Asian Golf Travel Nation - December 2014

The first two group tournaments in 2015 look like being sell-outs.

"The Amari Hua Hin Golf Week starting on the 1st March has been one of our fastest subscribed events ever" says Mark Penfold, Golfasian's Director of Golf Events. "Ever since Hua Hin won the Best Golf Destination Asia award and Black Mountain Golf Club was voted best course in Asia 2014, golfers been have lining up to play."

Not to be outdone, two of the Pattaya Amateur Golf Week courses are hosting major professional events around the same time as our event. Siam Old Course is the venue for the LPGA Honda Classic two weeks before the Amateur Week, whilst Siam Plantation is host to the Thailand Open 2 weeks after.

"If you are looking to play championship golf courses in peak condition, in a professionally managed 4-round tournament, then you need to join us at either Hua Hin or Pattaya in March 2015".

The early bird booking offer of a free night or round of golf ends 16th Dec, so get your registrations in fast.

More details 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 contact us directly.

The biggest factor we have come across with regards to owning property in Thailand is that so few of our clients understand it is most certainly possible to buy property in Thailand! Here we will focus on a few key points about how to make a purchase, followed by the best places in town to buy actual golf course properties that will be detailed in next week's Real Estate News update.

HOW TO BUY PROPERTY IN THAILAND

• Do your research - At Golfasian Property Division we offer the best possible advice with regards to buying property in Hua Hin and elsewhere in Thailand and there may be pertinent questions you may not be aware of which we will cover.
• Find a property that suits you - Many clients constantly look for properties with re-sale value in mind. While that is a prudent approach, sometimes looking for a property that truly suits you is totally different from looking for a property that might sell well in a few years' time. We cover all of this from A to Z and make sure that we assist you in making the right decision. In any case, most golf course properties in the Hua Hin area have very good re-sale values.
• Know the law - This is a very important rule to remember. At Golfasian Property Division we make sure that all our clients are educated on what they need to know with regards to the rule of law for foreigners buying property in Thailand.
• Owning Land - Foreigners in Thailand cannot legally own land in the country. Therefore there are a few alternative options:
• The most popular way that foreigners have been purchasing property in the last 10 years or so is to set up a Thai company. The Thai company is owned 51% by Thais and 49% by the foreigner. The first step is to establish one Thai director and two Thai shareholders. Once the company is set up, the directorship of the company is signed over to you and the other two shareholders sign over their shares to you, so that you will be the sole signatory of the company. In this way you can either buy the house AND land in the name of a company, or only have the land in the name of a company and sign the house ownership into your name. There are literally thousands of foreigners in Thailand who own property in this way
• An alternative is to buy the house and legally own it in your name, then purchase a 30 year lease on the land. This is done legally with the land department, whereby you lease the land from the land owner, whether it is the previous Thai owner or a residential development, such as Palm Hills, Banyan Residences or Black Mountain Golf Club
• A condominium can be wholly owned by a foreigner in Thailand provided the number of foreign owners in the development does not exceed 49%

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.

What you say about the Thailand Golf Experience

My name is Ng Heng Chong. I live in Singapore. I have golfed for about 10 years and am currently playing off a handicap of 22.

Our group, who undertook their second trip to Thailand with Golfasian, are members of Sembawang Country Club, considered an oasis in the heart of the urban jungle. Set in undulating terrain with narrow fairways, blind holes and carefully positioned bunkers, the course is definitely not for the faint-hearted.

Here's the four of us, at Laem Chabang Golf Club. We are super relaxed and thoroughly enjoying the start to our holiday. It was a 5-day trip to Pattaya and Bangkok with rounds of golf at Laem Chabang, Siam Country Club's Plantation course, Suwan and Thai Country Club.

We love coming to Thailand, and in particular enjoy the great food from gourmet restaurants to street fare. Bangkok is a city that never sleeps so after golf it was easy to get a great meal, do a bit of shopping and just drink in the atmosphere. The people are wonderful and service levels fantastic, noticeably so at the golf courses. It was amazing to have the luxury of a caddy who not only attended to chores like raking bunkers and repairing pitch marks, but also gave us accurate ranges to the pin, read the greens superbly and even recommended clubs to play; I could get used to this!

