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Dear Golf Travelers,
Welcome to this 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.
December marks the last 2017 issue of the Asian Golf Nation. It is amazing how time flies. We started the year with global economic uncertainty. As it turned out, not much happened in 2017. In fact, as we finish 2017 we find ourselves amidst the busiest times we have seen Asian golf travel.
Last month I was an invited speaker at the Asia Pacific Golf Summit in Danang. The attendees, the whos-who in Asian golf, all concluded that golf tourism is one of the top drivers for course development and accounts for as much as 50% of a golf course's revenue. Finally, 'golf tourists deserved recognition' is well-acknowledged at all of the premium courses around the region. Expect the already excellent service and top-ranked courses to get even better!
Speaking of service, as Asia's top inbound golf operator we often get asked why do business with a golf operator when tee times are can be easily booked piecemeal online through 3rd party booking sites or even golf clubs themselves. The short answer is full-service golf operators provide golfers with services and products centered around authentic golf experiences and far beyond 18 holes. In our case, the potential audience and our existing clients recognize Golfasian for our quick responsiveness, impeccable attention to detail, specialized up-to-date golf knowledge, luxury transportation and precision routing, and tremendous leadership, especially when things can and often go wrong during any planned trip. These business characteristics oversee the company's mission craft meaningful golf experiences and create golfing memories that surpass golf travelers' expectations. We take full responsibility regarding the success of each end every trip detail and do so at competitive prices. In other words, we go far beyond what an online tee time seller does and provide all of this service at no additional cost. Now that’s a tough act to beat!
As the year-end holidays are knocking and warm sunny skies drench in most parts of South East Asia, I wish to take this opportunity to thank you for your strong support this past year, and the entire Golfasian team and I look forward to continuing to fulfill your Asian golf tour dreams in 2018. Happy New Year!
The golf, culture, and exotic beauty of Asia are perfectly suited for unforgettable golf experiences. Whether it be playing in organized golf tournaments or casually golfing with friends at world-class courses, you are guaranteed to meet friendly locals, experience the world's best cuisines, exotic cultures, fascinating entertainment, and day spas. Best of all everything on offer is at great prices. Itineraries created for 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 Asia very soon!
Mark Siegel
Managing Director of Golfasian
In This Issue:
Visit Golfasian Today!
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Pattaya, Thailand |
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Chee Chan Golf Resort |
The construction at Chee Chan Golf Resort is progressing well. 17 fairways are turfed or sprigged. 11 greens are completed and maintained daily. The tee boxes are growing in nicely, and work has started on the landscaping to tie the tee surrounds and extensive bunker facing, which is a course highlight. A Q1, 2018 opening is achievable, and after that Chee Chan will be a welcome addition to the premium golf courses on offer around Pattaya.
The course location overlooking the famed Khao Chee Chan Buddha and providing 360 panoramic views of the nearby resort cities of Pattaya and Jomtien is ideal. The rolling hills land and the pristine surrounding environment will be an ideal setting for the newest Pattaya course. |
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Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam |
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Harmonie Golf Park |
Harmonie Golf Park is an 18 hole Jim Engh designed course outside of Ho Chi Minh City and near to Twin Doves Golf Club. Earthworks and grassing for 18 holes completed earlier in the year. Most of the course facilities are operational, and the operator expects a March 2018 opening.
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Danang, Vietnam |
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Hoiana City |
Vegas-style golf tourism is coming to Danang with a massive integrated resort project. Located south of Danang, Hoiana City, when opened in 2019, will be Vietnam's largest golf and gaming resort. Earthworks and grass growing area in the countries first Robert Trent Jones golf course is set-up. Two casinos, luxury hotels, and areas packed with bars and restaurants will be adjacent to the golf club.
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Golfasian has put together a series of Golf & Culture Hosted Tours™ in South East Asia. These tours provide an extremely personal and in-depth experience into Southeast Asia's cultural and golf travel offerings.
