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Dear Golf Travelers,
 Welcome to the March 2017 issue of the Asian Golf Nation, your one-stop resource for news, playing tips, golf travel promotions and our latest subscription offers.
With winter transitioning into spring, the year is already clicking into top gear. European and American golfers are dusting off their clubs and getting down to some practice. Here in Asia, meanwhile, the low season is just about upon us. It's a great time to play golf, with excellent course conditions, high availability of tee times and – perhaps most appealing – low prices. From April onwards, green fees and hotel room prices drop by as much as 50%.
March also marks the start of tournament season for Golfasian. We kick things off with the Amari Hua Hin and Pattaya Amateur Weeks. In June the fourth edition of Centara World Masters will be held in Hua Hin while the second edition of the Pattaya Two-ball Tournament takes place in Pattaya. These showpiece events for club golfers are sure to be sell-outs. Please let me know if you have not registered and want to participate in these thrilling celebrations of golf.
Of course there are plenty of other golf 'happenings' around the region. So with that, I invite you to enjoy this edition of the Asian Golf Nation. To those who are travelling with us, thank you for your support. To others who are still at home; I hope to introduce you to the blue skies and fantastic golf courses here in Asia very soon.
The weather is perfect, the courses are in top condition, and the region's wealth of destinations guarantee an unforgettable golfing experience.
Bespoke itineraries tailored to your specific needs, expectations and budgets are our specialty. Drop me an email with your request; you will be surprised at the possibilities.
Mark Siegel
Managing Director of Golfasian
In This Issue:
 Visit Golfasian Today!
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 Bali, Indonesia |
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| Nirwana Bali Golf Club |
Sad news for golfers as one of Asia's most beautiful tracks, the Greg Norman designed Nirwana Bali Golf Club, closes to clear the way for a Donald Trump mega-project. The attached Pan Pacific Nirwana Bali Resort is also no more and reservations are not being accepted beyond July 31. With its stunning setting by the Indian Ocean and views of the spectacular Tanah Lot temple the layout has become an icon for golf in Indonesia. I for one will miss it greatly as, I'm sure, will anyone else who has ever played there. Trump's plans for the course are, as yet, unclear but it is believed that the golf-loving US president will preserve elements of the existing Norman design in the redevelopment plans.
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 Singapore |
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| Singapore Golf |
Another one bites the dust in Singapore. Last year we bid farewell to Jurong Country Club and now Raffles Country Club has also closed. The two courses at the club are currently being bulldozed to make way for the terminus station and depot for the new Singapore to Kuala Lumpur high-speed rail line. Raffles CC was one of my regulars when I lived in Singapore and was the closest thing golfers could find to a countryside course without leaving the island. I guess locals and visitors alike will need to travel more often to Malaysia or Indonesia for similarly tranquil golf fixes.
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 Quy Nhon, Vietnam |
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| FLC Mountain Course |
The coastal city of Quy Nhon in Vietnam reinforced its credentials as one of the most exciting emerging golf destinations in Asia with the soft opening of the new Mountain Course at FLC Quy Nhon Golf Links last month. Joining the existing Nicklaus-designed course, this additional layout by Schmidt-Curley is an absolute beauty. As the name suggests, it is laid out over elevated ground just back from the coast. The course features wide fairways with unobstructed shots into most greens and the views over the ocean are stunning. The adjacent Nicklaus course, by contrast, is closer to the sea and requires more precise shot-making to avoid the native areas flanking each hole. I will go out on a limb and predict that once the word gets out and these courses are formally reviewed, FLC Quy Nhon Golf Links will blow away all other 36-hole facilities in Asia.
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Victor Danko, a club golfer from Australia, is coming back to relive "the best week of his life" at this year's Centara World Masters to be held from 11 to 17 June in Hua Hin Thailand.
Playing in the championship for the first time in 2016, Victor Danko declared it was the best week of his life. At 71 years of age, Victor, a member of Bayview Golf Club in Sydney, plays off a handicap of 10. He scored 136 points for the 4 rounds of Stableford competition to finish in second place in the 66+ A grade division.
"I have played lots of tournaments, but none better than this week. It will take some time for this smile to go away. I loved everything. The courses were so good, especially Banyan and Black Mountain. The caddies were spot on, took my golf to a new level, and the chatter between caddies and players was great fun. I have never felt better or more relaxed on a golf course and no doubt it helped my scores. The caddies found my ball even when I thought it was totally lost."
[Read the complete story] |
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As we move towards spring and summer we have two fantastic events to tempt keen golfers to Asia.
