footjoy`s steve gale phuket thailand open

Transcription

INTERVIEW WITH
FOOTJOY’S
STEVE GALE
DESTINATION REPORT
PHUKET
PICTURES
THAILAND OPEN
THAI GOLF NEWS / ISSUE Eleven
FREE COPY
CONTENTS
ISSUE 11
Editorial
12 16
6
EDITOR’S LETTER
7
GOLF NEWS...
Stars to play in Thailand at last…
12INTERVIEW
Steve Gale
15
COURSE REPORT:
Destination PHUKET
18
COVER STORY
Where to stay and play in Phuket
22ADVERTORIAL
BLUE DIAMOND GOLF CLUB
24ADVERTORIAL
Soi Dao
28
Behind the Scenes
• Kobkaew Chanaratsopon
• Wi Hutchinson
34
TEE OFFers...
New Boutique Hotel Offers
Editor
Mike Bridge
[email protected]
Tel: +66(0) 83 198 6700
Senior Writer
Mark Hall
[email protected]
ART & Design and Layout:
PRODUCTION Dew Piyaman
[email protected]
Tel: +66(0) 89 144 7837
Printing:
Grand Prix International Co Ltd
Tel: +66 (0) 2 522 1731-8
ADVERTISINGThailand:
Surasek Saengphachareonsup
[email protected]
+66 (0) 25223227
International:
Mike Bridge
+66 (0) 831 986 700
[email protected]
Russia:
Kim Waddoup
[email protected]
PUBLISHER
4/299 Moo 5, Soi Ladplakhao 66
Ladplakhao Road
Anusawari, Bangkhen
Bangkok 10220 Thailand
Tel: +66 (0) 2 522 1731 -8
Managing Editor Magazine Website Thanyalak Padungmueang
www.thaigolf-news.com
© All materials in this magazine is the copyright of International Golf Publication.
Supported by
4
• THAI GOLF NEWS •
ISSUE ELEVEN
THAI GOLF NEWS
ISSUE 11
EDITOR’S LETTER
Editors letter….
Over the past few weeks I have been on the road checking out a few
more destinations for the next issue. I have now visited over forty courses
since I arrived in Thailand 18 months ago, so only another 210 to go!
My previous golfing experiences have mainly been centered on England
and the Middle East, with a few Asian courses thrown in too. However I
have now realized that we are so lucky here in Thailand to have so many
golfing challenges. Mountains, seaside, jungle, links, you name it, the
variety is awesome and all delivered with a big Thai smile.
The majority of clubs offer a very high standard of course maintenance,
and the prices are not too exorbitant, particularly if you take advantage of
sports days during the week. The lowest I have come across was Baht450
for a round of golf excluding caddie fee, which is exceptional value. Clubs
also reward golfers who stay at their hotels, and it is not unusual to have
unlimited golf thrown in on the day you check in and another round on the
next morning, before check out.
Bangkok has many challenges, but on the whole the courses tend to be
relatively flat. Head out of town and within 90 minutes you can experience
wildlife, unusual vegetation, waterfalls, even the odd snake or monkeys plus
in some cases wonderful fresh air to keep you cool during your round.
In this issue we flew down to Phuket to see what this popular island has to
offer. There are in fact six good standard courses dotted around the island, but
because they cater for the overseas vacationers, most green fees tend to be
on the high side. The cost of land is one factor, so it is unlikely that Phuket will
ever see any new courses being built in the future.
Environmental golf is also very popular, so we then checked out two courses nestled deep into
the countryside. The first in Soi Dao south East of Bangkok near the Cambodian border, and
the second in Nakhon Nayok, part of the Khao Yai region.
I am sure most of us have a pair of FootJoy shoes or gloves in our bag. Well after several
decades, the company is now entering the performance apparel market, and we caught up with
their Vice President when he jetted into Bangkok to launch their first collection to the Thai media.
INTERVIEW WITH
JAIDEE’S
MANAGER
DESTINATION REPORT
KORAT
FEATURE
THAI CADDIES
THAI GOLF NEWS / ISSUE Eleven
FREE COPY
COVER PICTURE SUPLIED BY
Mike Bridge
By the way if you or your society are planning to organize a golf tournament in the next few
months and want to encourage golfers to participate, then do let us know about your event and
we will be happy to promote them free of charge in our future issues.
Enjoy our latest offering, and do let me have your own recommendations on where to play a great
round of golf here in Thailand?
Mike Bridge
[email protected]
REGULAR
FEATURES:
• LOCAL AND INTERNATIONAL NEWS
• GOLF TOURISM
• THAI COURSES
• INTERVIEWS
• GOLF JOKES
• TEE OFFERS
6
ISSUE ELEVEN
GOLF NEWS...
Stars to play in Thailand at last…
The Asian Tour will welcome a new world-class tournament, The Thailand
Golf Championship at Amata Spring Country Club in December, with recent
Major champions Rory McIlroy and Darren Clarke, along with world number
two Lee Westwood, headlining this new US$1 million showpiece. The Thailand Golf Championship, a fullfield Asian Tour event, will take up the
prestigious position as the Tour’s seasonending tournament from December 15-18,
2011 where the battle for the coveted
Order of Merit crown will be determined.
Mr. Suwat Liptapanlop, Vice Chairman
of the National Olympic Committee of
Thailand (NOCT) and the Chairman of
the Organising Committee, announced
the launch of inaugural Thailand Golf
Championship recently stating, ‘Here
the aim of the event is to be a part of
the celebration of His Majesty the King’s
84th birthday anniversary.”
Amata Spring Country Club, Thailand’s
premier golf club, will become the host
venue of the newest championship
in the region where the event will be
broadcast live over four days on the
Asian Tour’s global television platform
which reaches 200 countries and over
800 million homes.
The winner of The Thailand Golf
Championship will receive a winner’s
cheque of US$158,500 and also a
spot in the World Golf ChampionshipBridgestone Invitational 2012.
Amata Spring Country Club, situated on the outskirts of the capital
city, has been in the forefront of golf since its launch in 2005. Last
year, it successfully hosted the World Golf Salutes King Bhumibol
Skins Tournament while earlier this season, it played host to the
British Open International Final Qualifying – Asia.
