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Dear Golf Travelers,
Welcome to the latest issue of the Asian Golf Nation, the source for news breaking information about golf in Asia. In addition, unique golf playing tips for South East Asia's tropical environment, announcements of golf travel promotions, and our latest tournament offers are all parts of this newsletter.
 We in Asia get to celebrate a New Year of some sort almost every month. This month it is Chinese New Year, which will be the Year of the Fire Monkey, falling on February 8. Chinese New Year is the biggest festival among Chinese people the world over. That means 19.6% of people in the world will celebrate Chinese New Year Day. I take this opportunity to wish all 1.5 billion celebrating this auspicious occasion "Gong Xi Fai Cai" and for the rest of the world happy golfing and many birdies!
Keeping with the spirit of the Lunar New Year we are offering some seasonal travel deals along with special discounts on multiple bookings for our popular golf tournaments. Let me know if you need any more information on either.
While winter is still upon most of us, the weather in Asia can't be better and the courses around the region are in top playing condition. To find out what is ongoing around SE Asia in terms of golf, I invite you to read the sections below.
With that I wish all golf travelers a great winter season ahead. The golf, culture, and beauty of Asia continue to be perfectly suited for an unforgettable golf experience. Tailor-made itineraries fitting your specific needs, expectations and budgets are our specialty. Drop me an email with your request; you will be surprised at the possibilities.
Until the next month, happy golfing and I hope to see YOU in the area very soon!
Mark Siegel
Managing Director of Golfasian
In This Issue:
 Visit Golfasian Today!
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 Bangkok, Thailand |
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| ROYAL GEMS GOLF CITY, Bangkok |
As if Royal Bangkok Sports Club, Royal Golf & Country Club, Royal Golf & Sports Club, and Royal Gems City are not enough, another "Royal" golf course is coming to Bangkok.
Royal Bang Pa-In Golf Club (pronounced "pa een", not "pain") is a Lee Schmidt design located 2 kilometers from Rachakram Golf Club in the far northern outskirts of Bangkok. The course features large greens planted with Champion dwarf Bermuda grass, the same as used at Pinehurst #2. Bang Pa-In is in the grow-in phase now and will be ready for play in the next few months.
Here is a useful tip. Anyone trying to get to Royal Bang Pa-In, or any other Royal named course for that matter, best be prepared to know exactly which course you are playing at. Otherwise, don't be too surprised to turn up with no booking and at the wrong golf course. It happens all the time. |
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 Hanoi, Vietnam |
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| VINPEARL YU YEN, Haiphong |
Vinpearl, which already has 2 Vietnam courses in operation (Vinpearl Nha Trang and Vinpearl Phu Quoc) , is expanding to North Vietnam. Located around 3 hours from Hanoi in Haiphong, Vinpearl Vu Yen will offer 36 holes, with 18 routed through marshland and the other 18 playing around a series of lakes. All 36-holes should be open for play in late 2016. Not to be outdone and closer in to Hanoi, Vinpearl Cau Duong, another multi-course project, is already under construction. When finished, Vinpearl Cau Duong will feature Gary Player and Nick Faldo courses. The Gary Player Course is his first design in Vietnam and will be a links-style course that plays to over 7,500 yards along the Red River. This second Vinpearl facility in the north of Vietnam is scheduled to come on line in 2018. Stay tuned!
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 Langkawi, Malaysia |
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| THE ELS CLUB TELUK DATAI, Langkawi |
The Els Club Teluk Datai has been ranked 83rd best golf course in the world according to the US Golf Digest's 100 Best Golf Courses 2016/17 editions. In fact, as far as I know it is the only course to be ranked in the top 100 with NO bunkers. That's right; the closest thing to a bunker at Teluk Datai are the nearby beaches of the Andaman Sea. With no bunkers on the course, the course challenge comes from the original rain forest trees and naturally meandering streams instead. I would like to see more golf courses designed like this. |
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February has brought in the cool weather to Thailand and our tournament schedule is starting to heat up with our 2016 events. We have some late positions in our Pattaya and Hua Hin tournaments, the focus now is on the Phuket Golf Week starting May 8-14.
