Welcome to the July 2017 issue of the Asian Golf Nation, the source for news breaking information about golf in Asia. 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.
Living in Bangkok and being American, people often ask me if I miss the USA. For the most part the answer is no. However, one thing I do miss is the seasons. Yearly changing of the weather doesn't really exist in Asia. Some say there are hot, dry, and rainy seasons, though for me it is always hot or very hot.
In any case, after a long dry season, most of our tropical destinations like Bangkok, Saigon, and Kuala Lumpur are well into their rainier months of the year. This means a heavy downpour around 3:00 PM each day. While rain and tourism are generally incongruent, the afternoon showers only last for only an hour or so. At other times of the day the skies are generally overcast.
On the other hand, most of all the golf courses have finished their annual maintenance and are in excellent condition. The general slowdown in tourism this time of the year also means that there are fewer golfers too. Daily rain moderates the temperatures and guarantees lush green fairways - ideal golfing conditions in fact. Green fees are also at their yearly lowest which is always a good thing for visiting golfers.
Speaking of good prices, Golfasian has organized special low season packages in Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, Cambodia, and Indonesia - all valid for the next 3-4 months so golf travelers can take advantage of the excellent conditions. These packages can be found on our web site or send an inquiry and we can discuss you travel preferences.
As always, there are lots of golf 'happenings' around the region so with that, I invite you to enjoy this edition of the Asian Golf Nation.
The last time I fell asleep on a flight I was travelling from Bangkok to Saigon. To my amazement when I was woken up by the flight attendant while descending into Tan Son Nhat International Airport, I was pleasantly greeted by the sight of a brand new golf course. That was 4 years ago and the golf course turned out to be the now excellent Than Son Nhat Golf Course. Fast forward to today, and I am saddened to report that my best airplane flight dream may now turn into my worst nightmare. Last month the Vietnamese prime minister ordered the halt all construction at Tan So Nhat Golf Course to make way for the airport's expansion. A full consultant report on how to best enhance the airport's capacity will be readied by years end. In all likelihood the current 27-hole facility will be bulldozed shortly thereafter. Let's hope not.
Danang, Vietnam
BRG Danang Golf Resort
The travel boom in Vietnam continues with Danang being magnet for golf tourism. New international flights connecting Danang with most Asian capitals make it easier than ever to get there. For example, there are now with 3 carriers flying direct between Bangkok and Danang making combination Bangkok – Danang golf packages that much easier. Speaking of golf, in addition to the 4 signature courses in operation, there are another 3 projects underway. The new Hoi An South project is set to feature Vietnam's first Robert Trent Jones golf course when it opens at the beginning of 2019. BRG Danang Golf Resort breaks ground on its new Nicolaus designed course this month and the first 9-holes are committed to be completed in advance of the APEC summit and the Donald's visit on November 8. Being floodlight will essentially double the golf resorts capacity. Finally, a new Vinpearl course is slated to go in just outside of Hoi An Ancient Town. Stay tuned for the details and progress reports.
Pattaya, Thailand
Chee Chan Mountain Golf Resort
Over the last few years Pattaya golf has seen a steady increase in course selection.
This trend continues as Thailand's newest premium quality course is readying for an early 2018 opening. Chee Chan Mountain Golf Resort which was formerly referred to as "The Master" is being constructed in the shadows of the Buddha etched into the mountain which bears the same name and is visible from every hole on the golf course. Grassing and clubhouse construction are ongoing at a slow but steady pace. Designed by Golfplan, Chee Chan Mountain will also mark the re-introduction of IMG golf course management back to Thailand. I look forward to the course opening and reporting on the progress.
2017 Centara World Masters –
The Most Enjoyable Week of Golf!
Hua Hin, Thailand, 20 June 2017 — Golfers have been quick to rate the fourth annual Centara World Masters Golf Championship hosted in Hua Hin as the best organized event ever. Returning to the tournament for the 4th time, Karen Chenoweth, stated that the tournament organization is brilliant and she will come again for the 5th time next year.
Our driver Putu was incredible. Made the experience even better than we could have expected. The golf was incredible, both courses were amazing and the hotel was perfect for our needs. Bagus was great about helping us to book our package. Understanding that our communication access was slightly hampered by being on vacation he provided us with many easy to use alternatives for communicating and planning for our vacation.
