Golf in Taiwan

Taiwan is one of the worlds most developed and technologically advanced countries but is seldom recognized as a world-class golf destination. For all the best info on golf in Taiwan:

Golf in Taiwan – Ilha Formosa Beautiful Island. This is what a group of Portuguese sailors, said to have been the first Westerners to lay eyes on the island, uttered upon seeing Taiwan for the first time. We imagine they must have been pretty enamoured. While not every Westerner has the same love-at-first-sight reaction to Taiwan golf, our Portuguese seafaring friends were just the first of many. With the lush mountains of Wulai, pulsating cities like Taipei, the stunning basalt cliffs of Penghu, excellent hiking in Taroko Gorge, not to mention some of the world’s best hot springs (we especially like the Taian Hot Springs), Taiwan cuts a figure as one of the most diverse destinations in Asia.

In the first decade of the 21st century, Taiwan golf is increasingly drawing travellers of all stripes: from spiritual seekers looking to experience the island’s religious heritage to gourmands in search of the perfect night-market meal to computer geeks scanning the horizon for the latest high-tech gadgets. Taiwan golf offers visitors a hypermodern skin, an ancient Chinese skeleton and an aboriginal soul. And more than that, Taiwan has some of the world’s warmest people,  few of those who come to Taiwan a stranger leave that way. Come play golf in Taiwan and experience something different in Asia golf.

Golf in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is not often considered a golfing destination but golf in Sri Lanka and you will realise what a well-kept secret it is. The courses are world class and include Victoria, a course voted Best in Asia 2005.

Sri Lanka is relatively unknown in the field of Golf, but surprisingly the country has three of the finest 18 hole courses in Asia. In fact, the association with golf Sri Lanka is more than a century and the Sri Lanka Amateur Golf Championship, which was instituted in the year 1891 follows the British Amateur as the oldest national championship in the world. The three courses are situated in Colombo, Digana and Nuwara Eliya, Colombo at sea level, Digana at 600 m and Nuwara Eliya at an elevation of 2’070m have a distinctly different terrain and climate conditions. This contributes to the enjoyment and challenge as you could be playing golf in three different countries. Play golf in Sri Lanka on your next Asia golf tour.

The Royal Colombo Golf Club

The Royal Colombo Golf Club, Sri Lanka: This course is 5’770 m long (par 71). A flat course with broad fairways which looks simple to beginners but there are many water hazards and well-guarded bunkers which quickly change the opinion. The Royal Colombo Golf Club is easily accessible, being 20 minutes drive from all first-class hotels in the city. The Royal Colombo Golf Club is an Oasis in the city of Colombo surrounded by residential areas and business establishments. The Club provides its members with a facility that is beaming with historic golf memorabilia and a course that spans 96 acres. The scenic fairways, natural habitats of some rare species of fauna and flora and heartwarming smiles are just some the characteristics that make RCGC a true Oasis in the city.

RCGC is the home of the Sri Lanka Golf Union, the governing body of Golf in Sri Lanka and only answerable to the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrew’s in Scotland. There are only sixteen other Royal Clubs in the world which are older than RCGC and only three which are older outside the British Isles. The vibrancy around the club is not limited to the course, the verandah overlooking the course is a popular place to sit back with a chilled drink and celebrate a good round of golf or simply unwind after a hard day’s work at the office. RCGC has a host of facilities to cater to your every mood and fancy, whether you are a serious golfer or simply want to treat your family and friends in exclusive and tranquil surroundings.

Victoria Golf Club

Victoria Golf Club, Digana, Sri Lanka: This course is 6’190 m long (par 73) a championship golf course designed by Donald Steel and inaugurated early in 1999. The fairways are rather narrow in a hilly countryside. Stately trees and avenues of coconuts lend the course an immediate air maturity. Impressive natural outcrops of rocks are a distinctive feature and indeed a hazard of the course. The Victoria Golf Club is situated 25 km east of Kandy and 150 km from Colombo.

