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Dear Golf Travelers,
Welcome to June 2019 issue of the Asian Golf Nation, the source for news breaking information about golf in SE Asia. Also, unique golf playing tips for Indochina’s tropical environment, insider’s destination review, announcements of golf travel promotions, and our latest subscription offer are all integral parts of today’s newsletter.
June is a time of transition whereby the hot, dry days of spring give way to frequent afternoon summer showers. The weather changing from spring to summer has two effects. First, and most important, daytime high temperatures drop from close to 40C to a more comfortable 32C. Cooler weather means more pleasant golf. Secondly, while afternoon rains are heavy and pass in 30 minutes, the showers increase the chance of a wet round if teeing off later in the day. Its good to know this, and given a choice, morning golf is a better option at this time of the year.
I have some surprising news. In spite of the Thai Baht is the strongest currency in Asia this year, Golf in Thailand is getting less expensive! Can you believe Chiang Mai green fees are US$35? We had over 100 golfers there last week, including one who made his first hole-in-one. Moreover, on selected days of the week, Bangkok and Pattaya golf courses have special rates too. These savings are in effect until the end of October. Drop me an email if you are interested, and I will send you the details of the cost rollbacks.
At Golfasian, we have big plans. The Centara World Masters event will be held June 9-15 in Hua Hin. For a sixth consecutive year, the event will be Thailand’s biggest and richest golf tournament for club & visiting golfers. There are a few slots left for locals, so if you're in Thailand and should want to play, then register your interest now. Unfortunately, the following weeks’ AVANI Pattaya 2 Ball Golf Championship is sold-out. The next big event with availability is the AccorHotels Vietnam World Masters, held in Danang this September. Be sure to sign-up and join in the festivities before it too sells-out.
Here is an announcement for our US and Canadian golfing friends. Sirirat (Khun A) and AJ will be in North America this month participating in the North American Golf Tourism Convention in Texas. After that, they head West. Are you based in North America? If so, Khun A and AJ want to reach out to you during their travels. It's always nice meeting up with friends who are normally halfway around the world. Request an appointment!
Finally, thanks to your support, Golfasian remains Asia's top golf tour operator. Your recognition of our exceptional service and excellent value of our tours and tournaments are just a few of the points that set us apart.
Complete full-service itineraries created for your specific travel preferences, expectations, group size, and budgetary requirements are our specialty. Please contact us anytime for a competitive quote.
Mark Siegel
Managing Director
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A winner of the 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017 & 2018 World Golf Awards, Golfasian has once again been nominated for Asia's Best Golf Tour Operator. Please, vote for us now:
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GOLF NEWS FROM AROUND THE REGION
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Hanoi, Vietnam
Vietnam’s capital’s newest golf course is open for play. Hilltop Valley Golf Club is a spectacular mountainous course west of Hanoi. The IMG-designed layout plays over two distinct geological areas. The front nine sets up in a deep valley, and many of the holes have reasonable catchment areas for errant shots. The back nine is another matter altogether. Playing on the mountain tops pretty much guarantees a lost ball for all wayward shots. Those looking for new challenges will love Hilltop Valley. Golf score aside, there are many excellent Kodak opportunities, and all golfers who play Hilltop are sure to appreciate what went into constructing the golf course through the severely mountainous terrain. Hilltop Valley is a great addition to golf in Hanoi.
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Nha Trang, Vietnam
KN Golf Links is barely a year old and is up for the best new golf course in the World. Talk about not resting on its laurels; the Greg Norman designed golf course is now a full 27-hole facility. Opened to the public in May, the Oasis Course offers golfers a resort-style challenge that complements the rugged nature of the 18-hole Links Course. Expansive fairways with large landing areas, extensive landscaping, and streams cutting across the fairways characterize the nine holes. The Oasis Course is good for beginners, families, and those wanting to get in a third nine while at KN Golf Links. Watch these pages for our impending announcement of the first Amateur golf tournament for visiting club golfers at KN Golf Links.
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Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Cambodia’s newest, most novel, and the long-awaited golf course is open. Vattanac Golf Resort is a mix of architecture, golf, culture, and history. Besides being an excellent Nick Faldo designed course, the layout features scale models of Cambodia’s famed temple complexes. Take a look at this image, and you will see what I mean. Square tee boxes, each one of successive height, adds to the coolness and the ‘temples’ make for some great selfies. Vattanac is one more reason to visit the Cambodian capital real soon.
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GOLF DESTINATION REVIEW: Hua Hin, Thailand
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A personal destination review from Stacey Walton General Manager of Banyan Golf Club.
Located 220km South of Bangkok along the Gulf of Thailand lies what was once a quaint fishing village – Hua Hin, with a local population of less than 100,000 people in the province of Prachuabkirikhan has emerged as one of Thailand’s most desirable golf and holiday destinations over the past decade. It’s no wonder Hua Hin won Best Golf Destination in Asia by IAGTO this year.
