chiang mai, bangkok and pattaya ana wongsing

Golf Course Reports
Chiang Mai, Bangkok
and Pattaya
Women in Golf
Ana Wongsing talks about
Rasputin’s new golf
tournament
Behind the TV
Asian Tour’s
Commentators
Plus News, Tee Offers,
Picture Reports & Lots More...
THAI GOLF / ISSUE Fourteen
FREE COPY
ISSUE 14
CONTENTS
32 35
Editorial
Senior Writers
- Mark Hall
[email protected]
- Thamrong A. (Jack)
jack@t haigolfnetwork.com
ART & Design and Layout:
PRODUCTION Dew Piyaman
[email protected]
Tel: +66(0) 89 144 7837
6EDITOR’S LETTER
7GOLF NEWS...
POWERPLAY ARRIVES IN PATTAYA
11
Destination report
ROYAL LAKESIDE
14
Destination report:
CHIANG MAI HIGHLANDS
19HOLE IN ONE
20ADVERTORIAL
BLUE DIAMOND
Printing:
Grand Prix International Co Ltd
Tel: +66 (0) 2 522 1731-8
ADVERTISINGThailand:
Thamrong A. (Jack)
Mobile +66 819878201
[email protected]
International:
Mike Bridge
+66 (0) 831 986 700
[email protected]
Russia:
Kim Waddoup
[email protected]
25
Pattaya news
ROYAL GOLF PACKAGE
26
Phuket news
Patong
28
Behind the TV
Behind the TV Coverage…
30
TAT Advertorial
32LPGA PICTURE REPORT
32
Editor
Mike Bridge
[email protected]
Tel: +66(0) 83 198 6700
Interview
LPGA COMISSIONER MIKE WHAN
PUBLISHER
Grand Prix International Co Ltd
4/299 Moo 5, Soi Ladplakhao 66
Ladplakhao Road
Anusawari, Bangkhen
Bangkok 10220 Thailand
Tel: +66 (0) 2 522 1731 -8
Managing Editor Thanyalak Padungmueang
Magazine Website www.thaigolf-news.com
© All materials in this magazine is the copyright of International Golf Publication.
Supported by
The Midst property project
4
• THAI GOLF •
ISSUE Fourteen
www.thaigolf-news.com
summer family fun
Come and stay with us at Evason & Six Senses Hua Hin this summer and the whole family will be in for a real treat.
We can now accommodate 2 adults and 3 children in our villas at Six Senses Hua Hin and 2 adults 2 children at
Evason Hua Hin at no additional charge! - What’s more, we’ll also throw in breakfast.
Kids aged 4 – 11 inclusive will also be able to enjoy free access to their own swimming pool and playground at ‘Just Kids!’
where a whole range of other complimentary activities is available to be enjoyed with both child and parent.
There’s also a daily 3pm fun activity, game or competition for all kids to join in.
For additional value, kids will also be able to eat free of charge for lunch and dinner from the ‘Kids menu’
when accompanied by 2 full paying adults purchasing any main course.
Finally, we also offer complimentary babysitting when parents both book the spa.
This package is available exclusively online.
Prices start at just THB 4,200 for 2 adults and 2 children valid all days from 16th April to 31st October 2012.
For reservations and inquiries:
Six Senses Hua Hin: T: +66 (0) 32 618 200 E: [email protected] www.sixsenses.com
Evason Hua Hin: T: +66 (0) 32 632 111 E: [email protected] www.evasonresorts.com
THAI GOLF
ISSUE 14
EDITOR’S LETTER
Editors letter….
Well it has been a few weeks since our last issue, but we have
been very busy adding value to our magazine, which we hope
you will enjoy
We have also joined forces with Thai Golf Network, who organize
many tournaments here in Thailand. They are helping us get
more up to date by creating an ‘E’ magazine of Thai Golf which
will shortly be launched in both English and Thai.
We have also increased the size of the magazine to 44 pages,
allowing us to cover more golf courses, and more editorial articles.
One new addition is we are able to give you a different perspective
on how to view your favorite golf course, by taking digital photos
from the air. In the next few months we aim to bring you more
spectacular photos of Thai golf courses.
Great to see Louis Oosthuizen repeat a Rory, and win the Maybank,
straight after his Master’s defeat in the play offs. Asia also seems to
appeal to Lee Westwood who successfully defended his Indonesian
Open title. He said on camera that he aims to return to Amata
Springs in December to defend his Thailand Championship too.
In this issue we caught up with Mike Whan, the LPGA commissioner, checked out
four golf courses and met the guys who bring us the TV coverage for the European
and Asian Tours. We are also adding more info about what’s happening here in
Thailand, including events, entertainment and hospitality. Hope you guys also like
our new ‘Women in Golf’ series.
Golf Course Reports
Chiang Mai, Bangkok
and Pattaya
Women in Golf
Now the rainy season approaches, the courses will be offering lower rates, but
remember to take the waterproof covers.
ana Wongsing talks aBout
RasPutin’s neW golf
touRnaMent
Behind the TV
asian touR’s
CoMMentatoRs
Plus News, Tee Offers,
Picture Reports & Lots More...
THAI GOLF / ISSUE Fourteen
We at Thai Golf also have special offers on green fees and hotel accommodation plus
news on local tournaments, to pass on to our readers. If you would like to receive
our free newsletters just drop me an email to [email protected] and mark it
‘newsletter’ and we will add you to our mailing list.
FREE COPY
COVER PICTURE SUPPLIED
BY Thaigolfnetwork
Enjoy your golf.
Mike Bridge.
REGULAR
FEATURES:
• LOCAL AND INTERNATIONAL NEWS
• GOLF TOURISM
• THAI COURSES
• INTERVIEWS
• GOLF JOKES
• TEE OFFERS
6
• THAI GOLF •
ISSUE Fourteen
www.thaigolf-news.com
GOLF NEWS...
Big Bunker!!!
PowerPlay arrives in Pattaya.
To celebrate their ‘Best Golf Destination Award’ for
Asia voted by 400 International Golf Tour Operators,
the Mayor of Pattaya hosted the first PowerPlay
tournament at Laem Chabang Golf Club recently.
PowerPlay is played over 9 holes with two flags on
each green. Players opting for the black flag rather than
the white flag get more points, but the position of the
black flag is harder.
OK let’s get a shot of the World’s Number 1 Luke Donald
chipping out of a bunker to promote the HSBC Abu
Dubai Golf Championship. Their Championship kicked
of this seasons European Tour, so some clever PR took
poor old Luke and his trusty caddy out to the biggest
sand bunker they could find…part of the empty quarter
of the desert in the UAE. Hope they didn’t ask the
caddy to pick up all the balls too!!!
Over 120 members of the media and local golf tour
operators participated on the clubs floodlit nine holes,
and everyone agreed that PowerPlay, which is launched
by Colin Montgomerie and Paul Casey in the UK, was a
fun way of competing over a short nine hole course. For
details about future events to be held in Phuket, Bangkok
and Pattaya visit www.asiangolfevents.com
This year’s desert swing part of the European Tour
kicked off with moneybags Abu Dhabi grabbing Dubai
favorite Tiger Woods to head a mega field of the
World’s best including Luke Donald, Lee Westwood
and Rory McIroy.
Asked why he decided to switch from playing in
the Dubai Desert Classic, Tiger said, ‘US$1.5million
appearance fee!’
Although all the top players cashed in their
appearance fees, the eventual winner was an ex club
pro from England, a certain Robert Rock.
Let’s hope they didn’t ask Luke’s caddy to pick up
all the balls too!!!
Royalty Plays Phuket’s Mountain
As we were covering Red Mountain
for this month’s course report, we
noticed that the marshals were keen
for our party to move on as we
neared the end of our round.
Turned out that Royalty was on
the course. In fact the Son of the
King of Morocco and his pals were
playing a round at Phuket’s top golf
club.
Eight golf carts, numerous caddies,
body guards and police were
everywhere. I understand that
was his fifth visit to the course.
Obviously he has good taste!
www.thaigolf-news.com
ISSUE
ISSUE
Fourteen
NINE • THAI
• THAI
GOLF
GOLF
NEWS
• 7•
GOLF NEWS...
Siam Royal View Koh Chang Golf Course
Golf tourism in Thailand is
expected to reach 60 billion
baht in value for the first
time in 2012.
According to the Tourism Authority of Thailand
(TAT), an estimated 600,000 international
golf tourists will visit Thailand’s five major golf
destinations, which include Bangkok, Phuket, Hua
Hin, Pattaya and Chiang Mai, this year.
Currently, 65% of Thailand’s golf tourists are from
Europe and 15% are from Australia. The golf tourist
spends approximately 100,000 baht on average,
which is three times more than the typical tourist.