The Nuwara Eliya Golf Club

The Nuwara Eliya Golf Club, Sri Lanka: This course which is reputed to be one of Asia’s finest is 5’520 m (par 71). The fairways are long and narrow and bordered by fir trees and thick bushes. It demands skilful “position play” and the hilly terrain makes it essential that players can cope with up-hill and downhill lies. The Golf Club is 10 minutes.

Golf in Singapore

With just a handful of golf courses in Singapore, it may not seem the best golf destination in Asia, but it’s quality, not quantity that counts when golfing in Singapore:

There are some things to keep in mind when golfing in Singapore. Most of the Singapore golf clubs and courses have a dress code that requires collared t-shirts with trousers or short pants. Proper Singapore golf shoes should also be worn. However, be aware that some clubs may not allow spiked shoes on the course. If you need a caddie or a golf buggy, they can be hired at reasonable rates from most clubs. For your own convenience, try to confirm a tee off time before going to the club as a competition or routine maintenance may be in progress. Most Singapore golf clubs are well-equipped with lockers, showers, changing rooms, as well as dining and entertainment outlets.

Tee off, anyone? With perfect weather nearly all year round, Singapore is the ideal destination for golf. Organisers hold international Asia golf tournaments here, such as the Caltex Singapore Masters. With superb golfing facilities and an extensive selection of clubs – some of which have signature courses of their own – you’ll be spoiled for choice on our beautiful fairways. You need not worry about your handicap either, as most courses have multiple tee off positions. You can play golf in Singapore and throughout Asia at almost any time of the day and even at night! – as some courses are open for play in the evenings. Golf Singapore, an excellent choice for your golf travels through Asia.

LAGUNA NATIONAL GOLF CLUB

The Venue Of International Golf Tournaments Laguna National offers two award-winning courses for golfers visiting the heart of Asia. The courses have been ranked among the top courses in the world by Golf Digest International and Asian Golf Monthly, and have garnered a list of awards through the years. The Masters and the Classic Courses are designed by Dye Design, a company that is renowned for designing some of the best golf courses in the world. They have been the venue of international golf tournaments like the Caltex Masters, that feature world-renowned golfers like Nick Faldo, Colin Montgomerie and Ernie Els.

Laguna National is a premier golf club in Singapore. It has won local and international accolades throughout the years, placing it in the forefront of the Singapore golf scene. In a Straits Times Ranking of Singapore Golf Courses in 1998; Laguna National’s Masters Course shared top honours with SICC’s Bukit Course, TMCC’s Garden Course and Sentosa’s Serapong Course. Termed the Fab Four they were given five-star ratings in the Straits Times ranking. A year after, Laguna National was internationally recognized when Golf Digest International voted it as the top golf course in Singapore. This course ranking exercise involved a compilation of golf courses in all the major golfing countries worldwide.

Golf Magazine, an international golf publication, conducted a poll to find the Best 500 Holes in the World and Asia’s 24 Best Holes. One of Laguna National’s golf holes made the grade. Laguna National’s Classic Course Hole 13 was in the same company with some of the world-renowned golf courses. Among them were Augusta National and Pebble Beach in the United States and St Andrew’s and Carnoustie in the United Kingdom.

As one of the top golf clubs in the Singapore, Laguna National has been the venue of several major golf events. This includes the Asian PGA Tour, the Merlion Masters and the Singapore Open. In 2002, it was the venue of the Caltex Singapore Masters, where world-class players like Ian Woosnam, Nick Faldo and Jean Van de Velde competed for top honours. In the same year, the Club hosted the Ballantine’s Legend’s of Golf Competition, the European Seniors Tour inaugural event in Asia. Laguna National proudly serves as home to the Singapore Masters.

Golf in Pakistan

Golf in Pakistan probably won’t get too many golfers excited, but this could be the highlight of any golfers career and at least one that is unforgettable. See more info on golf in Pakistan here:

Golf in Pakistan is the only game in which Pakistan literally started from a scratch. The game was introduced and patronised in the Sub-Continent by the British. After partition, a big void was created and the game might have been extinct in Pakistan had not we had a few die-hards who made an enormous effort to keep the game alive. Foremost among them was Tajuddin Salimi of PWR Club. Lahore and Rashid Habib of Karachi in West Pakistan and Maj. Mohsin Ali in the East Wing. Until 1958 Lahore with its two golf clubs, the Lahore Gymkhana and PVTR Club and Tea Estate Golf Clubs in East Pakistan were the main centres of golfing activities.

