Email not displaying correctly? View it in your browser.
Golfasian - Asian Golf Nation
Home | Golf Holidays | Golf Courses | Golf Services | About Us | Contact Us

Asian Golf Travel Nation - January 2013

Facebook Like Button    Google +1 Button

Dear Golf Travelers,

Golf in AsiaGreetings from Asia and welcome to the latest issue of the Asian Golf Nation, the source for news breaking information about golf in Asia.

Can you believe it? 2012 was the all-time smoothest year for Asia golf travel with 100% service execution! Now it is time to repeat the same feat in 2013. Cooler weather is here and the next 2 months are the best time of year for golf in Asia.

On our side we are not standing still. Did you see the article on Thailand golf tourism in the Los Angeles Times? Last month I spoke on golf tourism at the Asia-Pacific Golf Summit and this month I visit Vietnam for the grand opening of the Golfasian Vietnam Danang office; our second in the country and reaffirming our position as Vietnam's only dedicated golf tour operator. On the sales front we have appointed Kelvin Chong as our Malaysia sales manager. Kelvin, a Malaysian, is a respected and seasoned veteran in the Malaysia travel industry and brings with him a wealth of golf and destination knowledge to the team. He will be handing your Malaysia golf inquiries.

Just a reminder, while bookings for the next few months are very positive, it is becoming increasingly difficult to confirm peak tee times and to find rooms at the best resorts. Please contact us as soon as you know your travel plans.

The golf, weather, and culture of Asia are perfectly suited for an unforgettable winter golf escape. Golfasian's tours are fully customizable to insure your Asian golf experience is the most memorable imaginable. This includes golfing at PGA championship courses, staying in boutique resorts, whizzing around in private chauffer driven VIP transport, enjoying daily massages, dining at local and international restaurants, and experiencing some of the best beaches, tours, sights, and entertainment under the sun. Let's get golfing!

As always there are many golf 'happenings' around the region so with that, I invite you to enjoy this edition of the Asian Golf Nation.

 Visit Golfasian Today!

Golf news from around the region:

Vietnam
*Royale City Golf Club, Dalat, VietnamDalat: Royale City is still only 9-holes but the golf course is so stunning that playing it twice makes a great combo with the venerable Dalat Palace. Much of the earth-moving on the back 9 holes was completed in 2010 and work should start again in 2013 on the rest of the course. The main selling points are the course settings, bent grass greens, and the weather. Being 1,000 meters above sea level the Dalat climate is more like eternal spring. Direct flights to Danang and Saigon are available which opens up some interesting city-mountain-beach golf tour routes.

Malaysia
*Penang Golf ClubPenang: You might not have heard of this island, but it is one of my favorite golf destinations in Malaysia. Being a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2008, Penang was one of the 3 original Chinese settlements in Malaysia (the other 2 were Melaka and Singapore). Some of the best sites of Penang include the sandy beaches, the landscape from the summit of Penang Hill (next to Penang Golf Club), Penang's many flea and spice markets, and the quaint nooks and crannies of Georgetown; the former British settlement on the mainland. Now, in an all-out effort to confuse golfers, the top ranked Bukit Jambul Golf & Country Club changed name to Penang Golf Club. So, there is Penang Golf Club (on Penang Island) & Penang Golf Resort (on the mainland). Why not give both a try; at least you won't be at the "wrong" Penang golf course? Moreover, adding Penang into a golf package is easy as there are direct flights from Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, and Phuket.

Thailand
*Siam Country ClubPattaya: You might think 45 holes of championship golf would be enough for one golf complex, but Siam Country Club does not rest! The new Siam Country Club Waterside Course will feature a friendlier golf course as compared to its Old Course and Plantation Course big brothers. The new Waterside 18 will play around 3 large lakes and a creek that meanders through the course on a relatively flat piece of land. Design by IMG and construction by Golf East (same as Banyan Golf Club, Hua Hin) practically ensures success for the opening of the Waterside Course in March 2014. Stayed tuned for more project updates as things progress at Siam Country Club!

With that I would like to once again thank those of you who have golfed with us recently, it was nice seeing you and I hope your trip was memorable one.