Thailand is attracting golf tourists in their thousands,
largely due to the fact that the cost of a golf
vacation in Thailand is around half when compared
with the popular golf destinations of Ireland,
England, Scotland and the USA. Besides the cost,
other major factor attracting golf tourists is the
excellent year round weather, something that most of
the other destinations cannot compete with.
Thailand has a new golf course on the island of Koh
Chang. The Siam Royal View Pitch & Putt course has been
imaginatively laid out on a series of lagoon islands which
are connected by many bridge walkways. The landscaped
fairways all have spectacular views and avoiding water hazards
makes up a large part of the challenge of playing the course
successfully.
It is a 9 hole par 3 course, playable in both directions,
making it possible to play 18 unique holes of the course in
a day. Although not a full golf course, it offers some of the
most attractive golfing experiences in Thailand, of course
primarily challenging the short game skills. The course which
was officially open recently by the Vice Governor of Trang,
is open daily to the public and is certain to become one of
Koh Chang’s most popular attractions. Since the course
is set within a beach resort with long sandy beaches, a
beach club and multiple restaurants, large swimming
pools, a yacht marina and watersport facilities, it also offers
abundant distraction for your non-golfing company.
Siam Royal View Koh Chang
8
• THAI GOLF •
ISSUE Fourteen
Golf tourism from Korea and Japan is also on the rise
and 2012 is expected to be a bumper season for golf
resorts across the country.
The fact that Thailand is being recommended as the
preferred golf vacation destination by leading travel
magazines like Travel & Leisure, U.S.A. and Conde
Nast Traveler, UK, adds to its inviting allure. Phuket
is being claimed as a leading golf destination and is
among the top island destinations for a vacation.
Winning international golf awards also adds to the
allure of golfing vacations in Thailand. The International
Association of Golf Tourism Operators has voted Pattaya
as the ‘Best Golf Destination 2012 in Australasia and
Asia. Thailand had won the prestigious award in 2010
too; The Siam Country Club, in Pattaya was awarded the
most well maintained resort award in the region.
Golf tourism in Thailand is on the rise and is expected
to take a huge slice of the International Golf Tourism pie
during 2012.Thailand is proving to be the perfect golf
vacation destination.
www.thaigolf-news.com
B o P hlo
i, K a n c h a n a b u r i
“This is my dream,
My family,
My friends”
Dr.Prachin Eamlumnow
Grand Opening August 2012
actual picture: 2 march 2011
Blue Diamond Golf and Watersports Club Co.,Ltd.
4/299 Moo5 Ladplakhao 66, Anusawari, Bangkhen, Bangkok 10220
Fax (66-2)971-7342 Tel. (66-2)971-7340, (66-84)075-4709
Tel./Fax (66-34)603-858, (66-87)160-0140
www.bluedaimondgolf.com
GOLF NEWS...
Black Mountain first Thai course in Top 100 outside the United States
Just five years after opening, Black Mountain Golf Club near
Hua Hin has become the first course in Thailand to be named
among the top 100 golf courses outside the United States.
In the latest rankings published in the May issue of US Golf
Digest, Black Mountain was placed 98th best course outside
America among an elite field of which only 14 are in Asia.
Five of the Asian courses are in Japan, three are in South
Korea, two in China and one each in Guam, Indonesia (Bali)
and Thailand.
Located just 10 minutes from Hua Hin, 200 kilometres
south of Bangkok, a long-standing holiday destination of
the Thai Royal family and favoured by European visitors,
Black Mountain was designed by Phil Ryan of Pacific
Coast Design in Melbourne, Australia.
There are 23 new entrants in the 2012 US
Golf Digest list, which is compiled every three
years. The top new entrant is Yas Links in Abu
Dhabi, named at 24, followed by The Lost
Farm, Australia at 28.
Courses in Asia to break into the top are Naruo,
Japan (64), Nirwana, Bali (66), Phoenix (67),
Japan (66), Mangilao, Guam (79), Woo Jeong
Hills, South Korea (81), Black Mountain (98) and
Anyang, South Korea (99).
Black Mountain’s New Par 3 Course
“We are proud to be the first course in Thailand to make
it into the Top 100,” said Harald Elisson, general manager
of Black Mountain Golf Club. “The ranking is the third
major award for the course in the past four months and
will further strengthen Thailand’s position as the best golf
destination in Asia.”
The championship golf course has hosted two Asian
Tour events as well as the 2010 Royal Trophy. In 2010,
Asian tour players voted Black Mountain the best host
venue of the year.
Black Mountain’s New Par 3 Course
10
• THAI GOLF •
ISSUE Fourteen
www.thaigolf-news.com
Royal Lakside
With summer fast approaching it helps to find
a golf course that can keep you cool.
Royal Lakeside Golf Course, located at the mouth of the Bangpakong River,
must be one of the best choices this summer. This course features some
beautiful surroundings and being located nearby the sea, the breezes can
keep you cool.
An unusual feature of this golf course is that there is the private marina for
yachts close by. Members can enter the golf course from the Yacht Club
which makes it possible to reach the golf course by your private boat from
Bangkok or even Pattaya.
Opened in 1993 the club as redesigned and up graded in 2011. Designed
by the Sumitomo Construction Company this par 72 18 hole course runs
at 6,815 yards. The greens use Tif Eagle and the fairways and rough
use Zoysia Grass.
The owners have spent more than a hundred million baht to renovate
the golf course, which has easy access and runs right along the
Bangpakong river bank. The riverside setting which is close to the Gulf
of Thailand, ensures for cool breezes throughout the day.
Mike Whan Interview
With the sea breezes blowing all the time, Royal Lakeside provides
a link style feel. To get a low score here, you will need to be an expert
in calculating the wind direction.
The club’s signature Hole is their 11th , a par 4 364 yard
and watch out for their tricky 7th par 5.
From the white tees boxes Royal Lakeside gives the average handicap
golfer the chance to make a few pars, especially on the par-three holes.
The greens, are fast and true, many raised from the fairway, and have
several obstacles with lakes each side of the hole, adding to the
enjoyment and excitement.
This golf course provides a stunning new white clubhouse,
with excellent and roomy locker rooms, a Pro Shop and
two excellent Japanese and Thai restaurants, offering a
great choice of fine dining after your round.
Besides your round of golf, if you visited the riverside at the 13th hole
you shouldn’t miss taking a breather to add a bit of sightseeing from
this view point, while enjoying a drink.
Open 1993 (Redesigned 2011)
Designer Sumitomo Construction
18 holes par 72 (6815 Yards)
Grass Type Greens - TifEagle
Fairways - Zoysia Grass
Roughs - Zoysia Grass
Reservation call : +66(038) 573 275-8
Website: www.royallakeside.com
Signature Hole : Hole 11 Par 4 364 yard
How to go: If your are travelling from Bangkok to the course ,
you will need to cross over the Bangpakong Bridge on the right
hand side. This coming from the Chonburi direction, the course
will be on the left hand side before the Bridge. There will be a
cross way to the course approximately 1 km.
Promotion
- Monday & Wednesday “SPORT DAY” Green Fee 800 THB.
- Tuesday “BUFFET DAY” Green Fee 1,000 THB Unlimited round.
- Thursday “LADIES’ DAY” Green Fee 800 THB for Lady golfers.
www.thaigolf-news.com
ISSUE Fourteen
• THAI GOLF •
11
Red Mountain Golf Course
Only opened since 2008, this superb 18 hole golf course on the island of Phuket
really is fast becoming a firm favourite with tourists, locals and expats alike.
Designed by Jon Marrow, (he designed Bangkok’s Riverdale golf course as well)
the course cleverly follows the contours and layout of an old disused tin mine.
The rocks which are genuinely red, hid the next hole, making the trip around
the 18 holes similar to your first visit to Disneyland…..a ‘wow’ at each
tee box!!!
After a fairly straight forward par four downhill, the fun starts on the second
hole, a difficult par 5. You tee off over 160 yards of water onto a fairly wide
fairway. Your second shot needs to get up to the dog leg, to avoid a blind
shot over a large rock hiding the green, which is similar to a switchback train.
A par here and you are on the way to a great round.
Hole 8 has a spectacular view from a raised tee box with plenty of risk and
reward options. Hole 10 should be a worthy signature hole, and also enjoy
hole 12 a beautiful par 5 along with the 18th.
Open 2007 May
Designer Jonathan Morrow
18 holes 72 Par and covers less than 7,000 yards
Grass Type Fairway Grass- Seashore Paspalum
Grass on Green- Bermuda Novotek
Website: www.redmountainphuket.com
Reservation call: +66 (076) 322 000-1
Signature Hole: Hole 17th Par3
The cameras will go crazy at their fun par 3, 17th, literally 140 yards
down a mine shaft!!