In 1960, the Pakistan Golf Union was formed with Karachi, Dacca, Rawalpindi, Lahore Gymkhana and PWR as its founder members, with Chief Justice Cornelius as its first President and Rashid Habib the Vice President, Tajuddin Salimi was elected Honorary Secretary and held this office till 1965, when he became the official coach of the PGU.

Since 1971, new Pakistan golf clubs have come up at places like Kharian, Jhelum, Multan, Gujranwala, Okara and Bahawalpur with Lahore, Islamabad and Karachi also developing additional Golf Courses. In Pakistan, these days clubs have an affiliation with Pakistan Golf Federation and the Provincial Golf Associations. Golf membership is on the increase and about 5,000 members test their skill on these Pakistan golf courses. Play golf in Pakistan on our next Asian golf holiday.

The Arabian Sea Country Club

The Arabian Sea Country Club is a golf course located in Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan one of Asia golf’s more interesting golf courses! The Country Club is the collective result of a group of companies, spearheaded by former test cricketer Javed Burki. The 18 hole, par 72 golf course has been designed by K. Okada San of Taisei Corporation of Japan. The Clubhouse and other facilities were designed by Architect Asad I. A. Khan and constructed through the management of Zaeem Lutfi and FMCL. The Arabian Sea Country Club has a golf course along with an elaborate Swimming Pool Complex, Sauna, Jacuzzi Steam bath and Fitness Centre.

The Karachi Golf Club

The Karachi Golf Club is a golf course situated in Karachi Pakistan. The 27-hole golf course is the oldest golf club in Pakistan and one of the oldest golf courses in Asia. The course was turfed, landscaped, and filled with greenery, making it one of the largest green areas in Karachi. The Karachi Golf Club was an affiliate of the Sindh Club in 1888 and registered as an independent club in 1891. The course was relocated to the present site in 1953. In 1991, renowned architect Peter Harradine designed the 18 hole Championship Course. The 18 hole Green Course was created a year later and in 1993 nine more holes were built. The three courses are now referred as the Blue, Yellow and Red Courses. Golf in Karachi has gained popularity and the Karachi Golf Club is a favourite pick. This Pakistan Asia golf club is where the Pakistan Open is hosted.

Golf in Nepal

Most golfers would probably bet against Nepal having any golf courses, but if you are looking for that ultimate golf adventure, then golf in Nepal could be your answer:

A decade ago, golf in Nepal was more or less a past time. Now it has turned a bit more professional in that it draws big sponsors and serves a wide purpose. The major breakthrough came in1993 when Surya Tobacco Company started the yearly Surya Nepal Masters Open, the first internationally organised professional tournament with a hefty cash prize.ever since the tournament was launched, which is now played at the most scenic and natural Gokarna Golf Course, it has been a big attraction for the professional and amateur golfers from many Asian countries and more from rest countries.Nepal Tourism Board(NTB) has also been promoting golf and is a co-promoter to many events including Surya Nepal Masters.

There are seven golf courses in Nepal, namely, Royal Nepal Golf Club(RNGC),9-hole, at Tribhuvan International Airport, Gokarna Golf Resort(18-hole) at Gokarna,Yeti Golf Club (9-hole) at Fulbari Resort in Pokhara, Nirvana Golf Club (9-hole) in Dharan, Himalaya Golf Club(9-hole) in Pokhara, Tribhuvan Army Officers Golf Club(9-hole) in Nawalparasi. Almost all of these golf courses are centrally located and have fantastic fairways and well-managed with state-of-the-art facilities like bars, driving ranges, golf lessons and party venues. Throughout the years these golf courses host many events and tournaments with the overwhelming participation of professional and amateur players including expatriates. And this number is increasing every year.

