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Dear Golf Travelers,
 Happy New Year to all Roosters!
If you were born in 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981 or 1993 after the Lunar New Year date, then according to the Chinese zodiac, you are a Rooster. Each sign has different characteristics and Rooster people are attractive, hard-working, articulate, have a strong sense of time (e.g. when the Rooster crows each morning it's time to wake up) and good with money. These are the type of people who excel at golfing and I look forward to meeting all Roosters on the golf courses and throughout my travel.
Whatever your sign I send you special greetings for the coming year, Gung Xi Fat Choy - May the Rooster bring you many birdies this year!
This February edition of the Asian Golf Travel Nation contains original and news breaking stories on the state of golf in Asia as well as provides useful golf course information, unique golf playing tips for Asia's tropical environment, and special golf travel promotions.
With that I wish all golfers have a chance to get out this month. Whether it's at an indoor center, driving range or golf course, just swinging the club leads to better scores and loads of enjoyment. For those considering a golf trip, now is the time to travel to Asia. The weather is perfect, golf courses in top condition, and a wealth of destination choices will create an unforgettable golf holiday, guaranteed!
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.
Now for the golf news from around the region:
Mark Siegel
Managing Director of Golfasian
In This Issue:
 Visit Golfasian Today!
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 Pattaya, Thailand |
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| Stuart Mackie, GM Pattaya |
As the most diverse Thai golf destination and within easy reach of Bangkok, Pattaya has always been a golf bazaar for Golfasian clients. The news this month is Golfasian has established our own Pattaya Branch with the acquisition of Solar Golf. Golfasian Pattaya will be headed by Stuart Mackie, the son of Solar Golf's company founder Callum Mackie. In the coming months we will heavily upmarket the destination and introduce the world to the higher end side of Pattaya. With 23 golf courses including the renowned Siam CC, Thai host of the US LPGA; the area is rich for discovery and ripe for change. The continued and expanded appeal of Pattaya among golfers will rest on its wide choice of golf courses and the huge diversity of accommodations, dining, entertainment, nightlife and shopping. Pattaya offers golfers great value and with Golfasian's already close relationship with local partners it's about to get even better. Welcome Stuart to the Golfasian team!
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 Ha Long Bay, Vietnam |
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| FLC Ha Long Bay Golf Club |
Up until this year, a trip to Ha Long Bay involved a long journey from Hanoi with a noticeable absence of golf.
Now, one of the 7 Natural Wonders of the World and UNESCO World Heritage Site, Ha Long Bay is getting its own golf course. Opening in the 3rd quarter of this year, FLC Ha Long Bay Golf Club will add to Vietnam's world-class golf course lineup.
The Schmidt-Curley designed course is mid-way through construction on a hilly site that may in fact be the most visually appealing in Asia. Several of the holes feature 180 degree panoramic view of the limestone outcrops that make up the Ha Long Bay region.
Check out tthe photo above of the par-3 eight hole and Vietnam's answer to Pebble Beach. |
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| Hua Hin, Thailand |
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| Majestic Creek Country Club |
The C Course at Majestic Creek Country Club is now open for play. One of Hua Hin's mid-range courses, Majestic Creek has invested in the last couple of years with renovation of the greens on the A and B Courses, new locker rooms, pro shop and restaurant. With the opening of the C Course, which is the best 9 hole layout of the 3 courses, Majestic Creek now has 27-holes open just in time for the high season rush. Well done.
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 Bali, Indonesia |
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| Bali National Golf Club |
Bali National Golf Club has teamed up with David Leadbetter to open Indonesia's first Leadbetter Golf Academy. For anyone on a Bali golf holiday and wanting to improve their golf, the new training facility is a great place for this. Facilities are all first class and the attached Bali National is the best conditioned course in Bali, if not all Indonesia. Let us know if you are interested and we can add a visit to the new center. After all, who doesn't want to improve their golf?
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For all the golfers out there that made their New Year's Resolution to play more golf, we have just the answer!!
