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Dear Golf Travelers,
 Welcome to the August 2017 issue of the Asian Golf Nation, the source for news breaking information about golf in Asia. Also, 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.
I am writing this month's newsletter more than 200km from the nearest golf course. Here in Masai Mara Kenya, the closest thing to a fairway is a remote landing strip. Forget about greens; everything is brown, plus there are beasts all over instead of grounds keepers. Check out this image, and you will see what I mean. The good news is that the long awaited trip is a good opportunity to spend some quality family time, relax, and write and reflect on what I miss most about golf in Asia.
Asia is still the midst of the low summer season, and with that, there are great promotions around the region. The Hua Hin Golf Festival is in full swing as are sports days in Pattaya and Bangkok. I have always said there's no better time to get away for some summer golf in Asia than right now during the months of August and September.
This month marks the final leg of 2017 Asia World Masters tournaments with the Accor Vietnam event being in Danang, August 13-18. The event is a sold out full field 128 person affair. August also is the first ever Golf Marathon Challenge in Hua Hin. Playing 54 holes of championship golf over two days is even more demanding than the pros can tackle and only die hard golfers should enter this historic event.
Next up on our event calendar are the two November events, the Ryder Cup in Pattaya and the Amateur Week in Chiang Mai. The former is a match-play limited field event for golfers who prefer this format and want to represent their continent. The latter event is an all-inclusive and unlimited golf affair. Held at the full-service Alpine Chiang Mai Golf Resort, the Chiang Mai Amateur Week promises to be exciting, fun and ideal for hardcore golfers.
Finally, while it is still summer, and it may seem early to plan your winter vacations, there are some great all year destinations which Golfasian recommends. Those who know me are familiar with my preference for Danang on Vietnam's coast. The four signature courses there together make up the best golf destination in Asia, and by a wide margin (see below). After Danang, my top winter golf stops in Asia are Chiang Mai, Siem Reap, and Kuala Lumpur. All offer great golf, value-for-money, and ideal golfing conditions. We at are more than happy to help plan the perfect golf holiday to suit any budget and style of travel. Sample packages can be found on our web site or send an inquiry, and one of our consultants will design your perfect golf trip.
As always, there are lots of golf 'happenings' around the region so with that, I invite you to enjoy this edition of the Asian Golf Nation.
Mark Siegel
Managing Director of Golfasian
In This Issue:
 Visit Golfasian Today!
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 Nha Trang, Vietnam |
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| Cam Ranh Bay |
Grass grow-in at the new Greg Norman designed course at Cam Ranh Bay continues and a 2017 opening in still in the cards. From the recent photo, it is clear that Cam Ranh Bay Golf Links will rank right up with the other top Norman courses in Vietnam already operating in Danang (BRG Golf Resort) and Ho Tram (The Bluffs). All three are links style and play alongside of the East Sea. This third Nha Trang golf course will greatly boost the Ocean City's appeal as a year round golf destination.
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 Chiang Mai, Thailand |
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| Alpine Golf Resort Chiang Mai |
The new 9-holes at Alpine Chiang Mai are in full operation, and I had the opportunity to play them last month. Overall the new holes are excellent and play more like a links course and through rice paddies. The opening holes of the original back-9 are integrated with four of the new holes and now form the "B Course.". The other five new holes are now part of the "C Course" along with the original four closing holes. As mentioned, we the November Chiang Mai Golf Week is being held at Alpine and players will have the opportunity to play unlimited golf during the week.
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 Yangon, Myanmar |
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| Dagon Golf City |
The Dagon Golf City opening will be delayed until mid-2018 due to slower than expected progress. The par-72 international golf course of 6,786 yards designed by Phil Ryan, under construction and part of a larger project that includes a hotel, residential, and commercial sections.
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Our 2018 tournament calendar kicks off with the Amari Hua Hin Golf Week starting on March 11. The weather is perfect for golfing and the golf courses are in tip top condition. Based on the success of last year, we have opened bookings early so you can get in now and secure your place. In 2018 we will be going back to the popular courses Seapines, Springfield, Banyan and Black Mountain.