Our Golf & Culture Hosted Tours™ combine luxury travel, world-class golf, picturesque scenery, exotic cuisine, and magical experiences to be remembered forever and are inclusive of all accommodations with breakfast plus ground transportation, green fees, carts, caddies and all domestic flights. Delicious lunches and dinners served as noted in the itinerary.
Places are limited, so only a lucky 20 persons will have this opportunity of a lifetime to experience the golf and culture of Southeast Asia through the eyes and ears of a local.
View our fully hosted tours online. |
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We have finished our last tournament of the year in Chiang Mai with a record 124 people attending, we now shift our focus to the first event of the year in Hua Hin and the Amari Golf week starting 11-17 March. This week's schedule includes 6 nights and 4 rounds with caddy and cart at the best courses in Hua Hin including Black Mountain and Banyan. Prices start from THB 47,500 per person. Sign up before 1st Jan and receive a free room night OR room upgrade.
For those looking for extra golf, we have an event following straight after in Pattaya, playing 4 rounds, with 3 of these at all the golf courses at Siam Country Club and 6 nights' accommodation at the 5 star Avani Pattaya Resort and Spa. The event attracted 100 players last year and we are adding the more rooms to accommodate some players that missed out in tournament positions last year. Register for the Pattaya event here.
Early bird bookings of the free room upgrade is still available for the Vietnam event in Danang starting 15th April 2018. Full details here.
Should you have any questions about our group tours please contact us [email protected] |
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Just wanted to say thanks to Golfasian and Paul Tudor and the team in looking after the 13 of us whilst on tour in Chiang Mai, Hua Hin and Pattaya. Everything ran like clockwork and we all had a brilliant time. See you next year
Graham R.
Australia, November
[Read more golfer testimonials online] |
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Phnom Penh, Camboodia
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Ten years ago, you might have thought about an incidental round of golf in Cambodia while taking in the rich cultural attractions of ancient Khmer civilizations, but you wouldn't have thought of booking a golf holiday there.
Now that has all changed.
In recent years, Cambodia has truly come into its own among SE Asia golf holiday destinations.
Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia, boasts 4 golf courses. Although the main attraction are sightseeing, shopping, and enjoying the many colonial-styled hotels, boutiques, and boulevards, golf is an ever increasing reason to visit the Cambodian capital with Garden City Golf Club being the main draw.
View our Phnom Penh Golf Packages | Phnom Penh Golf Courses
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Grand Phnom Penh Golf Club is a private members club and part of the Grand Phnom Penh International City. The golf course is located 20 minutes northwest of Phnom Penh and on the way to the airport. With little development away from the city, the air and climate tend to be fresher and well-suited for golf.
Grand Phnom Penh Golf Club is designed by Jack Nicklaus. The 7,914 yard course is one of the best maintained in Phnom Penh with immaculate fairways and manicured undulated greens. The fairways are very wide, but significant earth-moving and mounding are featured around all the greens. The course is also relatively exposed, so wind, especially late in the day, can play havoc on a good score.
[Read more about one of Cambodia's Best Golf Courses]
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The Sofitel Phnom Penh Phokeethra overlooks the magnificent Mekong River. This luxury Phnom Penh hotel welcomes golfers looking for superior accommodation and convenience. The 12 story colonial-style hotel is close to key attractions including local markets, shopping, and entertainment areas. There are 4 on-site restaurants featuring international and Asian cuisines. After golf, guests can relax at any of the hotels 3 bars with an extensive drinks list and snacks. Sofitel Phnom Penh Phokeethra Hotel is an excellent choice for Cambodia golfers.
[Read more about one of Cambodia's Best Hotels]
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Best of Cambodia Golf Package - 9 Days
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Be one of the first to explore one of golf's best up-and-coming destinations. Visit the Cambodian capital of Phnom Penh and site of the Angkor temples; Siem Reap. Golf at the top golf courses in location and in between learn about and experience the ancient Khmer sights and culture. Experience this once-in-a-lifetime exotic golf package with all of the comforts!
