Asian Golf Travel Nation - February 2014

http://www.thailandworldmasters.com/registration/

We invite you to join golfers from around the world for Asia's Biggest & Richest Amateur Golf Week.
Joining you in Hua Hin, Thailand will be more than 600 golfers from more than 20 countries who share your love of the game and your thirst for fun. The 72-hole stableford competition features numerous prizes and gifts, plus nightly parties and entertainment. At the heart of the event is the camaraderie developed among participants. This is where lifelong friendships are forged.

So long as you are over 35 and have an official golf handicap, you can tee it up at the Masters. There are 15 tournament divisions based on age and handicap.

The Centara World Masters will see you play at Hua Hin's world class golf courses with all the trappings of a major professional tournament. Black Mountain, Banyan, Majestic Creek and Imperial Lake View will give you the ultimate golfing experience. You will be spoiled by Thailand's friendly caddies.

Much more than a golf tournament, there are lively social and entertainment events every night. International acts will be a highlight at the welcome and farewell celebrations. Thailand's biggest 19th hole moves each night to stunning rooftop, beach, and poolside settings. A decadent farewell dinner caps off the fun filled week.

This event is Thailand's richest amateur tournament with US $30,000 in prizes to be won. Whether you come on your own or with a party of friends, just don't miss it!

Visit www.thailandworldmasters.com for event updates and join our Facebook Page.

[Register today!]

Due 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.

This beautiful mansion has a land size of just over 2 Rai, which is almost 3,600 square meters. The view is incredible and totally unobstructed. There are two ponds in front, a beautiful fairway followed by magnificent mountains. The house has 6 bedrooms; one is used as an office but can be converted into an open air area or additional storage area. One bedroom is used as a gym (including professional equipment). A 3 car garage with automatic electric door from America. There are 6 super luxury bathrooms. 16 meter pool with high power Jacuzzi, outside bath garden with spiral staircase leading to rooftop sun deck. Every inch of the interior is professionaly decorated. This house is meant for one who requires the highest and most luxurious features.

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.

After more than 10 years in professional corporate sales management experience in Johannesburg he decided to put his skills to the test in the international market, and excelled in both commercial and residential property sales at one of the top ranking agencies in Hua Hin. Stephen has now taken on the mantle of General Manager of the Golfasian Property Division and will be our main contact for property related queries in the greater Hua Hin area.

Being based in Hua Hin long term has made him a local and he has great knowledge not only of the locations but also the people. Stephen speaks, reads and writes Thai fluently which comes as an added benefit when communicating with both Western and Thai clients, and is also fluent in English, Afrikaans, Dutch and Flemish. With a personal motto of honesty, dedication and loyalty, Stephen strives to provide peace of mind for all his clients and will always endeavor to find the perfect property for every valued client. Should you ever be in town please feel free to pop in for a glass of water, wine or a beer and discuss any and all property related queries with Stephen and he will be most happy to assist and advise.

[Read more about Stephen]

Thank you to Sharon & Brad from the USA for providing us with their personal take on their December Chiang Mai Golf Holiday.

1. When was the first time you came to Asia / Thailand to play golf and what was your first impression?
   
   I have played golf in Southern China many times in the past years. However, playing golf in Chiangmai, Thailand was our first golf holiday in Asia and the best! We were very pleased what Golfasian has served us. Last June after we decided to visit Thailand, I started the web search for golf holiday in Thailand and found Golfasian.
   
   After I placed a request on the Golfasian website. Jim Mullet sent me an email with detailed tour options of Bangkok and Chiangmai. We finally chose to play golf and sight seeing in Chiangmai. We also had a desire to stay outside of the city for a few days to relax before we return to the US. Soon Jim helped us to adjust our itinerary. During the past six months, Jim with his high communication skill has patiently answered our questions and detailed explained things we needed to know in Thailand. 
   
   When we arrived Chiangmai, the driver Oong picked us up from the airport to our hotel De Naga. He cared everything we needed not just being a driver. He showed us to the Seven and Eleven store to get the local SIM card, he was always making sure we have enough drinking water, he drove us to the silk village as we requested and brought us the local traditional food - Sugarcane Stick on Christmas Day. He provided us a piece of culture of Chiangmai. Finally, he sent us to Veranda the High Resort. 
   