This event is a break from our usual format of 6 nights and 4 rounds of golf, to include just three rounds of golf in a more relaxed style of golf holiday. We have the D2 Patong hotel as the tournament hotel and Hooters Phuket will be the tournament bar where we will be having our daily presentations each day. Hooters have graciously offered to host our welcome and farewell parties with a great mix of western and Thai food along with their great selections of beers, spirits and cocktail drinks available.
The D2 Patong Hotel is located approx. 300 metres from the beautiful Patong Beach, and not far from a great range of restaurants, markets and nightlife areas.
The golf courses for the event include the newly renovated Laguna Phuket Golf Club After being closed for 12 months and undergoing a complete renovation, the new Laguna Phuket has come back with some bite in the layout. Water has been brought in, fairway bunkers and hazards are waiting for the poorly struck shot.
The next golf course that will be played is Loch Palm. Built around a huge tin mine that has been filled in with water the main objective around the front nine is to keep your ball dry!
The final course to be challenged is Red Mountain, the number 1 golf course in Phuket and in the top 10 in Thailand. This course has be routed through the abandoned Tin mine and the course designer has done a sensational job in matching the golf course to the natural features of the landscape. Bring the camera with you as in my opinion there are 18 signature holes; as you step on each tee you are amazed at the beauty of the design.
The golf week has free day activities that include trips to the nearby islands, social activities each night including group dinners at local restaurants, etc.
It's certainly a fun, relaxing week of golf in one of Thailand's most popular destinations. Full details on this week can be found here
Our Early Bird booking offer at Phuket Golf Week for payments made in full prior to 29th February week is to receive a Boston bag with your name embroidered on it, or a room upgrade to Premier Room.
Only 40 rooms available for this early bird offer so get your payment in fast to secure this offer!!
After Phuket our attention turns to August with one of the new tours we have in Cambodia and following onto Vietnam the week after.
For bookings and questions: [email protected] or www.asiagolfweek.com |
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 My name is Aki Mustonen. My father, who accompanied me on this very special father/son trip is Timo. We come from Finland; Dad lives in Helsinki and I live and work in Beijing.
My father started playing golf in Finland at the age of 35. Once my sister and I arrived he stopped playing but once I became old enough (aged 10) he got me a couple of modified clubs and I was able to practice with him occasionally. At that time I was more interested in football and ice-hockey so one day I informed him I was no longer going to play golf. My dad continued playing occasionally and once we moved to China in 1998 he joined a golf club there, and again I occasionally joined him. At this time his handicap was 12. [Read the entire interview online]
[ Read more Testimonials ]
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Khao Yai, Thailand
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Escape from busy Bangkok and enjoy golf in Khao Yai among beautiful mountain scenery, cooler temperatures, and a relaxing and clean environment. Khao Yai is a world apart from the other better known Thailand golf destinations. The whole area has an alpine feel to it. This is not just because it's hilly and cooler than the central Thai plains, but also because it sports dairy herds, numerous chalets, vineyards and wineries.
Khao Yai is Thailand's oldest and second largest National Park covering an area of more than 2000 square kilometers and sports mountains over 1300 meters in height. The park is a UNESCO World Heritage site and lies in the mountain range just east of Bangkok. There's plenty to do other than play golf in Khao Yai so be sure to include some exploring of the area around your golf resort. |
Rancho Charnvee is an 18-hole layout in the Khao Yai National Park area. The rather flat Bob McFarland resort course is fun to play and caters to golfers of all abilities and as with other Khao Yai golf courses, views from the course are often stunning.
The golf course has more room off the tees and larger more receptive greens than other Khao Yai golf courses. The front nine plays around a country farm house. The back nine stretches around a flat piece of land with a nice backdrop of hills and mountains. Although the course may be a little more open, the presence of excellent bunkering throughout ensures that course management must be in the forefront of the player's mind. Rancho Charnvee is long and challenging off any of the three tee boxes with many water carries and out-of-bounds.
[Read more about one of Thailand's Best Golf Courses]
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Mountain Creek Golf resort is a beautiful golf resort settled in the mountains. Enclosed by beautiful nature and surrounded by Mountain Creek. The resort has modern villas beautifully decorated where you can truly relax after a round of golf at Mountain Creek Golf Course. This resort is ideal for golfers who would like to stay and play at one place without the hassle of travelling from one course to another.
