Myanmar, which is also known as Burma, is in Southeast Asia. Situated on the Bay of Bengal and Andaman Sea, Myanmar has China to the north, Thailand to the east and Bangladesh and India to the west.
Golf is a very popular sport in Myanmar and having once been under British rule, this should not come as a surprise. Golf courses can be found across the country and range from those created during British rule to world class, modern golf courses designed by greats of the game, such as Gary Player.
However, before planning a trip to play golf in Myanmar, you must be aware of the climate and choose the best time to visit.
There are three seasons during the year in Myanmar, with the cool season being the best for playing golf. The cool season falls between November and February, with temperatures ranging from 21 to 27 degrees across the country. Not only are the temperatures comfortable but there is very little rain, which is perfect for golf.
The hot season is between March and April and while the conditions remain dry, the temperatures can rise above 40 degrees, which can be uncomfortable when playing golf.
Between May and late October, the weather turns damp and this is known as the wet season. Strong winds can bring thunderstorms and heavy rain, so if you are planning to play golf in Myanmar during this period, make sure you have wet weather gear and do not be surprised to see very heavy downpours.
If you are planning a holiday to play golf in Myanmar and you want the best playing conditions, it is best to book between November and February.
Having decided when you would like to visit, the exciting part about playing golf in Myanmar is choosing which golf courses to test your skills.
As mentioned above, there is an excellent selection of golf courses in Myanmar but perhaps the pick of bunch is Pun Hlaing Golf Club, designed by Gary Player. This 18-hole championship course was opened in 2000 and is situated 12 kilometres west of Yangon, the gateway port city of Myanmar.
The course is suitable for both beginners and experienced golfers, with rivers and lakes featuring on many of the holes. Thankfully, the fairways are quite wide throughout, meaning the water is not an immediate threat much of the time. The course is kept in good condition throughout the year, despite the testing conditions and has played host to some top tournaments, such as the Myanmar Masters and Putra Cup.
Offering tremendous panoramic views of the city and Shwedagon Pagoda, the famous gilded stupa, a visit to Pun Hlaing Golf Club is a must when playing golf in Myanmar.
Another top 18-hole golf course located near Yangon is Royal Mingalardon Golf and Country Club. This par-72 course plays to 7,200 yards and each hole has been created to be unique from the next. Strategic bunkering and mature water features are the two distinctive elements of the golf course and with great views from many of the greens, it is easy to take your eyes off the course.
However, with well-kept greens and lovely trees, your focus will not be removed for long and will quickly return to the golf course. With a large, nicely designed clubhouse, Royal Mingalardon Golf and Country Club should be at the top of your list when planning a golf holiday in Myanmar.
Moving north through Myanmar, away from Yangon, you will find a spectacular golf resort, set in one of Myanmar’s splendid temples. Began Golf Course is set next to a resort of the same name and can be found just ten minutes’ drive away from old Began.
The landscape around this golf course is breath-taking and you will struggle to find anywhere else in the world which will match the special feeling you have when playing Began Golf Course. The course itself does not provide a huge challenge, even for beginner players, as there are no water hazards and minimal bunkering throughout.
However, it is great fun and if you can get out in the morning, the location is fantastic and you will have a golfing experience never to forget. Just take your time, relax and enjoy the unique setting of Began Golf Course.
Heading back down the country to Yangon, you will find one of the oldest golf courses in Myanmar, Yangon Golf Club.
This golf club was established by the British back in 1909 but is continually updated to give the golfers of today a great place to play. Yangon Golf Club is a one off in many ways, firstly because it is run as a not for profit organisation. The course has suffered some problems over the years due to flooding in the monsoon season and cracked ground in the warm, dry season. However, money has been invested back into the golf club, which has helped maintain it during testing weather conditions.
There are several tee shots which are required to carry water and well-placed bunkers add to the overall challenge of the course. The Asian PGA Tour has visited on many an occasion, which highlights the quality of Yangon Golf Club and you are always guaranteed a happy welcome from the staff and great advice from the local caddies.
Do not leave Myanmar, without having played a round of golf at Yangon Golf Club.
Finally, to one of the biggest golf resorts in Myanmar, Yangon City Golf. This golf resort boasts two 18-hole golf courses, the first of which, called Ngwe Thaw Tar was opened in 1994 and the second, named Myakantha in 1996.
Each course offers a different challenge, with Myakantha being the tougher of the two, thanks to narrow fairways, lined with trees. Ngwe Thaw Tar offers wider fairways and easier greens, which makes it more suitable for the beginner golfer in your group. Both golf courses are very well maintained throughout the year and its little wonder the Asian PGA Tour has paid a visit more than once.
So, when playing golf in Myanmar, you have a fantastic selection of golf courses to play. The greatest concentration of courses is around Yangon but you should take the time to travel up the country and experience other courses, such as Bagan Golf Resort and Aye Thar Yar Golf Resort.
We can book tee times ate discounted prices at all of the golf courses in Myanmar and you can be sure that you will always get the best price when you book through Golfsavers.