Red Mountain is one of the most expensive courses to play in Thailand,
but for once you really do feel you get your monies worth. The tee boxes,
fairways and green were in excellent condition, the caddies were very
friendly and extremely well versed in the layout and especially reading
the greens.
The club house is very relaxing with an excellent restaurant overlooking
the 18th hole. For once no need to worry about hiring clubs…..check out
their selection of brand new clubs. Good driving range and two putting
areas to get your eye in too.
If you only have one reason to head to Phuket, please try Red Mountain.
Chiang Mai Golf Festival
The golf course participate the project in Chiang Mai, Lamphun and Lampang
May-June 2012
Opening the season with golfing in the midst of the mountain, amazed with one price
green fee 800 baht/person and join the competition for the whole season 900 baht/person
Contact: (TAT) Chiang Mai Office Tel : +66(0) 5324 8604, +66(0) 5324 8607
• THAI GOLF •
ISSUE Fourteen
www.thaigolf-news.com
RI V ERDA LE G O LF
AND COUNTRY CLUB
R I V E R D A L E G O L F A N D C O U N T R Y C L U B C O . , LT D .
1 2 3 / 5 M O O 1 , B A N G K A D I S U B - D I S T R I C T, M U A N G PAT H U M T H A N I ,
PAT H U M T H A N I 1 2 0 0 0 T E L : 0 2 - 5 0 1 - 2 7 8 9 FA X : 0 2 - 5 0 1 - 2 4 8 4
www.riverdalegolfc lub.co.th
Chiang Mai Highlands
Chiangmai Highlands
Golf and Spa Resort
A place of happiness for the entire family
Golfing at Chiang Mai Highlands is a truly
memorable experience with magnificent views
and challenging golf. As the golf course matured,
the owners added 19 Private Resort Villas to
compliment the grand clubhouse and later
The Spa at which features ten treatment rooms,
a fitness center and swimming pool all over-looking
the picturesque 18th fairway and valley beyond.
Golfers can stay at the villas, enjoy the spa and
eat in the clubs excellent restaurant, and play
some superb golf….but at night it is very quiet so
if you crave for action best stay in town.
Contacts: www.chiangmaihighlands.com
Email: [email protected]
Telephone: +66 (0) 5326 1354 to 9
Set in the foot-hills a 40 minute drive east of Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai Highlands
was designed by Schmidt-Curley Design giving golfers the distraction of
magnificent views on every hole.
The course which opened to the public in December 2005 has already been
voted by several golf magazines as one of the top courses to play in
Thailand, including the Top New Course in Asia by Asian Golf Monthly.
The golf course and mountains that surround on all sides combined with
lush playing conditions make Chiang Mai Highlands a golf paradise.
Chiang Mai Highlands is exciting and challenging for golf enthusiasts of
any level and offers five sets of tees making it playable for everyone.
As you walk down the first fairway you will undoubtedly feel you are
beginning a golfing adventure.
The first few holes lead through the lower elevations of the property,
while the back 9 wind through mountains and lakes before climbing
to the dramatic finish of the signature par-5 18th hole.
The Tiff-Eagle greens are large, smooth and undulating; usually rolling
between 10 and 11 on the Stimp-Meter. One signature of
Chiang Mai Highlands is the deep green side and fairway bunkers,
which are stunning to see especially early in the morning and evening,
but punishing to errant shots.
Chiang Mai Golf Festival
The golf course participate the project in Chiang Mai, Lamphun and Lampang
May-June 2012
Opening the season with golfing in the midst of the mountain, amazed with one price
green fee 800 baht/person and join the competition for the whole season 900 baht/person
Contact: (TAT) Chiang Mai Office Tel : +66(0) 5324 8604, +66(0) 5324 8607
14
• THAI GOLF •
ISSUE fourteen
www.thaigolf-news.com
TREASURE HILL GOLF
COUNTRY CLUB
Treasure Hill’s design includes some fascinating challenges including
big trees in the fairway for the approach shot. Also some of the greens
here are very tricky, being close to the mountain. Two putts here and
you should still be smiling.
Be careful at Hole 4 a sneaky par 4, and Holes 7, a par 5 and
Hole 18 a par 4.
You need to be accurate off the fairways here
and the greens run fast and have interesting
lines. If you're around a 12 handicapper or
better then you'll love this course. Caddies are
friendly and really knew the course well.
Another fun hole is their 12th. Here you have two options, aim for the
smaller narrower fairway on the right, but it gives you a shorter 2nd
shot. Golfers have to make a decision whether they want to switch
the plan from the narrow but closer or the wider but farther fairway.
A good risk and reward par 5.
Their signature hole is the charming 16th, a par 5. Here you need to
aim your ball over the abyss between the fairways. You can get a
few ounces here as well giving you a bit more distance.
The clubhouse on the hill allows players a spectacular and impressive
view of the course. The delightful well-run restaurant with sweeping
views from the terrace is great for relaxing after your round.
Facilities include a Jacuzzi in the locker rooms which also has
views of the beautiful scenery.
Hole 16 Par 5
Hole 16 Par 5
Opened in 1993 this 18 hole par 72 golf course
near Chonburi , was designed by Yashikasu Kato.
Quite long at 7,241 yards Treasure Hill has fairly
wide fairways and the mountains and many trees
surrounding the course provide shade and cool
breezes.
Reservation Call: +66(038) 420 766
How to go: Treasure Hill is located approximately
40 km from Chonburi and it takes about 90 minutes
from Bangkok by car.
Hole 12 Par 5
SPECIAL DISCOUNT
Only special offers for Thai Golf readers 700 THB on weekday
Weekday (Monday, Wednesday, Friday) only 750 THB
Weekday Package (Green Fee+ Caddie+Golf Cart) only 1,300 THB
Weekend 1,050 THB
www.thaigolf-news.com
* Price valid until 30th July 2012
ISSUE
ISSUE
Fourteen
NINE • THAI
• THAI
GOLF
GOLF
NEWS
• 15•
HOLE HDC 1
HOW TO PLAY THIS HOLE ?
Every course has a handicap system, and on your
score card they give a handicap for each hole,
with one usually being the hardest hole on
that course.
In match play competition, handicap strokes are assigned
on a hole-by-hole basis, according to the handicap rating
of each hole (which is provided by the course).
The hardest holes on the course receive the most
handicap strokes, with the easiest holes receiving the
least handicap strokes.
How can you plan to play it without adding to many plus
numbers to your score card?
Treasure Hill Golf Club here in Thailand has hole 16
par 5 as its handicap number 1. Here it is essential
necessarily to start with a good drive off the tee,
in order to position yourself for your second shot.
From the tee box the players have to aim for the fairway
which is close by and facing up to the mountain.
On the left side is OB and right side is the forest.
Tip advisor
The green is raised and again close to the mountain
so you have a blind shot. This hole is not only a true
signature hole but also is their HC1.
16
• THAI GOLF •
ISSUE Fourteen
Luckily for us here in Thailand we can often get some
great advice on how to play the HC1 from the
ever smiling Thai Caddy. At Treasure Hill, Khun Pen is
their caddy number 408. Not only has she worked there
for 5 years, but she has also been playing golf
for 2 years and was a recent champion with a 40-40
score on her course. Her handicap is 8, so with her
friendly personality it is easy for her to get on with
the players.
Sometimes she will observe the Professional golfers
and they are happy to give us lessons too. Also it is
great that the golf course manager allows us to play
a free round occasionally.
So next time you go to Treasure Hill, ask for Khun Pen,
Caddie number 408, and let her
advise you on how to birdie
their 16th, the dreaded HC1.
The golf course is
opening a chance to
reserve the
caddy at :
+66(0) 3842 0766
Pen
www.thaigolf-news.com
A very Central Golf Club…
Many experts have said that a round of Golf can take up a lot of time
compared with other sports.
So finding a course that is nearby the centre of Bangkok is one way to
reduce the time. Another idea is to play 9 and not the full 18 holes.
Thana City Golf and Sports Club ticks all these boxes, as they offer a truly
memorable golfing experience so close to Bangkok, that it is less than 30
minutes from downtown Bangkok and only 15 minutes from Airport.
The course was designed by Greg Norman, who recently came over to
play a Charity Golf Tournament there. Over the past couple of years, the
Club has been spending some serious money upgrading the course and
have also rebuilt their large club house, which now has some of the best
facilities for golfers in the city.
