Gv#005

Thailand Edition vol. 5

Destination

Palm Springs

A New Zealand Golf Story

Cover Story

Bangkok Golf Centre

Special Story Hua Hin

‘The Southern Riviera of Thailand’

magazine of the gm group golf vacations thailand vol.5 JULY-AUG 2014 180 baht

140701 14 07 01

Lessons with Butch Harmon

The first

Our reader’s unforgettable meeting with golf ’s most lauded and decorated teacher. - BY k e n k h o o

Earlier in March, my group of

12 good friends and I got together and flew halfway around the world to visit celebrated golf coach Butch Harmon for an intensive 3-days of golf instruction. What we got at the end was an experience to last a lifetime.

When we first arrived at Rio Secco Golf Club, where the Butch Harmon School of Golf was based at, all the staff were there introducing themselves, and then as we got in, a gentleman came forward and plainly said, “Hi, I’m Butch!” We almost choked on our coffee. Here he was, the man himself, larger than life in our mind’s eye but standing right here, he was all warm and down to earth.

When we finally got our bearings back, they separated us and took us to the driving range and lined us up where we all had our individual driving bay with each instructor leading a group - one to the short game area and the other here at the range.

All the instructors are trained by Butch. Greg Labelle, one of the youngest (late 30s), has been with Butch for 16 years and has himself taught elite players like Corey Pavin, Mina Harigae and LPGA’s Kim Saiki. The oldest was Don Callahan at 75 years old with 50 years of teaching experience and has been with Butch since 2003.

During the sessions, I gamely took down notes on my phone, on the things that they told me to remember. I had a problem with the slice. One of the main things was the stance, which I understood as left foot forward, right foot back. But I didn’t realise that the shoulders were also meant to be in-line with the stance and not the target. I was basically swinging ‘out-toin’ and they were changing that ‘in-to-out’. So, once I had the body turning and finish facing the target and weight towards the front, almost moving forward, I was set.

www.butchharmon.com

6

Golf Vacations

JUl - aUG 2014

After practicing my newfound confidence on the nine holes of the Rees Jones designed Rio Secco course on the second day, I took my game to another of Jones’ tract, Cascata of which I shot 81 playing 18 holes! That’s a career high for someone who’s always been a ‘mid80s-at-best’ kinda guy.

Two things made that day memorable. The first was that I got to play a round with my hero, Butch Harmon. The next had nothing to do with me but it made history at the academy - One of my friends actually made a hole-in-one! Butch was shocked but then again, so was the guy who made it. When we returned to the clubhouse, the club’s general manager was there waiting for us with champagne to celebrate the occasion. Butch happily joined us in our liveries and that was about the most perfect way to end our trip.

Except perhaps, for me making that ace instead!

contents

ON THE COVER

GOLF VACATIONS THAILAND VOLUME 5 JULY-AUGUST 2014

BANGkOk GOLF CENTrE, THAILAND

Editor's Page Bestination...

Hua Hin

Not just another two-hour drive from Bangkok beach town.

Not just a haven for urban weekenders.

Not only it has a panoramic view of white sand beach.

Not only it provides world-class spa facilities and services.

Not only it offers vast selections of luxury, seven-starred beachfront resorts and hotels.

Not only it serves fresh seafood.

Not only it is a house of jazz music.

Not only it boasts golf courses ranked first in ASEAN and Australasia.

Not only it stages international sports events.

Besides all that, Hua-Hin cordially but humbly presents itself as King Bhumibol Adulyadej’s second home, also officially known as the Klai Klangwon Summer Royal Residence. It is a peaceful, safe; nonetheless, sophisticated city that caters to all lifestyles, local and international travelers.

Hua-Hin is yet to be discovered…

Here at Hua-Hin, once is never enough.

SiNgAporE Company: Pacom Media Pte Ltd Address: 801 Toa Payoh Lorong 7, #06-08, Wearnes Building, Singapore 319319 Tel: (65) 6323 9600 Publisher: Karen Chan Managing Editor: Benny Teo ChiNA, hoNg KoNg & MACAu Company: Senasia Publication Group Ltd Address: Unit 832, 8/F, Metro Centre II, No. 21 Lam Hing Street, Kowloon Bay, Hong Kong Tel: +852 2570 6123 Website: www.senasia.com.hk Publisher: Alan Mok Managing Editor: Alex Tam CzECh rEpuBliC Company: Resort Media s.r.o.

Address: Škroupovo námestí 1255/9, 130 00 Prague 3, Czech Republic Tel: +420 271 773 934 Website: www.golfvacations.cz Publisher: Vera Hartmanova Managing Editor: Cenek Lorenc MAlAySiA Company: Big Shot Media Sdn Bhd Address: 31-5, Block E1, Dataran Prima, Jalan PJU 1/42, 47301 Petaling Jaya, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia Tel: +603 7880 2788 publisher: Louis Foo Managing Editor: Tony Francis

ThAilANd

Suebwong Kaewthipharat editor-in-chief

Company: GM Multimedia Public Company Limited Address: GM Group Building, 914, Rama 5 Road, Dusit, Bangkok 10300, Thailand Tel: +662 241 8000 Website: www.gvthailand.com Website: www.gmgroup.in.th E-mail: thepooh.gvthailand@gmail.com Facebook: facebook.com/ golfvacationsthailand Publisher: Pakorn Pongvarapa Editor-in-chief: Suebwong Kaewthipharat

TO BREAK THE RULES, YOU MUST FIRST MASTER THEM. IN 1993, AUDEMARS PIGUET CHANGED THE WORLD OF THE SPORTS WATCH FOREVER. THE POWERFUL ARCHITECTURE OF THE ROYAL OAK OFFSHORE BECAME THE ULTIMATE STATEMENT IN PERFORMANCE HAUTE HOROLOGY. THE 2014 ROYAL OAK OFFSHORE COLLECTION MOVES THE GAME ON ONCE MORE; THE HAND-ENGRAVED 22 CARAT GOLD OSCILLATING MASS NOW VISIBLE THROUGH THE SAPPHIRE CASEBACK, A WINDOW ONTO 139 YEARS OF HOROLOGICAL MASTERY.

AUDEMARS PIGUET BOUTIQUE CENTRAL EMBASSY TEL: 2160 5838 ROYAL OAK OFFSHORE IN STEEL. CHRONOGRAPH.

THG PRIMA TIMES CO LTD GAYSORN TEL: 2656 1212 SIAM PARAGON TEL: 2129 4777 AUDEMARS PIGUET SERVICE CENTRE PRESIDENT TOWER L08 TEL: 2656 1549 AUDEMARSPIGUET.COM

Contributors

14

Jerome AwAtshi

sophie KAlKreuth

Our regular stylist has a spring in his step this issue, in both senses of the word. Keen eye for detail and here, he’s shown off his ability to create a seasonal mood in line with a vacation in the Tuscan countryside. Enjoy this light-hearted fashion story.

Former Editor-in-Chief of LP – Luxury Properties magazine, Sophie Kalkreuth reports on luxury travel, real estate, design and architecture. She has lived in Germany, Canada, Brazil and China and currently resides in New York City, where she keeps an eye on the latest global trends for The Peak Hong Kong, Palace, AsiaSpa and others.

Chris packs his bags and made a 20-hour commute to begin his Kiwi adventure in Auckland. The English would learn to appreciate the stunning skies and beautiful summer’s sun that pervades his travails along the most heavenly tracts he would play to date.

She’s here, she’s there, she’s everywhere this season. The bubbly radio presenter-media trainer-journalist talks to the Asian Tour chairman-turned golf course design, Kyi Hla Han, on ‘luxurious design’.

Chris Folley

Justine moss

Golf Vacations

JUl - aUG 2014

contributors

16

DaviD J.WhyTe

ScoTT ReSch

David continues his journey through the finest golf academies in the world. The issue sees him in an adventurous trip to Tunisia, an African nation that, as we all know, began what the world would describe as the Arab Spring. There, he finds not just golf training but a kindling spirit amongst the people as well.

Scott is a public relations expert especially when it comes to golf courses, so when he began describing to us about Greg Norman’s latest layout in Vietnam, we jumped on the opportunity to get him share with our readers about it. It’s so new, you’re probably just finding this out here for the first time.

For a golf travel writer, Joe has visited and seen many sights around the world and very likely have played in the finest courses we can name. Here in this issue, the youthful Englishman exalts the wonders of one of the world's oldest hospitality brands and their surprising – to some – foray into golf.

Managing Editor of Golf Vacations and GolfPunk Singapore with over 13 years experience in publishing, he is a 10-handicapper who trawls the world casting his iron-shafted net, metaphorically speaking, in a life-long search for the finest golf experiences in the world.

JoSeph LancaSTeR

Benny Teo

Golf Vacations

JUl - aUG 2014

Postcard

18

Golf Vacations

JUl - aUG 2014

Yulong Bay Golf club - Anning, Yunnan Province Par 4, Hole 17

PHOTOGRAPHER: PATRICK LIM Golf Vacations

JUl - aUG 2014

19

cartogolf 5 4

1

2

3

Finest Links

Shortlisting the most playable, most challenging and most beautiful links design in the world.

1

2

3

4

5

Pebble beach, california, USa

the linkS at fancoUrt, george, SoUth africa

the dUneS golf linkS, mornington PeninSUla, aUStralia

World claSSic coUrSe, lagUna national, SingaPore

chamPionShiP coUrSe, carnoUStie, angUS, Scotland

Probably America’s most famous golf links is also its most photographed. The par 3 7th comes to mind as the shortest hole in US Open history, but its 106 yards to the green is fraught with danger brought about by the prevailing Pacific winds.

20

Golf Vacations

JUl - aUG 2014

Undeniably South Africa’s number one golf course, The Links was built in 2000 by Gary Player, who often refers to it as his greatest design feat. It has held numerous professional tournaments including the President’s Cup.

Perhaps not as well known as its cousins, Moonah and National, both of whom also have a Dunes-named course, this golf links will appeal to purists as a true test of links golf in what can truly be described as divine land.

Built in 2011 on the site of the previous Classic course, this links-inspired design

by Andy Dye is one of the toughest, most magnificent test of golf in Asia. They are now building a luxury hotel by the Dusit Group on site which will be ready in 2016.

The toughest links in all of Scotland. What more needs to be said of Carnoustie’s Championship Course where many an Open is played, and tears shed – the legendary Jean van de Velde meltdown in 1999 comes to mind.

Prakran-Kerdpoom-Wiset-Angkana Thailand representatives from

MercedesTrophy 2014 to compete in the regional round in Australia.

Mercedes-Benz (Thailand) Ltd. announced

the 7 winners of the Country Finals, a part of the Mercedes Trophy amateur golf series, which took place at the Black Mountain Golf Club in Hua Hin. All 7 winners are qualified to compete in the regional round in Australia, in which one winner will represent Thailand at the World Finals in Stuttgart, Germany’s “Cradle of the Automobile”.

The winner gets a chance to take part in the “Drive to the Major” competition – the gateway that gives amateur golfers the opportunity to get close to the world’s finest golfers, play in the course where ‘The Open Championship’ takes place, and be treated as one of Mercedes-Benz’s exclusive guests.

All of these capture the sensation of the Mercedes-Benz brand – irresistibility and perfection.

Below lists the 7 qualifiers to compete in Australia (Handicap is calculated using the System 36 formula and Double Peoria System. The winner is chosen based on the Stableford System).

Men’S CATegory Division C Division A 1st place: Mr.Wiset Suthisawang 1st place: Mr.Prakran Sappadungchon 86(15)-37 40-39-79(9)-38 2nd place: Mr.Somchai Piyanopparat 2nd place: Mr.Ratanapol Satrulee 36-44-80(10)-38 47-46-93(20)-37 Division B 1st place: Mr.Kerdpoom Meenapinant 38-42-80(9)-37 2nd place: Mr.Pimuk Simaroj 41-41-82(11)-37

WoMen’S CATegory Division D 1st place: Mrs.Angkana Thailimthong 40-45-85(12)-35

At the awarding ceremony, the upper management of Mercedes-Benz (Thailand) Ltd. welcomed customers and golfers to the grand occasion.

Michael Grewe, President of Mercedes-Benz (Thailand); Martin Schulz, Vice President of Sales and Marketing; and Komkrit Nongsawat, General Manager of Marketing and Communications, all took part in the event.

The golf course was transformed into an elegant dome where a red carpet paved the way to the party. The celebration was full of warmth as winners were congratulated and received warm cheers from the crowd. The fun escalated with awards from sponsors, such as TaylorMade, Agoda and Glenmorangie, as well as activities and entertainment throughout the event.

Journal ★ Design

Greg Norman’s The Bluffs Vietnam’s newest course is links golf at its finest.

When golf legend and course designer Greg Norman visited Vietnam in May 2013 and the site of what would become The Bluffs Ho Tram Strip, he called the seaside spot one of the two best pieces of property he’s ever had that the privilege to work with, the other being Doonbeg in Ireland.

I’ve never been to Doonbeg, or even Ireland, for that matter. But I have seen and played a number of courses in the British Isles consistently ranked among the very best links layouts in the world, including Royal Dornoch, Royal Troon, Royal Aberdeen and Machrihanish. And as I stand at the back of The Bluffs’ 15th green, nearly a year after The Shark made one final design inspection, and take in the view of the Pacific Ocean to the east, of national forest to the west, and of the tee box from where I just launched a 4-iron, I think to myself, “The old guard’s got new competition.”

2nd green from the 8th fairway

Side view of the 8th fairway

Par-4 1st hole

Opened in March, The Bluffs Ho Tram Strip is not only Vietnam’s youngest championship-caliber course, it’s already its finest. Routed over and around towering sand dunes less than two hours southeast of Ho Chi Minh City by car, The Bluffs is one of the few links-style courses with significant elevation changes, making for a golf experience that's as much a feast for the eyes as it is a challenge to tame.

For now, the course is sending golfers out on a limited basis. This ‘preview play’ phase is expected to conclude by November, upon completion of the clubhouse, a 2,300-square-metre, state-of-the-art sanctuary that will overlook the ocean and just about all of the back nine. Until then, the ‘19th hole’ can be found across the street at the 541-room Grand Ho Tram Strip, Vietnam’s first, and still only, international luxury casino 22

Golf Vacations

JUl - aUG 2014

Dunesy par-4 8th hole

Par-5 5th hole

There, golfers can settle their bets at a number of relaxing venues, including a poolside bar paces from the beach.

But as I tap in on 18, with the sun filling the clouds above with an orange glow and the breeze hitting my skin with all the force of a snowflake, I’m not thinking about a cold beer or a comfortable couch. I’m wondering, “When can I do this again?” www.thebluffshotram.com

By S cot t R e S c h

Journal

★

Tranquiliser

The Importance of Staying Well

Fivelements holistic health retreat nestled alongside the tranquil ayung river in Bali.

Traveling for the purpose of promoting health and

well-being is nothing new. Today, the industry currently represents a US$439 billion market, accounting for 14 percent of world tourism expenditures, according to a recent report released by SRI International for the Global Spa & Wellness Summit.

Fueling the demand, industry leaders say, is today’s ‘always-on’ work model. People are taking fewer holidays and are constantly ‘plugged in’ to the digital world, which infringes on the time and space necessary to unwind and restore balance even when they are away for a holiday.

“Everything is possible, at least in a digital way. That puts our minds into a constant struggle of wishing, wanting, balancing out, coming to terms with... that is all very stressful,” says Anne Biging, founder of Healing Hotels of the World. Her company works with partner hotels around the world that offer various paths to wellness, from medical checks to yoga and meditation, to Ayurveda and detox programs.

In the US, MGM Grand Las Vegas was one of the first to introduce wellness design with its “Stay Well” rooms. Executed by wellness real estate innovator Delos Living, the rooms include a range of ‘healthy’ design features such as sleep/wake cycle, optimized lighting and anti-bacterial surfaces. The rooms proved immensely popular and achieved an occupancy rate of 92 percent in its first year.

Four Seasons Resort Marrakech, in turn, offers multi-day, juice-regimen-themed retreats, combining cleanses with daily yoga and nutritional counseling. Sleep programs are also in vogue.

24

Golf Vacations

JUl - aUG 2014

pictures by www.healinghotelsoftheworld.com

Exploring wellness hotels and what it really means to engage in a restorative experience.

the resort Collina d'oro Spa & Well-aging is one of the most advanced Well- aging Centres in europe.

CoMo Shambhala advocates proactive holistic wellness, combining modern science with ancient healing.

inside the Fivelements retreat.

Manhattan’s Hotel Benjamin has introduced a “Rest and Renew” program that includes ‘Sleep Concierges’, an extensive pillow menu, ‘Power-Nap’ programming, sleep-aiding snacks and personal sleep consultations.

While many such services help to support healthy travel habits, they perhaps function more as convenient ‘add ons’ to hectic work and travel schedules rather than truly restorative experiences – a wellness retreat would likely foster a healthy sleep pattern without requiring specialized lighting schemes.

Nevertheless, this may be the hospitality industry’s first step toward offering a more integrated approach to wellness.

Ultimately, hotel guests will decide what is “well-washing” and what is truly restorative. For Biging, the concept of wellness has already begun to shift. “We are really not talking about wellness so much any longer but about holistic health and healing.

The difference is that we are now looking at body, mind and soul as being whole - at one with each other.” www.healinghotelsoftheworld.com

By Sophie KalKreuth

Journal ★ Travel

Waldorf Astoria Golf Experiences Luxury, in its truest blue-blooded form is represented by two words.

Waldorf Astoria. Imagine the golf courses that come with the territory.

The Waldorf Astoria New York. A name that conjures images of a time gone by when living the high life was as colourful as the advent of the silver screen. Credited with starting what is commonly now known as ‘room service’ and a member of ‘Historic Hotel of America’, it was bought over by another hospitality entrepreneur, Conrad Hilton, in 1949.

Today, the consolidated Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts represents Hilton Worldwide’s global luxury brand, and like before, is renowned for creating unique authentic moments for their guests through the delivery of the ‘True Waldorf Service’. This extends to their collection of 12 world-class golf courses set in the most sought after places across the globe.

For starters, the Waldorf Astoria Golf Club in Orlando is designed by the esteemed ‘Major’ designer Rees Jones, whose tracts gained notoriety as hosts of more than a Waldorf astoria Golf club, orlando few Major championships. Here, Jones uses the natural environment with stands of pine and cypress trees lining across the fairways and green shaded by a dramatic rock outcropping. The surrounding the entire course that also winds its way through a large wetland 6,811-yard North Course offers one of the toughest preserve. At 7,108 yards, this par 72 course with a slope of 139 and 74.6 rating is challenges in the Northwest. certainly no pushover and requires keen management from tee to green.

And finally, in the wonderful isles of Hawaii, on a A short hop away at Boca Raton Resort are two of the finest courses in particularly beautiful strip called Maui is the Wailea South Florida. The Resort Course was built in 1926, dating back to a bygone Golf Club and Makena Golf, Grand Wailea. Featuring era when legends like Sam Snead and Tommy Armour served at the Resort. three meticulously designed courses with awe-inspiring This unique Resort Course with a signature water feature designed by Hugh views of Mount Haleakala and the Pacific Ocean, Hughes promises to provide a truly exclusive and luxurious golf experience. the Blue Course, designed by Arthur Jack Snyder is Then, more than halfway across the continent at Arizona’s Sonoran Desert, located on the lower slopes of the mountain and offers The Boulders Golf Club features two 18-hole tracts designed by Jay Morrish. lush views all around.

The South Course, at 6,726 yards, features the signature 5th that includes a The Emerald Course has delicately manicured fairways and a unique brackish lake surrounding holes 10 and 17. And finally, the Gold Course, designed

by Robert Trent Jones Jr., is set amongst natural terrain and has hosted the Wendy’s Champions Skins Game from 2001 – 2007. To date, Wailea’s three golf courses have collectively earned more than 90 accolades for design, quality, service, pro shop and overall guest experience.

Grand Wailea

Waldorf astoria Golf club, orlando

Boca

pictures by www.fotoarkitekt.com

the Boulders

26

Golf Vacations

JUl - aUG 2014

waldorf-astoria.hilton.com

By Joseph Lancaster

F ESTA DEL V I NO 2014 GRAN D ITALI AN W I N E & FOOD F ESTI VAL M AY 31 , 2014 / W BANGKOK HOTEL The Grand Italian Wine and Food Festival 2014 was such an impressive gathering for all.

The wine lovers, Italian gastronomic and our distinguished guests from prominent, prestigious organizations, both in Thailand and internationally shared a wonderful time together, with the presence of the owner of a winery in Italy (who flew across half of the world to participate) as one of the highlights in the event.

This was a joint effort and cooperation among GM Group, W Bangkok and Texica in creating and offering a new experience for all the participants to enjoy the genuine Italian ambience. The guests could taste Italian cuisine and sample drinks from the leading brands such as Bottega, KCG, Piemonte, Monchiero Carbone, Marchesi di Barolo, Cevico, Castellare, Pacific B&B, Lucaris, Jagota, etc. In addition, Maserati and Bianchi, the leading Italian brands in motors and bicycles also showcased their latest models.

And the Italian Wine Sommelier Competition 2014 winner is Khun Pakpoom Towatcharakul who got a return airplane ticket (Thailand-Italy-Thailand) with free accommodation and food. The trip includes a visit at the grape farm and the winery for one week, worth 150,000 baht. Before the night ended, all the guests also enjoyed the many lucky draw prizes and melodious resonance by the opera singers, making it one of the remarkable nights in a lifetime.

28

Golf Vacations

JUl - aUG 2014

Cover Story

Bangkok golf Centre

The Best in Asia - The Best in your Mind - T E X T BY Ru j R a da WaT Ta n a ko s a i - P H oTo G R a P H Y BY da m R o n G R i T s aT H i T da m R o n G T H a m

One of the things golfers in Thailand can’t avoid is the sun. But what if we moved the golf course indoors?

Although Bangkok Golf Centre is not the only indoor golf centre that uses simulations to train its golfers, it is; however, the largest centre that uses the most advanced technology in Asia. The combination of GC2 technology and Swing Catalyst’s swing analysis software allow for every detailed movement of a swing - for a short game or from a bunker - and the resulting ball flight to be recorded. The recordings are then immediately analyzed via the simulator. With its perfect training environment and location in the heart of the city on Sukhumvit 31 road, the Bangkok Golf Centre is a suitable place for golfers who are looking to develop their skills.

Golf Vacations

JUl - aUG 2014

29

10 Positions for Swing Analysis The training system at Bangkok Golf Centre is a combination of Shane Wilding’s 20-year teaching experience in the international arena and advanced teaching techniques developed from his rich experience.

