Bandar Seri Begawan - The Empire Hotel & Country Club was chosen as the runner-up for the 'Best Golf Resort in Asia-Pacific' Award for 2012 by Asian Golf Monthly Magazine recently, further putting the spotlight on Brunei as one of the top golfing destinations in Asia.

The hotel's 18-hole Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course has been ranked in the top three spots for the last three years.

According to the hotel, the recognition has further improved the hotel's reputation as a top destination for golfing, as evident in the recently held Royal Trophy Golf Tournament from December 14 to 16.

The hotel was placed first in 2010 and 2011, while this year's award went to Mission Hills Country Club in Rancho Mirage, California, US.

The Minister of Industry and Primary Resources, Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Utama Dato Seri Setia Awg Hj Yahya bin Begawan Mudim Dato Paduka Hj Bakar presented the award to Dato Paduka Awg Hj All bin Hj Apong, Deputy Minister at the Prime Minister's Office and also Chairman of JPH Sdn Bhd, who accepted it on behalf of the hotel.

The golf course has also played host to the annual Brunei Open, contested by the Professional Asian Tour, the Aberdeen Brunei Senior Masters Tournaments and the Faldo Series tournament.

The Empire Hotel & Country Club's championship par-71 course is the flagship golf destination in Brunei, and it first made its mark when it was voted as Asia's Leading Golf Resort' in the World Travel Awards. It is now an established venue for many golf tournaments.

Designed and built by 18-time major winner Jack Nicklaus, the Empire Golf Course is the epitome of championship golf, encompassing lush green fairways and tropical landscapes fringed by jungles with magnificent views of the South China Sea.

--Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin