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Dear Golf Travelers,
 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 tournament offers are all parts of this newsletter.
Most of the world's summer holidays are over and it is now back-to-school for the children. In SE Asia, we are in the midst of the "rainy season" with late afternoon showers each day common. The golf courses are benefiting from the increased rain while at the same time visitors can take advantage of the low season green fees still in effect for the whole month. If you play in the mornings it is perfect. In fact, really hard to beat!
This is also a good time for us to catch up on things, update our tours for the high season and inspect all of the area golf courses. Course maintenance information like that mentioned below is a good reason to work with a full service golf tour company rather than any of the online booking sites and risk running into cored greens or some other out of the ordinary course conditions.
As for Golfasian, this past month we had our annual company trip and chose Siem Reap as our destination. All had an excellent time learning new destination secrets and meeting with the Angkor golf courses and hotels. We identified a few new boutique hotels that will work well for 2017 tours to Cambodia. If you have any interest in this up-and-coming destination as a base or as an add-on with other SE Asia trips, let me know. Rich heritage combined with 3 top golf courses and vibrant Khmer hospitality make Siem Reap well worth the visit.
Over in Vietnam the team is all geared up for the Accor Vietnam World Masters. The event will be held September 4-10, and this year's edition is shaping up to be the biggest and best yet! In addition to our regular competitions and prizes, we have many surprises lined up for all of the players both on and off the course. I hope to see you there.
A winner of the 2014 & 2015 World Golf Awards with the title of Asia's Best Golf Tour Operator 2014 and Thailand's Best Inbound Golf Tour Operator 2015, Golfasian has once again been nominated for Asia's Best Golf Tour Operator. Please, vote for us now:
 
 
With that I wish all golfers have many great golfing opportunities. For those considering a golf trip, the culture, beauty, service, and wealth of choices throughout SE Asia are perfectly suited for creating unforgettable golf experiences. Tailor-made itineraries fitting your specific needs, expectations and budgets are our specialty. Drop me an email with your request; you will be surprised by the possibilities.
As always there are lots of golf developments around the region, so sit back and 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 Ratchaburi Golf Club |
With more than 270 golf courses, Thailand remains one of the world's prime golfing getaways. However, in a new twist to its envied golf marketing campaigns, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), the driving force behind promoting the country and growing the number of inbound golfers, is focusing on promoting some off-the-beaten-track hidden golf course gems. Some of these tracks that I particularly like include Royal Ratchaburi between Kanchanaburi and Hua Hin, Rajjabrabha Dam in Surat Thani, and Singha Park in Khon Kaen. Anyone wishing to play away from the normal tourist crowds will be very happy golfing in these second and third tier destinations.
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| Hua Hin, Thailand |
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| Black Mountain Golf Club |
Thailand's only European Tour-approved destination, Black Mountain, will open another 9 holes. With earthworks completed and grass growing in progress, the course should be playable by year's end. Judging from the landscape and elevation changes, the new course might just top the existing 18 in terms of layout and quality. In any case, this will be a great addition to an already world-class destination and the additional capacity is just in time for the busy period at the beginning of the New Year.
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 Ha Long Bay, Vietnam |
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| FLC Ha Long Bay |
Golf is coming to Vietnam's #1 tourist attraction, UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the 8th Wonder of the world and it's not just any old course. FLC together with Schmidt-Curley Design is building what will become one of Vietnam's best golf courses. The course is located high above the town center on a mountain property that offers sweeping views of Ha Long Bay and its rock outcrops that rise from the sea. Situated above a series of ridges, the course will feature dramatic, sweeping views and large elevation changes. The site and its terrain offers a big contrast to many of Vietnam's other great courses along the coast such as those in Danang and Ho Tram. The 18-hole Ha Long Bay course is expected to be completed by year's end and open for play in 2017.
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| Quang Binh, Vietnam |
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| Quang Binh |
Further south and just north of the former DMZ lies Quang Binh province. Most likely Quang Binh is not yet a household name (unless you are also a spelunker and have visited the world's biggest cave there), but it is safe to say that the area is being developed by FLC as Vietnam's answer to Mission Hills China. Master-planned for 10 golf courses, three clubhouses, more than 1,000 villas, a large resort hotel, commercial village and convention center, the first phase will see the development of two layouts designed by Schmidt-Curley and should be ready for play in late 2017.
