Bangkok, Thailand: With travel restrictions gradually easing and popular destinations opening up, golfers around the region are beginning to put together plans to resume their overseas golfing trips.
“The green shoots of tourism have begun popping up across Asia. For many, that means dreams of a golf vacation are edging ever closer to becoming a reality,” said Mark Siegel, Managing Director of Golfasian, one of the most established inbound golf tour operators in Asia and a Full Business Member of the Asian Golf Industry Federation.
An exciting prospect though it may be for travelling golfers who have spent the better part of two years cooling their heels, many are unsure where to start in the reshaped and renewed travel landscape.
According to Siegel, reliable and hassle-free service should be a priority when compiling a golfing itinerary in a foreign country.
He said: “There’s no substitute for hands-on, specialised knowledge, backed by a strong selection of courses and accommodation types. You’ll certainly be best off ensuring all boxes are ticked, and contingencies planned for, before getting on your flight.
“In the current environment, experience counts for everything. This is where a pure play golf tour operator can provide significant benefits, especially when compared to other companies which may be juggling tours of all types, along with other business interests.
“A golf tour specialist will, naturally, be exclusively focused on catering for golfers’ specific needs, and will approach all aspects of tour planning with these needs foremost in mind. Of course, an established operator will also have extensive, long-term local connections to draw on.”
As international tourists are welcomed back in Asia, Siegel recommends it will be worthwhile weighing up the following points when booking your next golf tour:
Health and safety: What health and safety protocols does an operator have in place? Protocols and accreditations will vary from country to country (for instance, in Thailand look to see if operators are SHA Plus [Safety & Health Administration] accredited by the Tourism Authority of Thailand). Protocols to keep in mind include: regular cleaning of tour vehicles, requirements for staff to wear masks and regular hand washing.
A first-rate selection of destinations, courses and accommodation types: Larger operators will be able to provide a wider selection of courses and accommodation types (be it budget or luxury accommodation, including hotels, villas and condos). A one-stop-shop service will be able to take care of all the details, arranging accommodation, courses and tee times.
Local expertise: Local, on-the-ground knowledge is critical. Tour operator staff who play and who are in regular contact with local courses will know of any issues ahead of time, and will be able to make alternative recommendations. Similarly, staff who have had first-hand experience of accommodations will be able to provide informed advice on location and suitability, depending on specific customer requirements.
Value for money: This is a matter of weighing up both the range and types of deals on offer. Operators that have established long-term relationships with golf courses and hotels as a preferred partner will be able to provide varied package offerings. This means better deals for you, be it a budget golf getaway or a luxury five-star vacation. Also confirm that all costs are included upfront, and if an operator will match competitor quotes.
Hassle-free transportation: The last thing you’ll want to be doing is spending your valuable vacation time organising and waiting around for transport. Confirm if an operator uses company-owned vehicles and full-time drivers, providing for both pick-ups and return to accommodation when convenient. No waiting fees will also free you up to use your transportation during golf days according to your preferences.
“Whatever your destination, it will pay to keep the above in mind. Above all, do your research and make sure you confirm all details upfront,” said Siegel, whose company is marking 25 years of operation in 2022.