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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 year is already moving fast as we get ready to change seasons from winter to spring. For many in the Northern hemisphere it's time to get the clubs out of storage and start getting ready for a new golf season. For those down under, it is the main overseas travel season. For us in Asia, we are getting ready for low season, which fortunately means low prices. Rates as much as 50% less than in high season can be found at golf courses and resorts throughout the region. Inquire here to find out more details!
Of course there are lots of golf developments around the region so with that, I invite you to enjoy this edition of the Asian Golf Nation.
I wish all golf travelers a great new 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.
Until the next month, enjoy the season's opening golf, make many birdies, and I hope to see YOU in our area very soon!
Mark Siegel
Managing Director of Golfasian
In This Issue:
 Visit Golfasian Today!
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 Bangkok, Thailand |
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| RIVERDALE GOLF CLUB, Bangkok |
Good news and bad news here. First of all Bangkok Golf Club, one of my favorite courses in northern Bangkok and a layout which was once recognized as having one of the 500 greatest holes in golf (the par-5 9th), has been sold. The good news is that MBK, the owners of next door neighbor Riverdale Golf Club, bought the course and plan to renovate Bangkok Golf Club from its current 3-star state, to 4-star levels starting late this year.
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 Bali, Indonesia |
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| Nirwana BALI GOLF CLUB, Bali |
Great golf news from the island of the gods. Nirwana Bali Golf Club will stay open for at least another year. Previously scheduled to be bulldozed over for a swank housing estate, Bali Nirwana are taking our reservations until the end of this year, so make sure you get to this spectacular Greg Norman designed tract before it's too late. |
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| Danang, Vietnam |
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| BA NA HILLS GOLF CLUB, Hoi An |
Golf Coast Vietnam is growing by 25% this month with the opening of the area's 4th course. Ba Na Hills Golf Club, the first ever Luke Donald design, opens on March 25. I played last month with GM Jack Hedges and the mountain setting, lush course conditions, overall facilities and service standard are impressive to say the least. Together with the 3 other courses built over the last 7 years, identify the whole stretch of coastline from Hua to Hoi An as Asia's #1 premium golf destination. Bana Hills plays to a ridiculous 7,858 yards from the tips (the longest Vietnam golf course). Luckily there are 4 other tees for us mortals. I hit from the blue tees which were perfect at 6,618 yards. |
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 Singapore |
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| MARINA BAY GC, Singapore |
Living up to the Sillypore motto, the island's premier public course is going extreme. Marina Bay Golf Course, scheduled to close in a few years, will in the meantime convert its fourth hole into a 730 yard par-6 so golfers can really know what long refers to. Moreover, as part of the "rejuvenation before death" the entire golfing experience at Marina Bay Golf Course is changing. New clubhouse facilities, VIP areas, new food menu items, and an even more bizarre 6-ball policy are all being rolled out this year. How long does it take a six-some to play a 730 yard par-6? |
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With our Amari Pattaya and Amari Hua Hin Golf Weeks now under way with over 180 people enjoying the great golf of these two top Thailand golf destinations, our attention turns to the next group event which is held in Siem Reap Cambodia starting 31st July.
Siem Reap isn't really on the golf radar for the mainstream golfer, but as a golf destination it's a hidden treasure. Siem Reap has 3 championship golf courses, all within 30 minutes from town, with the cream of the crop being Angkor Golf Resort. Here course designer, Sir Nick Faldo has woven his magic to create a world class golf facility that would proudly sit in the top 10 golf courses of any country; it's simply sensational.
The other golf courses that are featured in the week include Phokeethra Country Club and Booyoung Country Club
No trip to Siem Reap would be complete without a visit to the world heritage listed Angkor Wat Temple complex and our tour includes a day tour to these fascinating temples, with a guide to explain all the unique features and stories that are pictured on the walls of the temples.
Our tournament hotel for the week is the 4 star Prince D' Angkor Hotel & Spa. Within its walls this hotel is a sanctuary of peace and relaxation, whilst on the outside, the hustle and bustle of the growing tourist city of Seam Reap. The hotel features 195 rooms across 4 different room types. Our pricing includes the superior room, but many players so far have upgraded to the deluxe rooms that include a large balcony and looks over the largest salt water pool in Siem Reap. The hotel is located conveniently near the market and restaurant precincts and Pub Street (Siem Reap's famous strip of restaurants and bars) is approx. a 5 minute walk.
Our Cambodia Golf Week package starts from $1450 per person and full details on this great tour can be found here.
Our Early Bird offer for payment in full prior to 1st May 2016 is a free room upgrade to Deluxe rooms at Prince D Angkor hotel.