The group are pretty relaxed about our golf. Notwithstanding, we all appreciated the immaculate greens at each venue and especially superb course conditions at Siam and Thai Country Club; they are world class. There were so many spectacular holes and often we would pause and remark to each other about our beautiful surroundings, taking a moment to soak it all in and enjoy the privileged experience.

Like the first, our second trip with Golfasian went flawlessly. We'd like to take this opportunity to thank our rep Boyd Barker who accommodated all our requests in a professional and friendly manner. The operational staff were equally courteous and helpful. We have had 2 very good years of golf in Thailand thanks to Golfasian. Keep it up

[Find out about Golfasian's Travel Satisfaction Guarantee]

Pattaya is located on the Gulf of Thailand, southeast of Bangkok and 1 hour from Suvanabhumi International Airport. From a fishing village in the 1960's, Pattaya has emerged as one of the favorite Thailand golf vacation destinations. Unlike other golf resorts, where one or two famous courses are used as magnets to attract golfers, Pattaya makes an all-out attempt to provide the best golf for players of all abilities. In addition everything a golfer can imagine while on a golf holiday is on offer; championship golf courses, top beach resorts, world renowned entertainment, sightseeing and loads of fun.

Pattaya has over 30 golf courses of which all are accessible to Pattaya golf visitors. Many of the Pattaya golf courses are laid out over rolling hillsides, offer challenging playing conditions, and have panoramic views. The best courses include Siam Country Club and Laem Chabang.

After golf there it's time for you to explore the infamous nightlife of exotic Pattaya, the resort which never sleeps.

[Read the entire destination review]

The Siam Country Club Plantation Course is simply an amazing golf course. Home to the 2009 US LGPA and the 2015 Thailand Open, the Pattaya course plays as difficult as any golf course in Thailand. Nothing was spared by designer Lee Schmidt.

This 27-hole layout is routed through rolling terrain, with distant panoramic views of Pattaya Beach, Laem Chabang and the Gulf of Thailand. Formerly a tapioca and pineapple plantation, the property's geological and natural characteristics include rugged ravines bisecting its Paspalum fairways and mature trees augmented by landscape ground cover and plantings. The Plantation Course also features significant elevation changes that result in numerous breath-taking sea views of Gulf of Thailand approximately 11 kilometers away.

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

Centara Grand Phratamnak is a 5-star resort situated in the south of Pattaya at Phratamnak, only a short stroll from the beach and less than ten minutes from Pattaya city center. The resort has a fashionable design with an impressive entrance hall, plus a rooftop swimming pool and jacuzzi. The hotel offers large bedrooms, each with a SMART TV, Nespresso machine, a huge balcony and an in-room safety deposit box. Furthermore, the hotel also offers a bakery, gym, and free WIFI access throughout. This resort is located within easy access of all the great golf courses that Pattaya has to offer.

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

Spend two weeks in exciting Pattaya. Golf at the best Pattaya golf courses including Siam Country Club, site of the LPGA Honda Classic and Laem Chabang International Country Club; a classic Jack Nicklaus design. Choose to stay at a luxurious private golf resort or select a hotel near the center of Pattaya and all the entertainment.

Recommended Hotels:

• 3 Star Mercure Pattaya Hotel
• 3 Star Areca Lodge
• 4 Star Woodlands Hotel & Resort
• 4 Star Rabbit Resort Pattaya
• 5 Star Sheraton Pattaya Resort

[Pattaya Golf Holiday Itinerary...]

Algarve, Portugal, 15 November 2014 - Golfasian, Asia's largest pure play golf tour operator won the "Asia's Best Golf Tour Operator" award at the inaugural World Golf Awards. Nena Huwae, Golfasian's European Marketing Manager was presented with the trophy by Steve Rider, the evening's host and former anchor for the BBC's golf coverage, at the Conrad Hotel in the Algarve, Portugal.

