Asian Golf Travel Nation - November 2014

http://www.asiagolfweek.com

Asia Amateur golf weeks are a perfect way to get away and meets some great new friends and play some of best golf course throughout asia. Looking through the list of golf courses that we play throughout the year there are course that host major events on the US and Asian tours either just before o just after we play there (Black Mountain in Hua hin and Siam Country Club in Pattaya) or have been designed by either the top golfers of the world Greg Norman (Danang Country Club) Laguna Lang Co (Nick Faldo) and Montgomerie Links (Colin Mongomerie) in Vietnam, Jack Nicklaus (Springfield Country Club Hua Hin and Laem Chabang International Golf Club Pattaya) or renown courses designers Schmidt Curley (Siam Country Club, Pattaya and Chiang Mai Highlands, Chiang Mai) or Golf East Banyan Golf Club Hua Hin and Siam Waterside, Pattaya). Wherever you tee it up throughout 2015 in the Asia golf weeks you are assured of top golf courses and a level of accommodation that suits your style.

To see the full 2015 schedule, please use this link

Cambodia Amateur Golf Week
While Cambodia is off the golfing radar for most golfers, Siem Reap has 3 championship courses to test the travelling golfer. Angkor Golf Resort is the No 1 course in this area and was designed by Nick Faldo and this course host many big events in this region. Convenience is always a factor in the success of a golf course and Angkor Golf Resort is only ten minutes equidistant from central Siem Reap and the airport. Consistent with Faldo’s own heady style of play, the routing, shaping, and bunkering here at Angkor Golf Resort require your full attention and course management skills to post a good number. Our Cambodian Amateur Golf week is held over 9 days and has 5 rounds of golf and includes a ½ day tour of the famous Angkor Wat temples. This temple complex is one of the most important archaeological sites of Southeast Asia and it extends over approximately 400 square kilometres. Siem Reap also offers a great variety of shopping and restaurants experiences to fill the other free days.

The winners of the 2014 event are:

• Day 1 Prokeethtra: David Price 40 points
• Day 2 Booyoung: Ken Gordon 43 points
• Day 3 Angkor Golf Resort: Dan Hogan 34 points
• Day 4 Angkor Golf Resort: Tom Whelan 35 points
• Overall Winner: Ken Gordon 137 points
• Overall Scratch Winner: David Price

Golf Coast Vietnam Amateur Golf Week
Our Vietnam amateur week is held in Danang, Vietnams 4th largest city. Danang has 3 championship golf courses designed by the top golfers in the world, Greg Norman (Danang Country Club) Laguna Lang Co (Nick Faldo) and Montgomerie Links (Colin Mongomerie) each with their own unique designs taking in the mountain or beach surrounds. Whether its exploring the markets in Hoi An ( A UNESCO heritage listed city) or lazing on the beaches on the famous China Beach in Danang on your free days, Vietnam is a great new location for you to play championship golf and relax while on holidays

The winners of the 2014 event are:

• Day 1 Danang Golf Club: Neal Gale  33 points
• Day 2 Montomerie Links: Rosemarie Gale  41 points
• Day 3 Laguna Lang Co: Andre Van Dyk 34 points
• Day 4 Danang Golf Club: Ken Gordon 36 points
• Overall Winner: Rory Connell 120 points
• Overall Scratch Winner: Chris Black

Registrations for these events can be made online on this tournament link or you can email [email protected] to secure your position.

Should you have any questions regarding these events, please contact us on [email protected]

For further details please go to www.asiagolfweek.com and join our Facebook Page.

[Register today!]

Have you thought about golf travel insurance for your trip? Golfasian has teamed up with Pacific Cross insurance to offer

• Personal accident insurance up to USD 65,000
• Medical treatment up to USD 75,000
• Emergency Evacuation & Repatriation
• Loss/Damage of Baggage up to USD 800
• Hole-In-One up to USD 300
• Loss/Damage of Golfing Equipment up to USD 2,000
• And a lot more!

For more information contact us directly.

Kiri Nakara Hua Hin is a peaceful residential neighborhood in a secure facility in the mountains of Hua Hin, less than 10 minutes from the center of town.

Nestled in a beautiful green valley on top of the mountain going up Soi 70 in Hua Hin, Kiri Nakara Hua Hin is in an ideal location and close to the famous Hutsadin Elephant Foundation as well. It takes less than 10 minutes to travel to and from the development. The main thoroughfare of Soi 70 is riddled with a variety of different Thai and Western restaurants. There are many convenience stores and also a large Big C supermarket that opened up not too long ago – all within 5 minutes of the project. View the property.

