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Dear Golf Travelers,
 Welcome to the October 2017 issue of the Asian Golf Nation, the source for news breaking information about golf in Asia. Also, unique golf playing tips for Indochina's tropical environment, announcements of golf travel promotions, and our latest subscription offer are all integral parts of today's newsletter.
There are only three months left in 2017. As I gaze out my office window into yet another lightning and thunderstorm, I wonder if it will ever dry out and get sunny again to play some golf. At the same time, I find it very strange that during the worst time of the year, we get the most number of travel requests. The weather must be turning in other places or golfers starting to miss their yearly sojourns to Asia. Whatever the reason, new bookings for the high season, which starts just next month, keep piling in daily. Thank you for all the support!
Honesty, the current rains last about six weeks and end mid-October. Afterwards, the skies clear, and perfect golfing weather begins just in time for our next major event; the Chiang Mai Amateur Week. This year's event held in conjunction with the famous Loy Krathong festival will see 130 golfers from 25 countries play the top courses in Northern Thailand under pristine championship conditions. The event is sold-out, but registration is open for our next events: Pattaya and Hua Hin in March 2018. Don't miss out!
The drier winter weather also brings new offerings from GolfAsian – from hosted golf & culture tours to undiscovered golf destinations like Myanmar. Moreover, all of our existing tours have been further developed to ensure they include the best-conditioned courses in each destination, meet all budgets and standards of travel, and leave behind memorable, authentic local experiences. Our industry-leading full golf packages guarantee your total golf holiday happiness.
As always, there are lots of golf 'happenings' around the region so with that, I invite you to enjoy this edition of the Asian Golf Nation.
Mark Siegel
Managing Director of Golfasian
In This Issue:
 Visit Golfasian Today!
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 Bangkok, Thailand |
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| Royal Gems Golf City |
Despite the strengthening Thai Baht, Bangkok tourism continues to grow upward with golf being no exception. Record arrivals for the slower summer months from July to September are surpassing all expectations. In fact, Thailand overall welcomed a record 3.13 million international tourists in August, the first time it has topped three million for a low season month and is well over a 7% year over year increase. New golf courses such as Royal Gems Golf City and Royal Bang Pa-In Country Club along with other established clubs such as Thai CC and Alpine G&CC continue to be magnets for golf tourism here.
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| Pattaya, Thailand |
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| Chee Chan Golf Resort |
Progress at Chee Chan Golf Resort continues with course grow-in and clubhouse construction pacing the development. The new course built in the shadows of a Golden Buddha etched into a limestone rock outcrop provides panoramic views of cities of Pattaya, surrounding mountains, and the Gulf of Thailand. Opening in 2018, the Golfplan designed, and IMG managed course, will be a welcome addition to the premium Pattaya golf course scene. Stay tuned for more progress updates.
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 Ha Long, Vietnam |
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| FLC Ha Long Bay Golf Club |
Long known as the centerpiece of Vietnam's tourism boom, the UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the Seven Natural Wonders of The World has only lacked a premium golf course to a golf destination. Now, this has all changed. FLC Ha Long Bay Golf Club opened for play last month and is only a 20-minute drive from the World Heritage Site. The championship course designed by Schmidt-Curley features stunning views of the infamous craggy outcrops in Ha Long Bay. Initial feedback earns the course the "Vietnam's Pebble beach" nickname. Why not be the first one on your block to try it out?
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 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia |
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| TPC Kuala Lumpur - West |
The West Course at TPC Kuala Lumpur (formerly Kuala Lumpur Golf & Country Club) will be closed from November onwards while it undergoes extensive design and turf renovations. Design work is being carried out by Ted Parslow and includes course lengthening, bunkers modifications, and green contour changes. At the same time, the current Paspalum turf from a decade ago retires in favor of an easier on the environment Bermuda grass. Before renovation commencement, TPC KL will host both the USPGA Tour's CIMB Classic and the USLPGA Tour's Sime Darby events. Renovations are expected to finish in late 2018.
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Golfasian has put together a series of Golf & Culture Hosted Tours™ in South East Asia. These tours provide an extremely personal and in-depth experience into Southeast Asia's cultural and golf travel offerings.