TC Promotions:
Play 4 Pay 3: Every Tuesday ( Green fee, Golf cart )
Lady Day: Every Wednesday Green fee 1,000B
Green coring: 28th -31st May Green fee 1,000B
TC News:
Newly renovated Thana City Golf Practice Centre
The course is currently in excellent condition and is a fair challenge for
beginners to those back tee professionals. www.thanacitygolf.com
Thaisky-Digital
Tanate Duangpatra started Thaisky Digital as a hobby
which has grown into a very lucrative business.
He has combined his love for airplanes with his passion
for photography by taking digital ariel photographs
for commercial and artistic purposes.
Tanate told us, “I have two storehouses at home which
are full of RC airplanes and digital cameras. It makes
me happy every time when I look at my storehouses
and I am very proud of work over the past seven years
that we have achieved at Thaisky Digital. ”
He was practicing the RC airplane since he was young and
fall in love with it. His father was crazy about taking pictures
so Tanate learnt from his father to develop his photograph skill.
“I started my work with a Japanese factory
They liked my photo taken from the sky
since, as not many people were doing
this at the time. It surprised me when
they decided to buy my photos,
and that is how we started”
said Tantate.
Since then he has been working with the
government sector in Thailand especially
when they are planning for the infrastructure.
He can also count other organizations
such as PTT group, airlines and hotels as
regular clients. Lately, I have worked for
AirAsia covering the Flowers Festival at
Chiangmai. They wanted us to take photos
from the sky both in the day and night time,
in order to make a festival more memorable
for the tourists.
ThaiskyDigital is now planning to work
with TAT (Tourism Authority of Thailand),
taking photos and video of golf courses
from the sky.
Thai Golf would like to thank Tanate for
allowing us to feature his ariel shot of
the Santiburi Samui Golf Course on this
month’s issue, and we look forward to
publishing some more of his work with
Thai golf course in the future.
18
• THAI GOLF •
ISSUE Twelve
www.thaigolf-news.com
www.thaigolf-news.com
ISSUE Fourteen
• THAI GOLF •
19
Birth of a Classic…
Grand Prix Golf Club
Last week I was lucky enough to experience a
true golfer’s paradise, as we were personally
invited by the designer to a free round of golf on
a top class course…..and we had the entire 18
holes all to ourselves.
A dream perhaps???
No it wasn’t, and the best part was that the
course had not even opened its doors yet, so
we were able to get a sneak preview as well.
The Grand Prix Golf Club as readers of Thai
Golf News will know, is the brainchild of Dr
Prachin Eamlumnow, President of the Grand
Prix Group and organizer of the successful
Bangkok International Motor Show.
Dr Prachin has put his own money into
designing and creating a truly first class
Championship golf course right in the peaceful
countryside near Kanchanburi, just two hours’
drive West of Bangkok. The course in fact runs
close to the Blue Sapphire Golf Club.
Due to open in August, I decided to take along a
Thai PGA Andrew Scaife to give it a test run.
From my journalistic point of view, it certainly
provides some spectacular and memorable holes
and with a selection of tee boxes should prove
popular with the average weekend or tourist golfer.
20
• THAI GOLF •NEWS
ISSUE
• Fourteen
ISSUE nine
www.thaigolf-news.com
Advertorial Feature
The front nine holes were actually completed a year ago, but
the back nine were still getting the finishing touches, so we
were one of the first to play those holes.
The course is 7,111 yards from the black tees down
to 5,337 yards from the red tees, so there are birdie
opportunities on most holes, but course management
will play a big part of any round. Water hazards, loads of
bunkers, undulating greens and a number of elevated tees
and greens add to the fun.
They are still to announce the handicaps for every hole,
and also what hole will deserve the title of their “Signature
Hole!” My contenders would be the sixth, ninth, fifteen and
eighteenth.
Sixth is a relatively short par 4 at 378 yards from the
black tees down to 273 yards from the red tees. First
you need to decide whether to hit over the eight bunkers
onto a small fairway. This will give you a short chip in to
the green surrounded on three sides by a lake. The less
adventurous will go for the larger fairway on the right,
but then they will have a longer second shot onto the
green.
The ninth is a long par 4 with a relatively wide fairway
leading up to a raised green again guarded by nine
bunkers.
The fifteenth is a fun par 3, with an elevated tee down
to a wide green with a huge bunker across its entire
length plus three bunkers at the back. A bit like shooting
straight at a dartboard.
Perhaps the best is left to 18th with a massive 594 yards
crossing two water hazards up to a raised undulating
green again surrounded by bunks.
They are halfway through constructing a state of the art
clubhouse which sits at the highest point allowing amazing
views of the entire course. I can’t wait to sit on the open air
balcony watching the incredible sunsets with the mountain
range in the background. For more information on their
opening schedules check out the clubs website
www.bluediamondgolf.com
Andrew Scaife, the Pro’s view
As a professional I was extremely happy with what this
course has to offer. It begins with a 360 degree eye view of
what the course and area that surrounds the mountains and
landscape has to offer.
The first tee begins with a great drive down the hill and a
calculated second shot onto a green that will make you test
you’re putting for the rest of the round!!
This course then deliverers a great front 9 holes, with a
variety of directions, that should make any golfer choose his
shots wisely!
Advertorial Feature
www.thaigolf-news.com
The back nine has everything to keep you on your toes, as
you need to think about what the next shot will be, choosing
your drives and tee off shots accordingly!!!!
It all depends on your skill, and hopefully if you make a putt
or two, it will bring down your score to a very satisfactory
and enjoyable day at the Grand Prix course.
This course has been designed for many a memorable
occasion, so when it opens I would highly recommend a
visit for the challenge and also the golfing weekend that this
beautiful gem has to offer.
ISSUE Fourteen
• THAI GOLF NEWS •
21
Where to Stay
Cool retreat in the Mountains…
Many of you will have heard about Jack Nicklaus’s
beautiful golf course called Kiri Maya, nestled in the
mountains of the Khao Yai National Park.
You can stay at the Kiri Maya hotel or try out their
new Forest Pool Villa Resort called Muthi Maya. Just
a five minute drive from Kiri Maya, they have created
approximately 94 villas adjacent to the 9th and 10th
holes, along with a couple of restaurants and a
reception.
The villas all come with their own 7m x 30m private
pool and a massive lounge, kitchen and shower,
Jacuzzi bathroom and master bedroom.
They serve a great breakfast by the resorts own pool,
and there is a first class restaurant, Myth, serving
Japanese or Italian fusion cuisine. They also have
personal Chefs on hand to prepare a barbecue in
the privacy of your pool villa.
It is a very relaxing place to unwind and being in
the mountains, the temperatures are cooler than
Bangkok. Great golf, great food and great fun! Info;
www.muthimaya.com
22
• THAI GOLF •
ISSUE Fourteen
www.thaigolf-news.com
www.thaigolf-news.com
ISSUE ISSUE
eight NINE
• THAI• THAI
GOLFGOLF
NEWS
NEWS
• 23•
Where to Stay
Anantara magic near Krabi…
hammock shaded by pine trees, next to the hotel’s
long beach.
It’s the ideal destination to be as active or
relaxed as your needs desire. With family friendly
accommodation, restaurants, pools and the Dugong
Kids’ Club, children are entertained while adults
indulge in exotic treatments at Anantara Spa. After a
fun packed day, one of the most sensational sunsets
in the world is the perfect place to spoil someone
special with a unique Dining by Design celebration.
However if the addiction kicks in and you need a
golf fix, the hotel is only around 40 minutes from the
Packsai Country Club. An 18 hole country course
owned by the Electricity Generating Authority of
Thailand (EGAT).
The older part (front nine) remains a challenge but the
fairways are not all well maintained. The back nine, their
new section is very good and very challenging but with
much wider fairways. The greens front and back are
very good but not very fast. However, overall a course
one should try when in the Krabi area. We paid approx
Baht800 for a round. Tel: 075) 611-984-5.
Also check out the nine hole par 3 at the Sofitel Krabi,
which was designed by Piraporn Namatra who also
created the Banyan in Hua Hin.
You would not normally associate Krabi for your golf
getaway, but in fact there are actually several courses
down there, if you hunt around.
Book your trip to Anantara Si Kao Resort just 21 days in
advance for stays between May and end of October 2012
and receive a 20% discount on luxurious accommodation.
www.sikao.anantara.com
We were invited to visit the Anantara Si Kao Resort &
Spa recently and found to our surprise that the golf
down there is quite exciting.
It is a great region to take the family on vacation with
the superb natural wonders of the Andaman coast
to while away the time.
Now with daily Air Asia flights to nearby Trang
airport, the magic of a Si Kao holiday is just an
hour’s flight from Bangkok.
