Golf Tournaments in Southeast Asia Every Player Should Know About

In recent years, golf has not only become a noble sport but also a trend of tourism combined with sports in Southeast Asia. From the sunny tropical beaches of Thailand, to the beautiful coastal golf courses in Da Nang or Bali, this region is gradually asserting its position as Asia’s paradise among tropical golf destinations. Along with the strong development of the tourism industry, professional and semi-professional golf tournaments in Southeast Asia are also increasingly organized, attracting thousands of international golfers to attend or enjoy.

Why Southeast Asia is becoming Asia’s new golf hub

Not only attractive for its nature and culture, Southeast Asia is also asserting its position as Asia’s new golf hub. The first advantage lies in reasonable costs – from green fees, equipment rentals, to hotel services and transportation – all more pleasant than countries like Japan or Korea.

In addition, the year-round warm climate allows golf tournaments in Southeast Asia to be held almost uninterrupted, expanding opportunities for both athletes and tourists. Golf courses in Southeast Asia also impress with creative designs and diverse landscapes – from long coastal courses to courses located in the middle of tropical forests or at the foot of majestic mountains.

Most importantly, governments and tourism investment groups are considering golf as a key industry. They are constantly upgrading infrastructure, expanding international cooperation and putting the image of golf tourism in Southeast Asia on the world map. All of this creates a strong wave of development, making the area a promising golf destination of the future.

Outstanding  Golf Tournaments in Southeast Asia

Southeast Asia is becoming a “meeting place” for a series of prestigious international golf tournaments, attracting not only top professional golfers but also fans from all over the world. Each country in the region has built its own tournaments with its own mark – from long-standing traditions to youthful, modern and creative events.

Thailand

When it comes to golf courses in Southeast Asia, Thailand is always the first name mentioned. With a system of international standard golf courses, developed tourism services and favorable climate all year round, this country is a “paradise” for both professional golfers and golf-loving tourists.

Some notable tournaments in Thailand:

• Thailand Open (Asian Tour) – this is the most historic and popular tournament in Thailand, on a yearly basis under the Asian Tour system. The tournament attracts a series of top golfers in Asia and is accompanied by a classy competition environment at the lush golf course in either Bangkok or Pattaya.
• When played in Thailand, the International Series Thailand, is regarded as an important and would normally take place in Hua Hin or Black Mountain Golf Club, which is also famous in the context of wonderful mountain landscapes.
• Honda LPGA Thailand – the biggest professional golf tournament in Southeast Asia under the LPGA Tour. Every year, big names such as Lydia Ko, Nelly Korda, and Brooke Henderson participate; thus making it one of the best tropical golf destinations for fans every year. You can’t miss this annual golf trip on your calendar.

Vietnam

Vietnam has recently established itself as a possible new golf destination, through simultaneous investment in infrastructure, services and golf courses along our beautiful coastline.

• Vietnam Open (Asian Development Tour): This event is part of the ADT system, and ADT’s nested structure helps to open the door to valuable competitions for young Vietnamese and international golfers to compete against each other as well as to gain experiences and points in the ADT system.
• Vietnam Golf Championships: One of the leading national tournaments in the country, Vietnam Golf Championships unite the spirit of competition in world-renowned locations within Vietnam like Nha Trang, Phu Quoc, and more. The aim of the tournament is not only to assist elite golfers alongside amateurs competing, but also for amateur golfers to challenge themselves in luxury coastal environments.
• Hoiana Open: While it has only recently been introduced into the golf scene, Hoiana Open has quickly established a strong appeal with a coastal golf course in Quang Nam and a level of professionalism in event management.

Malaysia

Thanks to a system of internationally certified golf courses, complete infrastructure and great backing from finance-related corporations, Malaysia has always been the focus of key golf tournaments in Southeast Asia.

• The Malaysian Open: The oldest golf tournament in Southeast Asia, this is an event that is part of the Asian Tour system. This tournament is typically played at the Kuala Lumpur Golf & Country Club and has been an emblem of Malaysian golf for over 50 years.
• The Maybank Championship: Regarded as one of the most elite tournaments in the region with a large total prize purse. The tournament is able to bring many of the world’s elite golfers to compete and is a significant boost to the image of Malaysian golf at the international level.

Singapore

Despite its small size, Singapore has many modern and well-invested golf courses, regularly hosting tournaments under the Asian Tour and LPGA Tour systems.

