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Dear Golf Travelers,
A Happy New Year to All Golf Pigs!
February 5th, 2019 is celebrated around the world as the start of traditional Chinese Lunar New Year. These next 12 months will be known as “The Year of the Pig” in the Chinese zodiac cycle of 12 animals. Chinese people believe that each of these animals has distinctly different characters. So, if you golf and were born in 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, or 1995, then you are a Golf Pig.
So whatever Zodiac Golfer you are, I send you a special Golfasian greeting for the coming year: “Gung Xi Fat Choy” and may 2019 be the year for your golfing dreams to come true!
And Happy Tet in Vietnam. Vietnam’s traditional New Year, known as Tet, coincides with Chinese New Year and will be celebrated this year over the period February 2-10th. Tet is one of the nation’s most important and popular festive holidays. It is a time for reunions when people return home to spend time with their families and elders. It is also a time for parties and sharing of best wishes for a happy, healthy, peaceful and prosperous year ahead. I wish all our friends and colleagues in Vietnam a Happy New Year, and the best of everything for 2019!
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.
Complete full-service itineraries created for your specific travel preferences, expectations, group size, and budgetary requirements are our specialty. Please contact us anytime for a competitive quote.
Mark Siegel
Managing Director
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GOLF NEWS FROM AROUND THE REGION
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Vietnam
If you’re looking for Greg Norman, there’s a good chance that he’s in Vietnam going by the name of ‘Ambassador Norman.’ Last month he came on board as Vietnam’s tourism ambassador claiming that in his 40 years in golf, Vietnam stands out as the country with the most potential. There are three Norman designed courses open for play in Vietnam, BRG Danang, The Bluffs, and KN Links, another five in construction, and 21 more in the pipeline. Some of the new sites include coastal dunes that dwarf anything seen to date, the first course in the Mekong Delta, and a new course in Sapa, in the far northwest, and where it snows in winter. That’s right snow in Vietnam!
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Bandung, Indonesia
Indonesia’s golf hotspot, actual cool spot, has just become better with the opening of Parahyangan Golf Bandung. Parahyangan, designed by Bob Moore of JMP Golf Design, sets up as two courses in one with 9-holes laid out on a mountain ridge and 9-holes set in the deep valley floor. Course conditioning and facilities are first-class and its great to see Indonesia's continuing golf development. Bandung may not be so well-known in international circles but for me its one of the most pleasant areas for golf in SE Asia due to the cooling temperatures and more laid back culture as compared to the bigger cities. Now, there is an even better reason to visit!
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Pattaya, Thailand
The latest Thailand golf course is officially open and getting rave feedback from our golfers. Laid out in a stunning location near Silverlake Winery, Chee Chan Golf Resort plays like a links course with very few trees. The facility offers five-star services and is on par or with the other premium Pattaya golf courses. If your planning to be in the area, then be sure to include Chee Chan in your must-play list, its that good!
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GOLF DESTINATION REVIEW: Desaru Coast, Malaysia
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A personal destination review from Stephen James Havrilla Group General Manager for The Els Club Malaysia.
After 20 years with Troon Golf and having the pleasure to be part of many different golf properties from around the world, it still amazes me when I see a destination like Desaru Coast. It is more than just a golf heaven here, there is so much to do for the whole family you will definitely need a few days to spare.
Desaru Coast spans over 3,900 acres along a pristine 17km beachfront facing the South China Sea, and is easily accessible via road, air and sea. The destination is also home to renowned hospitality brands for luxury resorts and lifestyle products such as the Westin Desaru Coast Resort, Hard Rock Hotel Desaru Coast, The One & Only, Anantara Desaru Coast Resort & Villas and even the Desaru Coast Adventure Water Park, which make it a perfect vacation destination away from the main city of Johor Baharu and our neighbouring country of Singapore, which is just a short ferry ride or a two hour drive across the causeway.
I enjoy many things about Desaru Coast and the surrounding areas such as the many beaches, the local food stalls in the heart of Desaru, the Desaru Fruit Farm with their wildlife, fresh fruits and mango fields. You can also enjoy the local seafood right on the beach front, but be careful that some of the dishes can get a bit spicy but still a must try.
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FEATURED GOLF COURSE AND HOTEL
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The Els Club Desaru Coast, Ocean Course
The Els Club Desaru Coast Ocean Course offers 27 holes of tournament-ready golf designed by Ernie Els. Golfers experience three distinctly different 9-hole courses, the Lakes (Par 36), Coast (Par 36), and the Ridge (Par 37). With multiple tee boxes on each hole, the golf course meanders through natural wetlands and lakes as it makes its way thru the spectacular natural rolling terrain set alongside the South China Sea. It provides a challenge for all skill levels. Each hole on the Ocean Course bears the Els mark of strategy, beauty, and elegance.
