Asian Golf Travel Nation - August 2015

With just over ½ way through our season with 4 events to go, we would like to congratulate this year's winners so far

Hua Hin Amateur Week March 8-13

• Hua Hin Amateur Gross winner Nigel Phillips
• Hua Hin A grade winner Joe Napier
• Hua Hin B grade winner Shao Xue
• Ladies winner Lada Hongchai

Pattaya Amateur Week March 14-21

• Pattaya Amateur Gross winner Paul Crawford
• Pattaya A grade winner Bill Bockstaler
• Pattaya B grade winner Dale Robson
• Ladies winner Angela Rarere

Phuket Golf Week June 8-13

• Phuket Golf Week Winner Graham Calbert
• Ladies winner Mary O'Shea

Our next two events will be the Siam Country Club Pattaya Amateur Golf Week 2015 and the Chiang Mai Amateur Golf Week 2015 and we have positions available for both events. The October months sees the weather starting to cool down and it's a great time to visit before the busy season when all the hotels and golf courses increase their rates.

For new bookings to these last two events for Pattaya and Chiang Mai, mention this newsletter and receive one of our Boston bags free.

We have 12 events throughout the year and details of these events can be found on this link http://www.golfasian.com/golf-holidays/thailand/golf-tournaments/

If you would like to book one of our events, or have any questions, please email us at [email protected].

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.

A new development set in the very heart of Hua Hin. High quality construction and generous land sizes. 5 minutes to the centre of Hua Hin and close to the Blu-Port shopping mall. Nearest Golf course would be Banyan Golf Club but easy access to many other courses.

The development is as expected selling well already with phase 2 opening shortly. Homes vary in design and start from THB 8.9 million. The developer is comfortable to discuss finance packages and schedules that will accommodate the buyer's needs.

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 - Andy Dyett - [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 Ching Pou Lim. My friends and I come from Johor Bahru, located at the southern tip of the Malaysian Peninsular.

I have played golf for more than 20 years and am pretty much an addict. Currently, my friends and I are members of Pulai Spring Golf Resort, located in Johor State.

This wasn't our first time travelling to Thailand. We'd previously enjoyed golf trips to Phuket and Chang Mai. It was our second package arranged by Golfasian. On this occasion we were a group of six including my "Kaki" (kaki means buddies in Malay) from our home club and a couple of others who share our passion for golf. The reason we pick Thailand is because of the lovely people, wonderful Thai cuisine, fascinating culture and heritage, but most of all, undeniably good value for money.

Obviously this was our very first trip to Khao Yai. We chose it for its reputation as a place of tranquility and beauty. Upon arrival we found the location so calming, so relaxing; very much a sanctuary from the hustle and bustle of city life. We instantly knew we had made the choice and loved it. Our thanks to Golfasian for the recommendation and selection of hotel and golf courses, well done! The Balios Resort Hotel lobby is very welcoming and decorated with lots of Thai artefacts. Staff are friendly and helpful, guest rooms are spacious and comfortable; we really enjoyed our 2 nights' stay. The selection and arrangements were perfect as each day the standard of golf course improved, culminating in the wonderful Rancho Charnvee, more of which later...smart planning, keep it up.

Before the trip, we had concerns about the severity of the current hot season in the region, but surprisingly the weather was really pleasant and just perfect for golf throughout our stay. We only experienced one brief shower during golf, albeit quite heavy, and were able to shelter in one of the very civilized drink stops. Afterwards, the course drained remarkably quickly and 20 minutes later you wouldn't know it had rained at all.

What I liked about Rancho was the beautiful scenery, well maintained fairways and excellent club house facilities. Kirimaya Golf Resort deserves the best service award. The staff should be praised for our warm reception and subsequent care and attention. One of our group had a minor eye complaint and the assistance he was given was really touching. Overall, we had no issues with our 3 days' golfing on these courses and were delighted with Golfasian's recommendations. My only frustration was that my level of skill is still not good enough to handle the greens or my scores would be at least 4 to 5 strokes better.

After a great day's golf what could be better than a few ice cold beers, some delicious Thai food, and finally a traditional Thai massage plus spa treatment? These were the 'must have' after every round of golf. Our friendly Golfasian driver did an excellent job taking us to great places where we were able to enjoy the local hospitality.

