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.
Summer will end soon in most of Europe and Australia is warming up after a long hard winter. However, here in Asia we are in the midst of the rainy season. Treacherous monsoon downpours are common in destinations close to the equator like Phuket, Malaysia, Philippines and Jakarta. Further north, things are better for golf. Daily afternoon showers are the norm in areas such as Danang, Hua Hin and Chiang Mai, but storms pass quickly. The golf courses are soggy, but all remain open for play, still have low season prices in effect, and due to the lack of visitors quick sub-4 hour rounds are common. Really hard to beat in fact!!
Of course, for the best playing conditions this time of year Bali, being south of the equator, enjoys perfect golf weather with clear skies and cool temperatures.
For us this is a good time to catch up on things, review our tours for the high season, inspect all of our preferred golf courses and hotels, and get out to our most popular destinations.
A winner of the 2015 World Golf Awards with the title of Asia's Best Golf Tour Operator 2014, Golfasian has once again been nominated for Thailand's & Vietnam's Best Inbound Golf Tour Operator. Please, vote for us now:
Thank you!
To find out what else is in store for you, I invite you to read on:
Thailand Bangkok: Sea monsters are invading Bangkok! Well not exactly, but you can play with a crab and starfish on the 8th and 16th holes at the new Lakewood Links just south of Bangkok. Both holes are shaped like the respective sea creature and if you want to see what a masochistic golf course design can be like, then head out to this brand new locally designed course. Otherwise, if you prefer more traditional layouts, the Lakewood Country Club next door is the better option.
Hua Hin & Chiang Mai: The resumption of the Thailand Golf Travel Mart (TGTM) was completed last month in Hua Hin and the event attracted over 150 golf tour companies to Thailand's main golf destination. The 2016 Asia Golf Tourism Convention is coming to Chiang Mai next April and the 2016 version of TGTM will be staged in Pattaya in August 2016. With these trade shows, many Thai golf courses winning global awards, and Pattaya and Hua Hin voted as the Golf Destination of the Year for Asia and Australia by the International Association of Golf Tour Operators in 2012 and 2014, respectively, golf in Thailand is poised to continue to grow in popularity. Over 800,000 golfers are expected to make Thailand their golf holiday destination of choice in 2016 and these events will further bolster the Kingdom's popularity as a world-class golf tourism destination. Expect to see golf promotions, discounted green fees, and special deals throughout the year.
Vietnam Hanoi: Last month Legend Hill Golf Resort officially opened. The Hanoi tract is the first Jack Nicklaus designed golf course in Vietnam and boasts 36 greens in an 18-hole layout. Sounds crazy right? Well the intent is to provide golfers with a different playing configuration for each round. This might work for members and locals, but I am not sure that golf tourists really care at all. At least Legend Hill gets an A+ for creativity. In the meantime, initial reports indicate that with some more grow-in the Nicklaus layout will become one of the top golf courses in Hanoi. I can't wait to test it out.
Malaysia Kuala Lumpur: While Thailand is upping the ante on golf tourism, Malaysia is for some reason going in the opposite direction. Tourism Malaysia's promotion budget is being slashed across the board and this is sure to have a negative effect on golf tourism there. The announced 25% spending cut is due to dropping petroleum revenues, however declining oil prices should actually give golfers more disposable income and potentially boost tourism. Surely when the promotional and advertising budget is cut, then fewer golfers will even know about golf in Malaysia.
Indonesia Bali: No more Nirwana for Bali! It is with great sadness that I report the closing of an iconic golf course. Nirwana Bali Golf Club will make way for a Donald Trump branded luxury resort and residential development on the site of the present golf course. Course closure could come as early as the end of 2015. Why not play at this Greg Norman course now before it's too late?
With that I wish all golf travelers a great start to the 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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We have just finished our Cambodian & Vietnam Golf weeks, and congratulations to Garry Bennet from Australia (centre of pic) who managed to take the trophies for both weeks.
Day winners included David Tymms (UK), Luca Bertoletti (Italy) and Graham Davison (Australia).
Our next two events will be held in October in Pattaya (17th - 24th Oct)and Chiang Mai (24th - 31st Oct) and we have still have positions available for late entries to both events. The Autumn months see the weather starting to cool down and it's a great time to visit before the busy season when all the hotels and golf courses increase their rates. For new bookings to these last two events for Pattaya and Chiang Mai, mention this newsletter and receive one of our Boston bags free.
We now turn our attention to the big events we have during next year, The Amari Hotels Golf Weeks held in March 2016. Typically we get 90-120 players to these events and gauging by the interest from last March's event we are expecting a bigger field.
