Asian Golf Travel Nation - November 2013

Congratulations to Ejner who made a Hole in One at Laem Chabang International Country Club during October's Pattaya Amateur Golf Week.

For a complete listing of our 2014 Golf Weeks visit our website.

Hi Jim, I wanted to thank you and all your staff for making our trip our best one in the 17 years we have been running it. GolfAsian was impeccable again and everything ran to perfection.

I thought you might appreciate our appraisal of all the elements of our trip as well.

Chiang Mai
I rate Chiang Mai as superior to both Bangkok and Hua Hin where I have had previous golf trips. The climate, the city, the restaurants, the available activities and the people were all the finest I have encountered in the world.

Accommodation
Although disappointed to be unable to get into Le Meridien, Dusit D2 did not disappoint and we all enjoyed the facility. Probably it is the only area that Hua Hin was superior with the magnificent Hilton with its awesome pool and sea side location.

Golf
The golf courses way exceeded our expectations with Highlands being the highlight.
Many of our group last year described Banyan as the finest golf experience they had had, but most now agree that Highlands is its equal.
Mae Jo was the surprise and this was a golf course I could happily play for the rest of my life, an absolute delight!
Inthanon was only played by a few of us and is a world class layout - brilliant!
Alpine is a true championship course presented beautifully and a joy to play.
Green Valley was also presented brilliantly and the venue for our night golf round, a thoroughly enjoyed evening on a terrific golf course.
Royal Chiang Mai is a lovely golf course, unfortunately the recently renovated and sodden fairways detracted from a very well designed course.
Lanna is underrated and not surprising with the amount of choice available.
Gassan Khuntan was also a surprise to me, described as the most difficult course in the area, it was more a matter of getting to know its funky design features. Breathtakingly beautiful holes were a little spoiled by strange bunkering and outrageous slopes on some of the back nine greens although clearly the course is poorly conditioned due to a lack of funding.

I cannot imagine a more spectacular venue than Chiang Mai for a golf trip and I envy you enormously for living there.

Once again special thanks to you, Bee and our Drivers; Ong and Sawed for all your contributions.

Regards Andrew M.
Australia, October 2013
[Read more golf travel testimonials]
[Find out about Golfasian's Travel Satisfaction Guarantee]

Avid golfers can expect nothing less than world-class courses in Singapore, with over 20 courses and driving ranges that cater to both public and exclusive members. Courses, each carefully designed to deliver a spectacular experience.

On the eastern side of the island right near Changi Airport you will find arguably one of the top 2 courses in Singapore in Tanah Merah Country Club. The Garden Course has hosted major professional events over the years including The LPGA's HSBC Women's Championship. Nearby you will find the awe inspiring Laguna National World Classic course which has to be seen to be believed.

[Read the entire article]

Designed by world-renowned golf course designer Ronald Fream, The Serapong Course was opened in 1982 and measures 6,493 metres from the championship tee. A challenging par-72, it is one of the top five championship courses in Asia and home of the prestigious Barclays Singapore Open.

In 2007, The Serapong Course underwent an impressive S$12 million upgrade under the guidance of Andrew Johnston then Vice President of the Bates Golf Design Group. The refurbishment included both course design and greens technology.

[Read more about one of Singapore's Best Golf Courses]

The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore is the ideal place for Singapore golf travelers from which to marvel at the city's skyline or explore the wonders of Marina Bay. You will not find a more interesting mix of commercial, retail, entertainment and recreational options anywhere.

The Ritz Carlton, along with a hand-picked selection of other 5 and 4 star hotels is available for stay during one of Golfasian's Singapore golf holidays.

[Read more about one of Singapore's Best Golf Packages]

3 nights in Singapore including a round of golf and the latest tourist attractions, Gardens By the Bay and Marina Bay Skypark. Hop on the ferry for a short trip across the South China sea to the tropical island of Bintan. Here you will enjoy the beautiful beaches, resorts and the famous Ria Bintan and Laguna Bintan Resort golf courses.

[Singapore - Bintan Golf Package Itinerary...]

We invite you to join club golfers from around the world for Asia's biggest and richest amateur week of golf.