Our Golf & Culture Hosted Tours™ combine luxury travel, world-class golf, picturesque scenery, exotic cuisine, and magical experiences to be remembered forever and are inclusive of all accommodations with breakfast plus ground transportation, green fees, carts, caddies and all domestic flights. Delicious lunches and dinners served as noted in the itinerary.
Places are limited, so only a lucky 20 persons will have this opportunity of a lifetime to experience the golf and culture of Southeast Asia through the eyes and ears of a local.
View our fully hosted tours online. |
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Now the weather is moving into the cooler months in Asia, we have 3 great group events for you and your friends to join in March & April 2018
1. Amari Hua Hin Golf Week starting on the 11th March where the weather is perfect for golfing and the golf courses are in tip top condition. Based on the success of last year, course for the week include Seapines, Springfield, Banyan and Black Mountain, and we will be having a combined 2 Ball tournament, so bring your best friend and have a go at winning the Inaugural 72 hole Amari Hua Hin 2 Ball championship. Register here.
2 great Early Bird Booking offers for payments before 1 November. Firstly you can either have a free room upgrade AND free room night OR have a THB 5000 voucher to spend at the hotel on food, drinks & massages etc.
2. Avani Pattaya Golf Week starting on the 18th March. With so many golf courses in Pattaya available, we have selected the 4 top golf courses, Laem Chabang, Siam Waterside, Siam Plantation and Siam Old Course, with the added tournament being including a 4 round 2 Ball stableford and stroke tournament as well, go get your 2 ball partner and enter the Avani Pattaya Golf Week now. Register here.
Early Bird bookings paid before 1 November receive a 10% discount and personalized boston bag with your name on it.
4. Vietnam Golf Week: This is going to be one of the best value group tours we have put together in Danang. 6 nights' accommodation and 4 rounds of golf with caddie and cart, playing golf courses by top designers including Greg Norman (BRG Danang), Nick Faldo (Laguna Lang Co), Colin Montgomerie (Montgomerie Links) and Luke Donald (Ba Na Hills) for a low $USD 1395, it's going to be an event not to miss.
Early Bird bookings paid in full before 1 November receive a free room upgrade and free room night. Register here.
Should you have any questions about our tournaments, or golf in general in Asia please contact us here |
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We have done golf trips in Thailand for many years by ourselves and recently appointed Golfasian to organise golf trips to Chiang Mai, Hua Hin and Bangkok.
We have 8 to 20 golfers on these trips and everyone enjoyed the professional tour arrangement by GA from hotel, transport and golf courses.
We appreciate their commitments to customers and will recommend this golf agent to anyone who may wish to play golf with fun in Asia.
Thanks for the good services.
Tony
Hong Kong, September
[Read more golfer testimonials online] |
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Hanoi, Vietnam
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Hanoi, the capital city of Vietnam, is full of culture, street food, history and of course great golf.
Located in the north of Vietnam, Hanoi is home to some of the best golf courses in the region. What better way to start your golf holiday than checking into the Sofitel Metropole Hanoi, the oldest hotel in Hanoi dating back to 1901, and then head out into the French Quarter for a bit of pastry followed by a relaxing walk up Hoan Kiem Lake towards the old quarter, home to some great shopping, local Vietnamese cuisine, and the must-see Thang Long Water Puppet show. Don't forget to have a local Hanoi specialty, Pho.
Of course, the real reason to head to Hanoi is to head out and play some fantastic golf. Set in the mountains around Hanoi, the golf courses offer stunning scenery, fresh air, and a good challenge while playing you way around undulating fairways pristine greens. Ever taken a boat to a golf course? Why not experience this and head out for a round at BRG Kings' Island. Home of 36 – soon to be 54 holes of golf. It is surely an experience not to miss! There is also Sky Lake Resort & Golf Club with their Sky course set out to ensure golfers of all levels have a chance to enjoy their round. With forgiving fairways allowing for a chance to safely get to the green, everyone comes off of Sky Lake Resort & Golf Club raving about their experience. And leave the best for last with Van Tri Golf Club, Hanoi's most exclusive course. One that will surely leave you longing for more golf in Hanoi.
Hanoi is a great destination for golf, culture and food with top class accommodation in the 3, 4 & 5 star range and can easily be combine with Ha Long Bay - a UNESCO World Heritage site. Why not head over for a golf holiday you'll never forget?
