🤪 5 Asian Golf Resorts That Will Save Your Marriage (and Your Handicap)

Good morning,

As a new dad with a one-year-old, getting onto the golf course has become a strategic challenge. Living in Hong Kong, where golf costs are astronomically high compared to other Asian countries, the US, and Europe, every round feels like a precious investment. After diving into a Reddit thread about golfing with a family, I've realized I'm not alone in this pursuit of maintaining my golf game while juggling parental responsibilities.

The thread revealed a familiar pattern: golf frequency nosedives after marriage and kids. But it also highlighted some clever strategies used by fathers to sneak in rounds without causing family friction. This week I’ll explore these approaches and discover family-friendly golf resorts in Asia that offer a win-win: allowing you to enjoy your game while keeping the family entertained.

In Today’s Email

• ♟️ Strategies to employ to get as much golf as you can as a family man

• ⛳️ Family golf resorts to check out

• 💎 What makes these resorts unique

• 💵 Green Fees and Accommodation costs

This Week in Golf 

Singapore continues its land reclamation efforts, expanding its footprint, while an underdog emerged as the APAC Golf Destination of the Year. In the golf world, the season's shortest hitter defied expectations, clinching another PGA tour victory and proving that in golf, power isn't everything.

• Four Golf closures - Singapore government will close four golf courses as the land is needed for future plans

• And the winner is…. Cambodia! Winner’s of the Asia Pacific Golf Destination of the Year Award, you’ll definitely see us doing more detailed features about it

• 161 mph ball speed - Brian Campbell gets his second win after winning the John Deere classic, he is statistically one of the shortest hitters on tour

 Our Fairway Feature: Sugarloaf Social Club

Sugarloaf Social Club is a golf-focused community and brand founded in 2011 by Ian Gilley and Harrison Lewis, originally starting as a group chat among college friends who shared a passion for golf. It evolved from a casual social connection into a full-fledged creative agency and lifestyle brand dedicated to celebrating and preserving a more accessible, inclusive, and authentic golf experience outside the traditional country club scene

Check them out here: 👉 Sugarloaf Social Club

Family Golf Resorts in Asia

How to manage family time and golf

Let's be real marriage and kids don't exactly improve your golf handicap. The brutal truth? Your time on the course shrinks faster than a missed putt. The game-changers are pretty straightforward, these being the number and age of children you have, spouse's support (major key), work flexibility, and personal time management.

Diving into the Reddit thread I mentioned and drawing from my own experience, one thing's clear, we're all fighting the same battle, trying to balance the love of the game with the chaos and challenges of family life.

Summary of Key Strategies as a Family man

1. Early morning tee times (some people would tee off at 6am to ensure they are back and have a full day with their family)

2. Weekday/lunch break golf (if possible)

3. Reciprocal hobby time with your other half

4. Involving kids in golf - this is a cheat code right here, I can’t wait to get my son into the sport

Resorts

Black Mountain Golf Resort – Hua Hin, Thailand

What Makes It Unique

• Only golf resort in Asia with a water park and wakeboard park onsite.

• Spacious family villas offering privacy and comfort.

• Features an award-winning 27-hole championship course recognized internationally for its design and playability as well as PGA teaching facilities

• Perfect for families who want a blend of world-class golf and exciting water activities, all in a scenic, relaxed setting.

• All ages, with family villas and kids’ activities

Golf Stats & Green Fees

• Course: Award-winning 27-hole championship course with East, West, and North courses.

• Skill Levels: Suitable for all—from beginners to advanced players.

• Green Fee: Approx. 2,950 THB (~USD 85) per 18 holes (weekday rate). Weekend rates may be higher.

• Additional Fees: Caddie fee 350 THB (~USD 10), golf cart 750 THB (~USD 22), club rental 1,500 THB (~USD 45).

• Golf Packages:

  • 7-day golf package from 16,900 THB (~USD 485) including accommodation, green fees, caddies, golf lessons, and VIP transfers.

Accommodation & Costs

• Hotel: Black Mountain Hua Hin Resort (3.5-star) with private pool villas and family rooms.

• Rates: From 3,495 THB (~USD 100) per night for stay & play packages.

• Child Policy: Children aged 2–6 stay free.

Who to book with?

• Hotels.com offers exclusive packages combining accommodation and golf rounds.

• Golfasian (Asia’s leading golf tour operator) can arrange full golf holidays with transport, tee times, and family-friendly extras.

Hoiana Shores Golf Club & Resort – Hoi An, Vietnam

What Makes It Unique

• Combines a stunning beachfront location with proximity to the UNESCO World Heritage town of Hoi An, offering cultural richness alongside golf.

• The resort blends golf with water sports, spa facilities, and family-friendly cultural tours, making it a multifaceted destination.

• Junior golf programs and family packages ensure the whole family can enjoy the game together.

Golf Stats & Green Fees

• Course: Award-winning links-style 18-hole championship course.

