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Asian Golf Nation - March/April 2010

Dear Travel Partners & Golf Travelers,

Thai Elephant Welcome to the latest issue of the Asian Golf Nation, the source for news breaking information about Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia Golf. In addition, unique golf playing tips for Indochina's tropical environment, announcements of golf travel promotions, and our latest subscription offer are all integral parts of today's newsletter.

The year is already moving fast as we already change seasons from winter to spring. For many of you, this means its time to dust off the clubs and start practicing. In Asia, it is a time for low season, which means low prices. Golfers are encouraged to take advantage of special discounts where one can golf at rates as much as 50% less than in previous months, and this includes both standard and premium courses throughout the region. Inquire here to find out more details!

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.

Thailand
Bangkok: Last month I mentioned about Royal Gems City. This ambitious 63 hole project from the same existing Royal Gems owner claims to be the largest pure golfing facility in Asia. While I am not sure about this claim, once completed it certainly would be the largest in Thailand. The first 18 will be a copy-course which replicated the best of Augusta National in the USA with the top holes from Scotland's best golf courses. I can't wait to see Amen corner and the "road hole" and have no idea how these renowned golf holes could possibly be reproduced in Bangkok. I guess "This Is Thailand" so let's see.

Speaking of multi-course facilities, did you hear about Bangkok's newest 36-hole golf course? Weill it is none other than Lakewood Country Club. The newest 9 holes are complete and with this there are now 2 full courses in operation. Lakewood has always been a personal favorite of mine as the course maintenance and operations are always good. Add to this the easy layout (i.e. good score) and you have the making of a fun Bangkok golf outing.

Vietnam
Vietnam Golf Haiphong: From the same guys who built Black Mountain in Hua Hin comes Do Son Golf Resort. For those lucky enough to visit Ha Long Bay there is now a great golf option as well. Do Son Golf Resort is located around 1 hour from the Ha Long port outside the city of Haiphong and the resort style course plays both along the Do Son beach and also meanders through stands of older Casuarina pines. If a Ha Long Bay visit is on your itinerary, then give Do Son try. Besides a good play, you do not have to waste time doubling back to Hanoi and can fly out to your onward destination right from Haiphong.

Ho Chi Minh City: South Vietnam's newest course, Twin Doves, will hold its gala opening celebrating the completion of the second nine on May 1. This makes the first 18 holes out of an eventual 27 holes open for play. While originally conceived as a private members' club, visitors are welcome, at least for the time being. This brings the number of 18 hole golf courses around Saigon to five.

Cambodia
Cambodia Golf Phnom Penh: Progress on Cambodia's newest golf course, the Nicklaus designed Grand Phnom Penh has been very slow. So far only four holes have been completed and the remaining parts of the layout are lying dormant. Work on the golf course began in 2008 through a partnership between Indonesia's Ciputra and the YLP Group of Cambodia, but questionable funding and political woes relating to the overall Grand International Phnom Penh City project seems to have all but stalled earth works. We are hoping for a quick re-start.

With that I would like to thank those of you who have golfed in Asia this winter, it was nice seeing you and I hope your trip was memorable one. Others who want to travel here, but have not made your plans, it's not too late. South East Asia remains the best value premium golf destination in the world and we can build you a golf package to suit any budget and preferred style of travel.

Until the next newsletter, happy golfing!

Mark Siegel
Managing Director of Golfasian

Visit Golfasian Today!

In this Issue

Regional Golf News

Golfasian Trade/Roadshows

Featured Resort - Sheraton Hua Hin Resort & Spa

Featured Golf Course - Lotus Valley Golf Resort

Amateur Golf Week Tournaments in Thailand

Ultimate Southern Combination Package

Golfasian is Official Golf Tour Operator of the Southeast Asia/India Golf Merchandise Exposition 2010

Best of the Blog thailandgolfzone.com

Golfing Tips

Draining Thailand Downhill Putts
Has this ever happened to you: You blew past the pin on a downhill putt on one hole, and then on the next downhill putt, you leave it short? It does to me everything I play at Alpine Golf & Sports Club. That's because I focus on the hole, which gets me in trouble.

The key to draining slick downhill putts is to forget about the hole. Aiming for it increases your chances of blowing past the hole. Instead follow these steps:

Start by walking halfway between the ball and the hole to get a sense of the green's slope. Try envisioning how the ball will behave. How far will you need to hit the ball before the slope can carry it the rest of the way?
Once you're determined how the ball will behave, identify your "speed spot," the spot you need to reach before the slope will carry the ball the rest of the way. Think of that spot as the hole. Also, make a mental commitment to the spot. Don't waffle. If you do, you have no chance of sinking the putt. Having made a commitment, make your putt to the spot and let the slope do the rest.

