AsiAn Tour ExEcuTivE chAirmAn PATTAyA

Transcription

INTERVIEW WITH
Asian Tour
Executive
Chairman
DESTINATION REPORT
Pattaya &
Rayong
Report on
The 2nd
Thai Caddy
Championship
THAI GOLF NEWS / ISSUE Twelve
FREE COPY
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
The 2nd Best Course in All of Asia
Pacific (2010 & 2011)
(as voted by the readers of Asian Golf Monthly
Magazine)
Has been also most fortunate in NOT being
affected by the disastrous flood.
We are both very fortunate and very thankful!
Our course remains open and in very good condition!
Owned & Managed by The Peninsula Hotels
www.ThaiCountryClub.com
e-mail: [email protected]
tel: +66 38 570 234
CONTENTS
ISSUE 12
22
Editorial
12
6
EDITOR’S LETTER
7GOLF NEWS...
Pattaya Wins Major Travel Destination Award
12INTERVIEW
Asian Tour’s Executive Chairman...
Kyi Hia Han
15COURSE REPORT:
Eastern Star & Pattana Club and Resort
19COVER STORY
The 2011 Caddy Championship Finals
22ADVERTORIAL
BLUE DIAMOND - A new Golf Holiday spot
is coming to life…
27&28REGIONAL NEWS
Phuket & Pattaya
4
30
Behind the Scenes
The Siam Country Club Plantation
33
TEE OFFers...
• Hot New Addition
• GOLF IN A SCENIC MOUNTAIN VALLEY…
• THAI GOLF NEWS • ISSUE Twelve
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:
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[email protected]
+66 (0) 25223227
International:
Mike Bridge
+66 (0) 831 986 700
[email protected]
Russia:
Kim Waddoup
[email protected]
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Tel: +66 (0) 2 522 1731 -8
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www.thaigolf-news.com
© All materials in this magazine is the copyright of International Golf Publication.
Supported by
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i, K a n c h a n a b u r i
“This is my dream,
My family,
My friends”
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Grand Opening 8 March 2012
actual picture : 2 march 2011
Blue Diamond Golf and Watersports Club Co.,Ltd.
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www.bluedaimondgolf.com
THAI GOLF NEWS
ISSUE 12
EDITOR’S LETTER
Editors letter….
It’s been a difficult few months for Thailand, and in particular for those
intrepid green keepers, who have for most of the time kept their courses
open and in playable state, during the floods.
With all the rumours going around, it has been difficult to find out if certain
clubs were closed or if the surrounding access roads were closed. In the
past few weeks most main roads have re opened, and the majority of
courses affected have re opened for business.
OK the rain did affect a number of courses up to mid October, when you
would have been better off wearing Wellington Boots around the course. I
remember on a few occasions my ball was also disappearing on the soggy
fairways, literally down into mud!
You know when it’s too wet to play golf in Thailand, only when your cart
capsizes and your caddie is wearing her bikini! It certainly helps if the course
you are playing has been built with good drainage.
Certainly there are a few courses around Bangkok’s flat landscape that manage
to cope and the hillier clubs in Hua Hin, Pattaya and Phuket seem to drain faster as well.
Having recently played at Thai Country Club, Thana City and Riverdale, it is great to report that
all three courses were in superb condition. With fewer players during the floods, and the recent
sunny weather, expect most of the 260 courses around Thailand to be in tip top condition.
This month we spent some time down in Pattaya and Rayong checking out some courses for
you there. Pattaya recently won the Golf Destination 2012 for Asia and Australia voted by 400
IAGTO tour operators, which was the first time that a region rather than a country had won this
prestigious award.
INTERVIEW WITH
AsiAn Tour
ExEcuTivE
chAirmAn
DESTINATION REPORT
PATTAyA &
rAyong
REPORT ON
ThE 2nd
ThAi cAddy
chAmPionshiP
THAI GOLF NEWS / ISSUE Twelve
FREE COPY
COVER PICTURE SUPLIED BY
Mike Bridge
TGN has always supported those wonderful Thai Caddies, and so in this issue we went down to
the Siam Country Club to cover The Thai Caddie Championship 2011.
Also check out our reports from Phuket and Pattaya and find out why the Asian Tour is finishing off
its year with an exciting new tournament right here in Thailand.
Finally just a reminder to you all that we receive on a regular basis a number of discounted green
fees and hotel accommodation to offer to you our readers. Therefore if you are interested in saving
some money (who isn’t!) and would like to receive our monthly newsletter, then just drop me an email
quoting ‘newsletter’ to [email protected]
Mike Bridge
REGULAR
FEATURES:
• LOCAL AND INTERNATIONAL NEWS
• GOLF TOURISM
• THAI COURSES
• INTERVIEWS
• GOLF JOKES
• TEE OFFERS
6
GOLF NEWS...
Waterlogged Thai Courses…
Pattaya Wins Major Travel
Destination Award.
Pattaya, the popular
Thailand resort, has
just been named Golf
Destination of the Year 2012
for Australia and Asia.
The Mayor of the City
of Pattaya, along with
representatives from
several of the regions
golf clubs, accepted
their award last month in
Turkey on the final night
of the International Golf
Travel Market.
The nominees for 2012 included Malaysia, New Zealand,
Vietnam plus Thailand’s Hua Hin, Pattaya and Phuket
regions.