The Club was built with the vision of being one of the premier golf
clubs in Asia, if not the world, where its signature par three 17th
hole stands out impressively as it has a floating green which is
accessible by boat.
Asian Tour Executive Chairman Kyi Hla Han said The Thailand
Golf Championship will be a great season-finale event, thanks
to a lucrative prize fund, world-class field and the fight for the
coveted Order of Merit trophy.
“Our players are very excited with this newest tournament as
they will have the opportunity to compete on one of Asia’s best
championship courses. We will work closely with Amata Spring
Country Club to ensure a successful start to
The Thailand Golf Championship and make it
a premier tournament on the Asian Tour, said
Han.”
McIlroy and Clarke, both Northern Irishmen,
enjoyed their maiden Major victories this year in
stunning fashion. The 22-year-old McIlroy, hailed
as a future world number one, crushed the field
with a massive eight-shot victory at the US Open
at Congressional Country Club in June.
McIlroy, the world number five, said: “I have heard
so many wonderful things about Amata Spring
Country Club and its championship golf course.
I’m looking forward to competing in the inaugural
Thailand Golf Championship in December with the
hope of ending my season on a winning note.”
Clarke provided one of the most enduring
victories at the British Open when the 42-year-old
triumphed at Royal St George’s last month for his
first Major title. The big Ulsterman said: “I have
competed regularly in Asia since the 1990s and I
have always enjoyed my time over there playing on
top golf courses and against top players from the
Asian Tour.”
Westwood will be targeting a third victory of the
year in Asia as he produced back-to-back triumphs
in April at the inaugural Indonesian Masters and
Ballantine’s Championship in Korea.
“I played Amata Spring before and I had a great time.
The course is fantastic. I’ve always enjoyed success in
Asia throughout my career and this year has been no
different. Since I’ve already won a new tournament in
Indonesia this year, it would be a special achievement
if I can add The Thailand Golf Championship onto my
resume as well.
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7
GOLF NEWS...
Sweet-swinging Swede wins
Hyatt Open in Hua Hin
China attracts the Stars...
At the same time seasoned touring pro Darren
Clarke held off Phil Mickelson and Dustin Johnson
to win the Open Championship at Royal St.
George’s Golf Club in England last month, a
talented, teenage amateur was busy repelling
107 challengers in the 2nd Annual Hyatt Open at
Banyan Golf Club in Thailand.
With net scores of 65 and 69 for a two-day total
of 134 (10-under-par), 10-handicap Swede Oscar
Odestal finished one clear of runner-up Anand
Singhsachthep to earn the champion’s trophy and
the glory of taming a Rolex World’s Top 1000 golf
course.
Masters Champion Charl
Schwartzel, US Open Champion Rory McIlroy and
Open Champion Darren Clarke have all entered the
WGC-HSBC Champions. They will be competing
against World Ranked No.2 and 4, Lee Westwood
and Martin Kaymer, defending Champion and fellow
Ryder Cup star, Francesco Molinari and the 2011
Players Championship winner, KJ Choi who have all
confirmed their intention to play in the final World Golf
Championship event of 2011.
The Sheshan International Golf Club, Shanghai
will host the 2011 WGC-HSBC Champions, on
3 – 6 November for the seventh time and the third
time since being elevated to the elite World Golf
Championship status. This first wave of seven
world class players to declare their intention to
play in the tournament follows the same pattern
as previous years where the world’s best players
have flocked to compete in the fourth World Golf
Championship of the year.
Maybe it’s worth checking some Air Asia flights to
Shanghai to see what will be a superb four days
of golf.
8
ISSUE ELEVEN
“Junior golf development is very close to our hearts
at Banyan Golf Club, so to see such a young player
win this distinguished tournament is fitting,” said
Stacey Walton, Banyan GC’s general manager.
“From tee to green, the course was playing as good
as a tour event, and Oscar won with a tour-quality
performance.”
In Hua Hin on a family holiday, the 15-year-old phenom
played Banyan GC as if it were as familiar to him as
Royal Eslov and Barseback — his home courses in
Sweden.
Tournament supporters Grand Hyatt Erawan Bangkok
and Hyatt Regency Hua Hin recognized all golfers by
presenting each competitor with event shirts and a
personalized locker with name plate.
After awarding Odestal the first-place prize, Hyatt
Regency Hua Hin general manager Sammy Carolus
acknowledged Thai Airways, Titleist, Toyota, BB&B,
Connect 3e charity, Thai Country Club, Santiburi
Samui Golf Club and other Hyatt Open sponsors, and
announced next year’s edition will take place July 21-22,
again at Banyan GC and in conjunction with the Open
Championship.
The PowerCore bracelets have been taking the States by storm, and
recently a visitor to Thailand from the United States sent in this email.
I have a degenerative
arthritic hip and for 12
months whenever I play a
round of golf, I have to take
strong anti-inflammatory
tablets to avoid severe pain.
I recently played golf for the
first time since obtaining the
PowerCore bracelet, and
opted not to take any tablets.
I was pain free throughout the
round and felt stronger than
a normally do at the end of a
round.
The course was relatively flat
however, we did finish 18
holes in less than 4 hours and
it was also incredibly hot. An
interesting development for me,
thank you so much. Graham
Users of PowerCore bracelets have reported noticeable:
• Increases of Balance & Strength
• Enhanced Flexibility & Motion
• Quicker Muscle Recovery Time • Better Focus & Alertness
• Relief of Stress, Tension & Joint Pain • Longer, Deeper Sleep
Exclusive Distributor: Tri-V International Co., Ltd.
Tel. 662-720-1500 www.trivinter.com, www.powercoretha.com
Find PowerCore at: Santiburi Golf Course ( Samui, Chaing Rai, Huahin, Khon Kaen)
Black Mountain Resort and Country Club ( Prachaupkhirikhan ), Thana City Golf and Country club, Krungthep Kreetha Golf Course Etc.
GOLF NEWS...
Caddies read TGN at Thailand Open.
