for their quality, challenging layouts and variety, headlined by Black Mountain which was recently awarded best championship course in Asia.  An experienced team of Golfasian administrators, drivers and coordinators led by tournament director Mark Penfold, ensured that everyone could focus on their golf. When players arrived at the course they were greeted by buggies loaded with their clubs and smiling caddies sporting professional-style bibs adorned with their own and sponsors' names. Once group photographs were taken, the tension rose on the first tee just like any televised tournament albeit alleviated by some friendly banter.

The links-style Sea Pines proved a stern test for the opener as a strong breeze blew. Scores were modest and although at first the mood at the daily prize giving and draw for the next day was somewhat subdued, this gave way to a buzz of excitement as stories of good and bad shots were shared and new friendships forged. This was a common theme as you'd expect from a group of like-minded individuals enjoying great weather and a superb golf experience with just a touch of competitiveness.

Rounds followed at the Jack Nicklaus-designed Springfield, then 2009 Best-new-course-in-Asia Winner Banyan and of course culminating in the impeccable Black Mountain which was generally considered the highlight and a great way to finish. At the gala dinner on the last night, in A grade, 5-handicap Nigel Phillips collected the trophy for scratch champion and Joe Napier best nett. B Grade scratch winner was Shaoyu  Xue and best stableford place winner was Sascha Helfrich. Best ladies score was posted by Lada Hongchai.

A welcome feature of the tournament was the 50,000 baht raised for the PIMALI foundation which was enthusiastically supported by Amari General Manager, Christoph Leonard. This was the icing on the cake for an event widely praised as the best anyone had attended; the first of 10 in 2015 in Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam.     

Our Early Bird Booking offer is 1 free night accommodation or free round of golf at Phuket Country Club for payment in full prior to 20th April 2015.

To register for the Phuket Golf Week, please click this link
Other events throughout the year can be found on this link www.asiagolfweek.com

Have you thought about golf travel insurance for your trip? Golfasian has teamed up with Pacific Cross insurance to offer

• Personal accident insurance up to USD 65,000
• Medical treatment up to USD 75,000
• Emergency Evacuation & Repatriation
• Loss/Damage of Baggage up to USD 800
• Hole-In-One up to USD 300
• Loss/Damage of Golfing Equipment up to USD 2,000
• And a lot more!

For more information visit our website.

Palm Crescent Condo is in the heart of Palm Hills Golf Club, one of Hua Hin's most popular golf courses only 10 minutes from the city center.

INCLUSIVE OF A DOUBLE LIFETIME GOLF MEMBERSHIP AT PALM HILLS GOLF CLUB

Palm Crescent Condo offers all the sporting and relaxation facilities you will ever need, only a step away from the development itself. Facilities include: huge communal swimming pool, restaurant offering Thai and Western cuisine, squash / racket ball courts, volleyball courts, tennis courts and a gym. The condo has been totally redesigned from top to bottom and is a true example of class and style.

To find out more about how easy it is to purchase property and how the prices are comparatively much cheaper than those in the West, please contact the GM of our Property Division - Stephen van der Merwe - [email protected].

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.

My name is David Blakeborough. I am from Manchester in the UK but currently live in Doha, Qatar.
I have played golf for 25 years in total, presently off a handicap of 15. I am about to become a member of the Doha Golf Club, home to the PGA European Tour's Qatar Masters. Doha GC is a parkland-style layout bordered by desert wastelands (naturally!). My previous two clubs were a links course in the UK and the prestigious Jumeriah Golf Club in Dubai so I am no stranger to quality golf.

This was my second visit to Pattaya on a trip organized by Golfasian but the first Amateur Week I had attended. Amateur Week is one of 10 annual tournaments run along professional lines by Golfasian in Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam. While the golf is taken quite seriously rest assured the emphasis is placed on camaraderie and having a good time. I came alone on my holiday but the tournament gave me the opportunity to meet many diverse and interesting people. I was particularly thankful that a group from Australia "took me under their wing" so to speak; this group consisted of some 10-12 golfers of varying ages. I was also lucky enough to meet a couple from the North East coast of the UK so could discuss important matters such as football and 2 wonderful ladies from the Czech Republic. These people all made me feel as if I had known them for years.

The hotel we stayed in (Centara) was ideally located in central Pattaya which made getting around very easy. My itinerary was perfect as I arrived two days earlier than most giving me time to get my bearings prior to the golf starting.