Nirvana Golf Course

Nirvana Golf Course in Nepal is one of the biggest and oldest golf courses in Nepal within an area of 69 hectares. It has an 18 Hole Golf course with 5990 yardages, 70 pars with one of the best facilities in Nepal capable of hosting major and International Golfing events. It has the record of hosting many events in the field of Golf. Nirvana Golf course was designed by Nuffield Trust (UK) while golfing in Asia.

Gokarna Forest Golf Resort & Spa

Gokarna Forest Golf Resort & Spa is located deep inside the serene temperate Gokarna Forest, traditionally the private Royal hunting grounds of the Kings of Nepal. Situated within the city limits of Kathmandu, capital of Royal Kingdom of Nepal, this luxury Hotel Resort, Golf Course and Spa is operated by Le Meridien, a leading global chain of luxury hotels and resorts popular to Asia golfers. Gokarna is also a unique golf course with green lush vegetation, 500-year old forests still in its pristine form and the occasional sighting of wild animals like deer and squirrel prowling among fairways. In fact, Gokarna is the only golf course designed under United States Golf Associations specification by internationally renowned Gleneagles group. It is situated on the outskirts of Kathmandu at the secluded and serene environment and is surrounded by temples including world heritage monument of Changu Narayan.

Roal Nepal Golf Club

Now, RNGC alone receives 10-15 tourists every month. The green fees charged by the club is very reasonable and golf set, balls, golf shoes and pros are available on the spot on offer. RNGC is one of the oldest golf courses in South Asia.The golfing courses are centrally located adjacent to the only international airport in Nepal and are just 10-15 minutes drive from any of the five-star and four-star hotels in Kathmandu.

Yeti Golf club

Yeti Golf club is located in Pokhara with Annapurna and Fishtail mountains on the backdrop. There is nothing playing in a course perched on a hill with Seti River gorging right below. Himalaya Golf Club in Pokhara and Nirvana Golf Club in Dharan are promoted by Yak and Yeti hotel.

The climate factor plays a determining role here.Being in the lap of Himalayas, places like Pokhara and Kathmandu Valley have cool temperate and monsoonal climate. The climate is always pleasant, warm in summer and benignly cold in winter.Unlike the scorching cold in Delhi, Bombay and Calcutta or Malaysia or Singapore, it is possible to play golf in Nepal throughout the year without having to suffer from excessive heat and doggedly rains

Golf in Laos

For a very different golf holiday in Asia, try playing golf in Laos, perhaps one of the worlds most unique golf holidays and golf destinations to visit. Our Laos golf recommended websites:

Thailand promotes itself as amazing, Vietnam can well be described as bustling, Cambodia’s Khmer temples are awe-inspiring, Myanmar’s junta is barbaric… but the adjective most often applied to golf in Laos is forgotten. Although there are a few grand (but relatively unheard of) attractions, those visitors who are drawn by the laid-back lifestyle and the opportunity to knock back a few cold Beerlao while watching the sunsets on the Mekong will simply explain the attraction by revealing that the true meaning of “Lao PDR” is Lao – Please Don’t Rush.

Despite being just one hour by air from the hustle and bustle of golf in Bangkok, golf in Laos has continued in much the same way it has for hundreds of years, although things are now slowly beginning to change. In the mid-90s the government reversed its stance on tourism, and then declared 1998 “Visit Laos Year” – but despite their efforts and all Laos has to offer, monks still outnumbered tourists throughout the country. This is now rapidly changing, with tourist numbers rising every year. Indeed, Vientiane is a laid-back, yet charmingly cosmopolitan village. Golf in Laos on your next Asia golf vacation.

