Gv#011

Thailand Edition vol. 11

The 19th

BMW Golf Cup Anthology of Caddies

Special Interview Peter Alliss

Destination Focus Cannes

Choice Resorts Trevose Golf Club Asita Eco Resort Rancho Charnvee Resort & Country Club

magazine of the gm group golf vacations thailand vol.11 July-AuGuST 2015 / 180 baht

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ThE hills Golf CluB Finest of New Zealand Golf

Golf Vacations thailand Edition Vol.11 JUlY-aUGUst 2015 thE hills Golf clUb

Thailand Edition vol. 11

The 19th

BMW Golf Cup Anthology of Caddies

Special Interview Peter Alliss

Destination Focus Cannes

Choice Resorts Trevose Golf Club Asita Eco Resort Rancho Charnvee Resort & Country Club

magazine of the gm group golf vacations thailand vol.11 July-AuGuST 2015 / 180 baht

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ThE hills Golf CluB Finest of New Zealand Golf

Editor's Page Rainy Season!

For a vast majority of golfers, a rainy day never makes a good game. The game is finished once the rain comes.

Even when the weather is not in your favour, you can still focus on the positives. Taking a swing in the rain definitely challenges your skills and brings you out of the comfort zone.

It’s a good opportunity to evaluate your ability, concentration and preparation for striking a ball each time. Just like preparing to car race on a rainy day, you need to be especially prepared with rainy golf equipments to keep your game on track.

Interesting special promotions will also be offered from golf courses during this season.

Anyway, please take care of yourself and your golf set, and don’t forget to prepare your wet weather gear; waterproof gloves and shoes and of course a good towel. Whether the rain actually comes or not, you're well on your way to fulfilling your potential.

Have fun with your game in the rainy season!

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.

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Thailand

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

Suebwong Kaewthipharat editor-in-chief

download gM group's interactive e-magazines from the app Store and standard e-magazines from online bookstores such as Truebook, dtac and bookSmile.

contributors John Gibb

TimoThy ConsTanTine Low

The former Evening Standard journalist and author gives us an insight into his friendship with “The Voice of Golf” Peter Alliss, presenting an intimate read that is unlike any of the man.

Professional golfer and host of Fox Sports’ golfing programs, Timothy Low writes to us about golf from a perspective that few can offer; the professional’s view.

He marries that with a creative flair and personality that one can only call, his very own.

Ex cEO of the AccA, Darryl is not only great at making numbers work but makes it work on the golf course too. A stable 2-handicap amateur, he is a golf junkie to rival any you’ll ever meet, and with that, great stories as well. Darryl brings us an exclusive on the Scotty cameron cup in Japan, an event many will never even have heard of.

DarryL wee

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contributors PeTer robinson

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.

benny Teo

When he’s not travelling writing about golf, Peter is the editor of an ice hockey magazine, which is virtually a perfect work combination for any canadian male. He’s fortunate but not lucky because with any luck his beloved Toronto Maple Leafs would’ve won the Stanley cup during his lifetime, a fruitless quest he wrote about in Hope and Heartbreak in Toronto: Life as a Maple Leafs Fan (Dundurn, 2012).

Editor of Arnold Palmer's Guide to the Ryder cup and Arnold Palmer's Guide to The Majors, and contributing editor of golf and lifestyle title Kingdom Magazine, Robin is a well respected and experienced journalist with over 15 years experience in the golf sector.

robin barwiCk

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the first

deep InsIde The Ropes A trip to the Player’s Lounge in a professional touring event is an opportunity of a lifetime.

- BY Be n n Y t e o

Tournament golf is great for being able to watch your favourite player up close and personal,

and yet, you walk away after four days learning little more of these mysterious athletes than perhaps a tip for chipping from watching countless inch perfect shots.

At the CIMB Niaga Indonesian Masters late April, two gents already had a ‘first’ experience when they won the right to visit Royal Jakarta in full VIP regalia, kindly sponsored by Oakley. they were there because they have participated in the annual Oakley Golf Day last October and won, out of 280 odd golfers, the right to enjoy a week fully paid for at this Asian tour marquee event headlined by the likes of Lee Westwood, thomas Bjorn and Y.E. Yang. to begin with, Ken tan and Solo Chu received a very large goodie bag from Oakley that included shirts, pants, shorts, a pair of the latest Oakley Prizm Golf flak Jacket sunnies and Oakley Cipher II shoes with the game-changing Nano spikes technology.

But what put the icing on the cake for the two of them was a week where they got to not only watch and learn, but also meet, dine with and even celebrated a birthday of their golfing idols.

Ken and Solo played in a Pro-Am with Asian tour veteran Unho Park, who subsequently scored them passes to the Players Lounge where they got to meet the entire cohort, including local heroes Lam Chih Bing and Mardan Mamat. Ken, especially was effusive in his joy as Lam was the professional he had watched and been inspired to take up the game.

Not only that, they also had dinner together one night at the official hotel, JS Luwansa’s Japanese restaurant, and celebrated the 42nd birthday of ex-world number one Lee Westwood at

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the same time. It was an intimate affair that was not part of the official program but there was nothing official about this trip apart from the sparkling Oakley gear that they wore each day that had many thinking they were Oakley ambassadors.

Being a VIP sometimes gets you to meet with star athletes, at Pro-Ams, corporate golf days or even dinners, but to spend a week rubbing shoulders with, talking about golf and life, and later on, exchanging contacts epitomizes the phrase, ‘having your cake and eating it too.’ And Westwood’s 42nd birthday cake, which was chocolate by the way, certainly takes the icing.

cartogolf

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Top 5 Locker Rooms

Camaraderie abounds in these finest resting areas in the world.

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The King Kamehameha golf Club, WailuKu, maui, haWaii

Designed by Frank Llyod Wright – yes, a designer locker room - only the finest amenities await within.

Unwind and indulge in a luxurious spa with saunas, and expansive Furo (Japanese styled hot bath), an intimate Jacuzzi or simply make an appointment for refreshing massage therapies in here. It also features a full bar and lounge, fitness room and shoe service.

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laKe merCed golf Club, daly CiTy, California

Kickback and stretch out in the spacious interior over a game of cards; get on the Internet or watch a little television. For sure, golfers will be enjoying all the luxuries of home only to be pleasantly surprised with the elite service of the Lake Merced Golf Club locker room staff.

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yas linKs abu dhabi, yas island, uniTed arab emiraTes

A true authentic adventure of the senses.

Relax in the huge stateof-the-art steam rooms that combine spacious seating and stretching areas with lights and aromatheraphy to totally relax all who enter. Or indulge in water therapy in individual experience showers that offers multiple Jacuzzi-like options to soothe well worn muscles. This is truly an experience to enjoy.

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Klub golf bogor raya, JaWa baraT, indonesia

The largest men’s locker room in Indonesia, is also most certainly its most luscious and pampering. With 242 lockers, it is so huge that golfers will never have to worry about cramping with others here. It is luxuriously decked up with Javanese artifacts and colonial furniture, and for those wanting to laze around some more, there is also sauna, massage and lazy chairs to while the time away.

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foresT CreeK golf Club, PinehursT, norTh Carolina

Rustically themed, the muted exterier wood and copper roof combines with intelligent landscaping melds the 9,000 square foot locker room into its surrounds.

Coming through the stall doors, the vaulted ceiling soars 22 feet with stone, metal and woods dominating the construction elements creating an intimate but relaxed ambience for golfers seeking relief from a round in the sun. And they did not forget to include a bar for that stimulating shot before a shower.

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Postcard

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MILLBROOK RESORT,

Queenstown, New Zealand Golf Vacations

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Journal ★ Comments from Left to right : Jason Palmer lining up a putt at the foshan open in China; Known to have beaten the yips with a one-handed chip, Jason Palmer wins his maiden trophy at the foshan open; the legendary harry Vardon’s encyclopaedic tome on playing the game.

Yip-cups The sporting equivalent of a nervous breakdown that won’t easily go away.

"Yips” is a short and unattractive little collective noun listed in

the Oxford English Dictionary as, “Extreme nervousness causing a golfer to miss an easy putt.” If only it was that simple. In truth, it is one of those embarrassing golfing indiscretions which is rarely discussed in polite conversation but which all of us who play the game are vulnerable to.

It was Tommy Armour who christened the condition and in the end it was because of it that drove him out of tournament golf. He described his first experience as “a ghastly time when, with the first movement of the putter, the golfer blacks out, loses sight of the ball and hasn’t the remotest idea of what to do with the club or, sometimes, if he is even holding a putter at all.”

Tiger Woods is the latest of to suffer from it and has been displaying the full gamut of tragic symptoms from thinning wedges to quitting on short putts. It is sobering watching a man who has won 106 times on tour, including 14 majors, as he trembles over a 3 foot putt.

But what causes this sudden and is there a cure? Every pro I have discussed with talked about stress and lack of concentration.

If you are distracted by other matters like the state of your match or the slowness of your opponent, you may become prone to the Yips if you do not try to concentrate totally on the shot you are about to play.

Harry Vardon in his wonderful book, “How to Play Golf” wrote, “As I addressed the ball I would watch for my right hand to jump.

At the end of two seconds I would not be looking at the ball at all.

My gaze would have become riveted on my right hand. I could not resist the desire to see what it was going to do. Directly, as I felt that it was about to jump, I would snatch at the ball in a desperate effort to play the shot before the involuntary movement could take effect. Up would go my head and body with a start and off would go the ball, anywhere but on the proper line.” The reasons for this calamitous problem, according to the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota, are 16

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neurological and the result is wrist spasms which occur most commonly when golfers are trying to putt.

Medical opinion is that the Yips are the result of biochemical changes in the brain and over-exercise of the muscles involved. Others blame intense stress from the demands of practise resulting in Focal Dystonia, a disorder characterised by involuntary muscle contraction and cramps in the hands and arms.

Can it be cured? One shining success story comes from a promising young professional from Leicestershire in England by the name of Jason Palmer, who had been a promising golfer until he decided to play professional golf. It was at this critical stage of his career that he lost the ability to chip.

“I could hit a wide selection of shots,” he said, “but they were mostly fat, thin and mixed in with the occasional double hit.” His short game had disintegrated and he was on the verge of giving up when he mentioned to a friend that all he could do was hit the ball with a onehanded grip.

“It wasn’t difficult” he says, “I could hit the ball first, nice and crisp; ball, divot, up to the pin, but when I put two hands on the club I was lost.” Jason decided to abandon his two-handed approach and now uses only his right hand. He is doing well and in 2014, he achieved his first victory on the Challenge Tour at the Foshan Open in China.

By John giBB

TREND WATCHING WORLD SEMINAR The DefiniTive

Henry MASON managing Director

Global TrenD Seminar SerieS. Let's experience the exclusive consumer trends for Asia's most future-focused professionals for the next 5 years with Trendwatching.com's Global Trend Seminar Series.

Trendwatching.com is the world's leading consumer trend firm that helps forward-thinking business professionals in 180+ countries and 100+ of the region's leading brands and agencies.

Victoria FOSTER head of tw:in

(Please confirm ticket before July 31, 2015) Josephine YEO

Client Services Director, asia Pacific

CALL CENTER : Tel: 02 241 8000 # 527 091 003 0594 085 553 8586 WEbSITE : www.gmlive.com www.facebook.com/gmlive www.trendwatching.com

Victoria LOOMES Senior Trend analyst

ORGANIZED bY : Acacia LEROY Golf Vacations

Trend Strategist, JUlasia - aUGPacific 2015 17

Journal ★ Report

APEROL SPRITZ Quench your thirst in the summer with Thailand's first launch of “Aperol Spritz” and create your own summer cocktails with top mixologist Niks Anuman-Rajadhon.

Italian-made APEROL is a bitter that can be classified

as light aperitif. Distilled spirit is infused with hundred types of spices and herbs to yield such refreshingly herbaceous and citrusy notes with slightly sweet palate and pleasantly bitter finish.

APEROL also embodies medicinal benefit that kills bacteria in oral cavity, enabling drinkers to enjoy food better. The slightly sweet taste and bitter finish helps quench your thirst and refresh your senses, making APEROL a favorite drink for more than a hundred year and the perfect “aperitif drink” for every occasion.

The launch event not only introduced but also called for some creativity as mixologist Niks Anuman-Rajadhon led the fun and easy cocktail making workshop. The first drink, APEROL SPRITZ is Italy’s pride and a signature cocktail in many top bars in Europe, the US and beach towns all over the world. APEROL in the name comes from one of the main ingredients, which is APEROL, while SPRITZ means sparkling or fizzy. Start with a thin slice of orange at the bottom of a high ball glass, pour in 2 parts APEROL and 3 parts Prosecco, then agitate the orange lightly with a straw to release citrusy aroma and further enhance the citrus tone in APEROL. Top the glass with cube ice and a splash of soda for an extra fizz. Now you get a classic cocktail that is also hipsters’ favorite for very party.