Some of the golf courses we will be playing will be
Black Mountain (host to the Black Mountain Masters, an event co-sanctioned on the European and Asian tour)
Banyan Golf Club (winner of best Asia golf course in Asia in 2009)
The Amateur Golf Weeks have an excellent reputation and are in their 10th year. Golfers from all over the world are attracted by the great value, fun and entertainment. To join the Amari Hotel Golf Weeks, just email us your intended arrival and departure dates, and we will send a package to suit.
Early Booking Offers for both weeks include a free room upgrade to Deluxe Pool View rooms in Hua Hin, and a free round of golf at Burapha Golf Club with cart and caddy in Pattaya. This is for bookings received and paid in full prior to 1st October 2015. (This only available for the first 50 players)
Hua Hin Properties - Hua Hin's Fastest Selling Homes
Hua Hin's fastest selling homes and for good reason...
The 8th project by this development has again set a new level of quality and finish.
Not only are these homes selling well due to the exceptional service but but also offering delayed build terms giving options to reserve the better plots.
Personal finance can also be discussed due to GolfAsian's strong relations with this project.
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 - George Pong - Golf in Thailand
My name is George Pong. I live in Taiwan and for 20 years I've been a member of the Eagle Golf Club in Taoyuan County, a tree lined course requiring straight driving. My handicap is 15 and I play in a regular group with equally enthusiastic friends.
This was my second visit to Thailand, the first some 15 years ago. On my last trip I had such a good time and enjoyed the country so much that I knew one day I'd come back and started to promote the idea of a Thailand golf trip amongst friends and club members. Admittedly it took a long time, but at last a group of 6 members made the commitment to play in the Bangkok area; for 4 of them it was their first time.
Whilst golf was our priority, we did explore the city by the "Metro" (MRT & BTS) which we found to be cheap, clean and efficient and probably the best way to get around town: China Town was our favourite area. In terms of the golf, making a comparison with Taiwan I'd say the quality of golf and caddies is the same but the weather is far better. Again, prices are similar.
Whilst we enjoyed all the courses, one of our group made his first hole-in-one on the 153 yard par 3 at Thana City which was very exciting and something he will never forget. My highlight was a steady score of 86, one under my handicap and considering I was adjusting to the speed of the greens I am quite proud it.
After golf we enjoyed a meal in clubhouse and generally chatted about our rounds; it was all very relaxed. In the evening we'd tour the city taking in some of the sites, the shopping districts and searching out a good restaurant.
All in all our group thoroughly enjoyed themselves to the extent we are already looking to book another trip, this time taking in both Bangkok and Hua Hin. So far I have a commitment from about 20 club members so this will be very much a grand tour. I am confident Golfasian can handle the numbers because our last trip went without a hitch and everything was managed so professionally.
Danang, Hoi An, and Hue are connected to each other by modern coastal roads and tunnels, Together they make up the Vietnam's Golf Coast. Vietnam's recognition as an up-an-coming golf destination is no secret, but the Vietnam Golf Coast ups the ante even further.
Da Nang or Danang dates back to the early 14th century when the area was settled as a small village in central Vietnam. In 1954 with the division of Vietnam into North and South, Danang became part of South Vietnam, and in 1965 was the location of the first landing of US forces in Vietnam when it was aptly coined "China Beach". Nowadays, this same area is home to one of Asia's best beaches, many world-class resorts and Vietnam's best golf courses. For example, the Montgomerie Links Vietnam and the Danang Golf Club are constantly ranked among Asia's leading golf clubs. It is no surprise then that some refer to this area as the Vietnam Golf Coast.
Hoi An, with its lovely wooden shop-homes was set up in the 16th century. It has been revived in the 20th century to commemorate the long history of Vietnamese international trade. Wandering through its protected old town, visitors are transported back to a time when Hoi An was Vietnam's most important trading port. For those looking for a glimpse of the real Vietnam, or just a fun night out, Hoi An mixes old world charm with a modern and vibrant night life.
The Danang Golf Club opened in 2010 and immediately leapt to fame being recognized as one of the 15 best new courses in the world by USA GOLF magazine. Danang Golf Club has been awarded a number of awards, amongst them the 2011, 2012, 2013 best golf course in Asia by the readers of Asian Golf Monthly as well as the 2012 Best Golf Course in Vietnam by USA Golf Digest and the 2014 IAGTO Diamond Award.
Located on the stunning white sands of Bac My An Beach, the stylish Pullman Danang Beach Resort is an oasis of activities and facilities for the modern traveler. With an idyllic setting on the silver shores of Central Vietnam, this luxury resort is perfect for a family holiday or romantic beach getaway. And with extensive function facilities, Pullman Danang also provides the perfect location for your next incentive getaway or event.
The Vietnam Golf Trail is a Golf Lifestyle Experience™ journey includes Hanoi, Halong Bay, Danang/Hoi An, Dalat, Nha Trang and Saigon. All of Vietnam's top golf courses from north to south are included in this Vietnam golf package.