This prestigious award was voted for by over 400 global
tour operator members of the International Association of
Golf Tour Operators (IAGTO).
Previous winners included Malaysia and Thailand, but this
is the first time that an actual region has won this award.
Spain, the United States and Thailand are currently the
big three international golf destinations, with Turkey and
Portugal among developing countries that were rapidly
increasing their golf tourism sectors.
The Mayor of Pattaya City, Itthiphol Kunplome accepting
the award said, ‘Pattaya is already well known as a
resort destination, however I hope that by winning this
award, it will help give the destination a higher profile,
and through increased marketing budgets, elevate
Pattaya as a top international golf destination.‘
Peter Walton President and Chief Executive of IGATO,
said,’ The main reasons why they won this award,
were that our members found that Pattaya offered
quality golf courses, good management, great
service, value for money, and most importantly, that
the local agents and tourist board were particularly
supportive both to our members and of course their
clients.’
Mike Mesommonta, spokesman for the Eastern
Seaboard Golf Management Association added,’
this award is a huge endorsement for all our
members, who have worked very hard to create
some top class golf courses in the region. Our
courses attract thousands of foreign visitors and
several major International Tournaments every year,
including the Thailand Open, the Pattaya Open and
the Honda LPGA Open. We are lucky to be able
to offer fine weather all year round, keeping our
courses in perfect playing conditions 365 days
every year, and perhaps are best secret weapon
are the wonderful smiling caddies!’
According to recent reports the Thai golf industry has like
many other industries been affected by the dramatic floods
across Thailand.
Over thirty courses were apparently closed, either due to
surrounding road closures or from flooded greens and fairways.
Courses in Pathumthani, Nakorn Nayok, Chachoengsao,
Ayutthaya and Bangkok felt the brunt of the closures, including
Ayutthaya Golf Club, Bangkok Golf Club, Summit Pinehurst and
Chuan Chuen Golf Clubs.
As the waters are now receding, most are now open for
business again. Naturally those courses which were not affected
directly by flooding, but had suffered by surrounding access
roads being closed, have used the time to catch up on vital
course maintenance.
In fact it would be fair to say, with the recent sunny weather,
courses such as Thai Country Club, Riverdale, Thana City and
Royal Hills are all in first class condition.
Courses in Hua Hin and Pattaya have not been directly affected by
the floods, however with the drop in overseas visitors, most clubs
have reported a drop in players.
Certainly for the next few months, with the cooler weather and less
tourists around, this will be the perfect opportunity for local and
expat golfers to benefit
from quieter courses
and some excellent golf
stay and play packages.
Our advice is to contact
the course before setting
out, as they will be able
to advice golfers on the
best route to take with
a few diversions still
operating.
ISSUE Twelve •
ISSUE NINE •
THAITHAI
GOLF
GOLF
NEWS
NEWS
• 7•
GOLF NEWS...
Volvo China Open Champion
Nicolas Colsaerts warms up at
Banyan Golf Club in Hua Hin
Soi 8 Shot Gun…
Soi 8 bar is a well known haunt for some of
Bangkok’s most interesting Expats off Sukhumvit,
and from time to time they actually leave the bar
to venture out into the sunlit….to play golf.
Last month they organized a day out at The
Royal Lakeside Golf Club along the Bangna Trad
expressway.
European Tour Golf Professional from Belgium Nicolas Colsaerts
ranked 17 on the Race to Dubai money list warmed up last
month at the Banyan Golf Club, Hua Hin working on his team
match play plans in advance of the World Cup at Mission Hills,
Hainan Island, China.
A good time was had by all, and prizes were
handed out back at their own 19th hole, The Soi 8
Bar afterwards. Surprise of the day, Bar Manager
Michael had the longest drive….310 yards….
draught and wind assisted no doubt!!!
His appearance was warmly welcomed by club members and
guests of Banyan Golf Club, Hua Hin as he also participated
in the monthly golf and wine dinner event on Saturday, 19th
November 2011.
Prior to the 5-course wine dinner at The Terrace restaurant,
Nicolas, together with his coach Michel Van Meerbeck and
caddie Brian Nilsson held a one hour clinic for local juniors at
the driving range. Everyone was overwhelmed by the level of
enthusiasm and excitement the juniors have for the game of
golf and that those present enjoyed the golfing instruction that
they received.
During the prize giving dinner Nicolas Colsaerts was
interviewed by golf club general Manager, Stacey Walton.
Nicolas was asked several questions such as his favorite
holes and spoke well about the back 9 and particularly 15 to
18 as the most memorable.
Nicolas also mentioned how he played a driver and 3
wood to the back of the green on the long par 5, hole 12
to make birdie. During the interview, Nicolas touched on
the equipment he uses in his golf bag and mentioned that
he likes to use a selection of clubs & brands that best suit
him as he hasn’t got an exclusive sponsorship to use any
particular clubs. So, it’s all down to technique and we
all know well that Nicolas is very capable of hitting over
300-yards from the tee.
Monthly events at Banyan Golf Club, Hua Hin have
enjoyed much support over the years and they’ve a
bumper of social golf and dinners scheduled in December.
Stacey Walton comments that there is an event for
everyone over the festive season; we’ve got lined up a
series of social events from a golf day with BBQ dinner
on 10th, our signature wine dinner on 17th, Christmas
Champagne Dinner on 24th, Christmas lunch on 25th
and New Year’s Party and Gala with live band on 31st.