This beautiful destination and idyllic waterfront
resort is an inviting choice for families, leisure
travellers and honeymooners, with over 139
rooms and pool suites.
You can take the hotel’s speedboat to the
powdery white sands of Koh Kradan, home to
Anantara’s private beach club and reefs teeming
with tropical fish. Or grab a novel and laze in a
24
• THAI GOLF •
ISSUE Fourteen
www.thaigolf-news.com
Pattaya News
Royal Golf Package
Luxury Pattaya Resort combines with leading golf tour
operator to offer a Royal Golf Package
The world-renowned 5 star hotel in Pattaya, Royal Wing
Suites and Spa, have combined with Solar Golf – Pattaya’s
leading golf tour operator, to launch a Royal Golf Package.
The package combines a stay in a luxury suite with golf at
the top golf courses in Pattaya including personal service
from landing at the airport through to departure. Uniquely,
the guests will be met at the aircraft door by a Royal Meet
and Greet concierge who will fast track guests through
immigration and collect the luggage then enjoy a private
transfer to the Royal Wing.
The Royal Golf Package offers a 7 night stay in a
Royal Wing Suite with a host of special benefits
including breakfast on the private balcony, reserved
pool loungers, daily fruit platter, free internet, daily
newspapers, sport and fitness specials and even a
sunglass cleaning service by the poolside.
Guests can select three rounds at Pattaya’s top
courses – Siam Country Club – an annual LPGA
venue, the Jack Nicklaus designed Laem Chabang,
St Andrews 2000 with its 2 monster par 6’s and
Burapha – home of the Pattaya Open.
Solar Golf will meet guests at the Royal Wing and
they are escorted to the first tee by a golf guide
who organises everything. Private transfers, carts
and even caddies are included in the Royal Golf
Package. Solar Golf offer the option of golf lessons
at the golf academy and playing lessons on the
course.
“Our resort is renowned for world class luxury
and hospitality with a highly personal service,”
suggests Klaus Hund, General Manager of Royal
Wing Suites and Spa. “We are now enhancing our
product range with a luxury golf holiday where the
Royal service starts the moment the customer
steps off the plane. We know that arriving guests
get frustrated by delays at immigration control
so we are overcoming this with the airport
concierge and fast track service.”
Callum Mackie, Managing Director of Solar Golf
adds, “Pattaya was recently voted the number
one golf destination in Asia and Australasia.
We are launching this Royal programme to
give top end golfers a unique combination
of Championship golf courses, one of the
world’s leading hotels and personal service all
www.thaigolf-news.com
the way. The packages start from just over $2,000 per golfer
for 7 nights and 3 golf rounds. This is great value when you
consider everything that is included for the guests.”
www.solargolf.com
Burapha to host 10th Pattaya Open
Burapha Golf Club will host the 10th Pattaya Open which
will be played on their B and D courses from 10th to 13th
May 2012. This special anniversary event sanctioned by the
Asian Tour will offer prize money of 3 million baht courtesy
of sponsors Singha, Pattaya City Hall, Laem Chabang Port
and Nong Nooch Gardens. This event will attract entries
from many of Asia’s best players to compete against the
top Thai professionals. The Pattaya Open is one of the top
5 tournaments on the All Thailand Tour and has been held at
Burapha nine times.
Burapha’s Marketing Director, Mr Mike Meesommont, has been
preparing the course for the last 3 months. “We lengthened the
tournament set up to nearly 7,200 yards in 2010 by adding a
number of new tees at different elevations. Bunkers were created
to toughen up some holes as a counter to the long drives of
today’s professionals. The rough has been allowed to grow in
order to increase the 2012 challenge.”
The 2011 event was won by Prom Messawat with a gross of 268
for 4 rounds. The tournament has a tradition of close finishes and
play offs so this year should offer a tense and exciting spectacle.
Pattaya is the 2012 golf destination of the year for Asia and
Australasia so visitors are encouraged to combine a day or two
watching the Pattaya open with some rounds of golf at the selection
of over 20 courses. Admission is free and there will be catering and
trade stalls to welcome visitors.
ISSUE Fourteen
• THAI GOLF •
25
Phuket News
So on to our next destination on Phuket and it is
Patong. Some call it a rough diamond, some just
think it is rough! From a golfers perspective it offers
a special 19th Hole – The Watering Hole. With literally
100’s of bars and clubs, Patong offers a night out that
few places on Earth can match. Make sure you drop in
and see my friends at the Parrot bar and Honky Tonk
bar – both on Soi Bangla!
A beach that stretches for 2.5 kms Lined with beach
bars, $1 noodle stands, along with every known water
sport imaginable – jet ski’s, parasailing, wind surfing
or just lazing around on one of the 1000’s of sun bed’s
under a clear blue sky with golden white under your feet.
Welcome to paradise!
Patong has every type of room accommodation you can
think of from $10 backpacker dorms to $1500 per night
villa suites. Two hotels in Patong that really cater for golfers
and golf trips are the Yorkshire Inn – run by former PGA
professional Paul Gibson. Paul can be relied on to provide
everything a golfer needs from local advice, lessons and/
or transport. There is also the 1 year old boutique hotel The
Nap Patong Hotel. This fabulous new hotel is owned by the
President of the Phuket Golf Association and the GM here is
the secretary! What these warm and friendly gentlemen do
not know about Phuket golf is simple not worth knowing. The
hotel is located 150 meters from the beach and a ten minute
walk to Patong’s hot nightlife.
Patong also has top 5* names such as Novotel (brand new
hotel 2012), Holiday Inn and Amari and there is no hotel better
situated to make the most of Patong’s night life than Absolute
Bangla Suites – I have been reliably informed by friend Andy
Leadbetter (David’s eldest son) that the Penthouses are worth
every baht!!!
Foodies are really spoilt here with the Baan Rim Pa group ( Baan
Rim Pa, Joes Down Stairs and Da Maurizio) on a cliff overlooking
Patong serving Phuket’s best Royal Thai Food along with new
world cuisine and great Italian food plus 9th floor and Aqua also
constantly get top rankings on TripAdvisor. Patong Seafood on
the beach road has been around for 20 years and still going
strong so one has to assume they are getting something right!
Golfers staying in Patong are spoilt with a fabulous 36 hole facility
only 15 minutes away. Loch Palm, dubbed ‘Phuket’s most relaxing
golf course’ and its sister course Red Mountain offer all you could
want from golf. Loch Palm is a relatively short course at 6500 from
the Blue Tee’s – but as you imagine with the Scottish word for
Lake in the name, there is plenty of water hazards. Red Mountain
has risen to be the real jewel in crown for Phuket golf in only 5
years since its opening. Tricky holes, lots of water, long with more
undulations than a downhill mogul field, this course will challenge you
at every shot.
Patong is not for everybody, but for me it is like a car wreck, once you
are there you find yourself gazing all around and unable to move away!!
26
• THAI GOLF •
ISSUE Fourteen
www.thaigolf-news.com
Behind the TV Coverage…
With Golf being a global industry, most of us tend to
spend hours glued to the TV watching all the great golf
tournaments every week.
We become friends with our hosts, the Browns, the
Laidlaw’s and the great Alliss’s! All wonderful TV
commentators and pundits, but we really see them apart
from the odd interview with the happy winner.
around the course, wears headphones so he can hear
the commentators and director back in the studio.
Considering this broadcast was going all around the
globe with over 800 million viewers, and they were on
air for the four days, they seem to stay remarkable calm,
while still keeping the viewers interested. I suppose it is
because the all just love the game of golf.
So I went to check out the team covering the recent
Thailand Golf Championships at Amata Springs. On this
occasion they had a crew of 70 producers, directors,
editors and technicians plus three leading commentators
to beam the tournament around the World.
Dominique Boulet has been the lead commentator for
the Asian Tour and is well known for his knowledge of
all the Asian players, old and up and coming. He also
works for European Tour Co-sanction events and for
the Golf Channel. ‘Dom’ has been golf professional
since 1989.
On this occasion Dom was joined in the commentary
box by Richard Kaufmann who not only covers the
European Tour but is a regular Soccer commentator
on Sky TV. Out on the course was pundit and ex
professional Jay Townsend, an American who works
regularly for the European Tour plus for BBC’s Radio
5 Live radio.
Their routine is normally to turn up on a Tuesday
so they can check out the course, and more
importantly chat with the players, their managers
and find out how they are getting on, both on the
course and behind the scenes.
During the pro am the TV crews are busy catching
the star players and filming interviews that can be
used later on.
During the four day tournament Richard, who
acts as the Anchor or ‘the glue’ as he told me,
prepares his script with up to date news around
the world, as well as local news which he will use
in the show.
