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Asian Golf Travel Nation - August 2014

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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.

Positive results continue to emerge from the military led National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) who are overseeing Thailand for the time being. Many corrupt businesses that have preyed on tourists have been shut down and Thailand has become even more enjoyable knowing that unsuspecting consumers and tourists interests are being prioritized over short term gains. There is even a movement among locals to have the leader of the NCPO run for prime minister when democratic elections take place next year. This would be really cool as most of the military officers also play golf.

At the same time I am very happy that SE Asia, with its many key golf destinations, is now very much on the map of golfers from all corners of the globe who are excited about and recognize the region's top golf courses, world class service standards, rich culture, wide range of entertainment and non-golf attractions, and best of all reasonable prices.  This total experience really sets the region apart for golfers from all over and is the essence of why golf travel to Asia continues to boom.

Whether it the never-ending smiling Thais, sincere Vietnamese, diverse Malaysians, or the polite Balinese, our staff locals make every golfer on their fairways feel like their ‘royal guest'. I will personally guarantee you, who are the beneficiaries of this royal golf experience, will appreciate your trip with us not only during your travels, but also well after you return home and start planning your next Asian golf experience.

All of the countries in SE Asia offer wonderful golf experiences. Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, Cambodia and Bali are my favorites.  Want to hit more than one hot spot? Then maybe one our multi-destination Golf Lifestyle Experience™ Tours might be for you. Our golf travel consultants can help you plan your trip details to match your exact preferences and budget.

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
*Nikanti Golf ClubBangkok: Lakewood Links, the new 18 at Lakewood Country Club, is set to open by year end. Once completed Lakewood will boast 54 holes making it the largest of any Bangkok golf club. Stay tuned for more details in coming months. I expect the new course to be very good!

 

 

 

 

Laguna Phuket Golf ClubPhuket: Big changes are on the way at Laguna Phuket Golf Club and they look promising. The first new nine holes of the redesigned course are open, and the second nine is on schedule to be completed by January 2015. The redesign is being carried out by Paul Jansen who was also the lead architect for the excellent Nick Faldo design at Laguna Lang Co Golf Club. New greens, irrigation, drainage, earth works, and turf are all part of the project. The clubhouse and golf academy are getting a face lift too. And the really good news is this time around they will have golf carts. It will be good to get the course back online. Laguna was one of my favorite Phuket golf courses, and I expect this will be the case again come January.

 

Vietnam
*Chi Linh StarHanoi: Good and bad golf news from the Vietnam capital city. The military related Long Bien Golf Club is getting excellent reviews, not only because it is the most conveniently located and lowest priced course Hanoi golf course, but also because of the excellent playing conditions and interesting layout. That's the good news. The bad news is that the course has such a high demand from local golfers, it is closing to visitors, at least for a while. On the other hand, better visitor accessibility to other Hanoi golf courses as well as new construction coming on line will make up for, at least in part, for this new development. In any case, I don't expect this to last long and I will keep you posted as the situation changes.

 

Malaysia
*Els Club Teluk DataiKuala Lumpur: The Malaysia government continues to invest heavily in promoting golf tourism and rightly so. The generally off-the-beaten track for golf tourism nation faces an uphill battle to compete, especially in terms of world-class service, with its neighbors in Thailand and Bali. However, with opening of courses like the Els Club Teluk Datai and improving visitor accessibility to PGA venues like Kuala Lumpur Golf & Country Club, the standard of golf in Malaysia is definitely something all golfers should take notice of. Moreover, it is hard to find any other country with such a diverse range of golf environments. From big cities, to tropical islands, to virgin rain forests, golf in Malaysia is available in practically every setting imaginable.

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

I truly believe that 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

 

- Asia Golf Week - Amateur Golf Weeks in Asia
Asia Golf Week

Hyatt Regency Hua Hin Amateur Golf Week: 12-18 October, 2014
After the huge success of the Centara World Masters in Hua Hin in June, we have been flooded with enquiries for when the next tournament is on in Hua Hin. Good news is we have scheduled an event 11-17 October. Offering a series of 3,4 and 5 star venues including the Hyatt Hua Hin right on the beach , there will be an accommodation type to suit all players and playing the 4 best courses in the area including Black Mountain and Banyan, there will be no excuses for not having a great time in Hua Hin.

