International golf vacationers are flying again, and SE Asia is experiencing a mini-surge in bookings.
Meanwhile, there is a definite change in the type of holidays these intrepid golfers are now taking.
Although many still prefer to just book a two-week trip taking in 6-8 golf courses, other players are now keen to explore local sights and even participate in professionally organized amateur golf tournaments as well.
Golfasian https://www.golfasian.com/ the leading inbound Asian golf tour operator now offers vacations to Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, the Philippines, and Indonesia.
They were also one of the first to cater to the growing new trend of professionally run amateur tournaments, and they now employ over 30 people in their popular events department.
Mark Seigel Managing Director at Golfasian said, “ This year we will be receiving over 2,000 international golfers from 25 countries all taking part in our tournaments in Thailand and Vietnam.”
In fact, their Centara World Masters has now become Asia’s largest amateur golf event with over 400 competitors in several age categories participating over seven days.
SE Asia is spoilt for fantastic championship standard golf clubs, with top designers including Nicklaus, Faldo, and Norman creating some masterpieces.
However, many of these international golf vacationers are also keen to add to the excitement of their golf tours, by taking in Vietnam’s exotic beauty, Cambodia’s incredible temples, or Thailand’s unique culture.
Therefore apart from some spectacular golf, Golfasian is now including side trips to local attractions including visits to ancient temples, relaxing spas, cooking schools, and even sailing from Siem Reap to Saigon on a two-night cruise on the stunning Mekong River.
All tours are designed to provide golfers and nonplaying partners of all ages with a unique and total SE Asian vacation experience.
Contact Golfasian’s friendly team of travel experts to start planning your next golf holiday or chat with us 24/7.
Enjoy!!!
We recently caught up with these overseas golfers in Pattaya and they were telling us about the Thai caddies.
Seems they did rather well and if you haven’t experienced playing a round of golf in the land of the smiles…..Thai caddies are the country’s secret weapon…now’s the time to book a https://www.golfasian.com/golf-holidays/ golf holiday there….Enjoy.
Click below to view the video.
https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=1034795217569178
Although he had originally booked to play in the Centara World Masters back in 2020, because of the Covid pandemic it was not until 2023 that he managed to come to Hau Hin.
We caught up with him at the Centara Grand Hotel and he explained how he joined this major Golfasian event.
Click here to watch the video
He came over with his twelve Indian-based friends from Pune and was enjoying the courses, even though it was taking him time to get used to the faster greens.
One thing he did enjoy however was how his Thai caddie was helping him lower his score, and he and his friends are planning to return again in 2014.
If you are also keen to enjoy golf in Asia, why not check out Golfasian”s new 2023 Asia Golf Guide?
Plan your dream golf getaway and download the guide for free. Start your golfing adventure in this enchanting region now! https://travel.golfasian.com/asia-golf-guide/ #AsiaGolfGuide #Golfasian #GolfVacation #SoutheastAsia
Download the First Asia Golf Guide for FREE
Golfasian has unveiled the new 2023 Asia Golf Guide! Explore breathtaking golf experiences in Southeast Asia with our comprehensive guide. Discover top courses and resorts in Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Malaysia, Indonesia, Laos, and Singapore. Plan your dream golf getaway and download the guide for free. Start your golfing adventure in this enchanting region now! https://travel.golfasian.com/asia-golf-guide/ #AsiaGolfGuide #Golfasian #GolfVacation #SoutheastAsia
Download the First Asia Golf Guide for FREE
Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, is known for its centuries-old architecture and rich culture with Southeast Asian, Chinese, and French influences.
At its heart is the chaotic Old Quarter, where the narrow streets are roughly arranged by trade. There are many little temples, including Bach Ma, honoring a legendary horse, plus Đồng Xuân Market, selling household goods and street food.
There are two golf courses actually in or near Hanoi. The best 18 holes golf course in/near Hanoi is Van Tri Golf Club which is also the most reviewed golf course in/near Hanoi.