All in all, as a contrasting Thailand golf experience Khao Yai was a revelation and thoroughly enjoyable. We couldn't recommend it more highly. Cheers!

[Read more testimonials...]

Chiang Mai's popularity as a tourist destination has surged in recent years.  While much of that growth has come from Asian tourists with direct flights now connecting Chiang Mai to many Asian hubs, the number of visitors from western and other countries also continues to grow every year.

Despite that growth, Chiang Mai still doesn't feel as touristy or developed as many areas in central and southern Thailand, and it still manages to maintain its friendly and pleasant Lanna Thai culture.

Traffic is normally light and getting around is so easy!  From the airport to most area hotels takes no more than 10 – 15 minutes.  From the hotels to most Chiang Mai golf courses is about 30 – 45 minutes.  And after golf, tuk tuk and songthaew taxis are cheap and readily available to get you to the numerous restaurants, markets, pubs and entertainment venues in minutes.

Aside from golf, Chiang Mai has an abundance of options for sightseeing, cultural and active tours.  800 year old temples, Thai cooking classes, elephant conservation centers, national parks with breathtaking scenery, zip lines, Segway tours and more... it's all here.

And when considering value for money along with overall appeal, it's difficult to think of anywhere that can match Chiang Mai.

At the same time, I also very much enjoy the energy and excitement of Bangkok and the atmosphere of being at a beach destination.  Fortunately, Chiang Mai combines very easily with such places for multi destination holidays.  Before I moved to Thailand, my 'perfect holiday' started in Bangkok, followed by Chiang Mai, then to Phuket before finally finishing up with a night or two back in Bangkok.  For variety I would occasionally work Chiang Rai, Hua Hin or Pattaya into the mix.

Whether looking for a single or multi destination holiday, if you haven't been to Chiang Mai, I strongly urge you give it a Chiang Mai golf holiday try!

Read the entire destination review]

(scenic views, rolling terrain, good variety and great golf!)

The Chiang Mai Highlands Golf Club opened in 2005 and significantly added to the quality of Chiang Mai's golf courses. Soon after in 2007, Chiang Mai Highlands Golf & Spa Resort was voted #3 for "Best New Golf Course in Asia" by Asian Golf Monthly. In 2013, Chiang Mai Highlands was awarded by the same publication as the "Best Value For Money Golf Course in Asia".

The drive to Highlands from Chiang Mai city leads through exceptionally beautiful landscape in an eastern direction passing rice fields and plantations into the mountains. The Chiang Mai Highlands golf course is built on a 'power spot' - the hermitage of Kuba Sivichai (the revered monk who founded the famous temple on Doi Suthep). This very special site is breathtaking in every direction and literally tingles with an energetic aliveness. Its profound tranquility, high elevation, cool climate, fresh air, pure water, and fertile soil form the perfect place to sculpt a living golf treasure.

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

Located in the city and on the banks of the Ping River, the Ratilanna Riverside Spa Resort (formerly Sofitel Riverside Hotel) offers 75 suite and deluxe rooms each with private balconies. A wooden theme design throughout is combined with modern facilities and ancient Chiang Mai heritage. The Chiang Mai resort offers the highest standard of services and is an excellent choice for discerning Chiang Mai golf visitors.

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

Chiang Mai is the gateway to the north of Thailand and home to some great golfing. Bangkok is well known for the best shopping in Thailand and also has a myriad of championship golf courses. Stay at golf resorts in both destinations and play top golf courses. The trip between Chiang Mai and Bangkok is a short 1 hour by domestic flight. This Thailand golf trip combines the best cultural sights with excellent golf and is perfect for those looking to both golf in natural surroundings and explore Thailand's capital in one trip. Everything is taken care of for you so sit back and get ready for a golf trip of a lifetime.

Recommended Hotels:

• 4 Star De Naga Chiang Mai
• 4 Star Montien Hotel Bangkok
• 5 Star Anantara Chiang Mai Resort & Spa
• 5 Star Anantara Bangkok Riverside Resort & Spa
• We have a wide range of 3 - 5 star hotels available. To meet your preferences and budget please contact us for further information.

[Chiang Mai - Bangkok (2-Destination) Golf Package Itinerary...]