   Our tour guide Vinchit was very knowledgeable and helped us to understand the habitat of the elephant, history of the temple of Doi Suthep and showed us the orchid farm. 
   
   On the golf course, I was very impressed with my caddie Lar. With her ten years caddie experience at the Royal Chiangmai Golf Club, she helped me to read the green well and I was able to make very good putts. She also shared her personal life story with me while we walking through the beautiful landscaped Royal Chiangmai golf course.
   
   
2. In your opinion, how is the golf experience different in Thailand compared to USA?
   
   I can be easily spoiled by the experienced caddies when playing golf in Thailand. The caddie service was very helpful and accurate. They also gave me strong mental supports through out the golf course. 
   
   
3. What is the most unique aspect of a golf holiday in Thailand that you cannot have anywhere else?
   
   Golfing in Chiangmai, Thailand last December, we were able to enjoy the sunny and mild weather. We met people on the golf course and had fun with them. We have tasted the delicious local flavors, visited numerous temples, shopped in the local market, chatted with the monk, and learned a different culture. We were inspired by the humble local people.
   
   
4. Which destination in Thailand would you recommend to your friends when they plan their next golf holiday to Thailand?
   
   We only visited Chiangmai and we will certainly recommend Chiangmai to our friends for their golf holiday. 
   
   
5. What is your favorite golf course in Thailand and why?
   
   I like both Royal Chiangmai and Chiangmai Highlands. They both were well designed and beautifully landscaped. I like the Royal Chiangmai has a Buddha behind you when you were playing golf. But I like to look ahead the mountain range in the Chiangmai Highlands as well. Thanks to Jim for recommend these beautiful golf course for us!
   
   
6. What services of Golfasian stand out most in your opinion and on which areas could we improve?
   
   Jim and the Golfasian staff are professional, honest, thoughtful and have high skill of communication. With their excellent service our trip to Chiangmai was fulfilled. 
   
   
7. Would you like to share any funny/interesting story with us that happened to you during your visits to Thailand, whether it be on or off the golf course?
   
   I am not a golfer at all, but decided to join Sharon during her visit to Highlands Chiang Mai Resort, just so I can practice putting a bit, and also enjoy what turned out to be a beautiful course. Ong, our driver, graciously let me borrow his personal clubs as apparently the clubhouse didn't have any for me to rent. We hoped we would be alone, as I was a bit embarrassed regarding my golf game, but we were paired with a Korean couple, as it was very busy Christmas Day. I explained, in charades to the Korean couple, that I wouldn't be driving at all, just putting when everyone reached the green and they and the caddies were fine with it.
   
   After a few holes, we were giving accolades to each other on good shots. After a particularly good shot by the Korean couple's wife, the husband yelled "Cherunda". At the next hole, after a very good shot from Sharon, I yelled "Cherunda" as well.. everyone had a good laugh. After that point, the caddies started yelling it after decent shots. I still wasn't sure what it meant until we got back to the De Naga and I dictated into my phone to Google Translate in what must have been my "perfect" Korean accent, as it came up immediately with "Well Done!".

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

Present day Cambodia is a peaceful and welcoming country that has retained the style of its former French colony heritage and mixed it with indigenous cultural charm to completely redevelop itself and regain its proud title as The Pearl of Asia.

The past decade has seen a flourishing tourist industry with some three million visitors per year enjoying a full range of cultural and luxury travel experiences. Since 2005 golf has been proving to be an increasingly important part of tourism in Cambodia.

Siem Reap is the main golf destination in Cambodia. Siem Reap is a small former French colonial town that has been visited by foreigners mainly to see the 1000 year old cradle of Khmer civilization and the Temples of Angkor Wat. There are now three international standard courses each with their own variety and challenges for everyone from amateurs to professionals. In addition, with the temples of Angkor Wat nearby, Siem Reap is proving to be one of the world’s best undiscovered golf destinations.