I first discovered and fell in love with Hua Hin 15-years ago before Black Mountain and Banyan Golf Club were built whilst I was working for Hilton International Hotels. Back then, I would play golf with my colleagues at Springfield Golf & Country Club designed by Jack Nicklaus, Palm Hills Golf & Residences, Majestic Creek and Imperial Lakeview which were built during the golf boom period of the 1990’s and are well designed and stand a good test of golf to this day. All of which are public resort courses – affordable and accessible.
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Banyan Golf Club, Hua Hin
Built among a former pineapple plantation, Banyan Golf Club in Hua Hin opened in October 2008. Immediately following, the course was awarded 2009 Best New Course in Asia-Pacific by the readers of Asian Golf Monthly. Since then Banyan Golf Club course, clubhouse, and staff have consistently claimed 'Top 3 in Asia' awards and have been featured in the 'Rolex Top 1000' in the World.
Thailand golf course architect Pirapon Namatra from Golf East designed the world class 18-hole championship golf course and is known to be one of the most natural in the country. The course provides for spectacular mountain and ocean views from almost all of the holes and is one of the best layouts in Hua Hin. Each hole has six tee boxes making the course more or less challenging depending on each golfer’s ability and tee selection.
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FEATURED HOTELS & RESORTS
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InterContinental
Hua Hin Resort
The Intercontinental Hua Hin Resort is an excellent example of Hua Hin’s finest. This Thailand oasis retreat, allows golfers to experience historic Hua Hin at one of the best beachside locations.
The Hua Hin resort architecture was inspired by His Majesty King Rama VI's Summer Palace. Rooms for Hua Hin golfers are spacious and of a design that blends classic with contemporary Thai decor.
Each room, suite, and villa has local accents, latticework motifs, advanced entertainment systems, and oversized marble bathrooms.
Discerning golfers choose the Intercontinental Hua Hin Resort for its standard setting luxury and close proximity to nightmarkets, shopping malls and entertainment venues.
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Centara Grand Beach Resort & Villas Hua Hin
Centara Grand Beach Resort & Villas Hua Hin first opened its doors to welcome guests in the early 1920s, at a time when the new railway line to Malaysia was transforming the sleepy fishing village of Hua Hin into Thailand’s first beach resort. The hotel named the Railway Hotel initially was built along the classic lines of that era. Today it is regarded as one of the famous grand hotels of the East and a registered national landmark.
Sensitively extended and renovated, Centara Grand Beach Resort & Villas Hua Hin retains its air of that bygone age of elegance. Set on the beachfront, with a vast expanse of gardens perfect for strolling and enjoying the sea breezes, and with a prime town center location ideal for exploring and shopping, the resort hotel is an ideal selection for golfers traveling to Hua Hin.
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Phuket, Khao Sok & Hua Hin Golf Tour
Southern Thailand’s best golf resort destinations are Phuket, Khao Sok, and Hua Hin. Start in Phuket with beautiful beaches, great shopping and excellent golf courses. Then venture north to Khao Sok, Thailand’s best upcoming beach resort area. Relax in the magnificent Khao Sok National Park with its stunning scenery and tour the Rajjabrabha Dam during your stay. Finally, take the road north to the royal resort of Hua Hin to enjoy championship golf at courses such as Black Mountain and Banyan Golf Club.
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Special for Golfasian Newsletter Subscribers:
The Accor Vietnam World Masters will see you play at Danang’s world class golf courses with all the trappings of a major professional tournament.
BOOK BEFORE 15 JULY & GET 1 DOZEN TITLEIST PRO V1 GOLF BALLS + 5 BONUS ENTRIES INTO THE MAJOR PRIZE DRAW
What You Get:
* 6 nights luxury beachfront accommodation
* Golf at Asia’s Best Courses with Caddies & Cart
* Welcome Dinner, Gala Dinner, 19th Hole Functions with Beer & Wine
* Full Tournament Treatment with Goodie Bag, Daily Prizes
* Lucky Draw & Grand Prizes
* All ground transportation - sit back and let us do the work!
* VIP treatment for a WHOLE week
* Sound like your thing?... Get excited & Get GOING!
Traveling in a group of 10 or more? Get up to 10% off! Contact us at [email protected] to secure your special deal.
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Golfasian is now offering rental clubs to golfers travelling to Vietnam's Central Coast.
Due to popular demand and in an effort to make the golf holiday travel experience easier, Golfasian is now offering a wide variety of golf rental sets for both ladies & men in Danang, Vietnam.
Contact us today to reserve rental clubs for your next Danang golf holiday.
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BEST OF OUR BLOGS
Double The Fun With Leisure And Play With A Vietnam Golf Holiday
For those who enjoy treating themselves to nature’s beauty, historical culture, and even a little golf while on holiday, Vietnam is the unanimous choice. The tranquil beaches of Danang; the historical pathways of Hanoi; the rocky islands of Ha Long Bay, there isn’t a part of this country that isn’t worth exploring. And when you combine that with a game or two of golf, you know you’re in heaven. With so many Vietnam golf courses at your disposal, you’ll double the fun with both leisure and play on your golf holiday.