A trip advisor reviewer said of Van Tri Golf Club.
It is an exclusive private course; Van Tri golf course is well maintained as its status presents. Spotting a modern clubhouse, it is a smaller-sized golf course situated near the city and the airport , opening up another feasible choice for golfers who wish to play and not spend too much time travelling.
The greens compared to other courses were much faster but still nowhere near the standard speed you see in Thailand greens. The course is not too difficult if played on the Whites. Undulating fairways is one of its features as the designer did well in providing these contours for a challenge on this flat land.
Overall, a nice course to play at if it does not burst the budget.
The other golf course near the centre of Hanoi is Long Bien Golf Course is a 27-hole Nelson & Haworth-designed layout. The Hanoi golf course location is on 350 hectares surrounded by the Dong Nai River and slightly south of one of the closest courses to the center of Hanoi.
You can also check out the full list of golf courses close to Hanoi on our website. Here is the link https://www.golfasian.com/golf-courses/vietnam-golf-courses/hanoi/
If you are considering taking advantage of this Northern region of Vietnam, then remember to add a side trip to Haiphong which is roughly two hours’ drive east (120 km) of Hanoi.
We list six golf courses in this region. Check out the link here. https://www.golfasian.com/golf-courses/vietnam-golf-courses/haiphong-halong-bay/
Naturally, an added attraction other than golf here is cruising. You can experience a cruise length of somewhere between 4 and 8 hours. The Halong Bay one-day cruise is enough time to head out and sail around the Bai Tu Long bay area, but not too much else. Depending on your chosen cruise, you will also get fed lunch on board and have the chance to go kayaking.
Ha Long Bay is a beautiful natural wonder in northern Vietnam, near the Chinese border. The Bay is dotted with 1,600 limestone islands and islets and covers an area of over 1,500 sq km. This extraordinary area was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994. Enjoy!!!
Phuket, Thailand, 29 June 2023 — Playing on a disused tin mine or over a canyon on this idyllic Thai island is proving irresistible for many Asian based golf vacationers and even golfers further afield.
Over 590 players took part in June in Hua Hin and Pattaya and now everyone is gearing up for Phuket in July.
The DoubleTree by Hilton Phuket Golf Invitational 2023 organised by Golfasian takes place from 18-22 July 2023 on the island of Phuket.
People in the know will agree that the three selected courses are in the top twenty layouts across Thailand.
Red Mountain often referred to as Disney style golf has incorporated 18 holes around an old disused tin mine. Their par 3 17th is even down a mine shaft!!
Laguna Golf Phuket regularly hosts several Asia Tour events and is a popular resort stye 18 holes.
And the third club Blue Canyon is steeped in history having hosted the likes of Tiger Woods and Ernie Els and their Lakes course is a great challenge.
Here is the perfect opportunity to spend a few days on the island and to experience some competitive golf and nighttime entertainment.
Here golf is the hero, however with all the nightly social events laid on, whether you are in a group or just a single golfer the event fosters a great camaraderie.
Click here for more information: https://www.thailandgolftournaments.com/phuket-invitational-july-2023/
Golf vacationers from over 18 countries flew into Thailand this June to compete in two major amateur golf events hosted by Grand Beach Resort& Villas in Hua Hin and Avani Pattaya Resort & Spa in Pattaya.
The Centara World Masters now in its 9th year attracted over 400 players plus a further 80 nonplaying partners to a week of golf and entertainment in Hua Hin.
This was followed by the Avani Pattaya 2 Ball with nearly 200 players competing at Pattaya’s best courses.
Organised by Golfasian and Go Golfing, these two tournaments were sponsored by the Tourism Authority of Thailand promoting Amazing Thailand.