One of the best things about the experience with Golfasian is that from when you arrive ‘til when you get home everything is taken care of. The staff are super friendly and help to iron out any small problems that might crop up. The golf itself is run like a well-oiled machine from when the draw is published the night before (in this instance) until you arrive on the tee in your buggy complete with the inevitably charming caddie. The weather was exceptional for golf, the caddies knowledgeable about the course plus speed and lines of the greens and the condition of the courses were outstanding. The cost of all this is a pittance against the staggering cost of golf you can be charged in other parts of the world. One of the most enjoyable things about this particular golf experience is the number of different prizes on offer every day (best scratch/net/front 9/back 9/near pins etc.) which means everyone has a chance of winning something. Of course we are all aiming for Tournament scratch and net champion...alas not this time!

My favorite course was Siam Country Club's Old Coursewhich only a few weeks before had hosted the Honda LPGA Thailand 2015 so you can imagine how immaculate it was. My favourite hole was the par 4, 5th on Siam Plantation's Sugar Cane nine with its twin fairways and seemingly more bunkers than you could count. My best score came on the Plantation Course so I'll nominate that as my favourite day.
The "après golf" was huge fun as you can imagine with a large group of like-minded people.  When we got back to the hotel there was a party atmosphere with some elated after a great day's scoring and others debating the strengths and weaknesses of their swing over an ice cold glass of beer. During the week there was of course time to visit the city's various markets and abundant restaurants.
All in all I had a great time and would recommend golfing in Thailand to anyone. If you are travelling alone an Amateur Week may be the perfect holiday solution. I am interested in further exploring the golf courses of Thailand and other South East Asia countries, particularly Vietnam about which I've heard great things.   

[Read more testimonials...]

Nha Trang, while generally known to local and Asian tourists, is just blossoming onto the international golf scene. The two international standard Nha Trang golf courses rank among the best in Vietnam. Vinpearl Golf Club is a spectacular design located on its own private island. Diamond Bay Golf & Resort, completed in 2013, is one of Vietnam's most strategic layouts and will challenge even the best professional golfers.

The southern coastal city sports many mid-priced and high-end resorts, some even on their own private island. After golf Nha Trang city lights up with its many entertainment and dining options. Fresh seafood is plentiful, inexpensive, and highly recommended. 

In addition to playing great golf and enjoying top resorts, a few days exploring the surrounding countryside and offshore islands is also a good idea. Notable activities and sights include a day cruise to a nearby island and visits to Long Son Pagoda and the well-preserved Po Nagar Cham-era ruins.

Nha Trang is served by Cam Ranh Airport with multiple daily flights to Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, and Danang.

[Read the entire destination review]

(exciting layout on Nha Trang beach)

Diamond Bay Resort & Golf is a 7244 yard championship layout golf course designed by American golf course developer and architecture Andy Dye. Diamond Bay has a natural habitat playing along the South China Sea on one of Vietnam's best beaches. The course is easily reached from both Nha Trang City and airport in less than 15 minutes.

The Diamond Bay golf course is set on 76 hectares and nestled naturally in between the mountains and sea. Natural marshes, majestic pines and sandy dunes contrast sharply with the lush fairways. Platinum TE Paspalum grass, white sand bunkers and incredible views of Nha Trang Bay create stunning color contrasts on every hole. Early morning golfers can further enjoy the beauty of the fog-clad mountains in the distance.

With its unique scenery, Diamond Bay Golf & Villas is one of the truly fascinating Vietnam golf courses. Platinum TE Paspalum grassed from tee to greens makes for excellent hitting surfaces throughout the golf course.  The signature par-3 hole 12 is nicknamed the "smiling hole" as it has been built overlooking the sea and resembles a smiling face. Hole 18 is also an excellent finishing hole that requires 3 accurate shots to reach the green in regulation on this 546 yard par-5.

The clubhouse and associated resort are both 5-star with facilities and amenities that discerning golfers expect and appreciate.

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

Looking out to the sea and close to the city centre, this spectacular 4 star hotel features 154 spacious and contemporary rooms, each with terrace and stunning sea view with complimentary internet access. The Square restaurant boasts an elegant, modern design and stunning views over Nha Trang Bay. The Bellevue meeting room is well-equipped and contemporary with capacity for up to 200 delegates. Vous, a relaxing spa is a unique attraction on its own. The helpful staff, gorgeous views, and many complimentary services make this hotel ideal for both business and leisure travelers.

