Destination Golf Asia 2019 * | Page 10

Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra Golf & Spa Resort in Thailand Padang Golf Sukajadi in Indonesia Storms blow up mostly in the afternoons and pass quickly. Even on courses where play is suspended for the day, the course is usually ready to go by morning. Many of the best courses are sandcapped and drain off minutes after a heavy rain. A short wait for a thunderstorm to pass, sometimes as little as a half hour, is often rewarded with a rainbow and a leisurely finish to the round. With the focus not only on golf, there are tons of activities to be had on short notice when the weather just won’t cooperate. Temples, Jungles tours, Mountain Hikes, Local Markets, Cooking classes, and much more can be key options to have in one’s back pocket to turn a rainout into a spontaneous and exciting adventure. Spas, Oh glorious spas! For value and top shelf treatment one cannot beat the fare offered throughout SE Asia. ….. Every country has a distinctive style of massage that is worth trying at every new venue. The facilities can range from dirt cheap but highly satisfying local store front places to magnificent luxury retreats complete with 8 Angkor Wat- UNESCO World Heritage Site in Thailand. fragrant lush gardens, flowing water features, natural hot springs, expert staff, and every treatment imaginable. Private Clubs not so private, accessible The term private club is a little different in Asia. Nearly all the best places to play are accessible to tourists for a daily fee. Particularly those that have a hotel attached. Many hotels have deals and reciprocal agreements with other clubs so that the variety of choices seems never ending. Touring Pro Experiences for Amateurs Two of the most interesting innovations of recent years are the World Master’s Tournaments. Held twice a year in Thailand and Vietnam, the event described as an opportunity to “Play world class golf courses with all the trappings of a major professional tournament.” They are amazing event where every participant gets first class touring pro treatment for a week of golf and festivities. It is surprisingly affordable and hugely popular to the extent that