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 Bali, Indonesia |
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| Bukit Pandawa Golf & Country Club, Bali, Indonesia |
One of the best executive courses I have seen in a long time is now open for play on Bali Island. Bukit Pandawa Golf & Country Club is built on top of the limestone cliffs and ancient ruins. Each of the 18 par-3 holes is routed through elevated ridges and features challenging green complexes. The entire course is sodded Seashore Paspalum grass and is in excellent playing condition. Bukit Pandawa is a much needed addition to the Bali golf scene.
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We are a month to go to our two final events in Pattaya and we have a few positions available. Pattaya Golf Week starts Sunday 16th October and the tournament hotel is the Centara Pattaya located just 1 block from the beach and near all the popular nightlife and shopping areas. Playing the three Siam Country Club courses and Laem Chabang it's sure to be a week of unforgettable golf, and from just THB 44,600 twin share, you should check out the full package inclusions here.
Following on from Pattaya is the Chiang Mai Golf Week. Starting 23rd October, again we have 6 nights' accommodation at the 4 star Holiday Inn and 4 rounds of golf playing the two best golf course in Chiang Mai: Alpine Country Club which hosted the Alpine Masters in 2015 and Chiang Mai Highlands which added another 9 holes to the course last year.
Late booking offer for Chiang Mai Golf week: mention this newsletter and receive a free room upgrade at the Holiday Inn for bookings paid before 16th September 2016.
In March 2017 we have our two biggest events in the golfing calendar, the Amari Hua Hin Golf Week and Amari Pattaya Golf Week. Each event sees a field of 120 people from around the world play the best golf courses in each destination has. While the tournaments aren't until March 2017, we have 50 players already booked, with most people taking the free room upgrade from the Amari Hotels. Book your position now and don't miss out on a great week of golf!
We have 12 group tours throughout the year and all details of these events can be found on the Asia Golf Week website.
If you would like to book one of our events, or have any questions, please email us at [email protected] |
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Hi, my name is Tony Spanjers. As you can see from the photo we were a group of sixteen, made up of "Captains and Presidents", Captains being Orange and Presidents being blue. We played a two ball match play stableford format with Captains prevailing on this particular trip. We are all from Perth, Western Australia and are members of Araluen Golf Resort, which is situated in the hills South East of Perth. Those of us who are no longer working generally play together every Saturday and Wednesday. Our handicaps range from 7 to 27, so a fairly diverse mix of ability.
For some time have been touring as a group, with numbers varying between 12 & 16, every year in July or August [winter in Perth]. Each year we choose a different tour director and different location. Last year we toured and played in Da Nang Vietnam, and 2014 we were in Pattaya. We have also been to China's Mission Hills, New Zealand, the Gold Coast Australia, and sand belt, Melbourne Aust.
[Read the entire interview online]
[ Read more Testimonials ]
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Saigon, Vietnam
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Like many cities in Vietnam, Saigon has an interesting past. Because of its strategic location for trade and commerce, Saigon continued to grow and became a city by the late 1700's. In the mid-19th century, the French invaded the Saigon port city. This event led to a long struggle between the people of Vietnam and France leading to the defeat of the French in 1954. By the 1960's and 1970's, Saigon was bustling with commerce and business. It was the cultural center and the capital city of South Vietnam. The city had an air of a French provincial town with a Vietnamese twist, and this still remains today.
In 1976, after the fall of South Vietnam the new government renamed the city Ho Chi Minh City. However, the city is still referred to as Saigon by the locals. With a population of over 5 million people, Saigon is one of the densest urban areas in the world. Unlike other cities in Vietnam, Saigon is very active at night. Sidewalk cafes dot the city, pubs and restaurants stay open late into the night, and entertainment options for visiting Saigon golfers are aplenty.
There are several championship golf courses in Saigon such as Long Thanh, Vietnam Golf & Country Club, and Twin Doves. While typically reserved for members' play, our specialized golf travel agents can confirm tee times for Saigon golf visitors. With several excellent golf clubs available and amazing historical & cultural sights Saigon is a must stop for any Vietnam golf holiday.
Enjoy a Saigon golf vacation and play some of Vietnam's best golf courses.
View our Saigon Golf Packages | Saigon Golf Courses |
Tan Son Nhat Golf Course is a public golf course located 4 kilometers from the center of Ho Chi Minh City. Built across 156 hectares, the 36-hole Tan Son Nhat Golf Course borders the Tan Son Nhat Airport – the busiest in Vietnam.