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

Play both Vinpearl Golf Club and Diamond Bay Resort & Golf on this short golfing break in Nha Trang. Stay at any of the area's best resorts. Nha Trang has the best weather of any Vietnam coastal resort. This tour is suitable for year round travel.
Recommended Hotels:

• 3 Star Starlet Hotel
• 4 Star Hotel Novotel Nha Trang
• 5 Star Sheraton Nha Trang Hotel & Spa
• We have a wide range of 3 - 5 star hotels available. To meet your preferences and budget please contact us for further information.

[Nha Trang Golf Holiday Itinerary...]

The Accor hotel group join hands with golf experts Go Golfing and Golfasian to host the inaugural Accor Vietnam World Masters Golf Championship, held in Danang from September 6-12, 2015. After 20 years of staging successful World Masters tournaments in Australia, New Zealand and Thailand, Go Golfing has partnered with Golfasian to introduce this golfing tournament to Vietnam with Accor as the main sponsor.

World Masters Tournaments are open to club golfers aged 35 years and over. Competition is offered in age and handicap divisions. Playing with golfers of a similar age and standard, from all over the world, is a major draw card for World Masters events.

Accor's Chief Operating Officer and golf enthusiast, Patrick Basset, says it is an honor to take part in such a major golf event. "We are excited to break new ground in our sports involvement in Vietnam with golf experts such as Go Golfing and Golfasian to launch the Accor Vietnam World Masters Golf Championship 2015. This tournament will welcome hundreds of golfers and onlookers, playing at Danang's world-class golf courses, while pampering themselves in our best-in-class hotels. The ultimate objective of this tournament is to introduce Danang as a premium golf destination and bring attention to the accommodations, facilities and golf itineraries that are second to none in this region."

"We have been working closely with Accor's hotels and resorts for numerous years and our golf customers' feedbacks have proven that they thoroughly enjoy their stay at the Accor properties" said Pascal Orczech, Director of Business Development of Golfasian, Asia's largest inbound golf tour operator. "The Pullman Danang Beach Resort is a perfect fit for the Accor Vietnam World Masters Golf Championship 2015 as it provides all the amenities we look for in a tournament-host hotel. We are confident that golfers attending the event will enjoy every minute of their stay as well as the superb golf courses."

Participants can choose to stay at the Pullman Danang Beach Resort which will host all tournament functions and dinners, while the Novotel Danang Premier Han River is another accommodation alternative.

"As a partner of the Accor Vietnam World Master Golf Championship 2015, we are so proud to be associated with this world-class golf event" said Timothy Nott, General Manager of Pullman Danang Beach Resort. "We are delighted to host Vietnam's biggest 19th Hole festivities and golf presentations each night during the tournament as well as providing the luxurious beachside accommodation for the event. We are confident the Accor Vietnam World Master Golf Championship will be the new benchmark for Masters events in the region and look forward to many years of partnership to come," he added.

The all-inclusive tournament package boasts 6 nights' accommodation, 4 rounds with caddies and carts, nightly social events with food and entertainment, welcome and presentation dinners, a player pack with tournament shirt, personalized caddie bib and country flag, with US$10,000 in prizes and much more. There is also an attractive program of events and day tour options for non-players.