[Read more about one of Thailands Best Hotels]
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Khao Yai - Bangkok (2-Destination) Golf Package - 9D/8N
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The cooler climate of Khao Yai has made it popular among Bangkok golfers, however it's still relatively unknown by international golf tourists. Bangkok on the other hand is well known for some of the best golf in Thailand. Combine both destinations into one great golf holiday and experience some of the world's best golf resorts. Play at top courses in Khao Yai and Bangkok. This Thailand golf trip is both laid back and laden with service. It is well-suited to golfers looking for a holiday at any budget level. Great golf, top resorts and private transportation are included.
We have a wide range of 3 - 5 star hotels available.
View the complete tour itinerary.
To meet your preferences and budget please contact us for further information. |
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Third 72-hole Amateur Tournament in Asia |
Bangkok, January 21 -- The growing appeal of amateur golf tournaments in Asia has resulted in a third 72-hole, multi-course event – to be held in Pattaya, Thailand in June – being announced by pioneers of the concept, Golfasian and Go Golfing.
The new tournament, the Mercure Pattaya Ocean Resort 2-Ball Golf Championship, will be held in the popular Thai resort destination from June 19-25, immediately following Asia's first and largest amateur golf event, the Centara World Masters in Hua Hin, Thailand.
Launched in 2014, the Centara World Masters last year attracted more than 600 participants in only its second year. This year, 700 golfers from all around the world who are expected to participate – and others who wish to join the event – will have the opportunity to play the new tournament the following week in Pattaya.
The third event in the Golfasian/Go Golfing amateur tournament schedule, the Accor Vietnam World Masters, will be held for the second year in Danang, Vietnam from September 4-10. |
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[Read more...]
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Thailand |
| Bangkok |
- Amata Spring Country Club: Course will be closed on 9, 16 and 23 February for tournaments.
- Cascata Golf Club: Course will be closed on 4, 12, 19 and 29 February for tournaments.
- Lotus Valley Golf Resort: Course will be closed on 14 and 28 February for tournaments.
- Muang Kaew Golf Club: Course will be closed on 19 amd 25 February for tournaments.
- Panya Indra Golf Club: Course will be closed in the mornings of 16-19 February for a tournament.
- President Country Club: Course will be closed all of February.
- Riverdale Golf Club: Course will be closed on 12, 16, 19, 23 and 29 February for tournaments.
- Summit Windmill Golf Club: Course will be closed on 11 February for a tournament.
- Thana City Golf & Sports Club: Course will be closed on 3 February for a tournament.
- Vintage Golf Club: Course will be closed on 17, 19 and 26 February for tournaments.
- Windsor Park & Golf Club: Course will be closed on 3, 5, 10, 19 and 25 February for tournaments.
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| Hua Hin |
- Banyan Golf Club: Course will be closed on 27 February for a tournament and from 10-14 March for the European Tour Event.
- Black Mountain Club: Course will be closed from 10-14 March for the European Tour Event.
- Imperial Lake View Resort & Golf Club: Course will be closed from 15-20 February for tournaments.
- Royal Hua Hin Golf Course: Course will be closed on 12 and 27 February for tournaments.
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| Pattaya |
- Khao Kheow Country Club: Course will be closed on 3, 10 and 12 February for tournaments.
- Pattana Golf Club & Resort: Course will be closed on 6, 14, 18, 22 and 28 February for tournaments.
- Siam Country Club, Old Course: Course will be closed from 8 February until 3 March for the LPGA tournament.
- Siam Country Club, Plantation Course: Course will be closed on 19 February for a tournament.
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| Phuket |
- Laguna Golf Phuket: Course will be undergoing green verticut during 1-8 February.
- Phuket Country Club: Course will be closed on 23 January for a tournament.
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| Chiang Mai & Chiang Rai |
- Gassan Marina Golf & Resort: Course will be closed for renovation from May 2015 until May 2016.
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| Kanchanaburi |
- Dragon Hills Golf & Country Club: Course will be closed on 24 January for a tournament.
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| Vietnam |
| Saigon |
- The Bluffs Ho Tram Strip: Course will be undergoing greens renovation during 17-19 February.
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| Hanoi |
- Long Bien Golf Course: Course will be closed on 8 February for the Tet Holiday.