Siam Country Club Pattaya Amateur Golf Week: 18-25 October, 2014
Being just 90 minutes from the airport and situated right on the gulf of Thailand, Pattaya is favourite destination for many of our players. This tournament we will be playing all three Siam Country Club courses and throwing in Thai Country Club to boot. These 4 championship courses will certainly show you the best golf courses and conditioning in Thailand.  October is an ideal time to be playing these courses as they have just come out of the raining season and all the courses are in tip top, championship condition.

Chiang Mai Amateur Golf Week: 25 October - 1 November, 2014
As our season ending event, Chiang Mai has become popular with the tournament players for a relaxed week in a cooler climate. Many of the golfers enjoy the more laid back atmosphere of this event compared to the hustle and bustle of Pattaya and Hua Hin.  The hotels we have selected are all centrally located to the night market and restaurant districts. Chiang Mai Highlands and Alpine Country Club rate high in the course rankings in Thailand and will surely test all the players skills over the week long event.

Registrations for these events can be made online on this tournament link or you can email [email protected] to secure your position

Early bird booking for October will receive a boston bag for bookings and payments finalised by 1st August 2014.

Should you have any questions regarding these events, please contact us on [email protected]

For further details please go to www.asiagolfweek.com 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 - Sea Breeze Villas Hua Hin

Sea Breeze Villas Hua HinSea Breeze Villas Hua Hin is a luxuriously built development to the south of Hua Hin close to Khao Takiap, within 5 minutes drive to the beautiful beach.

Sea Breeze Villas Hua Hin is a new exclusive development of only 20 plots of land, set on a tranquil mountain side only 500 meters from the sea, south of the well renowned Khao Takiab.

The town of Hua Hin and shopping center is merely 5 minutes, or 3.5 kms away. For the golfer we are pleased to inform you that not less than 6 world class golf courses are within 10-30 minutes drive from the development.

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.

- Golf in a Kingdom News - Laguna Phuket Golf Club Upgrade

Golf in a Kingdom - Laguna Phuket Golf Club UpgradeLaguna Phuket Golf Club re-opened its newly renovated front 9 holes on 1st July 2014.

The new nine features Bermuda Tif-Eagle greens and Zoysia Matrella fairways/surrounds. There is improved drainage and more contouring throughout the golf course.

Alongside the golf course upgrade, the practice facilities and clubhouse are undergoing complete renovations. At present only the Pro Shop remains open, with temporary facilities available for golfers at the driving range. The practice facilities and clubhouse renovations are due to be completed by November 2014, with the back 9 holes being completed by year end. From 1st Jan onwards 18 holes will be fully open for play.

[Visit Golf in a Kingdom]

- Golf Travel Testimonials

Hi Ms Yim,

Many thanks for organizing my itinerary for me - it has been perfect.

I have had a great time and today at Black Mountain was the best score I have ever had there in 7 years!!!

The Centara in Hua Hin, as usual, was wonderful.

The driver who picked me up from the Airport and who brought me back to Bangkok was great - a lovely person.

I will be back before end of year again, work permitting, so I will make contact with you again.

Best wishes and many thanks, I appreciate your efforts.

Graeme
Australia, July 2014

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

- Danang - Golf Coast Vietnam - A Destination Review by Paul Myers

Danang GolfCliches and superlatives are thrown around like confetti in the golf tourism industry. It seems every course or destination is the "best" of one thing or another and is more appealing than anywhere else. Such is the competition these days for golf visitors and their perceived well-stacked wallets!

Danang, Vietnam has won plenty of accolades since golf was first played there almost five years ago - with good reason. While it's impossible to say golf on the Central Coast of Vietnam is "better" than anywhere else, the region boasts three world-class courses and can hold its own with any other golf destination in Asia. It's also a fact that the plethora of culture, history, food and sightseeing in and around Danang, nearby Hoi An and Hue makes the Central Coast a standout destination without golf.

Vietnam's fourth largest city may be a little out of the way, but there are now direct international flights from Singapore, Hong Kong, Tokyo, Seoul, Kuala Lumpur (from Aug 29) and numerous daily one-hour flights from Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi. It's then just 10 to 20 minutes from the airport to most resorts and upmarket hotels.