The second cocktail, APEROL GELATO SPRITZ, is equally easy and is most suitable for the summer. Take a scoop of your favorite fruit sorbet and splash it with some APEROL. Garnish

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as you fancy with dried fruits, cinnamon stick, chocolate, candy, jelly, mint leaves or even flower, and top it with prosecco. As the sorbet slowly melts, you will experience different layers of flavors from all the ingredients. Niks explained that ice-cream was actually used as ice, but it offered with even more flavors.

The cocktail allows you to add more APEROL as you wish, while having fun garnishing with anything that will get the crowd excited.

Get the party going with APEROL PUNCH where Niks takes the idea from a drink that is light and pleasant with nice balance of sweetness and sour. Start with fresh lime juice and simple syrup in a big jar, follow by as much APEROL as you like. Garnish to add variety of flavors with cinnamon, clove, mint leaves, basil leaves, dried fruits or fresh fruits. Stir well and set aside for all the ingredients to mingle. Taste the punch again before serving, and adjust the flavors. Serve in a glass filled with ice and top with prosecco to create layers of flavor to the punch. There you have it, a punch that will cool you down throughout the summer.

Aperol Spritz is available at leading supermarkets such as Wine Cella, Siam Paragon, Emporium Department Store, Emquatier, Villa Market, Foodland, Tops Supermarket, Tesco Lotus and enjoy the taste of Aperol Spritz cocktail at top hotel bars in Thailand. For more information, please contact Italasia Trading (Thailand), Tel. 02 261 7990-9

Journal ★ Report

MAURICE LACROIX Welcomes Jang Dong Gun as new brand ambassador.

The progressive Swiss brand recognises the importance of

the Asian market and has sought a brand ambassador who shares the company’s style and creativity. The South Korean superstar Jang Dong Gun is the new brand ambassador of Maurice Lacroix. He exhibits incredible skill, mastering his craft and delighting audiences, both in his native South Korea and across all of Asia, with his own unique and popular brand of entertainment.

The South Korean metropolis of Seoul is currently considered a hot spot in matters of trend-setting and lifestyle. Asian citizens, including millions of young Chinese, enjoy the amazing array of South Korean musicians, actors, soap stars and other entertainment artists.

Consequently, Maurice Lacroix is very pleased to be represented by one of the best known personalities in Asia, Jang Dong Gun, and reaffirms its pioneering role in trendsetting with this collaboration.

The actor and musician Jang Dong Gun has become established as a skilled and popular superstar in the Asian entertainment world in recent years.

Jang Dong Gun stated that he is extremely pleased with his new role: "it is a great honour for me to be the brand ambassador for Maurice Lacroix. This Swiss watch is a lot more than just a watch.

It represents a philosophy and its outstanding quality and absolute precision are exceptional."

Stephane Waser, Managing Director of Maurice Lacroix, is also delighted with the new partnership. He said "through the appointment of Jang Dong Gun, Maurice Lacroix is demonstrating that it is a progressive brand. At the moment, Korea is setting trends in many areas, not only in Asia, but also globally. Besides the fact that Jang Dong Gun is Korean and very successful, he perfectly represents the values of Maurice Lacroix, as he is authentic and stands for style, innovation and creativity just like our watches stand for design, innovation and craftsmanship. We are proud and feel very honoured that we have been able to welcome him as a brand ambassador for Maurice Lacroix."

Jang Dong Gun remarked, "I simply love the watches from Maurice Lacroix!” and went on to explain, "their masterful design is modern and classical at the same time". Consequently, he will wear a watch with a great deal of passion over the coming years, both in private and in public life. The models of the Les Classiques series are currently his favourites from the company’s diverse collection of models.

Within the context of the partnership, Jang Dong Gun will also appear at four Maurice Lacroix events as a brand ambassador.

The collaboration starts with a festive occasion.

Maurice Lacroix is honouring Jan Dong Gun for his achievements in the area of film and entertainment with a Your Time Is Now Award. He will accept this award at the Maurice Lacroix Ambassador Announcement during a gala dinner to be held at JW Marriott on 23 July 2014 in Beijing.

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Journal ★ Report

FRESCOBALDI The estates and their wines: character of the growing areas.

Deep expertise in viticulture, developed over the course of history, together with the continuing investments in the estate vineyards, are the two main elements that characterise Marchesi de’ Frescobaldi wine production.

Re-structuring and modernisation in both the vineyards and wine cellars represent a major commitment of the Company, with significant investment funding. Marchesi de’ Frescobaldi continues to strengthen the prestige of its brand and its estate wines both in the international and domestic markets, taking advantage of all opportunities of the emerging ones.

“Our style is to let the land itself speak,” stated Lamberto Frescobaldi, President of Marchesi de’ Frescobaldi. “As vine grower and wine producer for many generations, we know and analyse carefully different locations and microclimate before planting new vineyards. The sites, which may vary from estate to estate are selected according to their potential and attribute for high quality production.

“Our objective is the highest possible quality assuring the intrinsic characteristics of the different soil of origin. Maintaining this commitment is our daily heritage challenge.”

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Locations of the tenute in Tuscany Marchesi de’ Frescobaldi Company owns five estates: Castello di Nipozzano (Pelago), Castello di Pomino (Rufina), Tenuta di Castiglioni (Montespertoli), Tenuta di Castelgiocondo (Montalcino), and Tenuta dell’Ammiraglia (Magliano in Toscana). Each estate is managed as a separate entity, with its own individual responsibles like agronomists and wine makers.

Each of the five estates produces wines with its own distinctive and unique characters and they are located in some of the best wine areas of Tuscany and produce DOC, DOCG and IGT prestigious wines.

The properties in Tuscany comprise a total of over 4,500 hectares (9600 acres), of which 1,200 (2965 acres) are planted with vineyards.

The estates are Castello di Pomino, Castello di Nipozzano, Tenuta di Castelgiocondo, Tenuta di Castiglioni, and Tenuta dell’Ammiraglia.

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Legends

Dai

Rees A gritty Welshman who lived and breathed the Ryder Cup spirit. Meet the golfer who just wouldn’t quit...

- By M i k e H e r d

Dai Rees was our original Ryder Cup gangster. A veteran of nine cups as a player and captain no less than five times, the canny Welshman’s no-compromise style of leadership inspired his Great Britain and Ireland team to one glorious, againstthe-odds triumph in an otherwise unrelentingly humiliating sequence of 19 defeats (and one tie) between 1933 and 1985.

He got a CBE for his efforts - frankly, he deserved a knighthood.

Rees was also a mad-keen Arsenal football fan; his death in 1983 came as a consequence of injuries sustained when he crashed his car on the way back from watching a game. He had been a regular at Highbury for many years and even trained with the first team to keep himself fit in winter. In return, he would welcome Gunners players for rounds at South Herts, the club where he served as professional for 37 years having taken over from the great Harry Vardon.

Opening picture: Dai rees, at the news of the World championship, September 1936.

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Regrettably, Rees’ death aged 70, meant he never saw his one great wish fulfilled – to see the Ryder Cup back in European hands. It was at the Belfry, two years after, where the hoodoo was finally broken, the dam unleashed, and Samuel Ryder’s trophy was regained. Amid all the wild and drunken celebrations, a story about that unforgettable day reveals just how deep Cup fever (Ryder, not FA) ran in Rees’ blood.

The European team, led by Tony Jacklin and featuring another, even more pint-sized Welsh hero in Ian Woosnam, were celebrating their spectacular 16-11 victory with a variety of tipples including a particularly fine bottle of pink champagne – but no one knew the identity of its provider.

Then a tour official revealed it was none other than the late Dai Rees, who had arranged for the bottle to be presented to the first European team that managed to win the Cup before his death. Talk about an inspired round.

“Dai had phenomenal enthusiasm for all aspects of the game,” recalls former European Tour chief Ken Schofield, who would regularly play a game with the 60-something Rees at South Herts. “He would be off teaching and 24

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tHiS page: For rees a jolly good fellow...

playing tournaments non-stop, then still be out on the Monday morning trying to qualify for the next one. Today’s professionals would laugh at the very suggestion.”

Rees’ professional career is inevitably dominated by his Ryder Cup achievements, and especially that famous win of 1957 at the fine Yorkshire course of Lindrick. Amid angry scenes that show the Cup’s recent arguments over rowdy players and fans are nothing new, Rees skippered his GB&I side to victory over the US for the first time in 24 years – and the Americans didn’t like it at all.

Cleverly, Rees had put the ultra-competitive Eric ‘Bomber’ Brown up against the famously irascible Oklahoman Tommy Bolt, who was duly wound up, breaking a club and cursing the sizeable (and admittedly partisan) Yorkshire crowd as he went down 4&3.

“You may have won,” Bolt is said to have told the victor through gritted teeth, “but I did not enjoy that one bit.”

To which Brown bluntly replied: “After the whipping I gave you, I wouldn’t have enjoyed it either.”

Another less-than-gracious loser, Dow Finsterwald, declined to shake hands with Christy O’Connor Snr after

being buried 7&6, and no less than three Americans are said to be so incensed by the 7-4 defeat that they ducked out of watching Rees accept the Ryder Cup trophy. But for all this bad grace it was, without question, the Welshman’s finest moment in golf, and one of the towering achievements in Ryder Cup history; something Rees himself called “the greatest shot in the arm British golf ever had”.

A measure of what the win meant to the public on this side of the Atlantic was Rees’ receipt of the BBC Sports Personality of the Year awards at the end of 1957, and a CBE later that year.

By then acclaimed throughout Britain as one of the greats of his generation, the unassuming Rees had long been a hero back home in Wales. Born in 1913, he grew up the son of the professional at Aberdare Golf Club, a course famous for its mature oak trees and heavily-cambered fairways. He is said to have bogeyed the first hole he ever played as a child, and was not long into his teens before he began applying to enter national amateur tournaments. Bizarrely his requests were rejected because of his father’s status, so Rees Jr got the message and turned pro, becoming the assistant at Aberdare aged a tender 16 years.

Only 5ft 7in and not the most powerful of swingers, the Welshman had a fun-loving twinkle in his eye and a natural, smooth action which found a groove early in his career and stayed there for five decades. He was a great ball

But Rees showed all his fighting spirit over the last four holes (for nothing was he referred to as “the Welsh bulldog”) to eek back the lead to within a shot of young Arnie. It proved too little too late, however, and Palmer clung on to win his first Open Championship. As for Rees, his chance of Open glory was now gone.

The pair were to meet again later that year, when Rees captained the GB&I Ryder Cup team at Royal Lytham. Rees lost out again, but it proved to be the only point that he would lose that week, in his ninth and last time of playing the event. In all he contested 17 matches, winning seven points including five singles victories – a fabulous record given the one-sidedness of the Ryder Cup back then.

There was a swansong in Houston, Texas, six years later, as a non-playing captain. In that role Rees found himself up against the great Ben Hogan again, and an American team which their captain confidently introduced at the eveof-event dinner as “the finest golfers in the world”. So it proved: Britain were crushed 23-8, the biggest ever losing margin and a poignant end to Rees’ extraordinary Ryder Cup career.

Not that his enthusiasm for the game dimmed one bit.

He served as captain of the PGA from 1967-76, and competed on the tour well into his sixties. In fact, he finished joint runner-up in the 1973 Martini International in Edinburgh aged 60, and played his last tour event five

“Rees was a regular at Highbury for many years and even trained with the first team.”

striker, with a fierce determination that won four British PGA Championships and was runner-up at the Open three times – in the process assuming the mantle of best golfer never to have won the Claret Jug. His first “near-miss” at Carnoustie in 1953 was actually not that close – a flu-ridden Ben Hogan on his very first appearance was still far too good for the rest of the field, and the American beat Rees and others by four shots to achieve the “Hogan Slam” with his third major of the year.

But a year later at Royal Birkdale, with Hogan remaining in the US, Rees came agonisingly close to the title, co-leading after the third round and missing a putt on the final hole which, it turned out, would have put him in a play-off with the Australian winner Peter Thomson.

Rees’ finest Open battle, however, came when the rota returned to Birkdale seven years later. It was against another American legend-in-the-making, Arnold Palmer, who, after surviving gale force winds that brought down marquees, held a one-shot lead over Rees going into the final round. By the 14th hole the game looked over, Palmer (playing ahead) having stretched that lead to four.

years later, having won 39 tournaments during his illustrious career.

“You really couldn’t find anyone with more enthusiasm for golf – and life,” Schofield says of Rees. “At a time [in the early 70s] when John Jacobs was working hard to make the PGA European Tour into a business, it was vital to keep sponsors and the media happy. And Dai was always there to do his bit.”

Rees’ legacy will be especially remembered should Europe prevail again at the K Club in September under the captaincy of Woosnam, for whom Rees was a huge inspiration as a child. Should the champagne flow again, it would only be fitting to sink another bottle of the pink stuff in honour of this original Ryder Cup legend.