For more information about our festivities please contact
[email protected] or call 03 261 6200.
8
Caddie of the Month
Khun Nok caddie
no.72 works
at Navatanee
Golf Course in
Bangkok. Although
a members club,
they are now
allowing non
member’s access
during the week.
Khun Nok although
only 18 years
old, had a good
knowledge of the
course, and spoke
English and a little
Japanese too.
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]
STAY
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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
New Holiday Inn
resort open...
The Holiday Inn Resort Phuket Mai Khao Beach officially opened
its doors for business last month as the newest international hotel
brand along the northwest coast of Phuket. The 246-guestroom,
new-build property caters to all types of travelers -- from couples
on a romantic getaway to families seeking the perfect holiday, or
even professionals on a corporate retreat.
The new resort, with its relaxing environment, offers guests a
contemporary design and modern facilities. This includes a
beachfront infinity pool, a resort leisure centre and a fitness
center fitted with the latest equipment. The hotel also offers
a wide range of holistic Thai and western massages and
treatments at its signature Tea Tree Spa.
Dining choices at the resort span a wide selection of local
specialties and international cuisine in its three restaurants and
bars. In-room features include crisp beddings with a choice
of soft and firm pillows, a large walk-in rain shower, wired/
wireless internet, a spacious balcony/terrace, and more. “We have gone to great lengths to ensure that the Holiday
Inn Resort Phuket Mai Khao Beach hits the sweet spot for
a wide range of target customers and we are confident that
our efforts will pay off,” said GM Simon Morely.
Conveniently located, the resort is within 15 minutes drive
from Phuket International airport, several major golf courses
including Blue Canyon, Laguna and Mission Hills, and
Splash Jungle, the island’s only recreational water park. It
is close to popular attractions like Phang Nga Bay, Sirinath
National Park and Phuket Town Shopping Centre. 10
True to the Holiday Inn heritage, the resort has
a range of family-friendly facilities and services. Its KidSuites® offers privacy for both parents and
children, each with separate sleeping areas. The
kids’ section of the suite comes with a bunk bed and
a play corner that includes a flat screen TV, a DVD
player and a game console.
For families with teenagers, the resort offers a Teen
Zone with game consoles for youngsters to unwind
and entertain themselves. There’s also a Kids
Club, with an array of entertaining activities where
younger kids can have fun under the watch of
professional care takers. For more information on Holiday Inn Resort Phuket Mai
Khao Beach, or for reservations, visit
www.holidayinnresortphuketmaikhaobeach.com
www.facebook.com/maikhao or call +66 76 603 699
Advertorial Feature
Interview with Asian Tour’s
Executive Chairman….Kyi Hia Han.
Up to now Thailand has been missing out on a major
golf tournament to compete with its neighbours for
some time. Malaysia has its Maybank Malaysian Open
and the CIMB Classic, Singapore it’s Barclay’s Open
and South Korea the Ballentines, all attracting the
star players. Well all this is about to change now that
the Asian Tour has announced that it will be holding
their season ending event here in Thailand.
The Thailand Golf
Championship will
be held at the Amata
Springs on December
15th-18th 2011. Rory
McIlroy, Lee Westwood,
Darren Clark, Charl
Scwartzel, Charlie
Hoffman and Sergio
Garcia are all scheduled
to play.
TGN: You have recently announced
the Thailand Golf Championship
(TGC). When did you first start to plan
this event?
KHH: We started planning for this
event at the beginning of this year and
we’re glad that we’re able to announce
this newest event on the Asian Tour in
August.
TGN: Will the TGC become a permanent
fixture on the Asian Tour Calendar?
KHH: Yes.
TGN: Do you see it as the Asian Tour
version of the Fed Ex or the Race to
Dubai end of season finale?
KHH: There are no plans to position this
event in that way at the moment. Right
now, it’s a full field Asian Tour event that
will take place at the end of the season and
our goal is to make it one of the biggest
tournaments in Thailand.
TGN: Why have you restricted the field to 60
players and not enabled more Asian Order of
Merit players to contend?
KHH: There are no restrictions to the field. This is
a full field Asian Tour event with at least 90 Asian
Tour playing in the starting field.
TGN: How did you select the venue? Did you
consider other countries and will future TGC’s be
held at the same venue?
KHH: Amata Spring Country Club was
selected because they would like to host a
big tournament and they were also part of the
organizing committee. Yes, it will be held at the
same venue in future.
TGN: To have Rory Lee and Darren playing
certainly adds to the event. Will you be also
inviting any of the US PGA players to attend?
KHH: You’re right that these marquee names
will increase the stature of the event. I’m sure
a lot of people will be watching especially
Advertorial Feature www.thaigolf-news.com
since there’ll be no other big tournaments
happening around the same time as the Thailand
Golf Championship. I would be happy to invite the
US PGA players but it will also have to depend on
their schedules.
TGN: Regarding exposure has the tie up with IMG
created larger viewing figures for all your events
this year and has this help increase the prize money
offered?
KHH: Yes. Our partnership with IMG will create
maximum exposure for this event as it’ll be broadcast
live over four days on the Asian Tour’s global
television platform which reaches 200 countries and
over 850 million homes.
TGN: Finally does the Asian Tour plan to add any new
events to the 2012 calendar?
KHH: We’re in the midst of finalizing our Tour Schedule
for 2012 and we’ll be making an announcement soon.