Asia Golf Weeks kicks off 2017 with a bang with Hua Hin and Pattaya each hosting a 6 night & 4 round event.
Amari hotels have come to the party as well with a free THB 2,000 voucher to use at either hotel, as you see fit (that's a lot of free Singha or Changs!)
Book and finalise your package no later than 16th February to secure your THB 2000 voucher. (Only 50 vouchers available).
Next event will be our great trip to Cambodia and Vietnam starting April 5th staying 10 nights and playing 6 rounds of golf and including a day tour of the famous Angkor Wat temple (think Angelina Jolie Tomb Raider !!) Full details here. Book before 20th February and receive a free room upgrade in Siem Reap.
We have 12 group tours throughout the year and details of these events can be found on the Asia Golf Week website.
If you would like to book one of our events, or have any questions, please email us at [email protected] |
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My name is John Billington. I live in Aukland, New Zealand, which is the largest and most populace area in the country. I am a member of Titirangi Golf Club, a course designed by Alastair McKenzie on his trip south to design Royal Melbourne. I have played golf in most continents and especially on the McKenzie courses in California (including Cypress Point). I was a scratch handicapper but at 66 years I am now playing off a respectable 7.
I have been travelling to Europe for sailing holidays regularly for the past five years and transit through Asia. I travel one way alone, meeting my wife in Europe and taking the opportunity to play some golf on the way. |
[Read the entire interview online]
[ Read more Testimonials ]
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Andrew Maizels from Australia speaks to Golfasian's John Carter about his recent golf holiday experience in Thailand. Let us know if you would like to take part in this series, we would be delighted to speak to you. [Watch the entire interview online] |
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Bangkok, Thailand
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Bangkok is a golf lover's paradise as the city boasts the highest number of PGA championship golf courses of any city in Asia. Some golf courses like Alpine, Amata Spring, Thai, Pinehurst, and Navatanee, played host to world tournaments. Others like Nikanti, Riverdale, and Royal Gems City are world-class designs but remain undiscovered waiting for you.
Bangkok golf courses offer excellent value-for-money especially on weekdays when green fees are lowest. Also, most Bangkok golf courses offer impeccable service and perfect playing conditions. Well-maintained fairways, extensive facilities, modern clubhouses, and fine restaurants are commonly found at golf courses in and around Thailand's capital city. Bangkok golf packages are very popular and include short breaks, multi-destination tours, and stand-alone golf, shopping and entertainment holidays. Indeed, Bangkok is a hub for international golfers and offers an ideal combination of golf and leisure.
[Read the complete review]
View our Bangkok Golf Packages | Bangkok Golf Courses
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Thai Country Club is a prestigious member's course managed by Peninsula Hotels. Thai County is one of the best in Bangkok as it sets the standard for service excellence.
Designed under USPGA standards by Denis Griffiths, the course opened in December 1996. The design adapts to everyday member use as well as providing a very tough challenge for major international and PGA tournaments.
[Read more about one of Thailand's Best Golf Courses]
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At AVANI Riverside Bangkok Hotel you will wake up in rooms and suites with a view – each and every one looks over the river and the city skyline. Lounge by the rooftop pool. Sip cocktails sky high and toast to the City of Angels. Stay cool in the shade, shielded from the tropical sun. Treat yourself to a spa day. There are spaces to mingle and organic bites to nibble. Over-the-top event venues to host with the most. Contemporary design and fresh, easy style. Take your city stay to new heights at AVANI Riverside Bangkok Hotel.
[Read more about one of Thailand's Best Hotels]
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Hua Hin - Bangkok (2-Destination) Golf Package
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Hua Hin is the epicenter and home of Thailand golf, while Bangkok is well known for the best shopping in Thailand. Combine both golf destinations into one golf vacation and experience both golf resorts. Play at top courses in Hua Hin and Bangkok, even stopping along the way for great golf. This Thai golf trip is relaxed and convenient and is well-suited for both casual and serious golfers. Everything is included to make this the ideal golf trip for couples, friends, or groups traveling together.