Before the simulation process, golfers receive a lesson plan from a swing analysis program, which was developed from Shane Wilding’s 40,000-hour teaching experience.

The “10 positions of swing analysis” helps pinpoint problems in the golfer’s body movement while practicing his or her swings. The analysis is then used to develop a plan that directly improves each person’s golf swing. In addition, it will help the muscle remember the correct swing which would result in a natural movement.

Consequently, the golfer makes more accurate and consistent plays.

Aside from the 15 simulations, golfers can play short games, practice their putting, and improve their chipping skills in bunkers.

The putting studio is set as a separate area, with a video and software that records and analyzes each putt, enabling more effective ways of improving the golfer’s putt.

Professional Instructor At Bangkok Golf Centre, each golfer is personally trained by a professional instructor to help improve the golfer’s game. The training centre has 10 foreign pros from Australia, England and Japan, and 6 Thai teaching pros. Each instructor is PGA certified and has at least 3 years experience in training professional golfers for international tournaments. In addition, they continuously develop their skills with professional golf associations. Student golfers are therefore assured that the trainings they get from the teaching pros are effective.

30

Golf Vacations

JUl - aUG 2014

Club Fix Aside from practicing for better golf skills, another tip for playing great golf is to choose the right equipment. It is important that the golf equipment is well-suited to the golfer’s body type and style of playing.

Club Fix, an American shop that sells premium clubs, offers its services at Bangkok Golf Centre, which is also the shop’s first branch in Asia.

Advanced technologies are used in customizing the clubs to fit each golfer. Club Fix aims to help golfers understand the importance of using suitable equipment and assist golfers in finding ones that fit them the most. With technology from Trackman (Doppler Radar) Launch Monitor, each swing and ball flight are assessed by experts. The assessments are then used to determine the detailed characteristics of each golf club, including the shaft flex, kick point, torque, loft, lie angle, length and face angle. In the end, the program helps specify which particular club, from a choice of 35 leading brands, is most suitable for the golfer. The result of practice and best-fit equipment is expected to result in effective play on the golf course.

Golf Vacations

JUl - aUG 2014

31

Cover Story

Shane Wilding & adrian Wong

Bangkok golf Centre Superior Technology with the Best Professionals.

In April of this year, Bangkok Golf Centre, the largest indoor golf training centre in Asia, officially opened for service. The training centre is a joint effort between Shane Wilding, a renowned teaching pro with more than 20 years experience, and a visionary Singaporean investor, Adrian Wong.

At the age of 21, Shane bought the most advanced technology he could find at that time to help him with his golf training - a video camera and 2 large television sets. During the next 15 years, Shane never missed the Florida golf show, giving him the opportunity to update on the latest technologies, which are also used at Bangkok Golf Centre.

The question is why Bangkok was chosen as the location for this largest indoor golf training centre in Asia?

“When we were deciding where to make the investment, we found that Thailand has a high number of golfers compared to those in Singapore and Malaysia. We therefore agreed that Bangkok would make a good place”, says Adrian Wong. Shane added, “There are currently 16 million people residing in Bangkok, with a mix of foreigners.

Our customers comprise of 40% Thais, 30% Westerners, and 30% Japanese. We have 3 teams of professional instructors: Thais, Westerners, and Japanese. The number of instructors is proportionate with the number of customers.

32

Golf Vacations

JUl - aUG 2014

“Our strength is not only in our technology, but also how that technology is used.”

Bangkok Golf Centre is unique from other golf training centres with the feature that it is the largest training centre that is equipped with superior technology, amenities and PGA professionals. Golf game simulations and videos of past games are utilized to analyze games.

According to Adrian, “In the golf course, we don’t see ourselves when we play.

Through the use of our GC2 launch monitors, advanced swing analysis software and mirrors, we are able to record and immediately analyze how we play.”

“We don’t only depend on simulations alone. We use combinatios of techniques. At the beginning of the training session, we go through a process of swing scan analysis to determine the areas needed to be developed,” Adrian further explains. “From that, we develop a lesson plan for the golfer. When the time is right, the golfer is taken out to the real course to further assess areas that need to be developed. The learner then goes through further lessons and once again goes out to the real course. The technique is similar to teaching someone how to drive. Before sending someone out to drive on the road, it is vital that the person gets lessons on the driving track first.”

Bangkok Golf Centre is currently developing an application that enables golfers to update their training and swing information and details from the simulator into their smartphones. This way, when they go out to the real golf course they can check on improvements made on their swings.

This application is set to launch in less than two months in the future. “In golf, students want to see continuous improvement in their skills and know that the training is working.

Otherwise, they wouldn’t come back,” says Shane.

Golf learners have been satisfied with Shane’s training and continue taking the course. More importantly, word spreads about his reputation. Shane has trained junior golfers who have won more than 600 titles and at least 40 titles for professional golfers.

Possessing extensive experience, Shane passes on his knowledge to other teaching pros at Bangkok Golf Centre. Shane emphasizes that “Our strength is not only in our technology, but also how that technology is used.”

We asked Shane how he selects his professional instructors. Aside from golf skills, personality and attitude are important criteria. “I observe if a person understands what I try to communicate; if he or she can pass on that knowledge to others and,

most importantly; if that person can all get along well with others and work as a team”. With superior technology and instructors who make learning easy, there is no doubt that Bangkok Golf Centre is considered to be more successful in professional and major tournaments than other centres.

During the past 10 years, Thais have witnessed great games of Tiger Woods, Thongchai Jaidee, and Moriya and Ariya Jutanugarn in international tournaments.

This has sparked the interests of parents, who encourage their children into becoming professional golfers. Traditionally, the ideal jobs parents hope to see their children do include doctors, engineers or lawyers. Today, professional golfer is also part of the list.

Developments in Thailand golf have taken a positive trend, especially since large companies like Singha Corporation Co., Ltd. have become involved in supporting the sport. This is something that is lacking in other countries, such as Indonesia and Singapore.

According to Adrian, there are possibilities that Bangkok Golf Centre will also be available in other countries, such as Malaysia and Indonesia. “We are currently looking into expanding to the international market through franchising.

Local investors will own the centre while we provide the technology. This way, less financial investments will be required. Before every investment we make, we consider a variety of factors.

The first factor would be the economy because golfing requires investment that middle and high-level income people can afford. Another factor would be the number of golfers in those countries. We are currently interested in Malaysia and Indonesia because they have a large number of golfers who have the purchasing power for our services. In addition, investments in these two countries aren’t as high as in Hong Kong or Singapore, where there are higher growth opportunities.”

Golf Vacations

JUl - aUG 2014

33

Legends

Doug Sanders

He escaped poverty to live the high-life and swing with Sinatra, but regrets, he had a few. - BY O w e n Bl ac k h u r s t

George Douglas Sanders was born on July

24, 1933 in Cedartown, Georgia, in the middle of the Great Depression. His family were so poor that his father had to walk 10 miles a day to get to work, all for a measly 50 cents a day. In an era of moonshine brewers, panhandlers and gamblers, the young Sanders didn’t have a pair of shoes until he was eight-years-old. Once on his feet though, he began to walk the five miles to a nine-hole track in Cedartown to work as a caddy.

Instantly enrapt by the game, he pestered the professional, Maurice Hudson, into letting him practice out of sight of the members. He began to chip and putt against grown men for nickels and dimes. “I never won, ‘c’mon sucker,’ they’d say. They’d clean me out and I’d make that long walk dark, depressed and discouraged. I never got tired of walking up that road, I just got tired of walking up it broke.”

After three months of practice and no gambling, Sanders returned to the course with $5 and took all of their money, “I walked home that night with $20 in my pocket, it was the most money I’d ever had.”

With a further six years of practice behind him, Doug entered and won the National Junior Chamber of Commerce Tournament and was accepted on a golf scholarship by the University of Florida. Away from the backwoods of Georgia, he put the Depression behind him and, in 1956, became the first amateur to win the Canadian Open.

34

Golf Vacations

JUl - aUG 2014

Though his first season as a professional, 1957, ended winless, he won in both 1958 and 1959, finished second by a stroke in the USPGA in the latter and, with a bit of money in his pocket, began making up for all those days spent in tattered rags by developing a love for clothes and the high-life. Colourfully dressed and exciting to watch, he was given the moniker ‘The Peacock of the Fairways’ by the press.

“Clothes make the man,” he said. “I went to great lengths to blend the colours of my clothes. I’d go to the pharmacy and look at all the colourful capsules, choose the ones I liked and send the top half of an empty yellow capsule with the bottom half of a blue one to the factory where my shirts were made. Oh my clothes were beautiful.”

Out of the 20 years that he spent on the PGA Tour, 1961 was his banner season. He won five times that year, tied for 11th at The Masters, third at the USPGA and again finished second by a single stroke to Gene Littler at the US Open. America was a good place to be at the beginning of the ‘60s, especially for a small town boy made good with a taste for liquor and lavender. The Rat Pack were the heroes of the time, and Doug was quickly assimilated into the gang.

He spent a lot of time talking to Sinatra. He would regularly pop round to Bob Hope’s house to shoot the breeze, and almost killed Dean Martin with his homemade moonshine.

Golf Vacations

JUl - aUG 2014

35

36

Golf Vacations

JUl - aUG 2014

“The moonshine we made was not clear like normal alcohol, it was the colour of gasoline,” he remembers, “it’s about as powerful too, about 190 proof. ‘Take tiny sips’, I said to Dean, but he was sceptical and took a huge mouthful, swallowed half and was about to swallow the other when I went to light a cigarette. Dean’s eyes got big, and he spat it out, ‘don’t light that smoke,’ he cried, ‘you’ll blow my head off.’ My moonshine is not to be trifled with.”

He remained serious about his golf though, and with that short, quick swing – a product of hitting shots while whichever member he was caddying for was out of sight – he continued to pick up wins, paychecks and plaudits.

He beat both Hogan and Palmer in play-offs, featured in Time magazine with the strapline ‘Doug Sanders wins at golf, girls and living’, and was named as one of Esquire’s ‘top-ten jocks’. Life was good.

But there was always an itch that he couldn’t scratch and, as itches go, winning a major championship is as big as it gets. As well as his two single stroke losses in 59’ and 61’, he’d been constantly in and around the top 20 for the first half of the ‘60s, yet if there was one year other than 1970 when he could have kicked the monkey into touch, then it was 1966. In all that year he won three

“He almost killed Dean Martin with his homemade moonshine.” times on the PGA Tour, he finished two shots off topspot at the Masters, tied for eighth at The US Open, tied for sixth at the USPGA and, amazingly, finished second – by a stroke yet again – to Jack Nicklaus at The Open at Muirfield. In 1970, he would lose in a playoff to Jack after heartbreakingly missing a 30-inch putt for victory in regulation play at St Andrews.

1966 was also the year when, on July 24 – Doug’s 33rd birthday – ‘Champagne’ Tony Lema died when his plane ran out of fuel and crashed. Sanders was meant to be on the plane but changed his mind at the last minute.

For someone who loved to party, it’s surprising that he went on the wagon each season until he won a tournament. What’s less surprising is that he came out of the blocks and did, “most of his winning early.”

“It was Doug who taught me how,” says reformed alcoholic Brian Barnes. “I remember the first time I played with Sanders, his golf towel was soaked in vodka.” He readily admits that he had beautiful women stationed around the course bringing him vodka and tonics. And though this is great anecdotally, it rarely has a positive effect on your game.

He won the 1972 Kemper Open – his 20th and final PGA Tour victory. That savage swing of his was taking its toll, and in between regular cortisone injections, he would play as much as possible, though it was clear he wasn’t competing anymore.

In July 1983 he turned 50 and entered the Seniors Tour, and though he finished second, fourth, six and first in the opening four events, that was that. For a decade he continued to turn up, but slipped gradually down the money list with each passing year.

In 1988, with an impressive list of charity work behind him, he set up the Doug Sanders Celebrity Golf Classic on the Seniors Tour. The event was a success, with innumerable charities benefiting from the proceeds.

Then, in 1993, he suffered a double blow. A Houston TV station insinuated that the principal benefactor of the Celebrity Classic was, in fact, Sanders himself, and though this was unproven, his $20,000 a month management fee did seem a little high.

But that was not all. Turning 60, he began to twitch uncontrollably. His head would jerk right and his hands would jump left, he had to bite his shirt to keep his eyes over his ball, and his head now sat at a funny angle. The doctors diagnosed Torticollis and he was told that surgery was his only option. “I hurt too damn bad to hug the pretty women,” he said, “I wanted to die.”

Though he will always be remembered for that missed putt at St Andrews, it is worth noting that there have only been six golfers who have turned professional since 1957 and won more than 20 PGA tournaments. Never one to feel sorry for himself, Sanders was a true ‘60s icon; an American original who shook off a tough upbringing to enjoy every second of every day. But when you burn the candle at both ends for so long, there’s not going to be much left in the middle.

He and Scotty divorced after 27 years in the mid-90s, and though he makes sporadic public appearances, he spends most of his time at his house in Houston. Littered with memorabilia from his playing days, he can spend hours reciting where and when each signed glove, picture and magazine came from.

He may have regrets, but he says he wouldn’t change a thing. He’s proud of his record as a golfer, glad that he made up for a difficult childhood by living the life of a film star and honest enough to speak openly about his faults. “I wasn’t a very good husband,” he said, “I was a decent father but domestic life was not my strong suit. I didn’t lead a normal life. I was busy drinking, partying, chasing women, hitting balls and running with Evel Kneivel and The Rat Pack. I assumed there would be a few regrets and I was right. But I also led the life I chose so I’m fine with being Doug Sanders.”

Doug Sanders was a pioneer. Yes, there are less talented golfers with majors in their lockers, but there are also far more talented players with a stack of trophies and no memories. He was a product of his upbringing and made the most of everything. Golf could do with a few Doug Sanders to illuminate the current era, yet he knows where he’d prefer to be.

“If I could jump in a time machine and go back to the ‘60s, I’d do it in a second,” he said, “Golden years, my ass.”

Golf Vacations

JUl - aUG 2014

37

38

Golf Vacations

JUl - aUG 2014

Interview Series

The

Asian Tour Designer From playing professional golf to heading one of golf ’s three biggest organizations in the world, to golf course design, Kyi Hla Han takes it in his stride. - BY J u s t i n e M o s s

Myanmar-born Han turned professional in 1980 and recorded his

first victory back in 1983 at the Malaysian PGA Championship. He played on the Asian Tour from its debut year in 1995, won the Order of Merit in 1999 and then in 2006, after a movement dictated by players took over the management and running of the tour, he was appointed its executive chairman and oversaw proceedings till this day.

With a curriculum vitae that included wins at the Hong Kong and Thai PGA Championships, Rolex Masters and Volvo China Open, he also appeared in the World Cup, representing Myanmar on four occasions.

Now, after two decades as a player and another one as its head, it seems that the time has come for the veteran to utilise his extensive experience into a new endeavour – that of golf course design. This, however, was not something that was borne out of restlessness, but rather, it was a fulfillment of a lifelong ambition.

“As a player I was always interested in designing courses and I’ve been thinking about it over the last 10-15 years,” he reveals, adding, “I’ve always been interested in architecture whether it’s courses or houses. All the big names like Jack Nicklaus, Greg Norman and Sir Nick Faldo have designed, so it’s always been a little dream for me to try and do this, and it’s been something that’s been sitting at the back of my mind,” the 53-year-old Asian Tour executive chairman reflects.

MAIN PICTURE: Asian Tour chairman cum designer Kyi Hla Han INSET: Lush setting at Dalat

Then one day, the opportunity did arrive.

About two years ago, Tang Kay Hwa, the chief executive of Centurion Investment Management (H.K.), a subsidiary of The Centurion Group began looking for opportunities to redevelop a distressed property that they had taken over in Vietnam.

“I went over and looked at the landscape and it was really pretty and good natural land,” recalls Han. The course is located in Dalat, Vietnam and is set on an 800 hectare site named after the location’s altitude in the South Central Highlands - The Dalat at 1200 Country Club and Private Estate. The ‘eternal spring’ climate with a dry, mean temperature of 22 degrees celsius makes it suited to yearround golf, outdoor activities and designer hill-station living. Han was introduced to the developers through a friend of his after he had expressed his interest in golf course design.

After introductions were made, he soon found himself on route to Dalat to take a look at the site and was immediately struck by its beauty and landscape.

“The natural terrain was very nice with its pine trees and hills, and I looked at the area and I felt I could put in nine holes without major earth moving by using the natural lay of the land. There are natural lakes, creeks and streams and I have used them on the holes to make it challenging for players. I’m really looking forward to seeing what I can put into it, with my experiences of playing around the world.”

Golf Vacations

JUl - aUG 2014

39

40

Golf Vacations

JUl - aUG 2014

© Dinh khac Dung

This was barely more than a year ago.

Since then, he has redeveloped a blueprint for the site, imbued his own philosophy into it and will soon breathe new life into a golf course in danger getting old from disrepair. Truth be told, the original 9-hole tract, built as recently as 2012, was known then as Royale City Resort. It was designed by American Peter Rousseau of P+Z Development who also built Van Tri up in Hanoi and Twin Doves Golf Club in Ho Chih Minh City, all showcasing his signature sharp edged bunkers.

His concept for this Dalat project then was to keep the site as natural as possible, preserving the beautiful treess, some of the paddy fields and other water features and at the same time, enhance it with more exotic flora and fauna to utilize the many natural springs, waterfalls and smaller lakes in the area. Fortunately for the ecology surrounding the area, Han intended to do the same and not disturb the region’s rich bio-diversity even as he begins to tweak it and fulfill the other half that, up till now, had no seeming intention of getting completed. As a philosophy, Han has been keen to stamp a unique feature on every hole instead of having one or two signature holes across the board.

As it stands, what sets this course apart from many other in Asia is the bent grass greens, which are rarely found on courses in this region. The grass will make the course on par with its American counterparts and give professionals an opportunity to practise before major tournaments overseas.

“The climate is so ideal there for bent grass, and this will give people here the experience of putting on really nice bent grass greens,” says Han, adding, “For me I’m looking at making it more challenging.

It’s an alpine course, and the landscape has an almost European feel to it and it’s that experience which we want to give to people.

It’s going to be very different from other courses you see in Southeast Asia. I haven’t decided on a signature hole. For me, every hole will have a different characteristic and I will probably let the golfers decide on their own signature holes.”

He believes that good vision is required for golf course design. “I’ve played a lot of top courses and I have tried not to copy any holes in this Dalat design. I wanted to do it my own way with my vision and experience.

As a player, I was very strategic so I put a lot of those thoughts into the design. I want to make the course enjoyable for both amateurs and professionals.”

OPPOSITE PAGE: The magnificent landscape 1,200ft above sea level.

TOP PICTURE: Design team breaking ground on construction site; In 2016, when work is completed, Dalat@1200 will look wonderful.

“With plenty of room for a second 18-hole tract, Han is very keen to be involved as well if and when it goes ahead.

Regardless, now that the floodgates are opened, he will likely be courted by other projects.”

First of all Han completed the course routing before researching the websites of other designers to gain more knowledge. Apart from wanting to implement his own design and vision, he also wanted to design the course the ‘old-fashioned’ way. “All the best courses in the world were built in the 1930s doing it the old fashioned way. These are the courses that people remember and they have lasted the test of time.”

Han continues, “I am doing it the old fashioned way and I visit every two months and start imagining every hole, where the putting green will be and so on.

I stand on the tee box and try to visualise the player hitting it and how far I should put the bunkers, how to use the water and I imagine the location of the putting green. It’s a thought process but it’s always a changing process.”

Having an understanding construction crew who recognises how Han works has been incredibly beneficial, especially with seemingly minor changes and shaping around the greens. “I am concentrating a lot on the greens and around the greens but I don’t want to make it overly difficult for pros”, he offers, adding, “ I’ve always been an advocate of seeing where your ‘trouble’ is and no hidden traps, whether it’s water, creeks, bunkers and so on.”

The first phase of development at The Dalat at 1200 is underway, and the 18-hole championship course is slated to open in the first quarter of 2015, with the 6,500 square-metre clubhouse due for completion at the end of 2015 together with a number of residential villas. As well as being Han’s first design, the property will house two other firsts – it will be an Asian Tour Destination as well as feature an Asian Tour Performance Golf Institute.

All current Asian Tour players will be offered free membership. Says C.J. Corman, Project Coordinator of The Dalat at 1200 Country Club & Private Estate, “To a certain extent this is a marketing tool for us – the Tour player experience we are offering our Golf Vacations

JUl - aUG 2014

41

42

Golf Vacations

JUl - aUG 2014

“The natural terrain was very nice with its pine trees and hills, and I looked at the area and I felt I could put in nine holes without major earth moving by using the natural lay of the land. There are natural lakes, creeks and streams and I have used them on the holes to make it challenging for players. I’m really looking forward to seeing what I can put into it, with my experiences of playing around the world.”

members but I think it goes beyond that, in that we want the Tour players to have a home away from home.”

Subsequently, the building of an Asian Tour Performance Golf Institute will eventually house an Asian Tour Players’ Academy which will help school new professionals and allow current players the opportunity to practise all year round in a climate and on greens unlike any other in Asia. This is slated to be up and running in 2016. The institute will also provide the highest level of instruction to club members.

“One of the things we have become aware of having begun this project and having our initial meeting is that there are not a lot of opportunities for junior golfers in Vietnam for player development and I think that’s a great strength for us because of our interest in seeing golf grow,” says Corman. To culminate that statement, by the time the project is completed in 2016, the Dalat at 1200 Country Club and Private Estate have committed themselves to host a full-field US$1 million Asian Tour event that will certainly bring international spotlight to this mountainous paradise, and indeed, Vietnam.

“We want people to come and experience not just our course but also Dalat,” explains Centurion’s chief executive Tang, who has admitted that the freshness of the Dalat landscape has rejuvenated his life despite working hard to ensure everything goes smoothly on the ground. Han, for one, echos his employer’s positive turn. “Just being there has been the best part of designing this course, especially the weather and Dalat is so pretty. The features of the land are incredible and Dalat is so relaxing,” he regales.

With plenty of room for a second 18-hole tract, Han is very keen to be involved as well if and when it goes ahead.

Regardless, now that the floodgates are opened, he will likely be courted by other projects. In fact, when quizzed, he revealed that he is already working on his second design back in his home country of Myanmar, with the groundbreaking ceremony completed just last month.

There, he will be collaborating with Lee Schmidt of SchmidtCurley Design in yet another extraordinary site set 36 miles south of Mandalay. “This one is more a desert-like course and the land is very natural as well,” he says, continuing, “When we walked it, Lee was also doing it the old-fashioned way like me and we will be using a lot of the natural terrain to reduce the earth-moving process. For obvious reasons, I’m very proud to be involved in this one.”

With all this work coming up, is Kyi Hla Han going to be less of a figure at the Asian Tour’s various stops? The answer is no.

While he has embraced his new vocation with great enthusiasm and passion, he nevertheless is still devoted to his day job.

“I have a good management team in place and I have also convinced the golf course owners to have Asian Tour tournaments on both courses. I have been very lucky to have great developers working with me,” he says, and then, after some thought adds, “It really is the best of all worlds – while I get to live my dream of designing my own golf courses, I also help bring value to owners by enhancing their development with professional golf infrastructure and people, and at the same time, add new dimension to the Tour’s development.”

From the chairman of the Asian Tour, that could truly be expected. www.dalat1200.com Golf Vacations

JUl - aUG 2014

43

Destination Focus from South to North,

A New ZeAlANd Golf Story

44

Golf Vacations

JUl - aUG 2014

Two travelogues in two islands provide an eye opening view of the world’s most heavenly landscapes of a country in the furthest reaches of the south.

- R e p o Rt i n g o f S o u t h i S l a n d by be n n y t e o.

- R e p o Rt i n g o f n o Rt h i S l a n d

by C h R i S fo l l e y.

Queenstown and the South Island so often take centre stage for New Zealand, and so it was with golf this year when the Hills and Millbrook Golf Club hosted the New Zealand Open in March. But North Island folk will argue that they have the country’s knockout courses. Either way, North or South, it is easy to surmise that some of the finest golf courses in the world would be built in one of the finest places to live in.

We begin our journey down south, at the resort township of Queenstown, at the Hilton Queenstown Resort and Spa, where most of the players and guests put up throughout the week. Gently spread out across and adjacent to Lake Wakatipu, it is barely 5 minutes from the airport, or a 10-minute water taxi ride into the centre of Queenstown and yet, provides a serene scenery that makes this luxury international hotel fit snugly amidst the bustling Kawarau Village.

There are many activities as can be expected from the country’s preeminent resort town and it does not disappoint. From the Hilton base, you can enjoy an adrenaline-packed ride across the lake on Kawarau Jet company – its iconic yellow boat speeds across 43km through the Kawarau and Shotover rivers, in shallow channels and through swamp marshes. These two rivers are also well known for bungy jumping.

Golf Vacations

JUl - aUG 2014

45

There is a party atmosphere right through the week in this Pro-Am format that even sees the country’s prime minister John Key, who is himself an avid golfer, tee it up with American PGA professional Rocco Mediate. Certainly, it reflects New Zealand’s welcoming culture that exacerbates the natural beauty that has driven more than 2.6 million visitors to this nation sited 12 hours from Jakarta, Indonesia, the nearest international airport outside Australia.

New Zealand Open The first NZ Open dates back to 1907 and was a 36-hole event played at Napier Golf Club, the oldest course in Hawkes Bay, where today resides two of the country’s finest courses in Kinloch and Wairakei. Then, in 1908, the tournament was extended to 72 holes. Through both world wars, the tournament, like many others, would come and go, all the time gaining historical significance as it survives the test of time.

Long commute aside, or rather, in spite of it, the likes of Peter Thomson, Kel Nagle, Ian Baker-Finch, Corey Pavin, and in the new millennium, Michael Campbell, Niclas Fasth and Richard Finch has come and visit the beauteous south and returned victorious. As the country’s most decorated golf professional, Sir Bob Charles won the event as an 18-year-old amateur in 1954. He won again in 1966, 1971 and 1973, as a professional.

Even Tiger Woods took part as a thank you to ex-caddy Steve Williams, although he did not win.

Celebrated jeweller and owner of The Hills Golf Club, Sir Michael Hill, returned from sponsoring previous instalments to trump up a prize fund of NZ$900,000. In fact, as an indicator of just how much the knighted gentleman himself supports this event, right after building The Hills in 2007, he has played host to the event, then called, the Michael Hill New Zealand Open until 2010, only to return this year and next, when it will once again show off its perfect fairways, greens, and hospitality from March 12-15, 2015.

Throwing his social weight behind, the event attracted luminaries across the world, drawing them to this southern paradise for a week where participants get to experience two rounds of superb golf at Millbrook and the final two at The Hills.

Eventually, the young Australian Dimitrios Papadatos prevailed with a convincing display of 270 (-18) throughout all four days.

Off the course, a fun and party atmosphere pervades with rock concerts, DJ music and radio host in a bar shack at the 15th green, and a tournament village known as “The 19th” creating a lively interactive scene rarely seen in the private estate of the Hills.

Golf and Life in the South As the name suggests, the rolling plains that make up The Hills consist of over 250 acres of what used to be a deer farm. There are only 200 members here in this highly exclusive golf club but they are open to visitors who are encouraged to make advance booking to secure a tee time. On the ground, the New Zealand brown top grass used from tee to green are neighboured among10 lakes and various ponds and waterways while trees, both native and exotic, pepper throughout juxtaposing between varieties of New Zealand flax, toetoe, the ubiquitous cabbage tree and wetland grasses and reeds.

46

Golf Vacations

JUl - aUG 2014

There are also more than 50,000 red and silver tussock plants to create a spectacular visual statement, and when all that is set against a backdrop of the snow-capped Remarkables Mountain range at colder times of the year, the experience is nothing short of breathtaking.

What has been described so far merely represents the swathes of masterstroke that is the 6,596m John Darby and Partners design. Its true beauty, in all honesty, lies within, upon entering its nondescript gates and approaching the clubhouse.

13 sculptural installations that pepper throughout the compound make this the perfect crossover between art and play. Sir Michael Hill is a known patron of the arts, so it is not surprising that he wants some of it imbued into his property, but the pieces, not in any particular order or relation, do lend a sense of fantasy to a tract and locale that already is the stuff that dreams are made of.

These inspiring pieces present a fantastical view of the heathland, links-style golf course that starts with the 474m par 5 first and ends with a tough-as-nails par 4 that is barely 50 metres shorter, and thus giving it an honorific stroke index of 1.

With generous enough fairways, the key here is arriving, not just on the green, but on the right part of it as well. Case in point is the driveable par 4 15th, which provided for much of the drama during the NZ Open. From an elevated teebox some 50 metres above, long hitters can try to negotiate the dogleg left 344m hole in one heave. However, deep bunkers protecting all around this elevated green, especially from the left, present a different set of problems.

For a unique opportunity to get a slice of the very colourful owner, you can book a stay at his private residence on course called the Lodge at the Hills. Housing up to 12 guests and set in 500 acres of tranquil ambience, it is akin to staying in an art gallery with pieces of rare Maori art and artefacts throughout a contemporary compound. Featuring its own par 3 hole, (there are plans for a par 3 course mirroring Augusta National featuring holes between 130160m long), a garden that consists of thousands of flower variety – Mrs Hill is an avid green thumb – and a grass tennis court that can rival Wimbledon’s hallowed ground.

Which brings us to another of Arrowtown’s luxury golf experience, Millbrook Resort. Owned by the Japanese, Ishii family today, its heritage actually dates back 150 years as a wheat farm to feed hungry miners, then a hospital in World War One, before the current owners took over in 1993. Now more than 20 years on, the rustic remains of the farm still resides in Millbrook’s restored buildings and ‘The Avenue’ of trees that has welcomed visitors ever since they were first planted in 1867. Guests can today look forward to a luxury experience that includes 175 rooms, villas, suites, cottages and homes, 27 holes of golf, a spa with 10 treatment rooms and three fine restaurants.

OPENING PICTURE PREVIOUS PAGE: Millbrook Resort.

RIGHT PAGE, CLOCKWISE FROM MAIN PICTURE: Jack's Point-Hole 8; Indoor swimming pool at Hilton Queenstown Resort and Spa; The Millhouse; Golf at Millbrook Resort; Jack's Point; Hilton Queenstown Resort and Spa.

Golf Vacations

JUl - aUG 2014

47

The original 18 holes are called The Remarkables and The Arrow nines respectively and designed by Sir Bob Charles. More recently, they have been significantly upgraded, with additions including a stunning new nine holes by former head professional Greg Turner and Scott McPherson of Turner/McPherson design called The Coronet Nine. While the earlier two courses are fine, picturesque tracts, it is at this latest course that Millbrook bares its craggy teeth.

The new Coronet Nine spreads out across rocks formations and dramatic elevation, blind tee shots and approaches, with thick, long rough on most. The par 4 5th combines those elements perfectly. At 459m, this long par 4 requires a good, straight drive to be in place for an approach to a small green guarded by a bunker to the back. Any shot straying left would end up in near unplayable rocks and thick rough, and too far right, the stream that separates this hole from the next beckons. From here on, the finishing is one of the toughest test of golf you will ever play.

Once a mining settlement of mainly Chinese migrant workers, Arrowtown, where both The Hills and Millbrook resides, sits alongside the gold-bearing Arrow River. Established in 1862 during the height of the Otago gold rush, the area is restored with an old-town feel with many things to do including actual gold panning (you could still get lucky) and a unique 4WD adventure from Nomad Safaris that, amongst other historical and geographical insights, also brings you to the sites where “Lord of The Rings” was filmed.

Heading back to Queenstown, there is still one more golf course to visit –Jack’s Point. If there was a place on Earth that an omnipotent being would likely reside, this is it. And so it is that when John Darby designed this course in 2008 after finishing The Hills, there really was not much he needed to do except, broadly speaking, laying down 18 pin flags and giving it a go. Of course, that is not to deride the Kiwi architect’s talents, which is equal to the task at hand.

In fact, the journey across all 18 holes will show his impeccable attention to storytelling, building drama as you begin from the 349m par 4 1st, and then, as the plot catches on, begin the ascent after holing your putt at the gentle rise that is the par 3 3rd. It is at the 4th hole that Jack’s Point starts to reveal the

beauty that it is so often spoken of, revealing an expanse that showcases the Remarkables that surrounds the rest of the front 9 and beginning of the back and with Lake Tewa across the horizon.

As you reach the apex of this beauty from the picturesque par 3 7th, which is a short 136m and a wedge away, to the gargantuan 492m par 5 8th, which is an index two hole that climbs all the way from tee to green, the feeling of finishing just those two holes is simply climactic. Reaching the top is the most private moment you will ever feel on a golf course with a dramatic view of the lake and a panoramic view of the mountains featuring Cecil’s Peak and Queenstown all the way down south. As the story reaches a conclusion, the course slowly meanders its way gradually back down, finishing with two of the toughest holes in the entire trip.

And what pray-tell, is the toughest? That honour will have to go to a unique par 3 hole some 4,850 feet above Queenstown and 290 metres long called Over The Top. That is the name of the company that flies guests willing to shell out NZ$395 to play this single hole. The experience that Lorraine “Choppy” Paterson can give, however, makes this spare change as, apart from the magnificent views up above, the company has flying rights over The Hills golf course and Choppy can take you to a ball flight’s height throughout the par 4 17th, tee to green.

THIS PAGE FROM TOP: The Hills owner Sir Michael Hill, 2014 NZ Open winner Dimitrios Papadatos and Millbrook Resort owner Mr Eichii Ishii; The Hills Canyon, 17th hole.

OPPOSITE PAGE: The Hills, 18th hole.

48

Golf Vacations

JUl - aUG 2014

SculptureS at the hillS

“tHe Wolves ARe CoMing”

liu Ruowang, China | 2011 |18th Fairway

As interesting as it is to see, there is a story behind each piece of sculptural art that sits at its own nesting ground at The Hills. Here is the story of a few of them.

“Bent”

Mark Hill, nZ | 2011 | 4th Bridge Mark has spent much time along the Shotover River and has been inspired by the river’s own artworks, “ I’ve seen old steel barges from the gold mining days that the river has bent and shaped almost effortlessly.’’ Using heavy steel, Mark gives the impression that this work might have been bent and manipulated by nature.

“WetA”

Mark Hill, nZ | 2006 | 1st Fairway The Weta is an iconic New Zealand insect, similar in appearance to a long horned grasshopper but significantly larger - with much longer legs. In this piece, Mark Hill has created the effect of discovering a weta in his childhood garden, “ turning over a log and finding your first weta is a pretty ‘wow’ moment, I wanted to try and create that experience in this piece”.

Sir Michael first saw this remarkable work at an outdoor exhibition in Beijing in 2010. Artist Liu Ruowang has exhibited this and other work in Originality Square in ‘798-’ the name for the outdoor exhibition space in Beijing: arguably a world powerhouse of art and sculpture. Liu Ruowang has been described as making the ‘ordinary, extraordinary’’.

Liu Ruowang’s work draws on elements from traditional Chinese art and makes his own unique, often larger than life, interpretations. Sir Michael was most inspired by Liu’s work and expressed interest in purchasing 5, but ended up buying the complete set of 111 pieces, thus giving the Wolves a new home, amongst the stunning backdrop of The Hills.

“tHe FRoliC And tHe FAnCy” Max Patte, nZ | 2013 | 7th tee

English born, Wellington based sculptor Max Patte admits these horses took a bit of breaking in.

Made of cast iron, weighing about 1.5 tonnes and around 2.7metres tall, it is unusual for a sculptor to work on such a scale in cast iron, “Ordinarily, works like this would be cast in bronze, but I love the forms I can create with cast iron, it is a very honest medium, it wears the processes involved in the creation, from the seams and rougher edges, they will also change over time, gathering rust in places and creating their own unique story’’. Patte spends his working life

anchored in perfection with his work for the film industy, so he relishes projects like this: “As an artist, I love being able to create something more free flowing and dynamic in my private works’’.

After considering a number of different sites, Patte settled on the 7th tee for its surprise factor: “As you come around the corner from the 6th, you suddenly happen upon this brood, it’s very striking’’ says Patte.

The herd is made up of a male and female, and slightly farther away, a female and 2 males, the males seem to be frolicking about, each with a distinctive and playful look on their faces.

“Red Ridge”

Kon dimopoulos, Australia | 2005 | 13th green

Red Ridge is a site-specific kinetic sculpture that uses colour, repetition and mass to explore the simplicity of line and tapestry of form within a defined space. Melbourne artist Kon Dimopoulos says that when he was creating this work he was reminded of Plato’s description of the idea of beauty ‘’By beauty of shapes I do not mean, as most people would suppose, the beauty of living figures or pictures. I mean straight lines… plane and solid... These are not, like other things, beautiful relatively, but always and absolutely.”

Golf Vacations

JUl - aUG 2014

49

From South to North Mention that you’re playing in New Zealand and chances are you’ll be asked if you have played Cape Kidnappers. You will surely have seen the aerial shots of this stunning 7,119yard course north of the Hawkes Bay wine region, its fairways running along the tops of the cliffs leading to the Cape itself, home of the biggest gannet colony in the world. Top players such as Adam Scott, Anthony Kim and Hunter Mahan have all played here.

To get to tackle the course yourself, though, may best require keeping up with the fivestar brigade: you can arrive by helicopter from Auckland or even head up the coast to the equally spectacular Kauri Cliffs.

On a clear day, you’ll be blown away by the views here at Kauri Cliffs, particularly on the back nine. If you’re heading to the Bay of Islands, three hours north of Auckland, and its obvious attractions – boat trips, fishing and visits to the historic Waitangi (where the 1840 Treaty with the Maori was signed) and Kerikeri - make sure you go the extra 50 miles to Matauri Bay. Here you will find a stunning par 72, 7,119-yarder designed by David Harman.

A NZ$425 green fee in high season is not cheap but it’s arguably worth it for the experience. Kauri Cliffs is the vision of American billionaire Julian Robertson, who bought the 6,000-acre farm in the 1990s and commissioned Harman to design a world-class course, which opened in 2000.

50

Golf Vacations

JUl - aUG 2014

Fifteen holes view the Pacific, six of which are played alongside vertiginous cliffs.

Others force you to go over huge ravines, such as the par 5, 4th, and the par 3, 5th, which requires a 220-yard carry over a gorge.

The 6th and 7th are equally epic, complete with views of the ocean and the Cavalli islands. The 11th is an underrated hole, the green being on an island which you reach by driving over reeds.

Get to holes 14 through to 17 and you’re in picture-postcard territory – quite simply, holes to match the most spectacular in the world, like Old Head in Co. Cork or Pebble Beach. But Kauri Cliffs is more than just a golf course. The clubhouse is in a majestic lodge - think Deep South plantation house given a touch of the Hamptons – while there are also 22 guest suites. Facilities include tennis courts, an infinity swimming pool with spa and a fitness centre. Nearby are three secluded beaches.

Many guests don’t even venture onto the tee, preferring instead to lap up the luxury Relais & Châteaux style. Foodies are also in heaven here – celebrity chefs such as Rick Stein and Heston Blumenthal have hosted food and wine weekends at the lodge.

Further north still is Carrington, built on the Karikari Peninsula en route to the most northerly point of New Zealand, Cape Reinga, with its famous lighthouse where the Tasman and Pacific oceans collide. Golfers playing at this 7,267-yard course built in 2003 will find lots of reeds and marshes as well as the ocean to the north and the Karikari Estate vineyard to the South. It’s arguably as good a test of golf as Kauri Cliffs without being as spectacular. You can also stay here – Carrington has 10 lodge rooms and 14 three-bedroom villas, with fine dining at the Carrington restaurant or at the Karikari Estate winery.

Back in Auckland, two courses stand out – Titirangi and Gulf Harbour.

Founded in 1909, Titirangi is the only course in New Zealand to be designed by Dr. Alister MacKenzie, of Cypress Point, Royal Melbourne and of course Augusta fame. Set in bushland southwest of the city between the Waitakere Ranges and Manukau Harbour, this 6,862-yarder has been given a multi-million dollar upgrade, finished in 2009. A distinctive feature is the par 3s – they face all four points of the compass and are invariably long (about 208 yards for the 7th).

The stroke index 2 comes as early as the 425-yard third, where you need a long, straight drive going slightly uphill, the approach traversing a valley and several bunkers. Slopes around the green are steep so balls falling short will roll back down towards your feet.

Staying west, Muriwai is a long established links course set in a bird sanctuary near the pounding surf of Muriwai and Piha beaches, famous for gannets and black sand beaches respectively. Piha is breathtaking but notorious for its strong rips which have lifeguards on constant alert. Muriwai golf course, at 6,810 yards, also has black sand in its bunkers quite a challenge for the uninitiated. And away from the golf, nearby Kumeu has acclaimed vineyards such as Kumeu River and Matua Valley, famous for their chardonnays and sauvignon blancs.

Head north over the harbour bridge and up to the Whangaparaoa Peninsula and you will hit Gulf Harbour Country Club, the only course in New Zealand designed by Robert Trent Jones. Jr. This 7,020-yard, par 72 has hosted the New Zealand Open twice in the 2000s. It meanders through native grasses and vegetation, a natural habitat for birds such as pukeko and egrets, and offers superb ocean views on the back nine.

This corner of the peninsula has been developed with a very American feel about it, with an attractive marina, shops and cafĂŠs.

The golf club has significant Asian membership, and is the home club of rising star Lydia Ko.

LEFT PAGE: Wairakei Golf Course.

THIS PAGE FROM TOP: Cape Kidnappers-16th hole; Whanga 9th hole from tee; Gulf Harbour, 16th hole.

Golf Vacations

JUl - aUG 2014

51

The front nine has an open feel, with most holes flanked by properties. Of the early holes, the short par 3 third, with its green protected by four bunkers and thick rough, stands out, while the fourth is played from an elevated tee, offering a lovely wide open fairway - but steer clear of huge bunkers on the left. The seventh, at 280 metres, a very short par 4, is a favourite of Trent Jones himself as it requires pinpoint accuracy. Your first dilemma is whether to use a long iron or driver off the tee as you look to avoid a lake running down the right. The green, which slopes off to the water around the back, is also protected by bunkers.

The back nine starts from the clubhouse again, heading towards the Hauraki Gulf with the lovely 11th, a downhill drive down a narrow fairway flanked by trees followed by an uphill approach to the green, and the 12th, where you get your first views of the sea behind the green.

52

Golf Vacations

JUl - aUG 2014

Southern CourSeS

The Hills: NZ$500, www.thehills.co.nz Jack’s Points: NZ$175, www.jackspoint.com/golf Millbrook: NZ$45 in-house guest, NZ$65 visitors, www.millbrook.co.nz Over The Top: NZ$395 introductory rate, www.flynz.co.nz

northern CourSeS

Carrington: NZ$135 green fees, NZ$85 for hotel guests, www.peppers.co.nz/carrington Gulf Harbour: NZ$180 for international guests, $NZ75 for NZ affiliates, www. gulfharbourcountryclub.co.nz Cape Kidnappers: NZ$313 for international guests, www.capekidnappers.com Kauri Cliffs: from NZ$313 for international guests, www.kauricliffs.com Titirangi: NZ$150 for international guests, www.titirangigolf.co.nz Muriwai: NZ$45, www. muriwaigolfclub.co.nz Whangamata: NZ$45, whangamatagolf.net.nz Lake taupo GoLf

Caught in-between the far reaches of the south and the wonderful array of options up north is Lake Taupo, a gentle and tranquil destination that boasts not only the largest freshwater lake in Australasia but also two of the country’s best golf courses, Kinloch and Wairakei.

A Jack Nicklaus signature design that is one of only 25 Jack Nicklaus Golf Clubs in the world, Kinloch was specially chosen by the legendary golfer himself when he saw the opportunity to build a majestic links styled course in one of his favourite towns. At 6,734m, this is a purist test of golf, challenging the golfer to think his way through with elevations, hazard placements and the natural lay of the land coming into play every step of the way.

At Wairakei, a different golfing experience is offered. As a resort course, it is somewhat more generous but nevertheless an enjoyable tract to play at.

The parkland design by John Harris, Mike Wolveridge and Peter Thomson sprawls across 450 acres on the fringes of the Wairakei Geothermal Park, and thus a lot of volcanic contours have been used to shape the fairways, elevated tees and greens of this 5,853m long par 72 course.

Kinloch: NZ$235, www.thekinlochclub.com Wairakei: NZ$160, www.wairakeigolfcourse.co.nz

The four finishing holes take you to another level. On a clear day expect to see many a yacht bobbing along - Auckland is not called the City of Sails for nothing - with the volcanic island of Rangitoto a distinctive presence.