Feel free to stop by our office and see what we can offer or take our property tour (free of charge).

For a complete listing of Thailand properties visit our website.

A young lady professional golfer who has nearly 20 years of experience in the golf world and has traveled over 16 countries to compete in golf tournaments. Praew started golf when she was 8 years old. She competed in all levels of golf from junior golf to collegiate golf and professional golf. She was forced to retire early from her career as a touring professional golfer because of the prolonged injuries in her left wrist and left shoulder.

Then Praew turned to her second career option as a graphic designer since she graduated from Florida Atlantic University with Bachelor of Art degree with the concentration in Graphic Design. She came on board with the Golfasian team in April of 2014. From growing up breathing in and out as golf and spending time traveling and living abroad, these experiences give her clear vision of golfer's perspective to help create good marketing campaigns for Golfasian. Praew is in charge of developing the outbound market for Golfasian.

What you say about the Thailand Golf Experience

My name is Trevor D. I live in Gold Coast City, Queensland in the far east of Australia. Based on resident population, it is the second largest local government area in Australia. I have golfed for about 35 years currently playing off a handicap of 16.

Our group, who undertook a trip to Malaysia with Golfasian, are members of Burleigh Golf Club lying just inland from the coast a little to the south of the center of the city. The course is a par-71 just under 6,000m in length, combining tree-lined meandering fairways and naturally landscaped greens. I am currently the President of the club and our captain also came on the trip.

Here's a group photo, day 1 on the first tee at Glenmarie Golf & Country 8:30am having traveled overnight. After very little sleep and only managing to fit in a quick coffee that morning we thought it appropriate to start our trip with a small toast. 

Whilst I do business in Ipoh, 200 miles north of Kuala Lumpur, for the rest of the group this was their first visit to Malaysia. Each year we organize a golf trip generally in the Melbourne area or elsewhere in Australia but this year I persuaded the group to travel further afield. There were 8 of us, all men aged between 42 and 54.

We packed a lot into a small time frame. First impressions of KL were very favorable and the experience only got better. Trader's Hotel, recommended by Golfasian, was great with superb views of the Petronas Towers. The sky bar there was the location for a regular rendezvous and debrief on the day's play. Whilst golf was the focus, we took the opportunity to visit the Chinese markets and fit in some in some shopping at the typically vast malls. 

I think without a doubt the best day was playing Saujana Golf & Country Club. The course has a superb layout and despite a spread of handicaps from 2 to 16, the caddies had the measure of our capabilities after only 1 hole and were amazing help after that. We played in the afternoon at Templer Park and after 12 holes were rained off due to a tropical downpour but this was only to be expected and didn't spoil a great day. The fee included all expenses and we were told not to tip but we all did so as the caddies were so professional and made the golf that much more enjoyable.

After golf, as you'd expect from an all-male group, apart from ticking a few tourist boxes, we had some fabulous meals and a few drinks; a "tower" of Tiger being a prominent feature.  
As a change from our normal excursions this couldn't have been a better experience which everyone loved. It has whet our appetite and already we are working with Golfasian to set something up for next year.

[Read Bill's complete story]
[Find out about Golfasian's Travel Satisfaction Guarantee]

Like many cities in Vietnam, Saigon has an interesting past. Because of its strategic location for trade and commerce, Saigon continued to grow and became a city by the late 1700's. In the mid-19th century, the French invaded the Saigon port city. This event led to long struggle between the people of Vietnam and France leading to the defeat of the French in 1954. By the 1960's and 1970's, Saigon was bustling with commerce and business. It was the cultural center and the capital city of South Vietnam. The city had an air of a French provincial town with a Vietnamese twist, and this still remains today.

In 1976, after the fall of South Vietnam the new government renamed the city Ho Chi Minh City. However, the city is still referred to as Saigon by the locals. With a population of over 5 million people, Saigon is one of the densest urban areas in the world. Unlike other cities in Vietnam, Saigon is very active at night. Sidewalk cafes dot the city, pubs and restaurants stay open late into the night, and entertainment options for visiting Saigon golfers are a plenty.

There are several championship golf courses in Saigon such as Long Thanh, Vietnam Golf & Country Club, and Twin Doves. While typically reserved for member's play, our specialized golf travel agents can confirm tee times for Saigon golf visitors. With several excellent golf clubs available and amazing historical & cultural sights Saigon is a must stop for any Vietnam golf holiday.  

