This article provides an update on the number of golf courses and future development plans in Southeast Asian countries, including Vietnam, Thailand, Singapore, Laos, Cambodia, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Indonesia. Follow the post to learn deeply about the Southeast Asia's golf industry in 2024!
Southeast Asia's golf landscape presents a diverse and dynamic market, with around 1.000 golf courses spreading across the eight listed countries. This distribution shows how the golf business has developed and invested differently across the region, which is a reflection of how each country handles sports tourism and leisure facilities.
Thailand leads the pack with a commanding 306 courses, accounting for about one-third of the region's total. Malaysia and Indonesia follow with 200 and 150 courses respectively, forming a clear top tier in the market. These three countries combined represent over 70% of all golf courses in the region, indicating a concentration of golf tourism and infrastructure development in these nations.
For more specific numbers and detailed insights into each country's golf landscape, let's stroll through the remaining part of the article.
Number of Golf Courses across ASEAN Member States
Thailand
With an astounding 306 courses, Thailand dominates the Southeast Asian golf landscape. Spread across the country, the Central region boasts 210 courses, while the North, Northeast, and South offer 39, 31, and 26 courses respectively, which offers golfers diverse playing experiences across the country.
Malaysia
Not far behind, Malaysia claims second place with 252 golf courses. While it may not match Thailand's numbers, Malaysia has seen the most significant growth in the region, with a remarkable 25% increase in golfers. This surge suggests that Malaysia is quickly becoming a formidable competitor in the Southeast Asian golf market.
Indonesia
Following closely, Indonesia holds the third spot with 181 courses but isn't content to rest on its laurels. As Singapore closes its public courses, Indonesia is strategically positioning itself to fill this void. By targeting golf enthusiasts seeking overseas vacations, Indonesia aims to climb the ranks and challenge its northern neighbors.
Philippines
The Philippines brings a unique historical perspective to the regional golf scene. With 118 courses, it may not top the list in quantity, but it boasts the oldest course in Southeast Asia - the Santa Barbara Golf Course in Iloilo province, established in 1907.
Vietnam
The number of golf courses in Vietnam is set to soar, with 86 already in operation. With plans to more than double its courses to 200 by 2025, Vietnam is making a bold move to compete with the top-ranking countries. The country's golf tourism is already booming, with 30-40% of international tourists choosing golf-related trips in early 2023.
Singapore
In contrast to its neighbors, Singapore presents an intriguing case. Despite having only 20 courses, it has seen a significant increase in golfers, from 80,000 in 2018 to 120,000 in 2022 (R&A Global Golf Participation Report 2023). This growth, despite limited facilities, highlights the increasing popularity of golf in the city-state and potentially explains why neighboring countries are eager to attract Singaporean golf tourists.
The government's land use regulations, however, stand in stark contrast to this meteoric rise in popularity. As part of its efforts to rebuild land for housing and other needs, Singapore is continuing to close golf courses, including Champions Public Golf Course last year and their last public 18-hole course - Marina Bay Golf Course on June 2024. Aside from that, Mandai Executive Golf Course, initially slated for closure in December 2024, has received a two-year extension until December 2026, as announced by the government in April 2024. The unusual dynamic that has resulted from this circumstance could cause Singaporean golfers to look for chances in neighboring nations.
Cambodia
Cambodia, while currently having the fewest courses at 10, is showing signs of joining the golf tourism race. City Golf is creating two eighteen-hole layouts designed by Brian Curley, with the East course set to open in January 2024 and the West course following in 2025.
Laos
Similarly, Laos is looking to grow its golfing industry with 10 golf courses. The government, in partnership with Korean investors, plans to construct a new golf course and resort called "DreamLand Lao" on Don Kangkhong island in the Mekong River, aiming to attract 500 to 1,000 visitors per month during the opening period.
A country's golf course landscape is indicative of the growth of its golf business. With this information, managers may assess how various nations in the area stack up against one another, then spot developing markets, and seek chances for expansion.
Follow Asia Golf Journey to explore more insights into the golf market and stay updated on the latest trends and developments in Southeast Asia's dynamic golfing landscape. All data collected is about 18-hole courses. Source: Asia Golf Journey, GolfLux, GolfPass, AleGolf, Club Managers' Association, Golf in Cambodia, Golf in Malaysia
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