For more information visit http://www.vietnamworldmasters.com

Thailand

• Bangkok
  • Amata Spring Country Club - Course will be closed on 7, 14, 21 and 28 April for tournaments.
  • Bangkok Golf Club - Course will be closed on 1, 8, 23, 27, 29 April for tournaments.
  • Lam Luk Ka Country Club - Course will be closed on 20 April for a tournament.
  • Lotus Valley Golf Resort - Course will be undergoing coring green on 27 April.
  • Muang Kaew Golf Club - Course will be closed on 2, 8, 22 and 24 April for a tournaments as well as from 11 - 13 May for coring green.
  • President Country Club - Course will be closed on 1, 3 and 8 April for tournaments.
  • Riverdale Golf Club - Course will be closed on 20, 24 and 28 April for tournaments.
  • Royal Golf & Country Club - Course will be closed on 1 April for a tournament.
  • Thai Country Club - Course will be undergoing coring green from 31 March - 6 April.
  • The Royal Gems Golf City (Dream Arena) - Course will be undergoing coring green on 6 April.
  • Windsor Park & Golf Club - Course will be closed on 1, 2, 3, 8, 21 and 28 April for tournaments.
• Hua Hin
  • Banyan Golf Club - Course will be closed on 21 April for a tournament.
  • Royal Hua Hin Golf Course - Course will be closed from 1 - 3 April for a tournament.
• Pattaya
  • Greenwood Golf & Resort (Noble Place) - Course will be closed on 4 April for a tournament.
  • Laem Chabang International Country Club - Course C will be closed from 30 March - 24 April.
  • Pattana Golf Club & Resort - Course will be closed on 2 - 4 April for a tournament.
  • Siam Country Club, Old Course - Course will be closed from 20 March - 2 April for a tournament.
  • Siam Country Club, Plantation Course - Course will be closed on 1 - 3, 9 - 10, 23 - 24 and 29 April for tournaments and from 8 June - 16 June for the 2015 Thailand Open.
  • St. Andrews 2000 Golf Club - Course will be closed on 3, 16 and 27 April for tournaments.
• Phuket
  • Loch Palm Golf Club - Course will be closed for half a day on 11 April and 6 June for tournaments.
  • Phuket Country Club - Course will undergo coring green on 7 & 8 April.
  • Red Mountain Golf Club - Course will be closed for half a day on 10 & 27 April, 3 May and 31 October for tournaments.
• Chiang Mai
  • Alpine Golf Resort Chiang Mai - Course will be undergoing coring green on 1 & 2 April.
  • Chiang Mai Highlands Golf and Spa Resort - Course will be closed on 25 April for a tournament.
  • Mae Jo Golf Club - Course will be closed for half a day on 25 April, 27 June, 11 July as well as from 3 - 9 August for tournaments.
  • Summit Green Valley Chiang Mai Country Club - Course will be undergoing coring green from 20 March - 6 April. Course will be closed for on 25 April for a tournament.
• Chiang Rai
• Santiburi Chiang Rai Country Club - Course will be close on 19 & 26 April for tournaments.

Vietnam

• Danang
  
  • Danang Golf Club - Course will undergo renovation from 4 - 8 May, green renovation (9 holes) from 13-14 May and fairway renovation from 1 - 30 September (will not affect play).
• Hanoi
  
  • Heron Lake Golf Course - Course will be closed on 9 March for maintenance.
  • Kings Island Golf Resort - Course will be undergoing coring green from 6 - 8 April (Mountainview closed) and 20 - 22 April (Lakeside closed).

Malaysia

• All golf courses are in good condition

Indonesia

• All golf courses are in good condition

Singapore

• All golf courses are in good condition.

Phuket Amateur Golf Week - June 2015
Date: 7 - 13 June, 2015| Location: Phuket, Thailand [Find out more]

Centara World Masters Golf Championship - June 2015
Date: 14 - 20 June, 2015| Location: Hua Hin, Thailand [Find out more]

Cambodia Amateur Golf Week - August 2015
Date: 2 - 9 August, 2015| Location: Siem Reap, Cambodia [Find out more]

Golf Coast Vietnam Amateur Golf Week - August 2015
Date: 10 - 16 August, 2015| Location: Danang, Vietnam [Find out more]

Vietnam World Masters Golf Championship - September 2015
Date: 6 - 12 September, 2015| Location: Danang, Vietnam [Find out more]

Siam Country Club Pattaya Amateur Golf Week - October 2015
Date: 18 - 24 October, 2015| Location: Pattaya, Thailand [Find out more]

Chiang Mai Amateur Golf Week - October 2015
Date: 25 - 31 October, 2015| Location: Chiang Mai, Thailand [Find out more]

10 Reasons Why You Should Never Choose Thailand as Your Next Golf Holiday Destination

Thailand is a truly bad choice for your next golf holiday destination. Here's why.

Note: Please don't tell your friends.

[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.

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Golf – The power of positive thinking
Have a mental pre-shot routine...

Affirm
I am going to hit this near the pin...not I am not going to hit this in the water

Visualize your shot and outcome.
Nick Faldo is a great champion of this process which some of us use but probably without any conviction. Persevere and you'll get better results.

Commit and Execute
After you have programmed your subconscious mind by affirming your outcome and visualizing your success, you no longer need to think about anything.  It is now time to fully commit to your shot, step up with confidence, and make it happen.

[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

Golfasian has a full schedule of trade shows and roadshows during the next few months.

You can find us at the following events:

• April 27 - 30 - Asia Golf Tourism Convention (AGTC) (Jakarta, Indonesia)
• October 5 - 8 - International Golf Travel Mart (IGTM) (Tenerife)

Arrange an appointment with Golfasian at one of these exhibits.

• 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 International Association of Golf Tour Operators (IAGTO)
• Recommended by the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA)
• Member of International Association of Golf Tour Operators (IAGTO)
• 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)
• Member of Bali Golf Paradise (BGP)
• Winner of Asia's Best Golf Operator of the Year 2014 Award

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