Remember, while the offerings are many, the choice is yours, and golf in Asia is waiting for you.
Whatever your budget and preferred style of travel, our Asian golf travel experts are glad to work with you and suggest a golf package that meets all of your needs.

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

Mark Siegel
Managing Director of Golfasian

 

- Golf in Bangkok - Choosing the Right Location

Bangkok GolfBangkok is a dynamic cosmopolitan city. There are over 60 courses of varying standards in the city and suburbs.

International hotels and restaurants are in abundance. Accommodation ranges from budget standard to world-class award-winning hotels voted amongst the best in the world.

There is a huge choice for shoppers, with many modern international style shopping malls, and also many local markets, selling handicrafts, clothes, watches, CDs, perfumes, and a wide array of jewellery.

Much of Thailand's culture can also be found by visiting the many temples and museums that are open to the public.

Bangkok has developed significantly over the past decade, particularly in terms of its transportation infrastructure. The Sky Train and the subway system now make it much easier to travel around the city centre.

[Read more about Golf in Thailand]

 
- Featured Golf Course - Muang Kaew Golf Club, Bangkok

Muang Kaew Golf Club, BangkokMuang Kew Golf Club is one of the more popular Bangkok golf courses dues to the excellent location near to central Bangkok. Redesigned by Lee Schmidt and Brian Curley from the USA, Muang Kaew boasts 18 well-guarded greens, many of which are elevated with large side catchment areas, a very unique design aspect and hardly ever seen on Thailand golf courses.

Wide fairways give players some respite for approach shots, most of which are into difficult to hold greens due to the aforementioned elevation changes, high lipped bunkers, and shaved fringes.

[Read more about one of Thailand's Best Golf Courses]

- Featured Hotel - Westin Grande Sukhumvit, Bangkok

Westin Grande Sukhumvit, BangkokRenew and recharge at Bangkok's finest five star hotel address for business or pleasure - The Westin Grande Sukhumvit Hotel Bangkok. Situated in the heart of Bangkok's best shopping, restaurants, entertainment area and unique cultural attractions. This luxury five star hotel is within easy reach to leading shopping malls, Terminal 21, Emporium, Siam Paragon, MBK, and Central World.

With the added convenience of the skytrain at your door and the subway mere steps away, you are instantly transported to all that Bangkok has to offer.

[Read more about one of Thailand's Best Hotels & Resorts]

- Golf Trip Idea: Best of Thailand Golf Expedition

Best of Thailand Golf ExpeditionThe Best of Thailand Golf Expedition covers four top golf destinations. This golf package is an excellent for first time Thailand visitors wishing to combine the best golf with Thai culture & history. Soft adventure and non-golfer activities are included. Play golf and explore each Thai destination all in one golf holiday package.

[Best of Thailand Golf Expedition Detailed Itinerary...]

Thailand Amateur Golf Weeks 2013
- Golf Travel Testimonials

Hi Mark and Yim,

Just returned from our 10 day Golf Tour in Pattaya.
On behalf of everyone (15 golfers) in our group I would just like to say a big thank you.

Your company's organisation was outstanding. From the moment we left customs to the time we returned to the airport all your staff were prompt, helpful, friendly and extremely reliable.

Your suggestion of the Mecure in Pattaya was perfect. Centrally located, clean, great staff and walking distance to the Bodega Bar which we made our meeting point each afternoon.

Thailand golfers are so fortunate to have so many fantastic golf Courses. The 6 course we played were all first class. Presentation, design, amenities, caddies and staff were all of the highest quality.

When you have a 10 day tour for 15 golfers there normally are some complaints. This tour there were none. Everyone just enjoyed it so much.

Again a huge thank you to your company.

I look forward to dealing with Golfasian again in 2013.

