Destinations

All posts in "Asia"

Golf New Delhi India

Published June 19, 2024 in Asia , India - 0 Comments
ITC Grand Bharat

Golf with Gurus in New Delhi, India

by Dave Finn

As published in the June 2024 issue of Golf Central Magazine

From the moment I arrived, I knew that the sights, sounds and senses were psyched to experience one of the most exotic destinations in the world.

Okay, granted, New Delhi may not be foremost on golfers’ minds but for me, playing my favourite sport in India was an awesome opportunity to combine two of my favourite passions – travel and golf.

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Monkeying Around in Mysterious Malaysia

Published April 24, 2024 in Asia , Malaysia - 0 Comments
Monkeying Around in Mysterious Malaysia

Monkeying Around in Mysterious Malaysia

by Dave Finn as published in the April 2024 edition of Golf Central Magazine.

Malaysia is nestled between Thailand and Indonesia in the South China Sea. An exotic destination indeed but not on most people’s radar as a place to play golf.  This is a land of contrasts.  At one end of the spectrum are the towering skyscrapers, world-class entertainment, unique restaurants, and enticing shopping districts. On the other end, unspoiled countryside, lush rainforests, remote jungles and plenty of pristine beaches and tropical islands to relax on.

Kuala Lumpur, the country’s capital, is the cultural, financial, and economic center, worthy of at least a couple of days of exploration.  In between sightseeing and acclimatizing yourself, you must play a round or two. Continue reading

Impressions of India

Published November 24, 2022 in Asia , India - 0 Comments

IMPRESSIONS OF INDIA

by Jane Finn, Photography by David Finn as published in Issue 23 of Planet Golf Review

To read the entire issue visit: https://planetgolfreview.com/PGR-planet-golf-review-magazine-issue_23.pdf

If I were asked to describe India in a single word, that word would be incredible. Jane Finn discovers the many faces of India on her way to a wedding.

Rich in history and steeped in tradition, India is a country of contrasts. It’s spicy with a bit of bite like the chili chicken I would grow to love on this trip. It’s a mix of congested cities, rural settlements, and large tracts of uninhabited land where wild animals roam free. It’s also a spiritual hub where mind, body and soul align if you allow it. Here, the threads of architecture, culture, and ritual weave together to create a tapestry as stunning as the silky, rainbow-coloured sarees I admire wherever I go.

Before I even land, India engages all my senses. As we descend into Mumbai, the plane’s cabin fills with the scent of camphor, incense, and cooking fires. It’s just after dawn, and the soft morning light shines upon the encampments nestled up against multimillion-dollar condos. From my window seat, I can see that even though it’s early in the day, throngs of people line the streets, and traffic appears to be moving at a crawl.

Everything about India evokes my curiosity and my desire to explore. Still, I admit to being a little intrepid about what I will discover, not only about the country but also about myself on this trip. Continue reading

A Taste of Thailand – James Bond Licence to Thrill

Published November 10, 2020 in Asia , Thailand - 1 Comment
Thailand

THAILAND – A LICENCE TO THRILL

Jane Finn heads east to Thailand and not only explores the caves on James Bond Island but discovers an inner peace after a chance conversation with a Buddhist monk.

By Jane Finn and Dave Finn

As published in November 2020 Issue 17 of Planet Golf Review

Life is full of contrasts, but Westerners are often oblivious to these nuances. In Thailand, you will find cosmopolitan cities and rural villages that dot the landscape, pristine beaches and dirty canals, ancient temples amidst towering skyscrapers, luxury hotels and backpacker’s havens and a vibe that is either enervating or enriching.

Like most travellers, we arrive via Bangkok, a city that never sleeps and the most visited city on the planet, eclipsing London and Paris. It’s hot, humid, congested and chaotic but teeming with life and an energy that invites you to dive in with a ‘beginners mind’ and immerse yourself in the culture. Ninety percent of the population is Buddhist.  It wasn’t long before we discover how this will influence every aspect of our journey to the other side of the world, a place like no other that invites you to get lost so that you can find yourself again.

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Boracay Phillipines Revisited

Published April 7, 2020 in Asia , Philippines - 1 Comment
Boracay - Philippines

Boracay – Paradise Reclaimed

By Jane Finn as published in Issue 15 of Planet Golf Review

It was almost fourteen years ago when I first laid eyes on Boracay, and it was love at first sight. To this day, the word I use to describe my first experience is idyllic. You see, I had been in Makati for over a month, working day and night in the nascent call centre industry, and desperately needed a break. At that time, Boracay was virtually unknown and certainly unfamiliar to me, but a poster enticed me to step inside a local travel agency.

Orchids Resort Boracay

The simple, laid back Orchids Resort is a two-minute walk to the beach

In the blink of an eye, I booked a flight to the Caticlan airport, passage to Boracay aboard a Paraw, and made a reservation for a modest room at the Orchids Resort, a backpackers’ haven that suited this solo traveller’s limited budget to a tee. What was even more astounding was the fact that within a mere six hours, I was checked into my room and found myself consulting with Lynn, the proprietor, to discover what this small island truly had to offer.