For bookings and questions: [email protected] or www.asiagolfweek.com |
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 My name is Steve Hall. I am originally from England but migrated to Australia just over 8 years ago. We live on the beautiful South West Coast of Australia in a small place called Australind, approximately 2 hours South of Perth. Here we are fortunate to be able to enjoy the outdoor life of lovely beaches, many BBQ's, beach fishing, numerous wineries and of course the golf.
I started to play golf with my sons when we first came to Australia and later, when we made friends with others who enjoyed the game too, I joined one of our local golf clubs called Sanctuary Golf Resort. It is an 18-hole municipal golf course and can be quite challenging at times with its many lakes and sand bunkers.
[Read the entire interview online]
[ Read more Testimonials ]
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Kanchanaburi, Thailand
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Kanchanaburi is a couple of hours west of Bangkok and three hours northwest of Hua Hin. Along with visiting spectacular waterfalls, lush forests, three of Thailand's largest reservoirs, white water rafting, elephant trekking, and of course golf, are the most popular activities for visitors. But the WWII memorials and museums are a reminder of darker times when Japanese forces used Allied prisoners of war (POWs) to build a rail route to Myanmar. The Bridge over the River Kwai, Hell fire pass, Death Railway and the War Cemetery are popular tourist attractions, for those paying their respects to nearly 7,000 prisoners of war buried here.
Personally I feel three to four nights is an ideal stopover duration, either with a two-centre golf break including Bangkok or Hua Hin. Grand Prix Golf Club is the jewel in the crown as far as the golf is concerned; still relatively unknown but it would easily be in my top ten courses in Thailand! I often recommend our clients play it twice, but there are other good courses in the area such as Nichigo GC and Evergreen GC. The journey from Kanchanaburi to Hua Hin is about three hours and I normally suggest a game en route at either Dragon Hills or Royal Ratchaburi. These are two of Thailand's hidden gems and well worth playing and even though there is not much English spoken, they are great experiences.
View our Kanchanaburi Golf Packages | Kanchanaburi Golf Courses |
Grand Prix Golf Club is a well-conditioned golf course in Thailand's Kanachaburi Province that will take the 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 relaxing approach to the greens.
[Read more about one of Thailand's Best Golf Courses]
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The U Inchantree Kanchanaburi Hotel is a boutique resort located on the north bank of the Kwai Yai River close to the famous River Kwai Bridge and near the center of Kanchanaburi town. U Inchantree Kanchanaburi is set in a quiet environment around a central courtyard. An ancient "Inchantree" from which the resort derives its name forms the focal point for guests at the resort. The overall design of this River Kwai resort is a rustic river lodge style surrounded by landscaped gardens. Golfers are encouraged to visit the sunset terrace lounge suspended over the edge of the river. What a way to relax after golf in River Kwai!
[Read more about one of Thailand's Best Hotels]
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Kanchanaburi - Hua Hin (2-Destination) Golf Package - 9D/8N
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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.
We have a wide range of 3 - 5 star hotels available.
View the complete tour itinerary.
To meet your preferences and budget please contact us for further information. |
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World Long Drive Champion Gives Golf Clinics for Amari Pattaya & Hua Hin Amateur Golf Weeks |
Hua Hin, Thailand, 25 February 2015 -- The Amari Pattaya and Amari Hua Hin Golf weeks held in two beach side resorts of Thailand have been an overwhelming success with a sellout in Pattaya, and close to record numbers in Hua Hin this 2016 season. An added bonus for players attending this year is the inclusion of an exhibition by the 2013 World Long Driver Champion, Stephen Kennedy from Australia.
Stephen has been competing in the REMAX WORLD LONG DRIVER SERIES for a number of years now and in 2013 finally cracked the big one (so to speak) by winning the seniors division with a mighty drive of 369 yards off his last ball of the tournament. |
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[Read more...]
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Thailand |
| Bangkok |
- Amata Spring Country Club: Course will be closed on 29 March for a tournament.
- Bangkok Golf Club: Course will be closed on 16 and 23 March for tournaments.
- Cascata Golf Club: Course will be closed on 12, 17, 25 March for tournaments.
- Muang Kaew Golf Club: Course will be closed on 7 and 16 March for tournaments.
- Nikanti Golf Club: Course will be closed on 13, 17, 23, 27 and 30 March for tournaments.
- Thai Country Club: Course will be undergoing turf maintenance from 29 March until 6 April.
- The Royal Gems Golf City (Dream Arena): Course will be undergoing coring aeration on 29 March.
- Vintage Golf Club: Course will be closed on 10, 11, 16 and 25 March for tournaments.
- Windsor Park & Golf Club: Course will be closed on 3, 8, 14, 23, 28 and 30 March for tournaments.
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| Hua Hin |
- Black Mountain Club: Course will be closed from 10-14 March for the European Tour Event.