ISSUE
ISSUE
Twelve •
nine • THAI GOLF NEWS •
13
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2,650THB Weekends
before 11:30 AM
1,950 THB Weekends
after 11:30 AM
Rates include 18-Hole Green Fee,
Caddy Fee and Cart
Walk-About Weekdays
1,250 THB
For golfers who enjoy the walk,
includes green fee and caddy
Weekdays Only
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1,500 THB - Every Wednesday
INCLUDES 18-Hole Green Fee,
Caddy Fee and Cart
Call +66 (0) 38 835 555 for tee times
or email us at [email protected]
*Rates subject to change without notice
More Topiary than any other golf course in Thailand…
The Eastern Seaboard stretches from Chonburi and Bangpra in the North
down to Pattaya and Rayong in the South and includes some of Thailand most
interesting and Challenging Golf Courses.
Siam Country Club, Laem Chabang and Burapha have already featured in
earlier issues of Thai Golf News so this month we decided to revisit the area.
Here are two different courses that are both worth a visit.
Eastern Star Country Club and Resort
is an 18 hole golf course designed by Robert Trent
Jones Jr.
Located on Eastern Seaboard in the province of
Rayong, it has a country feel although it is located
nearby the sea shore.
It has an abundance of plants and over 2,200
coconut palms, but perhaps the most striking
memory was the number of Topiary from Cups
to animals...even a maze that would fit into any
French Chateau.
Oh and yes there is a very welcoming 18 hole golf
course that is perhaps a fair challenge for even
beginners.
The first hole has a wide fairway down to a green
sloping towards a lake on its right. Be careful
that you don’t misread the speed of the greens
here!!!
The second hole is a long par 4. Important to
get over the dog leg here, and to avoid the
large FA Cup shaped hedge. Second is up to
a raised green again sloping and with bunkers
to stay clear of.
The first par 3 is 203 yards up to a green
on a plateau. Watch out for the wind here
otherwise you could end up in a grassy
hollow.
Hole 8 is a reasonable par 5, but half way
along the fairway it gets thinner with trees
and water to contend with and to avoid.
Star hole is their par 3 number 13 which
has elephants (topiary style) and bunkers
and a lake to handle. Possible birdie here.
ISSUE Twelve •
ISSUE NINE •
THAI THAI
GOLFGOLF
NEWS
NEWS
• 15•
16 is the hardest on the card at 451 yards. It looks simple,
but it is a long par 4 with bunkers ahead to trap you.
Overall a fair challenge and a good course to take beginners
who can enjoy a fair game with the more experienced golfer.
Watch out for the unique markers...they are in fact Bird
Cages with different colours depending on the distance. A
nice touch!
The club house is generous, and they have a number of
facilities including sports, a fitness center, large swimming
pool and several apartment blocks offering reasonable
Stay and Play Packages.
Pattaya…a golfer’s paradise….
Any club that can boast a 27 hole
Championship Course plus a major
Clubhouse with a Hotel and even a 2,000
seater football stadium has to be worth
a visit.
Pattana Golf and Sports Resort only 80
minutes from Central Bangkok and 40
minutes from Pattaya certainly did not
disappoint. Their massive Clubhouse,
one of the biggest in Thailand hides
what is a remarkable golf course.
The 27 holes have been skillfully
crafted upon beautiful and natural
rolling terrain, providing an enjoyable
challenge for golfers of all ability,
consisting of three 9-hole courses
named Andreas, Brookei, and
Calypso.
We actually played Brookei
(Course B) and Calypso (Course
C) as Andreas was closed for
maintenance. The club has a new
16
GM , Khun Siripol who worked at Black Mountain,
and he has already upgraded the B and C courses
to a very high standard.
We started off on their signature hole on Course B
(B1), the 427-yard Par 4 with the fairway and green
stretch into the reservoir, with water on both sides.
This is a very tough hole to start your round and
some of us ended up deciding to replay it at the
end when we had warmed up.
B2 is a beautiful par 5, and one of those holes
where you can’t wait to tee off. At 525 yards
it weaves itself round the lake on the left with
wonderful rolling hills along the fairway up to a
raised green.
B3 was fun being an island green so beware of
the water here. The next few holes do not have
any water hazards but watch out for B6 where
I counted six trees dotted around the middle of
the fairway.
C3 is a long par 5 with a lot of water on the left. You need
to have an accurate drive here otherwise you will find a
very wet second shot. The green is small and rolling so try
to get close to the pin.
Trees and a stream come into play on C6 the hardest hole
in the group, so you should play up with your second shot
before making an accurate chip onto the raised green.
We all enjoyed a great meal afterwards in the Club House
restaurant that overlooks several holes. It was at least a small
consolation to see other golfers tackle the dreaded B1 and
we were still talking about the course throughout the rest of
the day. A true measure of a very enjoyable experience!
Pattana Golf and Sports Resort
B9 is a massive 626 yard par 5 ending up with
large grass mounds and bunkers protecting
the green placed in front of the club house
restaurant. Not a place to get stuck in the
bunker here!
We all felt that Calypso (course C) was a
bit easier to play, but still offered a great
challenge.
Pattana Golf and Sports Resort
ISSUE
ISSUE
Twelve •
17
Caddies Playing with Caddies…
The 2011 Caddy Championship Finals sponsored
by TAT and Singha, attracted over 150 players
from across Thailand last month at the Siam
Country Club.