The world-wide voting process included industry experts, senior executives and professionals from within the golf, travel, and tourism industry. In addition to best golf tour operator, other categories included best golf destination, golf course, and golf resort.

Golfasian's Managing Director, Mark Siegel commented, "Since starting Golfasian in 1997 we have always strived to deliver both the best possible golfing experience in Asia and outstanding value-for-money. Now, Golfasian owes this award to the 67,000 golfers and 450 worldwide golf tour operators who have entrusted us with their and their clients' golf travels, respectively. To receive this recognition is very humbling and reinforces our belief for our superordinate goal of providing world class service at industry-leading prices in all of our Asian destinations."

Michael Patterson, Managing Director of Prestige Golf Tours in Australia, has worked for many years with Golfasian and said; "This award is richly deserved. Golfasian stands out as the quality provider in the region".

Watch the interview with Nena Huwae at the award ceremony.

Hua Hin, Thailand 13 November, 2014 — With just over 3 months to go until the inaugural Amari Hua Hin Amateur golf week running from 1-7 March 2015, Director of Golf Events at Golfasian, Mark Penfold is confident about getting a full field for the tournament, based on the numbers of early bird offers that have been taken up so far.

"We have had entries from the USA, India, Australia, Ireland, Norway and England. It's going to be quite an international event." said Penfold.

The early bird offer of one free night at the Amari Hua Hin or one free round of golf with caddy and cart has been in high demand, but will have to close on 1st December 2014.

"We are delighted to be teaming up with Golfasian for the Amari Hua Hin Amateur Golf Week.  Hua Hin has been voted by IAGTO as the number one golf destination in Asia and Australasia in 2014. We trust this event will help promote Hua Hin even further as a world-class golfing destination and Amari Hua Hin as the hotel of choice for golfers" said Christoph Leonhard, General Manager of the Amari Hua Hin.

The 7-day event will be played at the best 4 courses in Hua Hin and truly showcase golf in the region. Black Mountain has been voted one of the top 100 courses in the world outside the USA and is the only golf course in Thailand to hold that distinct honour. Banyan Golf club was voted best new course in Asia in 2009. The Amari hotel in Hua Hin will sponsor the tournament and host the Welcome dinner at the Shoreline Beach Club located right on the beach, making it a fantastic backdrop for the opening function.

Daily results will be posted and individual trophies given out each night during happy hour around the pool. The event will emphasize the social side of golf, encouraging participants to mix in a convivial atmosphere with the other competitors.

Full details for the event can be found here.

[Read the entire Press Release]

Thailand

• Bangkok
  • Amata Spring Country Club - Course will be closed from 7-15 December for the Thailand Golf Championship 2014.
  • Cascata Golf Club - Course will be closed on 22 & 24 December for a tournament.
  • Lakewood Country Club - Course will be closed on 8, 12 & 19 December for a tournament.
  • Navatanee Golf Club - Course will be closed on 17 December for a tournament.
  • Riverdale Golf Club - Course will be closed from 1-3 December.
  • Royal Golf & Country Club - Course will be closed on 15 & 17 December for a tournament.
  • Summit Windmill Golf Club - Course will be closed on 22 December.
  • Suwan Golf & Country Club - Course will be closed on 15 December for a tournament.
  • Thai Country Club - Course will be closed on 12 December for the golf course anniversary.
  • Thana City Golf & Sports Club - Course will be closed on 12 & 16 December for a tournament.
  • The Royal Gems Golf & Sports Club - Course will be closed on 3, 7, 14, 16, 18, 20, 24 & 26 December.
  • Vintage Golf Club - Course will be closed on 12 December.
  • Windsor Park - Course will be closed on 6, 8-9, 18 & 26 December.
• Hua Hin
  • Banyan Golf Club - Course will be closed on 16 December for a tournament.
  • Black Mountain Golf Club - Course will be closed from 2 February - 16 February for the Thailand Classics
  • Imperial Lake View Golf Club - Courses C & D will be closed from 5 December - 22 January for maintenance. Further the course will be closed from 5-8 February for a tournament.
  • Royal Hua Hin Golf Course - Course will be closed on 20 December.
  • Sea Pines Golf Course - Course will be closed from 15-16 December, 24-26 December, 29 January - 1 February and 5-8 February.
  • Springfield Royal Country Club - Course will be closed from 12-24 January for the 2015 Asian Tour Qualifying School.
• Phuket
  • Blue Canyon Country Club, Lakes Course - Course will be closed on 14 December for a tournament.
  • Blue Canyon Country Club, Canyon Course - Course will be closed on 13 December for a tournament.
  • 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 1 January.
• Chiang Mai
  • Chiang Mai Inthanon Golf & Natural Resort - Course will be closed on 20 December.
  • Mae Jo Golf Club - Course will be closed on 21 December for a tournament in the afternoon.