View the complete golf holiday itinerary.
To meet your preferences and budget please contact us for further information. |
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Thailand |
Bangkok |
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Vietnam |
Danang |
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Indonesia |
Bali |
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Malaysia |
Kuala Lumpur |
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Myanmar |
Yangon |
- Pun Hlaing Golf Club: Course will be closed during 26-29 January for the Leopalace21 Myanmar Open (Asian Tour).
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Singapore |
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Amari Hua Hin
Golf Week
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March
2018 |
Hua Hin,
Thailand |
11 - 17
March, 2018 |
[find out more] |
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Avani Pattaya
Golf Week
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March
2018 |
Pattaya,
Thailand |
18 - 24
March, 2018 |
[find out more] |
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Vietnam
Golf Week
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April
2018 |
Danang,
Vietnam |
15 - 21
April, 2018 |
[find out more] |
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Centara World Masters Golf Championship -
June 2018 |
Hua Hin,
Thailand |
10 - 16
June, 2018 |
[find out more] |
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Mercure Pattaya 2 Ball
Golf Championship
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June
2018 |
Pattaya,
Thailand |
17 - 23
June, 2018 |
[find out more] |
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AccorHotels Vietnam World Masters Golf Championship -
June 2018 |
Danang,
Vietnam |
9 - 15
Sep., 2018 |
[find out more] |
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Thai Bali Villa On Palm Hills Golf Course |
Located in the prestigious Palm Hills Golf & Country Club community, this beautiful pool villa with 4 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms family home offers truly fantastic outdoor living,with
swimming pool and jacuzzi. With its extra large fully equipped and high standard European kitchen, open plan, modern living area. It's the perfect home for entertaining family and friends with a huge outdoor, covered terrace living area.
Beautiful views around the golf course and full family golf membership.
For more information visit our website. |
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What Makes Nikanti Golf Club an
Unusual Golf Course?
It seems like the golf architect Pirapon Namatra (Ope) of Golf East listened quite a lot to Tina Turner's famous song 'Break every rule' when he designed Nikanti Golf Club, Asia's first 18 hole, par 72 golf course comprising three six-hole layouts each with two par-threes, two par-fours and two par-fives. Thailand's 291st golf course was opened in May 2014. The Nikanti Golf Club is almost adjacent to Suwan Golf Club.
When Pirapon Namatra (the designer of Banyan Club and part of the construction company responsible for Siam Country Club's new Siam Waterside) invented and implemented his 'triple-six' concept, he introduced a new distribution of par-3, par-4 and par-5 holes. Rather than having traditional front and back nines, here there are three loops of six, each one returning to the stylish and soon-to-be sumptuously appointed clubhouse. The reason, flexibility. Don't have time for a full 18? Just play 12. Want to have another go at the reachable but dangerous par-5 18th? Why not squeeze in that final loop of six?
[READ THE ENTIRE ARTICLE] |
Golf in
Asia
With so many new golf courses being built in Thailand (2 new ones being built in Pattaya alone this year) you should make an effort to play the new & different courses in your chosen golf destination. So many people come back and play the same golf courses each time they return to Asia. Part of the fascination with golf is to play new golf courses and experience the difference that each golf course offers to the golfer. Next trip you make to Thailand try and play a new one. Some of our suggestions are Wangjuntr (Pattaya destination) Grand Prix Golf Club (Kanchanaburi destination) Mountain Creek Golf Resort and Residence(Khao Yai destination) and Lotus Valley Golf Resort (Bangkok destination). With such a great variety of golf courses available in Thailand you are doing yourself a disservice if you don't try some of the ones you haven't played yet.
If you want some suggestions on which golf courses to play while here in Asia please email us at [email protected].
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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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