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GOLF TIPS
How many clubs should I pack for a golfing trip abroad?
Weighing both the pros and cons of bringing your own golf clubs to Indochina, my advice is that if your trip is mainly for golf, you will be happier using your own full set of 14 clubs. You will feel more comfortable, confident and not have to get used to anything new, thus promoting better scores in the process.
On the other hand, if you are travelling more for sightseeing, business, or have arranged your own golf and transfers, then I would suggest renting clubs at each course.
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Update Your Personal Information
Want to change your preferred email address where you receive our newsletters or complete your profile with your name and travel preferences?
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GOLF COURSE MAINTENANCES & CLOSURES
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Thailand
Bangkok
Hua Hin
- Banyan Golf Club: Course will be closed during 29-30 November and 5-7 December for a tournament.
- Black Mountain Golf Club: West Course will be undergoing annual maintenance during 1-30 June. North Course will be undergoing annual maintenance during 1 July - 31 July.
- Royal Hua Hin Golf Course: Course will be closed on 1-7 & 27 July, 7 September and 31 October - 8 November for tournaments.
Pattaya
Phuket
- Blue Canyon Country Club, Canyon Course: Course will be undergoing green verticut and topdressing on 10 & 24 June, 8 & 22 July, 5 August and 2 & 16 September.
- Blue Canyon Country Club, Lakes Course: Course will be undergoing green verticut and topdressing on 3 & 17 June, 1 & 15 July, 12 & 26 August, and 9 & 23 September.
- Katathong Golf Resort & Spa: Course will be undergoing coring greens and topdressing during 6-8 June.
- Laguna Golf Phuket: Course will be undergoing green verticut and topdressing on 10 June and 24-25 June.
- Loch Palm Golf Club: Course will be undergoing coring greens on 3 June (front-nine) & 4 June (back-nine). Course will be undergoing course layout improvements during 17-31 October.
- Red Mountain Golf Club: Course will be undergoing coring greens during 2-30 September (front-nine) & 3 September - 1 October (back-nine).
Chiang Mai
- Mae Jo Golf Club: Course will be closed on 17 June and 28 September for tournaments.
Khao Yai
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Vietnam
Danang
- Ba Na Hills Golf Club: Course will be undergoing greens aerification during 10-20 June, fairway renovations during 17 June - 3 July, greens renovation during 1-7 July, fairway aerification during 8-22 July and greens renovation during 5-12 August.
- BRG Da Nang Golf Resort: The Ocean Course (B) will be undergoing coring greens during 8-11 July. The Dunes Course (A) will be undergoing coring greens during 22-25 July. The Nicklaus Course (C) will be undergoing coring greens during 22-25 June and 12-15 August. Course will be holding the Vietnam World Masters on 12 September.
- Laguna Golf Lang Co: Course will be holding the Banyan Tree Belt Presentation by Titleist during 21-23 June, the Angsana Open during 23-24 August and the Cobra Puma Golf Pro Am during 20-22 September.
- Montgomerie Links Vietnam: Course will be undergoing coring greens during 9-11 June.
Dalat
Hanoi
Ho Chi Minh City
- Harmonie Golf Park: Course will be holding the VDPG Tour during 19-20 September.
- Jeongsan Country Club: Course will be closed on 24 June for maintenance.
- Long Thanh Golf Club: Course will be undergoing coring greens during 27 May - 12 June (holes 1-9 Lake Course), 10-17 June (holes 10-18 Hill Course), 17-24 June (holes 10-18 Lakes Course) and 24 June - 15 July (holes 1-9 Hill Course). Course will be closed during 14-16 July for tournaments.
- The Bluffs Ho Tram Strip: Course will be closed on 12 October for a tournament.
- Song Be Golf Resort: Course will be closed on 8 June for the Song Be Kai Tournament.
- West Lakes Golf & Villas: Course will be holding the VCPG Tour during 22-23 June.
Nha Trang
- KN Golf Clinks Cam Ranh: Course will closed during 13-16 & 22 June, 3-7 & 11-14 July and 7 September for tournaments.
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Indonesia
Bali
- Bali National Golf Club: Course will be closed during 22-23 June, 14 September and 14-15 October for tournaments.
- Handara Golf & Resort: Course will be closed on 30 June, 20 July, 18-19 August, 19-20 October, 2 November & 14 December for tournaments.
- New Kuta Golf: Course will be closed on 17 August, 5 October, 9-10 November and 14 December for tournaments.
- Nirwana Bali Golf Club: Course will be closed until 31 July 2020 for major renovation.
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Malaysia
Kuala Lumpur
Malacca
Kota Kinabalu
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Cambodia
Siem Reap
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ABOUT US / CONTACT GOLFASIAN
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TAT No.: 14/00515
VNAT No.: 79-302/2011 / TCDL-GP LHOT
© Copyright Golfasian 2019. All rights reserved.
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