David Bowden tees off on Asia's most interesting fairways. If you already play golf you don't need to be reminded of the importance of the sport in Asia. More than a prestigious pastime, a round of golf is where customer relationships are forged and deals are sealed. The bonus is the endorphin rush, tropical surroundings and a resort destination that usually offers a range of recreational, social and cultural activities. Blue Canyon Country Club
In addition to all the superb courses in Singapore, it's now possible to play golf in all regional destinations - yes, even in Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos. Golfers can tee off in a variety of environments, ranging from seaside links to courses perched high above lofty mountain ranges. Except for the cooler mountain locations, conditions are generally tropical so playing can prove rather tiring. Here's a selection of some of the courses to play, plus a selection of those with "one upmanship" status.
Phuket, Thailand
Nothing makes a golfer's putter more upright than the mere mention of the legendary 36-hole Blue Canyon Country Club (Tel: +66 7632 8088, www.bluecanyonclub.com). Golfers can play the older Canyon Course or the Lakes Course, which has been recently upgraded). The initial course was sculpted around existing canyons and waterways to minimise environmental impacts. Tiger Woods still holds the amateur record for this course. Be pampered in the club's spa and stay overnight in fine accommodation.
Posted Jan 07
This 18-hole course was opened in 1922 for the use of the last Vietnamese Emperor - Bao Dai. During the "American War" it ceased operations, but has recently been resurrected into a superb hill station - hence, cooler - course beside the Xuan Huong Lake in Dalat. Stay at the adjoining heritage Hotel Sofitel Dalat Palace (Tel: +8463 825 444, www.accorhotels-asia.com) and soak up the colonial ambience.
The Nick Faldo-designed Ocean Dunes Golf Club (Tel: +8463 823 507) on the coast at Phan Thiet is managed by the same team and it makes sense to play both courses. Relax with the family by the sea at the nearby Novotel Coralia (Tel: +8463 822 393, www.novotelphanthiet.com) or the many resorts along Mui Ne Beach.
Damai Golf and Country Club
Sarawak, Malaysia
The Damai course (Tel: +6 08 284 6088) has been described by Arnold Palmer as "...the finest test of golf with the most dramatic setting of all in Malaysia. This is a ‘must play' course for those who love golf." Bear in mind that Arnold designed the course! This very picturesque and challenging 18-hole, par 72 course has holes running beside the beach, along mangrove-lined streams and up into the foothills of Mount Santubong.
Empire Hotel & Country Club, Brunei
While visiting Brunei may not be on all golfers' radars, the Empire Hotel & Country Club Tel: (+67 32 611 582, www.empire.com.bn) certainly strikes back here with a huge golfing wallop. This exclusive par-72 championship course designed by Jack Nicklaus was once the domain of the Sultan and his well-heeled associates. Now, mere mortals can play. But the queue is long and tee-off times can't be guaranteed - you never know which VIP is about to walk in. The lush fairways are fringed by topical rainforest and overlook the South China Sea. Night golf is also possible and you can stay in the exclusive country club at game's end.
Le Méridien Nirwana Golf & Spa Resort, Bali
This par 72, Greg Great-White Shark Norman designed course has been described by Asian Golf Monthly as the best in Asia. Perched atop a cliff with spectacular views of the Indian Ocean, the ancient temple of Tanah Lot, rice paddy fields and distant volcanoes, it measures 6,775 metres from the "shark" tees and will test the best golfer. Tel: +62 361 815 961, www.nirwanabaligolf.com.
Springfields Village Golf & Spa Cha Am, Thailand
The stretch of coastline around Hua Hin - south of Bangkok - has seen a recent explosion of golf courses. Newer courses such as Springfields (Tel: +66 3259 3222, www.springfieldresort.com) provide another dimension for golfing holidaymakers. The 18-hole, Jack Nicklaus designed golf course - Jack's been very busy in the region! - is the star attraction, with the recently opened, Schmidt-Curley mountain nine providing additional excitement. New accommodation and a huge swimming pool were recently opened to complement the existing hillside chalets. For yesteryear ambience, stay at Sofitel Central Hua Hin (Tel: +66 3251 2021, www.sofitel.com).
Playing the better known courses is often easy; finding the obscure courses can be as challenging as the golf.
The recently opened Phokeethra Country Club (Tel: +8 55 6396 4600, www.accorhotels-asia.com) near Angkor Wat in Cambodia allows golfers to tee off near an 11th century stone bridge and finish in a modern 21st century clubhouse. Stay at the luxurious Sofitel Royal Angkor (www.sofitel.com) in nearby Siem Reap for stylish and elegant relaxation.
Visitors to Laos can play a nine-hole course in Vientiane or venture 60 kilometres north to the 18-hole Dansavanh Course within the Nam Ngum Resort (Tel: +66 2677 6246). The KM6 course near the capital is compact and quiet but with offers full club facilities - including a pool. Caddy-accompanied games are very competitively priced.
Manila's mad traffic can be daunting for golfers, but a round in the historic heart of the capital has many advantages. The par 66, 4,326 metre Intramuros Golf Course (Tel: +63 2527 6613) offers a challenging game around and within the historic heart of Intramuros. Be warned, water hazards and out-of-bounds areas are located on every hole, but the old Fort Santiago offers a pleasant distraction.
For a course with both altitude and attitude, play one of South-East Asia's highest courses - Mount Kinabalu Golf Club (Tel: +6 08 888 9445) in Sabah, Malaysia. This 18-hole, par 72, 6,319 metre course is situated at 1,500 metres above sea level and offers magnificent views of Mount Kinabalu - one of the region's highest mountains. Stay overnight in the UNESCO World Heritage Park or travel 110 kilometres back to Kota Kinabalu after your game.
