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Korean Hospitality Giant Expands into Golf Industry in the U.S.

Landscape view of Sono Felice Country Club in Guam

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News Summary

Sono Hospitality Group has made a significant move in the tourism industry by acquiring two golf courses in Guam, rebranding them as Sono Felice Country Clubs. This acquisition aims to make Guam a leading destination for golf tourism, with plans for enhancing travel options through T’Way Air, a low-cost airline. The move is expected to benefit the local community and boost the tourism sector as the company focuses on providing a high-quality golf experience.

Exciting Changes Ahead for Guam’s Golf Scene!

Big news in the world of golf and hospitality! Recently, the Sono Hospitality Group, known as the largest hotel and resort company in Korea, made a significant move by acquiring two golf courses in Guam. On March 1, they finalized the purchase of the Onward Mangilao Golf Course, marking the beginning of a new chapter for golf enthusiasts in the area.

Fresh Opportunities with a New Look

The excitement doesn’t end there! Along with the acquisition, both golf courses are set to undergo a vibrant rebranding. They will now be known as the Sono Felice Country Club Guam Mangilao and Sono Felice Country Club Guam Talofofo. Previously, these courses were owned by Onward Golf Resort Guam Inc., a Japanese company, but Sono Hospitality Group has big plans in mind for their new assets.

This acquisition isn’t just about changing names; it reflects a trend of taking advantage of the growing demand in the tourism market. With golf becoming more popular in Korea, Sono is all set to make Guam a must-visit destination for golf tourism.

A New Journey with T’Way Air

To strengthen its connection with travelers, Sono has also taken a controlling interest in T’Way Air, a low-cost airline based in Korea. This strategic move is aimed at expanding the airline’s operations to include medium and long-haul routes. The goal? To make it easier for golf enthusiasts to visit Guam and enjoy the breathtaking courses!

By integrating the offerings of T’Way Air with golf packages, visitors will have more seamless travel options to this tropical paradise. There’s talk of possibly even developing on-site lodging for tourists, making it easier than ever to stay and play.

Focus on the Local Community

Frank Cho, the general manager of the Sono Felice golf clubs in Guam, has highlighted the importance of community engagement. They’re striving to ensure job security for current employees throughout this transition. With a commitment to enhancing cleanliness and safety at the facilities, Sono aims to create a welcoming environment that stands out as the best golf destination in Guam.

For those unfamiliar, the Mangilao course is already celebrated as one of the top 100 golf courses in Asia, and it’s known for its stunning scenic views and a flagship par-3 hole that beautifully stretches over the water. Sounds like a paradise for golf lovers, right?

Confident in the Future

Despite the current slowdown in visitor numbers due to global circumstances, Sono’s acquisition reflects a strong belief in the rebound of the Guam tourism sector. This sale is part of a broader trend, as seen with other Korean companies investing in Guam’s golf offerings, including the previous acquisition of the Starts Guam Golf Resort.

Interestingly, while Sono Hospitality Group has made its mark in the Korean golf scene, this is their first venture into golf course operations outside of their home country. They do manage several golf facilities in Korea and even have an overseas course in Vietnam, but expanding into Guam presents exciting new challenges and opportunities.

A Bright Future for Golf in Guam

As plans unfold for the Sono Felice Country Clubs, it’s clear that an exciting future is on the horizon. From a fresh brand identity to enhanced travel options, golf courses in Guam are expected to see a transformation that puts them on the map for visitors from near and far.

Keep an eye on this dynamic development, as Sono Hospitality Group takes the reins to redefine what golfing in this tropical paradise can be. Whether you’re a passionate golfer or a curious traveler, there’s never been a better time to explore everything Guam has to offer!