Do that and you'll either sink the putt or leave close.

For more golf tips visit www.golfthink.com

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Golf Travel Partners

Meet Golfasian at these Trade/Roadshows

Golfasian has a full schedule of tradeshows and roadshows during the next few months.

You can find us at the following exhibits:

April 30 - May 2 - Southeast Asia/India Golf Merchandise Exposition (Bangkok)
May 19 - 22 - IAGTO North American Convention (Palm Beach, Florida)
June 2 - 4 - Thailand Travel Mart Plus (Bangkok)
November 15 - 18 - International Golf Travel Market 2010 (Valencia)

Arrange an appointment with Mark Siegel, MD of Golfasian, at one of these exhibits.

Featured Resort - Sheraton Hua Hin Resort & Spa

Nestled on the Gulf of Siam and conveniently located just off the main highway to Bangkok is one of the newest beachside resorts in Thailand, Sheraton Hua Hin Resort & Spa. Combining the comfort and tranquility of modern Hua Hin, the resort offers boundless ocean views, warm Thai hospitality, and the best in five-star comfort.

A vibrant, warm and comforting ambience and staff with a passion for great service promise to help you create memories that will last a lifetime. [Read More]

Featured Golf Course - Lotus Valley Golf Resort

Lotus Valley Golf Resort is located east of Bangkok; approximately 50 minutes from Suvanabhumi International Airport. Formerly the World Trade Golf and Sports Club, Lotus Valley Golf Resort is one of only a handful of Gary Player designed golf courses in Asia. The famous South African created a good balance of golf challenge while using modern golf course construction methods and quality. The golf course has two conventional loops of nine holes adding up to a championship length of 6,955 yards from the tips and a par 72.

Every hole represents its own individual challenge and affords both an easy path to the green for par or a more risky route for a birdie chance. Water come into play on every hole to some degree or anther. True to Player's style and in leaning towards the traditional Scottish design, close cut fairways and fringes feature around the greens. [Read More]

Amateur Golf Week Tournaments in Thailand

Golfasain are pleased to announce an annual schedule of 4 tournaments per year to be held around Thailand. The tour will host an event in Chang Mai, Hua Hin, Bangkok and Phuket.

We will be debuting this series of tournaments in Phuket in July 2010. This event is open to all players either travelling on your own, with a small group or if you are a large group wanting to join a huge group!

The tournaments will be played over 4 rounds, all at different courses, of stableford competition accumulating over the week to result in the overall winner.

These will be fun tournaments, taking the best courses in each destination and offering you the chance to experience the thrill of competing in a real tournament. Read more information on our next 'Amateur Week' tournament. [Inquire Now!]

Ultimate Southern Combination Package

This is the ultimate Thailand golf holiday. Combine the two most popular southern islands with the most beautiful beaches and play at the best golf courses, such as Santiburi Samui Country Club, Laguna Phuket Golf Club (Banyan Tree), Blue Canyon Country Club, Lakes Course .

You will be staying at the most luxurious resorts, for example the 5 Star Kirikayan Luxury Villas and Spa

[Inquire Now!]

Golfasian is Official Golf Tour Operator of the Southeast Asia/India Golf Merchandise Exposition 2010

It had to happen and it has finally happened! The Inaugural Southeast Asia/India Golf Merchandise Exposition is a go and it will be held in Bangkok, Thailand from April 30 - May 2, 2010.

It will be the golf industry's most powerful platform to launch new products and services. It will also be a highly targeted launch pad to reach the region's best prospect base of consumers.

Golfasian is the exposition's official Golf Tour Operator, handling pre- and post-event golf holidays and sightseeing excursions, and accommodation arrangements in Bangkok, Hua Hin, Pattaya and beyond. Book early to take advantage of the discounted golf holiday rates and to ensure the best hotel rates! [Read More]

Best of the Blog thailandgolfzone.com

Expat Golf Pro's Top Picks

The other day in "the Big Mango", I bumped into the first expat golf professional to work in Thailand many years ago Over a glass or two of the amber nectar, we got around to discussing our favorite courses. Here are his top twelve, which may surprise even those of you who have played a lot of golf in Thailand:

Other golf stories can be found at the Thailand Golf Zone where there are over 450 other original articles 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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About Us & Contacts

Golfasian Co., Ltd.

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 me by e-mail, I welcome the help.

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