Asian Golf Travel Nation - January 2015

The Amari Hua Hin Amateur Golf Week event has been heavily subscribed and we now have just 20 positions left.

*** Book & pay before 20 January and receive a free round of golf at Imperial Lake View (Wednesday 4 March) with cart & caddie. ***

Black Mountain Golf Club has announced that it will host the Thailand Classic in February, a major golf tournament co-sanctioned by the European and Asian tours, 3 weeks prior to our event so we are expecting the greens and golf course to be in excellent condition. Both Springfield and Banyan will be hosting the Asian Tour's  qualifying school at the end of January, so Hua Hin has a high profile for both professionals and Amateurs alike.

Mark Penfold from GolfAsian states "If you are looking to play championship golf courses in peak condition, in a pro-style 4-round tournament, then you should join us in Hua Hin during March 2015. While there is no cut, there is plenty of pressure to produce 4 consistent, quality rounds to lift the trophies."

We now have the Volvik Golf Company (Thailand) as our golf ball sponsor for the week and in the player's welcome bag, each will receive a sleeve of Volvik golf balls.

If you would like to register for these two events please email [email protected] to secure these final positions.

Other events throughout the year can be found on this link www.asiagolfweek.com

Have you thought about golf travel insurance for your trip? Golfasian has teamed up with Pacific Cross insurance to offer

• Personal accident insurance up to USD 65,000
• Medical treatment up to USD 75,000
• Emergency Evacuation & Repatriation
• Loss/Damage of Baggage up to USD 800
• Hole-In-One up to USD 300
• Loss/Damage of Golfing Equipment up to USD 2,000
• And a lot more!

For more information contact us directly.

The Mali Residence is the 8th project by multi award-winning Orchid Palm Homes and follows on from the outstanding success of the Orchid Palm Residence and The Views developments, located here in the beautiful seaside town of Hua Hin, Thailand.

Built on 33 Rai of land set in idyllic countryside, The Mali Residence is ideally situated, just 10 km from the centre of Hua Hin; 4 km from the bypass, 7 km from the beach and central to Hua Hin's numerous golf-courses and amenities, with Banyan Golf Club just 5 minutes drive from the development.

A development of 68 Pool Villas, built in 4 different designs, and all promoting healthy outdoor Thai-Bali style living, with large terrace areas and beautifully landscaped gardens. For the month of January, we are offering a 10% discount on the first 10 plots sold at Mali Residence (4 have already been sold this week - and there are flexible payment options available for the 2nd and 3rd phases.

To find out more about how easy it is to purchase property and how the prices are comparatively much cheaper than those in the West, please contact the GM of our Property Division - Stephen van der Merwe - [email protected].

Feel free to stop by our office and see what we can offer or take our property tour (free of charge).

For a complete listing of Thailand properties visit our website.

What you say about the Thailand Golf Experience

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. 

I started using Golfasian to arrange golf holidays in Thailand. It worked seamlessly for me with transport etc and because they tended to join me up with other groups I met many interesting people from all around the world whom I would not otherwise meet: Russians, Swedes, Germans, Dutch, Swiss, Scandinavians, and golfers from all over Asia; fascinating!! 

The courses are all good, well-groomed and economical by world standards whilst facilities are of a uniformly high standard. Last year I spent a week on my own golfing in Phuket and recently a week in Chiang Mai. Red Mountain in Phuket is particularly stunning and a great test, whilst Alpine Chiang Mai is unique with its beautiful surroundings and varied types of holes providing different challenges.

I usually stay in hotels in the city rather than at a resort because I enjoy sightseeing, the local markets and restaurants including the wonderful street food.

Thai caddies are exceptional and great company; quite able to lift my spirits and get me back on track if I'm finding it difficult to find my rhythm. The Golfasian drivers are invariably courteous and efficient, providing recommendations on local attractions.

I will return to Thailand soon, this time with a group of friends from Titirangi. We shall probably play in the Chiang Mai area because the climate is appreciably cooler, the countryside truly beautiful and mountainous and there is such a lot to do and see. I'll leave the arrangements to Golfasian... they haven't let me down yet!

