The origins of golf might be deeply rooted in the West, but most countries in South East Asia boast fabulous golf courses for the sports’ enthusiasts. Myanmar with it its fascinating history, ancient culture and superb climate is offering fantastic championship golf courses designed for the golfer on and off the course. There are over 100 golf courses all over the country from Myitkyina in far north Myanmar to the southernmost town of Kawthaung (formerly Victoria Point). As most of the best golf courses in Myanmar are located around Yangon city and some major tourist sites of Bagan , Mandalay, Taunggyi, Kyaingtong and Lashio, there is a enormous potential for Golf holidays, as well.
Being a former outpost of the British Empire there are a lot of older golf courses left behind by the British, which are kept in great condition such as Yangon Golf Club built in 1909. Some of the older golf courses have also been renovated and they have matured over the years. They offer fantastic venues for the adventurous golf traveller. Besides, the charges such as green fees, caddie fees, buggy rental and other service charges are relatively cheaper compared to the neighboring countries of Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia or Cambodia. It is golden opportunity for those who wish to play golf in exotic courses and also are looking for the beauties of Myanmar coupled with the heart-warming hospitality of simple yet friendly Myanmar people. The Myanmar Golf Federation estimates there are around 50,000 club golfers in the country with a further 25,000 golfers that are not attached to any clubs. Pioneering golfers too, are finding Myanmar a fascinating country in which to play a few rounds.
Myanmar Insider takes a look inside some of the well-known Golf Courses in the country for what makes them tick with the vibrant golfing community.
Yangon the Pun Hlaing Golf Club
Just eight miles from centre of Yangon the Pun Hlaing Golf Club showcases the very best of Gary Player’s renowned design skills and therefore is widely known as “The Pride of Myan- mar”. The Golf Club’s breathtaking 650-acre layout offers 18 of Asia’s most challenging and rewarding golf holes set in a manicured tropical landscape bordered by lakes, the Hlaing River and the grand mansions of the Pun Hlaing Golf Estate community. It is maintained year round in tournament conditions by a team of over 300 course and landscape specialists. A 30-minutes drive from Yangon and just 20-minutes away from the airport the Golf Club is equipped with the best facilities and amenities to be found anywhere in the world. The Club has over 3,000 golfers playing every month.
Bagan Nyaung Oo Golf Club
World-famous 11th century Bagan temples and ancient stupas and pagodas surround the Ba- gan Golf Club and the Ayeyarwaddy river stretches out beyond. Situated near the Old Bagan where the most sightseeing attractions are, the Bagan Nyaung Oo Golf Club is indeed very beautiful with the most attractive scenery. With a 5-minute drive from the Bagan Nyaung Oo Airport the Golf Club is easy to reach. Established in 1999 the course’s total range is 7,147 yards for 18 holes. The tranquility and serenity overlooking the wide expanse of the golf course and the panoramic view of the ancient monuments can make the sport experience a memorable one. All one needs here is ample time to relax and experience the great environ- ment and antique setting.
Aye Thar Yar Golf Resort
Located in the mountain-gateway to the breathtaking beauty of southern Shan state Aye Thar Yar Golf Resort in Taunggyi is spread in a sprawling 270 acre estate situated more than 3,000 feet above the sea level. With blue misted mountain ranges as the backdrop, the resort offers a fasci- nating panorama of the forest. One can breathe absolutely pure and cool breeze at the resort with the excitement of a challenging round at the golf course. Very near to the Heho Airport, the resort is also just a stone-throw from the scenic rail link of Shwe Nyaung Station.
This course offers a challenge to even accomplished golfers as the back nine runs through woodland and boasts views of the hill station. The front nine is more challenging and features picturesque panoramas of the surrounding mountain range. The course is beautiful and the area offers diverse tourist attractions not too far away to delight golfers and their families.
Along the enticing landscapes of the resort are the 12 attractively designed bungalows, offering superb accommodation. Interiors comprise carpeted floors, timber paneling, luxurious beds and a host of other fine facilities. The restaurant invites you to a choice of cuisine ranging from traditional to international, while the bar offers the finest drinks. A spacious venue for traditional ceremonies and weddings, with choicest food and catering, is also provided at the resort.
Thayet Century Golf Club
This is supposed to be the oldest golf course in Myanmar that was opened in 1887 during the time of the British rule. This is located in the town of Thayetmyo about 225 miles from North of Yangon. The member of Thay- et Golf club is affiliated to Royal St. Andrews Golf Club (Scotland) as an honorary guest. The course has preserved the colonial settings and many things from the British time. It is said that British Regiment officers, mer- chants and administrators would often come here for a game. Thayetmyo is a pleasant colonial town which once guarded the border between Royal Myanmar and British Myanmar following the second An- glo-Myanmar War of 1855. Many of the buildings including the covered market date from this period. Outside the town is an extensive war cem- etery where the Turkish prisoners of war were laid to rest. Captured in Iraq, hundreds of Turks were transported to labour camps in Myanmar where they died of malaria. In the town visitors can see colonial houses and can ride on the horse carts to see the countryside and the golf links, as well.
Yay Dagon Taung Golf Resort
This beautiful and scenic Golf Resort in Mandalay is located at the foot of a water fall, and hence the name which in Burmese means ‘waterfall’. The atmosphere of playing golf in this golf resort is absolutely wonder- ful. Long and narrow fairways and small but fast greens make it a chal- lenging course even for the professional golfers. Each hole has individual identity that is created exclusively using differing water features, mature landscape, and strategic bunkering. A striking balance has to be struck by players between the scenic area and immediate golfing challenge. The course attracts many foreigners throughout the year.
Besides, a good game of golf, the visitors to this Golden Palace City can look forward to discovering its rich and colorful heritage in the many his- torical monuments. The sacred Mandalay Hill offers a panoramic view of the city. Rising over 230 meters, the hill’s slopes are blanketed by covered stairways filed with small temples at regular intervals. The 1,729-step climb up to the top promises a sight to behold from where you can see the impressive and magnificent Mandalay Palace.
Mandalay is the economic hub of Upper Burma and considered the cen- tre of Burmese culture. A continuing influx of Chinese immigrants, most- ly from Yunnan Province, in the past twenty years, has reshaped the city’s ethnic makeup and increased commerce with China. Shwe Man Taung Golf Resort is another popular course in the vicinity.
