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February 2018 Edition

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.

Happy New Year and "Ruf Ruf" to all golfers!
February 16th marks the start of the Chinese Lunar New Year, and 2018 is the Year of the Dog. Golfers born in the year of the dog are courageous, so for those who like to make a go at par-5's, this will be your year. However, canine weaknesses are stubbornness. Be extra sure this year to listen to the advice of your caddies, and you will be well-rewarded.

The entire Golfasian staff and I extend to golfers worldwide, the traditional greeting for this season - "Gung Xi Fat Choy"; may the Dog bring you excellent golf experiences throughout the year.

Please note that throughout the region many of the local staff and service personnel will travel back to their hometowns to celebrate the Lunar New year from the 15th to the 25th of February. Golf courses, hotels, airports, and other attractions will all be open normally. However, expect less than normal duty staff, extra crowds, and some service delays during this period.

Similarly, Golfasian is experiencing record Asian golf travel business. It is a joy seeing all of the happy golfers playing the fairways here. To those who are traveling with us, thank you for your support. To others who are still at home, the winter is not over yet, and I hope to welcome you to the sunny skies and Asia's green golf courses soon.

The golf, culture, and exotic beauty of Asia are perfectly suited for unforgettable golf experiences. Whether it be playing in one of our organized golf tournaments or on a golf holiday, you are guaranteed to play world-class golf, meet friendly locals, experience excellent cuisines, sample exotic cultures, and enjoy fascinating entertainment. Best of all everything on offer is at great prices. Complete full-service itineraries created for your specific travel preferences, expectations, group size, and budgets are our specialty; contact us for a competitive quote.

With that, I invite you to read on and hear what's new from around the region.

Until the next newsletter, happy golfing and I hope to see you in Asia very soon!

Mark Siegel
Managing Director of Golfasian

Pattaya

Construction at Chee Chan Golf Resort marches ahead towards a May opening. The terrain at Chee Chan Golf Resort includes 25 meters of elevation change, just the right amount to create a challenging and visually dramatic resort course measuring more than 7,200 yards from the championship tees. IMG will oversee operations at Chee Chan Golf Resort, and is benchmarking nearby Siam Country Club for their service and quality. Once opened, Chee Chang Golf Resort will be one of the attractions located in the shadow of the 110-meter spiritual Buddha that already includes Silverlake Winery, Ramayana Water Park, and shopping and restaurant district.

Ho Tram

The Bluffs Ho Tram Strip has retained its status as one of Golf Digest's best golf courses in the world. The latest ranking has Vietnam's sole entry on the list at No. 35, up from No. 74 where it debuted in 2016 as part of inaugural 'World 100 Greatest Golf Courses' ranking.
Designed by legendary golfer Greg Norman, The Bluffs opened to great fanfare in October 2014.
A year later, the seaside links-style track won 'World's Best New Golf Course' at the World Golf Awards and served as the site of the Asian Tour's Ho Tram Open, won by The Master's champ, Sergio Garcia. The Bluffs, located on the East Sea is a two-hour drive from Ho Chi Minh City.

Bogor

Its no secret among locals that the Bogor region outside Jakarta is one of the best golf destinations in SE Asia. Cool year-round temperatures, crazy low costs, and excellent golf are three of the main reasons those living here head up to the foothills whenever time permits. It's also good to see some international recognition for Bogor. Recently it ranked among the top three golf destinations in Asia-Pacific. Riverside Golf Club, a Norman standout in the region, ranked third in the Best Courses in Indonesia. Both announcements came at the Asia Pacific Golf Summit. My other Bogor favorites are Rancamaya and Rainbow Hills. Insiders Tip: Book VIP rooms for before and after your round. The services offered are well worth the price charged!

Here in Vietnam, we are lucky enough to celebrate the New Year twice, on 31 December for the Gregorian calendar and on 15 February for the Lunar Calendar. February is coming and spring has just started. The weather is cool with a clear blue sky overhead. This is the ideal time to play golf!

In Ho Chi Minh City (known as Saigon) golfers can play golf all year round. The city has 8 beautiful golf courses within an hour's drive from downtown. If you are planning a golf trip here, don't forget to enjoy a round at Long Thanh hills course and also don't miss playing The Bluffs Ho Tram Strip, voted No. 35 in latest World 100 Greatest Golf Courses rankings by Golf Digest. We are excited for 2 more new courses to be opened this year, namely Harmonie Golf Park, designed by Jim Engh, planned to open in March 2018, followed by the Golden Ponds - Long An Golf Club from Thomson Perrett Company. No doubt that Saigon remains one of our golfers' favorite golf destinations.

There will be fireworks to celebrate the New Year (also called TET). Saigon, "The city that never sleeps", unlike other cities in Vietnam, is very active at night. Sidewalk cafes dot the city, pubs and restaurants stay open late into the night, and entertainment options for golfers are a plenty.

FEATURED GOLF COURSE

The Bluffs Ho Tram Strip

THE BLUFFS Ho Tram Strip is ranked No. 35 on World 100 Greatest Golf, the 18 hole, par – 71 layout is designed by legendary golf course designer – Greg Norman, set on genuine links land and features stunning ocean and forest view which is 120km from HCM City.
In fact, the Bluffs Ho Tram Strip has some of the best geographical traits for a top golf course layout.

FEATURED HOTEL

Sofitel Saigon Plaza Hotel

Retreat to the serenity of a Ho Chi Minh City luxury 5-star hotel in a quiet enclave just steps from the buzzing city centre. Sofitel Saigon Plaza is located on historic peaceful Le Duan Boulevard just a moment from the city's commercial centre and consulates with its fabulous shopping, dining and tourist attractions like Notre Dame Cathedral, Reunification Palace, and many more

Amari Hua Hin
Golf Week

11 - 17 March 2018

Avani Pattaya
Golf Week

18 - 24 March 2018

Centara World Masters Golf Championship

10 - 16 June 2018

Mercure Pattaya 2 Ball Golf Championship

17 - 23 June 2018

AccorHotels Vietnam World Masters

9 - 15 Sep. 2018

Amari Hua Hin Golf Week

14 - 20 October 2018

Asia's Best Tournament For Club Golfers Reaches Over 300 Signups!

Hua Hin, Thailand, 25 January 2018 — The fifth installment of Thailand's biggest and most enjoyed tournament for club golfers, the Centara World Masters Golf Championship, returns to the popular beach-side resort town on Hua Hin in Thailand from 10 to 16 June 2018.

Such is the event's popularity, more than 300 golfers have signed up for the tournament since registrations opened 3 months ago. Testimony to the events worldwide appeal, golfers from Australia, New Zealand, Dubai, USA, Canada, Great Britain, South Africa, India, Pakistan, France, Switzerland, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Vietnam, Taiwan, Papua New Guinea and host country Thailand have already confirmed their participation.

Centara Grand Hua Hin Beach Resort & Villas hosts spectacular welcome and presentation dinners as well Asia's biggest 19th hole with entertainment events every night of the week-long tournament. Centara Hua Hin's old world charm, beachfront location, modern facilities and Thai hospitality makes it a popular place to stay. The hotel is 90% sold-out, with a number of room types already on waitlist.

MEET THE STAFF

AJ - Sales Manager

Meet AJ, our Sales Manager and learn why now you should give Hanoi a try on your next golf holiday in Asia.

MEET THE GOLFER

Walter from Switzerland

Listen to what Walter from Switzerland has to say about his current golf holiday in Hua Hin.

Sanjay Radhakrishnan & Friends at Red Mountain, Phuket, Thailand

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