It was always the dream of Scotsman Daniel McParland to start his own company here in China, so, being from the land of golf and whisky – and a keen advocate of both – what better idea than to introduce Chinese people to both.
And so Asian Golf Scotland (AGS) was born, offering tours "tailored for the ardent golfer, whisky enthusiast and the adventurer at heart." We sat down with him to find out more.
How did the idea for Asian Golf Scotland come about?
I play golf (very badly). During my time playing golf in Guangdong and Shanghai, I have really enjoyed interacting with the Chinese locals at the courses.
On many occasions, once the locals understand that I am from Scotland, I am met with great enthusiasm. They tell me how it’s their dream to come and play at the Home of Golf in locations such as St. Andrews and Gleneagles. Moreover – of course – the locals are often very excited about Scottish whisky.
Following these conversations, it made me think long and hard. My love for Chinese culture and how friendly the people are here gave me a great passion to show them my home, Scotland.
Asian Golf Scotland was born, and we aim to provide Chinese nationals with the best luxury experience in golf, whisky and adventure.
Currently we have four partners working in the company, two of us based in Shanghai and the other two based in Scotland – giving us the best opportunity for success and networking.
How many tours are you offering currently?
We provide something called ‘Sample Tours’ – where the AGS team have created pre-made packages. At the moment we have four offerings available, and we expect many more to arrive in due course.
Sample Tours as arranged by Asian Golf Scotland present you with a range of luxury packages designed to provide an unforgettable Scottish experience; tailored for the ardent golfer, whisky enthusiast and the adventurer at heart, these tours span Scotland's premier golf courses and hotels, as well as must-visit traditional whisky distilleries and stunning landscapes.
Each package encompasses exceptional services, from plush accommodations and smooth transportation to exclusive experiences, all carefully thought out for your comfort and pleasure.
Clients can experience world-class golfing, savor Scotland's finest whiskies and indulge in thrilling adventure tours. Each day will be undeniably memorable followed by tranquil rest in Scotland's best lodgings.
Our Sample Tours section is the customer's gateway to a distinct Scottish experience that marries golf, whisky and adventure in a seamless leisure escapade.
What kind of courses will people will get to play?
AGS have traversed Scotland's breathtaking expanses to handpick the fairest fairways and the most challenging greens that offer not just a game, but a journey into golf's rich heritage and tradition. These selected courses cater to a spectrum of playing styles, skill levels and aesthetic appreciation.
From the legendary landscapes of St. Andrews to the scenic splendor of Gleneagles, our portfolio of courses navigate through heathland, parkland and lush links. Each course stands testament to the land's timeless allure, offering a harmonious blend of natural beauty and skillful design.
Our handpicked golf courses offer distinct challenges, inviting both seasoned pros and budding aficionados to test their mettle on Scotland's verdant soils. Experienced caddies, top-notch facilities and the most welcoming of clubhouses will all serve to add to your memorable golfing experience with Asian Golf Scotland.
Aside from the golf, what other experiences will people get to enjoy?
At AGS, each service is intended to enhance the clients overall experience and ensure they enjoy an unforgettable journey while exploring Scotland's best golf courses, distilleries, and cultural spots.
We cater to every aspect of their travel experience, including professional photography to capture timeless memories of your Scottish adventure. Our services extend beyond just travel and tours, as we organize exclusive events at distinguished locales like the Edinburgh Voodoo Rooms, giving clients unique experiences steeped in Scottish urban culture.
Understanding the needs of the passionate golfer, our services also encompass golf club hire. We want customers to enjoy a hassle-free journey, focusing solely on the rich experiences Scotland promises, without worrying about the logistics of their golfing gear.
Offered with the prime intention of refining their journey, our compiled services reflect our commitment to offering specialized, convenient and high-quality options that perfectly complement clients travel itinerary.
What kind of accommodation have you lined up for guests?
Asian Golf Scotland proudly partners with several luxury hotels scattered all around Scotland.
These include Gleneagles, a prestigious resort famous for its exquisite golf courses and Michelin-starred restaurant; The Balmoral, a landmark Edinburgh hotel which offers stellar service and luxurious amenities; Marcliffe, a serene oasis located just outside of Aberdeen known for its high-end rooms and top-notch services; and lastly, St Andrews Fairmont, an exclusive costal retreat boasting divine views of the St Andrews Bay and a selection of outstanding golf courses.
Each of these partnerships bring the perfect blend of Scottish tradition, luxury, and stunning landscapes to Asian Golf Scotland's clients.
We see there is the option for people to build their own personalized dream tours. Can you tell us more?
At Asian Golf Scotland, we feature a special option for our esteemed clients, dubbed 'Build-a-Tour.' This unique option allows customers to construct the tour of their dreams, encompassing all the elements that interest them the most.
If you've always yearned to curate your own personalized golfing experience in Scotland, now customers can actually do so! Build-a-Tour puts clients in the driver's seat to select the golf courses they most yearn to play on; whether they wish to challenge themselves on the legendary greens of St. Andrews or relish the dramatic sea views at the highly picturesque Turnberry, the choice is entirely down to the customer.
We understand how much our clients value the rich history and culture of Scotland. So, in addition to golf, they are also free to select their preferred Scotch whisky experiences. If they are interested in in-depth distillery tours or exclusive whisky tasting events featuring some of the rarest and most delicious whiskies in the world, we have it covered.
The Build-a-Tour option also lets clients choose their preferred hotels. Whether you desire luxurious accommodations with panoramic views of Scotland's landscapes, or you prefer the quaint charm of a centuries-old castle stay, we are here to make it happen.