Several Korean Caddies also took part, and
the eventual joint winners were a Thai caddie
representing Lam Chabang Golf Club in Pattaya
and a young caddie from the Pine Ridge Resort
in Kangwon-do in Korea.
The idea of this unique event started back
in 2009 when the Directors from Pine Ridge
in Korea came to Thailand. They were so
impressed by the standards of the Thai
caddies that they asked if they could bring
over a number of their own caddies for some
additional training to Lam Chabang Golf Club
in Pattaya.
Twenty Korean Caddies eventually stayed for
a week of training, and at the end of their stay
they joined in a caddie tournament. That was
how the Caddy Championship started.
According to Asian golfing legend
Thongchai Jaidee ‘What makes golf in
Thailand so special is the variety of courses,
the Thai Caddies and their infectious
Smile!’
Tourism Authority of Thailand realized this potential and happily
agreed to become a title sponsor for the Championship in 2010
along with Singha.
Auggaphol Brickshawana from TAT explained,’ We agreed to support
this Championship from the beginning and currently we are also
encouraging more and more golf courses to enable their caddies
to play golf too. These Championships give us another channel to
promote Thailand at overseas events and especially to promote golf as
a niche market in Thailand.’
ISSUE Twelve • THAI GOLF NEWS •
19
Regional rounds were held at several top golf courses
around Thailand with the winners all qualifying for the
2011 Finals held in Pattaya. A total of 150 competitors
representing 33 Thai Golf Clubs played in the final round
at The Siam Country Club on the Old Course, home to
the Thailand LPGA Open.
Prasertchai Phornprapha Managing Director at the Club
said ‘We like to encourage our staff and caddies to play
golf, and about 20% of all of caddies take advantage
to play a free round on Mondays, when the course is
closed for maintenance. I am very proud that a total
of seven of our caddies are competing in the final of
the Championship. We take a lot of time to fine tune
everything from the course to the club house to offer
our members and guests a 5 star service, and our
caddies are extremely well trained in all aspects of
reading the greens, giving the yardage to looking
after their players.’
Over 150 of the Siam Country Club’s own caddies
wearing their famous blue and yellow outfits helped
the competitors playing in this Championship by
giving their local knowledge of the Old Course
and its undulating greens to the visiting players.
Organiser Kullatorn Meesommont who is also
the Marketing Manager at Burapha Golf Club
in Pattaya was delighted that the event has
been so successful. ‘It is a great experience
for many of these hard working caddies
to play on such a first class course under
Tournament conditions.
Apart from the tee boxes with their
advertising boards, it feels like a real
Championship with all their friends and
family out there cheering them own. We
estimated that there were over 1,500
spectators around the course this
year, maybe more than at some of the
professional events!’
The Championship ended with a Gala
Dinner for all the players and their
supporters. Everyone went away with a
variety of prizes ranging from golf sets to
golf bags and accessories.
As a golf journalist I have covered everything
from the Dubai Championships to the
Maybank Malaysian Open. However these
caddies really liked the competitive nature of
these Championships and were desperate
to win for themselves and for their golf
course. And boy do they know how to enjoy
themselves afterwards at the Gala Dinner!
Certainly there is now a lot of media
attention for this unique event, and next
year the Thai organizers plan to make this
into a truly International Championship
event by inviting caddies from other
Asean countries including Malaysia,
China, Indonesia and Korea to participate
alongside their own Caddy stars!
20
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 Hot Deal: Every Friday
“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, every Friday
* Remark: this offer is only for some specify date, for more information please call Pro
Shop 083-304-4433, 083-304-4455
The course is currently in excellent condition and is a fair challenge for
beginners to those back tee professionals. www.thanacitygolf.com
ISSUE ISSUE
eight •
NINE •
THAI THAI
GOLFGOLF
NEWS
NEWS
• 21•
A new Golf Holiday spot
is coming to life…
Only two hours West of Bangkok, there is a major new
resort being developed called Blue Diamond.
The Blue Diamond Resort will be unique in Thailand, as it will include numerous
activities including water sports, horse riding, nature trails, fishing, golf and
even a race track. The resort has a massive fresh water lake surrounded
by mountains and is also close by the River Kwai, one of the most popular
tourist’s attractions in Thailand.
Located in the beautiful province of Kanchanburi, Blue Diamond is the
brainchild of Dr Prachin Eamlumnow, President of the Grand Prix Group.
Well know as the organizer of the Bangkok International Motor Show, Dr
Prachin is an avid collector of cars and motor bikes and in his free time his
other passion has been his rounds of golf with his friends. Therefore the
centre piece at Blue Diamond, not surprising, will be the Grand Prix Golf
Club, an 18 hole golf course.
When we play a golf with our friends, it is often forgotten how much
planning and hard work actually goes into to creating a great golfing
experience. Apart from the actual environment, there is the condition of
the fairways and greens, the supporting team of caddies, grounds staff
and of course the facilities at the club to consider.
Naturally all this can add to a great round of golf. Dr Prachin loves
his golf and has personally added his own touches to create a
Championship course worthy to challenge all players, in a wonderful
part of the countryside.
Here in Thailand golfers are spoilt for choice with over 260 courses
across the Kingdom, and there is naturally a lot of competition
amongst these clubs to attract players.