Almost every day of the year the luggage carousels at international airport terminals in Bangkok, Phuket, Singapore, Ho Chi Minh City and Kuala Lumpur disgorge hundreds of sets of golf clubs owned by amateur golfers from every corner of the globe. A million golf bags will have passed through airports in these and other south-east Asian (SEA) cities by year's end, their owners participating in a tourism sector that has been experiencing double digit growth for the past five years.

Visiting golfers to SEA come in groups, as couples, members of home-based golf clubs, as part of corporate incentive programs and even alone to discover and, increasingly, rediscover the friendliest and most cost-effective golf on the planet.

Chances are one of seven sales and marketing consultants at Bangkok-based Golfasian will have coordinated these trips; a diverse group of white guys selling and delivering bucket-list golf holiday experiences to people from every corner of the globe.

They include an American chemical engineer who came to Thailand to retire but found himself operating the most successful inbound golf tourism company in Asia, a former Swiss PGA golf champion who speaks four languages, an Australian PGA professional who quit teaching golf to sell golf tourism, a certified corporate accountant from Ohio, golf addicts from Yorkshire and Sydney and a German national with second-to-none marketing credentials.

[Read the entire press release...]

Thailand

• Bangkok
  • Bangkok Golf Club - Course will be undergoing coring green from 3-17 August.
  • Lam Luk Ka Country Club - Course will be undergoing coring green until 9 August (course A & B) and 17 August (course C & D).
  • Lotus Valley Golf Resort - Course will be closed on 7 and 21 August for tournaments.
  • Navatanee Golf Club - Course will be closed on 10 August for a tournament.
  • Riverdale Golf Club - Course will be closed on 7, 14, 21 and 31 August for tournaments.
  • Summit Windmill Golf Club - Course will be closed on 14 and 19 August for tournaments.
  • The Royal Gems Golf and Sports Club - Course will be closed on 14, 19 and 21 August for tournaments.
  • Vintage Golf Club - Course will be closed on 20 August for a tournament.
  • Windsor Park & Golf Club - Course will be closed on 20, 24, 28 and 31 August for tournaments.
• Hua Hin
  • Black Mountain Golf Club - Course will be closed from 1 - 14 March 2016 for the European Tour event.
  • Imperial Lake View Resort & Golf Club - Course D will be undergoing coring green from 2 August until 2 September.
• Pattaya
  • Burapha Golf Club - Course will be closed on 21, 29 and 30 August for tournaments.
  • Greenwood Golf & Resort - Course will be closed on 2(am), 9(am), 15 (all day), 16(am), 23(am), 29(am) and 30(am) August for tournaments.
  • Khao Khew Country Club - Course will be closed on 11 August for a tournament.
  • Laem Chabang Country Club - Course will be closed on 22 August for a tournament.
  • Pattana Golf Club & Resort - Course will be closed on 23 August for a tournament.
  • Phoenix Gold Golf & Country Club - 9 holes are closed until December.
  • Khao Khew Country Club - Course will be closed on 11 August for a tournament.
  • Rayong Green Valley Country Club - Course will be closed on 23(pm) and 29(pm) August for tournaments.
  • Siam Country Club, Plantation Course - Course will be closed on 21 and 29 August for tournaments.
  • Siam Country Club, Waterside Course - Course will be closed every Wednesday until 30 September for regular maintenance as well as on 10 August for a tournament.
• Phuket
  • Blue Canyon Country Club, Canyon Course - Course will be undergoing coring green from 3 - 5 August. Further, the course will be closed from 5 - 7 October for maintenance.
  • Blue Canyon Country Club, Lakes Course - Course will be closed from 14 - 16 September for maintenance.
  • Loch Palm Golf Club - Course will be closed on 15 August for a tournament.
  • Mission Hills Phuket Golf Resort & Spa - Course will be closed on 24 August for a tournament.
  • Phuket Country Club - Course will be closed from 4 - 5 August for maintenance.
  • Red Mountain Golf Club - Course will be undergoing coring green from 1-2 September. Further, the course will be closed on 31 October for an afternoon tournament.
• Chiang Mai
  • Alpine Golf Resort Chiang Mai - Course will be closed on 9 and 22 - 23 August for tournaments.
  • Chiang Mai Inthanon Golf Course & Nature Resort - Course will be closed on 8, 15 and 28 August for tournaments.
  • Gassan Khuntan Golf and Resort - Course will be closed on 9, 22 and 29 August for tournaments.
  • Gassan Legacy Golf Club - Course will be closed on 12 August for a tournament.
  • Gassan Marina Golf Club and Resort - Course will be closed for renovations until the end of May 2016.
  • Mae Jo Golf Club - Course will be closed on 12 and 21 August as well as on 10 October for tournaments.
  • Royal Chiang Mai Golf Club & Resort - Course will be closed on 29 August for a tournament.
• Chiang Rai
• Happy City Golf Resort - Course will be closed on 23 August for a tournament.
• Santiburi Chiang Rai Country Club - Course will be closed on 16 and 23 August for tournaments.