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| Malaysia |
| Langkawi |
- 99 East Golf Club: Course is closed for renovation until September 2016.
- Gunung Raya Golf Resort: Course will be closed from 21026 March for the PGM Langkawi Masters and on 23 April for the Prudential Astro Masters.
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| Kota Kinabalu |
- Sutera Harbour Golf & Country Club: Course will be closed from 29 February - 4 March for the One Asia Qualifying School 2016. Only 9 holes at the Garden Course will be open during this time.
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 Cambodia |
| Siem Reap |
- Phokeethra Country Club: Course will be undergoing green verticut during 1-7 February.
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 Singapore |
- Sentosa Golf Club, Tanjong Course: Course is closed for renovation until November 2016.
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Amari Pattaya Amateur Golf Week -
March 2016 |
Pattaya,
Thailand |
6 - 12
March, 2016 |
| [find out more] |
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Amari Hua Hin Amateur Golf Week -
March 2016 |
Hua Hin,
Thaialnd |
13 - 19
March, 2016 |
| [find out more] |
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Hooters Phuket Amateur Golf Week -
May 2016 |
Phuket,
Thailand |
8 - 14
May, 2016 |
| [find out more] |
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| Centara World Masters Golf Championship - June 2016 |
Hua Hin,
Thailand |
12 - 18
June, 2016 |
| [find out more] |
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| Mercure Pattaya Ocean 2 Ball Golf Championship - June 2016 |
Pattaya,
Thailand |
19 - 25
June, 2016 |
| [find out more] |
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Cambodia Amateur Golf Week -
August 2016
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Siem Reap,
Cambodia |
1 - 9
August, 2016 |
| [find out more] |
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| Accor Vietnam World Masters Golf Championship - September 2016 |
Danang,
Thailand |
4 - 10
September, 2016 |
| [find out more] |
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Siam Country Club Pattaya Amateur Golf Week -
October 2016 |
Pattaya,
Thailand |
16 - 22
October, 2016 |
| [find out more] |
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Chiang Mai
Amateur
Golf Week -
October 2016 |
Chiang Mai,
Thailand |
23 - 29
October, 2016 |
| [find out more] |
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Pool Villa with Excellent Rental Potential!
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Pool Villa with Excellent Rental Potential located within easy reach to the West of Hua Hin town.
Location: next to everything, direct access road to Hua Hin and Bangkok
House rents for approximately 40,000 Thai Baht per month
This house has been completely redecorated & had external improvements.
Nearby nightlife, shopping malls, restaurants, golf courses, shops, markets.
Premium location, excellent condition, easy to run, an amazing opportunity. Find out more! |
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Golf Haven: Treasure Splendid
Tee Time At Danang's
Extraordinary Golf Clubs
Set against the immaculate backdrop of pristine waterscapes, exquisite foothills and luxurious greenery, Danang in Vietnam is a melting pot of magnificent natural beauty, art, culture and history. Astoundingly striking and ardently captivating, Danang boasts a charming blend of scenic splendor with thrilling golf facilities –– turning this into a highly addictive city for the sport's enthusiasts.
Top-Quality Golf Courses In Danang For Locals And Travellers
Golf has emerged as one of the most popular sporting pursuits for locals and visitors to the region, thanks to a throng of world-class Danang golf courses springing up in the region. Avid golfers looking to combine sport and travel will find that Danang's exceptional golf clubs exceed their expectations in lifestyle, landscape and golfing facilities. This Golfasian guide is designed to equip you with excellent knowledge of the different golf courses in Danang, empowering you to make the ideal choice for your golfing needs.
[READ THE ENTIRE ARTICLE] |
Golf Gloves
As we all know Thailand is in the tropics and bar a few weeks of the year tends to be hot and humid. I'm guessing most golfers coming to play in Thailand have their trusty leather glove in their bag, but will probably soon find out it isn't suitable for the local climate. Therefore, anticipating this issue, either at home before travelling or soon after arrival, in the pro shop or at local golf stores, investigate a synthetic glove that is both breathable and light weight yet provides the necessary feel and grip.
My suggestion would be the Prokennex range of gloves available in Thailand, which after 15 years of playing golf here do the job perfectly at a great price. Hard wearing too!
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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 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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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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