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Dear Golf Travelers,
Welcome to the February 2020 issue of the Asian Golf Nation, the source for news breaking information about golf in Asia. Also, 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.
The travel news of the day is the Wuhan Coronavirus. There have been numerous cases on the ground in all major countries, including Thailand, Vietnam, and Malaysia; however, the bulk of the affected persons are in and around Wuhan China. Many airlines are shutting down flights to and from China to slow the virus spread. Authorities have stepped up screening of passengers from China and implemented quarantine efforts at all international airports, so travelers should expect some delays owing to the increased scrutiny around screening for the virus.
We are monitoring the situation closely in each of our destinations and I send out regular updates to ensure all travelers have the most up-to-information. I would also like to add that at times like this, news of a sensationalist nature tends to proliferate more quickly than that which has taken the time to consider all the facts. All golfers should get their information from reputable sources such as your home country’s travel website and the World Health Organization website.
Now back to golf around the region. 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 conditions. For those still thinking about a winter golf trip, some of our sample packages and special offers are online. Also, our full 2020 tournament schedule is available to facilitate advanced planning.
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 specialties. 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!
Happy Golfing,
Mark Siegel
Managing Director
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GOLF NEWS FROM AROUND THE REGION
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Phang Nha, Thailand
Progress continues at the new/old course in Phang Nha. Nine holes at Aquella Golf & Country Club are grassed, and shaping of the second nine is moving ahead. Hole 12 is the signature hole along the Ocean, while 18 sits below the clubhouse. Sleepers (railroad ties), part of the original Andy Dye designed Thai Muang, show up in the bunker facing, a nice touch indeed.
Once opened in late 2020, Aquella will be one of the top golf courses in the South of Thailand. I plan to visit around April to check things out.
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Phuket, Thailand
Many of you have heard that Loch Palm Golf Club went though some major surgery last year after losing land, mainly around the 10-12 holes. The completed changes are a new par-3 11th - now on the old 17th fairway, a new 5th green complex, a shorter 6th hole, and a shortened and reshaped 18th. The new holes had to be re-developed into a smaller area, resulting in the par coming down to 71, and the course length now playing to 6,000 yards. The changes turned out well and overall playability is better than before. The upcoming ow season will see a few more minor changes.
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Danang, Vietnam
The second nine of the new Niklaus designed course at BRG Danang Golf Resort is progressing. The first nine holes opened in 2018 were constructed closest to the clubhouse, while the remaining nine holes are further away and mostly adjacent to the Coco River. Most of the new holes feature riverside views with greens framed by wooden timber walls. Look for the opening this spring, after which BRG will have all 36-holes open for play, and there will be seven full 18-hole courses on the Vietnam central coast.
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GOLF DESTINATION REVIEW: Langkawi
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A personal destination review from Iskandar Zulkarnain, DOSM of The Andaman.
Langkawi Island is an island that is not only rich with flora and fauna but also laced with legends and folklores – making it one of the most visited islands in Malaysia. Langkawi is also one of the three islands in Malaysia that is duty-free.
Hailing from Kuala Lumpur, these are rather rare for a city boy like me. I first visited Langkawi when I was little and kept on coming back for holidays. Ultimately, I decided to take on a role in The Andaman, a Luxury Collection Resort on the island. Nestled between the 10-million-year-old rainforest and the 8,000-year-old fringing coral reef, the resort is a legend herself where our guests are not only here for relaxation but also to discover what Langkawi has to offer and how they can play their part in protecting the reef through our Coral Conservation Project.
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The Andaman a Luxury Collection Resort
Golfers looking for luxurious relaxation will appreciate their stay at The Andaman, a Luxury Collection Resort. Located in a captivating tropical setting, the Andaman is tucked away between a 10 million year-old rainforest and an 8,000 year-old fringing coral reef. Voted as the "9th Best Beach in the World" by National Geographic, enjoy five star luxury in this unparalleled indigenous locale, only at The Andaman.
