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Asian Golf Travel Nation - July 2015

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Dear Golf Travelers,

Golf in AsiaWelcome to the latest issue of the Asian Golf Nation, the source for news breaking information about golf in Asia. In addition, unique golf playing tips for South East Asia's tropical environment, announcements of golf travel promotions, and our latest subscription offer are all integral parts of today's newsletter.

The summer golf season is in full swing and I hope you are playing some great golf. Here in Thailand & Vietnam, the weather has cooled slightly, after a very hot spring. The central and southern regions are seeing mostly overcast days with evening showers.

This so called "rainy season" doesn't sound good for golf. However, I prefer to call it the "green season" as almost like clockwork at 3:00 PM each day the skies open up for 30 minutes making the courses, hills, and jungles green with life. Anyway, it's easy to plan around this, just golf in the morning.

The "green season" brings with it big added benefits like inexpensive golf and hotels. You won't believe the green fees and room prices from now until September. Another great aspect of golf in the green season is that there are fewer golfers on the courses. Moreover, hotels, restaurants, and markets are not busy. The already excellent service really takes on a personal nature so don't be surprised if you end up with your own personal guide, driver, maid, caddie, masseuse, shoe shiner, baggage handler, shopping assistant etc. (well, you get the point).

Indeed, in my opinion, the green season is the best time of year for golf travel. I know that I get most of my birdies in this time of year, that's another plus!

What about Golfasian? At the moment we too should be in the "green season", but thanks to your support, we are welcoming golfers from all over the world in numbers comparable to those seen during the rest of the year. The Centara Masters played last month in Hua Hin saw 700 attend. Next up is the Accor Vietnam World Masters which will be held in September in Danang. This event will be a big boost for Vietnam golf tourism so be sure to sign-up. October will see two great Amateur Week events back to back with one in Pattaya and the other in Chiang Mai. More information on both events can be found here.

Finally, I want to wish everyone a very successful golf season. For those of you who are looking for a summer golf getaway, let me know and I will put something together for you. For those of you who like more advanced planning, we have rates on hand and can confirm your trip now for the November to April high season when many of the better resorts around Asia will sure to be full - early reservations are strongly encouraged.

A winner of the 2015 World Golf Awards with the title of Asia's Best Golf Tour Operator 2014, Golfasian has once again been nominated for Thailand's & Vietnam's Best Inbound Golf Tour Operator. Please, vote for us now:

Thailand's Best Inbound Golf Tour Operator               Vietnam's Best Inbound Golf Tour Operator

Thank you!

Now for the golf news from around the region:

 Visit Golfasian Today!

Golf news from around the region:

Indonesia
*New Kuta Golf Bali: A definite birdie is awarded to the Indonesian government for teeing-up a new Visa-free policy. Free 30-day permits will now be given to visiting golf tourists. This is great news and welcome timing. It makes Bali that much more affordable as an international golf destination and cuts out the usual visa-on-arrival hassles. Moreover, July to September is the absolute best time of year for golf in Bali.

 

 

Vietnam
*Tee-off VietnamHanoi: Scoring a perfect par and getting in on the Visa free act, from July 1 Vietnam Visa requirements are waived for golfers from Germany, France, United Kingdom, Italy, and Spain. These five new countries are added to the Visa waiver already in effect for golfers from Japan, Korea, Norway, Finland, Denmark, Sweden, Russia, Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore, and the Philippines. This is perfect for our European friends and we look forward to seeing more golfers in Vietnam from all of these countries soon.

Tan Son NhatHo Chi Minh City: The new course next to the current Saigon airport is getting great reviews from the players, but not from the residents. Located next door to Vietnam's busiest airport, the locals question the use of the land for a golf course, while their surrounding neighborhoods are jammed and the airport is already overcrowded. Plans call for Vietnam's busiest airport to be moved to Long Thanh (coincidentally also near existing golf courses) to alleviate the congestion around Tan Son Nhat, but this may take another 5-10 years. In the meantime, golf is open for play and the Army-managed course is pretty good.

