Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia: Golf clubs from nine countries were cited for their Outstanding Contribution to the game during the 2025 Asian Golf Industry Federation (AGIF) Awards.

Speaking at the glittering Awards Gala Dinner at the Sime Darby Convention Centre, Chris Gray, President of the AGIF, said: “Our region is blessed with many dozens of genuinely world-class golf courses and venues that have had a positive influence on the game in their home countries and beyond – also helping to place Asia on the international golfing map.

“At this year’s Awards, the Federation was delighted to recognise outstanding clubs from Brunei, Cambodia, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.

“As Asia’s influence on the golfing world continues to grow and the appeal of our courses to golfing tourists from around the globe increases, we look forward to highlighting the excellence of more facilities from Asia and honouring them in the years to come.”

Following are the nine countries and clubs that were commended at the 2025 AGIF Awards.

Brunei, The Empire Golf & Country Club: Established in 1997, The Empire features an 18-hole course designed by Jack Nicklaus. Since then, it’s been at the forefront of elevating Brunei’s golfing profile through its world-class facilities and staging of major international tournaments. The club made history in 2005 when hosting the Brunei Open, the country’s first professional golf tournament and a landmark Asian Tour event co-hosted with Brunei Tourism. In 2012, The Empire further enhanced its legacy as the venue for the Royal Trophy, a Ryder Cup-style team match play event pitting Asia against Europe with Henrik Stenson, José María Olazábal, YE Yang and Jeev Milkha Singh among the participants. Renowned for its design, conditioning, and hospitality, the golf course is part of the five-star The Empire Brunei resort which also comprises private beaches, lagoons, five pools, four restaurants and a cinema.

Cambodia, Vattanac Golf Resort: A 45-minute drive from Phnom Penh city centre, Vattanac Golf Resort features two contrasting Sir Nick Faldo-designed courses. Both the East and West courses provide spectacular settings around famous cultural expressions that include scale models of Khmer historical architectural sites, such as Angkor Wat, Preah Vihear, Terrace of the Elephants and Bayon. Unveiled in 2019, the club also has a fully floodlit nine-hole course known as the Dragon Turn. This month, the Troon-managed club will showcase Cambodia’s growing stature on the international golf map by hosting the Vattanac Legends Championship, the first Legends Tour event in the country. Beyond professional competition, Vattanac Golf Resort has introduced unique events such as the 2GEN Championship, celebrating family participation, and the Prosperity Cup, promoting friendship and cultural exchange among golfers across the region.

India, DLF Golf & Country Club: Located in Gurgaon, DLF Golf & Country Club has stood as a beacon of excellence on the Indian golfing scene since its establishment in 1999. Featuring an 18-hole Gary Player Signature course and a nine-hole Arnold Palmer Signature course, the club has hosted many of the region’s most prestigious tournaments, including the Hero Indian Open, the Hero Women’s Indian Open, the Johnnie Walker Classic, the Avantha Masters – both DP World Tour events – and the Asian Tour’s International Series India, headlined this year by Bryson DeChambeau. Beyond its world-class tournament pedigree, DLF Golf & Country Club has introduced numerous pioneering features including night golf and the country’s inaugural professional Golf Academy. As it approaches its 17th anniversary, the club continues to play a vital role in nurturing Indian professionals, inspiring junior golfers, and setting new standards in course conditioning and sustainability.

Indonesia, Gading Raya Golf Club: Established in 1996, Gading Raya Golf Club features an 18-hole layout designed by Australian Graham Marsh. Located in a strategic location in the heart of Gading Serpong, Tangerang, the club is a 45-minute drive from Jakarta and easily accessible by way of the Jakarta outer ring toll road. In recent years, the club has established itself as a leading championship venue, hosting major international and regional tournaments that have advanced the profile of Indonesian golf. As well as staging this year’s inaugural Asia-Pacific Golf Confederation Mid-Amateur Championship, other notable events held at the club include the Southeast Asian Amateur Team Championship, the Indonesia Ladies Amateur Open, and the Indonesia Men’s Amateur Open. Through its sustained support of elite and amateur competition, Gading Raya Golf Club has provided a vital platform for emerging players and contributed significantly to the growth of the sport in Indonesia.

Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur Golf & Country Club: Founded in 1991, KLGCC features two 18-hole courses – the East and the West – and is revered as one of Asia’s premier tournament venues. The club has played a central role in elevating the profile of Malaysian golf through its hosting of major international events, including the CIMB Classic (PGA Tour), the Maybank Championship (LPGA Tour), and multiple editions of the Malaysian Open, a flagship tournament on the Asian Tour. Both courses at KLGCC were originally designed by Nelson & Haworth. The East Course was extensively reconstructed by Parslow & Winter Golf Design. The club has recently appointed Sir Nick Faldo as its new Golf Course Design Consultant. Beyond its tournament legacy, KLGCC continues to set benchmarks in course quality, sustainability, and hospitality. Its commitment to environmental stewardship, member engagement, and national golf development, highlights its dedication to advancing the game at every level.

Philippines, The Orchard Golf & Country Club: Incorporated in 1994, The Orchard Golf & Country Club features two 18-hole courses designed by Arnold Palmer and Gary Player. For more than two decades, the club has been a cornerstone of golf in the Philippines, hosting landmark tournaments that have elevated the country’s presence on the international stage, including the 1995 Johnnie Walker Classic, won by Fred Couples. Boasting a rich history deeply rooted in the lands of Cavite, the club upholds its tradition of excellence and community through its annual Founders Cup, one of the Philippines’ premier member-guest tournaments. The club was also host to this year’s Asia-Pacific Golf Confederation Senior Amateur Championship. Beyond golf, The Orchard serves as a designated bird and wildlife sanctuary. Its lush foliage and diverse bird species create a serene retreat, seamlessly blending natural beauty with modern leisure amenities.

Singapore, Tanah Merah Country Club: Established on reclaimed land in the early 1980s, TMCC features two 18-hole layouts – the Tampines Course and the Garden Course – that have been synonymous with championship golf, serving as a stage for prestigious tournaments. The club has hosted the International Series Singapore, the HSBC Women’s World Championship, and the Johnnie Walker Classic. Last month, TMCC received global exposure with the Tampines Course acting as venue to the World Amateur Team Championships. Beyond its tournament legacy, TMCC continues to champion excellence through sustained investment in course quality, sustainability, and the development of junior golf. The Garden Course was originally designed by Thomson, Wolveridge, Fream & Associates, since when it’s been renovated by Max Wexler (1990), Phil Jacobs (2006) and Bruce Charlton and Mike Gorman of Robert Trent Jones II (2020). The Tampines Course was originally sculpted by Wexler with Jacobs overseeing its renovation in 2018.

Thailand, Amata Spring Country Club: Founded in 2005, Amata Spring Country Club boasts an award-winning 18-hole course sculpted by Lee Schmidt that has played a defining role in elevating Thailand’s profile on the global golfing stage through its history of staging premier international tournaments. Among its unique features is the floating green at the par-three 17th which is only accessible by boat. The club hosted the Ryder Cup-style Royal Trophy between Asia and Europe for its first four editions and also has the distinction of being the only club selected by Augusta National Golf Club, The R&A and the Asia-Pacific Golf Confederation as the host venue for the Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship on two occasions, testament to its world-class course design and organisational excellence. In addition, Amata Spring has staged marquee events such as the Honda LPGA Thailand and the Thailand Golf Championship, further reinforcing its reputation as one of the region’s leading golf clubs.

Vietnam, Hoiana Resort & Golf: Located on Vietnam’s central coast, Hoiana Shores Golf Club features an 18-hole links course sculpted by Robert Trent Jones Jr that opened for play in 2020. The course, which hugs the pristine coastline and delivers stunning views of the Eastern Sea and Cham Islands, has rapidly established itself as one of Asia’s premier golfing destinations and a showcase for modern golf development. Among the numerous high-profile tournaments it has hosted are the Women’s Amateur Asia-Pacific, the Welcome Savings Bank Welcome Champions Cup (KPGA), and the ‘Swing for Children of Vietnam’ charity event, which brought together more than 100 domestic and international golfers to support local causes. Recognised among the World’s Top 100 Golf Courses by Golf World and named ‘Best Golf Course in Vietnam’ by Golf Digest, Hoiana Shores exemplifies excellence through its championship-calibre design, community engagement, and commitment to sustainability.