Asian Golf Travel Nation - October 2014

http://www.asiagolfweek.com

Asia Golf Week as the name suggests, is a series of amateur golf tournaments spread throughout Asia, allowing golfers to join up with others, to play the best golf courses throughout the region. Born from the constant inquiries we had for group events, Asia Golf Week is proud to introduce the 2015 schedule for group tours.

Most of the tours are 6 nights and 4 rounds playing the best courses throughout Asia. Included are group dinners, day tours and activities for the non-golfers, and daily prizes for those golfers that play well each day.
The tournament hotels are usually 4 star hotels, but 3 and 5 star hotels can be offered for those who require different levels of accommodation.

The next  2 events on the calendar are Hua Hin starting 1st March 2015 then onto Pattaya starting 8th March 2015.

The Hua Hin event is gearing up to be the big event following the success of Hua Hin being voted Best Golf Destination 2013, and following the Centara World Masters that was held in Hua Hin in June 2014, with over 450 players attending.  Hua Hin has a special place for Golfers, as this region has the only golf course rated in the Top 100 courses outside the US (Black Mountain) as voted by Golf Digest in 2013. The other stand out course in this area is Banyan Golf Club, which was voted best new course in Asia 2009.

The Pattaya event, not to be outshined, is playing the 3 Siam Country Club courses: Old Course which will be hosting the LPGA event the week before, Siam Plantation which will be hosting the Thailand Open 2 weeks after our event and the highly acclaimed Siam Waterside.

Whether you come alone or bring your friends, this is a week of golf that should not be missed.

Thailand's national carrier, Thai Airways has just announced that they are lifting their weight allowance by 10kg on most flights so golfers will be able to comfortably carry their golf clubs without fear of paying overweight charges.

As part of the two opening events, we are offering early bird specials for payments received in full by 1st November 2014.

For our Hua Hin event, we offering either 1 free night at the tournament hotel or a free round of golf including caddy and cart.

For the Pattaya amateur golf week, we offer 2 free nights for bookings paid before 1st November 2014.

Both offers are only available for the first 50 bookings in each event by the 1st November deadline,  so if you are wanting to play get your registrations in fast.

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.

Hua Hin Horizon is a lovely well established development with lots of greenery under 10 minutes from the center of town in a great location.

The development has a wonderfully large public swimming pool where you can relax and enjoy a good book on your holiday or get some healthy exercise.

It's only about 2km from town and very easy to get back and forth with a car or motorbike.

The home is really lovely with great open living areas that are comfortable and soothing. The 3 bedrooms are enough for you and friends, with one of the bedrooms currently being empty it can be converted into a home office very easily.

The house has a fully functional, convenient kitchen with a dining table as well where you can enjoy your morning coffee and read the newspaper. There are also sliding doors opening onto a spacious terrace area next to the kitchen that lets in the cool summer breezes of Hua Hin and also has some really comfortable outside furniture where you can relax with a glass of wine in the evening.

The master bedroom is spacious, with a large en suite bathroom and walk in shower, but the living room is where you can really relax and enjoy a good movie or a game of cards with friends.

In the front of the house there's a lush little garden area with a small water fountain that creates a relaxing atmosphere around the home.

Really a place where you can relax in a safe neighborhood and spend your days in comfort, a stone's throw from town. 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.

Moonlighted as a tourist guide while studying Law in 1978. But in 1993, I decided to shift from field work to office where I used my experienced to help develop better programs to satisfy guests. Starting from the National Convention Centre I moved to tour operators and spent almost 20 years working as a Director of Operations for one of the leading destination management companies in Thailand. Logistics was my main work there. I joined Golfasian in 2103 to help smooth the operation and to make golfer's stay in Thailand a memorable one. But when things go wrong I find a cool and calm voice helps when answering the emergency line. I prefer to prevent problems before they happen.  

[Read more about Troy]

What you say about the Thailand Golf Experience

Dear Fai & Kate,

on behalf of our party of 6 I would like to thank you for such a well organised golf trip.  Everything went extremely well apart from the minor hiccup at the end when the driver got the day wrong for the departure to the airport (it was resolved quickly and our friends made their flight).

Our time in Pattaya was wonderful.  The Hilton was fabulous with the fantastic breakfast, excellent pool and lovely light airy rooms high up on the 29th floor.  We had the added bonus of the shopping mall below us allowing us to shop till we dropped.  This hotel would suit groups with non golfers amongst them as there is so much to do.

All the transfers went without any hitch (apart from the one mentioned above). The drivers were excellent and made sure that all the golfing arrangements at the golf course were in place and correct.  All the courses were outstanding.  We were very impressed by how well they were maintained and run.  We especially liked Jack Nicklaus's Laem Chabang, and the Old Course at the Siam Country Club.  Almost all the caddies were great. (there were a few trainee who were a bit green)  They made the golfing experience easier and more enjoyable for us.  We had a great time.