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The Datai Langkawi
One of the island's top 5* resorts for golfers, The Datai Langkawi is prefectly located in the North West of Langkawi, a few minutes from the Els Club Teluk Datai and near the famous Skybridge. Golfers can select from various rooms, suites and villas, all with enchanting views of the lush tropical rainforest, some with the breathtaking vista of the Andaman Sea with Tarutao Island on the horizon.
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The Els Club Teluk Datai
(renovated scenic woodlands track is one of Malaysia's best)
Situated on the mystical island of Langkawi, The Els Club Teluk Datai is renowned for its spectacular mountain scenery and virgin rainforest. The golf course opened for play in 1992 as Dalit Bay Golf Club and immediately put Langkawi on the map of premium golf destinations. Datai Bay was voted as The Most Scenic Golf Course in Malaysia and nominated as one of the best golf resorts in Asia. It was also voted as Best Top Ten Golf Course in Malaysia, by Asian Golf Monthly in 2009. In 2012-13 the course was completely renovated and reopened for play in 2014 under the current name of The Els Club Teluk Datai.
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Best of Malaysia Golf Holiday
Are you a golf adventurer that would like to play the best golf in Malaysia? This tour features sought after and hidden destinations, top courses, and hand-curated tours. Choose from a wide selection of hotels that let you enjoy everything that Malaysia has to offer you in a style that fits your budget.
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Meet Khun Niki, Sales Executive at Golfasian:
Niki, Golfasian's sales executive has been with Golfasian for over 1 year. An Eco-Tourism and Hospitality Management graduate from Srinakharinwirot University in Bangkok, Niki also has a Master Degree in Tourism Management from Assumption University.
Niki worked at SpiceRoads company as travel consultant for 3 years. During this time, she gained various experience in Thailand's tourism industry.
Niki enjoys giving customers tips about golf in Thailand as she has also been a tour guide a few years ago.
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Golfasian is now offering rental clubs to golfers travelling to Asia.
Due to popular demand and in an effort to make the golf holiday travel experience easier, Golfasian is now offering a wide variety of golf rental sets for both ladies & men in various locations in Thailand and Vietnam.
Contact us today to reserve rental clubs for your next Asia golf holiday.
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GOLF TIPS
What Is Posture And How Important Is It?
Posture is how you set up to the ball, very important and one of the main fundamentals of golf.
Everything is built on this foundation and if you have a problem here, it’ll show up later in your swing, possibly disguised as something else.
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BEST OF OUR BLOGS
CEO’s Lost Golf Balls are a Winner
Most golfers hate to lose an expensive golf ball, but American Mark Siegel doesn’t mind, as he has a clever ulterior motive. Siegel is the CEO of Golfasian, one of the most established inbound golf tour operators in Asia. “About five years ago I had the idea of printing my own Titlist golf balls with the simple message. Reward Offered If you return this ball to www.golfasian.com”, said Siegel.
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Update Your Personal Information
In an effort to serve you better, we want to make sure we are not crowding your Inbox and only sending you the most personalized and relevant information. Can you please update your preferences through the link below? We know your time is precious, and this won’t take more than 30 seconds!
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GOLF COURSE MAINTENANCES & CLOSURES
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Thailand
Bangkok
- Lam Luk Ka Country Club: Course will be closed during 15-16 April for Songkran.
- Nikanti Golf Club: Course will be undergoing maintenance during 1-10 May. Course will be closed on 13-15, 19-22, 25-26 & 28-29 May for the BMW Tournament.
Hua Hin
Pattaya
- Siam Country Club, Old Course: Course will be closed during 3-27 February for the Honda LPGA Tournament. Course will be undergoing coring greens during 13-17 April.
- Siam Country Club, Rolling Hills: Course will be undergoing coring greens during 7-10 April.
- Siam Country Club, Waterside Course: Course will be closed during 3-15 February, 6-10 April and 8-11 May for tournaments. Course will be undergoing coring greens during 11-15 May.
Phuket
Chiang Mai
- Mae Moh Golf Course: Course will be closed on 23 & 29 February and 7 & 21 March for tournaments.
Kanchanaburi
Kanchanaburi
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Vietnam
Danang
Hanoi
Ho Chi Minh City
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Indonesia
Bali
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Malaysia
All courses are in good condition.
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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 2020. All rights reserved.
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