DG Issue 27 - June 2015 . | Page 51

Angkor Golf Resort’s Director of Golf, David Baron cellence GTC draws governmental organisations, hotels, ground handlers and golf clubs, under the Malaysia Golf Tourism Association umbrella. Since then, we have doubled our effort in promoting golf tourism throughout the world and especially to our target markets, which are regional markets within five hours’ flying time. “This award is further recognition of the hard work that has been done by the government and private sector to promote the destination for golf, not forgetting the industrial players allied to golf. We are very thankful to all those people.” Saidi added that Tourism Malaysia had been given a target to reach earnings of 350 million Malaysian ringgits (US$98m)) from golf tourism this year, having earned MYR 320 million (US$90m) in 2014 and MYR 310 million ($87m) in 2013. This is the last year that golf is part of the government’s “entry point product” scheme to boost the economy, but Saidi was hopeful that it would be renewed for another five years from 2016 to help Malaysia maintain the excellence of its golf product and be competitive with other golf destinations. These are the comments from the winning golf courses: Paul Booth, Director of Club Operations, Saadiyat Beach Golf Club: “At Saadiyat Beach Golf Club our entire team is committed to delivering a first-class experience for our members and guests throughout all facets of the golf club, so naturally we are delighted to have had this hard work and passion recognised in such a prestigious IAGTO awards category. As a Troon Golf managed facility we deliver pristine tournament- ready course conditioning allyear-round and that combined with our spectacular Gary Player designed beach-front setting and focused marketing initiatives has seen us continue to attract golfers from all around the world. We offer more than just golf and are proud of our reputation for having created a family friendly and welcoming environment that attracts both golfers and non-golfers, all of whom are keen to relax in our magnificent surroundings, sample our exceptional cuisine and attend the innovative events that we host on a regular basis.” David Baron, Director of Golf, Angkor Golf Resort: “We’re delighted to be receiving the prestigious IAGTO Excellence Awards for 2015. Such awards are a tremendous boost not only for the golf course but for the destination of Siem Volume 3 • Issue 27 51