 

Thailand
*Thai Country ClubBangkok: For the second year in a row, Bangkok is the world's second most visited destination, and the biggest in Asia. Over 18 million visitors will visit the Thai capital this year of which around 400,000 will be overseas golfers. With excellent flight availability, 60 golf courses to choose from, and great rates and service Bangkok is a hard destination to beat as the starting point for any Asian golf holiday.

 

 

Majestic Creek Country ClubHua Hin: Course "C" renovations at Majestic Creek Country Club are going well with the new greens mostly seeded and growing in. All 27-holes should be open by high season and the added capacity will be a much needed addition to golf in Hua Hin. In a similar move, Springfield Royal Country Club has couse "B" closed for renovations of bunkers, fairways, and drainage. The full 27-holes at Springfield should be ready to go by year end. Kudos go to both courses for their contributions to upgrade golf in Hua Hin. Imperial Lake View and Palm Hills are you going to get in the upgraded golf scramble?

With that I wish all golf travelers a great summer. 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 specialty. 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!

Mark Siegel
Managing Director of Golfasian

 

- Asia Golf Week - Amateur Golf Weeks in Asia
Asia Golf Week

After a hugely popular Centara World Masters tournament in Hua Hin in June with over 700 participants enjoying the great golfing that Thailand had to offer,  golfers are invited to join the Pattaya Amateur Golf Week in October for a 7 night, 4 round event.

This event will feature Pattay's top golf courses: Siam (Old Course) host to LPGA each year, Siam (Plantation) Thailand Open host in June 2015, Siam (Waterside) newest course in Pattaya and Laem Chabang International Country Club Jack Nicklaus design. These 4 golf courses are all in championship condition and should be a great test for the field. Non-golfers have their own schedule as well, including day spa, city tours or Thai-cooking classes. The dates for Pattaya are 17-24 October 2015.

If you would like to book one of our events, or have any questions, please email us [email protected]

- Golf Travel Insurance

Golf Travel InsuranceHave 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 visit our website.

- Hua Hin Properties - Luxury 5 Bedroom Golf Course Property

Hua Hin Golf PropertyDespite the huge success of 7 sold out projects, this newly designed home by a multi-award winning developer is offering the first buyers a discounted entry price of just THB 6.9M! This includes all furniture, landscaping, pool, etc

The development will again offer the shuttle service, gardening 6 times per week and pool maintenance. Really offering a hotel lifestyle in a residential village.

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 - Andy Dyett - [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.

- Meet our Staff: Thawatchai Weerawongsawat - Senior Reservations Executive

Thawatchai Weerawongsawat - Senior Reservations ExecutiveKhun Thawatchai Weerawongsawat, whose Thai nickname is "Ohm", joined Golfasian's reservations team in February 2013 and is now a Senior Reservations Executive.

Khun Ohm graduated from Sripatum University with a Batchelor of Arts in the Tourism Service industry. Known for his attention to detail Khun Ohm handles business from both overseas agents and direct customers and receives regular praise. When asked what the best aspect of his job is, Ohm's reply; "working directly with clients and providing them with a wonderful holiday experience".

[Read more about Ohm]

- Golf Travel Testimonials - David Rendall - Golf in Thailand

David Rendall - Golf in ThailandMy name is David Rendall. I recently travelled to Thailand with a golfing party of 12, the majority from Scotland & Ireland, however a couple of our group are based in Dubai and Thailand.

Most of the guys are members of the same golf club, Pumpherston, which is 10 miles from Edinburgh. Pumpherston is a lovely parkland course but also features a lot of water; it's a very modern design considering its age. I have been a member for the last 25 years and currently play off 12, however our group's handicaps range from 5 to 18.