For the next few days, based on his sage advise, I sought to explore the nooks and crannies of Boracay and was never disappointed.

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5 Truly Unique Philippine Golf Courses

Published September 5, 2019 in Asia , Philippines - 1 Comment
Anvaya Cove Golf and Sports Club - Hole #7 Philippine Golf

Philippine Golf – as unique as the country

Looking for your next golfing destination? We’ve got you covered.

While the Philippines isn’t the first country that comes to mind when you think of golf, the country’s long history with the sport may surprise you. Made up of 7,107 islands, the Philippines is divided into three main regions: Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. It lies smack bang in the heart of Southeast Asia, making it accessible to neighboring Asian countries such as Thailand, Hong Kong, Japan, and China. It is known for its spectacular beaches, lush mountains, and some of the friendliest locals. However, unbeknownst to many, the country also has a rich golfing history.

A feature published on the Philippine Star on golf history reveals that the sport was introduced to the Philippines in 1886 by the British, who were employed under the Manila Railway Corporation. The story goes that they built a three-hole golf course in the paddy fields of Intramuros, and the rest, as they say, is history. If this has got you interested, read on for our pick of 5 truly unique Philippine golf courses.

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Ariya and Moriya Jutanugarn

Published August 23, 2019 in Asia , Thailand - 1 Comment
Amazing Thailan

An interview with Ariya and Moriya Jutanugarn

I’ve just returned from two unforgettable weeks of golf and exploring Amazing Thailand and I’m so jacked to share my adventures, but these stories will have to wait for now.  As serendipity would have it, Jane and I were honoured this Tuesday to have a private interview with two of the best female golfers in the world prior to this week’s LPGA CP Canadian Women’s Open at Magna Golf Club in Aurora.

Ariya & Moriya Jutanugarn

The sister act of Ariya and Moriya Jutanugarn have made headlines since they turned pro in 2013. Moriya (Mo) came onto the stage in a big way by winning the ‘LPGA Rolex Rookie of the Year’ and currently ranks in the Top 25 of the World.  Younger sister Ariya (May) is the reigning ‘LPGA Player of the Year’ and ‘Tour Money Winner’, a feat she accomplished in 2016.  This pair are the ideal ambassadors to promote golf in Thailand.

So, I’m sure that you can understand why I was a little intimated by these well-accomplished ladies. As best I could, I blurted out ‘Sa-wat-de Krub’ (hello) with hands palmed together – a respectful welcome in Thai culture.  I tried to say ‘Pood Pa Sa Thai mai dai’ (I can’t speak Thai) but it probably came out as ‘Pad Thai No’ since I got a blank stare and in unison they said: “We love Thai food”.  I would find out more about that later. Note to self, even though I tried, stick with yes (Chai) and no (Mai Chai) and of course, thank you (Khob Khun Krug) so as not to embarrass yourself.

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A golfer spends ‘fore’ days in Delhi in Travelife Magazine

Published November 15, 2016 in Asia , India - 2 Comments

By Dave Finn as printed in the April Edition of Travelife.ca

NEW DELHI – From the moment I arrive, the sights, the sounds and the diversity of this city surround me. Within minutes, I know that without a doubt I have arrived in one of the most exotic destinations in the world — for golfers.

Okay, granted, New Delhi may not be foremost on golfers’ minds but for me, playing my favourite sport in India was the opportunity to combine two of my passions – travel and golf.

When you travel this far, though, you simply have to take in the numerous historical sites of Old Delhi, including the Red Fort, Qutub Minar, Humayun’s Tomb, the Lotus Temple and the diplomatic enclave that includes Parliament House, India Gate and the President’s Estate.

“With a thousand years of history, it is a city of contrasts that combines a unique ambience of ancient and the modern,” my host Bharat Bedi so eloquently stated. It was a theme that resonated with me for the rest of my brief stay.

My advice to golfers is that between rounds, take the time to explore the area and experience the culture.

To read the entire article in Travelife Magazine click here

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Exotic Golf Malaysia

Published October 3, 2013 in Asia , Malaysia - 0 Comments

Mysterious Malaysia – A once-in-a-lifetime experience

By Dave Finn

When I tell my buddies that I recently visited Malaysia, I find myself pulling up a map to show them it is nestled between Thailand and Indonesia in the South China Sea and then explaining why it’s such a well kept secret, though maybe not for longer.  An exotic destination indeed but most certainly wouldn’t pop up on most people’s radar as a place to play golf!  I knew that it would be a unique and exciting place to visit but it wasn’t until I did my research that I learned Malaysia has a rich, long history of professional golf.  

I discovered that in 2011 the country celebrated the 50th Anniversary of the Malaysian Open, now known as the Maybank Malaysian Open which is held every April as part of an official Asian Tour event.  This years’ winner was, Italian upstart, Matteo Manassero.  In July, Malaysia also plays host to a second Asian Tour event, the Worldwide Holdings Selangor Masters.

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