Nelson & Haworth Golf Course Architects designed a top course out of the surrounding flattish land. Significant earth mounding, many water hazards, large bunkers, and undulating greens have been built on every hole. Paspalum turf used on the tees, fairways, rough, and greens ensure top year-round playing conditions. The Saigon golf course is a modern city layout.
[Read more about one of Vietnam's Best Golf Courses]
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Pullman Saigon Center is located in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City, one of the most dynamic, character-filled cities in South East Asia. It's just 25 minutes away from Tan Son Nhat International Airport and minutes away from the major commercial center and city attractions. Close to Ben Thanh market, right in the strategic spot for both business and leisure travelers.
Pullman Saigon Center is the city's newest five-star international hotel, designed for elegant living and efficient working. Think contemporary architecture, personalized service and state-of-the-art technology.
[Read more about one of Vietnam's Best Hotels]
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Ho Chi Minh City - Quy Nhon (2-Destination) Golf Package
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Ho Chi Minh City is the capital of South Vietnam and home to several PGA-quality golf resorts. Quy Nhon is a small coastal town with a very relaxed golf environment. In addition, one of the best Nicklaus courses in Asia, Quy Nhon, is famous as the site of former Empires as well as housing one of the main supply depots during the war between Vietnam and the U.S.A. The trip between the two destinations is a short 45-minute flight. This Vietnam golf trip combines great golf, cultural, and historic sites. Enjoy one of Vietnam's best beaches too. Everything is included for a perfect golf trip.
View the complete golf holiday itinerary.
To meet your preferences and budget please contact us for further information. |
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Accor Vietnam World Masters to Bring More Golfers to Danang |
September 1, 2016 Danang, Vietnam — Back by popular demand, the second annual Accor Vietnam World Masters Golf Championship will return to Danang in Central Vietnam from 4 to 10 September 2016.
The 2016 event is attracting over 100 golfers from Australia, China, Malaysia, Myanmar, New Zealand, South Africa, Thailand and Vietnam.
The Vietnam World Masters Golf Championship brings together golfers and non-playing partners for the ultimate event and golf holiday experience. The event is open to male and female golfers aged 35 plus and competition is played in divisions based on age and golf handicap.
Marketed internationally as the Golf Coast Vietnam, Danang's rise as a must play golf destination has been meteoric. Danang was awarded Golf Destination of the Year by the International Associational of Golf Tour Operators (IAGTO) and the Greg Norman-designed BRG Da Nang Golf Club was one of only four courses in Asia to receive the coveted Diamond Award. Not bad for a destination that didn't have any golf courses just seven years ago.
Read the complete Press Release. |
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Thailand |
| Bangkok |
- Bangkok Golf Club: Course will closed on 2 & 5 September for tournaments.
- Cascata Golf Club: Course will be closed on 6 & 21 September for tournaments.
- Lakewood Country Club: Course will be closed on 2, 7, 16 and 22 September for tournaments.
- Lam Luk Ka Country Club: Course will be closed on 9 & 11 September and 14 October for tournaments.
- Lotus Valley Golf Resort: Course will be undergoing coring green on 3 October.
- Muang Kaew Golf Club: Course will be closed on 11, 21 and 23 September and 5, 10, 14 and 25 October for tournaments.
- Riverdale Golf Club: Course will be closed on 15, 20 and 27 September and on 3, 6, 14, 21 and 28 October for tournaments.
- Royal Golf & Country Club: Course will be closed on 16 & 30 September for tournaments.
- Thai Country Club: Course will be closed on 10 & 17 October for tournaments.
- Thana City Golf & Sports Club: Holes 7-9 are under renovation until the end of October. Course will be closed on 7, 13 & 16 September for tournaments.
- The Royal Gems Golf and Sports Club: Course will be closed in the mornings of 9 & 11 September and in the afternoons of 21, 25, 26 and 29 September for tournaments.
- The Royal Gems Golf City (Dream Arena): Course will undergoing coring greens on 26 September.
- Vintage Golf Club: Course will be closed on 1 & 22 September for tournaments.
- Windsor Park & Golf Club: Course will be closed in the afternoons of 9, 16, 21 and 23 September for tournaments.
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| Pattaya |
- Burapha Golf Club: Course D will be undergoing coring green during 1-22 September.