Gulf Harbour’s signature hole is the 442-yard par 4 16th, called Ta Moko, which good judges have compared to the 8th at Pebble Beach. That is followed by a 559-yard par 5 which surprisingly is only stroke index 11 and the final hole, a 426-yard par 4 which finishes at the clubhouse.

Not to be missed also on a golf tour of NZ are many underrated club courses that offer great value while you enjoy some of the loveliest parts of the country. Aucklanders know this well when they head two hours out of town to their favourite holiday retreat, the Coromandel Peninsula. When you’re not relaxing on golden surf beaches, going on bush walks or fishing, you can be on the course for as little as NZ$20. One of the most established is Whangamata Golf Club, in one of the Coromandel’s most popular seaside towns. It’s relatively short at 6,108 yards but has some lovely holes.

You start downhill on High Hopes, a par 4, 329-yard dogleg which requires careful positioning.

Drive too long and you’re in trouble, with a tough shot to make par. Most of the front nine is relatively uneventful though the stroke index 1 third, Devil’s Elbow, is another that requires a perfectly judged drive.

The sixth, the 377-yard Whitebait Corner, is a lovely hole, with a drive over a stream and thick flax and pampas grass. Things start to get more interesting as you reach the turn: the 9th, Cowshed, starts from an elevated tee and leads you into a wide-open fairway. But your green is raised again, with a steep bank at the back, so your approach shot can be hard to judge. The 10th, like the 1st, starts from the clubhouse and offers great views of the Coromandel Forest Park and Dubbed Hollards Highway, a beefy drive may give you a birdie chance - it is the first of three par 5s on the back nine.

Your final four holes get you walking up hills again. Martyn’s Way, the 15th, looks to be an easy enough par 3 but you need to be at the back of the green or you’re rolling off the front. Panorama, the 16th, offers exactly that - more great views from an elevated tee. Drive too long and you’re in a brook. There are few bunkers on the course as a whole - you finish on Pukonui, a par 5 444-yarder which finishes up at the clubhouse, a raised green again.

For more information on visiting New Zealand, www.newzealand.com

LEFT PAGE FROM TOP: Cape Kidnappers; Muriwai.

THIS PAGE FROM TOP: Kauri Cliffs-Hole 7; Kauri Cliffs with ocean view; Titirangi Golf Course.

Golf Vacations

JUl - aUG 2014

53

My Top Ten

DESIGN SPAS

First impressions, they say, lasts and in our selection of the world’s most impressively designed spas, they certainly do. - By S o p h i e K a l K r e u t h

Stepping into a spa should transport you into a sacred space. Removed from all of the noise and tension of the outside world your senses begin to sharpen and you become more aware of your body and your breath – this is where true relaxation begins. Spa designers know this, and they use the emotive powers of lighting and texture and flow of spaces to curate experiences of tranquility, turning ordinary spaces into sanctuaries.

The best spa designs pay particular attention to place, taking inspiration from cultural motifs or local materials to create a sense of integration and belonging. From Philippe Starck’s playful Miami pool lounge to Peter Zumthor’s serene Swiss baths, we’ve rounded up the Top 10 spa designs from around the world.

54

Golf Vacations

JUl - aUG 2014

1

Fusano Las Piedras, Punta Del Este, Uruguay Rising Brazilian architect Isay Weinfeld integrated subtle topographical folds into his designs for this property at Uruguay’s trendy seaside resort, which also includes a Links golf course designed by Arnold Palmer. Designed to express the power of nature and the energy that comes from it, the spa’s rectangular concrete volume offers panoramic views of the dramatic, craggy landscape from the treatment rooms, which are placed at the building perimeter. A calming, indoor garden occupies the centre of the building and a hot pool further invites relaxation.

The clean lines and use of wood and stone and natural light create a meditative ambience while also paying homage to the hallmarks of ‘50s Brazilian design. www.laspiedrasfasano.com/en

Š Images courtesy of Anson Smart

Golf Vacations

JUl - aUG 2014

55

2

Philippe Starck’s pastiche of whimsical signature pieces – vibrant crystal chandeliers, oversized mirrors and hauteFrench furniture – provides the perfect visual punch for the Spa at Viceroy Miami, which encompasses 28,000 sq. ft. on the 15th floor of the Arquitectonica-designed downtown Miami skyscraper. Most impressive is the 5,000 sq. ft. double-height water lounge, where seating is plunged into pools of varying temperatures and floor-to-ceiling windows offer sweeping views of Key Biscayne. An oversized fireplace and Victorian tartan upholstered sofas are at one end of the pool, floor-to-ceiling mirrors and mahogany bookcases line the other, and a giant lime-green baroquestyle chandelier animates the sparse, airy space.

4

Aire Ancient Baths, New York

www.viceroyhotelsandresorts.com/Miami

Viceroy Miami Spa, Miami

Viceroy Miami Spa, Miami

Therme Vals, Switzerland Pritzker Prize-winning architect Peter Zumthor used 60,000 quartz pieces from the surrounding mountains to construct the spa at Hotel Therme Vals in Graübnden, Switzerland. Layered stone on stone and combined with natural, undulating light, the space forms a seemingly weightless vessel for the thermal waters, which originate in the Valser Valley and are ripe with healing minerals. The aim was to create a kind of cave or quarry-like structure built out of, and inside of a mountain, and the designer arranged the spa’s blossom baths, sound grottos, cold and fire baths, steam baths and drinking stones side by side under a grass roof structure that is half-buried into the hillside.

The combination of linear elements, light and shade, and open and enclosed spaces is both sensuous and restorative.

3 An unlikely sanctuary within lower Manhattan’s TriBeCa neighborhood, this spa re-animates a 19th century building that once housed a textile factory. The Spanish owners peeled back layers of plaster that had been added over the years, exposing warm brick walls and ornate columns and adding Spanish and Moroccan design touches for a dramatic and hypnotic ambience. A wide staircase leads from the ground level down into a double-volume basement lit only by the flicker of candles and accompanied by meditative music. Here, a series of glowing thermal baths, connected by paths of Spanish marble, occupy a vast cavernous space that recaptures the ancient ritual of relaxing and rejuvenating through water. www.ancientbathsny.com 56

Golf Vacations

JUl - aUG 2014

Therme Vals, Switzerland

Aire Ancient Baths, New York

www.therme-vals.ch/en

5 Parisian designer Jacques Garcia was entrusted with returning this celebrated 1923 Marrakech palace to its former glory. To achieve his vision, the designer enlisted talented local artisans, painters, wood carvers and craftsman who laid millions of hand-cut tiles, carved ornate designs into plaster columns, pieced together wood-marquetry walls and created hundreds of lanterns by hand. Garcia’s meticulous design, which celebrates the intricate patterns and arabesques of Morocco’s Berber and Arab-Andalusian traditions, extends into the vast 27,000 sq. ft. underground spa complex.

Offering a fusion of traditional and modern therapies, the spa features a labyrinth of connecting rooms, blue tile accents and a moody colour palette lit by oversized white-and-red glass lamps. The central room’s decorative ‘cooling’ pool references the riad, – the courtyard home that is characteristic of Moroccan architectural vernacular. The spa includes nine treatment rooms, two traditional hammams and a private hammam.

La Mamounia Spa, Morocco

La Mamounia Spa, Morocco

www.mamounia.com Vinothérapie SPA Caudalie Marqués de Riscal, Spain

6

Vinothérapie SPA Caudalie Marqués de Riscal, Spain This striking contemporary building incorporates its northern Spanish location and its Bordeaux roots. Architect Frank Gehry’s sheets of multicoloured, corrugated titanium, nestled in the rolling hills of the Rioja Alavesa wine region, evoke the image of a flamenco dancer’s dress in motion, while designer Yves Collet adds a Spanish flavour to the signature earthy tones of the Caudalie Vinothérapie Spa. Accessed via a tube-like glass passageway, the spa features honeycoloured wood and burnt-umber stone floors blended with bold geometric shapes and contrasting colours characteristic of the region, including the Hispanic flare of deep red tones and black stone floors. Offering signature French wine and grape-based wellness treatments, the spa has relaxation rooms with views of the hundred-year-old wines, which can also be enjoyed from the terrace next to the swimming pool. www.marquesderiscal.com

Golf Vacations

JUl - aUG 2014

57

58

Golf Vacations

JUl - aUG 2014

The Ritz-Carlton Spa by ESPA, Hong Kong

7

The Ritz-Carlton Spa by ESPA, Hong Kong Veteran hospitality designers Hirsch Bedner Associates (HBA) took inspiration from the feeling of being in the clouds – quite literally – for their design of the Ritz Carlton Spa by ESPA. Encompassing the hotel’s 116th floor at a height of 465 metres, the spa is the world’s highest and re-defines the urban spa archetype with pampering perched well above the city skyline. The designers used soft, smooth, natural materials and curved walls to create a sense of being cocooned in a protective embrace. The silkworm cocoon motif, also a nod to Chinese history and culture, is repeated at the spa’s entrance, where a floating cocoon-shaped porcelain art installation by artist Eva Menz hangs suspended from the ceiling. The 9,257 sq. ft. space includes 11 treatment rooms, many with floor-to-ceiling harbour views. www.ritzcarlton.com/hongkong.

Armani Spa, Milan

milan.armanihotels.com/spa-en.htm

Six Senses Spa, Rue de Castiglione, Paris

8

Resonating with the understated elegance of Giorgio Armani design, the slick spa at the Armani Hotel Milano spans nearly 11,000 sq. ft. on the building’s top floor and includes six treatment rooms, a pool and smart glass walls that filter out bright light for a cool, ethereal mood. Giorgio Armani personally designed every aspect of the hotel and his signature minimal, masculine style is evidenced in the spa’s muted, dusky colours. The heated relaxation pool is the perfect place to prepare for, or extend the pleasures of the personalized treatments while spotting city landmarks like the Duomo and La Scala through floor-to-ceiling glass.

Armani Spa, Milan

Chuan Spa at the Langham, London The Chuan Spa is London’s first hotel spa to incorporate the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine into its treatments and this influence extends into the spa’s ambience and décor. Chuan, meaning ‘a serene course of water’ is traditionally viewed as the source of life and balance and provides design inspiration for symmetry and harmony of the property’s treatment rooms and relaxation areas. The space is finished in a muted palette of purple and mauve and dark marble with Asian accents such as bamboo and landscape motifs, but also retains some of its old world British charm with a relaxation lounge featuring elegant molding, gold chandeliers and a recessed domed ceiling. www.chuanspa.com Chuan Spa at the Langham, London

9

Six Senses Spa, Rue de Castiglione, Paris Tucked into the Westin Hotel in Paris’ posh 1st arrondissement, the 2,700 sq. ft. Six Senses Spa brings an ambience of sun, sand and sea into the stately French capital, balancing Asian roots with a Parisian locale. Designers Pierre David and John Lampros set a serene, soothing tone through the use of neutral materials such as caramel-coloured Brazilian hardwood, oak, paper and white Greek marble. Their design is also punctuated by playful details like a double-height vertical garden, a digital, real-time panorama of the Parisian skyline and treatment ‘Cocoons’ made from hand-shaped light oak wood and lined with back lit paper, which glow like oversized Japanese lanterns. www.sixsenses.com/spas/rue-decastiglione Golf Vacations

JUl - aUG 2014

59

Style ★ Vacations

The Lyrics “The falling leaves drift by the window The autumn leaves of red and gold I see your lips, the summer kisses The sunburned hands I used to hold Since you went away the days grow long And soon I’ll hear old winter’s song But I miss you most of all my darling When autumn leaves start to fall.”

Written by John Mercer, Autumn Leaves was originally a 1945 French song, “Les Feuilles Mortes”, which literally translates to “The Dead Leaves”.

In its roots, this haunting piece was created by Hungarian-French composer Joseph Kosma with lyrics by poet Jacques Pr évert, whose Hungarian title is “Hull ó levelek” (Falling Leaves).

Autumn LeAves

wo r d s: Be n n y T e o p h oTo g r a p h e r: J o e l lo w s T yl i s T: J e r o m e awas T h i

An old Jazz favourite gets a new, fashionable interpretation.

60

Golf Vacations

JUl - aUG 2014

On Jessica

HeRMes TROpical pRinT OveRsized sHifT dRess and leaTHeR bangles

On gusTavO

pRada pRinTed JackeT; pRinTed sHORTsleeve sHiRT and beRMudas

On caMille

pRada dOuble bReasTed pin sTRipped blazeR; TROpical pRinT sHiRT; pin sTRiped panTs HeRMes silk HOundsTOOTH scaRf

Golf Vacations

JUl - aUG 2014

61

On Jessica

HeRMes BROwn sHift dRess; tOte Bag; HeLen KaMinsKi wide RiM Hat; diOR stRap On HeeLs

62

Golf Vacations

JUl - aUG 2014

As ol’ King Cole or Blue Eyes Frank used to croon, the memories of this short yet haunting song rustle through time like they’ve never been gone. On a vacation as romantic and as melancholic as the tune and lyrics suggests, so does our imaginary tourists who might’ve been star crossed lovers as well, falling in love with each other and then forced to undertake that proverbial journey of joy and sadness, kinship and betrayal set within the romantic confines of a make-believe world.

On CAMILLE

HERMES LIgHt bLAzER; COttOn tEE; CARdIgAn; PAntS

Golf Vacations

JUl - aUG 2014

63

On Jessica

BOss Printed dress with white Belt

On camille

BOss Printed Blazer; silk tee and Blue chinOs; hermes sandles

On GustavO

BOss Pink linen Blazer; white cOttOn shirt; khaki chinOs

64

Golf Vacations

JUl - aUG 2014

Golf Vacations

JUl - aUG 2014

65

66

Golf Vacations

JUl - aUG 2014

Finally, as any story would realise, a conclusion that needs to be drawn. Whether it be the lonely Army veteran named Burt Hanson in the 1956 movie adaptation of the same name who finally makes it past his lies and mental destitution to be with Joan Crawford’s spinster-typist character Millicent “Millie” Wetherby, or his father, the elder Hanson prevailing as the voice of reason, this contemporary photographic re-enactment should strike a chord in the heart; the part where the strings ensemble pulls its hardest, much like chorus to the song.

Styling Assistance: Jamie Teh Makeup: Rick Yang using YSL Cosmetics Hair: Ash Loi from Estique Salon using Shiseido Professional Models: Jessica & Camille/ Ave; Gustavo / Upfront Shot on location at Fort Canning Hill.

LEFT PICTURE: On GUsTavO DIOR HOMME MaROOn BLazER; CREw nECk TEE anD PanTs; HERMEs sILk PRInTED sCaRF; LUGGaGE TOP RIGHT: On JEssICa HERMEs LEaTHER JaCkET; wHITE COTTOn sHIRT; knEE LEnGTH skIRT; LEaTHER sTRaPPy HEELs; PRaDa TOTE BaG; HELEn kaMInskI CaP BOTTOM RIGHT: On GUsTavO HERMEs JaCqUaRED JaCkET; wHITE COTTOn TEE; PanTs; HELEn kaMInskI HaT On CaMILLE HERMEs LIGHT BLazER; COTTOn TEE; CaRDIGan; PanTs

Golf Vacations

JUl - aUG 2014

67

Destination Focus

Double Bill in

PALM sPrings A back-to-back golfing adventure in Palm Springs that is certain to impress the most worldly of travellers.

- By S u n a a n d Ru S i K a n g a - d e S e Rt W i l lo W i m ag e S By C h R i S m i l l e R

68

Golf Vacations

JUl - aUG 2014

Golf Vacations

JUl - aUG 2014

69

Golf courses are the jewels of Palm Springs, a resort region comprising eight

townships about 3 hours by road (107 miles) east of Los Angeles. The Coachella Valley, as the region is called, has for decades been an attractive getaway place for celebrities who also have second homes in the desert cities. Collectively called the Palm Springs Desert Resorts, the townships are Cathedral City, Desert Hot Springs, Indian Wells, Indio, La Quinta, Palm Desert, Rancho Mirage and Palm Springs.

Till the 1950s, Shadow Mountain Club in Palm Desert was the only place to play a round. Today, the region has a vibrant golfing community, among them many retirees who live in golf-centric resorts and enjoy access to over 100 golf courses. There is a special charm about Palm Springs. The desert landscape is studded with thousands of palm trees that stretch into the pine-tree crested Santa Rosa Mountains and visitors are welcomed at several picturesque public and resort courses.

Two among them stand out as spectacular places to be, not just play at. The first, Desert Willow, offers two championship courses – Firecliff and Mountain View. Offering breathtaking vistas of the surrounding region, from the Lake Terrace, the impressive clubhouse’s well patronised outdoor eatery overlooks the Firecliff course and beyond to sweeping vistas of the Coachella Valley.

Consistently ranked among the best 50 courses in Southern California, Firecliff is no pushover. With more than 100 bunkers, fast and undulating greens, and numerous holes where water comes into play,

70

Golf Vacations

JUl - aUG 2014

the 7,056-yard tract designed by Michael Hurdzan, Ph.D.; Dana Frye; and PGA Touring Professional John Cook, is tournament tested with Sectional PGA Championships as part of its stable.

Mountain View, on the other hand, is an easier, resort type course that is typical around the region. With wider fairways, limited desert waste areas and measures slightly shorter than its sibling at 6,913 yards. With more forgiving fairways, 98 well-placed bunkers, sloping greens and seven water features, Mountain View still requires the best from golfers of all levels.

Derek White, interim general manager and a Class A golf professional who has been at this course since 2005 gave us an overview. “Our two desertstyle courses are popular with international visitors. At the Mountain View, a gentler, resort-style course, bunkers and greens recently went through a renovation. Firecliff has a lot of force and can be unforgiving but it is a true test over the thrilling holes. Ratings are close in both courses which offer players an opportunity to test their skills on various levels.”

“At the Mountain View, a gentler, resort-style course, bunkers and greens recently went through a renovation. Firecliff has a lot of force and can be unforgiving but it is a true test over the thrilling holes.

The courses are women-friendly and ranked in the top 25 for women. There is an all-grass driving range and golf academy, where you’ll find Darrell Souza, director of golf at overseeing a dedicated desert practice area for academy students, along with full club-fitting services. Back at the clubhourse, the Lake View Terrace restaurant is open for breakfast and lunch, has a trained classical French chef named Francois Gaertner, and is well patronised by visitors who simply come to enjoy the setting. The venue is well sought after for events during the many months of pristine weather when the mountain views are glorious.

Canadian golfer Zavahir Patel who spends the winter months in Palm Desert has played at both Desert Willow courses. “I find the Mountain View a challenging but friendly course that has a few risk-reward holes and well placed hazards that are not overly penalizing. The Mountain View course offers spectacular views of the majestic San Jacinto Mountain which are snow-capped in winter months.”

“The Firecliff course is more of a challenge and better suited for the low handicappers. Both courses have multiple tees so as to allow players of all levels to cope. However, these are not courses for people who golf socially and do not keep handicaps. There are shorter and less expensive executive courses in Coachella Valley that would be better suited to occasional golfers.”

Various municipalities in this Valley have golf courses for public use, notes Patel, and the two sets of 18-hole courses that stand out in his mind are Indian Wells Golf Courses and this one here at Desert Willows.

“La Quinta has the SilverRock Golf Course which is comparable to the other courses mentioned but the clubhouse and dining facilities are not up to par. All five courses are championship quality courses and offer very welcoming and professional service. Each of them also provides its own practice facilities, which is great for golfers warming up at anyone of them,” he adds.

Which brings us to our next destination. At SilverRock Resort, the natural beauty of the Santa Rosa Mountains sets up one of the most amazing backdrop one can ask for. Opened in 2005, they feature an 18-hole beauty sprawled across 200 acres of land that rivals that of its majestic surrounds called the Arnold Palmer Classic Course at PGA West. With its massive native bunkers and stunning water features, no wonder the legendary

Bob Hope, then followed by ex-President Bill Clinton, made it their home course at the Bob Hope Classic from 2008 to 2011 for the first, and then the latter with his Humana Classic in the past three years. If two of America’s, and indeed the world’s finest names have given their stamp of approval, who are we to argue?

SilverRock has an interesting history. According to Randy J. Duncan, PGA, the club’s general manager and director of golf, it was originally developed for affordable golf and to have a golf course good enough for the Hope’s charity Pro-Am. At the time a part of the Ahmanson Ranch owned by Howard Ahmanson, founder of the Home Savings & Loan renown, the state government took control of it in the 80s and sold it to a private corporation, which in turn sold it to the City of La Quinta. Today, it is managed by Landmark Golf Management. Duncan has been in the desert since 1992 and ever since joining SilverRock in 2004, have witnessed the course grow and mature in stature through the years.

The beautifully located course is in great shape, rich in wildlife and, thankfully, has no private homes on site. Within a mile are the fashionable La Quinta Hotel, Embassy Suites and Homewood Suites for those who fancy a stay here in golfer’s paradise. Soon, there will be more to offer.

“Currently, there are 18 holes but the master plan calls for another 18 and a few hotels. The City of La Quinta is working with hotel developers and the Meriweather Group, the contractors,” he adds. This plan includes several private developments, among them a luxurious boutique hotel of unique architectural features within the Arnold Palmer Classic Course, a four-star resort hotel east of the golf course with casita units and a retail village with shops, restaurants and possibly a theatre.

OPENING PICTURE: Desert Willow with Santa Rosa Mountains as backdrop.

ALL PICTURES ON THESE TWO PAGES: Various views of Desert Willow and its two courses.

Golf Vacations

JUl - aUG 2014

71

72

Golf Vacations

JUl - aUG 2014

The key to a great golf vacation is to select your routes properly and while Desert Willow and SilverRock affords some spectacular experiences, there are much more golf to offer in Palm Springs, most notably the famous La Quinta Resort and the nearby PGA West. With 90 massive holes designed by the likes of Pete Dye, Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus and Greg Norman within a 45-acre area, these alone constitute a major stop for both tourists and professionals alike, especially its TPC Stadium Course, ranked as a Top 100 in the country.

In the bigger picture, Palm Springs alone consists of more than 60,000 acres, and while there are more sand than fairway here, it is nevertheless a haven for golfers with more golf than anywhere else in the entire state of California. The best months for a golf vacation here are from February to April and from October to November.

Being a desert region, summer can be scorching and during the peak season, average daytime temperatures can soar to the 70s and 80s Fahreinheit but there are special deals for the brave. And with such a wealth of championship golf courses concentrated here, it is no wonder that Presidents and celebrities alike have swung their golf clubs regularly, come burning sun or otherwise.