[Find out about Golfasian's Travel Satisfaction Guarantee]

Hi Paul,

Just wanted to say a quick thanks to you and the Golf Asian team. Service exceeded expectation. Who ever interviews your drivers needs to be commended as they are all very good (always at least 15 to 30 minutes early which is really useful if you want to get to the course a little earlier than planned for food or go on the driving range).

Montry was the star for us last year in Pattaya and was equaled this year by Rocky in Hua Hin. Rocky is a great asset to the company, so much so we we're more than happy to take him for a round of golf at Black Mountain (four pars in a row for him as well).

Attached a picture of my friend Tony after shooting an 81 at Banyan (plays off 15).

Cheers
Stuart

Chiang Rai, capital of Thailand's northernmost province, lies in the heart of the exotic Golden Triangle. Chiang Rai has two international golf courses, both set in beautiful valleys, surrounded by hills and mountains. Chiang Rai is 785 kilometers north of Bangkok and has an average elevation of 580 meters above sea level, making for pleasant golf weather and cool evenings year round. The province, which is located where Myanmar, Laos and Thailand converge, is renowned for its beautiful mountain scenery, the romantic Mekong River, hill tribe villages, temples and ancient sites and ruins. A small section of downtown Chiang Rai is home to nice restaurants, pubs, and entertainment.

Chiang Rai golf courses include the Robert Trent Jones Jr. designed Santiburi Country Club and Waterford Valley, Chiang Rai's second golf course at nearly 7,000 yards playing from the back tees.

Chiang Rai offers a unique Thailand golf experience for those looking to play off the main tourist tracks while enjoying authentic Thai culture.

[Read the entire destination review]

Santiburi Country Club was the first Chiang Rai golf course. The Robert Trent Jones Jr designed Santiburi Country Club is laid out over vast fields with excellent placement of holes and an abundance of water hazards and bunkers. The golf course is widely regarded as one of the best conceived and maintained golf courses in Asia. Golfers living in Thailand will tell you that Santiburi in Chiang Mai is one of their favorite golf courses in Thailand, and this is no small compliment!

The golf course is championship calibre, yet it is playable and enjoyable for golfers of every skill level. Set into the contours of a valley, it is superbly landscaped and winds beneath a canopy of magnificent shaded trees, alongside crystal clear lakes and streams, turquoise skies and pearl white clouds above with the lush green foothills and mountains of Chiang Rai in the distance.

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

The Dusit Island Resort Chiang Rai, is located on the edge of the city, the provincial Northern Thailand capital. With daily 1 hour flights from Bangkok, the Dusit Island Resort in Chiang Rai is a wonderful base from which to enjoy golf in Northern Thailand. The hotel is located on its own island in the Kok River and offers seclusion amid natural surroundings as well as ready access to the town center and beyond.

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

This Thailand golf tour includes golf and sightseeing in two spectacular Northern Thailand destinations, Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai. Combine world-class golfing with authentic Northern Thai culture for a truly memorable Thailand golf holiday.

Recommended Hotels:

• 4 Star The Imperial Mae Ping
• 4 Star The Imperial River House Resort, Chiang Rai
• 5 Star Ratilanna Riverside Resort & Spa
• 5 Star Le Meridien Chiang Rai Resort

[Northern Thailand Golf & Culture Holiday Itinerary...]

Bangkok, 8 January 2015 -- Golfasian, South-East Asia's leading dedicated golf tourism operator, has rejoined the International Association of Golf Tour Operators (IAGTO) after a two-year absence.

The move comes at an important time for the company and golf tourism in Asia, the world's fastest-growing market for travelling golfers. More than one million golfers are expected to travel to and within Asia in 2015, with Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia and China leading the high level of activity.

Established in 1997, Golfasian was named last November as Asia's best golf tour operator at the inaugural World Golf Awards in Algarve, Portugal. The worldwide voting process included industry experts, senior executives and professionals from the golf, travel, and tourism industries.

Golfasian's managing director, Mark Siegel (pictured), says the company has hosted 67,000 golfers and worked with 450 golf tour operators since its inception.

"We are pleased to be part of IAGTO again," he adds. "We have several IAGTO-related activities planned in 2015, including a high-end Vietnam FAM trip and exhibiting at the Asian Golf Tourism Convention in Jakarta in April.

"Golfasian will reach out to fellow IAGTO members through our Asian Golf Tour Operator newsletter and regular updates on product promotions. These vehicles enable communication about the latest news in the industry and keeps tour operators informed of course conditions and new developments in Asia."

IAGTO managing director, Peter Walton, says Golfasian is rejoining IAGTO at the beginning of an expected record-breaking year for the London-based organisation and golf tourism worldwide.

"On January 1, IAGTO reached 2250 member companies in 98 countries for the first time and its 567 golf tour operator members saw sales grow to over US$2.5 billion in 2014, the third year of consecutive growth. A record number of golf tour operators have already registered for IAGTO's 4th Asia Golf Tourism Convention in Jakarta (April 27-20) at which Golfasian will be participating."

For more information, visit http://www.golfasian.com

Thailand

• Bangkok
  • Lakewood Country Club - Course will be closed on 21, 22, 26 and 29 January for tournaments.
  • Lotus Valley Golf Resort - Course will be closed on 24 Januaryfor a tournament.
  • Nikanti Golf Club - Course will be closed from 19-22 and 26-29 January for maintenance.
  • President Country Club - Course will be closed on 19, 21 and 28 January for tournaments.
  • Riverdale Golf Club - Course will be closed on 16, 22, 23, 26, 28, 29 and 30 January for tournaments.
  • Suwan Golf & Country Club - Course will be closed on 22 & 30 January for tournaments.
  • The Royal Gems Golf & Sports Club - Course will be closed on 12 January for a tournament.
  • Windsor Park - Course will be closed on 16, 21, 22, 23, 26, 28, 29 and 30 January for tournaments.
• Hua Hin
  • Black Mountain Golf Club - Course will be closed on 10 January for a tournament and from 2 February - 16 February for the Thailand Classics
  • Imperial Lake View Golf Club - Courses C & D will be closed until 22 January for maintenance. Further the course will be closed from 5-8 February for a tournament.
  • Sea Pines Golf Course - Course will be closed from 29 January - 1 February and 5-8 February.
  • Springfield Royal Country Club - Course will be closed from 12-24 January for the 2015 Asian Tour Qualifying School.
• Pattaya
  • Khao Kheow Country Club - Course will be closed on 9 January for a tournament.
  • Siam Country Club, Old Course - Course will be closed from 9 February - 5 March for the Honda LPGA Tournament.
  • Siam Country Club, Plantation Course - Course will be closed from 8 June - 16 June for the 2015 Thailand Open.
• Phuket
  • Laguna Phuket Golf Club - Course will be closed on 11 January for a tournament.
  • Phuket Country Club - Course will be closed on 31 January for a tournament.
• Chiang Rai
  • Santiburi Chiang Rai Country Club - Course will be closed on 27, 28, 29, 30, 31 January and on 1 February for tournaments.

Vietnam

• Saigon
  
  • Long Than Golf Club - Course will be closed from 9-10 January for tournaments.

Malaysia

• Kuala Lumpur
  • Templer Park Country Club - Course will be closed from 9-11 February and 12-13 February for tournaments.

Indonesia

• All golf courses are in good condition

Singapore

• All golf courses are in good condition.

