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Asian Golf Travel Nation - July 2014 |
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 Welcome to this edition of the Asian Golf Travel Nation, the source for news breaking information about Asian Golf. In addition, unique golf playing tips for Indochina's tropical environment, announcements of golf travel promotions, and our latest subscription offer are all integral parts of today's newsletter.
I have some great news for you. Contrary to what was being reported only 1 month ago, all Thai golf courses are operating normally and all tourism services throughout the country have resumed normal operations following the lift of the nationwide curfew as of June 13. The National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO), is overseeing Thailand's administration and are doing a fantastic job managing the country and its resources. Thai people are more satisfied than ever and more progress has been made in moving the country forward in the last month as compared to the past few years!
Tourism, which accounts for about 7% of Thailand's economy, was affected by months of protests that began last year. Now that the country is peaceful once again the NCPO together in conjunction with the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is committed to promote Thailand's tourism industry. Major tourism campaigns are underway and will continue over the next 12 months.
One excellent example of this is our recent Centara World Masters Golf Championship. Held in Hua Hin and supported by TAT, over 500 golfers from 23 nations competed in the largest ever amateur golf event in Thailand, if not all of Asia. Throughout the week there was nothing but praise for the event, the City of Hua Hin, and Thailand as a country as a safe and first class golfing destination. Moreover, as a testament of how well received the event was, over 100 players registered for the 2015 event on the spot. See for yourself what the entire buzz was about on the event Facebook page.
In conjunction with Thailand, the neighboring countries such as Vietnam, Malaysia, Cambodia and Bali, also offer excellent value golf holidays with fantastic golf courses, great hospitality and first class accommodations. Not sure where you want to golf? We can help you discover a few through our multi-destination Golf Lifestyle Experience™ Tours.
As always there are many golf happenings around the region so with that, I invite you to read this edition of the Asian Golf Nation.
  Bangkok: Nikanti Golf Club, Thailand's newest course is destined to become one of the Kingdom's best. Located an hour's drive west of Bangkok and designed by Golf East (Banyan Golf Club), Nikanti has a unique 6/6/6 formula - with two par 3s, two par 4s and two par 5s in three six-hole loops. Nikanti will be a pay-for-play course and costs will be all-inclusive (green fee, golf cart, caddie fee and tip, two meals, and non-alcoholic drinks). Nikanti will open in late 2014 and is bound to attract considerable attention from Thai golf visitors. Watch for more details in coming months.
 Chiang Mai: The new Schmidt-Curley designed 9 holes at Chiangmai Highlands are taking shape. Major earthworks are progressing and could be completed by the end of July. The plan is to have all 27-holes open for play by the end of the year. There is not allot of water, but there are some interesting holes. Both par 3s are excellent, playing downhill with significant elevation change using natural topography. Also, starting and finishing with par 5s insures the challenge of the new nine will rival the existing 18. There is one long walk between holes, though otherwise the course is "walking friendly".
Gassan Lake City, another Schmidt-Curley project, in in the final stages of new grass planting. After a few months of grow-in, the course should reopen for play by the start of the high season in November. Golf in Chiang Mai will be certainly be better than ever with both upgraded courses and new capacity on the way.
  Danang: In a bid to make Vietnam's best golf destination even better, construction at Bana Hills Golf Club is once again underway. Several holes of the world's first Luke Donald course are already shaped, drainage is being added, and a grass sod farm is being maintained. Plans are for all 18 holes to be completed within 1 year and the course to open in 2016. Here is a panoramic shot of the entire site you can see the work going on. Once operational, Bana Hills will be the 4th course to be part of the Golf Coast Vietnam. I can't wait!
  Kuala Lumpur: October will see both the US PGA and US LPGA once again make their way to Malaysia's capital and preeminent golf club, Kuala Lumpur Golf & Country Club. October 9-12 is set for the ladies Sime Darby and while the men get underway on October 30 at the CIMB Classic. This year's purses are US$2M and US$7M, respectively. Why not plan a Kuala Lumpur golf tour to coincide with either of the events and let us create a stay-play-watch package for you? Tip: Travel on one of the practice days before an event starts and you can get inside-the-ropes and see all of the PGA and LPGA stars.