Whether by design or destiny, this has become the most popular golfing destination in the West Coast and still growing as die-hard golfers and buyers of second homes continue to spur the growth of real estate here in the Valley. Today, the desert oasis draws a wider audience.

Artists come to capture the beauty of the spiky landscapes, ‘snowbirds’ thaw out at spas and escapists come to lose themselves in the desert sunrise. And somewhere out there, nestled amongst the lush and well-manicured grass, the main inhabitants of Palm Springs continue to hack away, stroke after stroke, after stroke.

THIS PAGE FROM TOP: SilverRock - Hole 18, SilverRock Hole 16.

Desert Willow Golf Resort www.desertwillow.com.

Phone: (760) 346-7060 Ext. 110, Fax: (760) 346-7444 SilverRock Resort www.silverrock.org. Phone: (760)-777-8884

Golf Vacations

JUl - aUG 2014

73

Special Story

HUA HIN The Southern Riviera of Thailand - tex t BY At t HAS It MU eA N M A Rt

While the French have ‘La Riviera Francaise’ as their popular beach resort destination, we; Thais, have ‘Hua Hin’, a beautiful untainted beach town that possesses all the charms of a world class resort town.

Hua Hin is a popular vacation destination among classy elite Thais for ever so long, as far back as King Rama V period.

Until today, the reputation of Hua Hin being the ‘Royal Beach Resort’ remains.

The cool and relaxing climate of this beach resort town is just right for those who prefer the beachfront and mountain scenery. The town is located approximately 230 kilometers from Bangkok which is about 2.5 – 3 hour drive from Bangkok by personal car or a 35-minute flight from Suvarnabhumi Airport by the Thai Regional Airlines.

Hua Hin has welcomed a vast number of both local and foreign visitors accounting for approximately 5 million people.

The city also serves as a vacation home to more than 20,000 wealthy retired international expats.

Hua Hin is, therefore; the complete-package destination for those with truly privileged lifestyle.

74

Golf Vacations

JUl - aUG 2014

Mrigadayavan Palace:

As one of the renowned cities with a long history and in association with the Chakri Dynasty, Golf Vacations would like to take you to visit the “Mrigadayavan Palace” that is most stunning by its wooden ancient Thai-style house mixed with elegant European architecture. The palace was designed by an Italian architect Ercole Manfredi and built in 1923 consisting of 3 throne-halls and 16 buildings placed along the pure beach front with clusters of beautiful trees and linked by a series of extended shiny teak floor walkways. The airy space underneath each building is met with a comfortable sea breeze in the afternoon and a fresh mountain breeze at night. The architecture and structure of the red hip roofs that can withstand heavy rain and sunlight are best suited for the weather condition.

So, just before you reach Hua Hin, stop by for a visit at this Royal Summer Retreat of King Rama VI and you will be forever impressed. Open daily. Mon-Fri: 8am-4pm and Sat, Sun, and public holidays: 8.30am-4pm.

King Rama VI Military Camp, Cha-am, Phetburi.

Tel: 032 508 039

Art & Culture

Vic Hua Hin:

62/70 Mooban Hua-na, Soi Hua Hin 114. Tel: 032 827 814-5 and 080 222 9529, www. vichuahin.com

The Vic Hua Hin Institute is founded and managed by “Kru-Lek” or Patravadi Mejudhon. In 2010, this place was an Arts Camp for people with the love for art. The Patravadi High School has an indoor theater that can seat 300 people and outdoor space for other activities. For those who are interested in an Acrobatics Course can also sign up here. This art complex also offers nine uniquely decorated Thai-style huts made with clay known as the ‘Naidee Sculptured Huts’ for guests to spend the night.

Golf Vacations

JUl - aUG 2014

75

Vineyards

Hua Hin Hill Vineyard:

This 560-acre vineyard owned by Siam Winery is secludedly located in one of the most spectacular, scenic areas with climate conditions similar to those in the Mediterranea where it is prime for a grapevine business. Hence, this vineyard is home to many good quality grapevines such as Marroo Seedless, White Malacca, and Loose Perlette Seedless.

Visitors to this vineyard can enjoy different activities such as a tour of the vineyard either on an elephant or a bicycle, drinking grape juice right from the grapevines, or have fun with wine pairing.

204 Baan Kok Chang Pattana, Prachuabkirikhan www.huahinhills.com

Shopping Khomapastr:

If you are fascinated by the charm of Thai fabric, you cannot miss visiting this factory that was founded in 1948 by His Royal Highness Prince Bovoradej and her Serene Highness Pajongchitr Kridakorn.

The meaning of the name ‘Khomapastr’ is for the white fabrics that are brought to screen-print with different designs using the silk-screen technique that was considered advanced in that period. Such screening technique prevents the color from fading away for a very long time.

Currently, the factory offers the fabric in many print designs and colors where most designs are in traditional Thai style. In addition to fabrics, the factor also offers purses, wallets, and other functional accessories made with Khomapastr fabrics.

So, now you know the most classic souvenirs from Hua Hin. But make sure that you stop during its operating hours.

Mon-Sat 9am-7pm and 9am-5pm on Sundays.

218 Phetkasem Road, Soi Hua Hin 84, Hua Hin, Prachuabkirikhan www.khomapastrfabrics.com 76

Golf Vacations

JUl - aUG 2014

The Cicada Market:

Coming AttrACtion!

The Cicada Market is the meeting place for all lifestyle groups. The market offers varieties of activities every week for female and male visitors of all ages.

There are all kinds of shopping going on here with live music playing every Friday to Sunday from 7pm-11pm. You can also watch a live show at the outdoor theater or enjoy an art show at the Art Factory Zone. All these activities make it a worthwhile night out in Hua Hin. The charm of this market is that you can revisit it many times and will not get bored since the shops and live shows keep alternating regularly, not the same week in week out. This is the place that will excite your spirit and make you feel alive again.

BLUPORT, HUa Hin ResORT MaLL Invested by the Mall Group, this 5 billion baht resort mall is built on a 25-rai piece of land. Expected for a grand opening within this year, this magnificently decorated complex mall features a shopping center, hip restaurants, an entertainment center, and a five-star hotel all in one place.

Venue: Suan Sri, 83/159 Nongkae, Hua Hin, Phrachubkirikhan.

Tel: 080 650 4334, 032 536 606 www.cicadamarket.com

Relaxation & Fun Kitesurfing:

Kite surfing is a water activity that has been consistently gaining popularity especially during October –November since the wind is consistent and strong during this period. The feeling of floating in the middle of the sea and twirling wind is extremely sensational and will get your adrenaline up. For those who are interested in taking up kitesurfing course, KBA is the largest kitesurfing school in Asia with certified training experts. If you are a regular kite surfer, KBA has all kinds of equipment available for rent.

Tel: 081 591 4593 www.kiteboardingasia.com

Chiva-Som:

Black Mountain Water Park:

This internationally certified large water park is designed for everyone in the family. The water park features a diverse collection of themes with a 17-meter high tower occupying 9 different types of sliders. These sliders are well organized and supervised to the highest safety standards. This most entertaining water park will turn your sweating holiday into a splashing fun. But for those who really want to get the most fun, do not miss the Wave Pool zone where you will have a chance to go up against a long session of thrilling gigantic waves. The Lazy Pool zone, on the other hand, will help you relax and unwind just by floating along this beautiful meandering river pool.

You can experience this thrilling experience every day from 10am-5pm. Admission fee: 600 baht for adults, 300 baht for children (5-12 years old). Locker renting fee is 100 baht. You should bring your own towel otherwise you have to pay 100 baht for a towel fee.

Recognized around the world as the best and most luxurious spa in Thailand, Chiva-Som is located in the Holistic Health Center that is also well-known internationally. Chiva-Som also operates a spa institute under the name ‘Chiva-Som Academy’ which is known to produce quality spa personnel for the industry. The spa specializes on spa package programs that include a wide selection of different spa courses where every course is absolutely outstanding. For 2014, there are 11 spa programs available for guests to choose. Examples of those 11 programs are the Taste of Chiva-Som, the Inner Peace, the Yoga for Life, the Art of Detox, the Natural Healing, and the Optimal Performance. This Optimal Performance program offers well-combined treatments and classes from fitness and physiotherapy departments.

In addition, Chiva-Som also offers spa programs specially designed for men that include skin detox or skin deep cleansing, a gentle massage of the scalp, hair treatment with premium quality products, and neck and shoulder hot stone massage that is known to amazingly relieve tension and fatigue.

Every visitor to Chiva-Som will feel relaxed right in the center of nature and calmed by the surrounding gardens and trees.

73/4 Phetkasem Road, Hua Hin, Prachuabkirikhan.

Tel: 032 536 536 www.chivasom.com

Opposite the Black Mountain Golf Club, Phetkasem Road, Hin Lek Fai, Hua Hin, Prachuabkirikhan.

Tel: 032 618 444 and 081 944 1116. www.blackmountainwaterpark.com Golf Vacations

JUl - aUG 2014

77

Accommodations Putahracsa Hua Hin :

22/65 Nabkehat Road, Hua Hin, Prachuabkirikhan.

Tel: 032 531 470, www.putahracsa.com

Hotel De La Prix:

This 79-room totally chic resort located on Cha-am beach front is exceptionally designed with an atmosphere that would get the approval from the Avant-Garde. Designed by a famous architect, Duangrit Bunnag, this resort features 3 types of rooms: Horizon Studio, Terrace Studio, and Pool Villa. The design reflects the perfect combination of luxurious, simple, ravishing, and seductive. While the natural cement wall gives it a little raw feeling, the spacious and airy, high ceiling guest rooms do not make you feel contained.

While dipping into the mysterious black swimming pool with the sound of the wave and the wind meeting your face gently is another pleasurable way of relaxing, others may find riding on a bicycle, free of charge, to explore the Cha-am beach as an equally interesting alternative.

115 Bangkao, Cha-am, Phetburi.

Tel: 032 709 555, www.hoteldelapaixhh.com 78

Golf Vacations

JUl - aUG 2014

Combining the charms of small town leisure together with a beach hideaway, this resort's overall décor emphasizes a beachfront feel. The interior decoration in every room and villa reflects the owner, Vaewwadee Sritrirathana’s personal preference where it combines Hua Hin’s original style and contemporary design perfectly together. This resort is also known for its very impressive service.

This luxurious resort has a total of 59 rooms separated into quarters. The first quarter, the main wing, is surrounded by beautiful gardens and with a view of the swimming pool from every room. The second quarter is located right on the beachfront or known as the Ocean side. For an added level of privacy, there are Jacuzzi villas and Pool villas available. These villas offer the view to both the swimming pool and the sea.

Aside from these extremely relaxing rooms, there is the Sala Monsoon restaurant that serves a wide variety of delicious menus all day in a no-frill modern chic environment. The seaside Ocean Beach Club & Restaurant allows you to fully unwind with great cocktails and delicious food, and jazz or Latin-style music. The Ocean Beach Bar is located right on the seaside offering beverages and snacks in a warm and relaxing atmosphere with fresh home-made bakery and tea and coffee made by very skilled baristas.

Putahracsa Hua Hin is also a resort that is perfect for workshop and exhibition parties, seminars, meetings, and product launching events. There are 2 meeting rooms and outdoor open space with complete modern audio and visual equipment onsite.

Intercontinental Hua Hin Resort:

A world-class five-star hotel chain located on Phetkasem Road with its other side fronting near the Hua Hin beachfront. The resort offers 119 large guest rooms ranging from 45 to 145 square meters with modern style décor tailored to all target groups, especially business travelers. With a large-size swimming pool and a complete fitness room, the resort is ideal for organizing seminars in its 205 square meters banquet hall which accommodates up to 120 guests. For those with a nick for more privacy and luxury, the resort offers this two-floor, two-bedroom white wooden house called La Residence that is absolutely stunning with its colonial architecture inspired by King Rama VI's summer palace. La Residence is built on a 480-square meter space with its own infinity pool and direct access to the beach. The interior is beautifully and meticulously decorated with Bvlgari amenities in the bathroom. At the rate of approximately 85,500 baht per night, the La Residence is heaven and worth the value for the truly privileged traveler.

33/33 Phetkasem Road, Hua Hin, Prachuabkirikhan.

Tel: 032 616 999, www.intercontinental.com

Zea Za Village:

Zea Za Village is one of the newest Hua Hin’s villas that is worth a visit for a pleasurable stay. The resort consists of 5 luxurious pool villas, each with a different color, placed neatly in a garden. The pool villas are available with 3 bedrooms and 2 bedrooms. The villa is equipped with a 3x8 meter salted pool allowing you to enjoy your swim privately.

Zea Za Village is designed using the cultural chic contemporary concept that combines a perfect blend of warmth, cultural flare, and chic modern together. In addition to the main design concept, the resort also adds different interesting details to its décor.

1428 Chalasamut Road, Cha-am, Phetburi.

Tel: 083 751 0478

Hansar Pranburi:

A new luxury resort recently opened in April, Hansar Pranburi is hidden tranquilly on the clean and unhampered Nom-sao Beach surrounded by the hills of the Three-Hundred Peak Mountain (Khao Sam Roi Yod). All 17 guest rooms are majestically decorated and offer great convenience and relaxing atmosphere. The 20-meter salted infinity pool is overlooking the tantalizing mystical view of the Gulf of Thailand. If you want to hide yourself from all the commotions and be surrounded by sea conifers and absolutely gorgeous nature, Hansar Pranburi is the place to be since it is worth being the new oasis near Hua Hin. Tambon Samroiyod, Samroiyod, Prachuabkirikhan. www.hansarpranburi.com Golf Vacations

JUl - aUG 2014

79

5 Food Nations Baan Benjarong:

Regardless of any new Thai restaurant opening in Hua Hin, ‘Baan Benjarong’ of Dusit Thani Hotel remains the only Thai restaurant that serves authentic Thai cuisine.

Every Friday starting from 6.30pm, the restaurant offers a Thai Market Night Dinner Buffet where chefs will cook your Thai dishes on the spot with Thai dancing and Thai music performance from 8.15pm onward. The buffet price is 900 baht ++ per person.

1349 Phetkasem Road, Cha-am, Prachuabkirikhan.

Tel: 032 442 100, www.dusit.com

Frida:

What else can make your night being more perfect than Mexican food and all kinds of live music such as jazz, blues, and others in the middle of a casual and entertaining atmosphere. Mexican food here is tasty as if they were made with authentic original recipes. The menu, quesadillas, nachos, tacos, fajitas, enchiladas, and burritos are all made from high quality ingredients, for example; their tenderloin beef is imported from Australia. When speaking of cocktails, you really have to try the margarita and you feel as you were sitting and enjoying the drink in the most beautiful Playa Norte Beach in Mexico.

Frida also serves Thai food and international food such as pizza and pasta. You can choose to dine at the outdoor or indoor zone.

The restaurant also welcomes private party events.

80

Golf Vacations

JUl - aUG 2014

19 Damnoenkasem Road, Soi 61, Hua Hin, Prachuabkirikhan.

Tel: 032 514 448, frida.coco51.com

La Grappa Ristorante:

Considered as the best Italian cuisine in town for so long that it would be hard to find a match. The recommended menu is personally created by the renowned chef, Andreas Bonifacio, using fresh and premium quality ingredients. When you come to this restaurant, you must try the pizzas that are all very delicious be it the Spicy Salami Pizza, Margherita Pizza, or Four Season Pizza that is made of champagne mushroom, Italian ham, artichoke, and spicy salami over tomato sauce. As for pasta menu, you have to tip the hat to the Carbonara Mushroom Truffle Pasta. Then finish your perfect dinner off with an espresso that has a hint of chocolate scent or Vinsanto wine and Cantucci biscotti.

In addition, there are other special menus that keep alternating every 15 days to galvanize your appetite and this is one of the reasons that could convince you to keep coming back to this restaurant.

20/5 Poonsuk Road, Hua Hin, Prachuabkirikhan.

Tel: 032 516 510, 040 094 748, lagrappa-ristorante.com

Greek Taverna:

If you ever have a craving for Greek food when you are in Hua Hin, come directly to Greek Taverna as this is the first restaurant cuisine in Hua Hin which recently opened its door officially this May. The restaurant offers homey mom-style cooking menu that oozes authentic Greek flavor in a relaxing atmosphere as if you were in Greece. The restaurant is decorated using the customary blue and white color of a Greek restaurant with pleasant Greek music playing in the background.

A simply delicious recommended menu here includes the Mixed Grill, Souvlaki, and Ravani for dessert. The restaurant also offers a 3-course menu, served with generous portion size, at 500 baht per person. For alcohol menu, the restaurant serves wine from the Mondo Vino collection, Ouzo (Aperitif), and the famous Greek whisky – Metaxa.

58 Naresdamri Road, Hua Hin, Prachuabkirikhan.

Tel: 083 088 6772

Hagi:

Hailed as the best Japanese restaurant in Hua Hin, Hagi serves both authentic and fusion Japanese dishes. This is the meeting place for teppanyaki, sushi, and sashimi lovers. The must-order menu here is the Shrimp Cornflake Tempura that is crunchier than regular tempura, Spider Maki that goes very well with mayonnaise, Salmon Saikyo (charcoal salmon in sweet miso sauce), and Spicy Tuna Roll that is tasty and fresh. For those who like theatrical cooking performance, you will enjoy the exciting cooking performance by the teppanyaki chef here.

Hagi is decorated in an environmentally friendly style featuring huge rock waterfall in the center and bamboo walls.

1 Damnoenkasem Road, Centara Grand Beach Resort and Villa Hua Hin, Hua Hin, Prachuabkirikhan. Tel: 032 512 021

Signature event Jan apr Jul aug aug-Sep Dec

Asian Tour: King’s Cup Golf Hua Hin Asian Beach Polo Championship Hua Hin Jazz Festival, July 26, 2014 at Queen Sirikit Botanical Garden during 5pm-11pm Hua Hin International Triathlon 2014, August 10, 2014 at Black Mountain, Hua Hin, Khao Hin Lek Fai King’s Cup Elephant Polo 2014 ,August 27-31, 2014 at Somdet Phra Si Suriyo Thai Camp Hua Hin/Cha Am Golf Festival 2014, August 1, 2014– September 30, 2014 World Tennis Invitation

Golf Vacations

JUl - aUG 2014

81

Eat & Drink Mondo Vino Wine Bar & Shop:

Mondo Vino sells a variety of premium wines from around the world at a reasonable price. Both Wine Bar and Wine Shop are classically decorated, yet appear cozy and friendly. The waitresses are attentive and knowledgeable. They can very well recommend you the wine and we guarantee that the wine lover will never be bored. Apart from drinking good quality wine, the customer can have a conversation joyfully with the restaurant’s wine specialists. Other than the wine, the food here is also topnotch especially the recommended dish, Truffle Pizza. It’s unforgettably delicious.

Mondo Vino is open every day from 9am to 7pm. During the promotional period, Happy Hour All Day Long, the restaurant offers a free-flow of red and white wine with Parmesan cheese for 90 minutes at 600 baht/person.

22/65 Naebkaehat Road.

Tel: 032 531 493, 032 511 274-5, www.mondovino.co.th

91 Khao Takiab-Hua Hin Road, Hua Hin, Prachuabkirikhan.

Tel: 032 521 234, huahin.regency. hyatt.com

McFarland House:

The luxurious Hyatt Regency Hua Hin remains as the ever-so popular destination in Hua Hin, the offer of the Sunday Brunch attracts even more guests to the hotel. Dining during late morning at the McFarland House, an ancient wooden house that is restored by Dr. George McFarland, a missionary during King Rama VI period is something that you cannot miss.

The Sunday Brunch is offered every Sunday from 11.30am to 3pm. The brunch menu consists of a wide selection of fresh and delicious food at 1,300 baht per person with lemonade and iced tea included, and 1,500 baht per person with one bottle of sparkling wine per two persons plus lemonade and iced tea.

The specialty of the High Tea at McFarland House is the Thai dessert and Thai food served with high quality tea. The current special is the Mango High Tea that focuses on menu made with mango as the key ingredient. Surprisingly, the price of High Tea is only 300 baht per person or 500 baht per couple.

Lotus Sky Bar:

Having a sip of cocktail at the Lotus Sky Bar, the only sky bar in Hua Hin, is the most amazing experience that will liberate your spirit and make your tension go away allowing you to enjoy musical notes that are meticulously played by a skillful DJ. The White Lotus, a Cantonese cuisine, on the other hand, offers delicious ‘Dim Sum in the Sky’ at the price of 588 per person, available only on Saturday, Sunday, and public holidays during 11.30am-2.30 pm. The restaurant opens daily, except Monday, during 5.30pm-10.30pm. On Monday the restaurant offers dim sum buffet for 650 baht per person during 6pm-10.30pm with a fantastic bird’s eye view of Hua Hin beach. You will love Hua Hin even more.

The atmosphere of Hilton Hua Hin’s 17th-floor featuring the panoramic view together with delicious food and amazing cocktail will only make it hard to say good bye to Hua Hin. 33 Naresdamri Road, Hua Hin, Prachuabkirikhan.

Tel: 032 538 999, hilton.co.th/huahin 82

Golf Vacations

JUl - aUG 2014

La BIRRA Bistro Beer & Wine Bar:

If you are a beer lover, you will be flabbergasted by the worldwide assortment of beer that this bar has to offer. There are over 100 brands of beer from around the world only to please those true beer lovers. For the diehard fan, there are brands such as La Trappe and Schneider Tap 6. But for amateur drinkers, there are low alcohol beers such as Belgian Floris (chocolate scented beer) and Fruli (strawberry scented beer) to go with Mixed Grilled Sausages (German, Italian, and Belgian) and large pieces of fresh fries, a simple menu that will be hard to resist once you taste it.

For visitors who are not fond of beer, the restaurant has a good collection of finest wines and all kinds of cocktails to serve you. A wine lover or a beer lover, this is the place you cannot miss.

The bar is decorated in a loft style using retro furniture that is custom-made with imported oak wood. The atmosphere here is very relaxing with live bands performing to their very best skills. Guests can choose to sit anywhere in the 3 zones; indoor, outdoor, and balcony (2nd floor) that gives you direct contact with the sea breeze.

155/7 (across the Cicada Market) Mooban Takiab Road, Hua Hin, Prachuabkirikhan.