Amari Hua Hin Amateur Golf Week - March 2015
Date: March 1 - 7, 2015| Location: Hua Hin, Thailand [Find out more]

Pattaya Amateur Golf Week - March 2015
Date: March 8 - 14, 2015| Location: Pattaya, Thailand [Find out more]

Malaysia Amateur Golf Week - May 2015
Date: May 10 - 15, 2015| Location: Malaysia

Bali Amateur Golf Week - May 2015
Date: May 17 - 23, 2015| Location: Bali

Phuket Amateur Golf Week - June 2015
Date: 7 - 13 June, 2015| Location: Phuket, Thailand [Find out more]

Centara World Masters Golf Championship - June 2015
Date: 14 - 20 June, 2015| Location: Hua Hin, Thailand [Find out more]

Cambodia Amateur Golf Week - August 2015
Date: 2 - 9 August, 2015| Location: Siem Reap, Cambodia [Find out more]

Golf Coast Vietnam Amateur Golf Week - August 2015
Date: 10 - 16 August, 2015| Location: Danang, Vietnam [Find out more]

Vietnam World Masters Golf Championship - September 2015
Date: 6 - 12 September, 2015| Location: Danang, Vietnam

Siam Country Club Pattaya Amateur Golf Week - October 2015
Date: 18 - 24 October, 2015| Location: Pattaya, Thailand [Find out more]

Chiang Mai Amateur Golf Week - October 2015
Date: 25 - 31 October, 2015| Location: Chiang Mai, Thailand [Find out more]

After Hours Thailand Golf

Here is a new story from Davy, previously the number one golf retailer in Southern California and now a converted Thai golf addict.

When the phone rang it was a Thailand golf buddy all excited to tell me he had a game set up with some movers and shakers that were coming to town; and after a great lunch he had planned we would entertain them with a round of golf.

Lunch was indeed great; authentic Thai delicacies rolled out by smiling courteous servers. Thailand hospitality may be the greatest in the world. But it was getting late so I called him aside and said, "We're only playing nine holes, right?"

"Eighteen holes," he smiled.

"Hate to break the news to you but it'll be dark in a couple of hours. Had no idea lunch would be so extravagant."

"No problem," he said, "they have lights."

Not night golf, I thought. Previous encounters with nocturnal golf had me believing that you had to be 11 Titleist's short of a dozen to play golf at night. If the almighty had wanted golf played at night we'd have been born with bat vision or golf balls would have headlights.

[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.

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In this day and age, with golfers watching the pros on TV and their sometimes inordinate preparation for a shot, the pace of general play has slowed dramatically. The pros might be playing for hundreds of thousands of dollars but we are not and I think we all agree, a four-ball played in 4 hours makes for a more enjoyable day. Here are a few tips that will help one and all get more from their experience on the golf course:

• Understand the order of play, from the tee shot to those in the fairway or on the green
• Knowing you are next to play, be prepared, with glove on and club pretty much pre-selected whether that means talking to the caddy beforehand about distance, line or troubles to be avoided; it doesn't matter if that needs to be tweaked at the last minute, you've already done most of the work
• Mentally picture your shot and a positive outcome before you actually arrive at the ball; this might mean looking at your potential landing area as you stroll down the hole or walk onto the tee or green
• Walk with purpose between strokes, which doesn't mean race but rather take the opportunity to enjoy some useful exercise as well as the golf itself
• Be aware of the group/players behind you and how your pace is affecting them; if necessary let them past but be aware if your pace is just too slow for the course

I have never played with anyone who actually enjoys slow golf. Pledge to play with purpose (not rushing) and I promise you'll get more from the game.

[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

Golfasian has a full schedule of trade shows and roadshows during the next few months.

You can find us at the following events:

• December 15 - 17 - Australia Roadshow (Sydney & Melbourne, Australia)
• January 16 - 23 - Middle East Roadshow (Dubai & Abu Dhabi)
• April 27 - 30 - Asia Golf Tourism Convention (AGTC) (Jakarta, Indonesia)

Arrange an appointment with Golfasian at one of these exhibits.

• 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 Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA)
• Member of International Association of Golf Tour Operators (IAGTO)
• Member of Association of Thai Travel Agents (ATTA)
• Member of the International Association of Travel and Tourism Professionals (SKAL)
• Member of the American Chamber of Commerce (AMCHAM)
• Founder and member of Golf in a Kingdom (GIAK)
• Founder and member of Golf Coast Vietnam (GCV)
• Member of Bali Golf Paradise (BGP)
• Winner of Asia's Best Golf Operator of the Year 2014 Award

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

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