With that I would like to once again thank those of you who have golfed with us recently, especially those who attended the Centara World Masters. It was very nice seeing you and I hope your trip was memorable one.
The golf, culture, and beauty of SE Asia are perfectly suited for an unforgettable golf experience. This includes playing private members clubs and championship golf courses, enjoying the world's best cuisines and entertainment, taking daily spas and massages, and best of all at prices so reasonable that you will think the costs are too low!
Tailor-made itineraries to your specific travel preferences, expectations, group size, and budgets are our specialty; contact us for a competitive quote.
Until the next newsletter, happy golfing and I hope to see YOU in the area very soon!
Mark Siegel
Managing Director of Golfasian
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http://www.asiagolfweek.com
After the phenomenal success of the Centara World Masters in Hua Hin in June with over 500 people attending, even with the world media advising tourists to keep away from Thailand during the martial law, we have seen an increase in registrations for the next 3 Asia Golf Week events.
While we have a few slots available for the Cambodia and Vietnam events in August, the October tournaments, Hyatt Regency Hua Hin Amateur Weekand Siam Country Club Amateur Week in Pattaya and Chiang Mai Amateur Golf Week, are up 50% on registrations compared to last years numbers.
Golfasians Director of Golf Events, Mark Penfold attended the Centara World Masters and commented.
"I saw so many first time golfers to Thailand, enjoying the golf courses and experience that Thailand offer. Golf in Thailand is in a great position - The word is out, Thailand has great golf courses, fantastic hotels, and the service and people here are friendly, if you are looking for a great golfing experience then Thailand has something for everyone and every budget. We have great competitions for you to compete in and plenty of prizes on offer."
"While we had to turn a few players away from our tournaments in March and June, due to capacity fields, we have increasing our capacity for the next 3 events, but we still need players to register early if they want to play," Mark added
Registrations for these events can be made online on this tournament link or you can email [email protected] to secure your position
Early bird booking for October will receive a boston bag for bookings and payments finalised by 1st August 2014.
Should you have any questions regarding these events, please contact us on [email protected]
For further details please go to www.asiagolfweek.com and join our Facebook Page.
[Register today!] |
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 Due to popular demand, Golfasian is now offering TaylorMade Graphite & Steel Golf Club Sets for rent during your stay in Thailand.
This gives you even more freedom and flexibility when planning your golf trip to Asia. Simply contact our golf travel experts and mention that you would like to rent clubs.
For more information contact us directly. |
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 This Private Beach Front Pool Villa is a wonderfully modern villa situated directly on the beach in a beautiful tropical setting. It is the most ideal location for your holiday in paradise. Private Beach Front Pool Villa is a private residence that specifically caters for wealthy individuals who wish to enjoy a relaxing vacation away from the hustle and bustle of city life. Hua Hin is one of the best locations to do this. Although the city is well developed and has all the necessary tourist attractions you could desire, this villa is situated just outside of town on the northern edge of the city. Merely 10 minutes drive to the center of town you are always guaranteed a relaxing, peaceful holiday.
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. |
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 In Thailand, Hua Hin is the archetypal seaside town. Its popularity stemmed from the fact that it is very conveniently situated only a few hours from Bangkok and was used by the Royal Family as their refuge from the city. It remained a quiet sanctuary for many years. The first golf course Royal Hua Hin, was commissioned in 1924 mainly for British rail workers and the local aristocracy. It is reminiscent of an English parkland course although is surrounded by tree covered hills and affords magnificent views of the sea. Now there are 11 courses, all very different, offering unique challenges and experiences. It could be argued that Hua Hin has become Thailand's equivalent of Pinehurst in South Carolina, a genuine golfing mecca.