For early bird payments before 31 August you can either have a free room upgrade AND a free room night OR have a THB 5,000 voucher to spend at the Amari Hua Hin on food drinks, massages, etc. Register here.
The Avani Pattaya Amateur Golf Week will be hosted by the Avani Pattaya Resort & Spa, the newest 5 star hotel in Pattaya and starts on 18 March. The Avani is located between Beach & Second road and is right in the middle of town with everything nearby.
With so many golf courses in Pattaya available, we have selected the 4 top golf courses, Laem Chabang, Siam Waterside, Siam Plantation and Siam Old Course.
Early Bird bookings paid before 31 August receive a 10% discount and a personalized boston bag with your name on it. Register here.
If you would like to book one of our events, or have any questions, please email us at [email protected]. |
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A stress free holiday and golf experience. We liked all the courses we played at although some were more favourable than others particularly with the ladies in our group as at some courses the holes were very long for lady players.
Marriott, Hua Hin. The hotel was fantastic, the pool was excellent and bigger than we expected. The rooms were very clean and spacious enough for our requirements.
We appreciated the way GolfAsian provided a seamless trip from the time of the booking to our return to home.
Our trip was very well organised, your drivers are very professional, always on time and very polite and helpful.
Christine Khan
UAE, July
[Read more golfer testimonials online] |
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Danang & Hoi An, Vietnam
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Da Nang or Danang dates to the early 14th century when the area was settled as a small village in central Vietnam. In 1954 with the division of Vietnam into the North and South, Danang became part of South Vietnam, and in 1965 was the location of the first landing of US forces in Vietnam when it was aptly coined "China Beach". Nowadays, this same area is home to one of Asia's best beaches, many world-class resorts and Vietnam's best golf courses. For example, the Montgomerie Links Vietnam and the Danang Golf Club are constantly ranked among Asia's leading golf clubs. It is no surprise then that some refer to this area as the Vietnam Golf Coast.
Hoi An, with its lovely wooden shop-homes was set up in the 16th century. It has been revived in the 20th century to commemorate the long history of Vietnamese international trade. Wandering through its protected old town, visitors are transported back to a time when Hoi An was Vietnam's most important trading port. For those looking a glimpse of the real Vietnam, or just a fun night out, Hoi An mixes old world charm with a modern and vibrant night life.
[Read the complete review]
View our Danang Golf Packages | Danang Golf Courses
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BRG Da Nang Golf Resort (Danang Golf Club) opened in 2010 and immediately leapt to fame being recognized as one of the 15 best new courses in the world by USA GOLF magazine. Da Nang Golf Resort has been awarded a number of awards, amongst them the 2011, 2012, 2013 best golf course in Asia by the readers of Asian Golf Monthly as well as the 2012 Best Golf Course in Vietnam by USA Golf Digest and the 2014 IAGTO Diamond Award.
[Read more about one of Vietnam's Best Golf Courses]
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Novotel Danang is exclusively situated in Danang town centre on the Western Bank of the Han River. The hotel is one of the leading hotels in Danang, with the tallest rooftop bar providing spectacular views of the beautiful city of Danang. All the guest room are contemporary, large and comfortable to provide all guests a pleasant and relax stay.
View our Novotel Danang Golf Special.
[Read more about one of Vietnam's Best Hotels]
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Thailand |
| Bangkok |
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| Vietnam |
| Danang |
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| Saigon |
- Jeongsan Country Club: Course will be closed on 26 August for a tournament.
- Song Be Golf Resort: Course will be closed on 8, 11 and 25 August for tournaments.
- Twin Doves Golf Club: Course will be closed on 15 and 22 August for tournaments.
- Vietnam Golf & Country Club: Course will be closed on 3, 5, 7, 8, 10, 12, 14, 17, 19, 21, 24, 28 and 31 August for tournaments.
