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 subscription offer are all integral parts of today's newsletter.
Asia's winter season is supposed to be here with lower temperatures in the 20's. In fact, I have never seen such hot weather as we have had recently. Highs are approaching 40, so if you are coming this month expect the unexpected. Otherwise, I suggest delaying travel to December or January when the mercury is sure to be at more comfortable levels.
Last month I caught up with many of our overseas partners in Tenerife. It was good to see everyone after such a long time. Also, I represented the Tourism Authority of Thailand in Australia and New Zealand at the 2015 Thailand Golf Road Show. Visiting 14 facilities and meeting with over 1000 golfers was an excellent opportunity to spread the word about golf in Thailand and across SE Asia. Thanks to everyone who hosted us. See you next summer!
On the tournament side of the house, our March amateur events are filling up fast as is the Centara World Masters for next June. Be sure to register your interest now as these events are sure to sellout and our early bird specials are expiring.
To find out what is else ongoing around SE Asia in terms of golf, I invite you to read on.
Vietnam Ho Chi Minh City: Vietnam was named 2015 Best Golf Destination in Asia & Australasia by the International Association of Golf Tour Operators. This award is amazing as only 8 years ago Vietnam was voted the 2007 Best Undiscovered Golf Destination. Over the past 3 years, top quality new courses opened, including The Bluffs Ho Tram, Vinpearl Phu Quoc, and Tan Son Nhat Golf. Moreover, next month The Bluffs, Ho Tram Strip will host the richest golf tournament ever held in Vietnam. The Ho Tram Open, a US$1.5 million Asian and European Tour event, is being played December 3-6. Let us know if you would like to watch the event.
Hanoi: Golf in the Vietnam capital is also picking up speed. Last month saw South African Ernie Els visit Hanoi to open his first golf academy in the country. The facility will include grassed range and 9-hole short course and will also be the first Troon-managed golf facility in Vietnam. Opening is planned for the middle of next year. Next up on tee is Legend Hill. The full 18 “twin greens” holes are officially open for play, although the clubhouse will start operations in 2017.
Thailand Phuket: After a complete redevelopment, Laguna Phuket Golf Club won three medals at the Asian Golf Awards 2015. Besides being named the Best Renovated Course of the Year, Laguna Phuket Golf Club was voted one of the Top 10 Best Maintained Courses in Asia Pacific and one of the Top 10 Best Courses in Thailand. Comprehensive renovations have created a top resort course which is interesting and playable for all levels of golfers. Most bunkers were removed and the course is relatively flat, making it less penal than other Phuket golf courses. However, the greens can be tricky with lots of undulations and complex breaks. With the addition of optional golf carts, the course is also good for both walkers and riders.
With that I wish all golf travelers a great autumn season. The golf, culture, and beauty of Asia continue to be perfectly suited for an unforgettable golf experience. 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, happy golfing and I hope to see YOU in the area very soon!
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These two week-long tournaments for all golfers (with and without handicaps), include four rounds of golf at Championship venues and nightly social and entertainment events. Also catering to the needs of non-golfers and traveling companions, a series of tours to the regions' popular attractions and destination experiences will be offered.
Amari will host this unique dual-destination golfing experience at two of its top locations in Thailand: Amari Ocean Pattaya and Amari Hua Hin.
Book before November 30th and choose from either a free upgrade to the next room category or a free round of golf on the rest day for either event.
Stunning Thai – Balinese villa with very private pool & spa. Has a manicured, mature garden displaying numerous exotic plants and trees.
Luxurious finishings throughout the villa with a cool, tropical feel. All materials are the highest quality – all furniture is top quality.
Less than 5 minutes' drive South from Hua Hin & shopping. Perfect location to reach all the attractions and amenities of Hua Hin. Minutes from golf and very near to a new major trunk road for Bangkok and South. Beautiful beaches within 5 minutes' drive.
Seller may be willing to discuss the price – make an offer as this is the kind of value is not often seen in the market.
To find out more about how easy it is to purchase property and how the prices are comparatively much cheaper than those in the West, please contact the GM of our Property Division - Andy Dyett - [email protected].
Feel free to stop by our office and see what we can offer or take our property tour (free of charge).
Golf Travel Testimonials - Keith Boxshall - Golf in Thailand
My name is Keith Boxshall and I live in Nollamara just north of Perth, Western Australia.
I travelled to Thailand with 2 friends and we all play for the Nollamara Returned & Service League of Nollamara Sub-branch which is an organization made up of ex-service men and women that served in the Australian Armed Forces. A third friend who joined our party lives in Pattaya. Three of us are members of The International Pattaya Golf Club (IPGC) which co-ordinates golf competitions in and around Pattaya on Thailand's Eastern Seaboard. Our average handicaps are around 21.
We have played all over Thailand but never in Chiang Mai and it was a revelation. Summing up, we do not have a bad word to say about the hotels, all golf courses, caddies and the weather which was just that bit cooler than the rest of Thailand and fantastic. We all felt that the price of Golfasian's package was great value, even our local colleague who knows what the courses actually charge. Favourite course was Mae Jo GC which is a hilly, tree lined layout with lots of bunkering and rivers meandering in and out of play. It had only recently hosted a top Thai tournament with all their first tier professionals so was in great shape.