Our group have holidayed in Thailand for the last 6 years, initially for a friend's 50th birthday celebration. We have golfed all over the world; America, the Caribbean, China, Ireland, Spain, Portugal and the Canaries. Finding that the cost of golf in mainland Europe had become very expensive prompted us to venture as far afield as Asia. We love the quality of the courses in Thailand with Hua Hin a favourite (Thailand's "Myrtle Beach"); in particular, Black Mountain, Banyan, Majestic Creek and Sea Pines are some of our favourites. We have booked with Golfasian for the last 5 years through a mutual friend and have never looked back. Golfasian's attention to detail is superb...they never let us down.

In Hua Hin, where possible we always stay in a small 3 star hotel right in the centre of town, La Maison, which has rooms that are a good size and a first class breakfast. The staff are always delighted to see us, perhaps because our group of 12 fills the bar each early evening while we exchange stories after our round, prior to heading out to dinner. We tend to play a Ryder Cup-style event every day teeing off around 10.30am.

We love all the courses but have a soft spot for Royal Hua Hin which is a great test of golf and is designed by a Scotsman. The caddies' knowledge of the greens is amazing; your eyes tell you it's three holes right but the caddy says half a grip left...an oft-repeated phrase follows "why you not listen" but always with a twinkle in their eyes. My favourite day was last November. I started with a triple bogey 7 on the 1st at Banyan, par at the 9th saw me out in 35 gross and 7 up. I didn't play that well on the back 9 but won the match 6&5 so happy days. The weather in November is perfect, just before we return home to the bleak Scottish winter.

After golf we normally have lunch at the course (losers paying the bill) and enjoy a few beers before Golfasian's Khun Noh (best driver in Hua Hin and a very good golfer) returns us to the hotel. Some of the guys go for a nap or do some shopping prior to us all meeting in the hotel bar at 7pm for a few drinks. Hua Hin has some wonderful restaurants from the Moon Smile (Thai) to some great Italians. The French restaurant next to La Maison, La Paillotte, is fabulous. We have even found a very good Indian restaurant so everyone is happy with the quality of the food.

All in all Thailand golf ranks amongst the best in the world as an experience as far as we are concerned. If you haven't tried it, I thoroughly recommend it and am confident you won't be disappointed.

[Read more testimonials...]

- Kanchanaburi - A Destination Review

Kanchanaburi - A Destination ReviewKanchanaburi and the River Kwai area is another destination to golf in Thailand. It has some of the loveliest and most challenging golf courses, rarely visited by golf travelers and hardly included in most Thailand golf holiday packages.

Kanchanaburi, sometimes referred to as River Kwai, is the third largest province in Thailand. The River Kwai is located 130 km west of Bangkok, and is easily reached in 2 hours by car. Kanchanaburi shares a border with Myanmar (Burma). The Kanchanaburi terrain is comprised mainly of mountains and high plains. Most of the local population is of Thai ancestry with some Mon and Karen hill tribe minorities that add an exotic touch to golf in Kanchanaburi.

Up to now golf in the River Kwai area has been something of a secret. However, those who have the chance to golf in River Kwai will discover truly spectacular golfing.

[Read the entire destination review]

- Featured Golf Course - Grand Prix Golf Club

(spectacular course is one of Thailand's best)

Grand Prix Golf ClubGrand Prix Golf Club is a well-conditioned golf course in Thailand's Kanachaburi Province that will take your breath away. The course is set in a vast open space with panoramic views of Burmese mountain ranges in the distance. A large river bisects the course and adds to the native scenery. It takes around 30 minutes to reach the site from Kanchanaburi town or 2 hours from Bangkok.

Grand Prix makes excellent use of significant mounding and undulations through the fairways and greens. Many holes have split fairways offering golfers both a more challenging and a straightforward approach to the greens. Multi-tiered greens have lots of break so it pays to select the correct club for each approach shot; otherwise 3-putts or worse are likely.

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

- Featured Hotel - Dheva Mantra Resort & Spa

Dheva Mantra Resort & Spa The Dheva Mantra Resort & Spa is set out on a large land parcel near the center of Kanchanaburi. The River Kwai Resort is designed in a colonial style and features lavish accommodations, on-site spa, and an impressive natural environment. The excellent location and high service standards make the Dheva Mantra perfect for Kanchanaburi golf holidaymakers looking for the ultimate in luxury and convenience. After your golf in River Kwai do make time for a Thai massage at the spa. Dheva Mantra Resort and Spa is more than just a resort, it is a River Kwai golf experience to be remembered for a lifetime.