[Read the entire destination review]

- Featured Golf Course - Laguna Lang Co Golf Club

Laguna Lang Co Golf ClubLaguna Lang Co Golf Club in central Vietnam near Lang Co Bay and a 3 kilometer beach in the Chan May region of Central Vietnam, an area renowned for its pristine coastline, natural scenery and proximity to UNESCO World Heritage sites. The site is located between the ancient city of Hue 30 kilometers to the North and Danang 35 kilometers to the South.

This par-71 golf course was designed by six-time Major winner Sir Nick Faldo. The Lang Co Golf Club can be enjoyed by the most experienced players and beginners alike. The course presents a variety of tees for players of all levels measuring 6,958 yards from the championship tees and a friendly 5,263 yards from the front tees.

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

- Featured Hotel - Fusion Maia Danang

Fusion Maia DanangThe Fusion Maia Da Nang is situated on the pristine beach of Danang,  offers Vietnam's first all-inclusive spa resort for golfers. All spa services are included assuring you of a daily golf massage at no additional cost. Fusion Maia's design was inspired by that of Forbidden City of Hue. Every villa at Fusion Maia includes a private pool and a private garden. Worried about missing breakfast due to your tee time? Breakfast is served at any time and any place. These are just a few of the steps Fusion Maia takes to make truly special golfing holidays. Fusion Maia is only 5 minutes from Montgomerie Links Vietnam and Danang Golf Club and 20 minutes from the world heritage town Hoi An.

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

- Golf Trip Idea: Vietnam Golf Coast Exclusive

Vietnam Golf Coast ExclusivePlay at two top Vietnam golf courses, stay at one of many fine resorts on one of Asia's best beaches, and discover a UNESCO World Heritage Site, all on one golf trip. With great golf, excellent accommodations, and a treasure of history what more can you wish for?

[Vietnam Golf Coast Exclusive Itinerary...]

Asia Golf Specials
- Golf Course Maintenance Updates

Thailand

  • Bangkok
    • Suwan Golf & Country Club - Course will be closed on 18 & 28 August for a tournament.
  • Hua Hin
    • Black Mountain Golf Club - The course will be closed from 23 - 30 November for the King's Cup.
  • Pattaya
    • Siam Country Club, Plantation Course - Coring green schedule: Course B - 30 June - 20 July, Course C - 21 July - 8 August.
  • Phuket
    • Blue Canyon Country Club, Canyon Course - Course will be undergoing coring green from 1 - 3 September.
    • Blue Canyon Country Club, Lakes Course - Course will be undergoing coring green from 6 October - 8 October.
    • Laguna Phuket Golf Club - 9 holes will be closed for 18 months from July 2013 onwards. The back nine holes have been freshly renovated and are ready for play while the front nine holes are closed for renovation until approximately early 2015.
    • Red Mountain Golf Club - Course will be undergoing coring green from 1 - 2 September.
  • Chiang Mai
    • Alpine Golf Resort - Course will be closed from 10 - 16 November for the Chiang Mai Golf Classic 2014 tournament.
    • Gassan Khuntan Golf & Resort - Course is closed for renovation. The course will reopen on 1 November.
    • Gassan Marina - Course will be closed on 12 August for a tournament.

Vietnam

  • Hanoi
    • Hanoi Golf Club, Heron Lake Golf Club and Resort, Tam Dao Golf Club, Van Tri Golf Club - Closed every Monday morning for maintenance.
    • Kings Island Golf Resort - Mountainview course is closed on Mondays and Lakeside course is closed on Tuesdays for maintenance. The Mountainview course will be closed on 9 August & 21-22 November for a tournament.
  • Saigon
    • Long Than Golf Club - The course will be undergoing coring green on 4-6 August, 11-13 August, 18-19 August and 25-26 August.
    • Vietnam Golf & Country Club - Course will be closed for tournaments on 8, 9, 14, 22 and 29 August.
  • Danang
    • All courses are in great condition.
  • Nha Trang
    • Vinpearl Golf Club - Course is closed on Mondays for maintenance.