After 18 years in Australia, the Centara World Masters Golf Championship will quickly build a reputation as Asia's best week of golf for club golfers. Golfers from around the world will be drawn to Thailand's royal retreat for a great value week of golf, fun and entertainment.

Joining you in Hua Hin Thailand will be more than 500 golfers from more than 20 countries who share your love of the game and your thirst for fun.

The biggest of all such golf events features 72-holes of stableford competition, lots of gifts and prizes, plus nightly parties and entertainment. At the heart of the event's success is the camaraderie developed among participants. This is where lifelong friendships are forged.

So long as you are over 35 and have an official golf handicap, you can tee it up at the Masters. There are 15 tournament divisions based on age and handicap. Playing with golfers your own age and standard is one of the event's great traditions.

The Centara World Masters will see you play at Hua Hin's world class golf courses with all the trappings of a major professional tournament. Black Mountain, Banyan, Majestic Creek and Imperial Lake View will give you the ultimate golfing experience. You will be spoiled by Thailand's friendly caddies.

Much more than a golf tournament, there are lively social and entertainment events every night. International acts will be a highlight at the welcome and farewell celebrations. Thailand's biggest 19th hole moves each night to stunning rooftop, beach, and poolside settings. A decadent farewell dinner caps off the fun filled week.

This event is Thailand's richest amateur tournament with US $30,000 in prizes to be won. Whether you come on your own or with a party of friends, just don't miss it! Visit www.thailandworldmasters.com for event updates.

Peter McCarthy and Mark Siegel
Tournament Directors

[Register today!]

Bangkok

• Panya Indra Golf Club - The A, B, and C courses will each be closed for one week renovation respectively. During this time only 2 of the courses are playable while the other is closed.
• Thana City Golf & Sports Club - Course maintenance was planned for 3 October. It should take about 3 weeks for the greens to be back to pristine condition.
• Royal Gems Golf City, Klong 6 - Greens were cored during 22 - 24 October. It will take about one month for 100% completion.
• Alpine Golf & Sports Club, Lakewood Country Club, Lam Luk Ka Golf Course, Muang Kaew Golf Club, President Country Club, Riverdale Golf Club, Royal Gems Golf & Sports Club, Royal Golf & Country Club, Summit Windmill Golf Club, Suwan Golf & Country Club, Thai Country Club, are all in excellent condition.

Hua Hin

• Majestic Creek Country Club - Course C is closed until ~January 2014.
• Banyan Golf Club, Black Mountain Golf Club, Imperial Lake View, Majestic Creek Country Club, Palm Hills Golf Club and Residence, Royal Hua Hin Golf Course, Sea Pine Golf Course, and Springfield Royal Country Club are in excellent condition.

Pattaya

• Burapha Golf Course, Greenwood Golf and Resort, Khao Kheow Country Club, Laem Chabang International Country Club, Pattana Sport Club, Phoenix Golf & Country Club, Siam Country Club, St. Andrews 2000 Golf Club & Burapha Golf Club are in excellent condition.

Phuket

• Blue Canyon, Canyon Course - Coring green from 4 - 6 November 2013.
• Laguna Phuket Golf Club - 9 holes (starting with the back 9) will be closed for 18 months from July 2013 onwards. The front 9 are playable until March 2014, while the back 9 are under renovation. The front 9 will start renovation in March 2014 while the freshly renovated back 9 will have been reopened for play.
• Phuket Country Club - Verti-cut & top dressing from 5 - 6 November 2013.
• Blue Canyon, Lakes Course, Loch Palm Golf Club, Mission Hills Phuket, Red Mountain Golf Club are in excellent condition.

Chiang Mai

• Gassan Khuntan Lake City - Course renovation. Expected completion date in April 2014.
• Royal Chiang Mai Golf Resort - Coring green on 4 November. Partial fairway renovation to be complete by January 2014.
• Alpine Golf Resort & Chiang Mai Highlands Golf and Spa, Mae Jo Golf Club are in excellent condition.

Chiang Rai

• Santiburi Chiang Rai Country Club is in good condition.

