Asian Golf Nation - February 2010

Dear Travel Partners & Golf Travelers,

Welcome to the latest issue of the Asian Golf Nation!
Keeping with the tradition and spirit of New Year we too have made our New Year's Resolution to continue to drive the Asian golf travel market with our creative and innovative approach.

We start off strong with the full implementation of our new web site, www.golfasian.com. The web site covers all of our destinations and is set up to offer traveling golfers and overseas agents the ultimate in flexibility. Please have a look here and let me know how you like the new site. There are areas for course reviews and golfers photo submission so feel free to leave your own comments and share your golf photos.

Of course there are lots of 'happenings' around the region so with that, I invite you to enjoy this edition of the Asian Golf Nation.

Now for the golf news from around the region:

Thailand
Bangkok: Last month I announced Bangkok's newest course, Riverdale Country Club and mistakenly attributed the design and construction to Jon Morrow. In actual fact it is a Jon Morrow and Al Tikkanen creation. For those of you who may not know, Al Tikkenen is one of the two most influential geniuses' who literally shaped Thailand's golf industry. Al has been involved in most of Thailand's best golf courses over the past 25 years. You have him, and fellow American Craig Bertum, to "blame" for the great layouts throughout the country; Santiburi Samui, Laem Chabang, Thai CC, Bangsai, Red Mountain, and the list goes on...

The dynamic shaping duo are now hard at work on Thailand's next premium golf complex, Royal Gems City located in Bangkok near Alpine. More to follow in the next newsletter; just a heads-up though; this is Thailand' most ambitious golf project to date. Who says we are in the middle of a recession?

Khao Yai: Move over Moon City and make way for Mountain Creek. What a golf course that was scrapped before it was built? Yes and no, after all this is Thailand. The soon to be completed Moon City I reported on a few months back has officially changed it's name to Mountain Creek. This 27 hole layout right on the friendship highway between Bangkok and Korat is moving ahead under a different name. The first 18 holes are grassed and construction of the club house is progressing. Expect to see the course opening later in the year. Under the same ownership as Lakewood in Bangkok, Mountain Creek should be one of the best in Khao Yai.

Speaking of Khao Yai, I played Voyage Panorama last month and was most impressed with the quality from clubhouse to 18th green. Under new management by Quality Golf, course conditions were as good as if not better than I have ever seen them. Fast greens, well kept fairways, and attention to small details were evident throughout. My only gripe is the 10th hole that plays around the cliff with a tree right in the middle of whatever landing area there is. Tony and the gang say's they will work on this! In the meantime, give Voyage a try before the word gets out on the improvements. If anyone is interested in playing, let me know and I will arrange it for you, and at a great price as well!

Vietnam
Dalat: Here is some more on Royale City, Dalat's second golf course. Yes, the project has been delayed slightly, but for the better. The planned Bermuda grass greens have been scrapped in favour of Bent Penn. The new greens grass should facilitate some of the best putting surfaces in Asia. Due to the wonderful Dalat climate, Bent grass grows very well. The first 9 holes will open in May and the back nine by August/September. The course setting is magnificent. All holes have either a view Dalat lake or the surrounding mountains and pine forests. The setting is so good that Royal City could be even better than the venerable Dalat Palace, Vietnam Golf magazine's 'Best Course in Vietnam'.

Danang: Move over Sea Links in Phan Thiet; the Dunes Course at Danang Golf Club already possesses the characteristics that will allow it immediate entree into conversations not about the best in Vietnam, but about the best links layouts anywhere in the world! The welcome mat gets rolled out in April when the ribbon is cut on this Greg Norman design.

With the addition of Danang Golf Club, the central coast solidifies itself as a bona fide golf destination. The Dunes Course gives the region two tracks, including the Colin Montgomerie-designed Montgomerie Links next door that opened in August of last year. A third Nick Faldo layout will soon break ground less than an hour north of Danang. Jim will be visiting this month and his update is sure to be part of next month's newsletter.

Vietnam
Kuala Lumpur: I visited KL last month and had the chance to get in a round at the re-opened Kuala Lumpur Golf & Country Club, West Course. The Ronald Fream layout is better than ever, sporting new fairways and greens throughout. Preparations are underway for the co-sanctioned European and Asian Tour event to be held March 4-7 which should be one of this year's best tournaments.

With that I would like to once again thank you for your support and look forward to seeing as many of you as possible here in Asia during this winter golf season. Remember, South East Asia remains the best value premium golf destination in the world and we can build a golf package for you to suit any budget and preferred style of travel

On behalf of the entire Golfasian family, I would like to wish you all a Happy Chinese New Year for February.

Until the next newsletter, happy golfing!

Mark Siegel
Managing Director of Golfasian

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