Thailand and Japanese
Golf Properties Sign
Reciprocal Agreements
Muang Kaew Golf Course in Bangkok and Chiangmai
Highlands Golf and Spa Resort in Chiang Mai
announced the signing of reciprocal agreements with
Anegasaki Country Club and Tateno Classic Golf Club
of Japan. The signing benefits the memberships of all
four prestigious clubs and further exhibits the strong
bond between Thailand and Japan.
It has been reported that as a result of the agreements
members of all four facilities will be extended special
green fee rates and playing privileges.
Anegasaki CC and Tateno Classic GC are located in
the Chiba province of Japan and have a long history
of golfing excellence. Anegasaki was opened in 1960,
designed by Japanese architect Taniguchi and features
36 holes of golf through tree lined fairways. Following on from the success of our Caddie feature in
the last Issue, caddies are now keen to have their picture
taken for TGN. Here are three delightful potential Caddies
of the Month reading the magazine.
Both Tourism Authority of Thailand and Singha are now
on board as main sponsors of the Caddie Championship
2011 where the final will be held at Siam Country Old
Course on September 26th. With a top prize of Baht55,
000 this is a serious tournament and a great way to
promote Thailand’s secret asset…those smiling caddies!
Go down there and give them your support.
Caddie of the Month
Tateno Classic is also quite famous having been designed
by the now Champions Tour golfer Bernhard Langer of
Germany. Tateno Classic, opened 1986, coincidentally
the same year Bernhard Langer was ranked the number 1
Golfer in the world and a year after his first Masters victory.
Muang Kaew Golf Course in Bangkok has been a favorite
of Thai golfers for several years now since its redesign by
Schmidt-Curley. Chiangmai Highlands, also a SchmidtCurley creation, has become the premier golf course in the
north of Thailand and ranking among the Top 3 Courses in
Thailand by readers of Asian Golf Monthly.
“We are all very pleased with the agreement and happy to
have made some new friends from Japan in the process”
reported K.Janejira Thirawat. Managing Director of Muang
Kaew and Chiangmai Highlands “We hope the members of
all four clubs have the opportunity to enjoy the benefits of this
new relationship”
Golfers interested in learning more about Muang Kaew Golf
Course or Chiangmai Highlands Golf and Spa Resort can visit
the club’s websites www.chiangmaihighlands.com, www.
muangkaewgolf.com
Khun Praveena Hubchai know as Bim works on the island of Phuket at Blue Canyon
Golf Club. She is 21years old and speaks a bit of English. Her caddie number is 294.
If you have a favourite caddie, then send us in a picture
and a few words on why she is your choice for Caddie of
the Month. Send to: [email protected]
10
ISSUE ELEVEN
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 8 March 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
Interview with FJ’s Steve Gale…
FootJoy is a major force in the golf industry, having
successfully dominated the market with their golf
shoes and gloves for the past few decades. They are
now entering the clothing sector with their new range
of FJ Performance Apparel range for men which
will arrive in Thailand next spring. We caught up
with Steve Gale, their Vice President Apparel Sales
Worldwide, when he flew into Bangkok recently to
launch their first collection.
How did you get into the golf
industry?
I worked as a tournament
administrator for my first two
years out of college which gave
me exposure to some of the best
amateur and local professional
golfers in the state of Indiana,
US. Throughout my years of playing
collegiate golf and working in
tournament administration, my goal
was always to end up in the business
of golf. At 23, I was given an
opportunity as a sales representative
for another golf company, working
my way up through management to a
position of national sales manager. It
was in this position that I learned the
golf apparel business from both a sales
and management standpoint.
When you joined FJ what did you do
at the beginning?
I started with FJ as a sales
representative. I spent 13 years in this
position. It has been my pleasure to
represent such and incredible brand and
culture for this time.
Were you involved in the early stages of
deciding whether to go into apparel?
I consulted as a sales representative but
did not take part in the early stages of the
project. My detailed involvement started a
year ago as we developed the sales strategy
for the product.
It is very competitive. What do you think
will make FJ stand out?
You are right; it is very competitive and
you have to stand out. First, the FJ brand
is well recognized and respected by the
avid core golfer. The brand gives us instant
credibility. However, the product must be
appealing and it must perform. We have
spent two years making sure that we bring the
absolute best materials, construction and design
to our apparel line. The consumer will indeed be
pleased when they purchase FJ Apparel.
ISSUE Eleven
Have you created any exclusive fabrics to cope
with rain or extreme heat?
We have developed our own ProDry
technology that is being used in all of our knit
shirts. Perspiration is quickly moved to the
outside of the garment where it can evaporate
quickly, allowing the player to stay dry and
maintain freedom of movement. Our materials
also have tremendous stretch properties,
enhancing the freedom of movement necessary
in the golf swing. In rainwear, our DryJoys
technology has made us the worldwide
leader in waterproof products and it allows
the player to play comfortably in all weather
conditions. Whether in rainwear or shirts, our
goal is to “make every day playable.”
You said you launched FJ Apparel in the
UK and the States first. What has been
the reaction from retailers? Do they have
sufficient rack space in their outlets to
give FJ room?
Our apparel line will actually launch
simultaneously in early 2012 in the US,
UK, Canada, Australia and SE Asia. Other
markets will follow in 2013. We have been
booking this 2012 product with retailers in
the US, UK and Canada for about a month
now and the response is incredible. We
have increased our early forecasts
significantly based on this early response. Many retailers have commented that they
knew FJ Apparel would be good but they
were not expecting such an impactful
and extensive line. They often have to
rethink their line-up after viewing our
line.
In the future will you include ladies
and junior apparel?
At this time, we have chosen to
focus on the men’s market. We
could decide to address those other
opportunities at a later date.
Finally when you are not travelling
the World, do you play golf and
where is your favorite golf course?
I still love to play but the
opportunities are few and far
between with the launch of FJ
Apparel in full swing. I recently had
the opportunity to play the newlyrenovated Pinehurst #2 course
and it is really a special place. I
look forward to playing in SE Asia
on my next visit.