Vietnam

Hanoi

• Van Tri Golf Club, Kings Island Golf Resort - excellent condition.
• Hanoi Golf Club and Heron Lake Golf Club & Resort - closed every Monday for maintenance

Danang

• Danang Golf Club, Laguna Lang Co Golf Club & Montgomerie Links Vietnam are in great condition.

Saigon

• Vietnam Golf and Country Club - The East or West courses are closed every Monday and Friday until 11am. Further, the East course will be closed on the 4th, 7th, 18th & 21st October. The West course will be closed on 11th, 14th, 25th & 28th October.
• Song Be Golf Resort - The Palm course is closed every Monday morning. The Dessert course is closed on Wednesday mornings and the Lotus course is closed every Tuesday morning for maintenance.
• Long Thanh Golf Course - The Lakeside course will be closed on 24 November and the Hill course will be closed on 29 November.
• Twin Doves Golf Club is in excellent condition.

Phan Thiet

• Sea Link Golf Course - Some bunkers are under renovation, not affecting playability of this course. One of the 2 practice putting greens is under recovery condition.

Nha Trang

• Vinpearl Golf Club and Diamond Bay Golf Course are in great condition

Malaysia

Kuala Lumpur

• Saujana Golf & Country Club – Palm 1 will be under renovation from 1 August 2013 for 8 months. Palm 10 - immediately after completion of Palm 1 and will go on for 8 months.

Hua Hin Amateur Golf Week - March 2014
Date: March 1 - 8, 2014 | Location: Hua Hin, Thailand [Find out more]

Pattaya Amateur Golf Week - March 2014
Date: March 8 - 15, 2014 | Location: Pattaya, Thailand [Find out more]

Phuket Amateur Golf Week - June 2014
Date: June 8 - 14, 2014 | Location: Phuket, Thailand [Find out more]

Centara World Masters Golf Championship - June 2014
Date: June 15 - 21, 2014 | Location: Hua Hin, Thailand [Find out more]

Cambodia Amateur Golf Week - July 2014
Date: July 27 - August 4, 2014 | Location: Siem Reap, Cambodia [Find out more]

Vietnam Amateur Golf Week - August 2014
Date: August 4 - 10, 2014 | Location: Danang, Vietnam [Find out more]

Pattaya Amateur Golf Week - October 2014
Date: October 18 - 25, 2014 | Location: Pattaya, Thailand [Find out more]

Chiang Mai Amateur Golf Week - October 2014
Date: October 25 - November 01, 2014 | Location: Chiang Mai, Thailand [Find out more]

Golf In Laos Versus Golf In Thailand

Here are my rankings on the golfing in these 2 countries on a scale of 1-10 with 10 being best.

Quality (30%)
Laos (5): Laos is behind other neighboring countries with only 7 golf courses open for play. Most Laos golf courses are in the capital Vientiane and are only average in quality. However, Luang Prabang Golf Club, in Luang Prabang is the country’s best having hosted 2 Asian Tour events, with spectacular scenery, and excellent playing conditions.

Thailand (7): There are many championship golf courses in Thailand including Siam Country Club (home of the Honda LPGA) and Black Mountain Golf Club (Royal Trophy and Black Mountain Masters). Golf In A Kingdom includes all of Thailand’s best golf courses.

[Read the entire article]

Other golf stories can be found at the Thailand Golf Zone, Vietnam Golf Zone and Phuket Golf Zone where there are over 600 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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Golf balls are quite heavy to carry in your golf bag, and with the weight restriction of the airlines, it's a good option to buy your balls when you arrive. Leather gloves do not last very long in this heat and if you sweat a lot, a good tip is to bring two or three all weather gloves with you, as its likely you will use more than one during a round of golf.

[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 11 - 14, 2013 - IGTM (Costa Daurada, Spain)
• January 22 - 24, 2014 - PGA Merchandise Show (Orlando, Florida, USA)

Arrange an appointment with Golfasian at one of these exhibits.

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• Licensed by the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism, License No: 79-302/2011
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• Member of Association of Thai Travel Agents (ATTA)

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