Certainly with the global recession affecting the golf industry
Worldwide and it is now unlikely that there will be a large number of
new courses to join the 260 already opened.
22
nine
Advertorial Feature
Thailand however is still very much a popular golf vacation destination,
and we will still see a few special courses emerge including the new Grand
Prix Golf Club.
This 18 hole Championship Course has already taken over three years to
construct and has many elevations, a massive lake, numerous bunkers
and natural hazards, and even a mountain range providing a dramatic
background at sunset. All 18 holes have now been grassed, the club house
is under construction and will be ready for the official opening, scheduled for
March 2012.
Blue Diamond Resort will be managed by the Grand Prix Group, responsible
for organizing the Bangkok International Motor Show. The 33rd show, which
will open from March 26th to April 8th 2012, is one of the largest public
exhibitions held in Thailand. The Grand Prix Group also publishes and prints a
number of leading Motor magazines, owns a race track near Pattaya, and has
its own TV network.
To coincide with the opening of the 2012 Bangkok International Motor Show,
VIP’s and members of the World’s Press covering the show, will be invited to
visit the Blue Diamond Resort, and to participate in a round of golf at the Grand
Prix Golf Club next March.
Dr Prachin loves to play golf with his friends and soon he will be able to invite
them all to play at his own club, The Grand Prix Golf Club in Kanchanburi next
year.
Already those who have been fortunate to actually play a few holes have been
very impressed, and expect the ‘Grand Prix’ as it is becoming affectingly called, to
become a strong contender as a top ten golf course in Asia.
The Blue Diamond Resort will also have a number of luxury villas and
condominiums for sale, and is destined to become an all year round destination for
a relaxing place for a family holiday in one of the most beautiful regions in Thailand.
Advertorial Feature
ISSUE
ISSUE
Twelve •
23
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)
24 • THAI GOLF NEWS • ISSUE Twelve
www.thaigolf-news.com Advertorial Feature
Black Mountain Resort and Country Club ( Prachaupkhirikhan ), Thana City Golf and Country club, Krungthep Kreetha Golf Course Etc.
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
Destination Phuket...
Serenity Resort
Phunka Golf Course
Phunka Golf Course
After much positive feedback from our Phuket destination report
last month, we at Thai Golf News have decided to dedicate a
page to the tropical island each month. We will keep you up to
date on all things golf and any other great deals and events we
hear about from Phuket.
Phuket is of course famous for its beaches and most of the
great tourist beaches are along west coast. Divided into 5
areas there are the southern beaches around Rawai, moving
north next is Kata and Karon, then Patong the main beach,
the middle beaches are Kamala, Surin and Bang Tao then the
northern beaches of Nai Yang and Mai Khao beaches.
Each month we will concentrate on a different beach
location and what it has to offer.
Starting at the south and moving north we come to Rawai.
Whilst Rawai itself is not a sunbathing / swimming beach it
is a great place to catch a long tail or speed boat to one of
the many islands just of shore and the fabulous Nai Harn
beach is just five minutes drive away. Rated by many as
the best beach on the island it is a stunning bay that is
home to the Royal Phuket Yacht Club – one of Phuket’s
best sea views.
The southern part of Phuket around Rawai and Nai Harn
area has a real village feel to it. With a real community
spirit locals are often found sharing a laugh and a
Advertorial
Feature www.thaigolf-news.com
Phunka Golf Course
drink at such fine establishments such as V Lounge
at Da Vinci’s and East 88 at Serenity Resort and
Residence’s with its great poolside bar and sea views.
With the best sunset view point on Phuket being from
Promthep Cape it is not just the in-the-know locals
eating and drinking at the Promthep Cape Restaurant.
Come meal time and you are again spoilt for choice.
DaVinci Restaurant and Pizzeria is busy every night
of the week with locals and holiday makers enjoying
some of Phuket’s best Italian cuisine including fabulous
pizza’s with an excellent wine selection to match. A little
further along the road back towards Chalong you’ll find
Friendship Beach Resort, Vijitt Resort and the more
casual Anchor Inn. These are all favorites with local
expats and tourists for lunch, dinner or drinks after A day
out on the turquoise water surrounding Phuket.
Golf in the area is twenty minutes away at the new
Phunaka Golf course. A 9 hole par 30 course that has
Phuket’s best practice facilities. Whilst this course is not
manicured to the same level as Phuket’s championship
courses, it is very challenging and hard to play to your
handicap. The par 3’s are short and tight with well placed
water and hazards whilst the three par 4’s are long and
require two good shots to get on. Two great reasons to visit
Phunaka are the fabulous short game practice area and the
fact it is the only flood lit golf course in Phuket.
ISSUE Twelve •
ISSUE NINE •
THAI THAI
GOLFGOLF
NEWS
NEWS
• 27•
Pattaya in the news...
Know your pro – Neville Hammond
“Tell us about your golf career?”
I turned professional in my home town of Potchefstroom, South Africa when
I was 21, and then I played on the South African Tour which most people
know as the Sunshine Tour. Best finish on tour was 11th place. I spent 12
years as resident professional at Royal Johannesburg GC, Port Elizabeth
GC and East London GC combining teaching with playing tournaments. I
then moved to Thailand in 2004 to teach in Pattaya and play All Thailand
Tour events now that foreigners are eligible.
“Who are your golfing heroes?”