We loved the Pattaya area even though it has the reputation of being sleazy.
I lived in Thailand for 6 years many years ago and went to Pattaya often.
It was quite nice to return there for old times sake.  If you look past all the sleaze, it is a great place for a holiday.  The restaurants are good and there is always something weird and wonderful to see. 

Thanks also for organising our booking at the Sukhothai Hotel in Bangkok.
It is one of our favourite hotels in the world and it was wonderful to return there.  Next time we come, we definitely plan to play some of the Bangkok courses.  We didn't this time around as we concentrated on showing our friends around a city that we love and know so well.

Please feel free to use this as a testimonial on your website.  We have told all our friends at our club and they are now busily looking at their diaries.

Kind regards
F & M W. (& 4 friends)
Wellington, New Zealand

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

The Pearl of the Andaman as it is known, is Thailand's largest island and located an hours flight south of Bangkok. The low season rainfall make the island very green and lush, and if you visit during the months of August and September you will need to bring your umbrella. The scenery is spectacular and has some of the best beaches in the world, especially on the west coast. Tours to the outlying islands are a must for most tourists, the most popular being Phi Phi and James Bond Island. Phuket also boasts some of the best spas and markets in the country.

Phuket has eight golf courses and in the past has attracted top golfers such as Ernie Els and Tiger Woods, but the golf has suffered in the last few years due a lack of investment. However that has changed now, and money is being put back into the golf courses with new owners at Blue Canyon and complete overall and redesign at the popular Laguna Golf Club. Also, a new course will open in November in the spectacular Phang Nga area, which is just 20 minutes off the north tip of Phuket and promises to be a good addition to golf in the area. That's not forgetting arguably the best course in Thailand in Red Mountain, as well as old favourites such as Loch Palm and the much improved Mission Hills.

Major plans to build one of the biggest shopping malls on Phuket, plus the 188 million USD extension to Phuket International Airport are all good signs to see tourists flocking to one of the most beautiful islands in the world.

[Read the entire destination review]

The recently re-designed Laguna Phuket Golf Course is both a strategic and memorable golf experience. The redesign by Golf Architect Paul Jansen has highlighted the character of the existing property making for a memorable golf experience. Golfers are now asked to think their way around the golf course as each hole offers a multitude of shot options and both nines have good variety.

The golf course is more undulating than before which has helped improve the surface conditions considerably as well as provide strategic interest. Fairway tiers, depressions and mounds now dictate some of the play as golfers are given the opportunity to maneuver their way around the golf course using the humps and bumps to propel their ball towards the target. The fairways are wide – some as much as 50 yards wide – but golfers still need to position their ball to have an advantage on their next shot.

In summary the new golf course is a visual treat and very playable for all levels and it now offers compulsory carts.

The back nine holes have been freshly renovated and are ready for play while the front nine holes are closed for renovation until January 1st 2015.

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

The Anantara Layan Resort & Spa is located on Phuket's west coast and comprises of 30 rooms and suites and 47 villas. The beach and surrounding area are a National Park, ensuring the beautiful scenery remains protected and natural. For anyone wanting a peaceful and relaxing holiday the Anantara Layan Resort is the perfect choice, and yet only 10 minutes away from the Laguna Village with its many restaurants and bars, For golfers its central location makes the courses easily accessible, and no transfer is longer than 40 minutes. For the more energetic, there is an excellent Fitness Centre and for those wanting to learn the secrets of Thai Cuisine the Anantara Cooking School is available during the day at the Thai Restaurant.

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

This Southern Thailand golf holiday combines the most relaxing golf spa resorts with excellent golf courses in Southern Thailand. The golf trip is well suited for those wanting to be at the best golf courses each morning and sipping cocktails on the beach or having a spa treatment by the evening. This two centre option combines luxury in Phuket with the peaceful contrast of Racha Kiri where you can explore this unspoilt getaway.

[Southern Thailand Golf, Tour & Spa Resort Package Itinerary...]

Danang, Vietnam, September 16, 2014 – What does it take for a region to become a successful, sought-after international golf tourism destination?

Great courses, attractive prices, easy access, an inviting climate, high quality accommodation, beaches, mountains and scenery, a safe environment, interesting local food, culture and history and friendly people are all part of the perfect formula.

But few golf destinations can claim all these ingredients, so when a region has the whole package, success inevitably follows.

[Read the entire Press Release]