Golf highlights include Danang Golf Club and Montgomerie Links on the Vietnam golf coast, Van Tri Golf Club in Hanoi and Saigon's Long Thanh Golf Club. The award winning Dalat Palace Golf Club in the temperate highlands of Dalat and the spectacular Vinpearl Golf Club on its own private island are two of the other featured golf stops.
Those golf travelers who want to re-trace the Ho Chi Minh Trail they will enjoy the stops at China Beach and Chu Chi. Others who want to learn about Vietnamese civilization will be fascinated at Halong Bay and Hoi An, both UNESCO World Heritage sights.
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, 24 August 2015 — Whatever Thuy Trang, Vietnam's golf tourism dynamo, lacks in stature she makes up in business skills and success.
For the past five years, since establishing Golfasian Vietnam, Trang, 35, has been the driving force behind Vietnam's rise as a major golf tourism destination in Asia.
She and her 11 other staff – seven in Ho Chi Minh City and two each in Danang and Hanoi – built the business to exceed $US1 million turnover in 2014, a mark they surpassed in the first quarter alone in 2015.
The company booked 1500 golfers to Vietnam last year and is expecting to triple or quadruple this number in 2015. Australia, the United Kingdom, Germany, Malaysia, Singapore and Hong Kong are the main source markets.
Cascata Golf Club - Course will be closed on 21, 24 and 30 September for tournaments.
Lakewood Country Club - Course will be closed on 11, 25, 29 September for tournaments.
Lam Luk Ka Country Club - Course will be closed on 21 September for a tournament.
Lotus Valley Golf Resort - Course will be undergoing coring green from 12 September to 12 October.
Muang Kaew Golf Club - Course will be closed on 2, 18 and 27 September for a tournament.
Navatanee Golf Club - Course will be closed on 25 September for a tournament.
Nikanti Golf Club - Course will be closed the entire month of September for maintenance and restaurant renovation.
Riverdale Golf Club - Course will be closed on 2, 8, 13, 23, 29 September for tournaments.
Royal Golf & Country Club - Course will be closed on 7 September for a tournament.
Suwan Golf & Country Club - New bunkers are installed on the course - this won't affect play.
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.
The Royal Gems Golf and Sports Club - Course will be closed on 3-4, 10, 13-14, 19-20, 23 and 27-28 September for tournaments.
Vintage Golf Club - Course will be closed on 9 and 17 September for tournaments.
Windsor Park & Golf Club - Course will be closed on2 and 16 September for tournaments.
Hua Hin
Black Mountain Golf Club - Course will be closed from 9-13 September for a tournament and from 1 - 14 March 2016 for the European Tour event.
Imperial Lake View Resort & Golf Club - Course will be closed on 27 September for a tournament.
Majestic Creek Country Club - Course will be undergoing coring green (half of courses A, B, C, D) from 1 - 30 September.
Springfield Royal Country Club - Course will be closed from 12-13 September for a tournament and from 4-16 January 2016 for the Asian Tour.
Pattaya
Burapha Golf Club - Course will be undergoing verti-cut during 7-8 September.
Greenwood Golf & Resort - Course A will be undergoing coring green from 1-15 September. Course will be closed on 5-6, 12-13, 19-20 and 26-27 September for tournaments.
Khao Khew Country Club - Course will be closed on 4-5 and 18 September for tournaments.
Laem Chabang Country Club - Course will be closed on 25 September for a tournament.
Pattana Golf Club & Resort - Course will be closed on 5, 24 and 30 September for tournaments.
Phoenix Gold Golf & Country Club - Lake Course 9 holes are closed until 30 September. Course will be closed on 2, 4 and 6 September for tournaments.
Rayong Green Valley Country Club - Course will be closed on 11, 15 and 18 September for tournaments.
Siam Country Club, Old Course - Course will be closed on 15 September for tournaments.
Siam Country Club, Plantation Course - Course will be closed on 9, 21 and 29 September for tournaments.
Siam Country Club, Waterside Course - Course will be closed every Wednesday until 30 September for regular maintenance.
Phuket
Blue Canyon Country Club, Canyon Course - Course will be closed from 5 - 7 October for maintenance.
Blue Canyon Country Club, Lakes Course - Course will be closed from 7 - 13 September for maintenance.
Laguna Phuket Golf Club - Course will be closed on from 18 - 19 September for a tournament.
Loch Palm Golf Club - Course will be undergoing coring fairways during 1-3 September, green top dressing during 10-11 September and tee-off top dressing during 21-22 September.
Red Mountain Golf Club - Course will be undergoing coring green from 1-2 September, fairway top dressing and coring fairways during 6-12 September. The course will be in process of maintenance and recovering period during during 13-30 September. Further, the course will be closed on 31 October for an afternoon tournament.