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ALLISS The Interview Series

In

Wonderland Before Peter Alliss became the most famous announcer in golf, he was a prolific player with a mind of his own.

- BY J o h n g i BB

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“Don’t worry,” said Alliss, turning to the trawler-man, “Knut here will give you a lift won’t you, Knut?

Let’s have the other half.” “Ok just a drop,” I said and so we finished the bottle and called for another.

When I was a kid, I would take every available opportunity to watch Peter Alliss playing golf. He has a distinguished pedigree and history in the game; latterly as a commentator of course, but I remember him as a player.

Golf is in his blood. He played for Great Britain and Ireland eight times in the Ryder Cup, won the PGA three times and the Vardon Trophy twice. His Father Percy a Yorkshireman born in Sheffield, was professional at the Wannsee Club in Berlin and won the German Open five times before the war intervened. Peter was born in Berlin and in 1939, when he was seven, the family decided that it was time to go and returned to Dorset in the final days of peace and settled down in a house in Ferndown where Percy became the head pro at the golf club.

“This was where I learned to play golf,” Alliss told me when we talked about it. “I left school at fourteen and stayed there as assistant to my father until 1957. Then my brother and I became joint professionals just down the road at Parkstone. Basically, when he was a young man, Peter’s modus operandi would be to get up, play 36 holes, have a drink and go back to bed again.

I have always believed that hitting a golf ball straight and a long way was second nature to him. I couldn’t imagine him going out onto the range at dawn and hitting countless shots into the distance, although he has since told me that that was what he did and it’s obvious that you can’t reach the sublime level which Alliss achieved without hours and hours of hard work.

In many ways, he reminds me of Sam Snead, who always appeared to have an effortless, natural swing but had worked

ABOVE: Peter Alliss, designer of Constance Belle Mare Plage’s Links course receiving an awards for his work.

relentlessly to get it because he told me his routine and showed me the tree he had used as a target two hundred yards down the range at the Greenbrier.

The great thing that sticks in my mind about the young Alliss on the golf course was his long iron play, particularly his two-iron. He’s a big fellow – he weighed in at 14lb and 11oz. at birth and in his youth he was fit as well. He has big hands which made his golf clubs look like twigs, and he would hit the ball very hard and very high and when it gained the required altitude, it seemed to hang in the air. I remember asking my father about this when we were watching Alliss playing in the Ryder Cup at Wentworth in 1953, and he said, “it’s not hanging in the air, he hits it so hard it’s actually going a long way in a straight, flat line at the same altitude.”

He would add, “the air’s very thin up there. No one else can do it.” Although he was prone to hyperbole, my father knew what he was talking about because he was a dental surgeon who graduated at Edinburgh University and what better qualifications as an informed authority on the game could a man possibly have?

If Peter Alliss had an Achilles heel it was his putting. He has always admitted this weakness and used to drive to tournaments in a blue Bentley with the registration “Put 3.” There was little he could do about his shortcoming; he just missed short putts at the wrong moments, but in spite of his difficulties with the putter he won 21 tournaments in his professional career and the rest of his game was dazzling, particularly his long iron play.

I met Peter Alliss several times during his salad days as a tournament pro and afterwards when he became a broadcaster. I used to run golf days and would ask him to come up and play the Golf Vacations

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I managed to stand up and said I’m off, got to visit a brace of aunts at dawn. “Don’t worry,” said Alliss, turning to the trawlerman, “Knut here will give you a lift won’t you, Knut? Let’s have the other half.” “Ok just a drop,” I said and so we finished the bottle and called for another. I made it, only an hour late, and everything seemed fine although both aunts left me out of their wills.

Peter Alliss has made literally thousands of friends in golf and always seems to have time for them. Nevertheless, he has courted controversy from time to time. I remember playing at Troon sometime in the sixties and being told that women were allowed on the course but “had no standing.” If we found ourselves playing behind a female foursome we should simply play through.

“Ignore them, they won’t be members” in the words of the then secretary, a man dressed in a pinstriped suit and waistcoat with a fob watch. “No standing” meant that women were barred from the main bar and the dining room as well as the course.

When the game was going through the throes of the legal ramifications of equality for women, Alliss expressed his opinion that women golfers themselves were not happy with their own equal opportunity legislation. He pointed out that a major and immediate effect of emancipation in the clubhouse would mean that they would have to pay the same fees as men instead of the customary heavily discounted subscription.

Alliss is an articulate proponent of the social intricacies of golf as well as the history and culture of the game. So when they finally allowed women through the doors of the Royal and Ancient as well as every other club in Britain on equal terms with the men, his response was, “has anyone asked the ladies?”

So when they finally allowed women through the doors of the Royal and Ancient as well as every other club in Britain on equal terms with the men, his response was, “has anyone asked the ladies?” odd hole with some of the members and give a speech after the dinner. He had a natural ability to get on well with other golfers, even appalling players like me. He has always loved the game and knows a great deal about it; and he has the habit of occasionally joining in if he’s nearby and playing a hole or two with you and he would never embarrass you even after you’d just skulled your drive into the back of the ladies tee while he has knocked his 300 yards away down the middle of the fairway.

He is very good company. I remember when he came up to Gleneagles to play with a society of golfers who made their living from frozen fish. He spoke at the dinner and we sat down later with a Norwegian trawler captain and a bottle of Scotch to talk about old times. We were sitting in the bar and I noticed that it was half-past-two when I recalled that I had an aunt problem and remembered that I had to get up early to drive down to Edinburgh to visit two of my father’s sisters; the aunts May and Drina.

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It seemed to be little more than a comment but it was quite justified. At the same time, it was what we sometimes call a “Reverse Ferret” - an issue which nobody had so far articulated or possibly even thought about. At the risk of going a bit over the top, one could have described it as golf’s “elephant in the room.”

So Alliss drew a lot of criticism when he appeared to claim that this discrimination was supported by women golfers but he was right; it was a widely held opinion and he rose above it all and today any prejudice against women becoming involved in the running of golf clubs or access to the bar or the course has disappeared, in the UK anyway. However, when womens’ subscriptions inevitably rose to parity with the men, a disastrous 150,000 women left the game as a result. Peter Alliss was right.

Today the laws against discrimination on the basis of gender are incorporated in the membership regulations of all the clubs I have played at. At the same time the game is struggling to maintain its following in Europe and America.

Peter Alliss turned to designing golf courses in the 1980s, firstly in partnership with the Welsh professional Dave Thomas and then with the Sunningdale-based Clive Clarke. I asked him to describe his ideal 18 holes course and he talked about the idyllic Hindhead in “Little Switzerland” in Surrey close to where he lives. J.H. Taylor laid out the course and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle was President and one of the founding Fathers. Alliss has been designing for 30 years and has now been responsible for over 50 courses including the great Belfry National course at Wishaw in Warwickshire close by the headquarters of the PGA, where the Ryder Cup has been played four times. He designed the elegant La Baule in the Pays de la Loire in France, the beautiful Blairgowrie in Scotland, Old Thorns in Hampshire, Brocket Hall, the Links Course at Constance Belle Mare Plage in Mauritius and many more.

Peter Alliss is a major influence for good in the sport of golf.

He has twice been Captain of the PGA, was twice President of the European Women’s PGA and represented his country as an international professional in competitive golf for 16 years. When you take time out to learn a little of what he has done for the sport of golf and also for the public good, it seems astonishing that there has been no formal recognition. I’ve never talked to him about it, but I would like to know why he remains plain Peter Alliss and why there are no letters after his name, or indeed, before it.

LEft PAgE - tOP: Peter-Alliss commentating at the Open at St Andrews. thiS PAgE - BOttOM : the British Ryder Cup team who lost to USA by 1 match at Wentworth scoring 5 1/2 to 6 1/2. the closest match for 20 years.

But now, as well as the charities he supports, Alliss has another cause on his hands. He suspects the game he loves has been sold out by the very authority which was set up to protect it. Since the 19th century, the Royal and Ancient has been responsible for public access to the Open Championship and for the last 60 years, The Open has been covered live throughout all four days by BBC Television. The public consider free access to major sporting events like The Open in the same way as they regard access to the Oxford and Cambridge University Boat Race, Six Nations Rugby, Test Match Special, Wimbledon and The Derby. It is viewed by many of the British golfing community as part of the public service provided by the BBC, which is paid for by the tax paying audience.

The accountants at the R&A, however see international events such as The Open as generous cash cows which foreign owned digital broadcasters like SKY who are prepared to pay £15 million, £7 million more than the BBC could afford. The PGA view is that the money they raise will go to regenerate participation in the game of golf which has been losing its following. The Royal and Ancient’s decision will also mean that unless you pay for a subscription for SKY Sports for four days of coverage, you will have to make do with 2 hours of highlights cobbled together in the evening by the BBC. The R&A and Mr Dawson know perfectly well that this will be unsatisfactory to the golfing audience who believe that the Royal and Ancient’s primary job is to protect and promote the game and that the Open, a jewel in our golfing crown, should be available to the entire nation rather than confined to the SKY audience. It has certainly gained the disapproval of Peter Alliss and I, for one, agree with him.

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The silver fern. A powerful symbol that

Cover Story

GolfinG

represents a nation’s pride, emblematic in its message of both natural and supernatural superiority; legend has it that the silver fern once lived in the sea. It was asked to come and live in the forest to play a significant role in guiding the Maori people who used the silver underside of the fern leaves to find their way home. When bent over, the fronds would catch the moonlight and illuminate a path through the forest.

In the same way, the world has found this light beckoning, the allure of clean, natural air and innumerous indigenous flora untouched and left to proliferate against a magnificent backdrop of giant lakes, glaciers and mountain ranges. And in this land, are born the most picturesque golf holes the world has ever seen.

From north to south, Kauri Cliffs right down to Kinloch and Jack’s Point, each distinctively original yet ubiquitously New Zealander. It has been said that Scotland’s natural dunes is a gift from the gods, and rightly so, but here in New Zealand, where the tropics meet the south Pacific climes, are given birth some of the most unique and breathtaking sceneries one can ever hope to find.

new Zealand Tucked in a corner of the world is a land bestowed with the finest golf courses that nature can offer.

- By Be n n y t e o

OPENING PICTURE: Kauri Cliffs.

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Local born ex-US Open champion, Michael Campbell, was unequivocal in his praise for his home country. “My most memorable golfing moment in NZ was winning the NZ Open in 2000 at Paraparaumu Beach Golf Club. To share this special moment in front of my family and friends is something that will stay with me for the rest of my life,” he says. Upon further reflection, the 46-yearold known as ‘Cambo’ to players and fans alike adds, “Out of my 15 wins around the world, this one ranks number two behind the US Open.”

Although Michael Campbell has stopped playing professional golf, he is still very much involved with the sport as an analyst for Fox Sports covering major championships and World Golfers Championship events, amongst others. Well-known for being the country’s only second Major champion other than Sir Bob Charles, he is proud to call New Zealand his home and tells us why.

“I love spending time on the farm where I grew up in Hawera (in Taranaki region), and spending time with my extended family. My home club is called Titahi Bay Golf Club, 20 kilometers north of Wellington. It’s only 9 holes built on a farm with electric fences around greens to keep the sheep out,” he laughs as he reminisces, “But now there are no fences or sheep and the course has been redesigned over the years.”

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Kauri Cliffs - 7th hole

“It has been said that Scotland’s natural dunes are a gift from the gods, and rightly so, but here in New Zealand, where the tropics meet the south Pacific climes, are given birth some of the most unique and breathtaking sceneries one can ever hope to find.”

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To be completely honest, Titahi is not something you’d travel round the world for, although it would certainly be a hospitable knockabout, and if you’re a fan of Cambo’s, you might even bump into him here.

But if you travel eastwards towards Lake Taupo, you will come across a golf course built by arguably golf history’s greatest legend, Jack Nicklaus.

As the story goes, Lake Taupo has been a perennial favourite spot for the 18-time Major champion’s other favourite pasttime, fly-fishing.

On one of these trips, he received an invitation to build a golf course and when he saw the lay of the land, the natural dunes and remarkable elevation changes, he did not hesitate to put his signature on it.

Today, The Kinloch Club is an 18-hole, par 72 course measuring 6,734 metres long that straddles the country’s largest freshwater lake and rugged rural farmland. Ranked number one golf course in 2014 by New Zealand golf professionals, it cleverly meanders between a true links layout with elements one would also expect from parkland courses.

A challenge from the outset, the par 4 first is actually stroke index one. While starting out with the toughest hole on the course is not too uncommon – Gary Player’s Ria Bintan Golf Club does the same – it is rare to have the course’s toughest five holes all in the same nine holes (referenced from the white tee box), and the opening half at that.

Ironically, also from the whites, the 9th is a 416-metre, Index 1 par 4.