Mark Siegel Managing Director at Golfasian said, “We are seeing a great interest from international golf vacationers for participation events and expect to increase the number of tournaments on offer in more destinations in 2024. This is great for Asia’s hospitality, as these vacationers tend to stay in the 4 and 5-star hotels and spend money with the golf clubs, the caddies, plus local taxis, and restaurants.”
Championship golf courses including Black Mountain Golf Club, Banyan Golf Club, Chee Chan Golf Resort, Laem Chabang Country Club, Siam Country Club Rolling Hills, and Siam Country Club Plantation hosted the two events, bringing welcome additional revenue during what is normally their low season.
Tom Thrussell, Centara Hotels & Resorts Vice President Marketing said “At Centara we have a growing portfolio of properties in major golfing destinations across Thailand, Vietnam, the Middle East, and Japan amongst others. To be a part of an event as spectacular as the Centara World Masters not only supports us in positioning ourselves as the go-to holiday brand for golfing holidays in Asia, but it also enables us to demonstrate our warm and gracious Thai-style hospitality and hopefully provide the 400+ golfers in attendance with a truly memorable stay experience”
Peter McCarthy Managing Director at Australian-based Go Golfing said, “The appeal of these types of major participation events is worldwide and is definitely growing rapidly. We know that golf here is the hero and that’s what gets people to come, however at the same time we have built into all our tournaments social and entertainment events which foster the fun and the camaraderie.”
Golfasian events https://www.golfasian.com/events/ still have tournaments planned during the second half of 2023 in Phuket, Vietnam’s Danang, and a return to Pattaya later this year.
Due to their success this month, both tour operators are now considering hosting more tournaments in 2024 with new destinations in their plans.
While all the golf media are focused on the PGA and PIF outbursts, one major golf tournament is going ahead with a full field and no political issue to handle.
Over 480 competitors will tee up this Sunday, June 11th for the Centara World Masters Golf Championship in Hau Hin Thailand.
Now in its 8th year, the seven-day event brings together both male and female golf vacationers from all over the world to compete at two championship courses, Black Mountain and Banyan.
With practice days, sponsors hoardings, and caddies wearing players’ country and name, the tournament is run like a professional tour event.
Apart from the competition, there are nightly parties, a major gala dinner, and thousands are raised for local charities.
Golfasian’s CEO Mark Siegel said” We are grateful for all the courses and their caddies plus our main sponsors Centara and Amazing Thailand for helping us to create such an incredible event. The impact it has on tourism and the local community is immense, and we are already planning to add new venues to our 2024 schedule.”
Over 1,000 golf vacationers will be taking part in similar events in Pattaya, Phuket, and Vietnam’s Danang later this year.
If you wish to participate, check out https://www.golfasian.com/events/
Lots of golf, lots of fun, and no golf politics to be seen anywhere!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=09uAtL7v6ZU&t=20s
With the amateur golf tournament season about to kick off in Thailand and Vietnam, over 1,000 male and female competitors will soon be heading for SE Asia.
Their season kicks off with over 550 gofers competing at the Centara World Masters 2023 in Hua Hin, taking in three championship courses, Black Mountain, Banyan, and Springfield.
Also, in June there is the Avani Pattaya 2 Ball.
It does not stop there as in July there are events in Bangkok and on the island of Phuket, September sees two events in Vietnam’s seaside resort of Danang and the last event returns to Pattaya in November.
All the dates and venues are shown at https://www.golfasian.com/events/
For many of the players, the competition is fierce and so having a good caddie on your bag is vital.
In Thailand and Vietnam, all the caddies are mainly female and according to PGA Champions tour player Thongchai Jaidee choosing a good caddie could be your “secret weapon” to success.
Over 1,000 golf vacationers have already registered so if you would like to take part there are a few slots still available.
Oh, and by the way everyone has a lot of fun too with parties held every night.
Eat your heart out PGA and DP World Tours, it’s all happening in SE Asia.
Over the weekend PGA Club professional Michael Block has been an inspiration to all of us mere golfers that dreams can come true.