Thailand

• Bangkok
  • Bangkok Golf Club - Course will be closed for tournaments on 6, 15, 17 and 31 October.
  • Suwan Golf Club - Course will be closed for a tournament on 10 October.
  • The Royal Gems Golf & Sports Club - Course will be undergoing coring green during 1 - 10 October.
  • Windsor Park & Golf Club - Course B is under renovation from 2 - 31 October.
• Hua Hin
  • Banyan Golf Club - Course will be closed on 5, 30 & 31 October for tournaments.
  • Imperial Lake View Golf Club - Course will be closed from 3 - 5 October for a tourment.
  • Royal Hua Hin Golf Course - Course will be closed for a tournament on 18 October.
• Pattaya
  • Crystal Bay Golf Club - Course B will be closed from 1 - 31 October.
  • Greenwood Golf & Resort - Course B will be closed from 1 - 12 October.
  • Khao Kheow Country Club - Course will be closed on 24 October for a tournament.
  • Laem Chabang Intl. Country Club - Course will be closed on 10 & 17-18 October for tournaments.
  • Phoenix Golf & Country Club - Course will be closed from 27 October - 2 November for a tournament.
  • Siam Country Club, Old Course - Course will be closed on 19 October for a tournament.
  • Siam Country Club, Plantation Course - Course will be closed on 6, 12 and 31 October for tournaments.
  • St. Andrews 2000 Golf Club - Course will be closed on 11, 24 and 31 October for tournaments.
• Phuket
  • Blue Canyon Country Club, Canyon Course - Course will be undergoing top light trimming on 13 & 27 October.
  • Blue Canyon Country Club, Lakes Course - Course will be undergoing top light trimming on 8 & 20 October.
  • 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.
  • Phuket Country Club - Course will be undergoing top light trimming from 7 - 8 October.
  • Red Mountain Golf Club - Course will be closed on 25 October for a tournament.
• Chiang Mai
  • Chiang Mai Highlands Golf Resort & Spa - Course will be closed on 11, 18, 19, 22 and 26 October for tourmanents.
  • Gassan Khuntan Golf and Resort - Course will be closed from 1 - 31 October for renovation.
  • Gassan Lake City Golf Club and Resort - Course will be closed from 30 September - 31 January for renovation.
• Kanchanaburi
  • Dragon Hills Golf & Country Club - Course will be closed on 25 October for a tournament.
  • Mida Golf Club - Course will be closed on 18 October for a tournament.
  • Royal Ratchaburi Golf Club - Course will be closed on 15 October for a tournament.

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 - The course will be undergoing coring green on 4-6 August, 11-13 August, 18-19 August and 25-26 August.
  • Vietnam Golf & Country Club - Course will be closed for tournaments on 12, 16, 17, 19, 20 & 27.
• Danang
  • Montgomerie Links Vietnam - Course will be closed on 6 September for the Heineken Qualifier Tournament.
• Nha Trang
  • Vinpearl Golf Club - Course is closed on Mondays for maintenance.

Malaysia

• Kuala Lumpur
  • Awana Genting Highlands Golf & Country Club - 9 holes closed alternately every Monday.
• Glenmarie Golf & Country Club - Garden Course closed every Monday, Valley Course closed every Wednesday.
• Kota Permai Golf & Country Club - Course will be closed on 16 October 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.
• Mines Resort & Golf Club - Closed on Mondays for maintenance.
• Royal Selangor Golf Club, New & OldCourse - Course will be closed on 14 and 16 October for tournaments.
• Saujana Golf & Country Club, Palm Course - Course is undergoing renovation during 2014.
• Saujana Golf & Country Club, Bunga Raya Course - Course will be closed from 17 - 19 October for a tournament.
• Langkawi
• Gunung Raya Golf Resort - Course will be closed on 25 October.
  
• Malacca
  • Orna Resort - Closed on Mondays for maintenance.
• Johor Baru
  • Horizon Hills Golf & Country Club - Closed on Mondays for maintenance.
• Penang
  • Bukit Jawi Golf Resort - Course will be closed on 11 and 18 October as well as 1 November for tournaments.

Indonesia

• All golf courses are in good condition

Singapore

• All golf courses are in good condition.

Hyatt Regency Hua Hin Amateur Golf Week - October 2014
Date: October 12 - 18, 2014 | Location: Hua Hin, Thailand [Find out more]

Siam Country Club 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]

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

Hua Hin Amateur Golf Week - October 2015
Date: 11 - 17 October, 2015| Location: Hua Hin, Thailand

Pattaya Amateur Golf Week - October 2015
Date: 18 - 24 October, 2015| Location: Pattaya, Thailand

Chiang Mai Amateur Golf Week - October 2015
Date: 25 - 31 October, 2015| Location: Chiang Mai, Thailand

Is Koh Samui Golf For Real?

Koh Samui has technically three golf courses, However, only Santiburi Samui Country Club is 18-holes and of international standard. The course is a spectacular example of a tropical island layout, perhaps even Thailand's best. However without any comparable courses on the island one would have to play multiple rounds at Santiburi Samui to have anything more than an isolated holiday round of golf.

The best thing about Koh Samui is that it caters to every holidaymaker, from backpacker to exclusive jet setter. Resorts run the gamut from simple beach bungalow to private hideaway villas overlooking the sea.

[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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I think this really depends on the time of year. In the low season which is from April to October, I think it’s better to tee-off in the morning, as any rain that may come is likely to be in the late afternoon. From November to April which is classed as high season, I think early afternoon is the best option. The courses are generally quieter at this time and you get to play the last few holes in the coolest part of the day..

[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:

• October 27 - 30, 2014 - International Golf Travel Mart (Villa Erba, Lake Como, Italy)

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)

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