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Asian Golf Travel Nation - July 2013

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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.

The summer golf season is in full swing and I hope you are playing some great golf. Here in SE Asia, the weather has cooled slightly, after a hot spring. The central and northern regions like Danang and Chiang Mai are seeing mostly overcast days which are perfect for golf. The southern islands have seen a few days of continuous rain mixed with normal early evening showers once the sun goes down.

In the meantime, Asian golf travel continues to go from strength to strength. Our Phuket amateur event is for the third year in a row is a sell-out with 40 golfers from around the world descending on the island for some great competitive amateur golf and non-stop fun. Due to the event's popularity we are holding six events in 2013-14. This gives amateur golfers world over the chance to participate in regional golf events that both challenge ones golf skills in a fun setting and provides excellent networking opportunities for every participant. Check the Golfasian web site for details.

This summer I am pleased to welcome many new golf groups in particular from Australia, China, and India; another sign that the golf scene in SE Asia is still a great undiscovered value for many of the world's golfers. We're in the midst of the green season and with that we are running some great promotions together with the best golf courses and partner hotels. Inquire here to find out more details!

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:

Thailand
*Thai Country ClubBangkok: Golfers are packing their bags and heading to Bangkok. Not typically considered a holiday destination, the country's capital is now the most visited city in the world by international tourists, according to the Global Destination Cities Index released by MasterCard. Golfers are in this group as well. Part of the reason for Bangkok's increase in golf popularity is the plethora of championship courses available to visitors. Where else can you play a different championship course for 10 days straight, and not have to repeat yourself? Venues such as Thai Country Club (6 Asian Tour events), Suwan Golf & Country Club (2 Asian Tour and 2 One Asia events), Alpine Golf Club (2 Asian Tour events) continue to impress golf travelers from around the world. Moreover, new courses like Riverdale Golf Club and Royal Gems Golf City both with significant elevation changes on many holes are defying the belief that golf in Bangkok is nothing but 'bumps on rice fields'. Combine reasonable costs (2nd least expensive destination in Asia), excellent entertainment (never a dull moment), and friendly locals (to greet you) with great golf and you have the trappings for a truly world-class golf destination. Give Bangkok a try on your next golf trip; even if only as a stopover, you will be glad you did!

Santiburi Chiang Rai Country ClubChiang Rai: Santiburi Chiang Rai Country Club is among my 5 favorite golf courses in Thailand. However, this summer seven greens are under construction and I would avoid play there for a while. By November the entire course should be back to normal. Waterford Valley Golf Resort on the other hand is in good condition - in fact the best I have ever seen it. The tees, fairways and bunkers have really come a long way from what they were a few years ago. The clubhouse is still tired and the surrounding areas are still rough around the edges. But, at least the current management has their priorities right. They are using their limited maintenance budget in the most important area - on the course itself. Happy City Golf Resort, Chiang Rai's newest course, is coming along nicely. The 1st hole has a somewhat bumpy green, though the other greens are all fine. The fairways and rough areas are overall pretty good with a few spots where the turf is thin. Many of the young trees lining the fairways are still staked and the course will seem quite 'open' until they mature. They are still operating out of the driving range clubhouse and staff facility. Clean locker rooms with showers, a restaurant and a combination convenience store / golf store are all open. Overall, none of the courses are in great condition, however aside from the temporary greens at Santiburi they are all at least good and I am sure most golfers would enjoy playing in this rural Thailand golf destination.

Malaysia
*Kuala Lumpur Golf & Country ClubKuala Lumpur: Can you believe this? At what has to be the best golf course in Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur Golf & Country Club (European Tour's Maybank Open), are discounting their green fees for select tour operators from now until mid-August. For as little as US$125 golfers can now play this exclusive and championship golf course. Why not combine golf at KLGCC with KL's other premier course, Saujana Golf & Country Club (PGA, European Tour, and Asian Tour Malaysia Open) and experience first-hand what championship golf in Malaysia's' capital is all about. Prices are all inclusive (green fee, golf cart, caddy, and golfers insurance).

Vietnam
*Sky Lake Resort and Golf ClubHanoi: After a long dry spell of professional golf events in Vietnam, the Asian Tour will return in September. The inaugural Volvik - Sky Lake Vietnam Masters will be played as a full-field US$500,000 event, the richest golf event ever in Vietnam. The Sky Lake Resort and Golf Club, which is located on the outskirts of Hanoi, will be the host venue, which should bode well for follow-on golf tourism in and around Vietnam's capital city. The event will also raise the bar on golf in Vietnam and encourage more Vietnamese to pick up the game. Volvik is the title sponsor and world's leading manufacturer of colored golf balls, so it will be interesting to see of the players move to these balls during the event itself. Stay tuned for want looks to be a "colorful" shootout indeed!