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

- Golf Trip Idea: Kanchanaburi - Hua Hin (2-Destination) Golf Package

Kanchanaburi - Hua Hin (2-Destination) Golf Package Hua Hin is the home of Thailand golf. Kanchanaburi, while famous for the 'Bridge Over the River Kwai' has some of Thailand's best golf courses; most all of which are hidden gems. Combine both golf destinations into a historical golf vacation experience. Play the top courses in each area and stay at one of the many fine golf resorts. This Thailand golf trip works well for 2 or more golfers travelling together.

Recommended Hotels:

[Kanchanaburi - Hua Hin (2-Destination) Golf Package Itinerary...]

Asia Golf Specials
- Largest Amateur Golf Tournament in Asian History Plans an Even Bigger Event

Golfasian and Go Golfing Partnership to Bring World Masters Golf Events to AsiaHua Hin, Thailand, 29 June 2015 -- The Centara World Masters Golf Championship has confirmed its status as Asia's biggest and richest tournament for club golfers – and is now set to become even bigger next year.

More than 700 visitors from 23 countries, representing 181 golf clubs, converged on Thailand's resort town of Hua Hin for the second annual tournament, held from 14-19 June at four local courses.

With 200 more participants than the inaugural tournament last year, the Centara World Masters has quickly demonstrated how appealing to amateur golfers is this professionally-organized and run event.

[Read the entire press release...]

- Golf Course Maintenance Updates

Thailand

  • Bangkok
    • Lakewood Country Club - Course will be closed on 23 and 24 July for tournaments.
    • Lam Luk Ka Country Club - Course will be undergoing verticut and coring green during 6 - 23 July.
    • Lotus Valley Golf Resort - Course will be close on 19 July for a tournament.
    • Muang Kaew Golf Club - Course will be closed on 10 July for a tournament.
    • President Country Club - Course will be closed on 8, 20 and 27 July for tournaments.
    • Riverdale Golf Club - Course will be closed on 27, 28 and 29 July for tournaments.
    • Summit Windmill Golf Club - Course will be closed on 19 June for a tournament.
    • Suwan Golf & Country Club - Course will be closed on 22 and 24 July for tournaments.
    • Thana City Golf & Sports Club - Course will be closed from 22-24 July for a tournament.
    • The Royal Gems Golf and Sports Club - Course will be closed 1, 3, 13, 18, 20, 24, 27, 30 and 31 July for tournaments.
    • The Royal Golf & Country Club - Course will be closed on 22 July for a tournament.
    • Vintage Golf Club - Course will be closed on 23 July for a tournament.
    • Windsor Park & Golf Club - Course will be closed on 15, 17, 19 and 24 July for tournaments.
  • Hua Hin
    • Black Mountain Golf Club - Course will be undergoing coring green during July.
    • Springfield Royal Country Club - Course B will be closed from 17 March - 31 July for maintenance.
  • Pattaya
    • Burapha Golf Club - Course A & B are closed on 24 July for a tournament.
    • Khao Khew Country Club - Course will be closed on 10 and 17 July for a tournament.
    • Rayong Green Valley Country Club - Course will be closed on 11, 17, 24 and 29 July for tournaments.
    • Siam Country Club, Plantation Course - Course will be closed on 7 and 15 July for tournaments.
    • Siam Country Club, Waterside Course - Course will be closed on 26 July for a tournament.
  • Phuket
    • Loch Palm Golf Club - Course will be closed on 24 and 25 July for tournaments.
    • Phuket Country Club - Course will be closed on 7 and 8 July for tournaments.
    • Red Mountain Golf Club - Course will be closed on 5 and 19 July for tournaments.
  • Chiang Mai
    • Alpine Golf Resort Chiang Mai - Course will be closed on 11, 18 and 26 July for tournaments.
    • Chiang Mai Inthanon Golf Course & Nature Resort - Course will be closed on 4, 25 and 26 July for tournaments.
    • Gassan Khuntan Golf and Resort - Course will be closed on 4, 5 and 11 July for tournaments.
    • Gassan Legacy Golf Club - Course will be closed on 12 and 26 July for tournaments.
    • Gassan Marina Golf Club and Resort - Course will be closed for renovations until the end of May 2016.
    • Mae Jo Golf Club - Course will be closed on 11 and 26 July for tournaments.
    • Summit Green Valley Chiang Mai Country Club - Course will be closed on 11 and 12 July for tournaments.
  • Chiang Rai
    • Santiburi Chiang Rai Country Club - Course will be closed on 5, 19 and 26 July for tournaments.