Dom likes to have a chat each day with the
players as they practice on the driving range, to
gauge their feeling for that days play. He also
drives around the course in a golf cart checking
on all that days pin placements.
Sometimes they pre record the morning
sessions and then go live to cover the final top
groups. Jay who normally follows the leaders
28
• THAI GOLF •NEWS
ISSUE
• Fourteen
ISSUE Nine
www.thaigolf-news.com
Jay Townsend Course Reporting
30
• THAI GOLF •
ISSUE Fourteen
www.thaigolf-news.com
The
best
Thailand (Vacation) Destinations
Golf Festival Chonburi, Pattaya- Festival 2012
Eastern part of Thailand Golf Course, Chonburi Province
1st – 31st May 2555
Beginning the season with golf championship at Pattaya
Golf Festival with an exclusive prize
Contact: (TAT) Pattaya Office Tel: +66(0)3842 3990,+66(0)3842 8750
Top Of The Gulf Regatta International 2012
Takes place at Ocean Yacht Marina Club, Chonburi Province
4-8th May 2012
Beginning of the water festival with the top of the gulf regatta
international, with various Thai and Worldwide yachtsmen
taking part.
Contact: (TAT) Pattaya Office Tel: +66(0)3842 3990,+66(0)3842 8750
Miss Tiffany’s Universe 2012
Takes place at the Tiffany Theatre in Pattaya, Chonburi
Province May 2012
Don’t miss the world's biggest transvestite beauty Contest
to see with the most beautiful and glamorous transgender
ladies in Thailand
Contact: Tiffany's Show Pattaya Co.,Ltd Tel: +66(0)3842 1700 1
Pattaya Marathon 2012
15th August 2012
Your chance to participate in the Marathon Pattaya King’s Cup
championship, which is divided into marathon, half marathon
and quarter marathon for student and wheel chair.
Contact: Marathon Pattaya Tel: +66(0) 3825 3100
Thailand Grand Sale
Arcades Tourist Attractions will join the activity all over Thailand
June – August 2012
It's that time for shoppers who have been waiting for this annual
'Miracle Thailand' grand sale. The numerous traders who participate
in discounting their products and services including retail, dining,
leisure and hospitality, beauty and medical treatments and etc.
www.thaigolf-news.com
ISSUE Fourteen
• THAI GOLF •
31
Ladies take over Pattaya…
When the LPGA hits town you really do get almost
all of the top players on the tour…the 2012 Honda
LPGA held at the Old Course at Siam Country
Club in Pattaya, boasted 48 of the top 50 players
in the World. We caught up with them on the Pro
Am day when they had time to relax.
Dad and Lexis Thompson working hard.
Sandra Gal with fan!
Our Publisher Dr Prachin showing the tournament hosts
Honda how to drive!
A master class with No 1 Yani this year’s worthy winner.
32
• THAI GOLF •
ISSUE Fourteen
www.thaigolf-news.com
To receive these Offers each month just email [email protected] and ask for Tee OFFers.
Bars, Pubs, Restaurants…
Lemongrass goes Live…
After a good round of golf, it is great to enjoy a fun night out with
your friends.
The Banyan Resort in Hua Hin has gone that little bit further to
guarantee a great night. They now run a Live Jazz night every
Saturday, at their resort restaurant called Lemongrass.
The new chef has done wonders in the kitchen. Try their
Chicken, Avocado with mango for starters, it is excellent.
If you want to sample something not often offered here
in Thailand, then do check out their legendry Fondue
Bourguigonne! The Swiss invented the fondue, and this one
means you dip meat into a pot of boiling cheese with a bit of
alcohol added. A very social main course! For more info
tel: 03 253 888 or visit www.banyanthailand.com
Lemongrass
Lemongrass
French Bistrot …
Chez Papa is a relatively new addition to the Bangkok
restaurant scene. Located nearby Cheap Charlie’s bar
in the trendy Souk Soi 11 off Sukhumvit Soi 11, this bar
and bistro has been painstakingly designed as a Parisian
Bistro bang in the centre of Bangkok.
Chez Papa
The menu is extensive with slow cooked Duck, Rib Eye
Beef and a Sea Plate of Prawns. Their Classique Crème
Bruliere is hard to resist. Wonderful antiques are hanging
everywhere and the waitresses even wear the French
berries as well! Bon appetite! Booking Tel: 02 255 2492.
Chez Papa
34
• THAI GOLF •NEWS
ISSUE
• Fourteen
ISSUE Nine
www.thaigolf-news.com
Tee OFFers…
Send your club offers to: [email protected]
Bangpra Golf Club & Resort
Home on a
Khao Yai Golf Course...
The Midst property project offers new modern
contemporary apartments at the stunning
Royal Hills Golf Resort in Nakhon Nayok, only
90 minutes drive from Bangkok.
The first phase offers five luxury one and two
bed roomed apartments conveniently located in
between a lake and a golf course, surrounded
by the peaceful natural scenery of Khao Yai in
Nakhon Nayok Province.
Up to the end of October Bangpra Golf Club & Resort are
offering a special accommodation promotion for Thai Citizens.
You can stay at their resort hotel overlooking the golf course
for only Baht1,000 per night.
Apart from enjoying a round or two at the beautiful 18 hole
championship golf course, there are several local attractions
nearby including Khao Kheow Open Zoo, Sriracha-Tiger
zoo junction, Tiger God Shrine Ko Sichang, and Ang Sila
Seafood Market.
Bangpra is only 45 minutes by car from Bangkok.
For more details contact the Resort on Tel: +66(0)81 295
6152 , +66(0)38 341 149 50 -300 or for all the promotions
check it out at www. EGA Thailand.com You will need to
book in advance before your arrival.
www.thaigolf-news.com
This tranquil haven has been meticulously
designed to bring comfort and luxury to the heart
of your natural living. At the Midst, they offer you
a private clubhouse, swimming pool and other
hotel facilities for your relaxation and enjoyment.
You will find here a peaceful retreat in the
tranquility of the forest. Prices without furnishing
start at just baht2.6 millions or fully furnished from
only baht3.4 millions.
The good news is that the resort will guarantee
Midst owners income of Baht10k per month,
and they will offer homeowners a FREE 10 year
membership to the Royal Hills Golf Resort.
For more information check out their website
www.royalhillsresort.com or contact the resort on
+ 66 2722 7206-10.
Just sit on your balcony and watch the golfers tackle
the exciting par 3 adjacent to your apartment!
ISSUE Fourteen
• THAI GOLF •
35
Golf Classified
Weekday Baht2,500 Weekend Baht3,500
Located approx 2 hours outside Bangkok near Bangnamprieo Chachoengsao.
Tel: +66(0)38 835-555 www.lotusvalley.co.th
Oskar is a bar, bistro and restaurant with live DJ, pizzas, salads, burgers,
skewers, plus a large selection of superb wine and the best cocktails in
town! Located nearby Bed Supper Club on Soi Sukhumvit 11.
Tel: t:+66 2 255 3377 www.oskar-bistro.com
Play in Pattaya
0836 184449
www.solargolf.com
+66 (0) 26510807 or +66(0)26510730
27, Methawattana Building Sukhumvit soi 19
Mike Whan the
commissioner for the LPGA
Mike Whan the commissioner for the LPGA is responsible for
running this global ladies international golf tour. We caught up
with him and asked him how he was coping after being the
boss for his second hear in charge.
TG: A lots happened in the past year, what do you think you
have achieved?
MW: Most people will focus on our expanding schedule and
what a success it has been. We added six new purses for
2012, we also added a purse to the Founders Cup, and
five brand new events too. Given the interesting economic
times in the US and Europe we beat expectations. Also
our viewership was up 30% across the globe and 40%
up on North American events. We also added official
sponsors across the board, and re renewed with ten of
are marketing partners, so our fans will see we have more
tournaments which is fine.
www.thaigolf-news.com
TG: The European Tour has a lot of young players,
maybe not as attractive as yours on the LPGA, but
tell us about your young stars?
MW: Well the stockpile of young talent on our tour is
great and the great thing for us is that these players
come from everywhere. Most tournaments you will
see 28 or 29 flags flying, which is special. We are truly
borderless in golf and nobody believed that ten years
ago. Whether you support a Japanese, US, Korean
or European player, there is someone playing for your
region and that is exciting.
TG: What about Lexis Thompson who has already won
a major?
MW: Well she is the youngest player in the LPGA’s
history to win and she is the youngest player to ever play
ISSUE Fourteen
• THAI GOLF •
37
Lexis Thompson
on the tour too. We’ve
typically had a policy of
saying our members
don’t become members
until they’ve reach 18
years old. We have had
some players go to
Q school before they
were 18 and earn their
card but they generally
turned 18 in the first
month on tour. Jessica
Korda for example
earned her card when
she was 17 but by
the time she teed it
up she was 18. She
recently won in Australia as well
TG: You are a commercial business; it makes sense
to have these young stars.
