Elite Traveler January-February 2019

TEMPLES AND TEE SHOTS THROUGH SOUTHEAST ASIA The allure of golf in Asia often conjures up thoughts of Japan’s golf-obsessed culture or the many elaborate and expansive golf resorts throughout China. Yet, other Asian countries have embraced the sport in recent years, three of which are showcased in PerryGolf’s Golf, Temples & Tombs itinerary, a 14-night journey that takes you through Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam. “If China is the business side of Asia, these countries are more vested in hospitality,” says Gordon Dalgleish, PerryGolf’s co-founder and president. “It’s a softer side of the Asian culture that you see and experience.” Over the course of two weeks, you’ll play eight rounds of golf, including a stop at Angkor Golf Resort in Cambodia, where course designer Nick Faldo received a blessing from local monks before its grand opening. You will also play Nikanti Golf Club in Thailand, a unique layout designed as three six-hole layouts, each consisting of two par-3s, two par-4s and two par-5s. “You’re not going to stumble across a Donald Ross design,” Dalgleish says of the region’s courses. “They’re generally European-designed golf courses in the modern style.” Unlike PerryGolf’s trips through the British Isles, which attract die-hard golfers who want to play golf every day of the journey, Dalgleish says this itinerary appeals to those who prefer to balance rounds of golf with unique sightseeing opportunities. “They want to say that they’ve played golf in these various places,” he says, “but they’ve also experienced the interesting aspects of that country and culture.” From $10,725 per person, contact Cameron Reid, vice president of sales and operations, cameron.reid@perrygolf.com, +1 910 795 1048, perrygolf.com

From top The Nikanti Golf Club, Thailand; Da Nang Golf Club, Vietnam