Vietnam

• Danang
  
  • Montgomerie Links Vietnam - Course will be closed 8 August for the Montgomerie Links Championship and on 13 August for the Colin Montgomerie Junior Challenge.

Malaysia

• Kuala Lumpur Golf & Country Club - Course will be closed from 8 - 11 October for the Sime Darby LPGA and from 29 October - 1 November for the CIMB Classic.
• Nexus Golf Resort Karambunai - Course will be closed from 18 - 20 September for the 11th Karambunai Golf Amateur Open and on 8 August for the Carlsberg Golf Classics 2015
• Saujana Golf & Country Club, Palm Course - Palm Course will be closed for maintenance until December 2015.
• Templer Park Country Club - Course will be closed from 20 - 23 August for the Vascory Classics

Indonesia

• All golf courses are in good condition

Singapore

• All golf courses are in good condition.

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]

Accor 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]

Centara World Masters Golf Championship - June 2016
Date: 12 - 18 June, 2016| Location: Hua Hin, Thailand [Find out more]

Which Golf Ball Is Right for YOU When Golfing In Thailand?

For the regular Thai golfer, the news on the modern golf ball is all good. The ball doesn't slice or hook anywhere near as much as it did 15 years ago and it goes a lot further. But why hasn't the average Thailand golf visitor's handicap dropped? The answer is almost certainly in the golf ball they are teeing up when golfing in Thailand.

Today a solidly hit golf ball doesn't move. The manufacturer's designers have worked the long night hours to make it so. But for most playing the Thai golf fairways the percentage of solidly hit shots hasn't improved that much and the ball, when hit poorly, will deviate from the straight and narrow, no matter how solidly it is constructed.

[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.

It's all relative, but we've all had that "banner" golf round, when everything clicks...when we're "in the zone". It may be scoring less than a hundred for the first time or breaking par, but all of us had to keep going right to the 18th to reach that milestone, keep the concentration, the rhythm and the focus.

I was engrossed by Eddie Pepperell at the Open Championship yesterday. One of England's brightest new talents, he was having a fabulous day, remorselessly chasing down the leader's score of -10, "peppering" the pin and rolling in everything he looked at.  He reached the 17th tee having just had yet another birdie and now tied for the lead; so far a blemish-free round. Admittedly, the famous St Andrews 17th, the Road Hole, is one of the most fearsome holes in golf, but to these guys the drive isn't that challenging, albeit requiring about a 300 yard blow there is lots of room both right and especially left where most bale out.  Clearly, Eddie suddenly felt he was bullet-proof and picturing a birdie even here taking the lead on his own, he lashed at the driver, came out of the shot and sprayed it right into the grounds of the St Andrews hotel and out of bounds. To my mind, he didn't put the shot in perspective, recognize the danger or just take stock...he was "pumped up" having tied the lead.

The point is, we are all subject to the same thing, losing focus. Pepperell wasn't under pressure, he just let adrenalin take over and didn't take a moment to consider that this was an important shot in his round which required his full attention.  The lesson for all of us, whether a par at 18 is required to break 90 or holing a six footer means we shoot 68, is we need to continue what has been a fabulous day's golf by staying in the moment as much as possible and not get carried away. Probably it will be nerves that we have to deal with, but whatever it is, we must find a way to continue our momentum and go back to basics with our pre-shot routine and good fundamentals; that's what got us to this position, this moment of glory. Good luck, and reach that milestone!

[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:

• August 4 - 6 - Thailand Golf Travel Mart (TGTM) (Hua Hin, Thailand)
• October 5 - 8 - International Golf Travel Mart (IGTM) (Tenerife)
• October 16 - 24 - Golf Road Show (New Zealand)

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

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

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