• Green Fee: Approx. USD 100–150 per round.

• Golf Packages: Family golf packages and junior lessons available.

Accommodation & Costs

• Hotel: Hoiana Shores Resort, beachfront luxury.

• Rates: Approx. USD 200–400 per night depending on season and room type.

Who to Book with?

• Book via Golfasian for expert golf and family itineraries.

• Hotels.com for accommodation with golf add-ons.

Mission Hills Golf Club – Shenzhen, China

What Makes It Unique

• Asia’s largest golf resort with multiple championship courses designed for all skill levels, including beginner-friendly options and advanced challenges.

• Comprehensive golf academy and junior programs foster family participation.

• Offers a vast array of family amenities beyond golf: pools, kids’ play zones, spas, shopping, and cultural experiences.

• The resort’s scale and diversity make it a one-stop destination for golf, leisure, and family entertainment.

• Combines world-class golf with a resort lifestyle and urban convenience.

Golf Stats & Green Fees

• Courses: Multiple championship courses for all skill levels.

• Green Fee: Approx. CNY 600–900 (~USD 85–130) per round depending on course and season.

Accommodation & Costs

• Hotel: On-site hotels and nearby accommodations.

• Rates: Approx. USD 200–400 per night.

Who to book with?

• Book via Mission Hills official website or Golfasian for packages.

The Els Club Desaru Coast – Johor, Malaysia

What Makes It Unique

• Features a world-class 27-hole championship course designed by Ernie Els, suitable for all skill levels with lessons available.

• The course offers diverse layouts that challenge players while remaining accessible to beginners and juniors.

• Located within a resort area featuring multiple family-friendly hotels, kids’ clubs, and teen lounges.

• Extensive non-golf activities including beach sports, cycling, wellness centers, and pools.

• The combination of championship golf and a vibrant family resort atmosphere creates a comprehensive vacation experience.

Golf Stats & Green Fees

• Course: 27-hole Ernie Els-designed championship course.

• Green Fee: Approx. MYR 250–350 (~USD 55–75) per round.

• Golf Packages: Lessons and family golf packages available.

Accommodation & Costs

• Hotels: Nearby family-friendly resorts (Westin, Anantara).

• Rates: Approx. USD 120–300 per night depending on hotel and season.

Who to book with?

• Use Golfasian for combined golf and resort bookings.

• Hotels.com offers accommodation and tee time packages.

Laguna Phuket Resort - Phuket, Thailand

What Makes It Unique

• Nestled within Asia’s first fully integrated destination resort, combining world-class golf with luxury beachfront living and extensive family amenities.

• Lush tropical landscapes, lagoons, and ocean views create a stunning backdrop for golf and leisure.

• The course balances strategic challenge with playability, making it enjoyable for golfers of all abilities.

• Kids’ clubs, water sports, cultural activities, and wellness programs ensure every family member is entertained and relaxed.

Golf Stats & Green Fees

• Course: 18-hole, par-71 championship course stretching 6,756 yards, redesigned by Paul Jansen in 2014.

• Green Fee: Green Fee + Caddy Fee: approx. 3,700 THB (~USD 100) per round. Golf Cart (optional): 700 THB (~USD 19) individual cart or 500 THB (~USD 14) shared cart.

• Golf Packages: Multi-round packages available (e.g., 3 rounds for approx. 10,500 THB).

  • Transfers packages: from 4,050 THB to 5,200 THB depending on group size, including 2-way transfers.

Accommodation & Costs

• Resorts: Laguna Phuket resort complex, a luxury beachfront destination offering multiple 4- and 5-star hotels such as Angsana Laguna Phuket, Banyan Tree Phuket, Dusit Thani Laguna Phuket, and others.

• Room Rates:

  • Range from approx. USD 150 to 350 per night depending on the hotel, room type, and season.

  • Family-friendly resorts within Laguna offer spacious rooms, suites, and villas suitable for families with children.

• Child Policy: Most Laguna resorts have kids’ clubs and welcome children of all ages, with dedicated programs for ages 4–15.

Who to book with?

• Use Golfasian for tailored golf and family packages including transfers, tee times, and kids’ activities.

• Hotels.com offers flexible accommodation and golf bundle deals within the Laguna resort complex.

• Direct booking with individual Laguna hotels is also recommended for best room rates and exclusive family packages.

To Conclude

It is possible to crack the code. Imagine a vacation where everyone wins, you're not choosing between quality time and tee times. The secret? Strategic resorts that transform "either/or" into "have it all". Pick destinations with a range of activities that keep kids entertained, partners relaxed, and you’re perfectly positioned for your morning round. It's not just a holiday; it's a tactical family experience where golf becomes the bonus, not the burden.

Happy Golfing

I hope you enjoyed this edition of The Caddie’s Playbook Please share the newsletter with at least one of your golfing crew and they too can have tips on how to enjoy a family holiday together.

The Caddie