Enjoy a Saigon golf vacation and play some of Vietnam's best golf courses.

[Read the entire destination review]

The Greg Norman designed Bluffs Ho Tram Strip golf course is located 80 kilometers southeast of Ho Chi Minh City in Ba Ria-Vung Tau Province on the southern Vietnamese coastline. It takes around 2 hours to reach by divided highway by car from Ho Chi Minh City. The Bluffs Ho Tram is a unique links style par-71 golf course on a rugged site often accompanied by strong onshore breezes.

In fact, the Bluffs Ho Tram Strip has some of the best geographical traits for a top golf course layout. For example, the whole site sits on a coastal plateau with 50 meter elevation changes from the highest to lowest point and holes are routed among towering seaside sand dunes. The course was built on sandy loam soil with native crawling vegetation. This creates excellent drainage and turf conditions. Next, being exposed to high sea winds at certain times through the year plays havoc and creates extreme challenge for even the best seasoned golfers. The links course also makes for a golf experience that's as much a feast for the eyes as it is a challenge.

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

Caravelle Hotel is Ho Chi Minh City's leading international 5-star hotel - in the Heart of Saigon and in the centre of the business, shopping and entertainment district, 8 km from Tan Son Nhat International Airport.

Caravelle Hotel has 335 superbly appointed rooms, suites, exclusive Signature Floors, Signature Lounge, non-smoking floors, specially equipped room for the disabled. Amenities include satellite television channel, facsimile, mini-bar, tea and coffee-makers, coffee and espresso machine and in-room safe. Complimentary Wi-Fi Internet in-room & throughout the hotel.

[Read more about one of Saigon's Best Hotels]

This Ho Chi Minh City golf package includes the top Saigon golf courses. Explore Vietnam’s economic and entertainment hub of Ho Chi Minh City during your visit. The city has something to offer for you day and night.

Recommended Hotels:

• 3 Star Au Lac II Hotel
• 4 Star Paragon Saigon Hotel
• 5 Star Caravelle Hotel

[Saigon Golf Holiday Itinerary...]

Hua Hin, Thailand , 29 October 2014 - Following the enormous success of the inaugural 2014 Centara World Masters Golf Championship, Thailand-based Golfasian and Australia's Go Golfing are pleased to announce an expanded event to be held again in the city of Hua Hin, Thailand from 14-19 June 2015.

The biggest event of its kind in Asia, the tournament quickly earned a reputation as Asia's best week of amateur golf. 500 competitors from 23 countries were unanimous in their praise of the golf courses, caddies, event organization and social functions. Further enhancements have been made to the 2015 program to ensure it is even more enjoyable.

"At Centara Hotels and Resorts we are very delighted about the immense success of the inaugural event and are excited to welcome even more golfers to Hua Hin in June 2015″ said Khun Thirayuth Chirathivat, CEO of Centara Hotels & Resorts.

[Read the entire Press Release]

Thailand

• Bangkok
  • Summit Windmill Golf Club - Course will undergo coring greem on 10 November on holes 10-18.
• Hua Hin
  • Black Mountain Golf Club - Course will be closed from 26 January - 16 February for the Thailand Classics
  • Imperial Lake View Golf Club - Course will be closed from 29 January - 1 February and 5-8 February for a tourment.
  • Sea Pines Golf Course - Course will be closed from 29 January - 1 February and 5-8 February for a tourment.
  • Springfield Royal Country Club - Course will be closed from 5-8 February for a tourment.
• Phuket
  • Laguna Phuket Golf Club - 9 holes will be closed for 18 months from July 2013 onwards. The back nine holes have been freshly renovated and are ready for play while the front nine holes are closed for renovation until approximately early 2015.
• Chiang Mai
  • Gassan Lake City Golf Club and Resort - Course will be closed from 30 September - 31 January for renovation.

Vietnam

• Hanoi
  • Hanoi Golf Club, Heron Lake Golf Club and Resort, Tam Dao Golf Club, Van Tri Golf Club - Closed every Monday morning for maintenance.
  • Kings Island Golf Resort - Mountainview course is closed on Mondays and Lakeside course is closed on Tuesdays for maintenance.
• Saigon
  
  • Long Than Golf Club - Course will be closed on 8 & 24 November and 9-10 January for tournaments.
  • Vietnam Golf & Country Club - 18 holes of this 36 holes course will be closed on 7, 10, 14, 15, 16, 27 and 28 November.
• Nha Trang
  • Vinpearl Golf Club - Course is closed on Mondays for maintenance.
• Vung Tau
  • The Bluffs Ho Tram Strip - Course is closed on Tuesdays for maintenance.

