Asian golf travel is on the
upswing as global awareness about the unique golfing experiences, excellent
value-for Sport-money, and world-class service quality continues to generate
more and more interest in golf holidays throughout Asia.
The Eastern Seaboard is set get
some new world-class golf courses. Construction progress at the new Siam
Country Club Waterside Course is going well and once open in 2014 will mark the
first 63 hole golf complex in Thailand. Moreover, two Pattaya golf courses have
changed ownership this past month. The ever challenging Phoenix Golf &
Country Club is now owned by Hemaraj, the large industrial estate company and
the run down Rayong Century was bought by TCC
Capital Land,
a Thailand's
land developer.
Khao Yai: Little known Mountain Creek Golf Resort is Thailand's only
Seve Ballesteros designed track. Boasting 36 holes and an excellent clubhouse
the course is some 20km past Khao Yai. If combined with some of the other areas
course like Panorama Country Club, Rancho Charnvee Golf Club, and/or Toscana
Valley Country Club, it could make for a great golf holiday away from the masses
of tourists in the more established golf destinations.
Malaysia
Kuala Lumpur: At the super exclusive The Mines Resort & Golf Club
(PGA Tour CIMB Classic and site of Tiger Woods' 1998 Asia Tour win) combined
with golf at Kuala Lumpur Golf & Country Club (European Tour's Maybank
Open), and Saujana Golf & Country Club (PGA, European Tour, and Asian Tour
Malaysia Open) you just might have the highest quality championship golf trip
of your life.
Langkawi: The Golf Club Datai Bay will re-open in December 2013.
The old course is making way for a new Ernie Els designed course. When the new Datai Bay
re-opens it could debut near the top of the Malaysian course rankings.
Vietnam
Nha Trang: After nearly 3 years
in construction the full 18 at Diamond Bay Resort & Golf is open for play.
Initial reports indicate some challenges ahead for Vietnam's newest 18, but
nevertheless the second Nha Trang golf course is a most welcome addition to the
golf scene. Nha Trang is now also a good alternative to Phan Thiet as accessibility,
golf courses, and resorts are all superior.