Dansavanh Nam Ngum Resort

Holes: 18-hole picturesque course
Yardage: 6,503 m
Par: 72
Dansavanh Nam Ngum Resort is located on the South Eastern shores of Nam Ngum Lake in Vientiane Province of Laos and approximately 60 km from north-east of Vientiane City, the capital of Laos. The 60-kilometre journey from Vientiane city to this unique resort takes about one hour along the national trunk road. Free shuttle from Vientiane Dansavanh Hotel. The resort is situated at Nam Ngum Lake or “Lake Geneva of Asia” with an area of approximately 58,000 hectares. It is one of the largest lakes in Asia. It is also close to the Phou Khao Khouay National Park, one of many great ones for golfers in Asia. Read More

Santisuk Lang Xang Golf Club

Santisuk Lang Xang Golf Club, Km 14 Thadeua Road, Ban Nahai, Vientiane, Laos
Holes: 9 holes
Created by Thai investors, situated on lush manicured greens halfway between the Friendship Bridge and Vientiane town centre, facilities include: Club-house, bar & restaurant, Pro-shop, Club hire, Caddies available

Vientiane Club KM6

Vientiane Club KM6 Ban Nonesavang, Vientiane
Holes: 18-hole quiet course set in beautifully manicured ground
Yardage: 6965 yards
Par: 72
Situated just a few minutes from Vientiane town centre. Turning right before the new Kaysone Memorial Museum on route 13 south. Facilities include full club facilities: bar, cafe, pool, all equipment hire and caddies available. Read More

Youth Garden Golf Course

Youth Garden Golf Course, KM 14 on the Road to Vientiane
Holes: 18
Yardage: 6005 yards
Par: 71
The first golf course to be established in Ventiane located 30 minutes from the town centre, a few kilometers behind the Friendship Bridge along the road to Vientiane, the course is located on the right-hand side. Caddies available at this golf Asia golf course in Laos

Golf in India

Golf in India will amaze and excite you. You can play almost anywhere and the flavour of India is present at all of India’s great golf courses. For the best resources about golf in India, check out:

Golf in India has amazing diversity and offers you everything you could ever want on a golf holiday to this Asia golf mecca. From the moment that you set foot in India to play golf to be greeted by a graceful namaste, a gesture that denotes both welcome and respect, you are on the way to one of the most rewarding golf vacations in Asia and throughout the world.

Bounded by the majestic Himalayan ranges in the north and edged by a spectacular coastline surrounded by three seas, India is a vivid kaleidoscope of landscapes, magnificent historical sites and royal cities, golden beaches, misty mountain retreats, colourful people, rich cultures and festivities. Play golf in India, one of Asia’s most exotic golf holidays.

The sport of golf in India has a long history, dating back from 1829 when the Royal Calcutta Golf Club was founded in the city of Kolkata by the British. This golf course is said to be the oldest in the world outside of Britain. In recent years, there has been a development of world-class courses in India and many tourists flock to the country to play in these courses. Indian golf courses are broadly divided into four types: designer, hill stations, historic monuments and golf courses in luxury hotels (open to their guests).

Designer golf courses use the latest design, technical expertise and specifications employed in world-class professional golf. Some examples are the Jaypee Greens designed by Greg Norman and the DLF Golf and Country Club in Gurgaon ( near New Delhi) designed by Arnold Palmer.courses in hill stations are old and established, and were set up by the British. These golf courses allow you to play golf in tranquil settings in cool weather. The hill stations of Shimla and Naldhera are famous. Ooty and Kodaikanal are two hill stations in South India which have open to the public.

Indian golf club like the Delhi Golf Club which is located next to historical monuments. This particular golf course has many ancient protected monuments of the Lodhi Dynasty enclosed in its property. There is also the Qutub Golf club (open to the public) in New Delhi, which has the world famous Qutub Minar in the background. Luxury hotels which possess golf courses in India are The Inter-Continental and The Leela in Goa, to name a few.

It’s clear that India welcomes golf tourists with open arms. So spend your next golfing holiday in India, because it will be an experience that you will remember. Apart from playing a game of golf in surroundings which cannot be replicated anywhere in the world, you are also likely to appreciate the historical wonders this exciting country has to offer.

Golf in Cambodia

Golf holidays in Cambodia are a new introduction, yet pioneering golfers are finding it a fascinating country in which to play a few rounds. Golf is a relatively new pastime in Cambodia yet is developing fast. Cambodia doubled its number of luxury golf courses last year to four and hopes to have eight by 2010 in a bid to lure more high-end tourism from the fast-growing sport in Asia. For more info on golf in Cambodia:

Cambodia is rich in history, culture and amazing tourism resources. The Angkor Wat is the World Heritage of Humanity and symbolises the heart and the soul of the Cambodian golf nation, and it illuminates our unique culture, civilization and the past history of the ancient Angkor Kingdom of Cambodia.