Operationally, as usual Golfasian was great with transfers from the airport, to golf and return to hotels every day like clockwork. All in all a great trip and Chiang Mai has gone to the top of our favourites list.
Bangkok is a golf lover's paradise. There are many excellent golf courses nearby and, in fact, Bangkok boasts the highest number of world-class golf courses of any city in Asia. Some golf courses like Alpine, Amata Spring, Bangkok Golf Club, Navatanee, Royal Gems, Suwan, and Thai Country Club played host to PGA tournaments. Others like Riverdale and Royal Gems City remain undiscovered waiting for the next professional championship.
Bangkok golf courses offer good value for money especially on weekdays when green fees are lowest. Also, most golf clubs offer a high service level with well-maintained fairways, elaborate facilities, modern clubhouses, and fine restaurants. Bangkok golf tours and holidays are very popular and include short breaks, multi-destination Thailand golf packages and stand-alone golf holidays. Indeed, Bangkok is now the hub of international golfing and offers the perfect combination of golf, city and leisure.
Featured Golf Course - The Royal Gems Golf City (Dream Arena Course)
(Augusta comes to Bangkok at Asia's first & only replica course)
Royal Gems Golf City is Asia's first replica course and combines 9 of the best holes in the world with the back nine of Augusta National. Course designers have created the required extreme challenges and elevation changes from what was previously flattish farm land just outside Bangkok.
Stepping onto the first can transport you, not just to holes you've never played, but to holes you wish you could. Imagine teeing off at Oakmont's #3 with the famous church pew bunkers to your left. Then step onto the Royal Gems City #2 - a replica of Bay Hill Florida's par 5 sixth, whose narrow fairway skirts a lake on the left from tee to pin, offering opportunities to reach the green in two but only with high risk and perfectly executed shots; with the emphasis on risk.
The Park Plaza is an excellent base for a city break, conveniently located for the Skytrain/MRT providing easy access to the sights. The rooms are very comfortable with modern bathrooms and a well-stocked minibar. The hotel is very convenient located on Sukhumvit Road in Bangkok and next to the Skytrain station of Asoke. So if you are looking for a great location and excellent service the Park Plaza Hotel is for you.
Golf Trip Idea: Hua Hin - Bangkok (2-Destination) Golf Package
Hua Hin is the epicenter and home of Thailand golf, while Bangkok is well known for the best shopping in the country. Combine both golf destinations into one vacation and experience both golf venues. Play at top courses in Hua Hin and Bangkok, even stopping along the way for more great golf. This Thai golf trip is easy going and is well-suited for both casual and serious golfers. Everything is included to make this the ideal golf trip for couples, friends, or groups traveling together.
Bangkok Golf Club - Course will be closed on 6, 13 and 27 November for tournaments.
Cascata Golf Club - Course will be closed on 11, 13, 25, 27 and 30 November for tournaments.
Lakewood Country Club - Course will be closed on 14, 20 and 27 November for tournaments.
Lotus Valley Golf Resort - Course will be closed on 7, 14, 21, 28 and 30 November for tournaments.
Muang Kaew Golf Club - Course will be closed on 20 and 24 November for tournaments.
Navatanee Golf Club - Course will be closed on 20 November for a tournament.
Panya Indra Golf Club - Course will be closed on 10, 17 and 24 November for tournaments.
President Country Club - Course will be closed on 17, 19 and 27 November for tournaments.
Riverdale Golf Club - Course will be closed on 8, 13, 15, 27 and 30 November for tournaments.
Royal Golf & Country Club - Course will be closed on 4 and 19 November for tournaments.
Summit Windmill Golf Club - Course will be closed on 6 and 14 November for tournaments.
Suwan Golf & Country Club - Course will be closed on 18 and 27 November for tournaments.
Thana City Golf & Sports Club - Course will be undergoing major maintenance until 31 December. Hole 1, 4 and 6 can only use half of the greens. Hole 16 par 3 is closed. A temporary 50 yards par 3 has been created to be used until the renovation is done. Further the course will be closed on 6, 20, 25 and 27 November for tournaments.
The Royal Gems Golf and Sports Club - Course will be closed on 7, 9, 11, 14, 16, 21 and 27 November for tournaments.
Vintage Golf Club - Course will be closed on 25 and 27 November for tournaments.
Windsor Park & Golf Club - Course will be closed on 11, 18 and 30 November for tournaments.
Hua Hin
Black Mountain Golf Club - Course will be closed for an 8:00am shotgun start on 10-12 November and 15-17 November and will be closed on 19 November for a tournament and from 1 - 14 March 2016 for the European Tour event.
Palm Hills Golf Club - Course will be closed on 15 November for a tournament.
Royal Hua Hin Golf Course - Course will be closed from 4-8 November, from 14-15 November and on 28 November for tournaments.
Sea Pines Golf Course - Course will be closed on 16 November and from 23-25 November for tournaments.
Springfield Royal Country Club - Course will be closed from 4-16 January 2016 for the Asian Tour Qualifying School.