Overlooking this monstrous beauty is the Lodge at Kinloch. This modern uber-luxury lodge is designed by multi-award winner Andrew Patterson of Patterson Architects with interiors masterfully styled by Virginia Fisher, renowned for her work with luxury lodges and hotels around the world.

A unique stay that mirrors the Scottish castle of the same name but juxtaposed with modernist concepts, the main lodge, with local schist stone exteriors features dramatic framed vistas of the golf course and Lake Taupo.

There are one each of two and three-bedroom villas and a one-bedroom Junior Suite to cater for different group sizes, set a mere stroll from the lodge, making this a convenient and comfortable base to fathom the wonderful golfing challenge that lies ahead each day.

If you enjoy the rugged beauty of Kinloch, you will certainly be beholden by the next two examples. For a long time, the area north of Auckland has been surreptitiously kept from international travellers. Many often venture south of the bustling city but up there, near the Bay of Islands in Matauri Bay, is perhaps one of the most famous of

ClOCKwIsE fROm TOP lEfT: Kauri Cliffs - matauri Bay; Cape Kidnappers, 2nd hole with woolshed; The Kinloch Club - 16th hole; The lodge at The Kinloch Club with the swimming pool; Kauri Cliffs - Ocean view.

New Zealand’s luxury golf vacation sites, Kauri Cliffs.

The Lodge at Kauri Cliffs includes a golf course, a luxury boutique hotel with spa and restaurants and pristine beach.

Elite courses rarely make radical changes to their routings, but Kauri Cliffs has done exactly that -transforming the 5th from a long, uphill, forced-carry par 3 to a short, “drop-shot” hole that enhances a track already ranked among world’s top 100. Architect of numerous Major championship sites, Rees Jones, was tasked with this delicate renovation at the behest of owner and America hedge fund legend Julian Robertson.

The architect took a par 3 that played some 200 yards from the back tee – like all par 3s here - and moved it 90 degrees to the left, to a hillside looking down on the same green complex but now half the size. The architect also added a back tee on the par 4, 2nd hole, eliminated and combined bunkers on the par 4, 4th, and added a forward tee on the daunting par 4, 9th, mitigating the effects of an heroic canyon crossing. Work was completed in May, and the new hole, as well as much-improved Kauri Cliffs, is open for play.

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Matauri Bay is not the easiest place to get to and takes four hours by car. By flight from Auckland, it is a short 45 minutes followed by a 30-minute drive from Kerikeri Airport.

One may also charter a flight or even enjoy a scenic helicopter ride in an EC130 chopper that Kauri Cliffs will be happy to organise. It is also with this mode of travel that you can wake up the next morning and transfer to yet another spectacular location set in New Zealand wine country, called Cape Kidnappers.

Upon arriving at The Farm at Cape Kidnappers, the first thing that dawns on most, is how remarkably perched and protruding it seems. Sitting at the end of an eight-kilometer peninsula with gawking views of the Pacific Ocean inviting all round, it is not hard to imagine why this is considered by many as luxury in paradise lost.

“It’s an absolute gem of a course, situated on the east coast of Hawkes Bay, the views are breathtaking. The layout isn’t bad either!” confesses Michael Campbell, as he reveres at this eastern cliff-top course. Like Thracian Cliffs in Bulgaria, Kintyre at Turnberry, Pebble Beach in Monterey Peninsula and the Algarve’s Pine Cliffs, nothing takes a collective heave of breaths away as effortlessly as the sight of a sheer 100-metre plus drop off a rocky crevice. And there are plenty here at Cape Kidnappers.

Designed by the legendary Tom Doak in 2004, the par 71, 6,510-metre course is long for its par rating. But for good reason. Those famous ‘fingers’ that are often seen stretched in postcards are long, with the emblematic par 5, 15th measuring almost 600 metres, but well worth the extra approach shot once you’ve reached the green and peered out over the great beyond.

The Farm, at which golfers and guests alike stay, consists of luxury lodges that sit above the golf course sprawled with 22 guest suites and a four-bedroom Owner’s Cottage. Every suite comes with scenic views over the golf course, or towards Mother Nature’s finest fronds and is decorated in the style of blue-blooded American Midwestern homes.

Get inside the main lodge and an intimate welcome involving a library, fine-dining spaces, a wine cellar complete with tasting room and roaring open fire places with plush chesterfield sofas awaits. Together with Kauri Cliffs, these sibling courses easily make up the world’s finest golf vacation destination by simply being there. Just take it from Campbell, who says, “Kauri Cliffs and Kidnappers have views that are so spectacular, and both courses embrace the natural beauty that NZ has to offer.”

But as astoundingly challenging and scenic as the courses up north are, nothing prepares one for a visit to the south island of New Zealand. Campbell tells us, “My favourite golf destination is Queenstown. Jack’s Point, The Hills and Millbrook, which is situated in the amphitheater of the Remarkable Mountains. Combine that with its amazing restaurants, it is a destination every golfer would love to go to.”

Jack’s Point is a John Darby designed 18-hole, par 72 course that embraces the eastern board of the Remarkables and also contemplates the serene beauty of Lake Wakatipu. Built

TOP: sir michael Hill at The Hills. lEfT TO RIGHT: sir michael Hill's bespoke sound system in the lodge; The wolves are coming.

lEfT PaGE TOP ROw: Jack's Point - Hole 5 fairway.

BOTTOm ROw ClOCKwIsE fROm lEfT: The frolic and the fancy sculpture at The Hills; The lodge at The Hills; The entrance of the lodge at The Hills.

in 2008, there are few instances in the world where one may incorporate the breathtaking experience of mountain climbing and golf. But here at this 6,388 metres long course, you can. As you begin your sojourn from the first to the third hole, the landscape begins to change from flat, undulating fairways to an ascending row of tussock grasses and more obvious sighting of large rocky outcrops.

At the top is the par 3, 7th and it is a spectacle to behold. A short 136 metres from an elevated teebox, the wonders of the Remarkables and Lake Wakatipu combine as a mental image worth a lifetime of screensavers. The drama then continues as the course winds back down along the inward nine and ending with the toughest hole of the entire course; a welcoming respite awaits as the clubhouse draws close after four hours away in golfing wilderness.

John Darby built Jack’s Point in 2008, and while its natural attributes lent itself perfectly to golf, he had a slightly more difficult endeavour with an earlier project. Many years back, when celebrated jeweler and philanthropist, Sir Michael Hill, asked Darby to come over to his Arrowtown home for a visit, he merely wanted a putting green done. Before he knew it, Darby was making three greens, bunkers and a selection of tees around the house.

Then in autumn 2002, Darby set about building a par 4, and then another, and then, over the next five years, sculpted an entire 18-hole layout that is as tantalizing as it is artistic, like its owner. Built over 250 acres of deer farm and ten neighbouring lakes, the 6,596-metre Hills course is a joy to play and to behold. There are altogether 13 sculptural installations dotting the entire compound with names like ‘Dragonfly’ (part of the original par 4), ‘Kelp’ and ‘The Wolves Are Coming’. Magical and mesmerizing at the same time, the experience here is akin to a journey across golfing wonderland.

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Today, visitors can opt to stay at Sir Michael Hill’s own private lodge, Lodge at The Hills, that still contains the original par 3 hole, a tennis court that he proudly proclaims to be “as good as, if not better than Wimbledon”, and an intimate (1,300 m2), twostorey, open space lodge that houses 12 guests with its own music room featuring his vinyl collection of jazz favourites. A night’s stay here will set one, or 12, back to a tune of $20,000 to $30,000, but is well worth every penny.

Which brings us to another of Arrowtown’s luxury golf experience, and the final of the trio of Campbell’s favourites, Millbrook Resort. Millbrook began as a wheat farm for the mining community that made up Arrowtown before acting as a hospital during the First World War. Then in 1993, the Japanese Ishii family took over and restored the buildings, together with the famous ‘Avenue of Trees’ that has welcomed visitors since its humble beginnings.

A beautiful park with 175 villas, cottages and freehold landed property, its own award winning spa and three fine restaurants, it is possible to stay in Millbrook for a long time and not want to leave. Of course, they have also built a 27-hole course to keep guests entertained as well, and it is understood that they are now looking at extending it to a full 36-hole golfing complex. The

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BOTTOm: millbrook Resort, Coronet Course.

original 18 holes termed, ‘The Remarkables’ and ‘The Arrow’ nines respectively were designed by Sir Bob Charles but more recently, a new nine hole course named ‘The Coronet’ was built by former head professional Greg Turner and Scott McPherson of Turner/McPherson design.

It is at this latest course that Millbrook bares its craggy teeth, serving out densely packed rock hazards together with streams that weave in and out of hole locations, waiting to catch the foul ball. Intense elevation and blind holes finish what is one of the toughest nine holes of golf in a country that offers many challenging and breathtakingly scenic golfing adventures.

But the toughest of them all? A unique par 3 hole some 4,850 feet above Queenstown and 290 metres long called Over The Top. At $395, pilot and owner Lorraine Louisa “Choppy” Patterson can give you a bird’s eye view of the Remarkables and all the sights that Queenstown offers. The company also has flying rights over The Hills and Choppy can take you to a ball flight’s height above the par 4 17th, tee to green.

As Campbell aptly summarises, “From the very top of the North Island to the bottom of the South Island, New Zealand has so much to offer such as marlin fishing, sampling our famous wines, skiing, sunbathing on our beautiful white sand beaches and of course playing some of the most picturesque golf courses in the world.

“I’ve travelled the world for the last 25 years and have experienced some incredible moments and memories. But I still find this the most amazing place in the world because of its people and wonders of nature.”

While it may seem easy for him to wax lyrical about his homeland, there is one aspect of golf vacation that separates New Zealand from the rest of the world. Unlike America, or even nearby Australia, where the top golf courses are spread across thousand of miles, in New Zealand, one can conceivably play all these incredible courses in a two-week stay. And that is just hitting the tip of the Antarctic iceberg.

Wairakei in Taupo, Gulf Harbour in Auckland, Clearwater Resort in Christchurch and many more awaits the returning golfer, promising to surprise, titillate and withhold.

And soon, just like its national emblem, the silver fern, you will inevitably find your way back here again, and again.

Useful links: www.paraparaumubeachgolfclub.co.nz www.thekinlochclub.com www.kauricliffs.com www.capekidnappers.com www.matakaurilodge.com www.jackspoint.com www.thehills.co.nz www.millbrook.co.nz

fROm TOP: Queenstown aerial in winter dusk; steamer wharf at dusk; Bungy bridge at Kawarau; Over The Top Heli golf experience.

fly aIR NEw ZEalaNd air New Zealand flies direct three times daily from singapore to auckland, five times daily to Christchurch and once daily to wellington, all of from where you can transit to any other domestic hub destinations in New Zealand www.airnewzealand. com.sg

TRavEl wITH lIGHTfOOT TRavEl & JETaBOUT HOlIdays Travel with lightfoot Travel www.lightfoottravel.com for tailor-made holidays that can include heli-skiiing, fly-fishing, wine tasting and also Over-The-Top heli-golfing. and Jetabout Holidays www.jetabout. com.sg

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My Top Ten

My Top Ten

Michael caMpbell's TOP TEN

A US Open champion and world traveller on his favourite 10 courses - By T i m oT h y Co n s Ta n T i n e Lo w

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Right up until

a bespectacled teenager named Lydia Ko came along, the Pacific twin islands known as New Zealand was best known for the All Blacks rugby team, ‘Lord Of The Rings’ and its sole golfing Major champion, Michael Campbell. The 2005 US Open Champion has battled injuries, slumps and personal problems during his 22-year career but has always managed to exude class, sportsmanship and an unwavering warrior spirit. Along the way, he’s racked up 19 professional wins and a lifetime membership on the European Tour. The 5’10” Kiwi recently announced his retirement from competitive golf to concentrate on raising his two sons and setting up more of his golf academies across the world. I’ve had the honour of having him as a guest on my show on multiple occasions and his in-depth knowledge of the game has helped turn Fox Sports Asia’s coverage of Major championships into something truly world class. He continues to grow the game of golf and is a wonderful ambassador for not only the game but his country as well. Easily one of the most likeable, down to earth people you’ll ever meet, I’m proud to call him a friend and mentor.

This is Cambo’s Top 10.

1

Pebble Beach, United States of America

“It combines a dramatic coastline, spectacular views and a superb layout. One of my favourite tournaments to play and definitely a course that deserves to be on this list.” Pebble Beach golf links hosts the annual AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am on the PGA Tour and sits on the gorgeous Monterey Peninsula in sunny California.

The ultra posh club boasts a membership of former presidents of the United States of America, Hollywood celebrities and the super wealthy golf enthusiasts. An average tee time costs around US$500.