Golfin Cambodia also provides visitors with a variety of once undiscovered cultural and historical attractions throughout the Kingdom and the dual theme guiding Cambodia golf tourism is “Culture and Nature”. We invite you to share our appreciation of the majesty of our unspoiled environment and richness of the fauna and flora, the uniqueness of the Tonle Sap lake and the many wonderful and special places only to be found in Cambodia golf courses.

It is hoped that visitors to Cambodia and to this site may be interested in investigating business opportunities and to learn more about business conditions in today’s Cambodia. Cambodia offers a booming tourist infrastructure, with new hotels, guesthouses, restaurants, pubs, bars, nightclubs and many coastal sports with full services, security and safety. Tourist destinations are easily accessible with the many comfortable modes of transportation available, from the air, road, rail and boat.

Golf Asia Golf Course Pick: Angkor Golf Resort

The 18-hole design by Nick Faldo is the centrepiece of the Angkor Golf Resort. The course is not only broadly recognised as the finest course in Cambodia, but also one of the finest new courses in the Asia-Pacific region.

We have designed and built a golf course that challenges all standards of golfers, from the casual weekender through to the seasoned professional. It is a golf course that will offer enjoyment to everyone and will hopefully have them coming back to be challenged by this strategic layout time after time. Overall, I believe that we have created a course that offers great variety through all 18 holes and the fact that we have been working alongside such remarkable surroundings has been a real inspiration; the result is a strategically testing and very engaging round of golf. I believe that our course at the Angkor Golf Resort will help to put this part of South East Asia firmly on the golfing map.

Asia’s finest golfing facilities were honoured at a glittering gala dinner to commemorate the ninth year of the Asian Golf Monthly Awards. Mike Sebastian, the publisher of Asian Golf Monthly, said: “The response was overwhelming, underlining the ever-growing reach of the Asian Golf Monthly Awards. As we heard from many of the nominees, there is tremendous prestige and honour attached to the awards.”

Befitting its stature as the most comprehensive poll of Asia’s golfing facilities, the awards were handed out to category winners at a lavish gala dinner at the conclusion of the Asia Pacific Golf Development Summit.

Golf in Brunei

The Royal Brunei Golf and Country Club is considered one the best golf courses in Asia and is perhaps worth a golf holiday to Brunei just to play this course. For more info on golf in Brunei:

One of Brunei’s most unexpected luxuries is its assortment of world-class championship-quality golf courses. Taking advantage of the stunning landscape of Borneo’s northern shores, Brunei’s golf courses offer more than just your average round of 18 holes. Teeing off from a beautifully manicured vantage point overlooking the South China Sea and surrounded by virgin rainforests, you’ll quickly discover that golf in Brunei is one of the nation’s unforgettable undiscovered treasures. Some courses even offer the truly unique luxury of floodlit night golfing for cooler evening play.

Asia Golf enthusiasts and beginners alike will delight in the nation’s surprisingly wide-ranging variety of golf courses in Brunei with varying levels of challenge and onsite golf professionals to help hone your game. There are over five beautiful golf courses in Brunei, though some of these are exclusive to members and their guests. Enjoy golf in Brunei!

The Empire Country Club, Brunei, Asia

Those looking to unwind on the greens will find this course to be one of Brunei’s true unexpected treasures. Designed by Jack Nicklaus, this majestic 18-hole championship golf course has been called one of Asia’s best and even offers night golf as a way to beat the tropical heat in style.

Royal Brunei Golf & Country Club, Brunei, Asia

Near Jerudong Park, this club caters to the most exclusive of golf aficionados advanced bookings are required. The course has been described by its designer, Ronald Fream, as the “Augusta National of Asia”. It is considered one of the best courses in Asia and is among the most exclusive in the world.