A bit predictable – Jack Nicklaus and Seve. Ernie is the best South African
of the modern era – a great guy who has time to speak to everybody.
“What’s in the bag?”
Titleist 905R driver, 906 F2 3 wood, 19 degree 585 hybrid, Titleist AP2
forged irons 2 – PW, 52, 56 and 60 degree Vokey wedges and a 21
year old Wilson putter – same design that won Nick Faldo the Masters! I
always play ProV1 balls.
“Highlights of your teaching career?”
Must be the 2001 South African Open. Six of my former students were
placed in the top 10!
“How would you describe your teaching method?”
Every individual has different skill and physical abilities. I try to help
them use what they’ve got and adapt these to the basics of a
golf swing.
Neville Hammond
“What are your golfing goals?”
I am like a fine wine improving with age. I play
about 12 events a year in Thailand but my
ambition is to qualify for the European Seniors
Tour and play their Asian events.
Neville is based at TPR Golf Academy,
Greenways Driving Range, Sukhumvit Road,
Pattaya. www.tprgolfacademy.com
18 year old wins
Chonburi Golf Festival
Winners at Festival
Chatphet Bangphet an 18 year old student at
Burapha University, Bangsaen, won the final of the
Chonburi Golf Festival at St Andrews 2000 last
month. His winning score of 72 gross was good
enough to lift the trophy and win an all expenses
paid trip to Santiburi Golf Resort in Chiang Rai.
Chatphet will be joined on the trip by other lucky
winners from the two courses that hosted the
final – St Andrews 2000 and Eastern Star.
The Chonburi Golf Festival is the biggest
golf event for amateur players in the Eastern
Seaboard golf region. The qualifiers ran
from May to October at 17 golf courses – all
members of the East Coast Golf Courses
Management Association (EGA). Each month,
408 golfers battled for just 68 places in the
grand final. Mike Meesommont of EGA
declared that this was the largest tournament
that EGA has run and promised that the
2012 event will be even bigger and better.
28
Advertorial Feature
Bars, Pubs, Restaurants…
Fish and Chips…
If you were brought up in the UK,
you will know that the two most
popular dishes are Curry or fish.
After a night at the pub, you either
head over for a Chicken Tikka or
down to the Fish and Chip Shop
where they wrap it up in a copy of
the local newspaper.
Packed Pub
Packed during the recent Rugby World Cup and now during the footie
season , one drinking hole that is perhaps more busy than usual is the
Australian Pub and BBQ also on Soi 11. Aussis love their Rugby and
here you can wash down your Crocodile Steak with a number of beers
including of course Fosters. Big Screens and a live band after the matches
all add up to a good atmosphere. They have been known to have the golf
channel on here too. www.theaustralianbangkok.com
Well if you fancy the same in Bangkok,
then you can now head for Soi 11
Sukhumvit where they have just open a
New Zealand version of a ‘Fish and Chip’
Restaurant called Snapper. You can sit
there and order your fish battered or bread
crumbed washed down with beers or wine
or get the newspaper wrapped takeaway.
This small restaurant is tucked away down
the popular Soi Chaiot near Cheap Charlies.
Tel: 02 651 1098
29
Behind the Scenes
A good golf course is not only the actual layout and
typography of the course, but it also needs to run smoothly
as well. This does not happen overnight, and they need a lot
of dedicated staff working behind the scenes to achieve this
standard.
The Siam Country Club Plantation in Pattaya has a
great reputation for offering a five star service, so we
caught up with Kriangkrai Wajitra, their Golf Operations
Manager, to find out how they keep up their high
standards.
Plantation is a relatively new golf course, which opened in
2008, however it has already hosted the Honda LPGA in
2009. What do you think makes this course so special?
Every day is a different golf experience here, as the
course offers very different conditions especially with
rainy or windy conditions. No two days are the same,
which means golfers need to adapt every time they
play our 27 holes, to that day’s conditions.
As Golf Operations Manager, you have the
responsibility of running a tight ship. Where did you
yourself learn the tricks of the trade, before joining
Plantation?
Well I spent a couple of years training at the San
Diego Golf Academy in the States, and then I took
up the role as Golf Operations Manager at Amata
Springs before moving here a year ago.
So describe to us what is a typical day for you
here?
KRIANGKRAI WAJITRA - GOLF OPERATIONS MANAGER
The first thing I have to do is to check up on the
golf course before we open every day. I need to
check out the all pin placements and the tee off
areas, to see if it is fair or not for the golfers. Also
I go and check out that the caddies have arrived
for work and that all the team, from starters to
pro shop staff are ready for the day’s operation.
Maybe after a big storm, I go out at 6am and
check for any damage and to make sure the
177 bunkers we have around the course are
in good condition and that there are not any
branches that may have fallen down.
Being a relatively new course, have you got
very good drainage?
Yes it means that within 15 minutes of a
major downpour we can get the players
back on the course. That is very important
to be able to say that we can guarantee
SOMKVAL MUNGKUNG – PRO SHOP SUPERVISOR
30
nine
Nine
Advertorial Feature
such a fast recovery time. (Editors note: We were caught in
one of Thailand’s big thunder storms during our round here,
and were able to get back onto the course with ten minutes.
Remarkable!!)
Do you also spend a lot of time training your caddies?
Yes if someone has never been a caddie before, we take
around six weeks to train them. I like to interview them
first, and then we have about 3-4 staff who will train them.