In April we have a 10-day trip to Cambodia (Siem Reap) and Vietnam (Danang) Both destinations have world-class golf courses designed by greats such as Nick Faldo (Angkor Golf Resort and Laguna Lang Co), Greg Norman (BRG Danang), Luke Donald (Ba Na Hills) and Colin Montgomerie (Montgomerie Links). While Cambodia and Vietnam may not be the most obvious golfing destinations, the courses are nothing short of sensational and you won't regret ticking these wonderful countries off your bucket list.
Our package includes seven rounds of golf, four star accommodation and flights from Siem Reap to Danang from just USD$1950 twin share. (check this package please. Are the flights from Siem Reap to Danang?)
>> To register for this event please click here <<
In June we have a great week of golf in Phuket. The action gets underway on 4th June. Golfers will compete at Red Mountain, Laguna Phuket and Blue Canyon (Canyon course), three of the top courses on the paradise Thai island. Our tournament hotel is Swissotel Resort Patong Beach, which is located approximately 500-metres from beautiful Patong Beach and is just a short walk from lively markets and restaurants.
EARLY BIRD BOOKING OFFER FREE ROOM UPGRADE TO PREMIERE DELUXE ROOM (Pay in full prior to 31st March).
>> To register for this event please click here <<
We have 12 group tours throughout the year and 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 Wayne, that's me second from the right. I'm from Figtree in New South Wales, Australia. I've played golf for almost 30 years and I'm a member of Port Kembla Golf Club, which is a short distance south of town on a beautiful spit of land bordered to the west and east by water and the beach. The course is long at 6,300 meters. Its fairways are tree-lined and it's a legitimate championship test. I am currently playing off a handicap of six. |
[Read the entire interview online]
[ Read more Testimonials ]
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Robert Edwards from Wales speaks to Golfasian's John Carter about his recent golf holiday experience in Chiang Mai, Thailand. Let us know if you would like to take part in this series, we would be delighted to speak to you. [Watch the entire interview online] |
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Kanchanaburi, Thailand
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Just a three-hour drive west from Bangkok, Kanchanaburi Province is a golf paradise with over 20 courses, the best of which are Grand Prix, Nichigo and Blue Sapphire. The destination works very well for a three or four night golf holiday in Thailand or as part of a two-center package with Hua Hin, breaking the journey between destinations to play Royal Ratchaburi, one of Thailand's true hidden gems. Alternatively it can be combined with Bangkok, which has numerous spectacular layouts of its own, including the fantastic Nikanti.
Aside from golf Kanchanaburi Province has plenty to offer in terms of history, nature and other draws. The infamous Burma Railway, built by prisoners of war in World War Two, pierces its way through the countryside and the town of Kanchanaburi is the site of the famous bridge over the River Kwai. The town is a relaxed place with plenty of good food and entertainment at riverside restaurants. Nearby, visitors will find spectacular waterfalls, lush forests, three of Thailand's largest reservoirs, white water rafting, elephant trekking, and a plethora of other activities for non-golfing days.
The temperature in Kanchanburi tends to be quite warm throughout the year and there is not much of a winter season at all. The best time of the year to golf is November through May and you can expect late afternoon rain in September and October.
[Read the complete review]
View our Kanchanaburi Golf Packages | Kanchanaburi Golf Courses
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Grand Prix Golf Club is a well-conditioned golf course in Kanchanaburi Province that will take the breath away. The course is laid out in a lush, rolling piece of land and enjoys panoramic views of the Burmese mountains in the distance. A wide river bisects the course, enhancing the pretty scenery. It takes around 30 minutes to reach the club from Kanchanaburi town or around two hours from Bangkok.
[Read more about one of Thailand's Best Golf Courses]
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The Dheva Mantra Resort and Spa is set out on a large land parcel near the center of Kanchanaburi. It has a colonial-style design and features lavish accommodations, an on-site spa, and beautiful landscaping. An excellent location and high service standards make the Dheva Mantra perfect for Kanchanaburi golf holidaymakers looking for the ultimate in luxury and convenience.
[Read more about one of Thailand's Best Hotels]
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River Kwai Golf History Week
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In addition to some of Thailand's best golf courses, Kanchanaburi Province has an abundance of beautiful scenery and is rich in historic intrigue. With the famous River Kwai running through it, the province is noted for its rugged natural tapestry of mountains and river valleys. Combine a stunning golf experience with exploration of this beautiful area and its many war sights.
View the complete golf holiday itinerary.
To meet your preferences and budget please contact us for further information. |
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 Thailand |
| Bangkok |
- Alpine Golf & Sports Club: Course will be undergoing coring greens during 3-6 April.
- Bangkok Golf Club: Course will be closed on 8 & 10 March for tournaments.
- Lam Luk Ka Country Club: Course will be closed from 17 - 18 April for annual holidays.
- Muang Kaew Golf Club: Course will be closed on 6, 9 and 24 March for tournaments.
- Nikanti Golf Club: Course will be undergoing coring green during 3-12 April.