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The Westin Desaru Coast Resort
Located in the heart of Desaru coast, between The Els Club Ocean and Valley courses and close to the Hard Rock Hotel, the Westin Desaru Coast Resort is the perfect 5* accommodation for golfers who want to spend a golf holiday at the Desaru Coast.
The Westin Desaru Coast Resort features 275 light and airy guest rooms and suites with thoughtful amenities to ensure a memorable stay. Rooms and suites overlook the South China sea and open coastal views - perfect for a golf holiday in Malaysia.
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Desaru & Johor Golf Tour
With the addition of the Els Club, Ocean and Valley courses, Desaru and Johor are a perfect combination for golfers looking for a high quality and value for money golfing holiday. Desaru is located just 1 hour from Johor and easily accessible from Singapore. Spend a few nights in Desaru relaxing on the beach and finish the tour in the Johor city area taking advantage of the many shopping malls, restaurants and nightlife.
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Special for Golfasian Newsletter Subscribers:
Register by 15 February and get THB 5,000 (~USD 150) off per room!
Travelling with a group of 4 or more?
Get in touch for even bigger discounts.
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Ms A
Director of Group Sales
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AJ
Sales Team Manager
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Ohm
Senior Sales Executive
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Ian
Hua Hin & Phuket GM
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Jim
International Sales
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Paul
International Sales
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Nena
International Sales
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Marco
International Sales
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Richard
International Sales
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Bank
Sales Executive
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Bagus
Indonesia Sales
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Win
Phuket Sales
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Bill
Vietnam Sales
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Sophie
Vietnam Sales
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Khoa
Vietnam Sales
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Su
Cambodia & Myanmar Sales
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Quy
Vietnam Sales
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Meya
China Sales
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BEST OF OUR BLOGS
Sun, Sand & Golf - A Tropical Paradise, A Golfer's Retreat
Since time immemorial, Bali has been known for its glittering seas, exotic cuisine, and golden sands. But that’s just the tip of the ‘sand’ berg. There’s much more to Bali than just resorts and beaches, especially for golf lovers who will find everything they’re looking for in this tropical paradise – from challenging courses to easier ones for beginners. Draped with stunning natural beauty and different degrees of difficulty, Bali golf courses are some of the finest you’ll find...
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GOLF TIPS
Which Golf Ball Should I Play in Thailand?
Of all the variables that determine a golf ball’s performance compression may be the most mysterious. You’ll know it as a number on the ball, usually 90 or 100. If you see slow motion videos of balls impacting the club face you’ll see it as the ball deforming or “mushing”. The ball launches as this compression releases. Generally, professional advice says the faster you swing the less compression you need but there are way more issues to consider namely spin speed generated, feel, control, etc...
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GOLF COURSE MAINTENANCES & CLOSURES
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Thailand
Bangkok
Hua Hin
Pattaya
Phuket
- Laguna Golf Phuket: Course will be closed during 4-8 March for the PGA Tour China Series and during 13-19 May for the Singha Laguna Phuket Open.
- Red Mountain Golf Club: Course will be closed on 20 March for a tournament.
Kanchanaburi
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Vietnam
Danang
- Laguna Golf Lang Co: Course will be holding the 13th Faldo Series Asia Grand Final during 17-22 March. Course will be doing greens aeration during 8-17 (front nine) & 15-27 (back nine) April.
- Montgomerie Links Vietnam: Course will be closed on 30 March for the Mercedes Qualifier Tournament. Coring greens will be taking place in May.
Dalat
Hai Phong / Halong Bay
Hanoi
Ho Chi Minh City
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Indonesia
Bali
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Malaysia
Kuala Lumpur
- TPC KL, East Course: Course will be closed in the morning of 6 February for the Monthly Medal Tournament and on 17 February for the TPCL Junior Tournament.
- TPC KL, West Course: Course will be closed on 23 & 24 February for the Interclub Match.
Johor Bahru
Langkawi
Penang
Kota Kinabalu
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Cambodia
Siem Reap
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ABOUT US / CONTACT GOLFASIAN
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TAT No.: 14/00515
VNAT No.: 79-302/2011 / TCDL-GP LHOT
© Copyright Golfasian 2018. All rights reserved.
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