Pattaya
Burapha Golf Club - Course will be closed on 10 November for a tournament.
Khao Kheow Country Club - Course will be closed on 6 November for a tournament.
Pattana Golf Club & Resort - Course will be closed on 6, 11 and 13 November for tournaments.
Siam Country Club, Old Course - Course will be closed on 17 November for a tournament and from 8 February until 3 March for the LPGA tournament which will take place from 25-28 February.
Siam Country Club, Plantation Course - Course will be closed on 3, 20 and 28 November for tournaments.
Siam Country Club, Waterside Course - Course will be closed on 14 October for a tournament.
Phuket
Laguna Phuket Golf Club - Course will be undergoing verticut and top-dressing during 9-17 November and 7-14 December and green light top-dressing during 23-26 November and 21-24 December.
Phuket Country Club - Course will be closed from 3-4 November for a tournament.
Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai Inthanon Golf Course & Natural Resort - Course will be closed from 14-15 and 21 November for tournaments.
Gassan Khuntan Golf and Resort - Course will be closed on 7 November for a tournament.
Gassan Marina Golf Club and Resort - Course will be closed for renovations until the end of May 2016.
Mae Jo Golf Club - Course will be closed on 7 and 28 November for tournaments.
Chiang Rai
Happy City Golf Resort - Course will be closed on 7 November for a tournament.
Santiburi Chiang Rai Country Club - Course will be closed on 8, 15, 21-22 and 29 November for tournaments.
Vietnam
Danang
Laguna Lang Co Club - Course will be closed from 13-14 November for the Laguna Golf Classic 2015.
Hanoi
Sky Lake Resort & Golf Club - Course will be closed from 21-22, 25-29 November and 19 December for tournaments.
Tam Dao Golf Resort - Course will be closed from 21-22 November for a tournament.
Saigon
The Bluffs Ho Tram Strip - Course will be closed on 10, 17 and 29 November for maintenance and from 30 November - 7 December for the Ho Tram Open.
Malaysia
Kuala Lumpur
Kuala Lumpur Golf & Country Club, East Course - Course is closed until 7 November for the LPGA tournament and the CIMB Classic.
Langkawi
99 East Golf Club - Course will be closed until Q3 of 2016 for renovation.
Indonesia
Bali
Bali National Golf Club - Course will be closed from 20 November for a tournament.
New Kuta Golf Club - Course will be closed on 14 November for a tournament.
Nirwana Bali Golf Club - Course will be closed on 13 December for a tournament.
Cambodia
All golf courses are in good condition.
Singapore
Sentosa Golf Club, Tanjong Course - Course is closed for major reservation.
Thailand has 5 main golf destinations, two are cities (Bangkok and Chiang Mai) and three are beach resorts (Hua Hin, Pattaya, and Phuket).
Bangkok is home to over 10 million residents. However, it's safe to say that Bangkok has the most golf courses of any destination in Thailand. There are 60 golf courses located within 1 hour from the center of Bangkok; of which 20 or so are well-suited for visitor play. Bangkok also has world-class hotels, the best restaurants in Thailand, and a wide range of cultural attractions, shopping and nightlife. The downside is that travel time getting to and from the golf courses can be a bit longer than other destinations due to city traffic. I often recommend a few days in Bangkok at the beginning and/or end of any Thailand golf trip and also recommend weekday golf if possible (when the courses are less crowded and green fees are lower).
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.
I played with a client the other day and he commented that he was struggling to grip the club properly due to the sweatiness of his hands in the humidity. When I tried his club it was clear that this was not the sole reason for his problems.
His grips were very worn such that they were quite smooth and clearly not up to the job. Professionals teach that players should hold the club with a featherlite touch permitting much more feel for the club head and shot. I think that's tricky unless it's a practice you've used since you took up the game, nevertheless worn grips are something we should never put up with given they are relatively cheap and so crucial to performance.
My advice if you're golfing in Thailand is this…if there is any doubt about your grips renew them before travel, you'll be glad you did. Secondly, always take a golf towel with you on the course for a final drying of the hands before you play the shot. The ability to grip the club confidently is part and parcel of myriad things we want to get right, so eliminate it as one more thing you don't have to worry about.
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, we welcome the help.
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Asia Golf Week - Amateur Golf Weeks in Asia
Golf Travel Insurance
Hua Hin Properties - Beautiful Luxury Pool Villa Near a Golf Course
Golf Travel Testimonials - Keith Boxshall - Golf in Thailand
Bangkok Destination Review 
Featured Golf Course - The Royal Gems Golf City (Dream Arena Course) 
Golf Trip Idea: Hua Hin - Bangkok (2-Destination) Golf Package
Golf Course Maintenance Updates
Golf Tournaments
Best of the Blog Thailandgolfzone.com
Golfing Tips - Golf Grips
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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, we welcome the help.
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Hanoi: Golf in the Vietnam capital is also picking up speed. Last month saw South African Ernie Els visit Hanoi to open his first golf academy in the country. The facility will include grassed range and 9-hole short course and will also be the first Troon-managed golf facility in Vietnam. Opening is planned for the middle of next year. Next up on tee is 
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