2

Victoria Golf Club, Australia

“As an Australian would say - this one’s an absolute corker! One of the most underrated tracks around.” Victoria Golf Club is ranked one of the top 100 golf courses in the world and is situated on Melbourne’s renowned Sandbelt. It combines a typically treacherous Alister MacKenzie design with the naturally contoured landscape of the region to provide one of the most memorable experiences golfers will ever sample in Australia.

PREVIOUS PAGE - OPENING PIctURE: Paraparaumu Beach Golf club, New Zealand.

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3 Royal Melbourne Golf Club, Australia

“It’s the definitive Sandbelt experience, brilliantly designed and always in immaculate condition.”

Royal Melbourne is without a doubt the more famous golf course in Australia. It has hosted countless big professional tournaments and even a pair of Presidents Cups. Another gorgeous piece of design work by Alister MacKenzie on the Sandbelt is definitely not one to be missed on your next trip down under.

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Carnoustie Golf Links, Scotland

“It's easily one of the toughest courses I’ve ever played on the Open Championship rota.”

Nicknamed “Car-nasty” at a recent playing of the Open Championship, the 6,900-yard beast has hosted multiple British Opens and produced more than its fair share of heartbreaks. Think Jean van de Velde in the Barry Burn in 1997 enroute to blowing a three-stroke lead and Sergio Garcia letting the Claret Jug slip into Irish hands in 2007. It is brutal as it is beautiful and definitely has a place on any golf fanatic’s bucket list.

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5 Cape Kidnappers Golf Club, New Zealand

“It’s an absolute gem of a course, situated on the East Coast of Hawkes Bay, the views are breathtaking. The layout isn’t bad either!”

A Tom Doak design on the cliffs above Hawkes Bay, Cape Kidnappers was completed in 2004 and has hosted several international exhibition matches including the Kiwi Challenge. The likes of PGA Tour stars Hunter Mahan and Anthony Kim have raved about not just the panoramic vistas the course offers, but also the exceptional layout as well. At just under $200 a round it is well worth the price to play on what many consider one of the hidden golfing gems of the Southern Hemisphere.

6

TPC Sawgrass, United States of America

“A demanding golf course with the best two hole finishing stretch in tournament golf -- The infamous island green 17th and the equally treacherous par 4, 18th.” Sawgrass is truly the jewel in the crown of the golf crazy state that is Florida. The PGA Tour returns annually to the venue for its biggest non-major event of the season, The Players Championship. The American golfing landmark was the first true “stadium” golf course and has certainly seen its fair share of dramatic moments and boasts arguably the most recognised hole in the world - the island green par 3, 17.

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Kauri Cliffs, New Zealand

“One of the most picturesque golf courses I’ve ever played.” Not far from Cape Kidnappers sits another New Zealand golfing mecca, Kauri Cliffs. The 7,100-yard David Harman layout features plenty of stunning views and a brilliant test of golf to match. It went through some minor design tweaks by renowned golf course architect Rees Jones in the past few years but the course is pretty much the same one that hosted that famous “Shell’s Wonderful World Of Golf” match between 1992 Masters Champion Fred Couples and our dear local hero Michael Campbell in 2003.

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Paraparaumu Beach Golf Club, New Zealand

“A wonderful links course just north of Wellington.

It’s not the longest course out there but it is a true test of golf especially when the wind starts to blow.”

Designed in 1949 by former Australian Open champion Alex Russell, Paraparaumu meanders its way through the undulating dunes of the Kapiti Coast just 45 minutes from Wellington. The short but tricky layout is regarded as one of the best links courses in the Southern hemisphere and even had a Tiger (Woods) prowling its links back at the 2002 New Zealand Open. Paraparaumu is proof that a course doesn’t need to be absurdly long to challenge the best in the world.

9 Old Course at St. Andrews, Scotland

“The home of golf and one of those courses that’s never the same two days in a row.

One of my favorite Open Championship venues and undoubtedly one of the most special places in the history of the game.”

It is St. Andrews. More than half a millennium old and the course that sets up the 18-hole format for golf around the world through centuries. It is still the definitive golf experience with its natural rolling links and pot bunkers, large double greens and the serious stare of the Royal and Ancient clubhouse bearing down as one tees off from the first teebox.

10

Pinehurst No. 2, United States of America

“For obvious reasons, the venue of the highlight of my career and my biggest win - the 2005 US Open. I love this place.”

Lovingly known as “The Cradle of American Golf”, Pinehurst sits in the heart of the North Carolina Sandhills. The venerated No. 2 course in a series of nine courses is a Donald Ross layout that is world renowned for its complicated green complexes and demanding test during Major championship weeks. No. 2 is simply stunning and tests every aspect of a golfer’s arsenal. It was the site of Payne Stewart’s stunning victory at the US Open in 1999 just months before his tragic passing in a plane crash and also saw a 37-year-old Kiwi named Michael Campbell lift that same trophy six years later.

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The 19th

BMW Golf Cup

InternatIonal

After almost three decades, the German stalwart continues to present one of the world’s most exciting amateur golf tournaments.

- By Da r ryl W e e

What started as a series of regional events organised

by the golf mad English BMW dealers in 1982 as a knockabout for bragging honours and a reason to hack through the famous Belfry course in Birmingham, has now morphed into the one of the world’s largest amateur golf competition. The current BMW Golf Cup International boasts 100,000 amateur golfers from over 50 countries competing to enter the world finals, which was recently held in Sydney for a prosperous 29th edition and at the tough as nails New South Wales Golf Club.

I had gotten to know about the BMW Golf Cup from two of my friends who were past winners representing Singapore. The way they had described their experiences to me made me very envious but little did I expect that I would be invited to attend the event myself. So when the call came to attend the 2014 world finals (held this year but is actually the result of a series of national qualifiers across the world throughout last year), how could I possibly say no?

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Top To boTTom : The flags of all the nations who participated in this event; A bmW X6 muscling in on the 7th at NSW Golf Club.

BMW’s investment in the ‘World Finals’ shows their commitment to the game of golf. Wanting to encourage golfers to participate and fight for a chance to play in this biggest stage of amateur golf, they make this an experience not to be forgotten, like travelling Business Class onboard Singapore Airlines, in our particular case.

From the moment we landed at the airport, we were efficiently whisked to the hotel in an impressive selection of BMW automobiles parked and waiting. Once there, a dedicated hospitality desk was specially set up so that we could register for tours and events daily across Sydney.

There was even a Guest Cup to make sure friends and family of competitors occupy their time fruitfully while they eke it out bearing their nation’s standard with stress or pride; usually both.

The competition is open to golfers who are members of an internationally recognised national golf association with of course, that emblematic German marque in their garage. There are three divisions segregated by handicap

RiGhT To LefT : A sight to behold as flags are flown with the Sydney harbour bridge in the background; individual plagues and the challenge trophy await the winners. boTTom : participants waiting to tee off at the bmW Golf Cup international World final 2014.

namely, Men’s A (up to handicap 12), Men’s B (handicap 13 to 28), and Ladies (up to handicap 28). Each country determines a winner in each category at qualification tournaments and the victorious trio gets a free ride to wherever the World Final may be, which is usually hosted at the most beautiful, fantastical golf courses in the world.

Last year in Singapore, our champions triumphed against a full field of 150 plus golfers on each of the two-day competition that is the BMW Golf Cup Singapore and PMGA Golf Day. In the end, two gents and a very skilled dame, Kelvin Tan Lip Kwang (Men’s A), Mark Lim Bee Khoon (Men’s B) and Gigi Lim Hwee Sie (Ladies), stood head and shoulders above all other competitors for the right to fly the red, white, crescent moon and five stars at Sydney.

Checking in at the luxurious Four Seasons Hotel at the Rocks means more than a good night’s sleep. At the World Final, guests and media were given the same US PGA Tour treatment, which BMW is very familiar with – the

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carmaker’s golfing interests, known collectively as BMW GolfSport, has expanded from that humble day at The Belfry to include key touring professional events in England (BMW PGA Championship), Germany (BMW International Open), North American (BMW Championship, also the third playoff event in the FedEx Cup) and China (BMW Masters).

For those not participating in the tournament proper, there is a Guest Cup, organised for guests and media who were not fighting for national honours but still having something to play for. Considering that I slept very little during the flight, I was a little worried regarding how I would manage in the afternoon. But it was clear that during this event, the love for golf would prevail over anything else, shanks and duffs notwithstanding.

I was paired with two Spanish and one Mexican player and the seriousness of the competition was apparent at the tee box when everyone looked to be sizing up each other up. Luckily, having played some competitive golf back home, I was used to serious competitive play. My buggy mate Desi, was from Spain, a very long hitter and a man with a passion for surfing. He was constantly looking at the waves when we played along the coast and was following results of the world surfing championship that was happening in Sydney at the same time.

The mood of the game, which started as sombre as a Major championship, soon turned to something more convivial after a few holes.

Perhaps it was the beauty of the ocean, or the fresh aroma of the flora.

Likely, shooting ourselves out of contention might have most to do with it. Nevertheless, with golf as the catalyst, we started to get to really know each other as new friendships began to form. I witnessed the fiery passion of the Spanish when there was a passionate discussion on the interpretation of the rules. With differing opinions, both Spanish players looked to me for resolution and luckily I carried a copy of the Rules of Golf in my bag.

It seemed as though the flight went through all the stages of a team building excursion, but by the end of the round, we were all fast friends.

However, for those not accustomed to spending five hours tending the grasses, tours and activities put together by the organisers ensured they had more to do than play cheerleader throughout their stay. One of the options during the trip was the BMW Driving Experience, where a range of seven cars had been made available for test-drives around the city. Rather than leaving you to the inconvenience of browsing Google Maps, there were fixed routes that showcased the attributes of the car while at the same time enjoying the most scenic sights of the city.

I took the opportunity to be a little more adventurous, but on foot.

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“BMW’s investment in the ‘World Finals’ shows their commitment to the game of golf. Wanting to encourage golfers to participate and fight for a chance to play in this biggest stage of amateur golf, they make this an experience not to be forgotten, like travelling Business Class onboard Singapore Airlines, in our particular case.”

The Bridge Climb, which saw small groups climb up the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge caught my eye. After a 15-minute pre climb briefing, our guides got us suited and taught us how to use the safety harness that keeps us connected to the bridge. The climb was done at leisurely pace with stops at various levels and the guide helpfully pointing out key sights across the city. When we finally arrived at the apex, the view over Sydney Harbour was absolutely stunning and from here, the worries of the world seemed but an indistinct chatter. This is what it truly means to be on top of the world, rather than a metaphorical rat race.

BMW pulled out all stops for participants not only on the golf course, but also after golf. We found that we had events planned for us each evening that would enable us to mingle with people from other countries, like an evening cruise, where we enjoyed the views of the sun setting across the waters. Landmarks like the Opera House, Luna Park and the Harbour Bridge stands out from a very different perspective. But once the music started, the attention is brought back within and the dance floor quickly fills up in reverie ala Lionel Ritchie; that is, all night long.

With BMW and golf as the common denominator, more friendships were forged. In fact every time we sat down for a meal, we were starting new relationships and sharing golfing stories from different parts of the world. I always looked forward to breakfast, not only for the spread but I always wondered who we would meet that day. It was not unusual for the restaurant to be packed by the time we came down and as all participants were given BMW shirts from Hugo Boss to wear, it was easy to see who were in the group.

Desi sauntered towards me, with a huge smile on his face, and I waved him to join us for that most important meal of the day. He was an avid coin collector as well as surfer; one cannot get more polarized than that, but who am I to judge one’s penchant when I have an unusual obsession with mocktails? That’s right, mocktails.

pReVioUS pAGe - fRom Top LefT To boTTom: Team bahrain looking good on course; An Austrian golfer shares tips with his Sri Lankan counterpart; Golfers enjoying their practice round on monday; Team italy doing the ‘air-walk’; Team USA in action.

ThiS pAGe - fRom Top: A welcome address to the mass of participants and guests on monday evening; A visit to the zoo as a break from golf.

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Unbelieving, I flushed my 3-wood thinking I’d done enough, until I saw the wind smothering my ball leaving me with a 70-metre approach to reach the green.

Humbling, to say the least.

What was even more humbling was getting to meet and talk to eight-time European Tour Order of Merit winner and now, double senior Major champion, Colin Montgomerie. BMW flew him in as their special guest to give a golfing clinic and I had the pleasure of sitting down with him for a chat. Monty is a much more approachable person than we’re used to seeing on television, and on a sunny Friday afternoon, he was all smiles, obviously happy to be here, “I can only repeat what I have said before: this is a fantastic series of tournaments, and I am delighted to have been invited to the final of the 29th staging of this competition. That is an impressive number,” the Scotsman sums it up appropriately.