- Imperial Lake View Resort & Golf Club: Courses C & D are closed indefinitely.
- Royal Hua Hin Golf Course: Course will be closed on 13, 19 and 25 March for tournaments.
- Sea Pines Golf Course: Course will be closed on 5 March for a tournament.
- Springfield Royal Country Club: Course C will be closed from 29-31 March.
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| Pattaya |
- Greenwood Golf & Resort: Course will be closed on 6, 13 and 19 March for tournaments.
- Khao Kheow Country Club: Course will be closed on 4, 18 and 28 March for tournaments.
- Laem Chabang International Country Club: Course will be closed on 26 March for a tournament.
- Pattana Golf Club & Resort: Course will be closed on 6, 17 and 20 March for tournaments.
- Siam Country Club, Old Course: Course will be closed every Monday (except during public holidays) for weekly maintenance until 26 September.
- Siam Country Club, Plantation Course: Course will be closed from 4-8 April for the True Visions International Junior Golf Championship. Starting April 12, the course will be closed every Tuesday (except during public holidays) for weekly maintenance until 27 September.
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| Phuket |
- Laguna Golf Phuket: Course will be undergoing green verticut during 28 March - 11 April.
- Laguna Golf Phuket: Course will be closed on 26 March for a tournament.
- Phuket Country Club: Course will be undergoing coring maintenance during 1-2 March and 29-30 March. Course will be closed from 29-30 March for a tournament.
- Red Mountain Golf Club: Course will be closed from 12-13 March for a tournament.
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| Chiang Mai & Chiang Rai |
- Chiangmai Highlands Golf & Spa Resort: Course will be closed on 14 March for a tournament.
- Gassan Khuntan Golf & Resort: Course will be closed on 14 March for a tournament.
- Gassan Legacy Golf Club: Course will be closed on 17 and 26 March for tournaments.
- Gassan Marina Golf & Resort: Course will be closed for renovation from May 2015 until May 2016.
- Royal Chiang Mai Golf Club & Resort: Course will be closed on 3 and 18 March for tournaments.
- Summit Green Valley Chiang Mai Country Club: Course will be closed on 5 March for a tournament.
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| Chiang Rai |
- Santiburi Chiang Rai Country Club: Course will be closed 6, 13, 20 and 27 March for tournaments.
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| Vietnam |
| Countrywide |
- All Courses are in good condition.
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 Malaysia |
| Langkawi |
- 99 East Golf Club: Course is closed for renovation until September 2016.
- Gunung Raya Golf Resort: Course will be closed from 21-26 March for the PGM Langkawi Masters and on 23 April for the Prudential Astro Masters.
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| Kota Kinabalu |
- Sutera Harbour Golf & Country Club: Course will be closed from 29 February - 4 March for the One Asia Qualifying School 2016. Only 9 holes at the Garden Course will be open during this time.
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 Cambodia |
| Siem Reap |
- Angkor Golf Resort: Course will be undergoing aerifying and top dressing during 15-22 March.
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| Singapore |
- Sentosa Golf Club, Tanjong Course: Course is closed for renovation until November 2016.
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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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Pool Villa with Excellent Rental Potential!
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4,800,000 THB Pool Villa with Excellent Rental Potential located within easy reach to the West of Hua Hin town.
Location: next to everything, direct access road to Hua Hin and Bangkok
House rents for approximately 40,000 Thai Baht per month
This house has been completely redecorated & had external improvements.
Nearby nightlife, shopping malls, restaurants, golf courses, shops, markets.
Premium location, excellent condition, easy to run; an amazing opportunity. Find out more! |
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Golf at its Best
The 10th running of the Honda LPGA Thailand saw forty nine of the World's top 50 female golfers descend on Siam Country Club's Old Course competing for a record US$1.6million.
Lexi Thompson claimed her seventh LPGA title in impressive fashion at the 2016 Honda LPGA Thailand and shot a final-round 4-under 68 for a six-shot victory over reigning U.S. Women’s Open champion In Gee Chun.
With this win, Thompson moves to No. 3 in the Rolex Women’s World Golf Rankings and surpasses Stacy Lewis as the top-ranked American.
[READ THE ENTIRE ARTICLE] |
Golf Apparel
Last month we addressed the types of golf gloves best suited to Asia's tropical climate. It may seem obvious but consideration should also be given to the type of shirt/shorts you should wear. Modern synthetic materials such as DriFIT by Nike, described as:
'Nike Dri-FIT is a high-performance, microfiber, polyester fabric that moves sweat away from the body and to the fabric surface, where it evaporates.'
Or Adidas' Climacool are both ideal. Also wear a shirt that isn't too tightly fitting so there is room to move and for air to circulate...we aren't all built like Rickie Fowler.
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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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