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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.
Are you ready for spring golfing? The Asian golf courses are more than ready to welcome you! April is not one of the best times to visit because the weather is very hot and dry. In fact, in Thailand, the south of Vietnam and throughout Cambodia April is the hottest month of the year.
On the other hand, most of our European friends have gone home, golf courses are practically deserted, hotel rooms are plentiful, and prices are lower across the board. It's best for golfers to enjoy the sunny days and top courses at any of our popular beach destinations like Danang, Hua Hin, or Bali.
For even more fun, you can plan to be in Thailand, Laos, or Cambodia for the grand water celebration in mid-April. It an amazing experience of typical culture so why not enjoy all the rituals and festivities. What a way to kick-off your golf season.
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:
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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 Phnom Penh, Cambodia |
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| GARDEN CITY GC, Phnom Penh |
I visited Phnom Penh for the first time in a few years last month and played both Garden City and Grand Phnom Penh. Both courses were in above average condition and the whole Phnom Penh golf experience was something to remember. In some ways Phnom Penh reminds me of how Bangkok was 20 years ago. The people are very sincere, costs are low, and there are loads of restaurants, pubs, massage and other things to do around town.
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 Singapore |
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| SENTOSA GC, Tanjong Course |
Renovations on the Sentosa Golf Club Tanjong Course are going well and ahead of schedule. New earthworks and irrigation are being carried out and the New Tanjong Course should be ready for play by November.
In the meantime, the famous Serapong Course is open, available, and in great shape. |
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 Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam |
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| HARMONIE GOLF PARK, Saigon |
Saigon is getting in on the Vietnam golf course building boom with Harmonie Golf Park being resurrected near to Twin Doves Golf Club. Designed a few years back by Jim Engh, Harmonie is an 18-hole layout scheduled for completion in early 2017. Nine holes are completed and ready for grassing and earthworks for the second nine are in progress. Given the design and construction pedigree, Harmonie Golf Park will be a nice addition to the Ho Chi Minh City golf scene. |
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| Danang, Vietnam |
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| BA NA HILLS GC, Danang |
With this month's official opening of all 18 holes at Ba Na Hills Golf Club, Danang now has 4 excellent tracks for everyday play. Moreover, the recently announced Bangkok Airways non-stop flight from Bangkok will commence operations on May 26. Once flying, the 4 times a week flight opens up many new possibilities for 2-centred golf holidays that link the best courses in Thailand to those in central Vietnam. |
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PLAY MORE - SAVE MORE
We now offer 3 International Acclaimed Tournaments –
Centara World Masters Golf Championship 12-18 June 2016
Mercure Pattaya Ocean Resort 2 Ball Golf Championship 19-25 June 2016
Accor Vietnam World Masters Golf Championship (*** NOW 25% OFF! ***) 4-10 Sept. 2016
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World Masters Golfer's Comment
Wow a superlative that just doesn't seem to cover it all.
Once again you and your team have raised the bar another notch. The
week prior to playing Centara World Masters was faultless, on time
transportation ,welcoming GolfAsian staff, nothing was a hassle.
I would
personally like to say thanks to your staff and yourself for making the
lead up to the tournament such a stress free time.
As for the Centara Masters, the organisation and mechanics of running
it were quite outstanding.
My hand is already raised for next years event and I'm sure judging by
the last 2 events my friends and I will not be disappointed.
Once again,a huge thanks,will be in contact soon to organise next
years pre tour.
Rolf Mulder
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Book now for big savings!
Register for 2 events - save 10% off your second event.
Register for 3 events - save 10% off all 3 events.
EARLY BIRD SPECIALS EXTENDED - Be Rewarded for booking early.
Book before April 30th and receive big discounts off the total package price for the Accor Vietnam World Masters Golf Championship.
BOOK NOW! |
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Hi, my name is Joe. I started playing golf in 1992 as a club member at Amstel Golf Club, but am now playing off a 10 handicap at Drouin Golf and Country Club at Drouin Victoria in Australia. The Drouin course is predominately couch fairways set amongst a picnic day racecourse, quite picturesque. My lowest playing handicap has been 7.
Before this trip, I had travelled to Thailand twice before, backpacking, and not staying in any one place for any length of time.
A local Drouin member had taken a group of friends to Thailand last year and had organised another trip in May 2015, so I decided to join this group along with a few others who hadn't been to Thailand golfing either. I didn't know these members, but by the time we left Hua Hin the 12 of us had become good mates. All agreed to return next year.
[Read the entire interview online]
[ Read more Testimonials ]
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Vientiane, Laos
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Vientiane is a new golf destination that we have recently explored. As the capital of Laos, Vientiane or Viang chan, is the largest city with an estimated population of 760,000 (2015). The city contains many historic buildings and temples such as Patuxai Gate, a monument dedicated to those who fought for independence from France, Pha That Luang, one of the most famous Buddhist stupas in Laos, and the Cope War Museum and Disability Help Center which is a legacy from the extensive bombing of the country during the war.
