MYANMAR
- GOLF IN MYANMAR
Many come hungry for a flavour of bygone Asia, a spicy proposition that has lost its pungency in more developed neighbouring countries. In much of Myanmar, life drifts easily on much as it has done for centuries. Even the biggest city, Yangon, with its condos and growing selection of bars, retains an old-world allure through its crumbling architecture and evocative gold-spired pagodas.
Until recently, such nostalgia could just as easily be applied to the nation’s contingent of golf courses. A one-time outpost of the British Empire, Myanmar has a long history with the game. In fact, the oldest golf course in the country – Thayet Golf Club – dates all the way back to 1887, making it one of the most venerable clubs in Southeast Asia.
Despite this heritage, golfers visiting Myanmar today will find plenty of golf that meet the requirements of the modern game. The most logical place to start a playing adventure in the country is in Yangon, which offers easy access to a host of compelling clubs.
Among these, the Gary Player-designed layout at Pun Hliang is a stand out. Constructed over former paddy fields where the Hlaing and Pun Hlaing rivers meet the Yangon River, the course presents a formidable test, with hungry water hazards lying in wait on many of the holes.
Another Yangon course that is guaranteed to impress visiting golfers is the one at Mingalardon Golf and Country Club. Although it was only established in 1995, the course is laid out over a fantastic chunk of land, with giant tropical trees, well-constructed bunkers and nicely integrated water hazards giving it a pleasing air of maturity.
Other fascinating layouts near Yangon include Yangon City Golf Resort, which has 36 solid holes, and the historic Yangon Golf Club, which still presents an excellent challenge despite dating back to the early years of the 20th Century.
There’s plenty of golfing life outside the big city in Myanmar too. Witnessing the temples at Bagan is a must for visitors, and the 18-hole course at Bagan Golf Resort adds a prime golfing component to this bucket-list experience.
Equally essential for visitors is a trip to tranquil Inle Lake – one of the country’s most beautiful spots. Near here, the Aye Thar Yar Golf Resort offers visual manna and great golf in equal measure. Situated around 3000-feet above sea level in the highlands, the course gets refreshing breezes all year round and is surrounded by glorious mountain scenery.
Near virgin territory as a golf destination, Myanmar is likely to surprise visitors with the diversity and strength of its playing options. And with the country continuing to open-up to visitors, now is the perfect time to sample its heady and distinctive brew.
Did You Know ?
5 REASONS TO TRAVEL TO SINGAPORE FOR GOLF
1) GREAT VALUE FOR MONEY
Malaysia’s tremendous assortment of courses may be high in quality, but rarely does it break the bank to play them. While neighbouring Singapore has some of the highest green fees in the world, Malaysia is far more egalitarian. With a weekday round on one of the country’s best layouts costing, on average, somewhere around $60, Malaysia is a world leader when it comes to great value holiday golf.
2) HUGE COURSE VARIETY
If its diversity you are after, Malaysia has a full range of treats in store. Options run the gamut from coastal layouts and courses located near major urban centres to tracks carved through rainforest or located high in mountainous terrain.
3) EXCELLENT TRANSPORTATION
Although it bills itself as ‘truly Asia’, Malaysia’s excellent transport infrastructure belies popular images of rickety trains and traffic choked highways. Great roads, a decent rail network and affordable internal flights on low-cost airlines such as Air Asia and Firefly and national carrier Malaysian Airlines make getting from course to course a cinch.
4) REST AND RELAXATION
Malaysia is not a freewheeling party destination like its holiday golf rival Thailand next door, but its laid-back atmosphere is legendary. The locals are friendly, the beaches and resorts are wonderful and alcoholic refreshments are readily available. Meanwhile, cities such as Kuala Lumpur and Kota Kinabalu in Sabah have lively nightlife scenes.
5) UNDER THE RADAR APPEAL
It seems strange considering its obvious attributes, but Malaysia remains relatively untouched by the hand of mass golf tourism. While expats and locals keep the courses busy at the weekend, traffic is blessedly sparse at other times. Hit even the top-rated courses during the week and there’s a good chance you won’t get held up once.