Vietnam

  • Danang
    • Laguna Lang Co Golf Club - Course will be closed on 10 July for a tournament.

Malaysia

    • Glenmarie Golf & Country Club - Course will be closed from 19 - 26 June and 6 - 12 July for maintenance.
    • Kuala Lumpur Golf & Country Club - Course will be closed from 8 - 11 October for the Sime Darby LPGA and from 29 October - 1 November for the CIMB Classic.
    • Nexus Golf Resort Karambunai - Course will be closed from 18 - 20 September for the 11th Karambunai Golf Amateur Open and on 8 August for the Carlsberg Golf Classics 2015
    • Saujana Golf & Country Club, Palm Course - Palm Course will be closed for maintenance until December 2015.
    • Templer Park Country Club - Course will be closed from 20 - 23 August for the Vascory Classics

Indonesia

    • All golf courses are in good condition

Singapore

    • All golf courses are in good condition.
- Golf Tournaments

Thailand Golf TournamentsCambodia 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]

Accor Vietnam World Masters Golf Championship - September 2015
Date: 6 - 12 September, 2015| Location: Danang, Vietnam [Find out more]

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]

Centara World Masters Golf Championship - June 2016
Date: 12 - 18 June, 2016| Location: Hua Hin, Thailand [Find out more]

- Best of the Blog Thailandgolfzone.com

Pattaya Golf – Take the rough with the smooth

Pattaya Golf – Take the rough with the smoothUndoubtedly Thailand golf is gaining in profile and quality thanks to a growing golf tourism market and increased television exposure of tournaments such as the Thailand Classic (Black Mountain) and Thailand Championship (Amata Spring). These 2 courses compare with some of the best in the world but understandably with that comes a price premium. I can see that someone arriving to play in Thailand probably will be looking for something special but perhaps they might wish to look further for an experience that is equally rewarding in different ways, but at a relatively bargain price...

[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 - When the going gets tough, be patient and go back to basics

It's Hot – Take PrecautionsHaving just watched all the drama from the last day at the 2015 US Open Championship and witnessed the frustration of the best golfers in the world I am reminded that all of us experience similar demons and doubts in our own rounds. Luckily in Thailand we also have caddies who can put everything in context and relieve the tension. But if this round really matters to you, there must be a way to get back on track.

A good way to "reset" is to go back to basics focusing on fundamentals. Start with your grip and posture, squaring up shoulders, hips and feet to the target line. Get as comfortable as you can and visualise the flight that your intended shot will make. Commence your takeaway as smoothly as possible and release from the top continuing through the ball into a completed swing, trusting the result rather than anxiously looking for it.

Concentrating on the basics will lead to better results if you believe in them. Once back on track, then you can do the same on the greens and make some birdies.

[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 trade shows and roadshows during the next few months.

You can find us at the following events:

  • August 4 - 6 - Thailand Golf Travel Mart (TGTM) (Hua Hin, Thailand)
  • October 5 - 8 - International Golf Travel Mart (IGTM) (Tenerife)
  • October 16 - 24 - Golf Road Show (New Zealand)

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)
  • 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
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
12th Floor, MB SUNNY Tower
259 Tran Hung Dao
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!