Chiang Mai
Alpine Golf Resort Chiang Mai - Course will be closed on 6, 12, 19 and 26 September for tournaments.
Chiang Mai Inthanon Golf Course & Nature Resort - Course will be closed on 12 September for tournaments.
Gassan Khuntan Golf and Resort - Course will be closed on 6 September for a tournament.
Gassan Legacy Golf Club - Course will be closed on 12 August 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 in the afternoon on 10 October for a tournament.
Chiang Rai
Santiburi Chiang Rai Country Club - Course will be closed on 6, 13, 20 and 27 September for tournaments.
Vietnam
Danang
Danang Golf Club - Course will be busy hosting the Vietnam World Masters Golf Championship (8 & 11 September in the morning).
Montgomerie Links Vietnam - Course will be busy hosting the Vietnam World Masters Golf Championship (7 September in the afternoon and 10 September in the morning).
Malaysia
Kuala Lumpur
Nexus Golf Resort Karambunai - Course will be closed from 18 - 20 September for the 11th Karambunai Golf Amateur Open.
Saujana Golf & Country Club, Palm Course - Palm Course will be closed for maintenance until December 2015.
Langkawi
99 East Golf Club - Course will be closed until Q3 of 2016 for renovation.
The Els Club Teluk Datai - Course will be undergoing maintenance from 2 - 3 September.
Indonesia
Bali
Bali National Golf Club - Course will be undergoing coring green during 7 - 8 September.
New Kuta Golf Club - Course will be closed in the afternoon of 12 - 13 September.
Nirwana Bali Golf Club - Course will be undergoing coring green during 7 - 11 September. Course will be closed in the afternoon of 25 September and 13 December.
Singapore
All golf courses are in good condition.
Golf Tournaments
Accor Vietnam World Masters Golf Championship - September 2015 Date: 6 - 12 September, 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]
Will Khao Yai become Thailand's Newest Golf Destination?
Relatively unknown outside of Thailand golfers, Khao Yai is a mere 2 hours from Bangkok and is the home of Thailand's second largest national park. Will this area develop into a full-fledged golf destination for tourists?
The short answer is maybe and here are the reasons why and why not.
Why?
Good proximity of Khao Yai to Bangkok and it can also be linked easily with Pattaya for a 2-center golf holiday.
Critical mass of golf courses. With 10 courses in the area, Khao Yai has more than enough golf courses to make it into a viable golfing destination. The 3 best courses are Rancho Charnvee – well-maintained Bob McFarland design, Panorama – mature parkland layout, and Mountain Creek – challenging 27-hole Seve Ballesteros course.
Low prices. Green fees start at $15 USD a round and even the better courses mentioned above all have special weekday rates as low as $20 USD. This is a steal for 18-holes of golf anywhere!
Golf resorts. Most of the Khao Yai golf courses have on-site accommodations the best of which are the 5-star resorts at Mountain Creek and Kirimaya.
Weather. December to February is absolutely perfect golf weather in Khao Yai with daytime highs around 25 degrees centigrade and no rainfall to speak of.
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.
Golfing Tips - Which Ball Shall I Play in Thailand?
Of all the variables that determine a golf ball's performance compression may be the most mysterious. You'll know it as a number on the ball, usually 90 or 100. If you see slow motion videos of balls impacting the club face you'll see it as the ball deforming or "mushing". The ball launches as this compression releases.
Generally, professional advice says the faster you swing the less compression you need but there are way more issues to consider, namely spin speed generated, feel, control, etc but let's leave that to Phil Mickelson.
By and large, for Thailand, you can play with a ball with less compression and avoid the 100 models. This is because generally the greens are softer so the ball stops more easily so less spin required. We amateurs like less spin because that means less deviation in the shot trajectory. Another issue is the air is "thicker" and a firmer ball will penetrate the moisture laden air more effectively.
If this were a blog I'd expect a thousand replies about why a Srixon Z-Star SL suits someone better than a Taylor Made Burner and they'd be right because a lot of it is how the ball feels for you and what works. Nevertheless, science says my premise is sound. Actually, my best advice is to use the "water balls" you can buy at great prices near to the entrances of many golf clubs in Thailand then when it inevitably revisits the lake where it was plucked from you won't mind so much.
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 - Hua Hin's Fastest Selling Homes
Golf Travel Testimonials - George Pong - Golf in Thailand
Danang Destination Review 
Featured Golf Course - Danang Golf Club
Golf Trip Idea: Vietnam Golf Trail - Golf Lifestyle Experience
Press Release: Vietnam Golf Tourism Dynamo's Remarkable Success
Golf Course Maintenance Updates
Golf Tournaments
Best of the Blog Thailandgolfzone.com
Golfing Tips - Which Ball Shall I Play in Thailand?
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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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