MW: Yes but there are lots of Mums and Dads out
there who think their daughter is ready for the tour,
but what I saw of Lexis when she was 15 years old
was she was competitive almost every time she
teed up. We then gave her the chance to go to
Q school and earn her way on the LPGA. While
she was going to Q school she won the Navistar
Classic which had the top 30 players in the world.
So there was really nothing she needed to go to
Q school to prove she should get her card. She
38
• THAI GOLF •
ISSUE Fourteen
just turned 17 in February so she is our youngest member
and the youngest winner on the LPGA tour.
TG: Asia now plays a big part in your schedule, especially
with all the Asian players doing well. It must be an important
part of the LPGA’s future?
MW: Lots of sports come to this region, but not all can
deliver the number of top stars say we brought to Thailand.
Here we have 58 of the top sixty players in the World. Six
years ago there was nobody at Q school or on our Rookies
tour for example from Thailand, now there were 5 players from
Thailand. We aim to encourage youngsters to play golf.
TG: We now have Power Play a new format, have you ever
discussed a tournament with the top players from all the men’s
and women’s tours, about creating a new format tournament?
MW: I have talked it over a couple of times with the PGA and
he is keen and the personalities of our stars make it interesting
worldwide. The question is finding the right sponsor and the
right time. We have a few more available dates than they do, but
we both agreed to work on it. We have tried to come up with
new concepts and ideas and in the next few months we will be
coming up with some new ideas.
TG: You play golf how about all you tour bosses playing together.?
MW: I would love to play against Tim from the PGA or George from
the European Tour. My handicap is currently 8, but I rarely get a
chance to just have a quiet round. It is usually at a Pro Am with
the Media.
www.thaigolf-news.com
WOMAN IN GOLF
New Tournament for Pattaya.
Golf Life by Rasputin is the title of an exciting new golf tournament
due to take place in Pattaya this May.
The tournament is the brainchild of successful business woman
Ms. Ana Wongsing (Brew) managing director of the Pattaya Dragon
Company.
Thai Golf caught up with Brew to find out a bit more about her
successful business and her passion for golf.
TGN: What is so special about Pattaya?
BREW: Pattaya is one of the popular tourist attractions and
entertainment city in Thailand. It is very well
known for its fantastic natural attractions, entertainment area
(night life), many hotels and of course its superb championship
golf courses.
TGN: You have created a very large company. What is the Pattaya Dragon
Company?
BREW: The Pattaya Dragon Company is a famous company
and we have been in Pattaya for many years. We cover many
areas including the Rasputin Spa & Massage, Space Pub & Restaurant,
our Step up Disco, Nab Man Club, Daruma Japanese Restaurant,
Model Show girl and the Selection Hotel Pattaya.
Name: Ms. Ana Wongsing (Managing Director)
Hometown: Ubon Ratchathani
Type of business: Pattaya Dragon Entertainment Company
TGN: Apart from all these projects, I understand you are also
a developer too?
BREW: Yes, we currently have another huge investment project,
a 1,000 million baht resort at Koh Larn.
TGN: Why did you decide to launch your latest project, your new golf tournament?
BREW: To compare “golf and life” is actually so similar, and doing a business is also very
practical. The entrepreneur has to attempt, planning and recovering problem at the
same time, in many ways similar to playing a round of golf.
TGN: Why “Golf life by Rasputin”?
BREW: Because I love golf, as I do in everything I do with our company. It is a passion.
Since working on what we love or are happy with, it all becomes part of our life. Running
Pattaya Dragon is covered business such as pub, bar, restaurant, spa & massage,
organizing parties or concerts. This is my normal routine. Organizing our own golf
tournament is another extension to our empire, and an activity which I happen to
enjoy too.
TGN: What are your plans for your first tournament?
BREW: The whole point is that we are planning a fun event and to bring a lot of happiness
to people playing and watching. Golf Life by Rasputin will be very impressive and we plan
to entertain everyone both during and after teeing off.
TGN: How can people enter?
BREW:
have teamed up with Thai Golf Network who is well known for organizing
Tip We
advisor
successful golf tournaments across the country. Our first tournament, is scheduled for this
May at a top Pattaya golf course, so for full details please checks out
www.thaigolfnetwork.com
www.thaigolf-news.com
ISSUE Fourteen
• THAI GOLF •
39
We are going
Thai…
For all the latest local and international news, golf course reports, travel,
hotel and entertainment information Thai Golf can now be downloaded
in English and Thai free at www.thaigolfnetwork.com
Also join are free newsletters giving advance info on playing in local
golf tournament plus check out our green fee offers and special hotel
packages.To register just email us at [email protected] quoting
‘Newsletter.’ www.thaigolf-news.com
Thailand
Golf
Khao yai / North-Eastern
Directory
Bonanza Golf & country Club
Tel: +66(0) 86-977-6658 , +66(0) 44-921-009
www.bonanza-khaoyai.com
Hua hin / Cha am
Kaeng Krachan Country Club &
Resort
Tel: +66(0) 2-618-7200-1
www.kaengkrachanresort.com
Palm Hills Golf Resort & Country
Club
Tel: +66(0) 2-238-0782 , +66(0) 32-520-801-5
www.palmhills-golf.com
Royal Hua-Hin Golf Course
Army Sport Center II
Tel: +66(0) 32-512-475 , +66(0) 32-531-070
Tel: +66(0) 32-515-470-3 , +66(0) 82-052-9072
Springfield Village Golf &Spa
Banyan Golf Club
Tel: +66(0) 32-709-222
Tel: +66(0) 32-616-666
www.springfieldresort.com
www.banyanthailand.com
Swang Resort Golf Club
Black Mountain Golf Club
Tel: +66(0) 32-562-555
Hua Hin
www.sawangresortgolf.com
Tel: +66(0) 35-703-664-6
www.ayutthayagolfclub.com
The Eagle Milford Golf Club
Tel: +66(0) 32-572-444 www.milford.co.th
Imperial Lake View Hotel & Golf Club
Tel: +66(0) 32-456-233-40
The Majestic Creek Country Club
www.imperialhotels.com
Tel: +66(0) 32-619-168-70
www.golfhuahin.com
Kanchanaburi / Ratchburi
Blue Sapphire Golf & Resort
Tel: +66(0) 34-581-227-30 ,
+66(0) 2-235-4560-2
www.bsgolfclub.com
Dragon Hills Golf Club And
Country Club
Tel: +66(0) 32-228-222
www.dragonhillsgolf.com
Evergreen Hills Golf Club &
Resort
Tel: +66(0) 2-941-2801-5
www.evergeenhillsgolfclub.com
Green World Hot Spring
Tel: +66(0) 2-539-4613-6 ,
+66(0) 34-685-843
Mida Golf Club
Tel: +66(0) 34-527-250 , +66(0) 81-173-1976
www.midagolfclubkanchanaburi.com
Mission Hills Golf Club
Tel: +66(0) 34-644-147-8 , +66(0) 2-226-3390-3
www.golfmissionhills.com
Dancoon Golf Club
Tel: +66(0) 43-255-107
www.dancoongolfclub
KBSC Kabinburi Sport Club
Tel: +66(0) 37-283-891 , +66(0) 82-486-3633
www.kbscgolf.com