View the complete golf holiday itinerary.
To meet your preferences and budget please contact us for further information. |
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Thailand |
| Bangkok |
- Bangkok Golf Club: Course will be closed on 8 & 10 March for tournaments.
- Best Ocean Golf Club: Course will be closed on 18 February for a tournament.
- Cascata Golf Club: Course will be closed on 3, 9, 10 and 15 February for tournaments.
- Lam Luk Ka Country Club: Course will be closed from 17 - 18 April for annual holidays.
- Lotus Valley Golf Resort: Course will be closed on 22 & 28 January for tournaments.
- Muang Kaew Golf Club: Course will be closed on 17 February and on 6, 9 and 24 March for tournaments.
- Nikanti Golf Club: Course will be undergoing coring green during 3-12 April.
- Riverdale Golf Club: Course will be closed on 5, 12, 16, 17, 19, 22, 26 and 28 February and on 11, 19, 24 and 25 March for tournaments.
- Royal Golf & Country Club: Course will be closed on 10 & 29 March for tournaments.
- Summit Windmill Golf Club: Course will be closed on 3 February for a tournament.
- Suwan Golf & Country Club: Course will be closed on 15, 17, 21 and 25 February and on 10, 11, 15 and 29 March for tournaments.
- Thana City Golf & Sports Club: Course will be closed on 3, 16 and 24 February and on 7, 16, 24 and 30 March for tournaments.
- The Royal Gems Golf and Sports Club: Course will be closed on 4, 6, 8, 13, 15, 18, 20, 24 and 27 February and on 8, 16, 22 and 25 March for tournaments.
- Windsor Park & Golf Club: Course will be closed on 2, 7 and 15 February for tournaments.
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| Vietnam |
| Danang |
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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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Amari Hua Hin Amateur
Golf Week -
March
2017 |
Hua Hin,
Thailand |
12 - 18
March, 2017 |
| [find out more] |
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Amari Pattaya Amateur
Golf Week -
March
2017 |
Pattaya,
Thailand |
19 - 25
March, 2017 |
| [find out more] |
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Cambodia Vietnam
Golf Week -
April
2017 |
Siem Reap & Danang |
5 - 15
April, 2017 |
| [find out more] |
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Centara World Masters Golf Championship -
June
2017 |
Hua Hin,
Thailand |
11 - 17
June, 2017 |
| [find out more] |
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Mercure Pattaya Ocean Resort 2 Ball Golf Championship -
June
2017 |
Pattaya,
Thailand |
18 - 24
June, 2017 |
| [find out more] |
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Accor Vietnam World Masters Golf Championship -
August
2017 |
Danang,
Vietnam |
13 - 19
August, 2017 |
| [find out more] |
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Special Promotion on Show House Available Now at Baan Phu Thara Hua Hin
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 Baan Phu Thara offer spectacular quality, eco-friendly villas with a stunning list of standard inclusions, located next to Black Mountain Golf Course. A 12% discount is available on the competed show-house paid for in full with the condition that the property be used as a show-house for a minimum of 2 years before handing the property over. All costs, maintenance, cleaning and common fees will be paid by the development until the agreed handover date. Ideal for anyone seeking a fully loaded, high-spec villa not due to retire for another 2 years! This is a great deal on a beautiful home and sure to be snapped up fast! Contact us for more info.
Find out more! |
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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.
[READ THE ENTIRE ARTICLE] |
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Thailand Golf Weather
Whilst overall it has a consistently tropical climate, Thailand does have its variations. In the Chiang Mai area to the north, for the past month or so the early mornings have been chilly, verging on cold relatively speaking. If you are an early bird and like to tee off around 7am bring a light sweater with you. By 9am the sun will be shining brightly and by 10 the temperature will be in the low 80s as usual but that sweater will be a godsend first thing.
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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 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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