Yangon, Myanmar. The final frontier as far as uncharted cities in Southeast Asia goes. Flawless natural beauty, lithe virginal lands unsullied by the throngs of modern tourism and I’m here ripping my Callaways around thinking last year’s clubs were good enough to show off at the imperious Yangon Golf Club.
When I arrived, I realised how wrong I was; the members were already sporting the latest golfing equipment. Welcome to Myanmar so it is. There is a distinct rich cultural heritage here as I roam the streets of this once prosperous city that has yet to be diluted by the inevitable horde of expatriates. Untapped wealth and resources, a society and civilization finally open and awakened from decades of oppression – of age, ready, legal and willing.
The airport is fairly clean and modern, and just as you leave customs, you are greeted by a ubiquitous duty-free liquor store, so nothing really prepared me for what was to come the moment the hotel car pulled out into the main streets.
Bumper to bumper, there are cars everywhere. Not the motorbikes of Saigon or the bicycles of Beijing, but simply a hoard of cars. This is something to take note of while travelling in Yangon, so definitely plan well ahead to ensure a timely arrival.
I had optimistically booked a Friday 9 am tee-time at the Yangon Golf Club, famed for its colonial roots dating back to 1893, excellent quality and unique non-profit organization structure.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
PLAYING ALONG THE LINES
ClearPath Alignment now adorns the latest TaylorMade TP5 and TP5x Stripe golf balls.
NG CONTINUES TO BLAZE A TRAIL
Sydnie Ng's victory in the Singapore Junior Masters B Division Girls boosts her potential.
DESCENTE ON THE ASCENT
Descente and FILA Golf gives the renovated The Shop at Laguna National Golf Resort Club a trendy boost.
DIVINE PLEASURES FOR A CAUSE
Christian media ministry TWR Asia finds charitable connections through golf.
TO "D" OR NOT TO "D"?
If you chose “D”, you are right and you would be joining millions of people around the world who are choosing “D” as the one necessary supplement they must include in their daily diet.
QUOTIDIAN LUXURY
Audi's new Q4 e-tron offers everyday comfort and performance through sustainable rides.
A RACE LIKE NO OTHER
Join us as we take a front row seat at Le Mans, one of the greatest races in the world, followed by an exclusive tour of Ferrari's automated factory in Maranello, Italy.
CELEBRATING THE MODERN WOMAN
Patek Philippe's Twenty-4 collection has come a long way since its inception at the turn of the millennium, and this year's anniversary edition is a sign of the times.
THE PRIVILEGE OF MEMBERSHIP
Dragon Golf International offers its members in Singapore with access to top courses around the world. Founder and Managing Director Neil Douglas talks about why it may be the answer to the future of golf travel.
THE LURE OF THE LAKESIDE
Banyan Group's massive new undertaking in Phuket rides on soaring international demand for homes on the island