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Dear Golf Travelers,
 Welcome 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 tournament offers are all parts of this newsletter.
The summer is in full swing and a time for golf holidays and lazing around.
This is a season of cloudy and cooler weather, perfect for golfing. But more importantly, this is the period in the calendar where green fees and hotel rates are lower than usual and there are no golf tourist crowds. In my opinion, there isn't a better time to golf in Asia than during this season.
Even in the drought stricken Hua Hin area there has been rain so that the golf courses there are looking much better than previously reported. The central Vietnam and northern Thailand destinations like Danang and Chiang Mai are seeing overcast days with overnight showers. Further south in Malaysia and Singapore the heavy monsoon season is working through and like clockwork the skies open up every day at 3PM. Make sure to tee off early if you are golfing in these destinations.
What better time to golf in Asia than these next 3-4 months? Not only are the world-class golf courses at their greenest, but there also are numerous promotional offers around the region.
Destinations such as Thailand, Vietnam, and Indonesia are attractive due to affordable green fees and a wide choice of value-for-money accommodation. It is also the green season in Cambodia and Laos. This is a time for excellent golf weather and to explore these countries at much cheaper rates than usual. Moreover, even with the economic turmoil in Europe and the UK, the current low value of the Asian currencies is an added bonus. Our tour specials can be found here.
What about Golfasian? At the moment we should be in the low season, but thanks to your support, we are continuing to welcome new and returning golfer holidaymakers each and every day. Last month we organized the third edition of the Centara World Masters in Hua Hin as well as the inaugural Mercure Ocean Pattaya 2 Ball Tournament. Both events were huge successes with many golfers commenting that it was their best golf weeks ever. The next golf tournaments are in Siem Reap and Danang in August followed by the second Accor Vietnam World Masters in September.
A winner of the 2014 & 2015 World Golf Awards with the title of Asia's Best Golf Tour Operator 2014 and Thailand's Best Inbound Golf Tour Operator 2015, Golfasian has once again been nominated for Asia's Best Golf Tour Operator. Please, vote for us now:
As always there are lots of golf developments around the region, so sit back and enjoy this edition of the Asian Golf Nation.
Mark Siegel
Managing Director of Golfasian
In This Issue:
 Visit Golfasian Today!
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 Bangkok, Thailand |
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| Suvarnabhumi Golf and Country Club, Bangkok, Thailand |
The Suvarnabhumi Golf and Country Club is born! Well not actually, the recently closed President Country Club has emerged from receivership with a new name. Bangkok's only 36-hole Trent Jones Jr. layout re-opened this month and other than the new moniker, play is as usual. It remains to be seen whether the new owners will invest in much needed course and clubhouse upgrades to bring the course fully back to its original state.
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 Quy Nhon, Vietnam |
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| FLC Quy Nhon Golf Links |
FLC Group announced plans to build 20 new golf courses in the next five years. It already has golf resorts under way or completed at four costal locations in Vietnam. The FLC Sam Son Golf Links opened earlier this year 170km south of Hanoi. The Nicklaus designed FLC Quy Nhon Golf Links opened in March between Danang and Nha Trang and a second Schmidt-Curley designed track is under way in the same location. A third project near Halong Bay east of Hanoi has just commenced and a fourth project with 10 Schmidt-Curley designed courses are planned for Quang Binh province on the north central coast. The latter just may be Vietnam's answer to China's Mission Hills.
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| Hanoi, Vietnam |
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| King's Island Golf Resort |
Construction of a new 18 holes at King's Island Golf Resort is progressing as are renovations of the original 36 holes. The King's Island project includes rerouting and combining of the existing 36 holes on the Mountain View and Lake Side Courses along with a completely new 18, named the Kings Course. The latter is a Jack Nicklaus II layout featuring signature waste bunkering on many of the holes as well as making use of the many natural features and gently sloping topography. Once completed, the private island will be home to 3 regulation 18 holes tracks and the whole project will be renamed the BRG 54 Kings Club.
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 Singapore, Singapore |
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| Marina Bay Golf Course, Singapore |
For those long hitters I have some very good news. Singapore's first and only par-6 is open for play at Marina Bay Golf Course. Golfers can now tee off from the island's longest hole. Originally a par-5, the 4th hole at Marina Bay Golf Course has undergone a reconfiguration and stretching to a 716 yard par-6. The extended fairway doglegs to the right to a blind green from the location of their second shot. For long hitters, a pond and trees come into play on the right side of a narrow fairway. Marina Bay Golf Course has consistently come in the top three for 'Best Course in Singapore' and 'Best Value for Money Experience'. It was further was awarded 'Best Public Golf Course in Asia-Pacific' at the 2015 Asian Golf Awards. In the coming months I heard Marina Bay Golf Course will be test marketing six balls-per-flight. Let's hope not as a round of golf mixed with four balls; playing the new par-6 is slow enough!
