With so many courses to choose from in Europe and America, many golfers never look beyond the western world for their golfing needs. But a number of countries in Asia have emerged over the last 10 or 20 years as major golfing nations, offering some of the finest courses anywhere in the world.

Here are some of the very best places to play golf if you’re travelling around Asia.

Phuket, Thailand

Thailand has long been a strong draw for travellers keen to explore the country’s beautiful beaches and enjoy the warm weather. But in the last 20 years, the superb golfing facilities around Thailand have ensured that backpackers, party-going young people and wildlife enthusiasts have been joined by increasing numbers of golfers on flights heading to the country. One of the finest courses in Thailand can be found on the southern island of Phuket. The Blue Canyon Country Club, surrounded by spectacular views of the Phang Nga mountains, is ranked as Thailand’s number one and it played host to the 1994 Johnnie Walker Classic. It’s challenging layout and exquisite greens will be a highlight of your golfing holidays.

Hainan, South China

China’s golfing obsession has led to the development of huge numbers of golf courses appearing around the country in the last two decades. Some of the finest Chinese golf courses have been established on Hainan Island in South China. Amongst the best on the island is the BFA International Convention Center Golf Club, designed by Australian Graham Marsh and opened in 2003. Huge, man-made lakes between the fairways make this course a dazzling sight to behold and a delight to play. Golf packages in China are available with Hainan island courses incorporated.

Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Cambodia is looking to follow in China’s footsteps by establishing itself as a golfing nation, in order to help attract business and tourism to the country, with its development being aided by the country’s top golfer, the Prime Minister. Some of the very best courses currently available in Cambodia are gathered in the Phnom Penh and Siem Reap regions, where you can enjoy cheap golf breaks at the tree-lined fairways of the Cambodia Golf & Country Club or tackle the wonderfully varied holes of the Phokeethra Country Club.

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Malaysia is the up-and-coming country in Asian golf, having assembled a stunning selection of courses in readiness to challenge the likes of Thailand and China for a share of the golf tourist market. Malaysia offers great value for people seeking cheap golf breaks and the capital city of Kuala Lumpur is wonderfully well equipped with courses like Bukit Kemuning and Kota Permai offering challenging holes in beautiful surroundings.