For political reasons, Myanmar has not so far attracted the flurry of international golfing designers so evident in the layouts found in many other nations in Southeast Asia. 

The situation is exemplified by the sole exception, Gary Player, who, during one of the occasional anti-government upsurges, became the subject of much hostile media attention, and despite his well-known charitable credentials, was mired in controversy and unfairly tarred with supporting a repressive regime, the Generals of which were partial to discussing the ‘business’ of repressive ruler-ship while playing on his fine course.

As the country gradually opens its doors, new opportunities are sure to develop. 

Located at Pun Hlaing Golf Club, situated 12km west of the capital, Yangon (formerly Rangoon) Gary Player’s superb 7,012 yard course is highly suited to both amateurs and professionals alike and its challenging course has played host to the Myanmar Masters tournament. With its proximity to magnificent Shwedagon Pagagoda, the temple complex provides a stunning backdrop to a round of good golf.

Yangon has several other courses of note, particularly the highly strategic layout of the 7,200 yard course at the Royal Mingalardon Golf and Country Club, the two courses of Yangon City Golf Resort, which have hosted the Asian PGA Tour, and the naturalistic setting of the 7,010 yard course at Yangon Golf Club, one of the earliest, established in very different times and designed by the British. 

Away from the capital, and set in the landscape of one of the famous Bagan Temples, dating back to the 11th century, the 7,417 yard course at Bagan Golf Resort provides an opportunity to enjoy a round in a remarkable setting. Although not the most challenging of courses, the magnificent setting is perfect for those wishing to combine some golfing with sightseeing the vast array of historical sites of Bagan. 

If you take the road to Mandalay, the 7,127 yard course at Ye Dagon Taung Golf Club is set in the beautiful scenery of the Shan mountains and offers narrow fairways and tight greens, while if you are visiting Taunggyi, in southern Shan State, the 7,380 yard course at Aye Thar Yar Golf Resort, close to Inle Lake, will provide a scenic escape among the moderate temperatures found at its 900 metre altitude.