Advertorial Feature www.thaigolf-news.com
ISSUE
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ExpEriEncE
p h u k E t at i t s b E s t
Phuket’s Most Exciting and Stylish Contemporary Resort –
dens – Staff that continues to be the epitome of kindness and
A culmination of a passion aimed to highlight the joy of life – De-
thoughtful unpretentious service that is so unique to Twinpalms
liciously comfortable it features sleek yet sensual minimalist in-
Phuket Resort – 100% pure and natural products – A world
teriors – Exquisite food orchestrated by talented, creative chefs
class spa – Original art collections – A well equipped library...
and presented in vibrant restaurants – A fashionable beach
and these are just some of the reasons to stay at the privately
club, the ultimate in intimate seaside sophistication – Enor-
owned, passionately run Twinpalms Phuket Resort in Thailand.
mous swimming pools – Lushly landscaped tropical water gar-
www.twinpalms-phuket.com
Twinpalms Phuket
Phuket’s Most Exciting & Stylish Contemporary Resort
106/46 Moo 3, Surin Beach Road, Cherng Talay, Phuket 83110, Thailand
t +66 (0) 76 316500, f +66 (0) 76 316599
e book@twinpalms- p huk et .co m w t w inp alm s -p huk et .co m
Phuket…a golfer’s paradise…
Phuket with its top quality golf courses has for a number of years welcomed a large number of local and
overseas golfers. For such a small island, it is unusual to find such a wide variety of golf challenges, from
seaside to mountain layouts, and all within a maximum of 45 minutes from your hotel.
The Phuket courses are Phuket Country Club (27 holes), Blue Canyon (36 holes), Lock Palm (18 holes), Red
Mountain (18 holes), Laguna Phuket Golf Club (18 holes), Mission Hills Phuket (18 holes) and Phunaka (nine
holes with floodlights).
We selected three different challenges for our Phuket report, namely Blue Canyon Lakes Course, Loch Palm,
and the new kid on the island Red Mountain.
Blue Canyon Lakes Course
Blue Canyon is perhaps the most famous club on the island, having
hosted several Championships attracting the likes of Ernie and
Tiger back in the mid 90’s. This 36 hole course has their popular
Canyon course, however many locals regard their 18 hole Lakes
course, as their own favorite.
8th at Blue Canyon Lakes
Established in 1999, the Lakes Course has water hazards coming
into play on 17 out of 18 holes. The course is a mixture of waterfilled canyons created by open cast mining with its natural land
flow left relatively unchanged. Its front nine holes run through
a landscape of lakes and original canyons, whilst the back
nine weaves around more scenic lakes and soft whispering
woodlands of rubber trees.
Although water does come into play on most of the holes, it is a
very fair layout with several birdie opportunities too. Trees play a
big part as well which gives the feeling that you really are in the
countryside.
10th at Blue Canyon Lakes
Architect Yoshikazu Kato has masterfully created a 7,129yard challenge with target-driving areas set at 270 yards to
accommodate today’s long hitting professionals. The greens
are much wider than Canyon Course; in fact the Lakes
Course boasts some of the largest greens in Asia.
Hole 6 occupies 1,115 m2 and Hole 2’s green is 1,040 m2,
so it is often easy to drive to the green, but the real test of
golfing mettle will be your putting skills to hole them.
The 8th is perhaps the most picturesque par 3 on the golf
course. High teeing areas give a great view of this large
green, beautifully framed by water and a bunker short and
left and another bunker behind.
The signature hole is left to test your skills at the end of
your round. Hole 18 is also well known as one of Asia’s
best finishing holes in golf. It gives golfers a choice to end
their final stroke onto the green from two platforms. A lone
tree separates two totally different fairway options. The
vegetation fringed water filled canyon is on the right and
expands against fairway. The right side of fairway allows
longer drive, but the partly hidden view of the green
psychologically takes back advantage.
Award winning 18th hole
Lakes Course Hole 18 is ranked as one of the top best
par-fours in Asia by several magazines. Definitely a
scary finishing hole, but well worth the trip, and it is not
so expensive as well.
For info on the club check out
www.bluecanyonclub.com
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Tinidee Hotel @ Phuket
Loch Palm Golf Club
Promoted as the most relaxing golf course in Phuket, this 18
hole course is located right in the centre of the island just 7
kms. from Phuket Town and about 15 minutes from Patong.
Nestling below a panoramic range of peaks, and sandwiched
between the Katu Waterfalls and Katu Village, the layout
surrounds the largest lake on any golf course in Phuket,
which give golfers a refreshing breeze off the water.
Loch Palm is a par 72, 6,555 yard course which has been
recently upgraded and when we played was in great
shape. Loch Palm has smooth slopes and dramatic
elevation changes. It will take you across and around
ravines and plateaus that will test your skills at many
levels of play. The front nine sits amid lakes and palm
trees. The second nine moves you though mountains,
hitting uphill and downhill with woods, irons and even
your putter!!
Before your round, try warming up on their driving
range hitting balls onto the lake!
The first hole can be a bit of a challenge, as there is
a fairly thin fairway with loads of palm trees on the
left and the Crystal Lake all along the right side. It’s
relatively short though so birdies are on the card
here.
The 2nd offers a great view of the course and is a
reachable par 5 at 458 yards from the blue tees.
Water everywhere so take the advice given by the
caddies.
Hole 5 is the courses hardest hole according to the
handicap chart, at 597 yards. No water just need to
give it a massive second to try to reach the green.
My favorite hole on the course is the 11th which
starts down a valley with a stream across the
fairway. If you can get your second over the stream
then you may make the raised green, but beware of
the undulations.
To finish the 18th looks fairly simple, but stay right
on your drive as the left has a gully that eats golf
balls and you will not reach the green with your second shot.
Loch Palm is rebuilding their club house and everything will
be complete by the end of October. Another plus is their
new 47 room hotel called Tinidee Hotel @ Phuket, which is
located adjacent to the club house. We stayed there and had
an excellent breakfast at the clubhouse before our round.
Check out their stay and play packages.
