Asian Golf Travel Nation - November 2011

It didn't take long for this layout, about six kilometers from the Old Course, to attract a major event. Exactly one year after opening in 2008, it served as site of the Honda LPGA Thailand, won by world No. 1 Lorena Ochoa. The 27-hole, Schmidt-Curley design is situated on a former pineapple and tapioca plantation and home to Asia's first triple green, shaped like a clover and shared by the Pineapple nine's 378-yard, par-4 fourth and 400-yard, par-4 ninth and the Tapioca nine's 172-yard par-3 seventh.

The sleek, ultra-modern clubhouse overlooks this 3,000-square-meter marvel. The Sugar Cane nine was built last, but possesses many of the same characteristics - large ravines, multi-tiered Novotek greens and spectacular views of Pattaya's beaches - as the 'older' nines.
[Read More about one of Thailand's Best Golf Courses]

The Hilton Pattaya, located in the heart of the city overlooking Pattaya Beach and the Bay, is situated atop the new Central Festival Pattaya Beach complex. This 250,000-square-meter facility includes more than 300 international-caliber shops and restaurants, a 10-screen cinema, a 16-lane bowling alley, a gourmet supermarket and a variety of recreation facilities. The Bangkok Suvarnabhumi International Airport (BKK) is located approximately 90 minutes north of the Hilton.

The Hilton Pattaya's well-appointed, spacious guest rooms and suites are equipped with a long list of modern conveniences including balconies, 37-inch HD-flat screen televisions, generous work surfaces, wired and wireless high-speed internet services, and the luxurious Serenity Bed Experience™. Wireless HSIA is conveniently available throughout the hotel. Stay in one of the property's Executive Floor rooms or suites and enjoy the panoramic views from the Executive Lounge on the 33rd floor. Selected suites and rooms feature bathtubs on large private balconies.
[Read more about one of Thailand's Best Hotels & Resorts]

You read it here first: Siam Country Club at Pattaya is building another 18 holes to complement the 45 holes it now has in play. Managing director, Prasertchai Phornprapha, last week confirmed the new but as-yet-unnamed layout will be open in 2014. With 27 holes at its Plantation course (opened in 2008) and 18 holes at the Old Course (the first privately-owned golf course in Thailand that opened in 1970 and was redesigned by Schmidt-Curley in 2007), Siam Country Club is regarded as the premier course of some 17 that can be played in the Pattaya region. Its superb conditioning, outstanding clubhouse facilities and views make it one of the great golfing experiences in Thailand.

Khun Chai says the two Siam CC courses, neither of which accepts members, currently attract more than 80,000 rounds a year. He expects that after the new course opens, the venue will record more than 130,000 rounds a year, easily making it the premier single golf destination in Thailand.

"I am really proud of the Pattaya area," K. Chai told us. "There is something here for everyone and a great variety of golf courses to suit all types of players and budgets. It is a true golf course destination."

Marco Scopetta, a young Swiss man aged 41 years, has been in the golf industry for the past 20 years and will bring his experience and support to Golfasian events. His career path includes being a PGA Golf Professional, General Secretary of the Swiss PGA, General Manager of the Golfpark Signal de Bougy, Player at the World Team Cup and former Swiss PGA Champion.

Coming from Switzerland he speaks four languages fluently (German, French, Italian and English). After visiting Thailand a few years ago and loving it there so much, he decided to move from his home country to the Land of Smiles. [Read more about Marco Scopetta]

This Malaysia golf holiday includes 7 rounds of golf at some of the most exciting golf courses in Malaysia in two great golf destinations. The Malaysia golf experience golf package is well suited for those wanting to play the best golf courses in Kuala Lumpur and Sarawak, enjoy one of Sarawak's top resorts, and relax in one of Kuala Lumpurs best hotels for golfers famous.

Golfers may swap Sarawak for one of Malaysia's beach destinations or any of Malaysia's other great destinations.
[Malaysia Golfing Experience Detailed Itinerary...]

Bangkok, October 27, 2011 - Golf is one of few international tourism sectors continuing to grow despite global economic uncertainty, according to the chief executive of the International Association of Golf Tourism Operators, Peter Walton.

Addressing members of Thailand's Golf In A Kingdom destination marketing program in Bangkok this week, Mr Walton said golf tourism had recovered more quickly than other sectors since the 2008 Global Financial Crisis. And despite continuing problems, especially in Europe, the sector was continuing to grow. [Read the entire Press Release]

First Thailand Team Amateur Championship - November 2011
Date: November 26 - December 03, 2011 | Location: Hua Hin, Thailand [Find out more]

Playing and Staying on a Thai Golf Course

There is no better feeling than waking up to the sound of wildlife and knowing that you are about to experience a great round of golf.

Many of the 250 golf courses across Thailand offer first class accommodation along, with sports facilities, bars, swimming pools and restaurants.

With the high cost of golf course maintenance many clubs now also rely on real estate to help their cash flow, and several courses offer luxury villas and condominiums beside the course too.

Read more about "Playing and Staying on a Thai Golf Course"

Other golf stories can be found at the Thailand Golf Zone where there are over 500 other original articles 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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I have been coming to play in Thailand, in fact mainly Phuket for over 10 years and when I first came here I had a two, three and four iron in my bag as playing golf in windy conditions and on links style golf courses these clubs were invaluable. Now, many years on and not just because I am older and not because I don't hit it as far, I found that these three clubs are now sitting in a back room in my house!

Why? Well the grass over here in Phuket is so strong to resist the extreme high temperatures that I found I couldn't hit down on the ball as much as I used to and found that the only way to get a good distance was to take the ball more cleanly off the top of the grass. So now I carry a seven wood and two hybrids that cover distances from 175 yards to around 210 yards and I find that its more consistent and I can also hit the ball a lot higher and stop the ball on the green.

Try it, I am sure it will help your game no matter what handicap you are!

[Read more Golf Tips Articles]

If you have any other questions regarding golf tips to help you with your game email us at [email protected] and we will reply in upcoming newsletters

For more golf tips visit www.golfthink.com

Golfasian has a full schedule of tradeshows and roadshows during the next few months.

You can find us at the following events:

• November - US Golf Pros / Tour Operators Fam-Trip
• November 14 - 17, 2011 - IGTM (Belek, Antalya, Turkey) [Find out more]
  Golfasian Thailand - Stand B32
  Golfasian Vietnam - Stand B20
• January 26 - 29, 2012 - PGA Merchandise Show (Orlando, Florida, USA)

Arrange an appointment with Golfasian at one of these exhibits.

Golfasian Co., Ltd.

If any reader would like to suggest a topic to be covered or better yet contribute materials, photos, or even commissions an article please contact us by e-mail, I welcome the help.

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