Tel: 084 567 6989, www.labirrahuahin.com

Picture from huahinwriter.wordpress.com

Wilaiwan Hua Hin:

Taken by the modern American country style, this pastel blue cottage makes you keep dreaming. Relaxing and unwinding with a cup of tea on the terrace outside the bakery on a cool comfortable day is a tiny bit of enjoyment that you cannot miss. The inside of the restaurant is air conditioned and spacious. It is suited for those who want privacy. In addition to the warmth and cozy feeling, the cake here is delicious and soft from high quality ingredients and attention that goes into making them. The signature menus here are Chiffon Orange Cake and Banoffee Cake. Don’t be surprised if you want to keep coming back for High Tea at Wilaiwan.

Aside from the High Tea, Wilaiwan also offers creative delicious menu from a seasoned chef. The menu includes Crab Pizza with fresh crab meat all over the pizza and Wagyu Burger just for the meat lover.

Wilaiwan is open daily from 9am to 9pm.

121/10 Nongkae, Hua Hin, Prachuabkirikhan.

Tel: 032 536 442, 081 802 2244, www.wilaiwanhuahin.com

Oceanside Beach Club Putahracsa Hua Hin

You have to find out yourself whether the Tapas Lounge at the Oceanside Beach Club, Putahracsa Hua Hin is as fabulous as others have said, or whether it is fitting to the Eat-PlayDrink-Chill Out concept or not. The lounge is screaming for you to lay your body on a soft and comfortable sofa-bed while looking out on the stunning sea view. Enjoy a causal meal with buffet style of authentic tapas served with free flow of signature cocktail, red and white wines.

Available from 6pm-8pm every Thursday (starting from today until August) at 699 baht per person.

22/65 Nabkaehat Road, Hua Hin, Prachuabkirikhan.

Tel: 032 531 470, www.putahracsa.com

Golf Vacations

JUl - aUG 2014

83

Property Focus

The real estate business in Hua Hin has been primarily targeting middle and highend customers. The land price around Khao Hin Lek Fai area, which is a new high demand area, is approximately 10 million baht/rai.

Hua Hin is a tourist destination that has several strong points; not far from Bangkok, easily commutable, full of basic public utilities (i.e. road, electricity, water), topnotch hospitals, excellent restaurants as well as several styles of hotels and resorts. And the most important thing to attract tourists is the natural tranquility and beach charm that include the friendliness of Hua Hin people which you can feel it every time you travel to this resort town. These characteristics have propelled the value of Hua Hin’s property market to outgrow other tourist towns and the trend has appeared to be growing consistently.

The information from the Treasury Department indicates that the estimated price of the land during the year 2012-2015 around the Hua Hin municipal area (street-long estimation basis) starts from 6,000-140,000 baht/square wa.

The Bangkok-Hua Hin high-speed sky train project travelling at a speed of 250 kilometer/ hr which would take only one hour to get to Hua Hin will be another important factor for the expansion of many real estate projects both for condominium and premium housing.

Two distinguished projects from SC Asset, a premium real estate developer in Thailand, are ready to welcome you to live a happy life in Hua Hin. The following are the details: 84

Golf Vacations

JUl - aUG 2014

The Crest Santora Hua Hin Highlight...High Life New Highlight in Luxury Condo and Villa on Hua Hin Beach Front

A cascading city with alternating blue and white…from Santorini Red Beach & Black Beach…the only two-tone beach in the world Witness the most romantic sunset view…Oia Village If every highlight is the most magical moment worthy of your memory… The Crest Santora Hua Hin will bring back those memories again not as a visitor…but as the owner These ultra-luxurious condominiums and villas are located along 80-meter strip of Hua Hin Beach. They portray every detail of Santorini Island onto this Hua Hin Beach that you have fallen in love with. The villas are exquisite by its cascading design with pool access stretching through every building. The Beach Front Pool is intended to perfectly display every detail of Santorini Island in the midst of elite and private atmosphere.

The Crest Santora Hua Hin is 4-storey condominium with a total of 188 units, situated on approximately 11-rai piece of land. Currently, the project is fully completed, ready for you to add it to your own property collection.

Experience the most luxurious villas and stunning condo units, with pool access and free fully furnished rooms, and free transfer fee. *You can view the actual site and experience the ambience at “The Crest Santora Hua Hin Soi 7”. Call 1749 for further questions and details of the project or visit the website at www.scasset.com

Boulevard Tuscany Cha Am-Hua Hin Living a slow-life lifestyle‌in a beach front single house

Boulevard Tuscany Cha Am-Hua Hin from SC Asset is a premium

beachfront property project that was conceptualized with Tuscany in mind. It is a place where happiness arises in the midst of stunning atmosphere and view on a cascading mountain top, surrounded by a unique architecture that was inspired from 4 different cities.

Livorno is single beachfront house with beachfront pool garden only for the reserved zone. There are only 15 units to allow you to be side by side with the peaceful beach. Firenze, a civilized and entertaining city connected through the Fiume Arno river, is the inspiration behind the duplex style houses with a big swimming pool passing the back of every house. Lucca, a charming city full of waterways and beautiful gardens, and Siena, a single house built on a hill utilizing the cascading landscape, is a special zone built near the central facility of the property. These facilities include two-storey clubhouse with fitness center and large swimming pool on the upper floor allowing you to swim parallel to the skyline as well as enjoying the seaside view at the same time.

Fully equipped with all amenities such as luxurious clubhouse on mountain top, skyline swimming pool, and seaside swimming pool just for you to experience the seaside view all day long and feel safe to relax under a Triple Security System that begins right from the property entrance gate. The Double Gate System distinguishes between Guest Area and Residential Area. There are CCTV cameras installed throughout the entire area of the property and a magnetic and shock sensor burglar alarm installed inside every house to

give the residents the highest level of security in their homes.

Boulevard Tuscany Cha Am-Hua Hin's price ranges from 7 to 40 million baht. This new property project by SC Asset is located on Phetkasem Road, Tambon Cha-am, Cha-am, Phetburi.

Please do not forget to take the special privilege during this introductory period* * Promotion details may change without prior notice and at the discretion of the company.

For more information, please call 1749. www.scasset.com

Golf Vacations

JUl - aUG 2014

85

Resorts x Golf Clubs Hua Hin has long been renowned for its golf courses since the opening of the Royal Hua Hin Golf Course which is the first-ever golf course in Thailand.

Considered as a valuable historic site, the Royal Hua Hin Golf Course is cool and pleasant with different trees and animals as well as a stunning landscape with its trademark ebony trees that are cut and groomed into different shapes of animals. Endorsed by King Rama VI, this royal golf course was initially conceived by His Royal Highness Prince Khampangphet Akcrayodhin who was also in charge of the construction but the course was designed by A. O. Robin who was a chief engineer overseeing railway maintenance in Phetburi.

Although it has been over 10 decades since the first golf course was built, Hua Hin has yet to lose its magical charm among golfers as the city still attracts golfers across the world to show off their swing. The city also offers many outstanding world-class golf courses and Golf Vacations is happy to introduce to you some of the courses in this edition below.

Springfield Royal Country Club:

208 Samphraya, Cha-am, Phetburi.

Tel: 032 709 222-5, www.springfield resort.com

86

Golf Vacations

A master piece of Jack Nicklaus, who is known for water and bunger traps, this course is considered as a challenging course to many golfers since there are many water obstacles and sand traps along every fairway. Springfield Royal Country Club is regarded as one of the best 27-hole, par 72, and 7,043 yards long course in Hua Hin. The course is among the very first choices for golfers who like to challenge themselves on a tough course that is surrounded by blissful harmony of landscape and nature.

The course also offers a convenient resort accommodation for golfers and their family members to relax and party together.

JUl - aUG 2014

Banyan Golf Club Hua Hin:

Another course that has received many awards to certify its quality. Banyan Golf Club is listed as a dream destination for golfers worldwide. Designed by Thailand's leading golf course architect Pirapon Namatra of Golf East Company, the course offers a beautifully designed landscape integrated with the remarkable architecture of a Thai-style house.

Spectacular sunset views of the Burmese mountains from the clubhouse make it an even more memorable experience for everyone to enjoy. The course is a Valley Course (Rolling Terrain) with 18 holes and par 72, and 7,361 yards long. The signature hole is the 15th hole (139 yards, par-3) where you can see the view of the sea from this hole.

The carts here are equipped with GPS system that can accurately tell your distance to the hole. Banyan is one of the first courses in Thailand that uses the GPS system.

68/34 Nongkae, Hua Hin, Prachuabkirikhan.

Tel: 032 616 200, www.banyanthailand.com

The Imperial Lake View Resort & Golf Club:

The course is designed with interesting and classy interplay among 4 distinctive landscape styles which are mountain, lakeside, desert, and hybrid.

The course is well maintained all year round with 36 holes, par 72, and 6,900 yards in length. The course also offers warm and cozy accommodation which is not a bad option if you are considering to bring your family for a big family party since there are many activities and hobbies to enjoy.

80 Hoobkrapong-Pranburi Road, Samphraya, Cha-am, Phetburi.

Tel: 032 709 100, www.imperialhotels.com

The Majestic Creek Country Club:

Considered as one of the highlight courses in Hua Hin since 1995, the course layout is simply exquisite. It is a 27-hole par 72 course with 7,035 yards in length. Meticulously designed by Dr. Sukitti Klangvisai, the course is recognizable fot its coconut and palm trees that are planted parallel to the fairway. Many golf professionals have fallen in love with this charming course and you may very well be under the spell of this course too!

164 Tabtai, Hua Hin, Prachuabkirikhan.

Tel: 032 619 169, www.majesticcreekcc.com

Golf Vacations

JUl - aUG 2014

87

Choice Resorts

Fox Harb’r A relatively new course set in Nova Scotia that quickly became one of America’s finest.

- By to m p e t e r s

90

Golf Vacations

JUl - aUG 2014

Ron Joyce really wasn’t

in the market to buy land along the Northumberland Strait, not far from where he grew up in the rural Nova Scotia community of Tatamagouche.

But as he related the story several years ago, a friend called him and said he had to look at this 1,100-acre prime property along the northern shore of this Atlantic Canadian province. He took a look and the rest they say, is history.

Joyce made his multi-million dollar fortune as co-founder and eventually sole owner of the Tim Horton’s coffee and donut empire in Canada and as a major shareholder in the U.S.-based Wendy’s hamburger chain but he never really had plans to build a golf course and a huge resort in Nova Scotia. The purchase of this piece of land however, opened the door for his imagination to take him wherever he wanted: There was no question he had the means.

Today, the property known as Fox Harb’r Golf Resort & Spa is a gated, luxurious five-star destination with both privately-owned residences (lots are available to purchase) and resort accommodations overlooking the golf course and ocean. It is truly an outstanding, world-class location with its 18-hole, Graham Cooke designed golf course where Tiger Woods holds the course record at 63. There is also a ninehole, seaside par 3 course, an excellent practice facility with newly added golf academy, tennis centre, sport shooting lodge and a multi-million dollar health spa and conference centre.

To give an idea of how massive this development is, they also have their own jetport with a 5,000-foot runway, large hangar and aviation services and a fullservice marina.

The golf course is the resort’s showpiece and when it opened, it was quickly voted as Canada’s best new course in 2011 and one of the Top 100 in North America. With ample land and an incredible coastline, Canadian architect Cooke had plenty of room to use his imagination in the design of Fox Harb’r.

I have to admit up front I’m not a big fan of a number of Cooke courses I have played mainly because of his greens, which can often be such a rollercoaster event with multiple tiers that they can take the fun out of a round.

Golf Vacations

JUl - aUG 2014

91

Fred horton

“The inward nine is where the real scenery begins. Several of the holes are built along the Northumberland Strait, a body of water that separates Nova Scotia from Canada’s smallest province, Prince Edward Island.”

92

Golf Vacations

JUl - aUG 2014

PREVIOUS PAGE OPENING PICTURE: Fox Harb’r Golf Course - Hole 16.

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP : Fox Harb’r Golf Course's entrance; Fox Harb’r Golf Course Hole 17; Fox Harb’r Golf Course - Hole 16.

But at Fox Harb’r, near the seaside fishing community of Wallace, Cooke chose, for the most part but not completely, to temper the dramatics and to design greens that are large with some gentle slope, offering undulation but are very readable and putt very true. Not easy but a reasonable challenge with the flat stick.

The golf course, which is fussed over by a crew of about 40 people, is over 7,200 yards from the back tees. It is spread over 250 acres and attention has been paid to the smallest of detail.

The outward nine, like the entire course, is manicured to perfection and winds through a parkland setting.

Cooke took advantage of some slight elevation changes in this part of the property and designed holes that are a test from any of the five tee decks at each hole but he also left plenty of opportunities to score.

The second hole, a dogleg left par 5 playing 565 yards from the back, is a birdie chance for the long, accurate players. You can cut the corner and with two good pokes can be home in two. For the rest, it is three shots to a green guarded by large bunkers left and in the back with a smaller but deep pot bunker to the right. A menacing pot bunker sits in the middle of the fairway about 170 yards from the green.

Chris Gallow Golf Vacations

JUl - aUG 2014

93

Chris Gallow

Chris Gallow

94

Golf Vacations

JUl - aUG 2014

This is quickly followed by the third hole, a long 465-yard uphill par 4 with trees bordering both sides of the fairway. The large, slightly elevated green is divided by a large swale in the middle. Another strong par 4 test on the front side is the 434-yard, sixth hole. The hole is slightly uphill. The second shot will make or break this hole with a large, deep bunker to the right side of the green, and when the wind is up, even slightly, it takes at least an extra club to carry the trap.

The eighth hole plays 410 yards from the very back but to add to the challenge, there is a bit more strategy involved here with water down the left and then clearing water again to reach the green. Again the wind can often be a factor so usually an extra club in is a safe bet.

The inward nine is where the real scenery begins. Several of the holes are built along the Northumberland Strait, a body of water that separates Nova Scotia from Canada’s smallest province, Prince Edward Island.

P.E.I. is well known in Asia, particularly in Japan, because of the Japanese love for a fictional character, Anne Shirley, the young free spirit in Lucy M. Montgomery’s books, Anne of Green Gables.

Although you can see the ocean on the entire inward nine, the ocean holes start on the 14th. With tall fescue grasses waving in the breeze, pick your target for your drive to a fairway split by a plateau. The green on this slight dogleg right hole plays like two greens with some drastic elevation change – yes, that inevitable Cooke characteristic.

The 15th reads 165 yards from the white tee (220 yards out back) in the course guide but when the wind picks up, it could be a club, maybe two, more. The green is protected by closed-in bunkering on both sides, so it is essential to pick a club and remain committed to playing the shot.

Holes 16 and 17 are certainly the highlight of the course in terms of scenery.

Standing on the back tee of the 16th, one can marvel at the rugged Nova Scotia coastline in both directions. Even if you have been playing from the whites or any other tee deck, you have got to play 16 from the back; the hole only measures 353 yards but your drive has to carry over a short inlet of water.

The approach is to a small, elevated green that is heavily bunkered along the left side.

The 17th is another awe-inspiring par 4 hole. At 430 yards, it borders the ocean which would certainly come into play if you snap hook your drive off the tee (for a right-

“Standing on the back tee of the 16th, one can marvel at the rugged Nova Scotia coastline in both directions.”

LEFT PAGE FROM TOP: Fox Harb’r Golf Course - Hole 15; Fox Harb’r Golf Course - Hole 14.

THIS PAGE: Runway.

handed player and vice-versa for a lefty).

Even from the white tees, the hole plays 385 yards and often into a slight breeze.

The finishing hole 18 is a classic risk/ reward par 5, consisting of a dogleg left route playing just 500 yards. The risk, for longer hitters, is the classic question of ‘how much do I cut the corner over the water to try and get home in two?’ And when you do, it is to a large, elevated green for that final flourish at this magnificent golf course.

Joyce, being an international traveller, has built the best into the resort. Its spa and conference centre can accommodate up to 160 people. The resort’s formal dining room is managed by executive chef Gene Cormier and overlooks the course and ocean.

An interesting trivial to note is that prior to coming to Fox Harb’r in June 2012, Chef Cormier was Chef de Cuisine at the Swissotel The Stamford in Singapore.

Being by the ocean, seafood is naturally on the resort’s dining menu. Nova Scotia lobster is internationally renown but you might also want to try the seafood chowder which many claim is, ‘to-diefor’. Nevertheless, while the grub is good here, travellers arriving from a distance and planning to spend some time in the province should consider the fact that there are several excellent golf courses on the mainland and of course on Cape Breton Island where you will find Cabot Links and Cape Breton Highlands Links, continually rated in the top 100 golf courses in the world. www.foxharbr.com

Fred horton

Golf Vacations

JUl - aUG 2014

95

Resort Golf Academy

The Residence, Tunisia Golf Performance academy

A smallest of nations, standing tall against giants with luxury golf destination, ‘The Residence’ showing the way forward.

- By Dav i D J. W h y t e

Since the revolution of 2010, the North

African country of Tunisia, nestled between the Sahara Desert and the sparkling Mediterranean Sea finds itself in challenging times. It was here that the so-called ‘Arab Spring’ began; a wave of civil unrest that brought regimes down in Tunisia, Egypt, Syria and Yemen as well as sparking civil conflict in Bahrain and Syria.

This small nation, free from a past marked by repression and widespread corruption, faces the fresh challenges of building up a democracy and a more secure, economically progressive future.

This is the backdrop that greeted me as I made my way to visit the luxury golf resort, The Residence. I also felt a little embarrassed indulging in golf whilst the country made a serious journey through political change, but when I arrived, was struck by the attitude of the people and the general positivity around. On finding out I was a journalist, the receptionist at my hotel told me,

96

Golf Vacations

JUl - aUG 2014

“The sole purpose of the golf swing is to produce a correct repetitive impact. The method employed is of no significance as long as it is correct and repetitive.”

- John Jacobs ALL PICTURES : “Please tell a good story about Tunisia. Tourism is so important for our success as a nation.”

The caddy master at The Residence course echoed that sentiment. “Speak from your heart,” he implored. “Tell your readers that the people of Tunisia are giving 1,000 percent to make things better.”

Immediately following the uprising, the country’s tourism industry experienced a sudden, serious downturn. With demonstrations in the streets and politically motivated assassinations, security became a major issue. The hundreds of thousands of tourists who came each year to relax and enjoy Tunisia’s lovely year-round warm weather suddenly stopped. It’s only in the past year that visitors have begun to return.

Today, Tunisia’s tourism industry has a great deal of ground to make up and golf is seen as a key component. With well-established golfing areas around the capital city of Tunis along with the coastal regions of Hammamet, Monastir and Djerba, the country has much to offer along with excellent hotels and a rich, French-influenced food culture as well as several excellent archaeological sites from the Phoenician, Carthaginian and Roman periods.

I stayed at one of the country’s leading hotels and golf complexes near to Tunis called ‘The Residence’ and discovered a first-class facility along with a rather unique golf academy entitled The Golf Performance Academy.

The Residence offers one of Tunisia's finest 5-star accommodations along with its own exceptional links golf course.

Golf Vacations

JUl - aUG 2014

97

Resort Golf Academy

Quiet eye and practical tips The Teaching Philosophy at The Golf Performance Academy

falls into two main categories. “Everything we need to know about a player’s swing is demonstrated by two things,” Alexis Cocheteux, founder and director of the Golf Performance Academy tells me. “Ball contact and ball flight. From this we can identify the main elements required to improve a player’s game.”

Here, they do not dismantle the students’ swing as most amateur golfers find it difficult to construct a new swing. And most typically, they cannot take such radical changes onto the golf course. “We simply look to find a better contact and ball flight so that players can immediately enjoy success and have a better sensation when they hit the ball. If you improve your ball contact and ball flight, you automatically improve the golf swing,” advises Alexis, who was trained and certified by the famous duo Jim Hardy and Chris O’ Connell, present coach of Matt Kuchar and David Duval.

This is contrary to many other teaching philosophies. “The tendency is to teach a golf swing,” Alexis continues. “We teach a correct, repetitive impact that will increase the fun and enjoyment of golf as well as improve the score.”

Another key element the team looks at is how to build a simple pre-shot routine that players will remember and emulate out on the golf course. “It is essential for success that the player has a simple approach to their swing; one that they can repeat every time under any circumstances out on the course. Once they have established their own routine and can easily repeat it, their game will improve dramatically,” he concludes.

The Mental Game

Another element that is especially interesting about the Golf Performance Academy at The Residence is their approach to the mental aspect of playing the game. Everyone trains physically and technically but rarely is the mind considered as part of a training regime. In fact, it is mostly ignored. Even if it is integrated, there was no method to allow the golfer or coach to quantify the degree of mental application going on. They worked to develop a method that combines the use of sight to encourage the brain to perform in a more effective way called, ‘The Quiet Eye’.

According to Joan Vickers, PhD, who developed the technique, golfers with handicaps below 4 have a mean quieteye duration of two seconds while those with handicaps above 14 average show a much shorter duration. By registering a final 98

Golf Vacations

JUl - aUG 2014

alExis cocHETEux

cHokri bEn nasr

fixation on the ball prior to the backswing and holding it for a minimum of two seconds, the “Quiet Eye” seems to lead to better performance.

Good putters for instance, keep their gaze fixed on a specific point on the back of the ball before and as the stroke is performed for a total of two to three seconds. Poor putters’ gaze tends to wander over the ball with no fixed point of concentration. Failing to focus like this can interrupt the organisation of millions of neurons in the brain that convert the visual information into movements of the putter. The same technique can be applied to any stroke.

While The Golf Performance Academy can help you with such mental focusing techniques, here is Chokri Ben Nasr, the other professional here at The Residence Academy, with some swing sequences that are easy to understand and emulate out on the golf course.

Precise scan path

Hole is clearly defined as a single target, with a longer focus on the back of the ball.

GOOD PUTTER Good putters keep their gaze very still on a specific location on the ball just before and as the stroke is performed.

The duration of the quiet eye averages 2 to 3 s.

Erratic scan path

Fixations on the hole and ball are shorter, with no clear target indentified.

POOR PUTTER Tests of skilled golfers who are poor putters reveal that they fail to fix their gaze on a specific location on the ball. Where you fix your gaze matters as much as for how long.

1

How to Start

It’s not easy to be conscious of every element of your takeaway but it is quite possible to be conscious of the first 20 centimeters or so and where your hands and the club should be through this initial movement. A neutral, one-piece takeaway without hinging the wrists and club inside or pushing them out will set the club off to a good start, prevent blocking and encourage a single swing plane that is easy to retrace on the way down again.

1

Body rotation

There are two reference points that you should check when making your rotation during the backswing. The first is your left shoulder appearing directly under your chin and the second is your right hip moving round on a similar axis. These two points will ensure you are making a full turn not only of the shoulders but releasing the hips that will help you to complete the back turn more smoothly.