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, preferred style of travel, or how small/large your group, we are glad to work with you and suggest a golf package that meets all of your needs.

Contact the Asian Golf Experts at [email protected].

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

Mark Siegel
Managing Director of Golfasian

 

- Golf Travel Testimonials

Golfasian's Travel Satisfaction GuaranteeThis is the fourth time I have used Golf Asian and would definitely not have used their services after the first time if it was not good. From the fist e-mail until the day you leave Thailand, everything is handled "super" professionally by the Golf Asian team. The prices are good and well worth the service. Great work Golf Asian, see you later this year.

Carl N.
June 2013

[Read more golf travel testimonials]
[Find out about Golfasian's Travel Satisfaction Guarantee]

- Luang Prabang, Laos, Destination Review

Luang Prabang, Laos, Destination ReviewLuang Prabang is unique among SE Asian golf destinations in that it combines excellent 1st class golf with a traditional Asian cultural experience unmatched anywhere else. From the moment your plane arrives into the Mekong valley surrounded by jungle covered mountains, you feel as if you've left the modern world far behind and entered a different realm. Unlike the fast developing and modernizing Laotian capital city of Vientiane, Luang Prabang moves at a slower pace and stays true to its' traditional roots. While there are many places in SE Asia that you might see a few Buddhist monks out in the early morning hours to receive alms from the locals, in Luang Prabang you may see hundreds.

[Read the full review]

- Featured Golf Course - Luang Prabang Golf Club

Luang Prabang Golf ClubLuang Prabang Golf Club sits about 6 km west from the center of town, situated along the south bank of the Mekong River surrounded by forested tropical mountains. Holes 14 through 17 parallel the riverbank with the par three 17th playing right along the river's edge. Water is evident on nine of the 18 holes but really only comes into play on holes 3, 5, 7, and 14. The par four 18th hole plays uphill 35' over 375 yards from the tips to a medium-sized green that slopes 7' right to left across 75 feet of putting surface. The greens in general tend to be medium to small. Elevation changes across the entire layout are mild with hole 18 being the only exception and walking is not difficult, consisting of level to gently undulating terrain contours.

[Read more about one of Laos' Best Golf Courses]

- Featured Hotel - La Residence Phou Vao by Orient Express

La Residence Phou Vao by Orient ExpressMagnificent views of the surrounding countryside impress most guests of this luxury hotel, situated on a hillside just a short ride to the edge of town. The fine dining room receives heaps of praise as well, as do the spectacular gardens on the property. You can expect first class facilities, amenities, and congeniality during your stay and if you enjoy being pampered in a world-class spa this is the place for you. Infectious smiles from affable members of the hospitality team are uplifting and reflect their genuine happiness and confidence in the property and owners. Room service serves the entire menu from the dining room and if you are on one of the upper floors you may find it hard to leave the spectacular views of Mount Phousi and the World Heritage town of Luang Prabang.

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

- Golf Trip Idea: 7 Day/6 Night Laos Golf Holiday - Luang Prabang & Vientiane

Laos Golf Holiday - Luang Prabang & VientianeNestled near verdant foothills, serene rice fields, and the Mekong River, exotic Luang Prabang Golf Club, and the UNESCO World Heritage city, Luang Prabang, rest in Laos tranquility. This resort course covers gently rolling terrain with interesting water features coming into play on seven of the eighteen holes. Like all Laos Golf Holiday courses, Luang Prabang’s dining and locker facilities are world class. Use this opportunity to visit Luang Prabang’s rare tour attractions or play golf every day. Most popular among the sights to see are the Xieng Thong Temple built in 1560, a UNESCO world heritage site; the Pak Ou Cave Tour by Riverboat; the Elephant Riding & Trekking Tour; the Tad Sae Waterfalls; and Phoussi Hill Temples & Museum.

[Laos Golf Holiday - Luang Prabang & Vientiane Detailed Itinerary...]

Thailand Amateur Golf Weeks 2013
- Kuala Lumpur Tournament Course Package

The Mines Resort & Golf ClubKuala Lumpur is home to some of the best golf courses in Asia and many have hosted professional tournaments sanctioned by the PGA Tour, European Tour and Asian Tour. You too can enjoy a round at these first class courses as well as enjoying all that Kuala Lumpur has to offer. A truly memorable golfing holiday experience.

Featured courses:
The Mines Resort & Golf Club - Saujana Golf & Country Club - Kuala Lumpur Golf & Country Club - Kota Permai Golf & Country Club - Royal Selangor Golf Club

Contact your golf travel experts today for further information on how you can play these tournament courses.