- Riverdale Golf Club: Course will be closed on 8, 11, 19, 24 and 25 March for tournaments.
- Royal Golf & Country Club: Course will be closed on 10 & 29 March for tournaments.
- Suwan Golf & Country Club: Course will be closed on 10, 11, 15 and 29 March for tournaments.
- Thai Country Club: Course will be undergoing coring greens during 3-11 April.
- Thana City Golf & Sports Club: Course will be closed on 7, 16, 24 and 30 March for tournaments.
- The Royal Gems Golf and Sports Club: Course will be closed on 8, 16, 22 and 24-25 March for tournaments.
- The Royal Gems Golf City - Dream Arena: Course will be undergoing coring greens during 4 April.
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| Phuket |
- Blue Canyon Country Club, Canyon Course: Course will be undergoing coring greens during 8-11 May. Course will be undergoing verticut on 22 May and 5 June. Course will be closed from 12-15 June for maintenance. Course will be undergoing verticut on 22 June and 3 July.
- Blue Canyon Country Club, Lakes Course: Course will be closed from 8-11 May for maintenance. Course will be undergoing verticut on 15 and 29 May.
- Laguna Golf Phuket: Course will be closed during 3-4 March & 11-18 March for tournaments and will be undergoing coring green and green top dressing sand on 6-7 & 20-21 March.
- Phuket Country Club: Course will be undergoing coring greens during 7-8 March
- Red Mountain Golf Club: Course will be closed during 18-18 March for a tournament .
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| Vietnam |
| Danang |
- Montgomerie Links Vietnam: Course will be busy on 18 March for the Mercedes Qualifier 2017. Course will be undergoing coring greens during 27-29 March.
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| Indonesia |
| Bali |
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 Malaysia |
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 Cambodia |
| Siem Reap |
- Angkor Golf Resort: Course will be closed in the mornings of 1-5 and 4-7 April for tournaments..
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| Singapore |
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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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Cambodia Vietnam
Golf Week -
April
2017 |
Siem Reap & Danang |
5 - 15
April, 2017 |
| [find out more] |
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Centara World Masters Golf Championship -
June
2017 |
Hua Hin,
Thailand |
11 - 17
June, 2017 |
| [find out more] |
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Mercure Pattaya Ocean Resort 2 Ball Golf Championship -
June
2017 |
Pattaya,
Thailand |
18 - 24
June, 2017 |
| [find out more] |
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Accor Vietnam World Masters Golf Championship -
August
2017 |
Danang,
Vietnam |
13 - 19
August, 2017 |
| [find out more] |
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4 Bed Pool Villa Near Hua Hin's Best Golf Courses
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 Red Mountain Luxury Residences Hua Hin – Four-bedroom 'Villa April', fully furnished and ready to move in, available now at JUST 9.9M BAHT – only from us! This luxury villa features cutting edge design, a beautiful natural stone terrace, high ceilings, large windows, mountain views, quality furnishings, two en-suite bedrooms, separate office, European kitchen, nice 750sqm corner land plot, and easy access to Hua Hin's best golf courses: Banyan (17km), Black Mountain (12KM), Royal Hua Hin (8KM). This is a must see villa, which is ready now.
Find out more! |
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Golf Comes With a
Big Smile in Thailand
Having played in the UK, the Middle East and now in Asia, I have to say there is a definite magic in the air when you tee off at a Thai golf course that is hard to find elsewhere.
Perhaps our definition of what makes a great round of golf may slightly differ from continent to continent.
I have never experienced playing golf in Scotland and I am sure getting a good Scottish breakfast before a round at these historical courses must be incredible.
Also it is hard to beat the quality of the greens at most of the top UAE golf courses, and their clubhouses definitely offer everything for the pampered oil execs.
But as Thongchai Jaidee, Thailand's golf superstar has said, 'What makes playing a round here in the Kingdom is the warmth and friendliness you receive from everyone from taxi drivers to locker-room attendants.
[READ THE ENTIRE ARTICLE] |
Be Prepared for
Low Season Weather
We are really enjoying the high season weather in Thailand, especially in the north as we pointed out last month. But these "cool" temperatures can't last so if you are planning an end-of-winter getaway start preparing for some heat and humidity from April onwards. It's been pointed out before but some of the smart things to do are:
- Re-grip your clubs if necessary
- Buy a new synthetic glove that wicks away moisture and optimises grip
- The same applies to golf shirts…those cotton shirts are ancient history and modern breathable materials are far better at dealing with the heat
- Make sure you have a reflective umbrella (inexpensive in Asia if yours is just good for rain)
- And finally, hydrate, hydrate, hydrate, those ice-cold beers will be fabulous after the round but take care on the course especially if you are playing multiple rounds and walking
Above all, enjoy - you won't be able to stop yourself we promise!
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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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