With the Build-a-Tour option, customers get to design the itinerary, select the experiences, and – most importantly – streamline the tour to suit all their preferences. At Asian Golf Scotland, we are committed to making the golf tour not just a trip, but a dream experience that customers will cherish forever.
Tell us about the AGS Academy…
Located throughout Scotland, the AGS Academy delivers the best of Scottish golf education, following a traditional curriculum, adapted to meet the needs of our international students.
Students come to the AGS Academy for our strong Scottish roots and truly personalized approach to learning, which enables children to achieve the very best they are capable of. Our commitment to maintaining a low golf teacher to student ratio alongside personalized training sessions means we have time to identify, celebrate and develop excellence in every child.
Our camps give students the chance to play at some of Scotland’s best golf courses, experience traditional Scottish culture and take part in a variety of programs offered by world class partners. They provide an opportunity to learn, improve and refine golf skills, enhance English language skills and develop a lifelong love of learning golf.
The AGS team has a unique and longstanding experience within the education sector in China, with over a decade of teaching experience in the Middle Kingdom, from teaching English to leading and managing renowned international schools.
Our pedagogical aim is to offer specially crafted camps and experiences to immerse young learners from all over China into the deeply rooted traditions and world-class standards of Scottish golf.
Our Mission
Our mission is to contribute to the overall development of children by offering them an ideal blend of golf education, cultural enrichment, and outdoor activities. The AGS Academy integrates the culture of golf with environmental stewardship, instilling values such as patience, humility, and sportsmanship.
Program Details
The AGS Academy extends an all-encompassing program to the young golfers. Enjoying the beautiful Scottish landscape, students will stay in dormitories designed for their convenience. They will have access to full-time bilingual Mandarin and English-speaking staff ensuring a seamless bridge between cultures and safeguarding their comfort throughout their experience.
Golf Education
Our golf education program is rooted in Scotland's rich legacy, with a course structure carefully orchestrated by seasoned golf professionals. Our students will study the intricacies of the game, from the basics to advanced techniques.
That's not all; the students can look forward to getting familiar with golf etiquette, rules, swing mechanics, course management and much more, all under the watchful eyes of our expert trainers.
Outdoor Activities
We believe in a holistic development approach. Aside from Golf, our students will experience a diverse range of outdoor activities, fostering a healthy body, a disciplined mind and reinforcing the importance of bonding among peers.
Photography
We understand that every moment here is precious, and your child's journey deserves to be captured. A professional photographer will follow their journey, ensuring the memories of their transformative experience last a lifetime.
Catering Details
The AGS academy appreciates the significance of nutrition for growing children. Hence, students will be provided with a balanced menu, offering breakfast, lunch, and dinner, carefully planned by our in-house chefs to meet their nutritional requirements and treat their taste buds with an amalgamation of Chinese and Scottish cuisines.
Allow your child to embark on an unforgettable journey of learning, self-exploration, and fun-filled outdoor activities at the AGS Academy.
Serving as a unique platform that bridges cultures, we at Asian Golf Scotland are looking forward to extending a warm welcome to our students and kindling an enduring love for Golf within them.
Let's tee off this extraordinary adventure together!
And what about your corporate offerings?
We at Asian Golf Scotland pride ourselves on our ability to orchestrate exemplary corporate events designed to meet the specific needs of an organization, whether golf oriented or otherwise.
We understand the essence of a successful corporate event – one that encapsulates business values, fosters camaraderie and leaves a lasting impression on every attendee. With extensive experience in curating a host of events, from team building getaways to high-profile meetings and networking events, we offer comprehensive solutions that makes corporate event planning seamless and stress-free.
From selecting the perfect venue to catering services, entertainment and professional event management, our dedicated team is on hand to manage every detail. Be it a golf tournament at Scotland's renowned courses or an exclusive dinner at the Edinburgh Voodoo Rooms, we tailor the event to suit most objectives and preferences.
Opting for Asian Golf Scotland means choosing quality, professionalism and a personal touch that transforms events into memorable experiences.
Any other plans for future expansion?
We have some exciting ideas to further expand Asian Golf Scotland. Firstly, we are actively exploring partnerships with golf academies in China, aiming to collaborate and provide specialized training programs, creating opportunities for golf enthusiasts to enhance their skills and experience Scottish golf in a unique way.
In addition, we are looking into offering school coaching in Chinese schools, introducing golf to a wider audience and nurturing young talents.
Furthermore, we have plans to expand into Japan and South Korea in the near future, tapping into these vibrant golf markets and offering our luxury tours to golf enthusiasts in those countries.
By building partnerships, engaging with schools, and expanding into new markets, Asian Golf Scotland aims to bring unforgettable experiences to even more golf lovers across Asia.
So, in no more than three sentences, tell us why should people join an ASG tour?
Experience Scotland like never before with Asian Golf Scotland! We offer exclusive luxury golf tours, captivating whisky tastings, and thrilling adventures. Join us and explore the birthplace of golf from an Asian perspective!
Build Your Dream Bespoke Tour
Now is the time to build your dream bespoke tour with Asian Golf Scotland! With limited slots available, we urge you to take swift action. Brought closer to you, the directors are based here in Shanghai, ready to tailor your tour to perfection.
Simply scan the QR code below to initiate a dialogue and commence an unforgettable journey of golf magnificence.
Don't just dream it – Live it. Make this valuable step today, and let AGS craft a one-of-a-kind golfing experience for you.
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