Be one of the first to golf in Cambodia while visiting Angkor Wat. In between sightseeing, you will have time to relax and play at the three golf courses in Seam Reap as well as visit Phnom Penh.

[Read more golf articles]

The Sofitel-managed Phokeethra Country Club, Angkor Wat, adds to the world class golf now available in Cambodia. The golf course hosted the 2009 Johnnie Walker Classic and 2010 Cambodian Open.

The location is perfect for Cambodia golf visitors as it is half way from the airport to town and reflects much having to do with Cambodian culture and history. For example between the 9th green and 10th tee is a restored 'Roluh' bridge, which is also the iconic image used in the course's logo, dating back to the 11th century Khmer empire.

The course has undergone heavy renovatation and maintenance over the past few months and is now in great shape!

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

Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra Golf and Spa Resort is the nearest resort to the ruins of Angkor Wat. This unique Cambodia hotel is located near traditional markets, tourist attractions and the airport of Siem Reap. Enjoy the many features of this resort, including spacious guest rooms, an outdoor pool, Jacuzzi, spa, 5 restaurants and the popular Phokeethra Country Club; a world class 18 hole golf course.|| This resort offers world-class accommodations, featuring an unique convergence of French and Khmer architecture. Explore this magnificent golf resort and great courses in Siem Reap.

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

Now is the time to golf and explore two of Asian's fastest growing golf destinations. Golf at the top golf courses in Saigon and Siem Reap and learn about the ancient Vietnamese and Khmer cultures.

Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) is Vietnam's largest metropolis and its undisputed capital of commerce. In Siem Reap you will find one of the wonders of the world. The temple complex of Angkor spans four centuries, tens of kilometers and has endured for a millennium. Siem Reap also hosts championship golf courses, of which you will golf at the two best.

[Vietnam & Cambodia Golf Tour Itinerary...]

Thailand

• Bangkok
  • All golf courses in Bangkok are in great condition.
  • Thai Country Club - Course will be closed for maintenance program from 31 March - 8 April.
• Hua Hin
  • Majestic Creek Country Club - Coring green and course maintenance until March 2014.
  • Banyan Golf Club, Black Mountain Golf Club, Imperial Lake View, Majestic Creek Country Club, Palm Hills Golf Club and Residence, Royal Hua Hin Golf Course, Sea Pine Golf Course, and Springfield Royal Country Club are in excellent condition.
• Pattaya
  • Siam Country Club, Old Course - Course will be closed for the Honda LPGA from 3 - 27 February, 2014.
  • Burapha Golf Course, Greenwood Golf and Resort, Khao Kheow Country Club, Laem Chabang International Country Club, Pattana Sport Club, Phoenix Golf & Country Club, Siam Country Club, St. Andrews 2000 Golf Club & Burapha Golf Club are in excellent condition.
• Phuket
  • Laguna Phuket Golf Club - 9 holes (starting with the back 9) will be closed for 18 months from July 2013 onwards. The front 9 are playable until March 2014, while the back 9 are under renovation. The front 9 will start renovation in March 2014 while the freshly renovated back 9 will have been reopened for play.
  • Blue Canyon Country Club, Lakes Course & Canyon Course, Loch Palm Golf Club, Mission Hills Phuket, Phuket Country Club, Red Mountain Golf Club are in excellent condition.
• Chiang Mai
  • Gassan Lake City - Course renovation. Expected completion date in April 2014.
  • Alpine Golf Resort & Chiang Mai Highlands Golf and Spa, Chiang Mai Inthanon Golf Resort, Mae Jo Golf Club, Royal Chiang Mai Golf Resort are in excellent condition.
• Chiang Rai
  • Santiburi Chiang Rai Country Club is in good condition.