- Khao Kheow Country Club: Course will be closed on 16 September for a tournament.
- Laem Chabang International Country Club: Course A & B will be closed on 2 September for a tournament. Course B & C will be closed during 5-11 September for the Singha All Thailand Tournament. All courses will be closed on 14 September for the Golf Marathon Tournament. All courses will be closed on 16 September for the 3 in 1 Tournament. All courses will be closed on 17 September for a tournament. 18 holes will be closed on 26 (afternoon) September for the Pattaya Golf Festival. 18 holes will be closed on 30 (afternoon) September for the Singha Amateur Tournament.
- Pattana Golf Club & Resort: Course will be closed on 6 and 25 September and 7, 9, 21 and 29 October for tournaments.
- Pattaya Country Club: Course will be closed on 8 October for a tournament.
- Siam Country Club, Old Course: Course will be closed every Monday (except during public holidays) for weekly maintenance until 26 September. Course will be closed on 10, 12, 19 and 26 September and on 3 October for tournaments.
- Siam Country Club, Plantation Course: Course will be closed on 25 September and on 14 and 28 October for tournaments.
- Siam Country Club, Waterside Course: Course will be closed every Tuesday (except during public holidays) for weekly maintenance until 27 September. Course will closed on 6 and 13 September and 4-5 October for tournaments.
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| Phuket |
- Blue Canyon Country Club, Canyon Course: Course will be closed on 12 and 26 September for maintenance. Course will be undergoing coring maintenance during 3-6 October.
- Blue Canyon Country Club, Lakes Course: Course will be closed on 19 September for maintenance. Course will be undergoing coring maintenance during 5-8 September.
- Laguna Golf Phuket: Course will be undergoing green coring and top dressing during 13-16 September, tees coring and topdressing during 19-23 September and green topdressing on 26 September. The course will be closed on 8-11 September for a tournament and on 23-31 October for the Phuket Singha Open tournament.
- Phuket Country Club: Course will be undergoing coring green during 6-7 September. Course will be closed on 27 September for a tournament.
- Red Mountain Golf Club: Course will be closed on 29 September for a tournament.
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| Vietnam |
| Danang |
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| Indonesia |
| Bali |
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 Malaysia |
| Kuala Lumpur |
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 Cambodia |
| Siem Reap |
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| Phnom Penh |
- Garden City Golf Club: Course is closed will be undergoing greens maintenance on 12 September and tees maintenance on 19 September.
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 Singapore |
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| Accor Vietnam World Masters Golf Championship - September 2016 |
Danang,
Thailand |
4 - 10
Sept., 2016 |
| [find out more] |
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Siam Country Club Pattaya Amateur Golf Week -
October 2016 |
Pattaya,
Thailand |
16 - 22
October, 2016 |
| [find out more] |
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Chiang Mai Amateur
Golf Week -
October
2016 |
Chiang Mai,
Thailand |
23 - 29
October, 2016 |
| [find out more] |
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Amari Hua Hin Amateur
Golf Week -
March
2017 |
Hua Hin,
Thailand |
12 - 18
March, 2017 |
| [find out more] |
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Amari Pattaya Amateur
Golf Week -
March
2017 |
Pattaya,
Thailand |
19 - 25
March, 2017 |
| [find out more] |
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New Development of Quality Villas in Excellent Hua Hin Location
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We are offering new 3 bedroom villas from just 3.29m baht up to 10 million baht on a top new estate located less than 2KM to the entrance of the prestigious Banyan Golf Club. The project provides a large clubhouse, garden, gym, security and communal pool in a location with mountain views all round and easy access to Hua Hin town, golf and beach. These properties are perfect for holidays, rental investment or retirement. The property pictured has an optional swimming pool at a cost of half a million baht. Find out more! |
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Drain Putts In Thailand
If you can do only one thing to improve your enjoyment when golfing in Thailand, then making more putts would be what I suggest. Thailand golfers face more putts than any other shot. I have taken the time to master putting in Thailand and I was able to cut 3-4 stokes off my score in the process. Here is how I did it.
[READ THE ENTIRE ARTICLE] |
Stable Swing
To ensure a smooth and stable swing it is important to have good traction from your golf shoes which provide a strong platform. Modern designs provide for great control and grip but in case your own golf shoes are a bit "tired" at least replace your "spikes" (no metal spokes in Asia) before you travel. You'll get more from your game. Enjoy!
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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 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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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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