• SMBC Singapore Open: One of the historic and biggest golf tournaments in Southeast Asia featuring many of the top competitive golfers in the world. Sentosa Golf Club – the site of the tournament – is typically found on the preceding list of the prettiest golf courses in Asia.
• Singapore Classic: As a DP World Tour event, this will be the return of the top competitive golf in Europe to Southeast Asia. Hosted at Laguna National Golf Resort Club, it will be an opportunity for the golf fan to see a world-class event while the Singaporean golf scene comes alive and vibrantly shows a spectacular tradition.
• HSBC Women’s World Championship: The LPGA Tour tournament is known as the Major of Asia, gathering the best female golfers in the world. Besides the sports element, it is also a cultural and entertainment event for golfers and non-golfers and recreationally hosted many international competitors.

Indonesia

With a temperate climate, lush terrain, scenic golf courses in Jakarta and Bali, Indonesia is a unique golf destination. The country’s two premier tournaments are sanctioned by the Asian Tour body.

• Indonesia Masters: Now annually held in Jakarta, this is one of the largest golf tournaments in Southeast Asia. The event attracts world-class golfers and fosters serious competition between them, while also bringing out enthusiastic crowds of passionate golf fans.
• Mandiri Indonesia Open: With an extensive history, this is the “pride” of Indonesian golf and is second only to the Masters. Although, it supplements the sports element, is an important element in the promotion of the country and national golf tourism.

Philippines

The Philippines boasts a strong golf tradition and a growing fiesta-like golf community. Tournaments here are not just appealing to the pros, there is a strong element of sportsmanship and organizational style that reflects the local identity.

• The Country Club Invitational: This is a signature tournament for professionals in the country and the region. This tournament is held at The Country Club – one of the finest golf courses in the Philippines – typically has great quality of expertise and friendly competition.
• ICTSI Philippine Open: The Philippine Open is one of the oldest professional golf tournaments in Asia and has been key in placing the Philippines on the regional golf map early on. The Philippine Open tournament routinely engages the best golfers from the ASEAN region and a further opportunity to display the image of an archipelago country.

Golf Destinations for Tournament Lovers

If you are a lover of golf and want to experience watching world class tournaments as part of a travel experience, Southeast Asia has countless choices for ideal destinations. Each location has its own unique appeal around natural landscape and culture to modern golf courses.

Phuket, Thailand

Phuket is renowned not just for its beautiful beaches “a place of paradise” for golfers. Coastal golf courses such as Blue Canyon Country Club or Laguna Golf Phuket provided a tournament experience amongst beautiful tropical scenery. Outside of watching tournaments or competitions, guests can also enjoy high-class resort services, spas, and special seafood cuisine.

Da Nang & Nha Trang, Vietnam

Da Nang and Nha Trang are undergoing rapid development to become the two golf centers of Vietnam. International standard golf courses, BRG Da Nang Golf Resort, Ba Na Hills Golf Club, or Vinpearl Golf Nha Trang, not only provide interesting challenges for golfers but also have magnificent sea views. Collectively, they signify Vietnam’s increasing position in golfing tourism in Southeast Asia.

>>> Learn more about the best golf courses in Da Nang that make Vietnam a rising star in golf tourism in Southeast Asia.

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Kuala Lumpur is a venue for several of the larger golf tournaments in the region, including the Maybank Championship or the Malaysian Open. In addition, it is a so-called city of modern development, quality golf courses like the Mines Resort and Golf Club, hotels and shopping malls. A visit to Kuala Lumpur can easily involve attending tournaments, socializing with members and/or spectators of the international golf community, and enjoying a more diverse cultural experience through sightseeing.

Bali, Indonesia

Bali is an ideal destination for those who want to connect with nature and feel a meditative state after the tournament. Golf courses in Southeast Asia such as Bali National Golf Club or Handara Golf & Resorts are located amidst mountains and lakes, in a unique spiritual landscape and cultural landscape. The fusion of golf, resort tourism, and cultural experiences forms Bali, the most unique selection in Southeast Asia.

Laguna National, Singapore

Despite its size, Singapore is the region’s leading golf destination, with Laguna National Golf Resort Club as its centerpiece. It is one of the only venues in Southeast Asia to host professional golf tournaments regularly and offers a 5-star level of service to those who wish to view it as spectators and unwind. Not only is it convenient, but Laguna National is also nearby to Changi Airport and the main city area, making it very easy to get to. 

>>> Experience one of Southeast Asia’s premier golf resorts with the Laguna National Golf Resort Stay & Play

With a continually developing professional tournament structure, world class golf courses, and enormous tourism potential, Southeast Asia is positioning itself in the top tier of global tropical golf destinations. If you are a golf enthusiast, take advantage of the opportunity to combine travel and on site world class golf tournaments into your plans in this area. Contact us to start to plan your golf trip in Southeast Asia.

Read More: 

• Is It Worth Playing Golf in Bali? A Comprehensive Guide for Golfers
• Top Picks: Best Vietnam Golf Courses for Tournaments and Events
• Explore Best of Philippines Golf: A Guide to Perfect Rounds