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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.
This issue we feature a brand new country for golfing. Myanmar and its capital Yangon are experiencing an explosion in tourism. While the country boasts over 100 golf courses (yes 100), most are old British tracks developed long ago. The modern courses are limited, but a few around Yangon like Pun Hlaing are worth playing. Read more in the destination spotlight.
It is officially summer, a time for golf, holidays and relaxation. Why not come to Asia? It is the greenest season in SE Asia – a time for good deals, great golf, beautiful scenery, and to enjoy all of the countries at much cheaper rates than usual.
The best deals this month are in Chiang Mai Thailand where discounted rates are available at all courses until the end of June. For example, golf at the region's best course, Chiang Mai Highlands costs only USD 56 including green fee, caddie, and golf cart. Book a stay-and-play package with Golfasian and I will buy you lunch at my favorite Chiang Mai "Kao Soy" restaurant, all on my account!
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:
With that I wish all golf travelers a great golf season ahead. The golf, culture, and beauty of Asia continue to be perfectly suited for unforgettable golf experiences. 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.
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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 Chiang Mai, Thailand |
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| Alpine Golf Resort, Chiang Mai |
Construction on the new 9-holes at Alpine Chiang Mai is progressing well. Located behind the current sixteenth kiosk, the new course will be available for play by years end. With 27 holes in play for next high season Alpine Chiang Mai will be able to relieve some of the congestion experienced when the Korean golfers descend on the city each January through March. Stay tuned for more details.
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| Hua Hin, Thailand |
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| Centara Masters, Hua Hin |
Severe drought continues with the courses in Cha-Am the worst affected. Fortunately we have been able to move this month's Centara World Masters Golf Championship to Black Mountain, Banyan, and Sea Pines all which are in good condition and have emergency water supplies to keep going even with no rain until at least the end of July. Let's all pray for rain so all of the other Hua Hin courses come back to their normal playing ways very quickly and before the August start of the Hua Hin Golf Festival.
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 Hanoi, Vietnam |
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| Long Bien Golf Course, Hanoi, Vietnam |
As if new additions to the Hanoi golf scene at Long Bien and Legend Hill were not enough, another Hanoi golf project has just been announced. This time around it's Vinpearl Hanoi Golf Club with a new golf course situated on a narrow site along the banks of the Duong River in the Long Bien area. In typical Vinpearl style a full residential development is planned around the golf course. The master neighborhood and golf course is scheduled to come on line in 2020. The Hanoi golf boom is great for locals, but I am not sure where all the golfers to fill the new golf courses will come from. I guess we better get together with the clubs and step up our joint marketing efforts. |
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 Jakarta, Indonesia |
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| Rancamaya Golf & Country Club, Jakarta, Indonesia |
Indonesia's Ministry of Tourism reactivated their big push to promote golf tourism by taking over 50% of the stands at the Thailand Drive and Dive Expo, held last month in Bangkok. The Ministry of Tourism stated that Indonesia has a great potential for sports tourism, especially golf, and could lure more international tourists to the country. Golf tourism in Bali and Bintan is already well developed and recent course additions in both locations will only raise the appeal of these islands. Major cities such as Jakarta, Surabaya and Bandung also have excellent golf facilities. However, the heavy traffic and safety concerns of international travelers make it difficult to see how these areas can be made more appealing for visiting golfers.
Here is a personal tip. My favorite area for golf in Indonesia is Bogor. With Rancamaya leading the pack of 10 top courses, cooler 25-28 degree year round weather, the best caddies in Asia, low prices, and none of the traffic or pollution of nearby Jakarta, the Bogor area has potential to rival the best golf in Asia. Head there straight from the Jakarta airport and you will be amazed at how good things can be. Let me know if you want to see a Bogor golf package proposal. |
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PLAY MORE - SAVE MORE
We now offer 3 International Acclaimed Tournaments –
Centara World Masters Golf Championship 12-18 June 2016
Mercure Pattaya Ocean Resort 2 Ball Golf Championship 19-25 June 2016
Accor Vietnam World Masters Golf Championship (*** NOW 25% OFF! ***) 4-10 Sept. 2016
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World Masters Golfer's Comment
On behalf of my husband and I, we would like to congratulate you on another wonderful event. We enjoyed the games, the on-course challenges and meeting new friends from around the world.
The team were amazing organising the transport and getting everyone off to a great start at each course.
I congratulate you on the changes you are making to the handicap system and also making the guys play from the tees further back. For most guys they like to play the full course especially the A graders. I think this will also keep the results within a proper margin making your job much easier and hopefully less disgruntled competitors because of the high point scores that came in.
We had a wonderful time and will be back next year. Have a great year.
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Book now for big savings!
Register for 2 events - save 10% off your second event.
Register for 3 events - save 10% off all 3 events.