[Read the entire article] |
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Thanks a lot to Marty W. from Kooringal Golf Club in Altona, Australia, for providing us some feedback about his recent golf holiday to Thailand:
- When was the first time you came to Asia / Thailand to play golf and what was your first impression?
Our first trip to Thailand was in May this year.
Our first impression with the golf was, we thought it was amazing!
- How many times have you travelled to Asia in total for a golf holiday and why do you chose to come back here?
We have only been to Asia once so far and look forward to returning again soon
- In your opinion, how is the golf experience different in Thailand compared to Australia?
All the courses are so lush and green, and they are so well set up.
The caddies make the experience all the better with a cart for each player.
- Which destination in Thailand would you recommend to your friends when they plan their next golf holiday to Thailand?
Hua Hin was our place to play BUT I hear Pattaya is great for golf also?
- What is your favorite golf course in Thailand and why?
So far, Black Mountain was our favorite followed by The Banyan golf club
- What services of Golfasian stand out most in your opinion and on which areas could we improve?
Golf Asian was awesome with their punctuality, service, friendliness and their great staff
[Read more golf travel testimonials]
[Find out about Golfasian's Travel Satisfaction Guarantee] |
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 Bali is one of those bucket-list destinations where you might not expect to find great golf. After all, the Island of the Gods is best known for surf, sumptuous resorts, culture, mountains, shopping and friendly people.
Golf IS one of Bali's great attractions, with three wonderful courses within easy reach of the main tourist hubs.
The island's first course, Nirwana Golf Club, designed by Greg Norman, opened in 1994 and has been one of Asia's favourite and most highly regarded layouts ever since. Its five ocean-side holes never cease to intrigue, especially the par-3 7th hole with Tanah Lot temple in the background. This may be the photographed golf hole in Asia.
Part of the Pan Pacific Nirwana Bali Resort, the course is a mixture of terraced rice paddy, rolling fairways with mango and other mature trees, and those beside the ocean.
Also with 20 years' history, Bali National Golf Club, previously known as Bali Golf & Country Club, has just re-opened after an 18-month makeover. The original layout at Nusa Dua has been retained, but completely new green complexes and fairways and two new holes have lifted it another notch.
resentation and design is first-class and it takes some careful negotiation to get around the layout close to your handicap. A new clubhouse beside the 18th green is ideal for watching other players negotiate the final hole.
New Kuta Golf Club is Bali's newest course. Opened in 2009, the Ronald Fream design is part of the rapidly expanding Pecatu Indah Resort area on the Bukit peninsula, 30 minutes from the airport. A mixture of inland holes on the front nine and several leading to and playing beside the ocean on the back nine provide nice variation. The par-3 ‘Cliffhanger' 15th hole high above the ocean is one of several standouts.
The Golf Academy Bali is located at New Kuta GC and is headed by British PGA professional, Rory Young.
Bali's other 18-hole course, Bali Handara, is planning a renovation that will greatly enhance this very picturesque layout, 90 minutes north of Ngurah Rai airport, which now has a new international terminal.
[Read the entire destination review] |
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 A Robin Nelson and Rodney Wright designed Hawaiian-styled golf course, Bali National Golf Club re-opened in 2013 after undergoing extensive renovations. Bali National Golf Club is located at the southern tip of the island near Bali’s top hotels. It is only a short 15 minute drive by new 4-lane toll way from the Bali International Airport.
The Bali golf course now features new Paspalum turf, with scalloped bunkering lining most fairways and elevated greens. Many of the newly routed holes have lengthened to championship distances as the course now plays to over 7100 yards from the tips.
[Read more about one of Bali's Best Golf Courses] |
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 The Laguna Resort & Spa Nusa Dua Bali is a luxurious 5-star hotel centrally located in Nusa Dua and only ten minutes from Bali Golf & Country Club.This luxurious hotel provides Balinese hospitality and local design with 24 hour butler service and free of charge Wi-Fi internet access. This hotel is perfect in terms of value for those wanting to mix-in a little bit of sightseeing, golf and beach relaxation while visiting the island.