Like the game itself, BMW’s evolution of golf sprang from a rapidly growing amateur participation, which, here in Sydney saw teams from across the world compete in this grueling three round tournament that will eventually crown champions of each division, and a victorious country with the highest combined stableford points from their three best players will be honoured as National Team champions. The Singapore team did well by placing 23rd overall, and for the first time, China won the team category. A harkening call to next year’s introduction of golf at the Olympics in Rio de Janeiro perhaps?

I ended up making my way across breakfast asking for coins from Malaysia and Thailand, and gave him some of mine to add to his collection, of which he was very pleased. And soon, in a mad rush seen only in the canteens of middle school education, the international mass of golfers began weaving out of the hotel, towards their waiting transportation. The games, as they say, was about to begin.

The tournament proper was played at the very exclusive New South Wales Golf Club. Located at Botany Bay, the NSW Golf Club is consistently ranked as the No.1 golf course outside the United States and UK. Designed by Dr. Alister MacKenzie in 1926, it is no mean feat considering the architect notable for a dislike of flying, came this far to build it.

There were many wonderful holes that tested my golfing abilities due to the design and the effects of the coastal wind. One hole I must highlight is the signature 185m par 3, 6th hole which has the tee sitting out in the bay on a small island as you hit back to land. There is nothing between the tee and the green except the Pacific Ocean and rocks. Club selection is key here, and the ability to read the wind is going to be critical.

Another hole that was exception was the par 5, 5th hole, which plays very different depending on the direction of the wind. When the wind was behind you, it was a reachable two-shot hole. However on the day we played, we were not so lucky as the wind was blowing against us. It was so strong in the afternoon that the course was almost closed. Wind speeds in excess of 30mph billowing, I was lucky to smack my drive to the apex of the hill, which enabled a clear view of the hole.

My playing partners were not so lucky as they needed to take blind second shots just to get to see it.

That hole was so difficult that the club provided a forecaddie to help players.

When he was standing by my ball, he looked at me and said, “That was the best drive I’ve seen all day!” Which put a smile on my face, only to hear this refrain, “but with this wind, there is no way you will reach that green from here,” shaking his head as he did so. The green was only 190 metres and downhill at that.

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“Monty is a much more approachable person than we’re used to seeing on television, and on a sunny Friday afternoon, he was all smiles, obviously happy to be here.”

To commemorate the achievement of the victors, a gala dinner was held at Darling Harbour in resplendent form.

Suddenly, Hugo Boss golfing togs made way for other finery in the shape of three, or two and sometimes just the single button below smartly equilateral lines, while curvaceous glamour sparkles in splashes of colour and sheen. Treated like stars for the evening, we were all led down a red carpet, and stopped for photographs like a movie premiere in Hollywood. Or Cannes for that matter.

On this evening, we were all seated by nationality easily represented with our nation’s flags and dinner was a formal affair. Jiang Fangxi, Dong Desheng and Liu Zhuoxin were probably the most nervous among us as they waited their names to be called up to hoist the trophy in the national competition with Jiang returning to collect her individual honours as

pReVioUS pAGe CLoCkWiSe fRom LefT : monty giving a masterclass in golf; Getting out of one of many pot bunkers around NSW Golf Club; Waiting to play the 3rd hole at NSW Golf Club.

ThiS pAGe CLoCkWiSe fRom LefT : At the grounds of NSW Golf Club during competition; monty posing with Team China at the gala dinner; monty posing with home team, Australia at the gala dinner.

well. In the Men’s competition, victory went to Thailand’s Yukol Yingyongkij (Men A, 106 net stableford points) and Arjun Khanna of the United Arab Emirates (Men B, 100 net stableford points). With that, relief and joy takes over as formality began to make way for a celebratory mood the longer the night went on. The champagne certainly helped but it was the wonderful fireworks display that got everyone to their feet.

Flashes of brilliance that splay across the clear night sky, this seemed to be a fitting end to a wonderful week of wonderful camaraderie. The world could be a better place. BMW just showed us how. www.bmw-golfsport.com/en/tournaments/bmw-golf-cupinternational.html

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The 19th

Bagmen,

an anthology of.

A fundamental aspect of golf in its rawest stage.

- By J o h n G i BB

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The professional caddie is the tour

player’s most vital asset. When Phil Mickelson came down the finish of the Open at Muirfield on July 21st 2013, he reached the 18th green in two and was 15 feet past the pin facing a downhill putt with a big bias. His line was 18 inches to the right and very fast. He holed the putt and won by two shots.

Mickelson, 43 years old at the time, relaxed, portly, casual, wandered up, struck the shot perfectly with his Odyssey and in it went. The line and length of the putt was one of hundreds of joint decisions made

by Mickelson and Jim Mackay, his caddy, who was in a state of emotional turmoil over the putt and had burst into tears. The two men had been together for 20 years and the 2013 Open was Mickelson’s fifth Major win.

The Caddie is at the heart of professional golf and remains a vital contributor to the game, particularly on the tour in Europe and America, yet they receive little public acknowledgement. I can think of no comparable figure to the professional golf caddie in sport or even in everyday life come to that. He or she stands between the golfer and disaster and is the right hand, the guide, the familiar figure who knows the player’s weaknesses and strengths. The caddie travels with his golfer, practises with him, identifies his faults, protects him from flash photography and steers him round the course. The player and the caddie are a team: A master and his servant like Don Quixote and Sancho Panza. It’s difficult to think of another sport where this level of relationship exists.

Many of the greatest figures in golf started out as caddies. Walter Hagen, my all-ttime golfing hero, who won the British Open four times, the US Open twice and the PGA five times, began his career as a caddie at the local golf course in New York when he was a small boy. Many great golfers started in the same way because they were unable to afford membership of a private club and caddying was the only chance they had to get involved in the game.

OPENING PICTURE: Former caddie of Nick Faldo, Fanny Sunesson carried Henrik Stenson’s bag for years after.

INSET: Fanny Sunesson, the legendary female caddie on top of her game in a male dominated profession.

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When Hagen was seven and a half, he would carry a set of men’s clubs weighing 30lb. round the Rochester Country Club twice a day. In the winters, he worked in the pro’s shop where he learned how to make clubs and would carve wooden heads out of old polo mallets. He served his apprenticeship and reaped the benefits. Sam Snead learnt the same skills in West Virginia, splicing old whips as shafts onto a box of rusty old heads he found in a barn.

When Hagen won the US Open for the second time he was 30 years old, 6 foot tall and weighed 15 stone. He was a fit man, a big hitter and claimed it was his time spent caddying that turned him into a champion. Hagen lifted the status of the caddie and the professional golfer out of the gutter and today’s caddie has much to thank him for. He has a more enhanced status than he would have had when Hagen was a boy; he is smart, well paid and reliable, an established part of the golfing elite.

The 1960s specimen who flourished when Peter Allis was at his prime, often presented himself, swaying gently and emitting the whiff of his last pale ale in the saloon bar. He tended to be a sniffer and sometimes, particularly if, on his way down from London, he had paused for a fried breakfast at the Ace Cafe on the Great West Road, noisily flatulent. His shoes were rarely spiked and tended to creak during the silence of his master’s backswing. He made whistling noises through his dentures and was not known for his sense of style. Mahoney, for instance, who

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caddied for me at Wentworth, (I never knew his Christian name) once turned up on the first tee wearing tails and a pair of running shorts.

During the early twenties, a caddie’s duties became more onerous and complex. He relied on tips so diplomacy and respect were vital assets. There was a notorious player in the Home-Counties who was asked to resign from Wentworth after kicking his caddie. That sort of abuse was rare, but the social status of these men certainly had much in common with that doled out to “below stairs” staff and caddies were seen as servants rather than assets.

I’m talking about the “clip round the ear era,” when Caddie Masters didn’t have to worry about politically correct behaviour. There was a list of rules nailed to the wall in the caddie master’s shed at Sunningdale: bOTTOm : Kiwi caddie Steve Williams comforting longtime friend and boss, Tiger Woods after an emotional win at the Open at Hoylake, 2006, when he recently lost his father to prostrate cancer.

Caddie’s Rules •

Don’t speak unless you are spoken to.

• Never walk in front of your player.

• Watch every shot played by all players in your game.

• When a ball goes astray, all available caddies must

join in the search.

• Always know the make and number of your player’s • Learn the rules of the game and the principles

of etiquette published by the R&A. a note of “local” rules printed on the card of the course.

• Make

ball.

• Always

carry a card and before the game starts, politely enquire the handicap of your player.

• Learn to putt so that you are able to offer accurate advice when asked about the line and length of a putt.

• Offer your opinion only when your player asks for it.

• Never gamble on the result of the game in which you are carrying a player’s clubs.

• Ensure there is adequate refreshment available for your player.

• Always carry a cloth for cleaning your player’s clubs. Make sure the irons are spotless when you leave the 18th green.

• Never laugh or swear during the game.

• Never ask for a tip.

Of course this was more of a “wish list” than a set of rules but the same guidelines apply today. Caddies are often paid a fixed rate which is imposed by the club. Tips are the responsibility of the player but this can be a tricky area and varies from club to club.

If in doubt, the correct procedure is to ask advice from the pro or the Secretary. If you’re pleased with your caddie’s manner and experience, think carefully about how generously you should reward him.

A difficulty will tend to occur if you paid your caddie according to his reputation and experience and your concept of his status is at odds with his. Status is easier to assess on the professional tour but should never be worked out by the likes of you or I. Just ask the secretary.

In the professional game, the financial arrangements between the champion and his carrier will be subject to contract when the caddie is signed up for the season.

The caddie may be paid a monthly fee, perhaps topped up with a percentage of the prize money. He will usually be selfemployed and will pay his costs of travel and subsistence from his earnings. Remuneration is a matter of negotiation between the player and the carrier. These men sometimes come with a badge denoting their professional qualifications. In the US, for instance he may belong to the Professional Caddies Association which runs an apprenticeship scheme and a school for caddies.

In Europe there is the European Tour Caddies Association, where membership all but guarantees employment for the members who work on the Tour all over the world.

There is no professional body representing the caddie who carries bags for the likes of you and I. These men, sometimes referred to

FROm TOP TO mIddlE : Caddies in the past with Walter Hagen and Henry Cotton at the Open in muirfield, 1929; Another historical look at caddies.

They were not small men but rather young children.

as “The Salt Of The Earth” are a loose conglomeration of long suffering souls who only begin to suffer less if they manage to clamber onto the lower slopes of the European Tour where they will find that they’re bringing in an income of around £35,000 a year. The secret is to attach to a successful pro and do all you can to provide him with the stability and support he needs. Tiger’s bagman, Steve Williams took home £800,000 in 2006 and would have made considerably more had he been carrying for a similarly successful player in 2014.

It’s not all beer and skittles. You spend thirty weeks of the year travelling; the job entails hours of boredom on the range and you may have to face the consequences of the extraordinary level of stress experienced by your employer. A good caddie has to love the game. The rewards can be spectacular when the player is winning because the prize pots in China, the US and Europe are increasing every year. The women’s tours are also awash with money; the 2014 US Ladies Open had a purse of US$4 million and, while there have been signs of a recession in the amateur game, the rewards on the professional tour are Golf Vacations

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“The 1960s specimen who flourished when Peter Allis was at his prime, often presented himself, swaying gently and emitting the whiff of his last pale ale in the saloon bar.”

impressive and the pro caddie can make a good living.

In the Far East, caddies are a sign of extravagant wealth.

Recently, playing in a four-ball at The Royal Gems in Bangkok, we each employed three caddies including a fore-caddie, a neck masseuse, a shade caddie who carried a parasol, and a bag carrier.

The match arriving on the green consists of 12 people of which only four were playing. Most of the caddies were girls wearing bulletproof hats to deflect mis-hit golf balls of which there were many.

In Malaysia however, the intense heat confined us to floodlit, night-time golf and one of my attendants, a police sergeant from Taiping during the day, told me that the 11th green was haunted and that he had seen the flag leave the hole and fly about over the fairway.

Some caddies become as well known as their players. I spent a day with Nick Faldo’s caddie, Fanny Sunesson at Sawgrass prior to the TPC in 1996. We walked round the Stadium Course while she prepared her notebook for the tournament. She used a surveyor’s wheel to make the measurements and filled the book with detailed drawings and sketches of the course. She did it every year.

She told me, “The US PGA understandably keeps the pressure up and they change the approach geography during the winter which means that you have to re-check every hole in the spring. The courses on the tour change constantly.”

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It is very different in the amateur game. When I was young, carefree and rich, I retained the services of a professional bag carrier by the name of Mahoney. He would do anything for a bet and once jumped into the Thames off Staines Bridge for a fiver.

I have no idea where he came from other than it was somewhere in the depths of the Irish Republic, but he was well known on the courses around Ascot and Sunningdale and would often appear at the Caddie Master’s shed at dawn and queue up for a bag. If he had retained any earnings from the previous day, his priority would be to join the poker school in the trolley shed where he would lose everything he had. This daily jolt provided the incentive he needed to keep carrying the bags.