BOOK NOW! |
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Hi my name is Paul Keefe. My wife and I live in Montreal in Canada. I am 72 and have been a
Member of a golf club for 50 years. My current club of 33 years is Royal Montreal. We have 45 holes and our claim to fame is we are the oldest golf club in North America. We have hosted the President's Cup and many Canadian Opens.
My lowest handicap was a 12. While I was working golf was limited to 20-30 games a year but since retirement 10 years ago, I have been playing a lot of golf. My handicap increased over the years to 18.
My wife and I first came to Thailand in 1990 for our honeymoon and since coming for golf for the first time 6 years ago we have seen many changes. On one particular trip we stayed for 8 weeks and loved the experience.
[Read the entire interview online]
[ Read more Testimonials ]
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Yangon, Myanmar
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The Pun Hlaing Golf Club, which is also known as the "Pride of Myanmar," is one of the premier golf courses that are featured in Myanmar. It was the British, back when they were ruling Myanmar (Burma) during the Anglo-Burmese wars, who constructed quite a few golf courses that they left behind following the country's independence.
Fortunately, those older golf courses have been well-maintained and are still in good condition. These golf courses include the Yangon Golf Club that was constructed in 1909. For adventurous golf travelers, these older golf courses can prove to be remarkable venues, considering that they have undergone tremendous development and renovation over the years.
Yangon is also home to an international standard golf club, the Royal Mingalardon Golf & Country Club. This 7,200 yard golf course was built in 1995 and is an 18 Hole, Par 72. The Royal Mingalardon Golf & Country Club covers an area of 286 acres. The Yangon International Airport is just 6 kilometers away from this golf club while the city center is at a distance of only 20 kilometers.
The northwest of Myanmar's former capital is home to perhaps the city's leading and most top-notch golf club, the Pun Hlaing Golf club, which is at a distance of merely 8 miles from the city center. Gary Player, the legendary professional golfer, was the one who designed the club's 7,012 yard golf course, which features 18 holes. From many of the holes, the spectacular Hlaing and Pun Hlaing rivers can be spotted, while the Shwedagon Pagoda serves as the background. No wonder, it was dubbed "The Pride of Myanmar" ever since it was constructed back in 2000.
The Yangon Golf Club is Myanmar's oldest golf club. It was built during British rule back in 1909, but it remains unknown who exactly designed it. Regardless, even after the passage of ages, the club is still in impressive condition, most likely because it has been renovated and updated over the years. From North of Downtown Yangon, driving over to the Yangon Golf Club may take approximately 25 minutes. While all of Yangon's golf clubs are exceptional, the one that stands out the most from the above three is undoubtedly the "Pride of Myanmar," the Pun Hlaing Golf Club.
View our Yangon Golf Packages | Yangon Golf Courses |
Royal Mingalardon Golf & Country Club is one of the best and longest in Yangon with its eighteen holes, par 70 international standard course measuring 7,200 yards. The expansive 286 acre club is situated 6 and 20 kilometers to the Yangon International and city center respectively.
Each hole has its individual identity that is created using varied water features, the natural landscape and strategic bunkering. A balance has to be struck by players between admiring the scenic area and their immediate golfing challenge. Arguably the most appealing in the area.
[Read more about one of Myanmar's Best Golf Courses]
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The Strand Hotel is ideally located in the center of Yanyon, Myramar. This beautiful landmark was originally built in the 19th century by Sarkies Bros, who also made the well- known Raffles Hotel in Singapore. High ceilings and extensive space are featured in each of the beautifully appointed guest rooms. All rooms have a traditional design but feature deluxe amenities. Furthermore, the hotel is known for its impeccable service.
[Read more about one of Myanmar's Best Hotels]
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8 Days Yangon & Bagan Golfing and Culture Package
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This Myanmar golf package is a fantastic golfing adventure. You get to play golf at various courses around Myanmar and will see some of the best sights that Myanmar has to offer.
View the complete tour itinerary.
To meet your preferences and budget please contact us for further information. |
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Golfasian Targets Thai Golfers for Vietnam |
Danang, Vietnam, 1 June 2016 -- Since the launch of direct flights last May by Bangkok Airways flying from Suvarnabhumi Airport to Danang, leading golf tour operator Golfasian has just announced a number of special golf vacations to Vietnam.
With four world class golf courses designed by the likes of Faldo, Norman, Montgomerie and Donald, Danang, also known as the Golf Coast Vietnam, has a fabulous coastline, excellent hotels, superb cuisine and the historic Hoi An village to visit as well.
Mark Siegel CEO at Golfasian said, "We run tours all over Asia, and our Danang golf vacations are becoming very popular for golfers and non-players alike. The facilities at the four courses are first class and have already received several awards." |
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[Read more...]
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Thailand |
| Bangkok |
- Amata Spring Country Club: Course will be closed on 21 June for the Siam Holiday Tournament and on 5 July for the Krungsri Tournament.
- Bangkok Golf Club: Course will be closed on 3-4, 20 and 25 June and 12 and 23 July for tournaments.