2

You should practice achieving these three reference points when taking your practice swings. Combined with the ‘Quiet Eye’ technique, these tips will help you strike the ball more effectively.

4

3

2

down Swing

Starting the downswing is an area that most golfers ‘fudge’, i.e. they fail to separate the backswing from the downswing so it becomes one jerky, poorly defined movement. By registering two elements of the downswing, this will help you execute a more simple, effective strike.

First, look for your wrist to be hinged at 45 degrees.

Simultaneously initiate the swing by turning your hips towards the target. It sounds awkward but it’s very much like throwing a ‘skimming’ stone as a child. In this way you create an in-to-out trajectory that creates a more dynamically correct strike.

3

getting tHrougH tHe Ball

Every golfer has a unique swing signature much like their fingerprints or handwriting. But one thing that is common to every good strike is what takes place within an area of just 20 centimeters either side of the ball. This is true of every great player no matter how different his or her swings appear. There are three key things to look for through this crucial point - the hips are open; the head remains down; the leading wrist is aiming towards the target.

4

For further information about The Golf Performance Academy contact Alexis Cocheteux, Founder & Director (00216) 58 378 000 or visit www.golf-performance-academy.com.

Also visit www. sports-mental-performance.com Golf Vacations

JUl - aUG 2014

99

Resort Golf Academy

The residence Luxury golf and stay on the very edge of North Africa

100

Golf Vacations

JUl - aUG 2014

The Residence is part of The Residence Group

which offers upmarket properties in Tunis, Mauritius, Zanzibar and the Maldives and is a member of ‘The Leading Hotels of the World’. Situated in the touristic suburb of Gammarth about 20 km from the centre of Tunis, both the course and hotel overlook the Gulf of Tunis and a long salt-water lake teaming with birdlife.

The elegant hotel has been open for nearly two decades offering a superior standard of service and comfort while its links course, designed by Robert Trent Jones II came into existence in 2008.

A magnificent layout, long and open to the elements, the links here at The Residence challenges the very best especially when the wind is up - as it often seems to be. But there are allowances for varied levels of play, depending on the teebox you select.

With the right choice, golfers will enjoy the fairly generous fairways off the tee with the opportunity to shape the ball to follow the fairway. There are some challenging tee shots however especially on holes 3, 6, 9, 15, 16 and 18. On all of these holes, knowing where to land the ball counts, as water (something unusual in a links) threaten one side with treacherous bunkers siding opposite.

The outlook on some holes is spectacular. Even though the course is flat, you still enjoy wonderful views across the water. And there is a host of birdlife always on display. Swallows migrating north can be seen early in the year but there are many types of waders and larks. They seem to enjoy this peaceful, natural environment.

Wind conditions are constantly changing so you never play the same course twice. You have to judge the wind with every stroke, off the tee and approaching the greens. This also demands accurate club selection; a two-club wind is fairly common here especially on the back nine with the wind coming off the water. Hole 17 is a great example. The final five holes are actually like Amen corner and these will leave you with unforgettable memories. You need to pace yourself and relax as all of the holes look quite daunting off the tee. www.theresidence.com

Golf Vacations

JUl - aUG 2014

101

Accommodation

AMARI HuA HIn Inspired Holidays to seaside Rhythms.

LOCATIOn

Set in the popular seaside town along the Gulf of Thailand, Amari Hua Hin is just two and a half hours drive from Bangkok. Offering contemporary accommodation in an idyllic garden setting, the resort sits adjacent to Khao Takiab beach and is just 10 minutes from Hua Hin’s downtown area, providing the perfect blend of convenience, style and comfort.

102

Golf Vacations

JUl - aUG 2014

SERVICES & FACILITIES

• 24-hour reception • Concierge service • Golf and tour booking desk • Limousine service • Babysitting services and baby cot

• Wi-Fi internet access • Business centre • Laundry service • Facilities for disabled persons

FOOD & BEVERAGE

Mosaic Mosaic is the contemporary, all purpose restaurant which showcases the simple, fresh approach to F&B. Fresh bread and pastries, local fruits and international breakfast favourites dominate the offering with Thai specialties throughout the day.

One highlight of the breakfast experience is the Breakfast Kid’s Corner, with a selection of children's favourites and a participatory element.

Coral Lounge A space for gathering. Relax and enjoy the universally popular moment of an excellent coffee, tea or glass of wine in the company of family and friends.

Match this to a selection of mini-cakes, novel pastries or a savory item.

Favourites such as cappuccino, espresso, latte and tasting flights of chilled or hot specialty teas sit comfortably alongside a friendly wine-by-the-glass offering.

Reef Deli Adjacent to the pool with indoor and outdoor seating, the Reef Deli menu is a blend of culinary offerings with a core element of ever-popular, deli-style comfort foods brought together with a streak of sophistication.

Catch up with emails at the internet lounge, get out of the sun for a moment and enjoy simple favorites, lunch or early dinner. Share an ice- cream with family and friends, catch up with the newspapers and browse the Deli retail section.

Reef Deli

Coral Lounge

Shoreline

Mosaic

Amari Hua Hin 117/74 Takiab Road, Hua Hin Prachuap Khiri Khan, Thailand Tel. 032 616 600 Fax. 032 616 699 www.amari.com

Aqua Aqua Pool Bar will offer a menu blending international poolside favourites and Tastes of Thailand plus a range of Thai bites. Both Thai and foreign guests alike will enjoy snacking all day on the poolside Thai street food, with noodle soups, satay, chopped fruits and other street side favourites Shoreline Located at the end of a landscaped strip of land, leading down to the Khao Takiab beachfront.

The BBQ beachside lounge offers simple, contemporary grill favorites by day and a more solid barbecue choice in the evening. Upbeat lounge sounds and drinks designed with an element of sharing ensure a liberal dose of hip. The entire experience is one of simplicity and togetherness.

Aqua

Golf Vacations

JUl - aUG 2014

103

Collection ★ Drink

Vinexpo AsiA-pAcific 2014

Celebrates Hong Kong’s Largest and Most Successful Wine & Spirits Showcase.

Vinexpo Asia-Pacific 2014

(May 27-29, 2014) was the largest and most successful in the history of Asia’s premier professional wine and spirits expo at the Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre (HKCEC), with 1,300 exhibitors representing wines and spirits brands from 34 countries.

Leading figures of the wine world hosting events at the show included Masters of Wine, oenologists, winemakers, sommeliers and consultants such as Paolo Basso, Jeannie Cho Lee, Hubert de Boüard, Li Demei, Michel Rolland, Simon Tam, Jane Skilton, Debra Meiburg and Nelson Chow.

At this year’s show, more focus than ever before was on China, becoming the world’s largest red wine consumer. Chinese producers were also out in force, including Yantai Changyu Pioneer Wine and the country’s premier fine wine maker Dynasty Fine Wines.

The estimation of attendance was approximately 16,800 wine decisionmakers including importers, distributors and major purchasers, setting a new record for the number of industry professionals attending the show, up 6.4% from Vinexpo Asia-Pacific 2012.

“The response has been truly amazing", said Vinexpo CEO Guillaume Deglise. “Hong Kong is without any doubt the gateway to China and the Asian hub for our industry. This market is also far more sophisticated than ever, which is reflected in the business and atmosphere this year.

Deglise added “Hong Kong is now an essential cog in the wheels of trade and distribution of wine throughout Asia-Pacific.”

About Vinexpo

Created in 1981, Vinexpo has established itself over the years as the largest exhibition for wine and spirits professionals in the world. It is held in Bordeaux, France every odd-numbered year where it attracts around 48,000 professional visitors from 140 countries and 2,400 exhibitors, who represent 45 producing countries. Meanwhile every even-numbered year, Vinexpo’s subsidiary, Vinexpo Overseas, organises the exhibitions Vinexpo Asia-Pacific and Vinexpo Nippon.

In 1998, the first Vinexpo Asia-Pacific was held in Hong Kong, followed in 2000 and 2002 by two exhibitions in Tokyo. Since 2006, Vinexpo Asia-Pacific has been held in Hong Kong every two years and has become a major event on the professional wine and spirits trade calendar in the Asia region.

104

Golf Vacations

JUl - aUG 2014

Collection ★ Nightlife

CELEBRATE W COCKTAIL CULTURE AND THE ICONIC GIN & TONIC WOOBAR at W Bangkok introduces the newest promotions for the 3rd quarter of 2014 with many more inspiring cocktails and the iconic Gin & Tonic with vibrant and eclectic flavors.

BANGKOK – 30 June 2014 – Sip,

nibble and mingle at WOOBAR, W Bangkok’s destination signature bar, and enjoy its promotions for all partygoers and fashionistas throughout the week starting from July 1 to September 30, 2014.

BOYS LOVE SUMMER POPS: Every Thursday from 7 PM – 9 PM

Meet WOOBAR’s very own DJs as they bring you a vinyl set of the best funk and lounge music from across the world. Enjoy a unique global sound to make your heads bob and your hips shake. Free flow ‘Summer Pops’ cocktail for all gents that dress in the theme* of the evening. The theme will be announced on Mondays via W Bangkok’s facebook page (facebook.com/wbangkok) and Instagram (instagram.com/wbangkok).

CITY GIRLS LOVE BUBBLES: Every Friday from 7 PM – 10 PM

Get electrified at WOOBAR on Fridays as we offer the hottest ladies’ night every week!

Strike a pose as our DJs bring you a remixed and mashed up sound of cool mixes to celebrate the end of the week (TGIF!). Free flow bubbles (sparkling wine) for girls!

GET HAPPY @ WOOBAR:

Monday - Friday from 5.30 PM – 7.30 PM

It’s time to double your joy with weekday happy hours and forget about work. Bring your friends, get equally happy treats and bottoms up! Buy 1 Get 1 Free (Applicable to all wines and beers).

WOOBAR, the signature W bar concept, offers innovative cocktails creations by the W mixologist and sounds by the hotel’s local spinner at nightfall. The bar’s most distinctive feature, the golden glamour screens, tie in the references made to the battle happening at the crystal mural running the length of the glass wall at the reception.

Designed by AvroKO, these screens are inspired by the ropes of a Muay Thai ring, where battles happen for real.

Clothed in a glamorous gold metal fabric, these ropes also capture the bejeweled concept of the hotel, and create a fantastic glittering backdrop for the WOOBAR.

For more information call 02 344 4000 or email: bf.wbangkok@whotels.com For up-to-the-minute information on W Bangkok, please visit www.wbangkok.com or www.facebook.com/wbangkok.

Partygoers and drinkers can also enjoy the further development of the Gin Couture (#gincouture) at WOOBAR under the Iconic Gin & Tonic menu (#iconicgintonic) where house infused gins with tonic water are served stylishly with oversized balloon glasses topped with ice. Think of the journey to discover new flavors by using seasonal ingredients such as pomelo, mixed herbs, fresh lime, celery and contrasting botanicals like green tea, lemon twist, guava, celery and so forth to take you on a unique and eclectic sensorial journey in cocktail glasses. Ask our talent at WOOBAR for our weekly gin infusions, a must try when visiting W Bangkok (#wcocktailculture).

Golf Vacations

JUl - aUG 2014

105

106

Golf Vacations

JUl - aUG 2014

Accomodations

DHARA DHEVI Chiang Mai

is far beyond a deluxe five-star resort offering the finest in services and amenities. It is a living museum born from a simple wish of the owner, Mr. Suchet Suwanmongkol; to preserve the beauty of Lanna culture and to create a space that nourishes the traditions, craftsmanship and intangible charms of its people.

Dhara Dhevi Chiang Mai’s 60-acres offers ample space for the resort’s 123 luxurious teak wood villas and suites perched amongst vast landscaped gardens and emerald rice paddies. All the interiors have been sympathetically crafted by local artisans in keeping with traditional Lanna architectural styles (the historic Lanna Kingdom that influenced the region for 300 years from the end of the 13th century).

They feature extensive museum-quality artifacts, sumptuous Thai silks mixed with local hill-tribe textiles and magnificent original artworks. The exquisitely designed interiors seamlessly blend ageold tradition with modern convenience and signature guest-centric technology. These essential elements contribute to an overall atmosphere of unparalleled luxury and serenity.

Indulge yourself in the ultimately finest stay at Dhara Dhevi Chiang Mai:

Villas Authentic Northern Thai rice houses made out of teak wood. The villas feature two floors with ample living space on the ground floor and resting space upstairs. Common features include a whirlpool tub, separate shower stall, outdoor deck or terrace and a Thai Sala (pavilion).

Colonial Suites The suites are in a beautiful colonial style two-storey building. First floor suites boast spacious balconies, while ground floor suites enjoy direct access onto the lush gardens. Decorated in a charming colonial style, each suite features a bedroom and separate adjoining living room, as well as a large private veranda.

Golf Vacations

JUl - aUG 2014

107

108

Golf Vacations

JUl - aUG 2014

Tidbits for avid travelers *15 minute- drive or 11 km. from Chiang Mai International Airport, Thailand and 10 minutes or 5 km. from the city centre. *Regular daily flights from Bangkok and Southeast Asian destinations.

Signature Residences Penthouse Residence The palatial Penthouse residence boasts private lift access, a luxuriously appointed drawing room, dining room, pantry and bedroom as well as an enormous wardrobe and make-up area and its own built-in spa treatment facilities. Its spacious outdoor terrace affords breathtaking, panoramic views over the resort providing the perfect venue for enjoying secluded breakfasts, evening cocktails and intimate candlelit dinners.

The Royal Residence The ideal choice for discerning travellers, celebrities and visiting royalty who wish to preserve their privacy while indulging in style. Situated behind high walls, the Royal Residence is completely self-contained with six private Lannastyle pavilions featuring three king-sized beds and three twin bedrooms, as well as a number of sitting and dining rooms, open-air Salas and even a lounge with a grand piano and bar.

Facilities of the resort also include a 3,100 square metre Dheva Spa and Wellness Centre, amphi-theatre for cultural events, two swimming pools, seven restaurants and bars, a cooking school, a health club, library, Lanna Kids Club, art & craft centre, grand ballroom and private meeting areas, a traditional village market and a bakery and delicatessen with home-made cakes, sandwiches and pastries.

For more information, kindly contact Dhara Dhevi Chiang Mai 51/4 Moo 1, Chiang Mai-Sankampaeng Road, Tasala, Muang, Chiang Mai Telephone 053 888 888 or visit www.dharadhevi.com Golf Vacations

JUl - aUG 2014

109

Celebrity Chef Rebel in a Heritage House

MoRten BojstRup nielsen Dusit revamps its Thai cuisine concept with new chef at the helm.

Bangkok, 5 June 2014 – The famed Thailand-based hotel chain Dusit International has repositioned its popular Benjarong Royal Thai cuisine restaurants, taking the brand from its deep, classic roots to give it a contemporary flavour.

Spearheading the shift is the company’s new Group Chef of Thai Cuisine, Mr Morten Bojstrup Nielsen.

The award-winning Danish chef, formerly of Nahm Restaurant in London and Sra Bua by Kiin Kiin in Bangkok, specialises in combining modern techniques with traditional flavour profiles to produce contemporary dishes that are distinctly Thai at heart.

Based in the flagship Benjarong branch at the Dusit Thani Bangkok, Chef Morten oversees its kitchen which also doubles as the training ground for developing future Dusit Thai culinary talent for all hotels, globally.

Chef Morten has already begun introducing his particular style of Thai cuisine with a well-received inaugural visit to the Benjarong restaurants in the UAE, first visiting Dusit Thani Dubai followed by Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi in February.

Some of Chef Morten’s signature dishes include: Yam Pla Duk Foo Deconstructed: Tom Yam Custard with Crabmeat and Crispy Catfish Salad; Salad of Grilled Wagyu Beef with Sweet Melon, Dehydrated Tomato and Yam Pudding and 72-Hour Slow Cooked Beef Ribs in Aromatic Green Curry.

Benjarong’s brand new menu is now available for lunch and dinner bookings at Dusit Thani Bangkok. For more information or reservations, please contact 02 200 9999 ext. 2199.

110

Golf Vacations

JUl - aUG 2014

Celebrity Chef tV celebrity chef

KRisten KisH

set to star at elements.

Kristen Kish, winner of the 2012

Top Chef TV show in the United States, makes a series of guest appearances at Elements restaurant from 29 July – 2 August 2014. Elements is the venue for modern international cuisine at the fivestar Okura Prestige Bangkok.

Kristen attended Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts in Chicago.

She won worldwide acclaim with her performance in the 2012 TV series Top Chef and was widely recognised for her innovative culinary skills when working at two well-known Boston restaurants – Stir and Menton – as chef de cuisine.

Her dinner presentations at Elements are sold out but the restaurant is still taking reservations for Kristen’s series of set lunches from 12-2:30 pm during Tuesday 29 July to Saturday 2 August 2014.

“We are delighted to secure the services of such an amazingly talented chef,” says Okura Prestige Bangkok Culinary Director Thomas Jakobi.

“Kristen’s produced some sensational performances on TV to win Top Chef and it’s a real pleasure and privilege to welcome her to Elements restaurant.”

www.okurabangkok.com

Golf Vacations

JUl - aUG 2014

111

Celebrity Chef

Culinary worlds combine at The Okura Prestige Bangkok

Chef ShIGeRU haGIwaRa & Chef henRy JORDan

Grilled alfonsino

Duck foie gras

Two top chefs at The Okura Prestige Bangkok are

merging their culinary styles and skills to present an exclusive menu that combines the contrasting flavours produced by kitchens of Japan and the West.

“Yamazato restaurant Master Chef Shigeru Hagiwara and chef de cuisine Henry Jordan present their ‘Living Kitchen’ menu comprising six courses that reflect and combine Japanese tradition with Western modernity,” explains the hotel’s Culinary Director Thomas Jakobi.

“It will be fascinating to watch two top chefs at work in the open kitchen at Elements where guests enjoy an ‘up, close and personal’ dining experience.” The ‘Living Kitchen’ menu starts with amuse-bouche created by Chef Hagiwara and Chef Henry. Chefs then take turns to serve their own speciality dishes such as Japanese seafood impressions and grilled alfonsino from Master Chef Hagiwara. Chef Henry will impress you with duck foie gras and Progression of Wagyu MB 9. As part of this unforgettable meal, our Pastry Chef will serve Shirakabe MIO sorbet in order to tantalise your taste buds. This amazing dinner ends with a Hokkaido cheesecake - made from Chef Hagiwara's secret recipe, followed by petite fours from our Pastry Chef.

112

Golf Vacations

JUl - aUG 2014

Reservations are recommended.

Please call 02 687 9000 or email fb@okurabangkok.com.

Collection ★ Drink

Chateau angelus "Fashions go out of fashion, but style never does."

In September 2012 Chateau Angelus was acclaimed by Saint-Emilion’s new classification as a First Great Growth “A.” 2012 is the property’s first vintage to bear this distinction which the de Boüard de Laforest family was keen to celebrate by creating a new style of bottle: a remarkable bottle for a remarkable vintage.

The black cap presenting the de Boüard de Laforest family crest, the 2012 bottle has replaced its traditional paper label with an imprint in embossed gold. The precious alloy adorns the glass, bestows its radiance and enhances the belled, the emblem of Angelus.

All of the 2012 harvest, currently maturing and to be delivered in autumn of 2014 will have these impressive bottles, available partly in a limited edition of large capacity bottles, ranging from magnum to imperial.

Chateau Angelus strives to achieve ever higher standards. Its constant aspiration is to be on par with the confidence of its connoisseurs, and wishes to thank them with this remarkable bottle.

The Angelus Style The Angelus Style is the alliance between an audacious grape variety and an outstanding terroir. It is that unique character that comes from the south-facing slope of Saint Emilion and the high proportion of Cabernet Franc that is always a joy to find in each vintage, year after year, with its richness, density, unctuousity, elegance, pedigree, purity and freshness.

The Angelus style is a work that is re-orchestrated each year with excellence as its permanent quest.

As Coco Chanel once said, "fashions go out of fashion, but style never does."

THE RECENT VINTAGES OF ANGÉLUS 2012-First The 2012 vintage got off to a difficult start with chaotic weather conditions in Spring.

Fortunately, July and August were perfect months for the grapes to form. Terms to describe wines of this vintage are: extreme purity of fruit aromas, precision and softness of structure and quality of fleshiness.

Harvests: gathered between 8th and 19th October Blend: 55% Merlot and 45% Cabernet Franc Ageing potential: 2025-2045

www.chateau-angelus.com/ Golf Vacations

JUl - aUG 2014

113

Collection ★ Drink

Moët & Chandon ICe IMpérIal The world’s first Champagne specifically created to be enjoyed on ice from Moët & Chandon arrives in Thailand for the first time.

Bringing its legendary touch of glamour

and success to the Summer, Moët & Chandon, Diageo Moët Hennessy (Thailand), presents Moët & Chandon Ice Impérial, the world’s first-ever champagne specifically created to be enjoyed on ice. The new must-have champagne for daytime gatherings at exclusive pool parties, rooftop bars with breath-taking sunsets and private beach parties, Moët & Chandon Ice Impérial is a refreshing take on summer style that is now being launched in Thailand.

As Champagne lovers know, the drink is best served chilled; however Champagne is often enjoyed in hot beachside settings or at outdoor bars during the day. These are environments that can cause the champagne to lose its chill and go warm. If ice is put in regular champagne, the water from the melted ice is guaranteed to dilute the champagne’s desired flavour and characteristics. With this issue in mind, Moët & Chandon has drawn on its legendary pioneering spirit to create an innovative solution. The ‘Moët & Chandon Ice Impérial’ has been specifically formulated to intensify the taste experience by raising the amount of Pinot Noir in the champagne to 50%.

This results in a drink with the rich fruitiness of berries and a fresh finish, giving the champagne a perfectly well-balanced flavour when mixed with ice to attain Moët & Chandon’s high standards for a stylish refreshment that is perfect for summertime escapes.

114

Golf Vacations

JUl - aUG 2014

“Moët & Chandon Ice Impérial is a distinctive new way to drink champagne.

Developed by Benoët Gouez, Chef de Cave of Moët & Chandon, Moët & Chandon Ice Impérial is special precisely because it is not your traditional champagne. It breaks all the rules and brings a new experience to drinking champagne while celebrating with friends in the sun. It’s the perfect choice for hot weather climates like Thailand and Diageo Moët Hennessy (Thailand) is now ready to provide this exclusive champagne to Thailand for the summer.” said Sirigunya Aksaranan, Moët & Chandon Brand Manager, Diageo Moët Hennessy (Thailand) Moët & Chandon Ice Impérial’s prominent Pinot Noir characteristics and powerful tropical fruit aromas are the embodiment of summer, an instant fresh escape anywhere in the world. With a single sip, the champagne will whisk you away to an enthrallingly sunny world.

