Beautiful Golf Courses in Myanmar

By Amy Nair

 Golf courses are important – not just for playing golf, but giving the eye a much-deserved break from seeing concrete buildings and dusty roads. Well-manicured golf courses look lovely, with yards of greenery and a few trees in between.

Myanmar is considered one of the authentic golf destinations of Asia and is a preferred destination of golfers across the world. There are an estimated 80 golf courses in Myanmar, most of which are concentrated around Yangon, the biggest city of the country.

These 5 golf courses are the most popular in Myanmar.

 Yangon Golf Club

This golf club was built in 1909 during the British occupation. Since Yangon was set up as the capital during this time, the city had a flourishing community of British administrators, officers of British regiments, traders and other high-ranking officials.

With golf being a favourite pastime among these people, it was only natural for a golf course to be developed. Two golf courses were established during this time – an 18-hole golf course that is still well-maintained today and a 9-hole course that has now been converted into People’s Park.

During this time, Yangon Golf Club was a primary destination of the members of the European community. Today, it remains a primary destination for domestic golfers and international golfers visiting the country.

It is located about 40 minutes’ drive north of Yangon city centre. Along with 18 holes, the golf club features a clubhouse, pro shop and restaurant. It hosted the Asia PGA Tour in 1998 and 1999.

Pun Hlaing Golf Club

This golf course is located to the northwest of Yangon, about 13 kilometres from the city centre. It is an 18-hole golf course with a magnificent view of Hlaing and Pun Hlaing rivers. You can play with the iconic Shwedagon Pagoda in view.

Pun Hlaing Golf Club has hosted the Myanmar Masters Tour in 2008 and 2009, ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Retreat in 2001, and Putra Cup in 2005. In 2009, golf professionals visited the golf club for a pro-am tournament and played with its members.

Besides the golf course, the club has a café, a bistro and a spa and beauty salon. It is the favoured golf club among Yangon residents due to its superb location and closeness to the city centre.

Aye Thar Yar Golf Resort

The lush green hills of Shan State are the ideal setting for establishing a golf course. Located only 30 minutes away from Heho Airport in Taunggyi, this golf course lies to the northeast of Inle Lake. It is also a resort with excellent views of the surrounding mountains.

The best thing about this golf course is the cool breeze that blows throughout the year. There are 9 streams behind the golf course, which provide the best setting for enjoying a good day playing golf. The facilities at this golf club include a pro shop, restaurant, driving range, putting greens, practice bunkers and a two-story clubhouse.

Shwe Mann Taung Golf Course

This pretty green land is located just a short walk away from the city centre of Mandalay. It is used largely by golfers in Mandalay to enjoy themselves. Shwe Mann Taung Golf Course features 18 holes and the iconic Mandalay Hill in the background.

The golf course has all the modern conveniences such as caddies, golf carts, night golf, a pro shop, practice facilities, on-site accommodation, and spa and salon facilities.

Royal Myanmar Golf Club

The new capital of the country, Nay Pyi Taw, is also home to an extensive 7,200-yard golf course established in 2010. The course is interspersed with several lakes and provides excellent facilities for golfers.

The amenities include a pro shop, large dining room, private golfer bar, multipurpose function room, men’s and women’s locker rooms with shower facilities, and restaurants serving delicious food.

Caption: Royal Myanmar Golf Club in Nay Pyi Taw.

If you are looking to enjoy your holiday with a few games of golf, Myanmar is the place to be. From historical golf courses to modern facilities, you will surely find something that suits your golfing taste in this country. Don’t forget to add in some sightseeing of the city to enjoy a complete holiday.

Happy golfing!