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After a very popular 2 weeks of golf in Hua Hin and Pattaya in June, we are now focusing on our next two group events in Pattaya and Chiang Mai.
The October months sees the weather starting to cool down and it's a great time to visit before the busy season when all the hotels and golf courses increase their rates.
Two of the Pattaya Golf courses have hosted the Thailand Open (Siam Plantation) and LPGA Honda Classic (Siam Old Course) previously, and there is talk of the Siam Waterside hosting the 2017 LPGA. I'm sure these three championship golf courses will be a stern test for all the golfers attending the Pattaya Golf Week.
In Chiang Mai in October, we start to see a dew on the ground early morning and the golf courses are in great shape, no more so than Alpine Country Club which hosts the Alpine Masters each year. This golf courses follows through the valleys and mountains that surround the course. There are streams, ponds and bunkers all in strategic positions to add to the golfer's visual delight. Special mention must be made of the Par 3 15th hole, an island green that, at only 129 yards from the white tees, seems to turn seasoned golfers into beginners and reaching for their old golf balls.
For bookings to these last two events for Pattaya and Chiang Mai, mention this newsletter and receive one of our Boston bags plus a free night for bookings paid before 1st August 2016
We have 12 events throughout the year and all details of these events can be found on this link http://www.golfasian.com/golf-holidays/thailand/golf-tournaments/
If you would like to book one of our events, or have any questions, please email us at [email protected] |
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My name is Mohamad. A close friend of mine and 18 other golfers who went on this trip are from Malaysia. We are all members of the Royal Perak Golf Club in Ipoh, to the north of the country. The club was opened over 50 years ago and has the Patronage of the State's Ruler. I have been a golfer since the late 80s and all the group have played for over 10 years. My handicap is 15 and the rest range from 8 to 18.
This was our first trip to Vietnam for our golf because usually we go to Indonesia 2-3 times a year, particularly Jakarta and Surabaya. I booked the package with Golfasian Vietnam and my comact was Mr Dang Khao who was very professional. He was quite able to recommend the best Hotel and courses in Ho Chi Minh City.
Though the weather is hot at an average of 36C we didn't mind as it was similar to what we experience in Malaysia. We were however, struck with the exceptional beauty of the golf courses.
The first day we played at Long Thanh Golf Club. It mesmerised us the minute we entered the property as its gorgeous fairways ran alongside the road. Everything was new for us and there was a buzz of excitement. When we arrived at the clubhouse all our members were so impressed; the registration was fast and hassle free especially with the assistance of our guide Mr Tony.
[Read the entire interview online]
[ Read more Testimonials ]
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Hanoi, Vietnam
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Founded in 1010, Hanoi is the capital city of Vietnam which is rich in culture, tradition and history. There are many wonderful places to visit such as Ho Chi Minh's Complex and Mausoleum, the Old Quarter, Temple of Literature, Tran Quoc Pagoda plus many other fantastic pagodas and temples. There are also several wonderful museums with absorbing exhibitions such as Vietnam Ethnology, Army, History or Fine Art Museums.
The locals' daily life is also fantastic to experience and a must whilst exploring Hanoi. Spending hours in the Old Quarter and its 36 old streets is fascinating and rewarding. Visiting Dong Xuan or Hang Be Market early in the morning or late in the afternoon will present a unique view of the city. Sit down at a side street café, enjoy Vietnamese coffee and while away an hour or two people watching.
What may come as a surprise is that Hanoi is also a superb golf destination. Recently, more and more quality golf courses have been built in the area including King's Island Golf Club, Sky Lake Golf Resort, Van Tri Golf Club, Tam Dao Golf Resort, Long Bien Golf Club, Legend Hill Golf Club and Chi Linh Star Golf & Country Club. All the courses are near to the city; around 36 km. Vietnam is investing in road and freeway infrastructure which greatly improves travel time. The courses above are all created by experienced designers like Robert McFarland, An Lee Hwan, Ronald Fream plus others who have taken advantage of the natural local beauty, unique countryside and exotic environment to build something special.
Several Hanoi golf courses have been recognized by prestigious golf magazines from around the World and voted as Best, Most challenging or Most Luxurious golf courses in South East Asia. All the courses are well-maintained and offer high quality, international standard greens, lush tree-lined fairways, natural water features and intelligent bunkering. Below are some of the golf courses in more detail:
King's Island Golf Club
Offering players two amazing courses; Mountain View and Lakeside, the King's Island Golf Club is situated on 350 hectares of land with 1500 hectares of waterfront that afford spectacular views of Dong Mo Lake with the mountain as a backdrop.