Although perhaps overshadowed by Blue Canyon and Red
Mountain, Loch Palm is a very enjoyable experience from start
to finish, and well worth a visit.
For info on the club check out www.lochpalm.com or for the
hotel go to www.tinideehotels.com
Par 3 hole 14
New Locker Rooms
16
ISSUE ELEVEN
Red Mountain Golf Club
Opened in late 2008 this course has already made
a big impact on the island and has many fans and
admirers. Arriving at the modern open plan club house
you immediately can see down below a breath taking
panorama of challenging holes. We couldn’t wait to
tee off.
Spectacular scenery on 15th!
Designed by John Morrow, the layout follows the
contours of an old tin mine, with every hole having
some hidden challenges. Carts are a must here as the
elevation is dramatic.
To start your adventure the first hole has a funnel
effect with two large rocks half way down each side
of the fairway, so aim down the centre. I loved the
2nd par 5 which tees off over a small lake to an uphill
fairway. You need to be a long hitter if you want to
stand a chance of seeing the green with your 2nd
shot, as there is a massive mountain on the right.
A reasonably large but undulating green waits in a
valley, so get the caddie’s advice here. A great hole!
Red Mountain’s hole 12
Hole 8 and 9 both have raised tees down to valleys
and are fun to play. To start the back nine there
is a par 4 around a lake from another raised tee.
Should get the second onto the green here, but
beware of those undulations.
John Morrow keeps the best until the end with
a crazy par 3 on the 17th where he has used
an old mine shaft for the green. You tee off high
above with 140 yard drop below. Bring your
camera for this one!
The 18th is a par five down a valley with a lake
and the clubhouse in the background. Accuracy
is critical here and good luck with your second
shot.
Apart from a ‘Wow’ factor course, the
clubhouse restaurant and locker rooms are
excellent, and the clubs rentals are first class
even down to the shoe hire. Definitely in the
top ten courses in Asia.
www.redmountainphuket.com
Great course, great caddies and great fun too!
Ready for some mining? Hole 17
Advertorial Feature www.thaigolf-news.com
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Where to stay in Phuket…
A Radisson Pool Villa
Radisson’s infinity pools
Radisson’s Azure Restaurant
Renowned as a great golfing destination, many golfers and
their non playing partners will be heading over to this island
in Southern Thailand. Bearing in mind that the courses are
at most only 40 minutes from where you will be staying, the
variety of hotels is vast. Naturally while you experience some
excellent golf courses, here are a couple of suggestions to
keep the whole family happy.
If you are into the resort style of hotel, then check out the
Radisson Plaza Resort Phuket Panwa Beach. This new 5
star hotel is located on the picturesque Makham Bay in
Cape Panwa, away from all the hussle and bussel , on the
southern tip of the island.
This hotel features all the amenities of a premium
beachfront property, including a well-being spa, several
dining venues, a supervised kid’s club, various swimming
pools plus a long sandy beach. There are 211 stylish
rooms, including Pool Villas, Deluxe Sea-view Rooms and
well-appointed Suites. Comfortable accommodations
combined with genuine hospitality ensure that your
Phuket Vacation is truly inspiring.
www.radisson.com/phuketth_plaza
Pimnara’s Reception
If your other half gets their kicks shopping, then try out
Phuket’s latest hotel, The Pimnara Boutique Hotel. It
is literally located inside Jungceylon, Patong’s largest
shopping centre. This is truly a one off hotel, where the
clever 29 year old owner has persuaded 15 leading
Thai Contempory artistes to add their personal touches
to all her 67 rooms. Eventually the hotel will have
its own facilties, however with so many restaurants
literally on your doorstep you are spoilt for choice. The
good news is during their soft opening their rates are
hard to beat, and if you like to party, Bangla Road is
literally over the road.
www.pimnaraboutiquehotel.com
18
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Pimnara’s Charlie Chaplain Room
Pimnara’s Kids Chair
Twin Palms Phuket
Twinpalms Phuket Resort is perhaps Phuket‘s Most Exciting &
Stylish Contemporary Resort.
Located away from the hussel and bussle at Surin Beach, this
hotel offers a beautiful and serene environment with a modern,
romantic twist - “Ultra chic meets lavish resort.”
The hotel has a great infinity pool and bar, but most will head
for the hotel’s popular beach and bar called The Catch.
Apart from the hotel, the resort has a number of lavished
apartments and villas to rent which come with all the
hotel’s services. The beach is very sandy and has a lot of
restaurants and bars even massage beds too!
It tends to get very busy in high season, so try to take
advantage of their current rates, which start to rise after
the end of October. Great location for golfers as it is not
too far from Laguna or Blue Canyon.
ISSUE ELEVEN
19
STAY
EXCITED.
Holiday Inn Resort Phuket Mai Khao Beach
is offering some serious opening rates.
Our packages include accommodation in
a Deluxe Garden View Room with daily buffet breakfast
for 2 persons and complimentary internet.
Oh, and did we mention that we are less than
15 minutes to world class golf courses?
Offers start from THB 1,999++
Visit www.holidayinnresorts.com/phuketmaikhao
www.facebook.com/maikhao or
call +66 76 603 699 to get started.
Terms & conditions apply.
STAY YOU.TM
holidayinnresorts.com
In the bar or on the terrace…..whatever your 19th hole
desires – Thana City Golf caters to your needs….
Thana City is the perfect location for an after golf lunch or dinner function or to gather with your family and friends. Want to host a sports night for your favorite premier league soccer team? How about a family gathering, a boy’s
night out after a round of golf, or a casual get-together for your society, organization or work group?
In every way, they offer you more at Thana City Golf & Sports Club. You can choose to relax outdoors on the terrace
with breathtaking views overlooking the 9th and 18th fairways, or sit inside the air-conditioned restaurant watching
sports on one of our 50-inch, high definition Televisions. Either way, you’ll enjoy wonderful Asian and Western food in
relaxed and peaceful surroundings.
The all time famous is “Noodle” with a choice of beef or pork noodles with the signature broth and all manners of
accompaniments. If noodles don’t take your fancy, then have their members’ favorite, Sukiyaki (Thai Shabu Shabu), if
you come on Tuesday evening and Sunday afternoon, you can enjoy the beer while listening to an acoustic live brand
with a choice of freshly cooked BBQ.
They offer seating for up to 200 people, and are happy to accommodate your group’s needs – you can call them at
02-336-1968-70#203-204 and they will take care of all of the details to give you and your friends a great experience at
Thana City Golf & Sports Club.
TC Hot Deal: September
“Good Morning TC” 9 holes golf 600 Baht
T-Off 6.00 - 8.00 a.m.
* remark: caddy must be booked in advance to get caddy
fee of 150 Baht if not golfer who walk - in or with no caddy
reservation will need to pay caddy ticket 250 Baht
TC Happy Day Happy Hour
T-Off 6.00-8.00 900 Baht 18 holes
September: 23 and 28 September
* Remark: this offer is only for some specify date, for more
information please call Pro Shop 083-304-4433, 083-304-4455
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21
Blue Diamond Resort comes to life…
It has already taken nearly three years of careful planning and construction,
to turn a disused gem mine in Kanchanaburi what will become a first
class resort.
Part of the plans include an 18 hole Championship Golf Course
which is now taking shape, and has already started to receive some
excellent reports.
The course will be known simply as The Grand Prix Golf Club.
The owner, Dr Prachin Eamlumnow, is President of the Grand Prix Group.
This is their first venture into the hospitality and golf industry. The Grand
Prix Group however is well known for their Motor Industry connections,
firstly as organizers of the Bangkok International Motor Show, and as
publishers of several successful Motor Magazines for 41 years.
I was lucky enough to be invited by Dr Prachin to visit the site and to
play the front nine holes back in April. Quite an experience with only six
players ahead of us it felt like stepping into unchartered territory.
I have to report that these nine holes all offered a great variety of
challenges and were also great fun to play. From elevated tees
overlooking the countryside, to lakes with faboulous wildlife the
players will certainly enjoy these holes. Also the sunsets with the
mountains in the background are really breathtaking.
Back in April ,the back nine holes were still just a vast area of mud
and waste land, with the only a few markers with red flags indicating
the locations of fairways and the greens. There are still valuable
undiscovered gems at the site, and in the future there are plans to
open a business with these gems on display.
Last month the team constructing the course had almost completed
all the elevations and drainage and with the grass laid, they
22
ISSUE ELEVEN
nine
Advertorial Feature
resembled nine superb holes. The Grand Prix Golf
Club will be definitely ready to play in December.
Too early perhaps to say how they will play, as the
grass needs time to still bed in, but it is expected that
a few professionals and guests of the company will be
invited to test the full 18 holes in the next few months.
Creating a golf course is always a challenge,
especially as you are restricted to the geography
of the surrounding area, while trying to retain an
environmentally favorable balance.
The Grand Prix Group made an early decision to handle
all the onsite construction of the course themselves,
even to the extent of buying their own diggers and
trucks. They even have their own Sand Separate Plants
to build the Golf course.
Their efforts seem so far to have paid off not only in
savings on the cost, but they are also running to schedule
as well.
The club house and on course refreshment chalets are
being constructed and will be ready in time for the Golf
Course’s soft opening on March 8th.
Meanwhile the Blue Diamond Resort is starting to take
shape, and they have a Swedish Company building a show
and resort.
Shortly and a number of luxury villas and condominiums will
be ready on New Year 2555 and put up for sale to some lucky
investors.
Advertorial Feature
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nine
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23
Soi Dao Highland weaves its magic…
16th at Soi Dao
USA designer Dennis Griffiths has done it again. Famed for
his layouts of numerous courses in the States and here in
Thailand, including Thai Country Club and Phoenix Golf Club,
Dennis has also created a secret gem hidden away in the
mountains of Soi Dao.
Opened in 1995, The Soi Dao Highland Golf Club & Resort
near the Cambodian border is a 7,162 yard par 72 golf
course that takes you on a country trip around some of the
most beautiful holes in Thailand.
According to the club’s website, Hole 3 a 206 yard par 3 is
their signature hole, but to be honest several holes give you
the ‘WOW’ factor and are worthy signature holes as well.
The whole experience kicks off with a sneaky 438 yard par
4, teeing off nearby the The Club’s Hotel downhill towards
a fast running river. Your second needs to carry the river up
towards a raised green, so beware for those who have not
had the time to warm up before starting out.
The third is a very picturesque and long par 3 over a lake
to a raised green. I am sure the swimmer at night collects
a lot of lost golf balls here.
One of our favourites and where the fun really kicks in
is their 552 yard par 5 fourth hole, which starts from a
raised tee overlooking a valley with the green hidden
away in the distance. The shot onto the green is
hidden by mounds, and bear in mind that there is a
lake guarding the green on the right. Worthy of their
number one handicap!
24
ISSUE ELEVEN
3rd Signature Hole
To finish off the front nine you need to cover 150
yards over a fast running river up to the fairway. The
9th green is fairly flat but is surrounded by a few
cleverly placed bunkers.
You now start to get a bit closer to the mountains on
the back nine, which creates a great back drop. Hole
11 has a great raised tee down towards a large green
again guarded by a river. Watch out for some unusual
trees with fruit growing beside the fairway here.
My favourite hole was the very photogenic number 16,
a 169 yard island green with a bunker at the front and
the bendy palm trees at the back. Definitely time to get
the camera out here for the obligatory group shot.
Soi Dao offers some great challenges from a number of
tees, and the overall memory is the clean air, fabulous
views, and the peace of the countryside only interrupted
by the sound of the rivers and waterfalls flowing down
from the mountain. The club house is well laid out with
a pro shop and restaurant, and adjacent is Soi Dao
Highland Hotel with a welcoming outdoor pool.
With the mist and low clouds hanging over the
surrounding Khao Soi Dao mountains, it does create a
magical backdrop, and offers a very pleasant temperature
to play a relaxing round of golf.
Around a four hour drive from Bangkok, definitely a course
to add to your list. www.soidaohighland.com
Advertorial Feature
One the best
Golf courses in Thailand
Royal Hills ticks all the boxes…
How many times have you arrived at a golf course with high
expectations of a great golfing experience, and are sometimes
disappointed by what you see on arrival. Well our first visit to
the Royal Hills Golf Resort in Nakhon Nayok certainly did not
disappoint.
Any club that can boast its very own 235 room 4 star hotel, a royal
spa, outdoor swimming pool, seminar suites plus an 18 hole golf
course has to be very popular.
Their par 72, 7,034 yard golf course was designed by Nelson
and Haworth, the same team who created the Kuala Lumpur
Golf and Country Club in Malaysia and the Raffles Golf & Country
Club in Singapore.
Luckily for them they inherited some breath taking scenery
with lakes, waterfalls, an abundance of wildlife, a vast variety
of plants and trees and not forgetting the backdrop of the vast
mist covered mountains of the Khao Yai National Park.
The front nine holes takes you alongside the mountains with a
variety of elevations, while the back nine takes you up to their
signature hole number 18 that winds around a large lake with
the green overlooked by the hotel.
There are in fact five tee boxes from a whopping 7,372 yards
from the Championship tees down to a manageable 5,301
yards on the red tees. Fairways were generally wide and
inviting but course management is important, and the Greens
are generally small but do allow for a running approach.
It isn’t long before you arrive at the second hole, possibly the
most difficult hole on the course. The first landing area puts
you between two sand bunkers to the right and the third
to the left. Your second shot outs you in position for the
green but to the left is a monster sand bunker with boulder
outcroppings. The green has two bunkers on its left, and
also has one on the back right. You have been warned!
Hole Six plays uphill all the way with a huge, deep sand
bunker to the right side of the fairway. The green is long
with two bunkers to the left, as well as a long, deep
grassy swale and the right side has grassy hollows.
Great views with the mist covered mountain as the
backdrop.
All the holes are a challenge but do enjoy hole 12, a truly
beautiful hole with elevated tees , two small channels
three pot bunkers and a large green with a sand
bunkers to the right and a large grassy hollow in the
back.
The 18th signature hole is a beautiful finishing hole with
a large lake that runs the entire length of the hole and
a grand view of the clubhouse from the tee area. A
rock wall surrounds the green along the lake on the
right side so you will enjoy your birdie here.
With only a ninety minute 160 kilometre ride from
Bangkok, Royal Hills is a great place to take your
wife, partner or the whole family for a very rewarding
break in some breath taking peaceful countryside.
26
ISSUE ELEVEN
Advertorial Feature
Cool waves and sounds.....
Spasso is always rocking…..
Bangkok’s hot spot, Spasso
is located in the Lower
Lobby of Grand Hyatt
Erawan Bangkok. This
chic and sophisticated up
market restaurant and bar
continues to be the place
for authentic Italian food
and the best live music in
town performed by the
International headliners
from USA and Canada.
The food is excellent but what really makes this established club stand
out are the top class live bands. Just arrived hot for Oman is USA band
Transit, a six piece group fronted by a couple of sexy singers!
The Beach Club simply known
as The Catch, is located 175m
from Twinpalms Phuket Resort on
Surin Beach. It is regarded as the
most fashionable and exclusive
Phuket beach club on the island.
This stylish beach club offers
succulent Fresh Live Seafood,
delectable pizza from the wood
fired oven and magnificent pasta.
Choose from live Phuket Lobster,
Sea bass, Andaman Tiger Prawns
and Blue & Black Crabs. Check
out their “Tuesday & Friday Beach
Barbecue” with beach bonfire.
Open daily for lunch and dinner, the live music starts from
10.00pm – 2am.
For more information or reservations, call Grand Hyatt Erawan Bangkok
at 0 2254 1234.
Worship the sun in the clubs ultra comfy
beach loungers by day or watch people
at the cool, oversized terrazzo bar at
night. Once the sun disappears, the music
tempo rises with excellent DJ’s until late
into the night. Definitely one to add to your
list for great places to hang out. Bookings
recommended.
ISSUE
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NINE
27
Behind the Scenes
Wi Hutchinson
– Golf Operations Director
Solar Golf and Tours – Pattaya
I joined Solar Golf as a holiday
representative dealing with golfers
arriving in Thailand. I worked previously
at Phuket Marina, so I had some
experience in customer relations, but
initially I was sometimes a bit confused
by what golfers talk about all the time.
My company arranged for me to take
golf lessons, and I learnt very quickly that
I really enjoyed the sport. I was promoted
to Director in 2008.
Kobkaew Chanaratsopon
Assistant General Manager at Royal Hills Resort
What did you do before working at the family business running Royal Hills?
I worked for Silver Express as a sale representative selling silver jewelry
from Thailand. Then they established another business called Charming
Charlie a retail store for selling women accessories in America. I was in
charge of fashion jewelry buyer based in Houston Texas.
When did you join the club and what was your first job at the club?
I returned from the States and started to work for Royal Hills five years
ago and my first job was product development manager. My job involves organising everything
for holiday golfers – meeting them at the
airport, transport, tee time bookings and
taking care of hotels and tours. I play golf
regularly with our customers and I have
been to the UK five times to promote golf in
Thailand.
My dream came true when I played the Old
Course in St Andrews!
What do you do today? Describe a typical day at the club / hotel?
I am now Asst. General Manager for both the Hotel and Golf Course.
My job is to ensure that our staff are well trained and are serving
customers needs. We recently renovated our hotel rooms and giving
more refreshing look to our new logo. Currently, the projects that I am working on are the additional Seminar
rooms, which will be completed by September 2011, and another is
Royal Hills resident, that will be launched by the end of this year.
What makes the Resort so successful and what have you personally
done which has been your biggest impact at the Resort to date?
We’re fortunate to have a pleasant location. Royal Hills Golf Resort
and Spa is located in Nakhon Nayok, which is only one and a half
hours drive from Bangkok, surrounded by Khao Yai National Park.