Vietnam

• Hanoi
  • Hanoi Golf Club, Heron Lake Golf Club and Resort, Tam Dao Golf Club - Closed every Monday morning for maintenance.
  • Chi Linh Golf Club - 9 holes are closed every Monday for maintenance.
  • Van Tri Golf Club, Kings Island Golf Resort are in excellent condition.
• Saigon
  
  • Song Be Golf Resort is in good condition
  • Twin Doves Golf Club is in excellent condition.
  • Long Thanh Golf Course - coring green from 10-11 February at holes 10 & 18 at the Lakeside course, from 17-18 February at holes 10 & 18 at the Hill course, from 24-25 February at holes 1 & 9 at the Lakeside course.
  • Vietnam Golf and Country Club - maintenance in the morning on 10th, 21st, 28th February at the East course and on 7th, 14th, 17th, 24th February at the West Course.
    The Mizuho Tournament will be held on 16th February and the Luban Tournament will be held on 19th February.
    
• Danang
  • Danang Golf Club, Laguna Lang Co Golf Club & Montgomerie Links Vietnam are in excellent condition.
•  Phan Thiet
  • Sea Link Golf Course, Ocean Dunes Golf Club are in excellent condition.
• Nha Trang
  • Vinpearl Golf Club and Diamond Bay Golf Course are in great condition.

Cambodia

• Siem Reap
  • Angkor Golf Resort, Phokeethra Country Club are in excellent conditon.

Malaysia

• Kuala Lumpur
  • Saujana Golf & Country Club – Palm 1 will be under renovation from 1 August 2013 for 8 months. Palm 10 - immediately after completion of Palm 1 and will go on for 8 months.

Indonesia

• Bintan
  • Ria Bintan Golf Course – Golf course maintenance is usually done on Mondays. At any time only 9 holes will be closed while the other 18 holes remain open.

Hua Hin Amateur Golf Week - March 2014
Date: March 1 - 8, 2014 | Location: Hua Hin, Thailand [Find out more]

Pattaya Amateur Golf Week - March 2014
Date: March 8 - 15, 2014 | Location: Pattaya, Thailand [Find out more]

Phuket Amateur Golf Week - June 2014
Date: June 8 - 14, 2014 | Location: Phuket, Thailand [Find out more]

Centara World Masters Golf Championship - June 2014
Date: June 15 - 21, 2014 | Location: Hua Hin, Thailand [Find out more]

Cambodia Amateur Golf Week - July 2014
Date: July 27 - August 4, 2014 | Location: Siem Reap, Cambodia [Find out more]

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

Pattaya 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]

Where To Golf In Thailand – A City Or A Resort?

Thailand has 5 main golf destinations, two are cities (Bangkok and Chiang Mai) and three are beach resorts (Hua Hin, Pattaya, and Phuket).

Bangkok is home to over 10 million residents. However, it’s safe to say that Bangkok has the most golf courses of any destination in Thailand. There are 60 golf courses located within 1 hour from the center of Bangkok; of which 20 or so are well-suited for visitor play. Bangkok also has world-class hotels, the best restaurants in Thailand, and a wide range of cultural attractions, shopping and nightlife. The downside is that travel time getting to and from the golf courses can be a bit longer than other destinations due to city traffic. I often recommend a few days in Bangkok at the beginning and/or end of any Thailand golf trip and also recommend weekday golf if possible (when the courses are less crowded and green fees are lower).

[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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Conditions vary a lot in different parts of Thailand, so it is important to adjust as quickly as possible. The grass in Phuket is very strong, so there is very little run on the ball and you have to fly the ball to the flag. The same applies in Pattaya but for different reasons, as they tend to water the front of the greens. Hua Hin is the driest part of Thailand and the conditions tend to be very fast and bouncy, so you have to land your ball short of the green and let it run towards the pin.

[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 tradeshows and roadshows during the next few months.

You can find us at the following events:

• February 13 - 16, 2014 - China Golf Media FAM Trip - Golf Coast Vietnam (Danang, Vietnam)
• March 31 - April 06, 2014 - North Asia Golf Media FAM Trip Central Thailand (Bangkok, Pattaya, Hua Hin, Thailand)
• April 20 - 25, 2014 - ASEAN Golf Media FAM Trip (Bangkok & Hua Hin, Thailand)
• April 28 - May 07, 2014 - Thailand Golf Road Show - South Africa (Johannesburg, Cape Town)
• July 24 - 31, 2014 - Thailand Golf Road Show - Australia (Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane)

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)

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