Sky Lake Golf Resort
Sky Lake Resort & Golf Club is destined to be crowned one of Asia's premier golf resorts. With 36 holes of championship golf, and resort facilities being planned, the Sky Lake Golf Resort offers golfers two championship courses; the Sky and Lake Courses both of which are superb.
Chi Linh Star Golf & Country Club
Chi Linh Star Golf & Country Club has 27 holes and is already considered one of Asia's best, adopting the slogan "The Best Place to Play". It is one of Vietnam's most famous, located in a beautiful valley with stunning natural landscapes, lakes, forests and trees…it is truly a wonderful place to spend a day's golf.
Besides exploring Hanoi and playing at amazing courses, take the opportunity to enjoy a two-day tour to Ha Long Bay – the world's newest Natural Wonder. Cruise on a luxury boat, staying overnight, and enjoy kayaking, swimming and absolute relaxation lounging on the sundeck. Experience a spectacular sunset over Ha Long Bay which will be a fitting culmination to an experience of a lifetime in Vietnam's jewel Hanoi.
View our Hanoi Golf Packages | Hanoi Golf Courses |
Located at the Van Son Lake area and 45 minutes from central Hanoi, Sky Lake Resort & Golf Club is made up of two 18-hole PGA standard courses and an on-site golf academy. The project is a master plan from Korean investors with golf course design by Robert Painter (Kingsbarns Golf Links, UK) and Ronald Leck (Sky 72 Golf Club, Korea).
The 18-hole Lake course to the West is a challenging links-style course, with grand lakes and beautiful mountains as backdrops. The 18-hole Sky golf course to the East is surrounded by natural Vietnamese jungle.
[Read more about one of Vietnam' Best Golf Courses]
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Accommodations for golf visitors in Hanoi do not get any better than the legendary Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi. The French colonial-style building has stood proudly in the Old Quarter since 1901. Located in the heart of downtown Hanoi, the hotel has a rich history and a century-long tradition of welcoming ambassadors, writers, heads of state and entrepreneurs. Some of Hanoi's best French food is served at Le Beaulieu. Spices Garden (Vietnamese) and Angelina (Italian) some of Hanoi hotels' fine restaurants. The excellent Le Spa du Metropole is also available for visiting golfers. The Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi Hotel is a fine blend of Vietnamese hospitality and European opulence.
[Read more about one of Vietnam's Best Hotels]
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Hanoi - Danang (2-Destination) Golf Package - 9D/8N
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Hanoi with its rolling hills is home to some great golfing. Danang is the epicenter of the Vietnam golf coast. Three of Vietnam's best designed golf courses are in Danang, the best beaches on the South China Sea are located here, and the 700 year old port town of Hoi An welcomes golfers from world over. Travel between Hanoi and Danang is less than 1 hour by air, with over 10 flights a day. This premium Vietnam golf trip is best for diehard golfers looking to play the best and most challenging courses in Vietnam, if not all Asia. Everything is included, so get yourself over and be prepared for non-stop great golf.
View the complete tour itinerary.
To meet your preferences and budget please contact us for further information. |
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2016 Centara World Masters – The Best Week of My Life |
Golfers have been quick to rate the third annual Centara World Masters Golf Championship hosted in Hua Hin as the best ever. Playing in the tournament for the first time, Victor Danko from Australia declared it was the best week of his life.
At 71 years of age, Victor is a member of Bayview Golf Club in Sydney and plays off a credible handicap of 10. He scored 136 points for the 4 rounds of stableford competition and finished in second place in the 66+ A grade division.
"I have played lots of tournaments, but none better than this week. It will take some time for this smile to go away. I loved everything. The courses were so good, especially Banyan and Black Mountain. The caddies were spot on and the chatter between caddies and players was great fun. I have never felt better or more relaxed on a golf course and no doubt it helped my scores. The caddies found my ball even when I thought it was totally lost.
I came here on my own but it was so friendly that I never felt like I was on my own. I played golf with amazing people from all over the world whom I will definitely keep in touch with. Every night we were entertained and the free drinks were a bonus...
Read the complete Press Release. |
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Thailand |
| Bangkok |
- Amata Spring Country Club: Course will be closed on 5 July for the Krungsri Tournament.
- Bangkok Golf Club: Course will be closed on 12 and 28 July and 2, 12 and 26 August for tournaments.
- Cascata Golf Club: Course will be closed on 14-15, 27 and 29 July and 8, 19 and 26 August for tournaments.
- Lam Luk Ka Country Club: Course will be closed on 29 July and 22 August for tournaments.
- Lotus Valley Golf Resort: Course will be closed on 11 July and 11 August for tournaments.
- Muang Kaew Golf Club: Course will be closed on 6, 15 and 18 July for tournaments.
- Riverdale Golf Club: Course will be closed on 24 and 31 July and 24, 26 and 28 August for tournaments.