I didn’t choose Mahoney to carry my bag, he chose me. I had asked Dick Powell, the caddie master, to find me a porter and Mahoney was available. Wentworth is 30 miles from London and you would see caddies on the Great West Road blagging lifts early on Saturday and Sunday mornings. Sunningdale, The Berkshire and Swinley Forest all employed caddie masters and the members required men to carry their clubs. Many members preferred to hire the same caddie every week either because of superstition or because they were good at finding balls and giving the right line.

Caddie Masters are still important because they know how to contact quality caddies and can make sure the men they book are sober and reliable. A good caddie is a serious asset. Many of the great professionals like Willie Park, Hogan, Harry Bradshaw and

Dai Rees started their professional life as bag carriers. Mahoney, who carried bags round the Burmah Road for years, was often hired by a smartly dressed and attractive widow who came down most weekends. I once saw her put her second shot into the lake at the eighth after which Mahoney immediately stripped off into a pair of woollen shorts and jumped into the water to retrieve her ball. You can imagine the size of the tip. The trouble was that he would spend it in the poker school.

The Wentworth caddies were a rough living, hard drinking lot.

There were well known men like “Wellbeloved,” a local man from Bagshot and “Hunter.” Who claimed to have served time in prison with Brendan Behan.” They would roll fags and argue about horses.

There was another well-known caddie at Wentworth called Spittle who would appear from time to time and should not be confused with the veteran Canadian professional of the same name. The Spittle I knew was so named because he would spit noisily onto the fairway as a way of expressing his opinion of his player, particularly if he had under-tipped him. He was notorious for whistling through his dentures during your backswing. leFt PaGe - From leFt : Phil mickelson celebrates his only open win in 2013 with longtime caddie and friend Jim “Bones” mackay; Jim mackay on the Bushnell at augusta national.

Spittle regularly caddied at pro-am tournaments and in those days his abilities were adequate although his attitude was frequently found wanting. He never really said anything. He just spat and snorted with contempt. Fifteen years after the millennium, however, the requirements of the professional and the wealthy private golfer have radically enhanced the duties of the caddie. Today he has to live with GPS systems, the Italian designed two-seater luxury buggy, and the mobile phone.

The Caddies with a 50s vintage were tough men who had been through the war and would bet on their “bags” which gave them an incentive to let you know when they didn’t approve of the way you were playing. When I first came across Spittle at Sunningdale, he was bandaged round the head having suffered a broken jaw after being accidentally struck on the backswing by a lady golfer. He could still manage to express his contempt from the corner of his mouth.

My Father told me that the great Tommy Armour had caddied for my grandfather at Kilspindie in 1910 when he was fourteen.

Armour went on to win the US Open, The British Open and the PGA. Willie Park, who won the first Open Championship at Prestwick in 1860 also started his career as a caddie. The caddie is part of the golfing culture in Britain and he’ll be there as long as the game survives.

Famous Caddies Who Went massive as Players HARRY VARDON Harry Vardon was born in Jersey in 1870. He began playing golf at the age of five and spent much of his youth caddying. At 20 he became a professional golfer and went on to win six British Open championships (1896, 1898, 1899, 1903, 1914). Vardon died in 1939 as a relatively rich man.

- HARRY VARDON

GENE SARAZEN Sarazen was born in 1902 in Harrisson, New York. The son of a desperately poor Italian immigrant carpenter he entered golf as a caddy at Rye, New York. He was in his early teens. In 1922– at the age of 20 – Sarazen won the US Open championship. He won it again in 1932, when he also won the British Open. He has been the subject of numerous biographies and has been the recipient of Awards from the Professional Golfers Association.

BYRON NELSON This American golfer was born in 1912 in Fort Worth, Texas. He began golf as a caddy and in 1933 embarked upon his professional career. Nelson won the US National Open title in 1939 and the Professional Golfers Association Championship in 1940 and again in 1945.

- GENE SARAZEN

- BYRON NELSON

BEN HOGAN Born in 1912 in Dublin, Texas, Hogan, a former caddie, began his professional career in 1937.

One of the game’s great money winners, he won the Professional Golfers Association Championship in 1946 and 1948. Even a serious car accident did not stop him from playing and betting.

LEE TREVINO Born in 1939, Trevino, started caddying in Texas, aged eight. After eighth grade, he was forced to caddy full-time for $30 a week in order to survive. But he was a player waiting to happen. In 1967, he turned pro, winning on 29 tournaments including five majors and made a bloody fortune.

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The 19th

Japan and the Scotty Cameron Cup One man’s journey into golf in the Far East and a unique bespoke experience from a western craftsman.

- By Da r ryl W e e

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I first learnt about the Scotty Cameron Cup from my Japanese buddy while he was based in Singapore. Little did I realize that Japan

was one of Scotty’s key markets outside North America, and a number of years ago, a Scotty Cameron Museum was built at the Hamamatsu Seaside Golf Club in Shizuoka Prefecture, also the site of the annual Scotty Cameron Cup. I decided to visit this mystifying event but instead of just visiting for the weekend, we were to spend a week in Japan with three rounds of golf to make this a proper golf vacation.

The first course we visited was the very exclusive 300 Club in Chigasaki, Kanagawa Prefecture. This club has only 300 members and it includes in its membership captains of

industry, government officials and politicians. This club is so well-known that when we were asking for information on going there by train, the Japan Rail staff asked if we were golf professionals as not everyone would be allowed to play there.

The golf course is approximately an hour outside Tokyo by train. From Shinagawa, where we were staying, the cost was ÂĽ970 for a normal ticket; however I would highly recommend that you purchase a Green Car ticket which provides you a reserved seat and more space. For those thinking of taking a cab, the estimated cost from Tokyo to the club one-way is estimated to be S$400, so taking the train is the most cost and time effective way to go.

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OPENING PICTURE: River Fuji Country Club in Shizuoka Prefecture.

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“This club is so well-known that when we were asking for information on going there by train, the Japan Rail staff asked if we were golf professionals as not everyone would be allowed to play there.”

The day we were playing, we received an apology from the staff that the course would be a little busy.

When we enquired how many flights would be playing in the afternoon, we were told that there were 15 flights playing that day, as compared to a normal day where the course would have an average of only five to eight flights!

I found the clubhouse a lovely property that seemed to have changed very little over time. Many of the facilities were upgraded in the changing rooms, but the dining room and bar seemed to have been preserved in time, eliciting a lodge-like feel from the 1960s. There was a large moose head as the centerpiece over the fireplace with other animals proudly displayed on the walls. The club is very particular about dress code - men are required to wear a jacket and no jeans or shorts are permitted.

Playing 6,875 yards from the Champions tees, this course was probably the best groomed of the three that we will play in Japan. Though not as long, it makes up for it with its tight tree-lined fairways. In fact, in the front nine, eight of the nine holes had Out-of-Bounds on the left. I would recommend walking this course, as it is not very undulating. The front nine was a nice way to gently get to know the course, and the first few holes were relatively straightforward with mild changes in elevation. I particularly found the par 5, 570-yard 9th hole a wonderful way to finish off the front nine. The tee off demanded an accurate shot, and the second sets you up for an uphill third shot to a green that is framed by the clubhouse in the background.

The back nine offers significantly more challenges but is also more picturesque. The par 4, 440-yard 10th hole has elevated tees, which enables us to see the green clearly in the distance. Many holes on this golf course clearly show the lay of both green and hazards.

Another hole worthy of mention is the par 4, 410 yards 14th hole. This was one of the narrowest holes I have ever played, and it requires players to thread a driver or 3-wood between two bunkers with a slight draw. In fact, this was also one of the few holes where you cannot see the green. However, as you walk up to take the second shot, the green is slowly revealed to you and it is only then do you realize how important the tee shot is for this hole.

The next course we played was the River Fuji Country Club in Shizuoka Prefecture. This course was by far the most beautiful and as the name suggests, it has Mount Fuji as the backdrop for many of the holes. Made up of three 9-hole courses, the course sat on the side of a mountain with the Fuji River at the foothills.

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RIGHT PAGE - ToP: The very exclusive 300 Club in Chigasaki, Kanagawa Prefecture.

BoTToM RoW: Japanese caddy on a segway at Hamamatsu Seaside Course; Caddy at 300 Club; Scotty Cameron putter covers.

The clubhouse was also the largest of the three but its design was a little dated. While all the facilities were relatively modern, do not expect private showers after golf, as the bathing facilities are traditionally Japanese – think communal showers. If you can overcome your shyness, then you’ll enjoy taking your shower seated on wooden stools, then hopping into the warm baths (or onsen) to soothe those aching muscles. One other custom to note is that golfers are expected to stop after nine holes for lunch, and the Katsu Curry at River Fuji is the best golfing lunch I had during the entire trip.

We started at the par 36 Fuji course, which measures 3,094 yards. Although this course was the shorter of the two, it made up for its length by being the significantly tighter course. One of the features of this nine is the breathtaking view of Mount Fuji, which can be quite a distraction if you are not careful.

One of my favourite holes on this nine was the par 3, 175-yard 2nd hole. The green is protected by a pond, which beautifully reflects the landscape around the green, and the majestic Mount Fuji that sits in the background watching over all manner of tee shots. A rather unique feature here is that all holes have dual greens for different weather conditions, so make sure you know which green you are playing to.

The Fuji course also bears the consequence of being the toughest of the three, each offering a different challenge and forcing players to shape shots to stay in contention (with par). The par 5, 5th in particular is breathtaking from start to end. At 513 yards, it requires an accurate drive to a narrow fairway, the following shots require your full concentration as the terrain changes and Mount Fuji looms large behind the green.

For our back nine, we played the Kai Course, a par 36 measuring 3,318 yards. The style of this nine was significantly different from the Fuji; it used its length to its full advantage, however, it does have wider fairways.

This course is mountainous in nature and players will need to adjust to elevation changes on a number of their shots.

The par 5, 530-yard 6th hole is scenic with an elevated tee.

The complete hole in its entire splendour is on display, and all one needs is to keep the ball on the fairway to enjoy it.

Then came Hamamatsu Seaside Golf Course, the venue for the annual Scotty Cameron Cup and the location of the Scotty Cameron Museum. This museum not only displays items and personal belongings from the putter maestro, it also has a whole array of putters from tour players including those used to win major championships.

The museum is not large and can be walked about within the hour.

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ClOCkWISe frOm TOp lefT: Official Scotty Cameron museum badges proudly worn; meeting Scotty Cameron is a joy; Waiting hours in line to get paraphernalia signed; Darryl Wee and Collidear li with flight mates at the Scotty Cameron Cup; All smiles at Hamamatsu Seaside Course as the Scotty Cameron Cup kicks off; Novelty prizes at the Scotty Cameron Cup; Observing proceedings at night and enjoying the moment.

A good museum always comes with a museum shop, and this is where one can end up spending a lot of time and money, especially if you are a serious Scotty Cameron fan. On sale are tour issue and limited edition putters with unique custom Scotty accessories. Visitors will not find production putters here or things on the cheap. If you were looking for something that your buddies do not have back home, this would be the place to find it.

One of the key events the museum organizes annually is the Scotty Cameron Cup, and this is the 8th iteration for this event in Japan. The objective of this event is for serious collectors and fans of Scotty Cameron putters to meet and network. Cameron himself makes time to attend this yearly weekend event, which starts with a dinner on Saturday. It is at dinner where the American introduces some of his new products and shares his design thoughts on the latest products he is releasing; it is also this evening that the museum releases new tour and limited edition putters to attendees and you can see how enthusiastic the collectors are, picking up not just one, but multiple putters priced at US$10,000 per piece at the minimum.

On Sunday morning, the golfing event commences at 8.30am and runs into the mid afternoon. It was lovely to arrive at the event, to see the flags representing the countries of all participants. Upon checking in, all competitors of this amateur jaunt are further teased with the various prizes that Cameron will be handing out for the novelty games, and to the winners of the event. There were 96 competitors from over 10 countries registered this year.

The Hamamatsu Seaside Course was the most open of all the courses we played during our trip. However, the designers took advantage of its location by the sea and wind was its natural line of defense. Often, the wind is blowing so strongly that we need to add to more than two clubs. The fairways are also lined with mature Pine trees, which camouflaged the effects of the wind, making club selection difficult.

An interesting feature of the cup was the novelty prizes featured on every hole. We had club staff on their Segway helping players along, but also rewarding them if they were able to meet the challenge. Winners of

these novelty holes received coupons to be exchanged for prizes when we completed our round.

Both nines were very different in terms of feel: the front nine features several holes played around a large lake and the back boasts larger fairways with water hazards featuring regularly on each hole that make accurate tee shots very important. I think one of the prettiest holes on this course was the par 4,382 yards 7th hole that features a 90-degree dogleg to the left. For longer hitters, going for the green was an option, as long as the wind is in your favour.