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.
• Saigon
  
  • Long Than Golf Club - Course will be closed from 9-10 January for tournaments.
  • Vietnam Golf & Country Club - Course will be closed on 4, 5, 13, 20 & 26 December for tournaments.
• Nha Trang
  • Vinpearl Golf Club - Course is closed on Mondays for maintenance.
• Vung Tau
  • The Bluffs Ho Tram Strip - Course is closed on Tuesdays for maintenance.

Malaysia

• Kuala Lumpur
  • Templer Park Country Club - Course will be closed from 9-11 February and 12-13 February for tournaments.
• Malacca
  • Orna Resort - Closed on Mondays for maintenance.
• Johor Baru
  • Palm Resort & Country Club - Course is closed from 9-12 December for a tournament.
• Penang
  • Penang Golf Club - Course will be closed on 7 & 27 December for tournaments.

Indonesia

• All golf courses are in good condition

Singapore

• All golf courses are in good condition.

Amari Hua Hin Amateur Golf Week - March 2015
Date: March 1 - 7, 2015| Location: Hua Hin, Thailand [Find out more]

Pattaya Amateur Golf Week - March 2015
Date: March 8 - 14, 2015| Location: Pattaya, Thailand [Find out more]

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 [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]

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]

Will Khao Yai become Thailand's Newest Golf Destination?

Relatively unknown outside of Thailand golfers, Khao Yai is a mere 2 hours from Bangkok and is the home of Thailand's second largest national park. Will this area develop into a full-fledged golf destination for tourists?

The short answer is maybe and here are the reasons why and why not.

Why?

1. Good proximity of Khao Yai to Bangkok and it can also be linked easily with Pattaya for a 2-center golf holiday.
2. Critical mass of golf courses. With 10 courses in the area, Khao Yai has more than enough golf courses to make it into a viable golfing destination. The 3 best courses are Rancho Charnvee – well-maintained Bob McFarland design, Panorama – mature parkland layout, and Mountain Creek – challenging 27-hole Seve Ballesteros course.
3. Low prices. Green fees start at $15 USD a round and even the better courses mentioned above all have special weekday rates as low as $20 USD. This is a steal for 18-holes of golf anywhere!
4. Golf resorts. Most of the Khao Yai golf courses have on-site accommodations the best of which are the 5-star resorts at Mountain Creek and Kirimaya.
5. Weather. December to February is absolutely perfect golf weather in Khao Yai with daytime highs around 25 degrees centigrade and no rainfall to speak of.

[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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Things to do on your Thailand Golf Holiday

• Protect yourself from the sun. Hats & sun cream recommended.
• Dress correctly (socks, tailored shorts, collared shirts & no jeans)
• Don't forget to tip your caddie (300/400 THB recommended)
• Drink plenty of water

Things not do to on your Thailand Golf Holiday

• Wearing spikes on your golf shoes
• Bring your own drinks to the golf course
• Drinking beer (can dehydrate you quickly)
• Don't get angry at slow play. (Golf is played at a slow pace in Thailand, relax and enjoy it)

[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:

• December 15 - 17 - Australia Roadshow (Sydney & Melbourne, Australia)
• January 16 - 23 - Middle East Roadshow (Dubai & Abu Dhabi)

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 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)
• 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