- Royal Golf & Country Club: Course will be closed on 21 and 29 July and 3, 5, 10, 18 and 26 August for tournaments.
- Suwan Golf & Country Club: Course will be closed on 9, 12, 23 and 29 July for tournaments.
- Thai Country Club: Course will be closed on 24 July for a tournament.
- Thana City Golf & Sports Club: Course is undergoing maintenance on holes 7-9 until the end of October. Course will be closed on 21 July for a tournament.
- The Royal Gems Golf and Sports Club: Course will be undergoing major greens renovations. Holes 1-8 and 18 will be closed July - September. All 18 greens will be ready for play again in October.
- Vintage Golf Club: Course will be closed on on 21 July and 25 August for tournaments.
- Windsor Park & Golf Club: Course will be closed on 8, 15, 22, 25 and 29 June for tournaments.
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| Phuket |
- Blue Canyon Country Club, Canyon Course: Course will be undergoing verticut and light top sanding on 4 and 18 July. Course will be undergoing coring maintenance during 3-6 October.
- Blue Canyon Country Club, Lakes Course: Course will be undergoing verticut and light top sanding on 11 and 25 July and coring maintenance during 5-8 September.
- Laguna Golf Phuket: Course will be undergoing verticut and light top sanding during 4-5 July and 8-9 August. Course will be closed on 15 July for a tournament.
- Loch Palm Golf Club: Course will be undergoing coring greens (holes 1-9) on 4 July and (holes 10-18) on 5 July. Course will be closed on 20 August for a tournament.
- Phuket Country Club: Course will be undergoing coring greens 5-7 July.
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| Vietnam |
| Danang |
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 Malaysia |
| Kuala Lumpur |
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 Cambodia |
| Siem Reap |
- Angkor Golf Resort: Course will be closed from 15-17 July for the Faldo Series Asia Tournament and from 5-7 August for the Angkor Amateur Open Tournament.
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| Singapore |
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Cambodia Amateur Golf Week -
August 2016
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Siem Reap,
Cambodia |
1 - 9
August, 2016 |
| [find out more] |
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| Accor Vietnam World Masters Golf Championship - September 2016 |
Danang,
Thailand |
4 - 10
Sept., 2016 |
| [find out more] |
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Siam Country Club Pattaya Amateur Golf Week -
October 2016 |
Pattaya,
Thailand |
16 - 22
October, 2016 |
| [find out more] |
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Chiang Mai Amateur
Golf Week -
October
2016 |
Chiang Mai,
Thailand |
23 - 29
October, 2016 |
| [find out more] |
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Modern Off Plan Custom Villas For Sale In Hua Hin
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This reputable developer is pleased to launch their latest new project. 20 years of experience has enabled the developer to combine the best building standards and materials with modern design and custom options. They are happy to work with each customer to construct a bespoke property specific to individual needs. Ideal for residence, holidays or as an investment. Central location to access Hua Hin's golfing infrastructure. Find out more! |
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Chiang Mai Golf Magic
I am used to the frenetic pace of golf in Bangkok or golf in Pattaya, so whenever I head north get a real treat when I golf in Chiang Mai.
For the best Chiang Mai golf resort, I check into The Chedi Chiang Mai where I feel always welcome at Chiang Mai's only five-star hotel located on the Mae Ping River. Close by, I explore the temples and check out the night bazaar, a mere five minute walk away.
For the best golf in Chiang Mai, I drive out of town past rice fields, buffaloes, and mountains to the Chiang Mai Highlands Golf Resort & Spa. As soon as I arrive at the Chiang Mai Highlands Golf Resort & Spa their helpful staff and smiling caddies literally take over to start my Thai golf day.
[READ THE ENTIRE ARTICLE] |
Club Rental Service
Thailand's rainy season is nothing like an Asian monsoon (follow the link which explains why and gives advice on how to cope on the golf course). Rather the rain is extremely predictable and manageable in golfing terms. The article gives us lots of useful information but if you get caught with a storm nearby don't allow the caddies to influence you to continue to play while lightning is in the area (they are remarkably sanguine). If things are bad, a drink stop or the clubhouse offer a great view of the inevitable "fireworks".
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Other golf stories can be found at the Thailand Golf Zone, Vietnam Golf Zone, Phuket Golf Zone and Vietnam Golf Tourism Blogs where there are over 1,600 original golf articles & commentary 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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Have you thought about golf travel insurance for your trip? Golfasian has teamed up with Pacific Cross insurance to offer:
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Personal Accident Insurance
- up to
USD 65,000
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Medical Treatment
- up to
USD 75,000
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Hole-In-One
- up to
USD 300
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Emergency Evacuation & Repatriation
Loss/Damage of Baggage
- up to
USD 800
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Loss/Damage of Golfing Equipment
- up to
USD 2,000
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AND A LOT MORE !
For more information visit our website.
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