Khao Yai Golf Club
Tel: +66(0) 44-297-258-9 , +66(0) 81-977-1952
Kirimaya Golf Club
Tel: +66(0) 44-426-000 www.kirimaya.com
Mountain Creek Golf Resort &
Resident
Tel: +66(0) 44-323-024 , +66(0) 85 773 9773
www.mountaincreekthailand.com
Panorama Golf & Country Club
Tel: +66(0) 44-436-300
www.panoramacountryclub.com
Rancho Charnvee Country Club
Tel: +66(0) 85-418-4078 , +66(0) 88-375-4466
www.ranchocharnveegolf.com
Royal Hills Golf Resort and Spa
Tel: +66(0) 37-385-210-5
www.royalhillsresort.com
Singha Park
Tel: +66(0) 43-209-000 www.santiburi.com
Sir James Country Club
Tel: +66(0) 36-343-200 www.sirjamesresort.com
Toscana Valley Country Club
Tel: +66(0) 2-745-6999 , +66(0) 87-549-7222
www.toscanavalley.com
Royal RatchaburiGolf Club
Tel: +66(0) 32-227-031-2
www.royalrachaburi.com
Woosung Castle Hill Country Club
Tel +66(0) 32-050-52 , +66(0) 32-228-069-70
www.rachaburi.com
Phuket / Southern
Blue Canyon Country Club
Tel: +66(0) 76-328-088
www.bluecanyonclub.com
Mission Hills Golf Resort & Spa
Tel: +66(0) 76-310-888
www.Missionhillsphuket.com
LAGUNA PHUKET GOLF CLUB
Tel: +66(0) 76-270-991-2
www.lagunaphuket.com
Phokeethra Golf & Spa Resort
Tel: +66(0) 75-627-800 , +66(0) 2-555-9600
www.sofitel.com/6184
Loch Palm Golf Club
Tel: +66(0) 76-321-929-34
www.lochpalm.com
Phuket Country Club
Tel: +66(0) 76-319-200-4 , +66(0) 76-319-365-71
www.phuketcountryclub.com
Chonburi-Pattaya Golf Festival 2012
Eastern part of Thailand Golf Course, Chonburi Province
1st May – 31st October 2555
Beginning the season with golf championship at
Pattaya Golf Festival with an exclusive prize
Contact: (TAT) Pattaya Office Tel: +66(0) 3842 3990, +66(0) 3842 8750
Advertorial Feature
www.thaigolf-news.com
Phunaka Golf Course
Tel: +66(0) 76-521-911-5
www.phunakagolf.com
Red MountainGolf Club
Tel: +66(0) 76-322-000-1
www.redmountainphuket.com
Santiburi Samui Country Club
Tel: +66(0) 77-421-700-8
www.santiburi.com
Chiang Mai Golf Festival 2012
The golf course participate the project in Chiang Mai,
Lamphun and Lampang May-June 2012
Opening the season with golfing in the midst of the mountain,
amazed with one price
green fee 800 baht/person and join the competition for the
whole season 900 baht/person
Contact: (TAT) Chiang Mai Office Tel : +66(0) 5324 8604, +66(0) 5324 8607
ISSUE Fourteen
• THAI GOLF •
41
Thailand
Golf
Pattaya / Chonburi
Directory
Amata Spring Country Club
Tel: +66(0) 38-468-888
www.amataspring.co.th
Bangkok / Central
Lakewood Country Club
Tel: +66(0) 2-312-6275-77
www.lakewoodcountryclub.co.th
Lam Luk Ka Country Club
Tel: +66(0) 2-995-2300-4
www.lamlukkagolk.net.com
Alpine Golf Club
Tel: +66(0) 2-577-3333
www.alpinegolfclub.com
Ayutthaya Golf Club
Tel: +66(0) 35-703-664-6
www.ayutthayagolfclub.com
Bangkok Golf Club
Tel: +66(0) 2-501-2828
www.golf.th.com
Bangpakong Riverside
Country Club
Tel: +66(0) 38-500-500
www.brc-golfcourse.com
Bangpoo Golf & Sport
Tel: +66(0) 2-324-0320-9
Crystal Bay Golf Club
Tel: +66(0) 38-349-370-4
Muang Kaew Golf Club
Tel: +66(0) 2-740-2693 to 700
www.muangkaewgolf.com
Eastern Star Golf Course
Tel: +66(0) 38-630-410-6 , +66(0) 86-377-6722
www.easternstargolfcourse.com
Naraihill Golf Resort & Country Club
Tel: +66(0) 36-426-545-6
www.naraihillgolf.com
Panya Golf
Tel: +66(0) 2-9430000-24-320,321
www.lamlukkagolk.net.com
President Country Club
Tel: +66(0) 2-988-7555-63 www.president.co.th
Greenwood Golf Club
Tel: +66(0) 38-263-158-9
www.gwgolfclub.com
Khao Kheow Country Club
Tel: +66(0) 38-318-000
www.khaokheowgolf.com
Pinehurst Golf & country Club
Tel: +66(0) 2-516-8679-84 www.pinehurst.co.th
Laem Chabang International Country
Tel: +66(0) 38-372-273
www.laemchabanggolf.com
Riverdale Golf Club
Tel: +66(0) 2-501-2789
www.riverdalegolfclub.co.th
Mountain Shadow Golf Club
Tel: +66(0) 38-389-210-4
Pattana Sport Club
Tel: +66(0) 38-318-999
www.pattana.co.th
Pattaya Country Club & Resort
Tel: +66(0) 38-423-718-9 , +66(0) 81-654-5654 ,
+66(0) 81582-6073
Phoenix Golf & Country Club
Tel: +66(0) 38-239-391-5 , +66(0) 38-239-400
Rayong Green Valley Country Club
Tel: +66(0) 38-030-660-2
www.standrews2000golf.com
Siam Country Club Old Course
Tel: +66(0) 38-909-600 www.siamcountryclub.com
Siam Country Club Pattaya Plantation
Tel: +66(0) 38-909-600 www.siamcountryclub.com
ST.Andrews 2000 Golf Course
Tel: +66(0) 38-030-660-2
www.standrews2000golf.com
Chiang Mai
Alpine Golf Resort Chiangmai
Tel: +66(0) 53-880-888
www.alpinegolfresort.com
Gassan Lake City Golf & Resort
Tel: +66(0) 53-921-888
www.gassangolf.com
Chiangmai Highlands Golf &
Spa Resort
Tel: +66(0) 53-261-354-9
www.chiangmaihighlands.com
Gold Canyon Country Club
Tel: +66(0) 53-560-333
Chiangmai Inthanon Golf &
Nature Resort
Tel: +66(0) 53-267-115-6
www.chiangmaiinthanongolfresort.com
Gassan Khuntan Golf & Resort
Tel: +66(0) 53-963-202-4
www.gassangolf.com
• THAI GOLF •
Burapha Golf & Resort
Tel: +66(0) 38-372-700-2
www.buraphagolfthailand.com
Lotus Valley Golf Resort
Tel: +66(0) 38-835-555 www.lotusvalley.co.th
Bangsai Country Club
Tel: +66(0) 35-371-491 , +66(0) 81-905-187 Royal Lakeside Golf Club
Tel: +66(0) 38-573-275-9
Best Ocean Golf
www.royallakeside.com
Tel: +66(0) 34-451-144-50 , +66(0) 2-294 4811-5
www.bestoceangolf.com
Subhapruek Golf Club
Tel: +66(0) 2-317-0801-4
Cascata Golf Club
www.subhapruekgolf.com
Tel: +66(0) 37-612-300-1 www.cascata.co.th
Summit Windmill Golf Club
Green Valley Country Club
Tel: +66(0) 2-750-2112-20
Tel: +66(0) 2-312-5883-9
www.summitwindmillgolfclub.com
www.greebvalleybangkok.com
Thana City Golf and Sport Club
Kiarti Thanee Country Club
Tel: +66(0) 2-336-0567-68,+66(0) 83-304-4433
Tel: +66(0) 2-707-1700-9
www.thanacitygolf.com
www.kiartithaneecountryclub.com
The Vintage Club
Krung Kavee
Tel: +66(0) 2-707-3820-5
Tel: +66(0) 2-577-4141-9
www.vintagegolfthai.com.com
www.krungkavee.com
Windsor Park & Golf Club
Cascata Golf Club
Tel: +66(0) 2-989-4200-23-111-114
Tel: +66(0) 37-612-300-1 www.cascata.co.th www.windsorgolf.co.th
42
Bangpra International Golf
Tel: +66(0) 38-341-149-50
www.bangpragolf.co.th
Treasure Hill Golf & Country Club
Tel: +66(0) 38-420-766-7 , +66(0) 81-344-8002
www.treasurehill-golf.com
Mae Jo Golf Club
Tel: +66(0) 53-354-431-2
www.maejogolfclub.com
Royal Chiangmai Golf Resort
Tel: +66(0) 53-662-821 www.Royalchiangmai.com
Santiburi Country Club
Tel: +66(0) 53-662-821-6 , +66(0) 53-774-685
www.santiburi.com
ISSUE Fourteen
www.thaigolf-news.com
by Rasputin
GOLF
in your dreams!
Join in the fun at the “Golf Life by Rasputin”
golf tournament, sponsored by Rasputin Pattaya.
You and your friends can compete for exclusive
prizes worth over B 1.5 million.
Winners of each match will compete for a
variety of prizes and the Winner of the Grand
Final will receive a New Car! Meet with the
golf entertainment at “Golf Life by Rasputin”.
“Golf Life by Rasputin”.
Check out more details visit www.thaigolfnetwork.com or contact directly at
Email: [email protected] Tel: +66 (0) 2274 7252 +66 (0) 83 899 4453
Or Call Rasputin Pattaya +66 (0) 38 4160 546, +66 (0) 82 377 3331