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October 2018 Edition

Dear Golf Travelers,

Welcome to October and up-to-date edition of the Asian Golf Nation, the source for news breaking information about golf and golf travel in Asia. Also, unique golf playing tips for SE Asia’s tropical environment, announcements of special tours, updates on boutique golf tournaments for amateur golfers, and some interesting golf traveler feedback are all integral to today’s newsletter.

Can you believe there are only three months left in 2018? The year is flying by. Autumn is a time of celebrations and the start of the Asian golf travel season. Across Europe and North America, the days are getting shorter, and the temperatures are (or will) starting to drop. Each year like clockwork with the first cold spell comes the planning of fall and winter golf holidays to warmer climates such as can be found across South East Asia from November to March – the best golf travel season.

Hua Hin, Thailand is still our most popular golf holiday destination with Danang, Vietnam growing fast in popularity. Ian and I have just returned from a new golf course of Vietnam inspection trip. We visited 17 courses in 14 days. Most impressive were the BRG King’s Island Golf Resort Kings Course, FLC Ha Long Golf Club, and KN Cam Ranh Golf Links. All are ready for play and would be excellent to include in any Vietnam golf package this coming season.

For those who live here in Asia, low season pricing is still in effect for another month. If you are thinking about a short golf break, now would be the time to travel to beat the crowds and take advantage of low green fees and excellent resort prices. Take a look at our special golf deals.

As usual, there are lots of 'happenings' around the region so with that; I invite you to enjoy this edition of the Asian Golf Nation, learn about what's new in golf travel from around the region. While some say that Asia's incredible golf courses are the main attractions, its really the rich cultural experiences and very friendly locals encountered along the way that often leaves the fondest impressions. Just consider the caddie experience, and you will know what I mean.

Anyway, thanks to you, Golfasian remains Asia's top golf operator providing services centered around authentic golf experiences and great value. Your recognition of our quick responsiveness, impeccable attention to detail and tailor-made personalized service is what sets us apart.

Complete full-service itineraries created for your specific travel preferences, expectations, group size, and budgets are our specialty. Please contact us for a competitive quote.

Until the next newsletter, happy golfing and I hope to see you in Asia very soon!

Mark Siegel
Managing Director

GOLF NEWS FROM AROUND THE REGION

Bangkok, Thailand

The Thai government and TAT continues to streamline tourism further after Thailand was voted the world’s best country for its people by the US-based Conde Nast travel magazine, Con. The government's view matches my long-held opinion on the real draw for golf in Thailand – it’s NOT the golf, but it's the people. New incentives focus on community tourism, wealth distribution, and the support for grassroots projects, as the government targets for the first time surpass USD 100 Billion in tourism revenue in 2019. Now that’s a lot of money!

Chiang Mai, Thailand

The old Gassan Marina with the Arabian styled clubhouse is coming back to life as Gassan Panorama, and by the looks of it the renovated golf course will be a good addition to golf in Chiang Mai. The new course is flattish and not overly long, but there is plenty of water. Turf condition is good, but there is still cosmetic work to do around the course and on the facilities. Gassan Panorama opens for public play on November 15 and would be a nice inclusion in any high season Chiang Mai golf package.

Nha Trang, Vietnam

With a grand opening scheduled for October 27, KN Golf Links Cam Ranh is wrapping up the final touches. From a semi-barren coastal landscape, Norman and his design team have crafted a world-class layout at KN Golf Links — the 18-hole Links Course and the 9-hole Oasis Course. The Links Course plays hard and fast, akin to the awarded The Bluffs, just 300 kilometers south. The Oasis Course is a fun 9-hole layout with floodlights extensive landscaping and plush tropical conditions. The new international terminal opened in June at Cam Ranh International Airport to accommodate the projected influx of golfers and its just 5 minutes from KN. Be one of the first to play KN Golf Links before the word gets out to the masses. Once rated it's sure to rank in the world's top 100, it's that good! Thanks to Simon for letting us have a sneak peek.

Johor Bahru, Malaysia

Peninsula Malaysia's southernmost state is upping the ante when it comes to golf. Forest City Golf Resort has officially opened its doors. The first of three golf courses, the Legacy Course, is a Nicklaus design which boasts wall-to-wall Paspalum Platinum on fairways and greens. This course has a desert style concept and surrounded by mangroves and natural water features. Waste areas line most holes, so even errant shots are playable and out-of-bounds hardly a concern. Unusual for modern courses, golf carts are allowed on fairways to accommodate disabled golfers, ensure good speed up play and enhance the golf overall. Caddies are standard, which is also a good sign as many of the neighboring Johor golf courses don’t provide this service.

GOLF DESTINATION REVIEW: Ha Long Bay

A personal destination review from Ian Morgan General Manager Hua Hin, Golfasian.