- Lakewood Country Club: Course will be closed on 10, 13, 22 and 29 June for tournaments.
- Lotus Valley Golf Resort: Course will be closed in the afternoons of 5 June and 24 July for tournaments.
- Muang Kaew Golf Club: Course will undergoing coring fairways during 7-24 June and will be closed on 15 and 23 June and on 15 July for tournaments.
- Nikanti Golf Club: Course will be undergoing coring greens during 14-16 June.
- Riverdale Golf Club: Course will be closed on 10, 17, 20, 22-24 and 27-28 June and on 24 and 31 July for tournaments.
- Royal Golf & Country Club: Course will be undergoing coring greens during 6 June - 15 July. The course will be closed on 27 July for a tournament.
- Suwan Golf & Country Club: Course will be closed on 2, 26 and 28 June for tournaments.
- Thana City Golf & Sports Club: Course will be closed on 3, 9, 16 and 24 June and on 21 July for tournaments.
- 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 8 and 23 June and on 21 July for tournaments.
- Windsor Park & Golf Club: Course will be closed on 9-10, 20, 24, 27 and 29 June for tournaments.
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| Phuket |
- Blue Canyon Country Club, Canyon Course: Course will be closed from 11-12 June for a tournament. Course will be undergoing coring maintenance during 13-16 June and 3-6 October. Course will be undergoing verticut and light top sanding on 4 and 18 July.
- Blue Canyon Country Club, Lakes Course: Course will be undergoing coring greens on 7 and 27 June and 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 14-16 June.
- Loch Palm Golf Club: Course will closed on 18 June for a tournament. Course will be undergoing coring greens (holes 1-9) on 4 July and (holes 10-18) on 5 July.
- Phuket Country Club: Course will be undergoing verticut and light top sanding during 7 - 8 June and coring greens during 5-6 July.
- Red Mountain Golf Club: Course will be undergoing coring greens (holes 1-9) on 6 June and (holes 10-18) during 7 June.
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| Chiang Rai |
- Santiburi Chiang Rai Country Club: Course will be closed on 5 and 26 June for tournaments. Course will be undergoing green top dressing during 13-14 June and 20-21 July.
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| Vietnam |
| Danang |
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 Malaysia |
| Kuala Lumpur |
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 Cambodia |
| Siem Reap |
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 Singapore |
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| Centara World Masters Golf Championship - June 2016 |
Hua Hin,
Thailand |
12 - 18
June, 2016 |
| [find out more] |
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| Mercure Pattaya Ocean 2 Ball Golf Championship - June 2016 |
Pattaya,
Thailand |
19 - 25
June, 2016 |
| [find out more] |
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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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Swimming Pool Property Development From Award Winning Builder
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This project is the 8th created in Hua Hin by its multi award-winning developer and follows on from the outstanding success of previous builds here in the beautiful seaside town of Hua Hin, Thailand. Built on 33 Rai of land set in idyllic countryside, the development is ideally situated just 10 km from the centre of Hua Hin, 4 km from the bypass, 7 km from the beach and central to Hua Hin's numerous golf-courses and amenities.
A development of 66 Pool Villas, built in 4 different designs, and all promoting healthy outdoor living, with large terrace areas and beautifully landscaped gardens. Included in the sales price is a Furniture Package with a retail value of 700,000 Baht
The 5th, 6th and 7th developments by the same developer all sold out within just 12 months from their launch date, which we believe is testament to their high end construction, finishing and customer care.
These 3 bedroom, luxury garden pool villas offer a wonderful lifestyle choice, with total privacy and exclusivity.
Find out more! |
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What makes Nikanti Golf Club
an unusual golf course?
It seems like the golf architect Pirapon Namatra (Ope) of Golf East listened quite a lot to Tina Turner's famous song 'Break every rule' when he designed Nikanti Golf Club, Asia's first 18 hole, par 72 golf course comprising three six-hole layouts each with two par-threes, two par-fours and two par-fives. Thailand's 291st golf course was opened in May 2014. The Nikanti Golf Club is almost adjacent to Suwan Golf Club.
When Pirapon Namatra (the designer of Banyan Club and part of the construction company responsible for Siam Country Club's new Siam Waterside) invented and implemented his 'triple-six' concept, he introduced a new distribution of par-3, par-4 and par-5 holes.
[READ THE ENTIRE ARTICLE] |
Club Rental Service
Your first instinct will be to bring your own golf clubs on your trip. But have a think about how much easier it would make things to hire a set and save on luggage. In Bangkok, Pattaya and Hua Hin Golfasian is in a position to hire you a full set of nearly new Taylor Made clubs including the options for steel or graphite shafts of every stiffness.
We get many compliments about the clubs with some clients even asking if they can buy them during their holiday, certainly considering switching brand on their return home.
Ask us for rental clubs when you plan your next golf holiday with Golfasian.
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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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