This includes learning about the rules of golf, how to drive
a golf cart, what is a tee placement, about the yardage
of the course and also how to be a good caddie. One
of our caddies recently was a winner at the Thai Caddie
Championship held at our sister Course The Siam Country’s
Old Course, which with over 150 players was quite an
achievement!
What is your own golf handicap?
I am a single handicap player.
And finally what are your future goals?
We still have a lot of improvements to make. I would like
to continue to improve all our services and to make our
caddies the best in the country, and of course to make
Plantation one of the top golf courses in the World!
KANOKWAN SUKITAWAM – CADDIE 061
KOBKAEW PUNPRAPAS – MARKETING MANAGER
WANTANEE KAYANKIT - STARTER
ISSUE
ISSUE
Twelve •
31
A-Z OF GOLF…
‘Golf is a game that needlessly prolongs the lives of
some of our most useless citizens.’ If you watch a
game, it’s fun. If you play it, it’s recreation. If you
work at it, it’s golf.’ Bob Hope. Each week we will
try to run through our own A-Z dictionary of golf…
this week we kick off with A-G.
A
Albatross Another name for a double eagle, a score of three under par on
a hole. The most famousalbatross in golf’s history was recorded by Gene
Sarazen on the fifteenth hole at Augusta National Golf Club during the 1935
Masters Tournament. A term generally not used by the amateur golfer.
B
Banana Ball 1. An especially curvaceous slice. A ball that starts to the right
and continues to curve right until it nearly lands behind the golfer who hit
it. This shot is one reason why the wordfore is heard on the golf course
nearly as often as more notorious four-letter words. 2. Formal dance at an
exclusive WASP country club.
C
Chilli dip An improperly executed chip shot in which the club hits the
ground before hitting the ball, usually resulting in a shot that rolls just a
few inches. This is one shot you have in common with Jack Nicklaus
because everyone who has ever played golf has done it. You’ve just
done it a little more frequently than Jack.
D
Dogleg - A hole with a 90° angle between the tee and the green. One
with a pockmarked tee area, unkempt fairways or a patchy green is
a “dogear.” One on which large amounts of casual water regularly
accumulate is a “dog paddle.” One with an elevated tee and green
and a sunken, treacherous approach is a “dog dish.” And a course
on which holes like these predominate is, simply, a “dog.
G
Gimme - A conceded putt,
shortened from the phrase “Give it
to me.” Gimmes are the centre of
many golfing controversies, especially
among the ranks of amateurs who
are always looking for an opponent to
concede a putt, even if their ball is off
the green.
E
Elephant burial ground Collective term for the huge mounds found
on the greens of certain golf courses. Where good scores often go
to die.
F
Fade - 1. (Right-handed golfers) A shot that curves from left to
right. 2. (Left-handed golfers) A shot that curves from right to left.
32
TEE OFFers
Send your club offers to: [email protected]
Golf in a scenic mountain valley…
Hot New Addition…
Aloft
Bangkok Sukhumvit
11 is a bold,
fresh, and
fun new
hotel which
opened its doors on December 1st 2011.
For the traveler open to possibilities, Aloft
Bangkok - Sukhumvit 11 is a fresh, fun,
forward-thinking alternative. Breeze into a
hotel that offers more than a comfy bed, and
a friendly smile, and enjoy a whole new travel
experience.
Royal Hills Golf Resort and Spa located in Nakorn Nayok province,
is just 90km from Bangkok. A great 18 hole Championship course
along with a massive swimming pool and spa awaits. Their 230
room 4 star hotel overlooks the course. From now until February
29th they have their ‘Stay and Play’ packages from baht1,150 per
person for 18 holes of exciting golf plus one night in a twin room,
or during the weekend or only Baht1,750. No problems with the
roads and I hear the courses is in immaculate condition too.
Extreme Golf…
You will be able to sip a drink, read the paper,
or work on your laptop in their re:mix(SM)
lounge or w xyz(SM) bar, where lighting and
music will change throughout the day to set the
perfect mood.
Part of the Starwood Group this trendy new
addition to Bangkok’s hotel scene is located
opposite two of the city’s top nite spots, the Bed
Supper Club and Oskar the French owned bistro
and bar.
The good news is they plan to install a top of the
range golf simulator before the yearend for all you
golf addicts. Watch out for soft opening rates.
www.starwoodhotels.com/alofthotels
Check in for pre Christmas
tournament.
Up until December 15th there is still time to take advantage
of some great stay and play Extreme Golf packages at
Chiang Mai Highlands. Starting from just Baht7,990 for two
this rate includes free airport transfers, breakfast and two
rounds of golf staying 2 days and one night in the clubs
resort. If you want to bring the family the rate is still only
Baht12,990. www.chiangmaihighlands.com
If you fancy a round at one of Bangkok’s best,
then there is still time to register for the Fenix TAT
Corporate Classic 2011 taking place at the Alpine
Golf Club in Bangkok on December 19th. Cost is
Baht3,500 and includes green fee, caddie, cart and
lunch and dinner plus a Fenix shirt and Umbrella.
Tel;02577 6730 or email [email protected]
33
Golf Classified
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
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
•34
THAI• THAI
GOLFGOLF
NEWS
NEWS
• ISSUE
• ISSUE
Twelve
Nine
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

AsiAn Tour ExEcuTivE chAirmAn PATTAyA

Transcription

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