We have 253 hotel rooms and a total of 15 seminar rooms, which
can fill the maximum number of 1000 customers
In the first four years of my work here, I tried to adjust and renovate
our product lines and looks, so that it will fit modern day taste and
style. Now I am spending time on our corporate identity. The
result is, among other things, our new logo, which communicates
that today, Royal Hills has improved to a new phase, and you’re
welcomed to see what we have to offer right now.
28
ISSUE ELEVEN
Zoom-zoom: We put a little
sport in everything we do….
Mazda Sales (Thailand) Co. Ltd. has launched
another new action in the small car market
with the introduction of the Mazda2 2011MY
Freshening. Their 5-door hatchback is now
called the “New Mazda2 SPORTS” while
the 4-door sedan is called “New Mazda2
ELEGANCE”.
Both of Mazda2 SPORTS and ELEGANCE
come with larger number of added features
inside and out. Now all Mazda2 include dual
front SRS airbags, ABS brakes, powered
windows, foldable powered side view mirrors
and allow wheels for every trim level.
Meanwhile, the top version comes with DVD
player with 7-inch LCD screen, Bluetooth
connectivity, USB and SD card inputs, and
full aerodynamic kit.
Prices start at only Baht545, 000 to
Baht695, 000. The Mazda2 is powered by
a 1,500cc engine that is both powerful and
efficient. Mazda is confident of another
year of exceptional growth, and has raised
the annual combined sales target (every
model) to more than 40,000 units.
http://www.mazda.co.th
30
ISSUE ELEVEN
Nine
Advertorial Feature
BANGKOK CITY CHANNEL (TRUE 76)
every Saturday 2200-2300 and on Asean TV ( True 99)
www.tvasean.org
every Saturday 2100-2200
FOLLOW TONY AND COURTNEY with new equipments, destinations, updated golf courses
in Thailand and new golf tips ON BUSINESS GOLF BANGKOK CITY CHANNEL (TRUE 76)
every Saturday 2200-2300 and on Asean TV ( True 99) every Saturday 2100-2200
Brought to you by
CONNEX SPORT NETWORKS
Behind the scenes
at the Thailand Open…
Andre Stolz from Australia was this year’s
winner of the Thailand Open walking
away with a cheque for US$180,000,
but the real winners were the volunteers
at Suwan Golf and Country Club who
worked through the humidity, rain and
thunder to put on a first class event. Pity
there were not more spectators as they
missed some excellent golf.
Lucky I passed my Maths exam
Pariya Junhasavasdikul enjoys a good read!
I need energy!
Mother and Daughter volunteers
32
ISSUE ELEVEN
OK they are my sponsors too!
Enforcing all these rules is tough!
Golf Classified
Weekday Baht2,300 Weekend Baht3,400
Located at 27km point on Bangna – Trad road, from Bangkok on Bangna –
Chonburi expressway. Tel: +66 (0) 2 707 3820-5 www.vintagegolfthai.com
Rancho Charnvee Country Club Weekday Baht1,500 Weekend Baht2,600
Located 2 hours drive North East of Bangkok in Khao Yai National Park.
Tel;+66 (0) 8 8375 4466 www.ranchcharnveegolf.com
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
Beach front home on Lamai Beach, Samui. Cha-node Title Deed 458 sq.wah
Price only: BHT 50 million Contact: [email protected] 085-977-6301
Sports days on Tuesdays and Thursdays at Baht800 for 18 holes.
Located 1 hour from Bangkok on Chonburi expressway
Tel: 080 449 2266 www.khaokheowgolf.com
All week Baht3,500. The club offers 27 holes of top flight gold designed by
Jack Nicklaus and Schmidt & Curly Gold Design. Course A is the mountain
course. Course B is the lake course. Course C is the valley course. Located
in Cha-Am at the 212km turn off on the Bangkok to Hua Hin expressway
Tel: +66 (0) 32 709222 www.springfieldresort.com
ISSUE ELEVEN • THAI GOLF NEWS •
33
TEE OFFers
Send your club offers to: [email protected]
New Boutique Hotel Offers…
Stay 3 nights pay for 2…
Radisson Blu
Pimnara
Pimnara Boutique Hotel in Phuket is a new hotel located inside
Jungceylon Patong’s shopping centre. Each room has been
designed by 15 Thai Contempory Artists. I am sure the other half
will hardly moan when you tell her you’re going to play golf on the
island and you’ll both be staying near all those shops! The other
good news is the hotel has some very reasonable rates until the
end of October during their soft opening. Standard rooms are
Baht2, 450 and their Superior rooms are only Baht2, 950.
www.pimnaraboutiquehotel.com
Radission Blu Resort Phuket have an offer
until the end of October with deluxe rooms
from only Baht3,990 including their sumptuous
breakfast. Stay two nights and they will throw
for free a third night at this beautiful resort on
the southern tip of Phuket. www.radissonblu.
com/resort-phuket
Stay and Play at Royal Hills…
New FREE electronic
newsletter for readers…..
Discounts…Shotguns….Hotel offers!!!
Discounted rounds!
From time to time we at Thai Golf News receive
discounted green fee vouchers from a number of leading
golf clubs around Thailand. We also hear about shotgun
tournaments well in advance, hotel promotions and other
great product offers. Therefore we have decided to send
out a regular electronic newsletter informing readers how
to take advantage of these great discounts and special
offers. If you or any of your friends are keen to receive
our TGN Newsletters, then just drop us an email at
[email protected] stating ‘Newsletter’ and
start saving straight away.
•34
THAI• THAI
GOLFGOLF
NEWS
NEWS
• ISSUE
• ISSUE
ELEVEN
Nine
Stay and Play…
If you checked out our report on page 26 on
the Royal Hills Golf Resort, then you may like to
take advantage of their Stay and Play packages.
They include a day’s golf on their 18 hole course,
a deluxe twin shared room and an American
Breakfast all for Baht1, 400 per person including
taxes and service charges. If you want to stay over
a weekend then the cost is only Baht2,100 per
person. The Resort also has an excellent spa, an
enormous swimming pool and of course masses
of fresh air too! This offer is valid to the end of
September 2011. www.royalhillsresort.com

footjoy`s steve gale phuket thailand open

Transcription

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