Thailand Golf Special Offers
- Press Release: Golfasian Gears Up For Asian Golf Tourism Boom

Golfasian Gears Up For Asian Golf Tourism BoomBangkok, June 18, 2013 - As international golf tourism to South-East Asia accelerates, the region's leading dedicated golf tour operator is gearing up for its biggest year ever.

"We're expecting double-digit growth again for the 2013/14 season," says Golfasian founder, Mark Siegel, who is bolstering his company's resources to meet the demand.

"Inquiries for Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia and Cambodia are all very strong," he reports. "Thailand and Vietnam are the destinations of choice for most visitors from Europe, Australia and within Asia itself. We're receiving increased demand for Malaysia and Cambodia as well."

[Read the entire Press Release]

- Golf Course Maintenance Updates

Bangkok

  • Lam Luk Ka Country Club - course C will undergo coring green from 1 - 5 July and course B will undergo coring green from 8 - 12 July
  • Royal Gems Golf & Sports Club - coring green from 9 - 10 July
  • Alpine Golf & Sports Club, Lakewood Country Club, Muang Kaew Golf Club, Riverdale Golf Club, Royal Golf & Country Club, Suwan Golf & Country Club, Thai Country Club, Thana City Golf & Sports Club are all in excellent condition

Hua Hin

  • Royal Hua Hin Golf Course - course maintenance planned during July
  • Springfield Royal Country Club - course A will be closed from 1 - 8 July for maintenance
  • Banyan Golf Club, Black Mountain Golf Club, Majestic Creek Country Club, Palm Hills Golf Club and Residence, Sea Pine Golf Course are in excellent condition

Pattaya

  • Laem Chabang International Country Club - course B will undergo coring green during 8 July - 4 August
  • Siam Country Club, St. Andrews 2000 Golf Club & Burapha Golf Club are in excellent condition

Phuket

  • Laguna Phuket Golf Club - 9 holes (starting with the back 9) will be closed for 18 months from July 2013 onwards
  • Loch Palm Golf Club - coring green from 29 - 30 July.
    Hole 4 will be out of commission from 6 July until 1 October. The long par 5 5th has been broken into short par 4's of 296 and 315 Yards to keep the 18 holes and par 72. The one temporary green will actually be in good condition as the grass has been taken from the main practice putting green. (No practice putting green in use)
  • Red Mountain Golf Club - coring green from 9 - 10 September
  • Phuket Country Club - coring green from 2 - 3 July

Chiang Mai

  • Alpine Golf Resort, Chiang Mai Highlands Golf and Spa & Mae Joe Golf Club are in excellent condition

Chiang Rai

  • Santiburi Chiang Rai Country Club - The greens on hole #1, 2, 3, 7, & 8 are being renovated from May until September 2013. During this period, the course will use temporary greens. The original greens will be ready by October 2013.

Vietnam

Hanoi

  • Van Tri Golf Club – excellent condition
  • Kings Island Golf Resort - Mountain View & Lakeside are in good condition. (Lakeside 5th green being re-built, opens in early August 2013.)

Danang

  • Danang Golf Club, Laguna Lang Co Golf Club & Montgomerie Links Vietnam are in great condition
- Golf Tournaments

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

Cambodia Amateur Golf Week - July 2013
Date: July 28 - August 05, 2013 | Location: Siem Reap, Cambodia [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 Vietnamgolfzone.com

Golf Carts at Vietnam Golf Courses

Golf Carts at Vietnam Golf CoursesSome call them carts while others refer to them as buggies. In either case these electric vehicles can make life easier for Vietnam golfers and add to the enjoyment of those on a Vietnam golf holiday.
Golfers almost always want to know if golf carts area available in Vietnam because even the most determined walkers may consider riding when playing golf in Vietnam. A golf cart provides shade and a welcome breeze on a hot day. They also ease the burden of walking up steep hills say for example at Phoenix Golf Club in Hanoi and eliminate long walks from tee to green at say Long Thanh in Saigon.

[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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- Golfing Tips by Ian Morgan - Protection from the Sun

It goes without saying that it's important to protect yourself from the sun here in Asia. A cap or visor is essential, as well as a high factor sun cream for your face, neck and ears. I have noticed Asian golfers in general covering their arms as well, so I thought I would try wearing them. To my surprise, they are very comfortable and the most surprising thing is that they made feel cooler. The correct name for the garment is called Armsocks and can be purchased in most golf shops for around 1,000 THB.

[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:

  • September 15 - 17, 2013 - PATA Travel Mart, Chendgu (China)
  • October 24 - 27, 2013 - Malaysia Sports Trade and Golf Expo (MSTGE) 2013 (Malaysia)
  • 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!