[Read more about one of Bali's Best Hotels] |
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 Play golf at all of the Bali golf courses, relax at one of the sand beaches, shop at local markets and huge shopping malls, and enjoy the great Balinese cuisine.
Not only will you play at the best courses but you will also discover the true Balinese culture and attractions. You have the option to stay at one of the selected top resorts on the island. Don't wait any longer and enjoy the Best of Bali!
[Best of Bali Golf
Itinerary...] |
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 Hua Hin, Thailand, June 23 — The success of the inaugural Centara World Masters Golf Championship, a week-long tournament played last week in Hua Hin, Thailand, has prompted its organisers to plan an expanded event for 2015.
The tournament, for male and female club golfers aged 35 and over, attracted more than 500 participants from 23 countries, representing 193 golf clubs. It was the largest event of its kind ever played in Asia.
“We are so delighted with the success of the event, and based on the overwhelming positive feedback from participants, we are planning for 700-plus participants next year,” tournament director, Peter McCarthy, the principal of Australian tour operator, Go Golfing, said on Sunday.
He and fellow organiser, Mark Siegel, who owns Asia’s largest golf tour operator, Golfasian, have already received more than 100 bookings before the launch of the 2015 event, to be played again in Hua Hin, from June 14-19, 2015.
Black Mountain, Banyan, Majestic Creek and Imperial Lake View were the host courses this year, and with the anticipated increase in participants, more courses may need to be added.
[Read the entire Press Release] |
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Thailand
- Bangkok
- Royal Golf & Country Club - Course is undergoing coring green during 16 June - 28 July.
- Suwan Golf & Country Club - Course will be undergoing coring green from 9 June - 13 July.
- Hua Hin
- Banyan Golf Club - Course will be undergoing coring green during 12 May.
- Black Mountain Golf Club - The course will be closed from 23 - 30 November for the King's Cup.
- Pattaya
- Siam Country Club, Plantation Course - Coring green schedule: Course B - 30 June - 20 July, Course C - 21 July - 8 August.
- Phuket
- Blue Canyon Country Club, Canyon Course - Course will be undergoing coring green during 3 November to 5 November.
- Blue Canyon Country Club, Lakes Course - Course will be undergoing coring green during 6 October - 8 October.
- Laguna Phuket Golf Club - 9 holes will be closed for 18 months from July 2013 onwards. The back nine holes have been freshly renovated and are ready for play while the front nine holes are closed for renovation until approximately early 2015.
- Chiang Mai
- Alpine Golf Resort - Course will be closed form 16 June - 7 July for the Chiang Mai Golf Classic 2014 tournament.
- Gassan Khuntan Golf & Resort - Course renovation. Expected completion date in August 2014.
- Gassan Lake City - Course renovation. Expected completion date in October 2014.
Vietnam
- Hanoi
- Hanoi Golf Club, Heron Lake Golf Club and Resort, Tam Dao Golf Club, Van Tri Golf Club - Closed every Monday morning for maintenance.
- Kings Island Golf Resort - Mountainview course is closed on Mondays and Lakeside course is closed on Tuesdays for maintenance. The Mountainview course will be closed on 9 August & 21-22 November for a tournament.
- Saigon
- Long Than Golf Club - The course will be undergoing coring green on 7-8 July, 14-15 July, 21-23 July, 29-30 July, 4-6 August, 11-13 August, 18-19 August and 25-26 August.
- Song Be Golf Resort - The desert course will be closed in the morning of July 3 & 30. Further, the course will be closed the entire day on 28 July.
- Twin Doves Golf Club - The will be holding a tournament on 6, 13, 15, 19, 20 & 27 June.
- Vietnam Golf & Country Club - Course will be closed until 11:00am on 4 & 11 July for maintenance. Further, the West course will hold a tournament on 16 July.
- Danang
- All courses are in great condition.