Malaysia

• Kuala Lumpur
  • Kota Permai Golf & Country Club - Course will be closed in the mornings of 13 and 27 November and in the evenings of 7, 14 and 21 November for a tournament.
• Kuala Lumpur Golf & Country Club - Closed for the Sime Darby LPGA Malaysia from 9 October - 12 October and for the CIMB Classic from 30 October - 2 November.
• Royal Selangor Golf Club, New & OldCourse - Course will be undergoing maintenance on November weekends.
• Saujana Golf & Country Club, Palm Course - Course is undergoing renovation during 2014.
• Malacca
  • Orna Resort - Closed on Mondays for maintenance.
• Johor Baru
  • Palm Resort & Country Club - Course is closed from 9-12 December for a tournament.
• Penang
  • Penang Golf Club - Course will be closed on 8, 9, 22, 23 and 29 Novmber and on7 and 27 December for tournaments.

Indonesia

• All golf courses are in good condition

Singapore

• All golf courses are in good condition.

Amari Hua Hin Amateur Golf Week - March 2015
Date: March 1 - 7, 2015| Location: Hua Hin, Thailand [Find out more]

Pattaya Amateur Golf Week - March 2015
Date: March 8 - 14, 2015| Location: Pattaya, Thailand [Find out more]

Malaysia Amateur Golf Week - May 2015
Date: May 10 - 15, 2015| Location: Malaysia

Bali Amateur Golf Week - May 2015
Date: May 17 - 23, 2015| Location: Bali

Phuket Amateur Golf Week - June 2015
Date: 7 - 13 June, 2015| Location: Phuket, Thailand [Find out more]

Centara World Masters Golf Championship - June 2015
Date: 14 - 20 June, 2015| Location: Hua Hin, Thailand [Find out more]

Cambodia Amateur Golf Week - August 2015
Date: 2 - 9 August, 2015| Location: Siem Reap, Cambodia [Find out more]

Golf Coast Vietnam Amateur Golf Week - August 2015
Date: 10 - 16 August, 2015| Location: Danang, Vietnam [Find out more]

Siam Country Club Pattaya Amateur Golf Week - October 2015
Date: 18 - 24 October, 2015| Location: Pattaya, Thailand [Find out more]

Chiang Mai Amateur Golf Week - October 2015
Date: 25 - 31 October, 2015| Location: Chiang Mai, Thailand [Find out more]

Make All 4 Footers When Golfing In Thailand

When you golf in Thailand you can complain about slow greens, grainy surfaces, poor caddies, and whatever you can think of to blame for poor putting. However, none of these are likely to be the cause for Thailand golf putting woes.

Where you putt from is the key to how well you putt. The closer you are to the hole the better your putting – PERIOD!

Average Thai golfers probably face 4 foot putts 10-15 times a round. Many golfers simply call these a Gimmie, but this is cheating (Gimmie's are only allowed in Thailand from 3 feet and closer.) Master putting from this range and you'll dramatically cut your scores when golfing in Thailand, and do it legally!

Making 4 footers isn't as easy as it sounds. Confidence is a big factor. So is practice. Here are 5 tips on sinking 4 foot putts.

[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.

Subscribe to our RSS Feed.

A friend of mine recently gave me a cooling towel for the golf course, which I must admit I thought would be a gimmick. But not all, it's one of the best things I have seen.

They keep you cool for the full round and I now have a supply in our Hua Hin office.

http://www.realxgear.com/cooling-towels/

Only 700 THB.

[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:

• December 15 - 17 - Australia Roadshow (Sydney & Melbourne, Australia)

Arrange an appointment with Golfasian at one of these exhibits.

• Licensed by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), License No: 14/00515
• Licensed by the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism, License No: 79-302/2011
• Recommended by the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA)
• Member of Association of Thai Travel Agents (ATTA)
• Member of the International Association of Travel and Tourism Professionals (SKAL)
• Member of the American Chamber of Commerce (AMCHAM)
• Founder and member of Golf in a Kingdom (GIAK)
• Founder and member of Golf Coast Vietnam (GCV)

Toll Free US/Canada: 1-866-550-2284

E-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.golfasian.com