Regards,

Howie M.
On behalf of the 2012 Wyong Golf Club Tour Australia
Australia December 2012

[Read more golf travel testimonials]

Thailand Golf Special Offers
- Golf Tournaments

Thailand Golf TournamentsAll Nations Cup - February 2013
Date: February 22 - March 02, 2013 | Location: Pattaya, Thailand

Hua Hin Amateur Golf Week - March 2013
Date: March 03 - 09, 2013 | Location: Hua Hin, Thailand [Find out more]

Pattaya Amateur Golf Week - March 2013
Date: March 10 - 16, 2013 | Location: Pattaya, Thailand [Find out more]

World Schools Golf Challenge - March 2013
Date: March 31 - April 05, 2013 | Location: Hua Hin, Thailand

Phuket Amateur Golf Week - July 2013
Date: July 21 - 27, 2013 | Location: Phuket, Thailand [Find out more]

Pattaya Amateur Golf Week - October 2013
Date: October 19 - 26, 2013 | Location: Pattaya, Thailand [Find out more]

Chiang Mai Amateur Golf Week - October 2013
Date: October 26 - November 03, 2013 | Location: Chiang Mai, Thailand [Find out more]

- Best of the Blog Thailandgolfzone.com

Walking vs. Riding While Golfing in Thailand

Walking vs. Riding While Golfing in ThailandOne of the great things about golfing in Thailand is that at most courses, you have a choice, unlike in other golf destinations.

Many golf courses in Thailand are relatively flat, especially the Bangkok golf courses, but it is quite hot here so riding will require less energy in the heat and humidity. A golf cart or buggy will also provide a measure of shade protection from the intense sun and of course a breeze while moving. Speed of play may be improved here as one can get to their ball faster, but this will only be a benefit if the groups ahead are also on buggies. Things will be a bit easier on the caddies as well since their walking is reduced and they do not have to pull a cart loaded with a big bag and a couple of  bottles of water, especially at a hilly course like Red Mountain in Phuket. Naturally a buggy also provides a comfortable seat while waiting.

[Read the entire article]

Other golf stories can be found at the Thailand Golf Zone, Vietnam Golf Zone and Phuket Golf Zone where there are over 600 other original articles 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.

 Subscribe to our RSS Feed.

- Golfing Tips by Ian Morgan - Take one more club

Often people tend to think that the ball flies further in a hot country. This is often true with a clear heat, but on a humid day in Thailand the ball does not fly as far. There is also a tendency for the fairways to be over watered and the grass is very strong with very little roll, so our advice is take one more club than you normally would.

[Read more Golf Tips Articles]

If you have any other questions regarding golf tips to help you with your game email us at [email protected] and we will reply in upcoming newsletters

For more golf tips visit www.golfthink.com

- Meet Golfasian at these Trade/Roadshows/Fam-Trips

-Golfasian has a full schedule of tradeshows and roadshows during the next few months.

You can find us at the following events:

  • January 23 - 26, 2013 - PGA Merchandise Show (Orlando, Florida)
  • April 29 - May 02, 2013 - IAGTO Asia Golf Tourism Convention (Pattaya, Thailand)
  • November 11-14, 2013 - IGTM (Costa Daurada, Spain)

Arrange an appointment with Golfasian at one of these exhibits.

- About Us & Contacts
GolfasianIf any reader would like to suggest a topic to be covered or better yet contribute materials, photos, or even commissions an article please contact us by e-mail, we welcome the help.

 

  • Licensed by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), License No: 14/00515
  • Licensed by the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism, License No: 79-302/2011
  • Recommended by the International Association of Golf Tour Operators (IAGTO)
  • Member of Association of Thai Travel Agents (ATTA)
Golfasian Co., Ltd.
Unit 1105, 29 Bangkok Business Center
Soi Ekamai, Sukhumvit 63 Road
Klongtan Nua, Wattana
Bangkok 10110 Thailand
Tel: +66 (0) 2 714 8470
Fax: +66 (0) 2 714 8471
Golfasian Vietnam Co., Ltd
5th floor, HAN Building
301 Tran Hung Dao Street
District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Vietnam
Tel: +84 (0) 8 3838 6510
Fax: +84 (0) 8 3838 6537

Toll Free US/Canada: 1-866-550-2284

E-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.golfasian.com

The #1 Golf Experts in Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia,
Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos & Myanmar!