Chinese tourists play golf at a golf course in the North Korean capital of Pyongyang in this picture taken May 1, 2004. REUTERS/Lee Jae-WonReuters
Friday, March 14, 2008
SEOUL (Reuters) - A South Korean tour group is in talks with hermit North Korea to take golfers to one of the world's most exclusive courses where legend has it Dear Leader Kim Jong-il made history by shooting 11 holes-in-one.
"We are not advertising for the trip yet," said an official with Pyeonghwa Air Travel Agency, but the firm has applied with North Korean authorities to conduct the golf tour.
According to estimates in South Korean media, a five-day trip including rounds at the course outside Pyongyang, would run close to $3,000. That is about double what it costs for similar trips to other neighboring countries.
The few golfers who have played the 7,000 meter (7,655 yard), 18-hole course say the greens are well manicured and caddies can take long naps because of the yawning gaps between tee-offs.
It is used mostly by the handful of foreign businessmen in Pyongyang who play golf.
North Korea's official media has described the holes as "diverse and peculiar in styles."
It has a modern club house supported by pillars shaped like golf clubs and is situated by a scenic lake, the KCNA news agency reported in 2002.
"During breaks, golfers enjoy collecting plants, boating and angling in the picturesque recreation ground," it said.
At his famed round, novice golfer Kim reportedly shot about 20 strokes lower than best round ever for a professional event over 18 holes.
(Reporting by Lee Jiyeon; Writing by Jon Herskovitz; Editing by David Fox)
Friday, March 14, 2008
SEOUL (Reuters) - A South Korean tour group is in talks with hermit North Korea to take golfers to one of the world's most exclusive courses where legend has it Dear Leader Kim Jong-il made history by shooting 11 holes-in-one.
"We are not advertising for the trip yet," said an official with Pyeonghwa Air Travel Agency, but the firm has applied with North Korean authorities to conduct the golf tour.
According to estimates in South Korean media, a five-day trip including rounds at the course outside Pyongyang, would run close to $3,000. That is about double what it costs for similar trips to other neighboring countries.
The few golfers who have played the 7,000 meter (7,655 yard), 18-hole course say the greens are well manicured and caddies can take long naps because of the yawning gaps between tee-offs.
It is used mostly by the handful of foreign businessmen in Pyongyang who play golf.
North Korea's official media has described the holes as "diverse and peculiar in styles."
It has a modern club house supported by pillars shaped like golf clubs and is situated by a scenic lake, the KCNA news agency reported in 2002.
"During breaks, golfers enjoy collecting plants, boating and angling in the picturesque recreation ground," it said.
At his famed round, novice golfer Kim reportedly shot about 20 strokes lower than best round ever for a professional event over 18 holes.
(Reporting by Lee Jiyeon; Writing by Jon Herskovitz; Editing by David Fox)
No comments:
Post a Comment