Malaysia
- Kuala Lumpur
- Awana Genting Highlands Golf & Country Club - 9 holes closed alternately every Monday.
- Glenmarie Golf & Country Club - Garden Course closed every Monday, Valley Course closed every Wednesday.
- Kota Permai Golf & Country Club - The course will undergo course maintenance on 7 July and playability will be affected for ~3 weeks. Closed on Mondays for maintenance.
- Kuala Lumpur Golf & Country Club - Closed for the Sime Darby LPGA Malaysia from 9 October - 12 October and for the CIMB Classic from 30 October - 2 November.
- Mines Resort & Golf Club - Closed on Mondays for maintenance.
- Saujana Golf & Country Club - Palm 1 is closed on Mondays, Palm 2 is closed on Tuesdays, Bunga Raya 1 is closed on Wednesday and Bunga Raya 2 is closed on Thursdays for maintenance.
- Langkawi
- Gunung Raya Golf Resort - Course will undergo green renovation. The first 9 holes will be closed from 23 June until 29 June while the back 9 are available for play. The back 9 holes will be closed from 30 June until 06 July while the front 9 are available for play.
- Malacca
- Orna Resort - Closed on Mondays for maintenance.
- Johor Baru
- Horizon Hills Golf & Country Club - Closed on Mondays for maintenance.
Indonesia
- All golf courses are in good condition
Singapore
- All golf courses are in good condition.
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Date: July 27 - August 4, 2014 | Location: Siem Reap, Cambodia [Find out more]
Date: August 4 - 10, 2014 | Location: Danang, Vietnam [Find out more]
Date: October 12 - 18, 2014 | Location: Hua Hin, Thailand [Find out more]
Date: October 18 - 25, 2014 | Location: Pattaya, Thailand [Find out more]
Date: October 25 - November 01, 2014 | Location: Chiang Mai, Thailand [Find out more]
Date: March 1 - 7, 2015| Location: Hua Hin, Thailand
Date: March 8 - 14, 2015| Location: Pattaya, Thailand
Date: May 10 - 15, 2015| Location: Malaysia
Date: May 17 - 23, 2015| Location: Bali
Date: 7 - 13 June, 2015| Location: Phuket, Thailand
Date: 14 - 20 June, 2015| Location: Hua Hin, Thailand
Date: 21 - 27 June, 2015| Location: Bangkok, Thailand
Date: 2 - 9 August, 2015| Location: Siem Reap, Cambodia
Date: 10 - 16 August, 2015| Location: Danang, Vietnam
Date: 11 - 17 October, 2015| Location: Hua Hin, Thailand
Date: 18 - 24 October, 2015| Location: Pattaya, Thailand
Date: 25 - 31 October, 2015| Location: Chiang Mai, Thailand
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 Most golfers in Pattaya agree that the Siam Country Club Old Course and Siam Country Club Plantation Course are the two best golf courses in Pattaya. However, if there are any complaints about the two courses, it is that they are both quite difficult for high handicap golfers. Around the greens it is not uncommon for weekend golfers to take five or more shots to get up-and-down as the slopes, elevated greens, and bunker complexes require accuracy and precision in chipping and putting. Perch yourself one afternoon above the Old Course’s 18th and you will see what I mean!
[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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 Generally the pace of play is a lot slower in Thailand than other parts of the world, so if you are used to three and half hour rounds prepare yourself for taking longer here. Also some of the Thai owned courses allow a five ball, which also slows play up. Our tip is to take your time, enjoy the surroundings and take a drink and cold towel at the Kiosks that are normally every four or five holes.
[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 |
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 Golfasian has a full schedule of tradeshows and roadshows during the next few months.
You can find us at the following events:
- July 24 - 31, 2014 - Thailand Golf Road Show - Australia (Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane)
- October 27 - 30, 2014 - International Golf Travel Mart (Villa Erba, Lake Como, Italy)
Arrange an appointment with Golfasian at one of these exhibits. |
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 If 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 Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA)
- 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)
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!
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