View our Hanoi Golf Packages | Hanoi Golf Courses
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Located 45 kilometers from central Hanoi, Sky Lake Resort & Golf Club is made up of two contrasting 18-hole courses – the Sky Course and the Lake Course. Sky Lake Resort & Golf Club was awarded in 2015 as both the best championship course in Vietnam and the 5th best course in Vietnam. This was the only Hanoi golf club to receive such notoriety. Both courses were designed by Korean architect, Mr. Ahn Moon Hwan of Bori Golf Design.
The Lake Course provides members with championship level golf and plays up-and-down through a series of lakes with mountains as backdrops. Most holes are routed over rolling hills.
[Read more about one of Vietnam's Best Golf Courses]
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Accommodations for golf visitors in Hanoi do not get any better than the legendary Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi. The French colonial-style building has stood proudly in the Old Quarter since 1901. Located in the heart of downtown Hanoi, the hotel has a rich history and a century-long tradition of welcoming ambassadors, writers, heads of state and entrepreneurs. Some of Hanoi's best French food is served at Le Beaulieu. Spices Garden (Vietnamese) and Angelina (Italian) round of the Hanoi hotels fine restaurants. The excellent Le Spa du Metropole is also available for visiting golfers. The Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi Hotel is a fine blend of Vietnamese hospitality and European opulence.
[Read more about one of Vietnam's Best Hotels]
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Hanoi - Danang (2-Destination) Golf Package - 9 Days / 8 Nights
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Hanoi with its rolling hills and home to some great golfing. Danang is the epicenter of the Vietnam golf coast. Three of Vietnam's best designed golf courses are in Danang, the best beaches on the South China Sea are located here, and 700 year old port town of Hoi An welcomes golfers from world over. Travel between Hanoi and Danang is less than 1 hour by air, with over 10 flights a day. This premium Vietnam golf trip is best for diehard golfers looking to play the best and most challenging courses in Vietnam, if not all Asia. Everything is included, get yourself over and be prepared for non-stop great golf.
View the complete golf holiday itinerary.
To meet your preferences and budget please contact us for further information. |
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Thailand |
| Bangkok |
- Cascata Golf Club: Course will be closed on 20 October for a tournament.
- Lakewood Country Club: Course will be closed on 24 & 27 October and on 10, 16, 22, 28 & 30 November for tournaments.
- Lam Luk Ka Country Club: Course will be closed on 8 October for a tournament and on 26 October for a public holiday. Further the course will be closed on 12 & 17 November for tournaments.
- Lotus Valley Golf Resort: Course will be undergoing aerating greens on 2 October.
- Muang Kaew Golf Club: Course will be closed on 26 October for a public holiday.
- Navatanee Golf Course: Course will be closed on 3, 8 & 30 November for tournaments.
- Panya Indra Golf Club: Course will be closed on 26 October for a public holiday.
- Riverdale Golf Club: Course will be closed on 2-3, 6-10, 13, 16-17, 19, 23, 26 & 29 November for tournaments.
- Summit Windmill Golf Club: Course will undergoing coring greens on 2 & 9 October. Course will be closed on 31 October and 23-25 November for tournaments.
- Suwan Golf & Country Club: Course will be closed on 4, 10, 18, 22 & 24-25 November for tournaments.
- Vintage Golf Club: Course will be closed on 5 & 31 October and on 2, 9, 16-17, 23-24 & 30 November for tournaments.
- Windsor Park & Golf Club: Course will be closed 6, 9-12 & 31 October and on 3 & 22-24 November for tournaments.
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| Vietnam |
| Danang |
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| Saigon |
- Song Be Golf Resort: Course will be closed on 6, 13, 20, 25, 28 & 30 October for tournaments.
- Twin Doves Golf Club: Course will be closed in the afternoons on 12, 21 & 29 October for tournaments.
- Vietnam Golf & Country Club: Course will be closed on 5, 7-8, 9, 12, 14, 16, 20, 22, 23, 28 & 30 October for tournaments.
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 Indonesia |
| Bali |
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| Malaysia |
| Kuala Lumpur |
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 Cambodia |
| Siem Reap |
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 Myanmar |
| Yangon |
- Pun Hlaing Golf Club: Course will be closed during 26-29 January for the Leopalace21 Myanmar Open (Asian Tour).