Personally I think Vientiane is for visitors who are searching for parts of South East Asia that are off the beaten track. Four to five nights, two rounds of golf and one day's sightseeing should give you a good perspective of the destination. Well established golf course, Long Vien Golf Club is conveniently located 10 minutes from the Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge which is in the Nong Khai Province of Thailand. This is a sister course of Long Thanh Golf Club in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. The 27 hole-course has a modern clubhouse with posh locker rooms, international restaurant, and well-stocked pro shop. Long Vien Golf Club is also open for night golf. Another really good quality course is Lakeview Golf Club. This brand new Chinese-owned golf course has a great deal to offer and I rank it the best in Laos, offering as it does full practice facilities. The clubhouse should be finished shortly. These two golf courses are must-play if you are in Vientiane.
You can enter Laos by land via the Thai border, or fly into the Wattay International Airport which has international connections to many other Asian Countries. Vientiane is worth exploring for its heritage, great French cuisine at fabulous prices and surprising golf. Even though there is not much English spoken, it will be a great experience and genuine adventure. Remember this, Sabaidee is Hello and Kop Jai is Thank You in Laotian. People are very friendly so these two words should serve you well.
View our Laos Golf Packages | Laos Golf Courses |
Long Vien Golf Course is the first 27-hole course in Laos. The original 18 opened in 2012 and the second 18 in 2016. The Laos golf course is located in a special duty free zone 16 kilometers outside Vientiane and 1 kilometer from the Mekong River which separates Thailand and Laos.
The Vientiane Golf Course is laid out on basically flat topography. Manmade mounding, water features and intricate sharp-lipped bunker complexes provide the main challenges. Wide fairways are framed by mature trees, flowering plants and red-grass water areas.
[Read more about one of Laos' Best Golf Courses]
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A stylish experience awaits in Central Vientiane at Salana Boutique Hotel. Featuring modern rooms with flat-screen TVs and free WiFi, the hotel offers a spa and restaurant. The hotel is 500 m from Laos National Museum. Guests enjoy welcome fruit in the rooms upon arrival.
Salana's elegant rooms are fitted with classic dark wood furnishings and flooring. Cable TV channels are provided. Tea and coffee-making facilities and a minibar are included.
[Read more about one of Laos' Best Hotels]
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2 County/13 Day World Heritage Golf Excursion – Laos & Thailand
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One of our most popular tour packages is the Laos Golf Holidays 2 Country 13 Day Excursion. Avid golfers love this trip because it satisfies even the most demanding golf appetites. All of the courses are interesting and challenging in a variety of settings ranging from level suburban and gently undulating countryside, to impressive mountain views. The package includes eleven hotel night accommodations, up to ten rounds of golf, and all transfers along the way. If you enjoy feeling like you are going somewhere, this is the trip for you, especially if you have an insatiable appetite for golf.
View the complete tour itinerary.
To meet your preferences and budget please contact us for further information. |
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25% Discount On Vietnam World Masters Golf Tournament |
Danang, Vietnam, 7 March 2016 — A big increase in support from AccorHotels has prompted organisers to offer a 25% discount on tournament packages for the second annual AccorHotels Vietnam World Masters from 4 to 10 September 2016.
Last year's tournament was a great success with players from America, Canada, India, Singapore, Hong Kong, Vietnam, Australia and New Zealand in attendance. Such was the success of the tournament, major sponsor AccorHotels is getting behind the event in a major way. |
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[Read more...]
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 Thailand |
| Bangkok |
- Amata Spring Country Club: Course will be closed on 5 for a tournament. The course will be undergoing coring greens during 11-13 April.
- Cascata Golf Club: Course will be closed on 11, 13, 16, 18, 23 and 27 May for tournaments.
- Lakewood Country Club: Course will be closed on 8 April for a tournament.
- Lam Luk Ka Country Club: Course will be undergoing verticut and coring green on course A (18-22 April), course B (25-29 April), course C (10-13 May) and course D (16-19 May).
- Lotus Valley Golf Resort: Course will be closed on 11, 18, 23, 25 and 30 April for tournaments.
- Nikanti Golf Club: Course will be closed on 13, 17, 23, 27 and 30 May for tournaments.
- Panya Indra Golf Club: Course will be closed from 11-15 April for Songkran Festival.
- Riverdale Golf Club: Course will be closed from 2-7 May for a tournament.
- Royal Golf & Country Club: Course will be undergoing coring greens on some holes.
- The Royal Gems Golf and Sports Club: Course will be undergoing major greens renovations. Holes 9-17 will be closed April - June and holes 1-8 and 18 will be closed July - September. All 18 greens will be ready for play again in October.
- The Royal Gems Golf City (Dream Arena): Course has been undergoing coring aeration on all areas on 29 March.
- Vintage Golf Club: Course will be undergoing golf course maintenance during April.