Malaysia

  • Kuala Lumpur
    • Awana Genting Highlands Golf & Country Club - 9 holes closed alternately every Monday.
    • Glenmarie Golf & Country Club - Garden Course closed every Monday, Valley Course closed every Wednesday.
    • Kota Permai Golf & Country Club - Course will be closed on 16 October for a tournament.
    • Kuala Lumpur Golf & Country Club - Closed for the Sime Darby LPGA Malaysia from 9 October - 12 October and for the CIMB Classic from 30 October - 2 November.
    • Mines Resort & Golf Club - Closed on Mondays for maintenance.
    • Saujana Golf & Country Club - Palm course is undergoign renovation during 2014.
  • Langkawi
    • All courses are in great condition.
  • Malacca
    • Orna Resort - Closed on Mondays for maintenance.
  • Johor Baru
    • Horizon Hills Golf & Country Club - Closed on Mondays for maintenance.
  • Penang
    • Bukit Jawi Golf Resort - Course will be closed from 18 - 20 August for a tournament.
    • Penang Golf Club - Course will be closed from 4 - 8 August for a tournament.

Indonesia

    • All golf courses are in good condition

Singapore

    • All golf courses are in good condition.
- Golf Tournaments

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

Hyatt Regency Hua Hin Amateur Golf Week - October 2014
Date: October 12 - 18, 2014 | Location: Hua Hin, Thailand [Find out more]

Siam Country Club 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]

Hua Hin Amateur Golf Week - March 2015
Date: March 1 - 7, 2015| Location: Hua Hin, Thailand

Pattaya Amateur Golf Week - March 2015
Date: March 8 - 14, 2015| Location: Pattaya, Thailand

Malaysia Amateur Golf Week - May 2015
Date: May 10 - 15, 2015| Location: Malaysia

Bali Amateur Golf Week - May 2015
Date: May 17 - 23, 2015| Location: Bali

Phuket Amateur Golf Week - June 2015
Date: 7 - 13 June, 2015| Location: Phuket, Thailand

Centara World Masters Golf Championship - June 2015
Date: 14 - 20 June, 2015| Location: Hua Hin, Thailand

Bangkok Amateur Golf Week - June 2015
Date: 21 - 27 June, 2015| Location: Bangkok, Thailand

Cambodia Amateur Golf Week - August 2015
Date: 2 - 9 August, 2015| Location: Siem Reap, Cambodia

Vietnam Amateur Golf Week - August 2015
Date: 10 - 16 August, 2015| Location: Danang, Vietnam

Hua Hin Amateur Golf Week - October 2015
Date: 11 - 17 October, 2015| Location: Hua Hin, Thailand

Pattaya Amateur Golf Week - October 2015
Date: 18 - 24 October, 2015| Location: Pattaya, Thailand

Chiang Mai Amateur Golf Week - October 2015
Date: 25 - 31 October, 2015| Location: Chiang Mai, Thailand

- Best of the Blog Thailandgolfzone.com

Golf In Portugal Versus Golf In Thailand

Golf In Portugal Versus Golf In ThailandPortugal (9):  Even though there are only 70 golf courses Portugal is one of Europe's best golf destinations. The Algarve region is the most famous golfing area and the best course there is Victoria Golf Vilamoura, home of the 2013 Portugal Golf Masters and tour stop for the European Tour. However, my course in Portugal is the Seve Ballesteros designed Porto Santo. This traditional links course plays along the Atlantic Ocean and is as good as golf gets!

Thailand (7): There is good golf cross the country with most of best courses in Thailand in and around Bangkok, Pattaya, and Hua Hin. Thai Country Club has hosted more professional golf events than any other Thai golf course. Black Mountain Golf Club is the only golf course in Thailand to be rated in the top 100 courses outside the USA by Golf Digest.

[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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- Golfing Tips by Ian Morgan - Drink Plenty!

We are in the hottest time of the year at the moment, so it's important to protect yourself on the golf course. Use a high protection sun block and always wear a hat or visor. You can get burnt even when the skies are overcast.

Also avoid dehydration, and drink plenty of water and electrolyte drinks. There are many drink stops around the courses in Thailand, so take advantage of them.

[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:

  • October 27 - 30, 2014 - International Golf Travel Mart (Villa Erba, Lake Como, Italy)

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.
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