Ha Long Bay, in North Vietnam around a 3-hour drive from the capital Hanoi, now has a memorable golf course overlooking the spectacular limestone cliffs of this UNESCO World Heritage-listed region. The course itself overlooks the bay and winds its way through the old town. Golfers will enjoy amazing views over Ha Long Bay on 4 holes from the highest point of the golf course.

The Hanoi-based FLC Group, is developing many golf resorts along Vietnam’s 3260-kilometre coast, and along with the 18-hole par-71 course there will be a 5-star hotel and a convention center.

US-based golf course design company, Schmidt-Curley, has designed more than 60 courses in Asia in the past 20 years, and this is the most visually stunning golf course in Asia.

Several million foreign visitors come to Halong Bay each year to experience the 2,000 limestone karsts formed over 20 million years ago. “New 7 Wonders of Nature”, was announced in 2011 and combined with the new course it’s an ideal two- or three-night stopover along with a few days in the capital. Hanoi itself has some great new courses too, including Kings Island and Stone Valley.

Make your next golf trip to North Vietnam, it’s a stunning unforgettable experience!

Browse our Ha Long Bay Golf Tours

FEATURED GOLF COURSE AND HOTEL

FLC Ha Long Bay Golf Club

FLC Ha Long Bay Golf Club opened for play in August 2017. Twenty minutes from Ha Long City and three hours from Hanoi, the 18-hole championship Schmidt-Curley designed layout offers stunning scenic ocean views over the famous UNESCO world heritage site. The golf course sits above the old town of Ha Long Bay and overlooks the spectacular limestone karst-riddled bay. The dramatic terrain offers a drastic departure from the sandy dunes of coastal Vietnamese golf sites.

Read More

Wyndham Legend Halong Hotel

Wyndham Legend Halong Hotel is an excellent 5 star hotel choice golfers travelling to Ha Long Bay. Overlooking Ha Long Bay, this modern style hotel offers spacious rooms equipped with complimentary WiFi. Golfers can enjoy cold beverages and cocktails at their rooftop bar located at 4th floor with direct access to the outdoor swimming pool. Staying at this hotel, golfers can enjoy a wide variety of Vietnamese and International dishes at their 2 restaurants.

Read More

FEATURED GOLF PACKAE

North Vietnam Golf & Cruise Experience

This tour starts in the capital city of Hanoi and combines the best of the old and new of North Vietnam. After enjoying the finest golf courses in Hanoi, the tour finishes with one of the most memorable courses in the world followed by a cruise through the “New 7 Wonders of Nature”

View the complete tour itinerary

GOLF TOURNAMENT CALENDAR

Shangri-La Chiang Mai Golf Week

28 Oct. - 2 Nov. 2018

Amari Hua Hin
Skins Golf Week

10 - 16 Mar. 2019

Centara World Masters Golf Championship

9 - 15 Jun. 2019

AVANI Pattaya 2 Ball Golf Championship

16 - 22 Jun. 2019

AccorHotels Vietnam World Masters

8 - 14 Sep. 2019

Pattaya Singles Golf Week

15 - 21 Sep. 2019

VIDEO OF THE MONTH

PHOTO OF THE MONTH

2018 AccorHotels Vietnam World Masters Golf Championship Participants in Danang, Vietnam.

BEST OF THE INTERNET

BEST OF OUR BLOGS

6 Reasons Why Vietnam May be the Perfect Golf Getaway

Golf in Vietnam is becoming an increasingly popular activity and it’s easy to see why with a diverse and picturesque landscape, five-star hotels at a fraction of the price, delicious award-winning dining options and a plentiful amount of stunning resorts and championship quality golf courses designed by all your favorite architects while featuring ocean and mountain views at every turn.

Read it all here!

GOLF TIPS

Tips for Planning Your Next Golf Holiday to Asia

A tradition enjoyed by golfers all over the planet! We have compiled a list of items to consider when planning your next golf holiday to Asia.

Let us know if we forgot anything!

Find Out Here!

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GOLF COURSE MAINTENANCES & CLOSURES

Thailand

Bangkok

Hua Hin

Pattaya

Phuket

Chiang Mai

Chiang Rai

Khao Yai

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Vietnam

Danang

Dalat

Hai Phong / Halong Bay

Hanoi

Nha Trang

Saigon

Vung Tau

  • All courses are in good condition.

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Indonesia

Bali

  • Bali National Golf Club: Course will be closed during 25-27 October for a tournament.
  • Bukit Pandawa Golf & Country Club: Course will be undergoing hole maintenance until 4 October.
  • Nirwana Bali Golf Club: Course will be closed until 31 July 2020 for major renovation.

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Malaysia

Kuala Lumpur

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Cambodia

Siem Reap

Phnom Penh

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Singapore

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