- Windsor Park & Golf Club: Course will be closed on 5, 20, 22, 27, and 29 April for tournaments.
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| Pattaya |
- Greenwood Golf & Resort: Course will be undergoing maintenance on course C (18-22 April) and course A (25-29 April). Course will be closed from 21 - 22 May for a tournament.
- Khao Kheow Country Club: Course B will be closed for maintenance until 29 April.
- Laem Chabang International Country Club: Course will be closed for maintenance on course A (1-11 April) and course C (18 April - 1 May). Course will be closed on 29 April, 13 May and 10 & 23 June for tournaments.
- Pattana Golf Club & Resort: Course will be closed on 24 April and from 23 - 28 May and on 5 and 19 June for tournaments.
- Pattaya Country Club: Course will be closed on 23 and 29 April for tournaments.
- Rayong Green Valley Country Club: Course will be closed on 5, 8, 18-19 and 24 April and from 30 April - 1 May and on 5, 14 and 24 June for tournaments.
- Siam Country Club, Old Course: Course will be closed every Monday (except during public holidays) for weekly maintenance until 26 September. Course will be undergoing coring greens during 18 - 22 April.
- Siam Country Club, Waterside Course: Course will be closed from 4-8 April for the True Visions International Junior Golf Championship. Starting April 12, the course will be closed every Tuesday (except during public holidays) for weekly maintenance until 27 September.
- St. Andrews 2000 Golf Club: Course will be closed from 18-19 April for annual holiday and on 24 & 28 April and 30 April - 1 May and on 5 May for tournaments.
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| Phuket |
- Blue Canyon Country Club, Canyon Course: Course will be closed on 11 and 25 April for maintenance. Course will be undergoing coring maintenance during 2 - 5 May.
- Blue Canyon Country Club, Lakes Course: Course will be closed on 18 April for maintenance. Course will be undergoing coring maintenance during 13 - 16 June.
- Laguna Golf Phuket: Course will be undergoing coring greens during 18 - 22 April, top sand on green during 2 - 6 May, verticut on greens during 16 - 31 May and further maintenance during June.
- Loch Palm Golf Club: Course will closed on 18 May for a tournament. Course will be undergoing coring greens on 4 July.
- Phuket Country Club: Course will be closed on 14 May for a tournament and undergoing maintenance during 7 - 8 June.
- Red Mountain Golf Club: Course will be closed on 28 April for a tournament and undergoing coring greens on 6 June.
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| Koh Samui |
- Santiburi Samui Country Club: Course will be undergoing coring greens during 28 March - 12 April. Course will be closed from 13-19 June for a tournament.
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| Vietnam |
| Danang |
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 Malaysia |
| Kuala Lumpur |
- Palm Garden Golf Club: Course will be closed on 21 and 28 April and 5, 7, 12 and 15 May for tournaments.
- Templer Park Country Club: Course will be undergoing maintenance on 11 April.
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| Cambodia |
| Siem Reap |
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| Singapore |
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| Centara World Masters Golf Championship - June 2016 |
Hua Hin,
Thailand |
12 - 18
June, 2016 |
| [find out more] |
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| Mercure Pattaya Ocean 2 Ball Golf Championship - June 2016 |
Pattaya,
Thailand |
19 - 25
June, 2016 |
| [find out more] |
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Cambodia Amateur Golf Week -
August 2016
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Siem Reap,
Cambodia |
1 - 9
August, 2016 |
| [find out more] |
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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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Pool Villa in Hua Hin, Thailand
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Highly desirable swimming pool villa built by a multi-award winning developer in Hua Hin, Thailand. This spacious property offers all the required features to enjoy tropical living in Hua Hin. Ideal for permanent residence, vacations or as a rental property. The excellent build quality, premium specification and developer's reputation enhances capital appreciation and rental returns. Located centrally for all the amenities and attractions of the area including golf, beaches, water parks etc. Find out more! |
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Pattaya's Ultimate Golf Event
It seems like we are looking forward to a very busy month in June. The next tournament, the Mercure Pattaya Ocean Resort 2-Ball Golf Championship will be held between June 19-25.
Unlike the Centara World Masters Championship, the Pattaya event will be played in 2-ball format for each of 4 rounds, adding a new dimension to the concept. The championship will be held on 3 golf courses of the Siam Country Club and at the Laem Chabang International Country Club.
Shall we use all of our annual holiday days to be able to participate in these two Thai amateur golf tournaments?
[READ THE ENTIRE ARTICLE] |
Slippery Grips
We are all advised by pros and manufacturers (they would do?) to change our grips every year but I'd be really surprised if most of us got close to that frequency. Nevertheless, if travelling to Thailand for golf, one item on your pre-trip checklist should be the condition of your grips and whether they are fit for purpose.
The heat and humidity might be a challenge and slippery grips could spell disaster leading to improper grip pressure when it matters most. If there's any doubt, there's no doubt... get them changed.
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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 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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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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