Hanoi is Vietnam's capital and the country's second largest city. The city is a fascinating blend of east and west, with Chinese influence from centuries of dominance and French design from its colonial past. When Hanoi opened its door to the outside world following the adoption of the 1986 reforms, golf remained a sport tagged with a ‘four-letter' word. Party officials frowned on golf as an irrelevant bourgeois indulgence. Now however, golf is enjoyed by locals and visiting golfers alike. Hanoi sports many championship courses the best of which include Van Tri, Sky Lake, Tam Dao, Chi Linh Star, and Kings Island.
The best golf weather in Hanoi is in Fall (September to November) and Spring (March to May) when it is cool with less humidity. Summer (June through August) is quite hot and Winter (December to February) tends to be foggy with light mist, However, golf can be played year round in Hanoi and combined with a Ha Long Bay excursion Hanoi makes for a top international golf destination in its own right.
Located 45 kilometers from central Hanoi, Sky Lake Resort & Golf Club is made up of two contrasting 18-hole courses – the Sky Course and the Lake Course. Sky Lake Resort & Golf Club was awarded in 2015 as both the best championship course in Vietnam and the 5th best course in Vietnam. This was the only Hanoi golf club to receive such notoriety. Both courses were designed by Korean architect, Mr. Ahn Moon Hwan of Bori Golf Design.
Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi is an award-winning colonial and neo-classical luxury hotel located in the heart of the old city. It is the ideal choice in Hanoi for business and leisure travelers as well as for social events. The hotel offers 364 rooms and suites together with restaurants, bars, function rooms, a heated swimming pool, the luxurious Le Spa du Metropole, complimentary WIFI and a unique Path of History tour.
The Vietnam Golf Trail traces the footsteps of the late Ho Chi Minh across the entire country. Start in the gateway to North Vietnam, Hanoi and then move south along the golf trail playing at Vietnam's best golf destination, Danang. Further south is Saigon: Vietnam's economic capita and the last stop is the fresh mountain retreat of Dalat.
The Vietnam Golf Trail includes the best golf courses and sightseeing tours in each destination. Be one of the first to discover all the golf Vietnam has to offer!
Siam Country Club, Plantation Course: Course will be closed every Monday from 24 April - 30 September. Course will be closed on 3-4 May for the BMW Golf Cup.
Blue Canyon Country Club, Canyon Course: Course will be undergoing coring greens during 3-6 and on 10 and 24 July. Course will be undergoing verticut during 17 and 31 July.
New Kuta Golf Club: Course will be closed on 23 July (morning) for a tournament.
Nirwana Bali Golf Club: Course will be closed from 21-22 July for a tournament. Course will be closed from 31 July 2017 - 31 July 2020 for major renovation.
Black Mountain's luxury condominiums feature exceptional contemporary architecture with a natural mountain backdrop, inspired by the charm and character of Hua Hin.
The 5-storey condominiums feature units from 143 to 317 square meters with two bedroom, three bedroom and penthouse options.
Contemporarily decorated in warm tones, each property offers the ultimate in luxurious private living, with a spacious balcony offering spectacular panoramic views of the golf course.
For the true golf aficionado, distance means nothing unless it pertains to judging which club to grab from your golf bag to make that sweet shot on the back nine. As such, the world is your oyster when it comes to locating the next great golfing destination, and Thailand is the pearl you will find when you schedule your Thailand golf holiday.
A fully inclusive Thailand golf package puts you directly on the green for some of the best golfing that the world has to offer. With more than two hundred established golf courses in the country, an already well-established and robust tourist industry, superior climate, and some of the nicest people in the world, Thailand golf excursions are a perfect way to spend your holidays.
Dress for the Heat: The days of heavy cotton shirts are long gone. If you haven't already, invest in a couple of performance fabric shirts that breath better than cotton and wick away sweat more effectively, allowing your body's natural cooling system to do its job. Likewise, take a look at your footwear. If you see anything that resembles leather, it's time to upgrade. There have been huge "strides" made in golf shoes over the last few years. Just look at the casual, sneaker style kicks donned by players like Tiger Woods and Fred Couples. These shoes aren't just a fashion statement they are light and breathable. Look up top as well. If you've got the follicle fortitude, ditch that heavy hat for a lightweight visor. You'll feel an immediate difference.
I would love to hear about any golf tips you may have gathered from your golf trips. I can incorporate some in future articles so if you have any suggestions you would like to share, please let me know by dropping me an email.
Golfasian has a full schedule of trade shows and roadshows during the next few months.
You can find us at the following 2017 events.
July 11 - 14 -
Thai Golf Travel Mart (TGTM) (Khao Yai, Thailand)
December 11 - 14
International Golf Travel Market (IGTM) (Cannes, France)
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Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Pattaya, Thailand
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