Moët & Chandon Ice Impérial is served in large cabernet-style glasses with ice cubes that enhance the freshness experience and can be personalized according to taste preferences with garnishes including mint leaves, a slice of cucumber or white grapefruit zest.

Packaged in luxurious white lacquered bottles with a black tie, gold label and silver design that revamp industry conventions, Moët & Chandon Ice Impérial exemplifies the House’s elegance and pioneering nature. Experience the taste of the world’s first champagne specifically created to be enjoyed on ice for daytime enjoyment now at selected luxury hotels and leading restaurants including Siam Kempinski Hotel Bangkok, Dean & Deluca Mahanakhon, Octave Rooftop Lounge & Bar at Marriott Hotel Sukhumvit, Catch Beach Club (Phuket) and Nikki Beach Club (Samui).

Collection ★ Drink

Moët & Chandon ICe IMpérIal launCh party The World’s first champagne on ice arrives in Thailand.

From Left: (3rd from left) Sirigunya Aksaranan, Moët & Chandon Brand Manager, Diageo Moët Hennessy (Thailand), Lydia-Sarunrat Visudhithada, Guest singer, Andrea Muegge, Hotel Manager, Siam Kempinski Hotel Bangkok and Tirawin Yenprateep, Assistant Brand Manager, Moët & Chandon

Bangkok, June 2014 – Moët & Chandon,

Siriguya Aksaranan and Polpat asavaprapha

Diageo Moët Hennessy (Thailand), recently hosted the exclusive launch party of Moët & Chandon Ice Impérial, the world’s first-ever champagne specifically created to be enjoyed on ice. With the theme of ‘Ice White Glamor’, the event showcased the new must-have champagne especially crafted for daytime gatherings at exclusive pool parties, rooftop bars with breath-taking sunsets and private beach parties. Moët & Chandon Ice Impérial is a refreshing take on outdoor lifestyle that is now being launched in Thailand.

The chic and glamorous party hosted around 100 celebrities and VIP guests to join the celebratory occasion. Some of the celebrities gracing the event included Chart Chirathivat, Polpat Asavaprapha, Onchuma Durongdej, Srikanya Sakdidej Panupan, Savitri Paribatra na Ayudhya, Kornkanok Yongsakul, Jay - Jariyadee Spencer, Suwadee Puengboonpra, Piyawadee Maleenont to name a few. In addition, immensely talented young female singer LydiaSarunrat Visutthithada colored up the evening party with her beautiful vocals at Niche, Siam Kempinski Hotel Bangkok.

Golf Vacations

JUl - aUG 2014

115

Collection ★ Fashion

116

Golf Vacations

JUl - aUG 2014

Collection ★ Fashion

LOUIS VUITTON HOMME AUTOMNE-HIVER 2014-2015

The Louis Vuitton traveler this season takes a digital look, from above, at the wonders of the plains of South America.

“Our collections have always been about travel,” says Kim Jones for Louis Vuitton, “but the idea this time was technical travel, digital travel, the implications of the fact that we can now see the world through a screen. The idea this season is to combine these refined fabrications with the notion of digital, new age travel, of never being in one place. As is the tradition of Louis Vuitton, there’s a focus on craftsmanship, but technology was important; I didn’t want to make something rustic or nostalgic. It had to feel technical and modern.”

This season, tailoring has been approached completely anew.

Suiting has been reconfigured to be lighter and slimmer, and a new combination of wool and mohair – crease-resistant, optimal for travelling – has been introduced.

The combination of technical, practical, modern detail with traditional fine leather is echoed in the shoes, which this season have been edited down to just three styles: a Derby city shoe available in glazed calfskin, velvety grained-nubuck or crocodile; a city ankle boot-hybrid in glazed calf with a padded nappa ankle, rubber inserts on the toe and microfibre sole inserts for lightness.

Every look in the collection comes with sunglasses in a different colour way. All of them have adjustable arms and are designed to be truly practical for the modern explorer. Bracelets are made of chain links cut using the same technique as that employed for the rings: natural crystal used in a way that, like the rest of the collection, is strikingly elegant but uniquely masculine.

Golf Vacations

JUl - aUG 2014

117

FEMME AUTOMNE-HIVER 2014-2015 The Louis Vuitton traveler this season takes a digital look, from above, at the wonders of the plains of South America.

This collection tells a tale of expertise made possible by innovative techniques. It focuses on the highlights and remains open to interpretation.

Living proof that today’s “timeless” was at one time seen as innovative. In this collection, the timeless is now.

118

Golf Vacations

JUl - aUG 2014

Tambour eVoluTion FlyinG Tourbillon waTch,

black mmc and pink gold case, pink gold strap, Flying Tourbillon function (lV81 automatic manufacture calibre)

Tambour Spin Time reGaTTa TiTanium waTch,

titanium case, crown and push-buttons overmolded with rubber, black alligator with black rubber lining strap, chronograph, Spin Time and regatta functions (lV156 automatic manufacture calibre)

Tambour Spin Time Galaxie waTch,

white gold case, black alligator strap, Spin Time function (lV76 automatic manufacture calibre)

BASEL WATcH It's hard to resist desiring for a Louis Vuitton branded timepiece given the iconic luxury of the brand and the craftsmanship. The watches are very sophisticated, produced in highly limited quantities with fine mechanical Swiss movements.

As its name implies, the Tambour, or “drum”, watch was originally inspired by the Japanese Kodo drummers and their taiko drums. The Tambour collection for LV is also distinguishable by its 12 letters “Louis Vuitton” engraved on the case band at each hour.

Louis Vuitton Tambour watches can never be mistaken as shortlived fashion timepieces. With the masculine strength, yet grace and delicacy, the watch prides itself on the very function and finesse.

Golf Vacations

JUl - aUG 2014

119

Collection ★ Fashion

‘RUBBERIZED LEATHER’ COLLECTION Bally’s Spring/Summer 2014 Collection.

Bally’s innovative and high-technology

rubberization system treats leather with a fine rubber coating to give the natural material a rich matte finish and a sporty, high- performance look and feel.

For Spring-Summer 2014 Bally’s ‘Rubberized Leather’ was used across the collection to create lightweight accessories, extremely comfortable shoes and garments with a strong sculptural shape yet super-smooth texture.

Hero of the collection is a range of gym and sports bags in mono-, bi- and tri-colour combinations including Asphalt Grey, Sprint Blue and Hill Green. Simple design and distinctive curio piping elevate a functional classic into a high-end bag that can take you from the tennis court to a weekend away.

In addition, the treatment was used to make an oversized, multifunctional parka, super-soft leather track pants teamed with a suede sweatshirt, a versatile padded jacket in navy with brown yoke and ultra-practical detachable sleeves, together with a wide range of newly engineered drivers and the ‘All Season’ sneakers collection.

All items in the collection combine the highest degree of functionality, comfort and luxury.

The Bally Flagship Store is on the first floor of Gaysorn Plaza (Call 02-656-1037)

120

Golf Vacations

JUl - aUG 2014

Collection ★ Fashion

NIKE GOLF

New Nike Lunar Waverly and Lunar Mont Royal embody classic Nike design DNA.

Nike Golf designers drew inspiration from Nike’s footwear heritage to create innovative styles inspired by iconic running and court sport silhouettes perfect for both on and off the golf course.

“The Lunar Waverly and Lunar Mont Royal were really inspired by classic Nike footwear styles, and we adapted those designs for athletes who want a golf shoe with versatile appeal,” says Carl Madore, Nike Golf Innovation Design Lead. “These are shoes with incredible performance technology that are great for playing 18 holes or wearing before or after the round, too. You can hit balls at the driving range on your lunch break without ever changing your shoes. These styles are modeled after some of Nike’s first shoes but modernized to perform specifically for our sport.”

Lunar WaverLy

Madore and team crafted the Lunar Waverly to be just as comfortable on the course as it is off. Partnering with the Nike Sports Research Lab, Nike Golf designers used pressure-mapping analysis to zero in on how the foot moves during the swing and determine the size, height, hardness and overall configuration of the waffle lugs. The footwear team brought that pressure mapping to life through visible color patterns on a traditional Nike waffle outsole reminiscent of the company’s very first footwear styles, featuring superior grip and traction within an iconic tread pattern.

Nike Dynamic Flywire technology combines with a rubber cup-sole for lateral support, surrounded by a premium waterproof full-grain leather upper. For the first time ever, Nike Golf designers utilized cork for the sock liner—incredibly comfortable and extremely lightweight, the anti-microbial material helps prevent odor and provides a distinctive design detail, while full-length Nike Lunarlon foam delivers maximum responsive cushioning.

Lunar Mont royaL

When the Nike Montreal was unveiled in 1975, it was the brand’s first signature shoe designed for running legend Steve Prefontaine. Nearly 40 years later, Nike Golf is bringing the Montreal’s iconic color blocking design and running-inspired silhouette to the golf course in the Lunar Mont Royal.

Featuring Lunarlon foam in the heel and modern no-sew technology in the midfoot, the Mont Royal also utilizes the traditional Nike waffle sole for incredible grip and control.

Tapping into insights from performance testing, Nike Golf footwear designers constructed the outsole with waffle tread rolling up around the toe and inner side of the foot to maintain traction through the swing as the foot pushes off the ground. www.nike.com/nikegolf Golf Vacations

JUl - aUG 2014

121

Collection ★ Time

HeRmÈs ARceAu TemARi Japanese refinement

The Japanese-inspired Arceau Temari model combines the skills of snow setting and hard stone marquetry in an exceptional collection of jewellery watches.

The story of Temari, an art meaning

“hand ball” in Japanese, is bound up with that of kimonos, since the making of these silken garments provided enough scraps of fabric to make these entertaining objects that were greatly appreciated at the Imperial Court. Little by little, simple stitching gave way to embroidery and to motifs that were increasingly sophisticated, in terms both their complex geometry and their colourful harmonies.

These ancestral balls have inspired a Hermès silk carré, of which one of the motifs is now reinterpreted in the Arceau collection.

These watches are issued in limited white gold editions set with diamonds according to the snow-setting technique and feature dials reproducing the design of one of these balls by combining diamonds with a marquetry composed either of white mother-of-pearl, onyx, lapis lazuli or opal.

The snow-setting is done with no predefined plan; and instead each stone is individually selected and put in place; each claw is cut and each grain is beaded so as to create an harmonious overall effect that is unique to each 122

Golf Vacations

JUl - aUG 2014

model. No less than 700 stones are set on the case, a job that takes an experienced gem-setter almost three weeks.

On each of these exceptional watches, the dial is crafted according to traditional diamond setting and hard stone marquetry techniques.

For each watch, and in this case according to a precise plan, 20 tiny fragments of all different shapes and sizes are milled from a block of stone or mother-of-pearl finely sliced into infinitely small platelets. The pieces are then individually assembled on the already gemset dial. These two operations require great precision and dexterity, since the stone is particularly fragile on such a tiny scale. As if in a miniature puzzle, each part takes its place within a picture that transcends it. The opulence of the materials enter into a fascinating dialogue with the finesse of the motifs, as traditions and expertise meet and mingle to endow each of these unique creations with the refined splendour of Imperial Japan.

For more information: www.press.montre-hermes.ch

Beauty

VISIONNAIRE

NEW

LR 2412 4% – Cx Advanced Skin Corrector Certain products have left a lasting impression on the history of cosmetics. Their secret?

To start with, meeting women’s deepest desires, those we don’t even dare to dream might come true. Having perfect skin, for example: in other words, quite simply beautifully textured, even skin without any visible wrinkles or pores. An impeccable texture. Since it was founded, Lancôme has dared to face the challenge of these desires, relying on twofold scientific prowess: that of the Basic Research Laboratories who are pioneers in knowledge of the skin and the creation of active molecules, and that of its formulation experts, who are real virtuosos when it comes to texture. With innovations that regularly push back the boundaries of performance.

Accordingly, in 2011, Lancôme offered a groundbreaking proposition to this question of perfect skin with Visionnaire [LR 2412 4%] Advanced Skin Corrector, its first serum capable of recreating exceptionally beautiful skin. At the heart of its formula, whose effectiveness has been highlighted by women and crowned with almost 100 international awards, lies an exclusive molecule, created by our own Research laboratories – LR 2412 – protected by 20 patents and the result of 12 years’ research. Creating a real splash in the beauty world, LR 2412 paved the way for a class of molecules unprecedented in skincare: Jasmonates.

Today, Lancôme is taking perfection to another dimension with its new VISIONNAIRE LR 2412 4% – Cx Advanced Skin Corrector. Convinced of the benefits of Jasmonates for the skin, our researchers have redesigned its formula and deployed a double biological strategy with the creation of LR 2412 – Cx, an exclusive double-jasmonate complex, for skin perfection heightened in real time and virtually flawless skin. A new formula with a texture that has been reworked for enhanced instant results. The reinvention of a major formula with proven success is a very strong sign of Lancôme’s insatiable appetite for ever more performance in the service of women.

REAL-TIME EFFECTIVENESS FOR HEIGHTENED SKIN PERFECTION From the very first application* of the new VISIONNAIRE LR 2412 4% – Cx Advanced Skin Corrector, the skin becomes soft, supple and smooth.

After three days*, the skin’s texture is refined. The skin is beautiful all day long.

After one bottle** of VISIONNAIRE LR 2412 4% – Cx Advanced Skin Corrector, the skin is sublime and transformed.

Wrinkles are smoothed: 88 % Pores are less visible: 88% Imperfections are reduced: 92% The skin’s texture is refined: 95% Women and experts have observed: skin perfection heightened in real time and virtually flawless skin after one bottle.

* Self-assessment – 85 femmes ** Clinical test – 60 women – 8 week’s use (1 bottle) ; self-assessment.

Discover more on Lancome.co.th and facebook/LancomeThailand Golf Vacations

JUl - aUG 2014

123

Element of Style

VerTu LauncheS SignaTure Touch The Handmade Smartphone

Design

Vertu Signature Touch

Signature Touch is the new highperformance smartphone from Vertu, the English manufacturer of luxury mobile phones. Signature Touch blends best-in-class technology with superior handcrafted materials, including grade 5 titanium and hand-finished calf leather.

It is the pinnacle smartphone model from Vertu and incorporates the full breadth of the company’s expertise, including Dolby® Digital Plus virtual surround sound and Hasselblad certified imaging, as well as Vertu’s full portfolio of services, which comprises Dedicated Concierge as well as Vertu LIFE and Vertu CERTAINTY packages.

The VERTU Flagship Store is on the first floor of Siam Paragon (Call 02 129 4488) and Gaysorn (Call 02 656 1126)

Signature Touch builds on familiar elements of the Vertu design language while creating a much slimmer, cleaner and contemporary device. Incorporating dynamic elements alongside the company’s trademark ceramic pillow, Signature Touch supports the iconic status of the brand. The strong, masculine style of the handset is highlighted through the use of a grade 5 titanium casing that uses both brushed and polished finishes to accentuate its slimline profile.

The 4.7” high definition screen on Signature Touch is protected by a 5th generation, 118 carat, 5.1 inch piece of solid sapphire crystal. Vertu has been using sapphire for luxury mobile phones since the late 90s and has continuously developed the technology for this precision application. Now, with more than a decade’s experience of growing, cutting, polishing and bonding, Vertu has become the foremost expert in sapphire crystal screen technology for mobile devices. Impervious to anything less than diamond, solid sapphire crystal is strong, highly scratch resistant and optically perfect. Layered over the phone’s 4.7 inch HD display, the sapphire crystal screen has been manufactured to reduce reflection with a multi-layer coating.

Signature Touch will launch in a range of five colours across eight product executions: Jet Calf, Claret Calf, Pure Jet, Pure Jet Red Gold Mixed Metals, Seaspray Lizard, Damson Lizard, Pure Navy Lizard and Jet Alligator.

A beautiful range of cases will be available in three different designs, in a range of complementary materials and colours.

124

Golf Vacations

JUl - aUG 2014

Moments 9-15 June 2014

↓ U.S. Open Championship sponsored by Rolex.

Rolex has played a leading role as a committed partner of golf for nearly half a century, sharing its values and actively supporting the growth of the modern game. With its enduring contribution, Rolex is a major force behind the finest events, players and organizations in golf at all levels, encouraging its development around the world.

More than ever, today and in the future, Rolex is part of the very fabric of golf.

To become an official partner of USGA was a proud step for Rolex. The U.S. Open Championship took place at Pinehurst Resort & Country Club, North Carolina.

Golf Vacations

JUl - aUG 2014

125

Moments 30 May 2014

↓ Glenfiddich Experience in Thailand a regional first Legacy exploration of distillery a hit with celebrity guests.

Bangkok, 30 May 2014 –

Glenfiddich, the World’s Most Awarded single malt Scotch whisky, hosted Southeast Asia’s first Glenfiddich Experience, an exploration of the unique brand history and legacy tour of the World of Glenfiddich, featuring celebrity guests Burin Boonvisut (Groove Riders) and Cindy Bishop (MC). Attracting VIPs, stars and Bangkok’s social elite, the highlight of the experience was for guests to be transported from Thailand to a reallife single malt Scotch whisky distillery interactive guided tour. Regional Brand Ambassador, Matthew Fergusson-Stewart and Global Brand Ambassador, Ian Millar were also on hand to help guide guests through the experience created to replicate the Glenfiddich distillery in Dufftown, Scotland, founded by William Grant in 1886.

William Grant & Sons chose Thailand as the first country to host the Glenfiddich Experience in Southeast Asia given the market’s rapidly growing sales and increasing popularity and awareness of WGS products. The Glenfiddich Experience in Thailand will serve as a case study for its roll-out into other Southeast Asian countries following the resounding success of this inaugural event.

126

Golf Vacations

JUl - aUG 2014

Moments 20-23 June 2014

↓ FERRARI OWNERS' CLUB SINGAPORE Drives to Sofitel Krabi Phokeethra Golf & Spa Resort

Krabi, July 2014 – Ferrari Owners’ Club Singapore drives for charity from Singapore to Krabi. They stayed at Sofitel Krabi Phokeethra Golf & Spa Resort during 20-23 June 2014.

Sofitel Krabi Phokeethra Golf & Spa Resort together with Ferrari Owners’ Club Singapore donated to Kittitam Wittaya School educational fund on 21 June 2014 in order to support classroom building, stationary and sport equipment for their students (200 persons).

On 22 June 2014, they also enjoyed the island sightseeing in the Andaman Sea such as Hong Island, Four Islands and other islands in the surrounding area.

Golf Vacations

JUl - aUG 2014

127

Moments 2 July 2014

↓ LEICA T Press Conference proudly presentes

by DKSH Thailand.

This legendary camera from Germany was presented

by Mathieu Musnier, Area Sales Manager of Southeast Asia Leica Camera Asia Pacific. He invited all medias to experience the exclusivity of LEICA T, the newest innovation in photography. LEICA has coordinated with the designers of AUDI to integrate fine craftsmanship and outstanding engineering into this hand-made camera.

For the more information, please visit Leica Bangkok store at 2nd floor, Gaysorn Plaza (02 656 1102).

128

Golf Vacations

JUl - aUG 2014

The Last Putt Lovely Rookie

MoRiya JutanugaRn 2013 marked a great year for golf fans in Thailand who had the chance to cheer for Thai golfers in the international arena, ranging from the veteran Thongchai Jaidee to the fresh blood Kiradech Aphibarnrat, who did an impressive job in both Asian and European tournaments.

“Everything was different”, started Moriya. “Moving from

junior golf to professional golf required a lot of adjustment on my part.

Time management was different, there were more travelling involved, and the people around were all new to me. Basically, I had to be more mature.

Even though I still felt like a teenager who deserved her personal time, it was one of the things I had to give up.”

For Moriya, the pressure is now more intense. Her fellow golfers are world-ranking professionals which means the competition is more difficult, with no space for mistakes. “I’ve learned a lot from other players though – how to behave, my responsibilities, and how to be completely focused in the game. It’s different from when I was an amateur. Golfing back then was more like playing with friends. I think the most important task right now is scheduling an appropriate timetable for the tournaments I’m competing in. Sometimes multiple tournaments would run for 3-4 consecutive weeks which was something I had never faced before. As an amateur, I would compete for a maximum of 2 weeks then take about a month break. Compared to now, I think I was happy being a rookie”.

Moriya never regrets taking this path. Excelling in sports is the result of the combined effort of everyone in the family. No one can reach this stage on his or her own, and she is proud of what her family has done for her.

The Jutanugarn sisters have caught the attention of pro golfers in the LPGA tours since they were around 13-14 years of age. Having started at such a young age, people still see the Jutanugarn’s as kids. “A number of people would still call us kids (laughs) and they have given us great support throughout our first year. For example, I met Juli Inkster since I was 13 and I then was actually younger than her daughter so I got some special treatment for that. We would both refer to her as our Aunt or Big Sister”.

130

Golf Vacations

JUl - aUG 2014

When asked if she felt stressed, lonely or homesick during her first year out as a pro golfer, Moriya said “I didn’t feel lonely and I wasn’t homesick either. I guess I was still young so I was more excited about the new things going on around me. My was mom with me all the time and I talked to my sister and other people often so I didn’t really have any problems in this area. Also, I got to meet up with other Thai golfers in tournaments, especially with Pornanong Phatlum. Every time we got together, we wouldn’t stop chatting (laughs)”.

With higher-than-expected achievements the past year, we asked Moriya if she feels pressured and if she has to keep setting higher goals. “I have to confess that during the first year, I only wanted to get through the tournaments. However, things turned out better than expected. I made US$293,158, ranked in the Top Ten for one of the tournaments, ranked 47 in the Money List, and was awarded ‘Rookie of the Year’. I think things should be even better in 2014 since I have already adjusted to the new environment. I personally prefer to set short-term goals to keep motivated and to have fun with the game. So, my goal for this year is to make it to the Top 20 of the Money List. And maybe I can win a title in one of the tournaments. I’m not too serious about the second goal but it would be great if I could do it”.

Isn’t she just sweet and interesting? Don’t forget to send all your support and best wishes to Moriya Jutanugarn.

MUCH MORE THAN GOLF COURSE

Rancho Charnvee Resort & Country Club

18 holes of Charmpionship Golf Course and European Country lifestyle for your great memorial Pakchong Nakornratchsrima Thailand : www.ranchocharnvee.com : Tel. 044-756-210-3