At the turn of the Century, after full British occupation of Myanmar in 1885, the City of Yangon was already an important flourishing trade center internationally bursting with big and small British commercial organizations. Senior staff of trade organizations, officers of British Regiments, ranking British administrators and merchants decided to bring to Yangon their popular pastime sport, the game of golf.
After decades in the shadows, Myanmar opened up to reveal a surprisingly robust and vibrant golfing community throughout the country
The first golf course in Myanmar was opened in 1887 which is located in the town of Thayetmyo about 225 miles from North of Yangon.
Being a former outpost of the British Empire there are a lot of older golf courses left behind by the British, which are kept in great condition such as Yangon Golf Club built in 1909. Some of the older golf courses have been renovated and they have matured over the years to offer fantastic venues for the adventurous golf traveler.
Myanmar is one of the last virgin golf destinations in South East Asia for golf holidays boasting a wide variety of golf courses.Today there are 127 golf courses all over the country from Myitkyina in far north Myanmar to the southernmost town of Kawthaung (formerly Victoria Point).
As most of the best golf courses in Myanmar are located around Yangon city and some in major tourist hotspots such as Bagan, Mandalay, Taunggyi, Kyaingtong and Lashio, there are enormous potentials for golf holidays. Moreover, the rates such as green fees, caddie fees, buggy rental and other service charges are relatively cheaper compared with the neighboring countries.
It is golden opportunity for those who wish to play golf in exotic courses, besides an experience of un-spoilt natural beauty and to enjoy the warm hospitality of the Myanmar people.
The best time for golf tours are from October to May. Yangon, Taunggyi near Inle Lake and central Myanmar (Mandalay and Bagan) for all year round.
Golf is a passion of many people, particularly in Myanmar and is recognized with one of the best golf courses worldwide; the Gary Player designed Pun Hlaing Golf Club.
Some of the other prominent Myanmar Golf Clubs and Myanmar Golf Courses are the:
- Bagan GolfClub
- Ye’mon Island GolfResort,
- YangonThayet GolfClub,Pyi.
- YCDC GolfClub,Yangon
- YedagunTaung GolfClub, Mandalay
- Ayetharyar GolfResort, Shanstate.
- PyinOoL win GolfClub.