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 Singapore |
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Golfasian Ryder Cup
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November
2017 |
Pattaya,
Thailand |
1 & 3
Nov., 2017 |
| [find out more] |
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Chiang Mai Amateur
Golf Week
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November
2017 |
Chiang Mai,
Thailand |
5 - 11
Nov., 2017 |
| [find out more] |
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Amari Hua Hin Amateur
Golf Week
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October
2017 |
Hua Hin,
Thailand |
29 Oct.
- 4 Nov. 2017 |
| [find out more] |
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Amari Hua Hin Amateur
Golf Week
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March
2018 |
Hua Hin,
Thailand |
11 - 17
March, 2018 |
| [find out more] |
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Avani Pattaya Amateur
Golf Week
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March
2018 |
Pattaya,
Thailand |
18 - 24
March, 2018 |
| [find out more] |
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Centara World Masters Golf Championship -
June 2018 |
Hua Hin,
Thailand |
10 - 16
June, 2018 |
| [find out more] |
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Beautiful Pool Villa House for Sale in Hua Hin |
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 We are pleased to be able to offer this magnificent beautiful pool villa house for sale, it is located at a very good quality village, only 3 kms from the Market Village and 2 kms to the Beach in Khao Takiab. Also, has a place for relaxing and enjoying the atmosphere beside a long nice swimming pool.
There are 3 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms with a plenty of space for family. As can be seen the European kitchen in this house. Many of tropical plants and trees around the area. This is a truly stunning home and must be seen to be appreciated.
For more information visit our website.Find out more! |
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2018 CENTARA WORLD MASTERS
ENTRIES NOW OPEN!
Registrations are officially open for Thailand's Most Enjoyed Week of Golf!
Even though the event was recently launched on 1st of September the event has seen a record number of entries in comparison to previous years.
Golfers were quick to rate the fourth annual Centara World Masters Golf Championship hosted in Hua Hin as the best-organised event ever so it came as no surprise to tournament organisers the moment entries started sweeping in.
"The 2017 Centara World Masters consists of magnificent courses in a great location and brilliant organisation. From the time you are picked up for your transfer to Hua Hin to your final transfer back home – everything worked and nothing was too hard. It's a fantastic week and stress free holiday!" Chris Whelan
"Every moment spent during the Centara World Masters, whether you are a golfer or not, has WOW factor." Pare Manihera-Duncan
[READ THE ENTIRE ARTICLE] |
Travelling with
Golf Clubs
When you are coming to Thailand to play golf for your holidays, we see many people playing on golf courses (in quality) that they wouldn't play at home if they were on holidays. While golf is generally cheaper in Thailand than your home country, I hear people talk about some of the golf courses that they have played and wonder why they didn't spend the extra $20 - $25 per round and play a championship golf clubs than a public one while on holidays. With the top courses in Thailand being around $USD 150 per round with green fee, caddy and cart during this time of year, and being easily accessible for international tourists, without letters of introduction to play, go ahead and spoil yourself while you're on holidays.
Our suggested golf courses are Siam Country Club in Pattaya, Nikanti Country Club In Bangkok, Black Mountain and Banyan Golf Clubs in Hua Hin, Chiang Mai Highlands and Alpine Golf Clubs in Chiang Mai and Red Mountain In Phuket.
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Other golf stories can be found at the Thailand Golf Zone, Vietnam Golf Zone, Phuket Golf Zone and Vietnam Golf Tourism Blogs where there are over 1,600 original golf articles & commentary dealing exclusively with golf in Asia and golf travel.
I would love to hear about any golf tips you may have gathered from your golf trips. I can incorporate some in future articles so if you have any suggestions you would like to share, please let me know by dropping me an email. |
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Have you thought about golf travel insurance for your trip? Golfasian has teamed up with Pacific Cross insurance to offer:
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Personal Accident Insurance
- up to
USD 65,000
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Medical Treatment
- up to
USD 75,000
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Hole-In-One
- up to
USD 300
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Emergency Evacuation & Repatriation
Loss/Damage of Baggage
- up to
USD 800
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Loss/Damage of Golfing Equipment
- up to
USD 2,000
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AND A LOT MORE !
For more information visit our website.
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