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 Indonesia |
| Bali |
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 Malaysia |
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 Cambodia |
| Siem Reap |
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 Singapore |
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| Accor Vietnam World Masters Golf Championship -
Aug '17 |
Danang,
Vietnam |
13 - 19
August, 2017 |
| [find out more] |
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Golfasian Ryder Cup
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November
2017 |
Pattaya,
Thailand |
1 & 3
November, 2017 |
| [find out more] |
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Chiang Mai Amateur
Golf Week
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November
2017 |
Chiang Mai,
Thailand |
5 - 11
November, 2017 |
| [find out more] |
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Amari Hua Hin Amateur
Golf Week
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October
2017 |
Hua Hin,
Thailand |
29 Oct.
- 4 Nov.
2017 |
| [find out more] |
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Amari Hua Hin Amateur
Golf Week
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March
2018 |
Hua Hin,
Thailand |
11 - 17
March, 2018 |
| [find out more] |
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Avani Pattaya Amateur
Golf Week
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March
2018 |
Pattaya,
Thailand |
18 - 24
March, 2018 |
| [find out more] |
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6 Bedrooms Modern Pool Villa in Hua Hin |
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 This incredible modern property offers the definitive private retreat, representing a place to relax and enjoy the absolute purity and joy of the natural elements.
This is a lovely 6 bedroom, 5 bathroom home designed with spacious open plan living, covered terraces, and plenty of extra storage. This 1,660 square meter property enjoys a beautiful landscaped garden, a 25 m X 5 m lap swimming pool, and a covered car port to keep your vehicle cool during the daytime. Off to the side of the main house is a private guest house with en-suite bathroom , kitchen and Around the back and side of the house is a laundry
For more information visit our website.Find out more! |
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Golf in Australia vs.
Golf in Thailand
Here are my rankings on the golfing in these 2 countries on a scale of 1-10 with 10 being best.
Quality (30%)
Australia (10): Most courses are set up for serious Australian golfers, who comprise some 10% of the overall population. The average Australian golf course is by far better than most other countries top courses. The top Australian courses include Royal Melbourne, Barnbougle Dunes, and New South Wales, all of which have hosted major PGA events.
Thailand (7): Thai golf courses vary from average municipal courses to better ones that cater mainly to golf tourists. The best courses like Thai CC, Siam CC, and Red Mountain all can hold their own when it comes to international golf courses. One Thai course, Black Mountain has even made it to the "100 Best Golf Courses Outside The USA" 2012 list by Golf Digest.
Service (25%)
Australia (3): Service is not something that is synonymous with golfing in Australia...
[READ THE ENTIRE ARTICLE] |
Top 5 Tips for Playing Your Best
While in Asia
- While the umbrella keeps the rain off you, it also keeps the sun off you as well. Carrying your umbrella will decrease the temperature by about 5* making you feeling much cooler.
- I always have 3 or 4 gloves that I rotate during my round. So many people I see wearing the same glove all round that gets wet and slippery, the two things that don't give you a good grip in the club.
- Have a towel handy to dry your hands before each shot, even when its not raining.
- Drink plenty of fluids and that doesn't mean beer. You should be drinking about 3 litres of water or sports drink during your round to keep up your energy level and to avoid dehydration.
- Your caddy is a vital part of your game in Asia and they will help you navigate around the golf course and give valuable information on placement of bunkers, water and even the OOB. Don't forget to give them a nice tip at the end of the round, irrespective of how you played.
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Other golf stories can be found at the Thailand Golf Zone, Vietnam Golf Zone, Phuket Golf Zone and Vietnam Golf Tourism Blogs where there are over 1,600 original golf articles & commentary dealing exclusively with golf in Asia and golf travel.
I would love to hear about any golf tips you may have gathered from your golf trips. I can incorporate some in future articles so if you have any suggestions you would like to share, please let me know by dropping me an email. |
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Have you thought about golf travel insurance for your trip? Golfasian has teamed up with Pacific Cross insurance to offer:
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Personal Accident Insurance
- up to
USD 65,000
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Medical Treatment
- up to
USD 75,000
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Hole-In-One
- up to
USD 300
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Emergency Evacuation & Repatriation
Loss/Damage of Baggage
- up to
USD 800
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Loss/Damage of Golfing Equipment
- up to
USD 2,000
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AND A LOT MORE !
For more information visit our website.
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