Heading into his final round at the PGA Championship at Oak Hill on Sunday, it seemed like Michael Block’s week couldn’t get any better.
That is until he hit his tee shot on the par-3 15th hole.
Block, the 46-year-old PGA playing pro at Arroyo Trabuco Golf Club in Mission Viejo, California, took aim at the green and hit a beautiful shot that was right in line with the pin.
As the ball came down, it dunked into the hole for an ace, and the crowd went ballistic.
Block has now started to get invitations from other tournaments and US$288,000 is already heading to his bank account.
Maybe a certain Mr Norman might be calling soon too.
It just shows it pays to keep competing in tournaments and you never know maybe it will be your turn to tee up next to Rory McIlroy.
Closer to home over 1,000 amateur golfers are preparing to fly into Thailand and Vietnam to participate in several tournaments organised by Golfasian. https://www.golfasian.com/events/
Maybe they will not walk away with US$288,000 but you never know a few holes in one could be on the card, and they sure will enjoy a lot of golf on championship courses.
They may not qualify for this week’s PGA Championship however many international golfers are already preparing to compete at the DoubleTree by Hilton Phuket Golf Invitational 2023 in July.
Golf vacations are booming and the trend to play in well organized tournaments is growing according to Golfasian, the leading SE Asia tour operator.
Brendan Cunningham, Business Development & Events Director at Golfasian said, “ Out of 15,000 international golf vacationers heading to Asia with us this year, over 1,200 are coming to compete in several amateur events in Thailand and Vietnam.”
Orangnised with major sponsors and hosted by the top championship golf courses, the competitors are treated like professionals. Even their caddies bibs have the players names and countries printed.
Only these caddies are a lot more attractive than the professional caddies on tour!!!
The Phuket event will take in Blue Canyon, Laguna Phuket and the final round will be hosted by Red Mountain once a thriving tin mine. They even have a par 3 down a mine shaft!
If you want to join in the fun, there are still a few slots available in Phuket so head over to https://www.thailandgolftournaments.com/phuket-invitational-july-2023/ for more details.
Thailand was the champion team at the 2023 International Crown in San Francisco on the LPGA tour this afternoon.
Jutanugarn sisters plus Pattaya and Atthiya were dominant against Australia in the final.
Hopefully, the LPGA will bring this team event to Thailand in the future.
As Golfasian’s many international customers know Thailand has some of the most challenging and exciting golf courses in Asia and the LPGA would be spoilt for choice to find a worthy venue.
Congratulations to these four Thai superstars.
Great for them, and fantastic for Thai golf.
This week Taylor Gooch won his second LIV Golf event in the space of just two weeks winning a staggering US$ 12 million.
Spare a thought for his lucky caddie Australian Mal Baker who would be getting around US$ 1.2 million if he was taking the usual 10%.
Good work if you can get it, but for us mere mortals who take in a round of golf in Thailand often wonder how much to tip their beautiful female caddie.
Mark Seigel CEO at https://www.golfasian.com/ recommends after your round-tipping them US$15, although if you get a hole-in-one or a fistful of birdies maybe it would be a lot more.
At least they are a lot prettier than you average professional bagman!
The IAGTO European Convention (IEC) closed last night in Marbella on Andalucía’s Costa del Sol in southern Spain after three very busy days.
The IEC replicated their successful Asia and North American conventions with meetings between buyers, suppliers, tourism organisations, and service providers.
Over 250 companies and organisations from all over the World participated including Golfasian and Fenix XCell from Bangkok.
Pascal Orczech, Business Development Director for Golfasian said, “The event was very successful and we met many tour operators keen to bring their clients to play golf in SE Asia”.
At the convention, five different countries were proclaimed Golf Destinations of the Year for 2023 including Thailand.
David George, Sales Director at Fenix XCell added, “We displayed our new collections of golf apparel and private collections MADE IN Bangkok and reaction was very positive.”