Mentiri Golf Club, Brunei, Asia

Located in the Brunei Muara district, this is an international standard 18-hole, par 72 courses cradled in lush, landscaped grounds.

Royal Brunei Airline Golf Club, Brunei, Asia

Probably the first course you’ll see in Brunei, this 18-hole public course designed by Max Wexler lies just five minutes from the Brunei International Airport and twenty minutes drive from the heart of Bandar Seri Begawan. It is characterised by a generally flat layout with manmade lakes spread out over the course, adding to its beauty.

Panaga Golf Club, Brunei, Asia

Located in Seria district, this is another of Brunei’s well-equipped and lushly-maintained public courses available for visitors and popular with locals.

Golf in Myanmar

Golf in Myanmar is one of the best Asia golf experiences available and as more and more golfers discover the beauty and cultural wonders of Myanmar, the golf gets better:

Golf Tourism in Myanmar has been developed mainly by the government, but many private enterprises do exist, catering to a wide range of tourists. Since 1992, the government has encouraged tourism in the country. However, fewer than 750,000 tourists enter the country annually.[1] Aung San Suu Kyi has requested that international tourists not visit Myanmar. The junta’s forced labour programmes were focused on tourist destinations which have been heavily criticised for their human rights records.

What may be the most exciting news about golf in Myanmar is that arguably Myanmar’s most successful golfer, PGA tour winner, Asian Tour Order of Merit winner, and recent Chairman of the Asian Tour, Kyi Hla Han, then known on the professional circuit as the “Burmese Bandit” has returned to his birth country with the mandate to raise golf to a level of international pride and make Myanmar and enticing destination for golf travel that accentuates the seemingly enchanted destinations dotted around the country.  He is the signature co-designer with international designer Schmidt/Curley at Myotha National and his own design firm, Kyi Hla Han Golf Design is already well underway planning for several first-class upgrades and a couple new courses at major tourism locations. There is even talk of an international, multi-country golf trail and a domestic golf trail, accessible by luxury boat, which takes golfers through wild regions with opportunities to sample the most spiritual and authentic aspects of Burmese culture and golf along the way. Han points to cooler highland areas in ethnic Shan State and to the western Beaches near Napoli as areas ripe for the kinds of experiential, adventure vacations many of today’s golf tourists are looking for.

Tourism has been promoted by advocacy groups as a method of providing economic benefit to Burmese civilians, and to avoid isolating the country from the rest of the world. Voices for Myanmar, a pro-democracy advocate group, states, “We believe that small-scale, responsible tourism can create more benefits than harm. So long as Myanmar golf tourists are fully aware of the situation and take steps to maximise their positive impact and minimise the negatives, we feel their visit can be beneficial overall. Responsible tourists can help Myanmar primarily by bringing money to local communities and small businesses, and by raising awareness of the situation worldwide.”

Regardless, a majority of advocacy groups discourage tourism. Any tourist visit will provide some income to the military junta. Even disregarding the obviously governmental fees, Myanmar’s Minister of Hotels and Tourism Maj-Gen Saw Lwin, who doesn’t play golf in Myanmar, recently admitted that the government receives a significant percentage of the income of private sector tourism services. Not to mention the fact that only a very small minority of impoverished ordinary people in Myanmar ever see any money with any relation to tourism. Try golf in Myanmar for something different in Asia.

Golf in Myanmar is a relatively new sport but there are a number of reasonable 9 and 18 hole courses constructed around the country. There are 18 holes Golf Courses in Yangon (City Golf Resort), in Bagan (Bagan Nyaung Oo Golf Club), in Mandalay (Mandalay Hill Golf Course) and in Taunggyi (Aye Thar Yar Golf Course). There are also 9 hole Courses at Mt. Popa & Ngapali beach. These Golf Courses are suitable for visitors to play and are built to an international standard. Here is a list of the better courses.

Golf Asia arrange Golf Packages for clients at the following Golf Courses which include hotel-golf club-hotel transfers with English Speaking escort, car & driver, green fees for 18 holes, caddy fees, locker, shower & change room facilities. Our escort, driver & vehicle will standby at the club for client’s convenience while playing golf.