The par 3, 172-yard 8th hole also takes advantage of the lake and is picturesque. One interesting feature we notice as we play during the day, is the use of feature trees to block direct approaches to the green, playable only to the deftest of wedge players.

The event concludes with a lovely luncheon buffet and prize-giving ceremony. After several rounds of Roshambo (Japanese for the game rock-paper-scissors) and all the official prizes given out, Scotty Cameron sat for an autograph signing session for participants who bought items during the event. Although the prize presentation finished at 4pm, I only got my items signed by him at 7pm, being 39th in line. I must say, I really did enjoy meeting the man, and throughout the day he was very approachable and extremely friendly to all participants. Judging from this year’s experience at the event, the Scotty Cameron Cup will be added to my golfing calendar for next year. www.scottycameron.com

Moving golf Clubs in Japan One thing that worried me the most about traveling in Japan was lugging my clubs around, and I also had my wife’s set to deal with. However, we discovered how easy it was to travel with golf clubs in Japan with the assistance of their amazing logistics companies.

When we landed in Haneda Airport, we went to the transportation counter, located just outside the arrival hall. There, we gave the address of the golf course we were playing at, and the clubs were taken off our hands only to reappear when we arrived at the course a few days later. The cost for transporting both sets of clubs was less than ÂĽ3,500 which is about S$20 per set. I found out that clubs could be transported between golf courses within 24 hours if it is within a 300km radius. This meant that we were able to ship our clubs from course to course and finally back to the airport when we were done, making life significantly easier for transportation, and on my back.

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Destination Focus

Yes, You

Synonymous with its famous festivals and the Mediterranean, this Cote D’Azur hot spot has plenty of golf too.

- By P e t e r r o Bi n s o n

Cannes Even in the dead of night, it doesn’t take much to sense the

appeal of Cannes.

That starts in the air on the descent into Nice-Cote D’Azur airport.

A crazy quilt of golfers, autumn sun-seekers and locals returning from a weekend away in London are on the last flight of the day, touching down around midnight. There are even some football fans flying in to see AC Monaco in Uefa Champions League action a few days later.

The result is an eclectic mix of baggage and humanity mingling about at the luggage carousel before a mad rush to exit the airport. Even at this late hour, there’s a certain vibe in the air.

Welcome to the French Riviera.

Cannes is famous for its film festival and the hedonistic feel the small city on Nice’s doorstep gives off to tourists and locals alike. But I’m here to golf, and though most visitors have stars and the Cote D’Azur’s crystal blue hues in their minds, there’s plenty of green to go around as well.

There are 10 courses within an easy drive of the world famous Croissette, the stretch of waterfront that is one of Europe’s most desired addresses. Golf du Claux Amic was my personal favourite of the quartet that I managed to tee it up in and around Cannes.

Claux Amic and its property, a fixture in the area for a quarter century, are in the midst of extensive renovations that will see a new hotel cum apartment complex open in 2016. A new clubhouse and practice area is already complete, burnishing the course’s reputation that has been helped by hosting the acclaimed La Riviera Grasse Pro-Am every year.

The course is characterised by its elevation, peaking around 600 metres above sea level, along with its narrow fairways and landing areas. Balls tend to roll out more (helped by gravity, or the lack thereof) and precision is needed in finding the right spots to come to rest, particularly off the tee.

Claux Amix’s third hole will one day become one of the most photographed holes in Europe. Playing 174 metres from the back, it plays slightly downhill into an infinity green – it looks and even feels as though one wrong step will send you tumbling to an inglorious end. The course then plays to its highest point on Holes 4 and 5, a Par 5 followed by a Par 4, that together run more than 800 metres at the back of the property and bounded by a stone-faced wall that adds a nice touch. Not sure if “nice” 62

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OPENING PICTURE: Grace of Monaco premiere and Opening of the Cannes Film Festival 2014.

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Cannes is famous for its film festival and the hedonistic feel the small city on Nice’s doorstep gives off to tourists and locals alike. But I’m here to golf, and though most visitors have stars and the Cote D’Azur’s crystal blue hues in their minds, there’s plenty of green to go around as well. is the right word to describe what comes into view as you make the turn – a prison is visible off in the distance – but you get the feeling that even hardened criminals would like the view around these parts.

It all ends with a fantastic Par 5 finishing hole; a pretty downhill view that takes you home gently but can also reward good players with a scoring opportunity if you keep it in the short grass. Whatever happens, it is hard to imagine anything other than a pleasant taste after playing such a superb golf course.

Of course, this being France, your palate will think it has died and gone to heaven. The French, in case you haven’t heard, love their food and wine and even the most basic of kitchens and restaurants are known to turn out mouthwatering cuisine. In all seriousness, book morning tee times.

In a country that famously takes a few hours to eat lunch, you’ll want to get in your round in order to reward yourself for a game well played (or salve the pain) because it is hard to imagine dragging yourself away from the table with a tummy full of French food. I managed but only just.

No less of figure than Victor Dubuisson hails from the Cannes area and he learned to play golf across the fairways 64

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from Left: A typical putting green at Grande Bastide; Glorious flora varieties surrounding the Grande Bastide course.

of Grande Bastide, a layout near the neighbouring town of Grasse, a place famous for its perfume manufacturing.

Designed by American architect Cabell Robinson, Grande Bastide is nicely situated among the foothills of the Alps.

Robinson had a nice template of land from which to work and he has done well to place an interesting design with a fair mix of bunkers and water.

Grande Bastide is basically right in front of you with little in the way of complication tee to green, which could be a strength or weakness, depending on your preference. The course’s strengths are the vistas of the surrounding area and its tricky greens. Even if it is largely flat, you never really lose sight of elevation changes, both down toward the sea, or farther in-land, where the Alps start in earnest.

Just when you start to think that the layout is a bit too pedestrian, Grande Bastide’s finishing stretch changes your mind, in particular the 15th and 18th, both dogleg left Par 4s. The first is a shortish 333-metre gem, where you have to intersect water to get to the green. If you do, a nice easy flip shot into the green could set-up one of the gaudy numbers that make a round. The finishing hole is shade longer and a bit of a brute if you are not accurate on both your tee and

approach shots. But this hole, the second most difficult on the course, is a nice way to end a pleasant day of golf.

Opio Valbonne, located equidistant between Cannes and Grasse, is a sister course of Grande Bastide as both are owned by the Open Golf group. Valbonne’s signature is the property itself and the 17th-century Chateau de la Begude. Even if ancient properties are not your thing, this one is notable, not least because of the Gallo-Roman aqueduct that still meanders through parts of the 220-hectare land.

The golf course is fine but it is important to remember that it is only part of the focal point of the site. It is not uncommon for locals to pop in for a light lunch or dinner. You can’t talk enough about French cuisine but there are a few reasons to sink your teeth into the Donald Harradine design that was originally opened in the 1960s but has twice in recent years been upgraded. Golf-wise, whether you enjoy Valbonne or not may come down to whether you like playing severe doglegs. There are three such holes, including the opener, which bends to the left and plays into an elevated green.

The renovations changed the layout in such a way that both nines now end near the clubhouse and a new Par 3 finishing hole was created.

Again, this is not everyone’s cup of tea (though I love the idea of a gentle end to any round), but it is difficult to argue with the quality of the 18th – 130 metres from an elevated tee, all laid-out beside the aforementioned aqueduct. If you’re planning a trip to Opio Valbonne, do it on a Friday as the weekly market that goes that day has an excellent reputation locally.

Speaking of reputations, France and French golf in general stands to get a massive boost because the country is slated to host the 2018 Ryder Cup. The event will be held at Le Golf National (Albatros course) in Paris. France has always had a proud golf heritage – the country’s national open is the oldest contested in mainland Europe – but the country has had a clear spike in both local participation and visitors.

Perhaps it is no surprise then that France has never had such a collection of elite players. At the time of writing, six Frenchmen were inside the top 150 of the world rankings, led by Dubuisson, who impressed with his Ryder Cup performance in 2014.

Top To BoTToM: A solitary tree guards the fairway at Claux Amic golf course; The second fairway at Claux Amic golf course; Lérins Islands, just a short boat ride from the Croisette, holds the mystery of the 'Man in the Iron Mask' and Cistercian monks.

IF you go…

Nice/Cote-D’Azur (NCE) airport is the logical gateway to Cannes, though it does have its own small airport.

Mid-market options in Cannes to stay include the Eden Hotel & Spa (eden-hotel-cannes. com), Best Western Cannes Riviera (cannes-riviera-hotel.com) and Hotel Montaigne (montaigne-hotel.com) For general tourism info visit palaisdesfestivals.com For golf info in and around Cannes: claux-amic.com and/or opengolfclub.com

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Whatever happens in 2018, it is a good bet that a couple Frenchmen will be on the European team. Another certainty is that the legions of fans that converge on the country’s northeast will soon go south to take a look around the Cote D’Azur. Or at least they should and if they do, it is not just Grande Bastide, Opio Valbonne and Claux Amic that will whet their appetite around Cannes.

Royal Mougins Golf & Resort and Terra Blanche Hotel Spa & Golf Resort’s Chateau course are two of the very best courses in the wider region. Though it largely plays second fiddle to the Chateau, the Terra Blanche’s Riou is no slouch either. Additionally, the Old Course at Mandelieu is a virtual institution in the area and has been around for 125 years. The Harry Colt-refined layout is solid to be sure but rest assured it is unlikely that you will ever experience the Old Course’s signature feature elsewhere – having to take a ferry to get to the third hole, and then back again to complete the final six. Like a microcosm of Cannes itself, the destination dazzles, the journey getting around it confounds.

Golfing aside, perhaps the best thing that can be said about Cannes is that its film festival pretty much made the place, but even without it, Cannes would be just fine. But here’s the thing: the film festival isn’t the only one in Cannes. It is likely not even the most important in a strict economic sense. There are several others and two are particularly important.

The first is Europe’s largest property show, MIPIM and the second is the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity, which is the global awards show for advertising and related industries. Not as sexy as Catherine Zeta-Jones walking down a red carpet, (she might very well also pop over for a round of golf) but certainly a big draw for business. But, if glitz and glamour lights your fuse, coming to Cannes for the festival is a bucketlist trip in and of itself. It won’t be cheap. The best rooms go for thousands of euros a night during festival period but it won’t disappoint.

And if you have no interest in film, couldn’t care less about property or advertising, you still can’t do wrong here. The Croissette is one of the best waterfront strolls in Europe and the cruise out to Sainte-Marguerite Island is one of the best day trips in a country with no shortage of such jaunts. Sample the restaurants, including the funky bars near the quayside that cater more to tourists than locals. To get a sense of the scene, travel a bit farther away up and down any of the warren of streets that snake their way inland. Who knows what or whom you might chance upon.

LEFT PAGE - FROM TOP: The luxury shopping and hotels of La Croisette; La Croisette at night, with famous hotels the Carlton.

THIS PAGE - FROM TOP: The cast of The Expendables 3, Antonio Banderas, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Randy Couture, Glen Powell, Kellan Lutz and Victor Ortiz riding atop a tank at the Cannes Film Festival 2014; Chinese Actor Jing Boran with Li Bingbing at the premiere of (Carol) on Sunday 17th May at the 68th Cannes Film Festival; Christian Clavier & Chantal Lauby at the Cannes Film Festival 2014.

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Choice Resorts

Trevose Golf links A faraway land where the wonders of golf and nature blend with luxury.

- By R o Bi n B a R w i c k

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The first hole at Trevose Golf and Country Club

is long – 440 yards from the men’s tee - but the fairway is generous, as long as a right-handed hook or left-handed slice can be avoided (you can’t have everything). From a raised tee right in front of the clubhouse, golfers usually have a quiet audience of at least one or two souls to ensure that opening strike is shrouded by healthy, sporting tension. In all of British golf, there can be little that is more satisfying than driving the ball down the middle from the first at Trevose.

This championship course, a classic links opened in 1925 and designed by Harry Colt, occupies a landscape of rare, natural, peaceful beauty. Halfway down the northern shoreline of Cornwall, in England’s southwest, the first hole sets the tone. It runs downhill towards towering sand dunes that rise and dip before flattening into Constantine Bay. At the north end of the bay, the rocky Trevose Head juts out into the Atlantic Ocean, and from there - as golfers gaze out to sea from the first tee, entertaining golfing hopes and optimism - the next, distant stop is North America.

“It was in the mid-1950s that I first set eyes on Trevose,” writes Peter Alliss, the legendary voice of golf commentary on the BBC, in the book, ‘Trevose Golf and Country Club – A Golfing Gem’. “I immediately fell in love with the place.

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LEFT TO RIGHT: Trevose's Fairway Lodges; Trevose's 3rd green and Trevose Head behind.

The views were fantastic and the friendliness of the club was outstanding.”

There are lots of exceptional links golf courses dotted around the British and Irish coastlines, but there might not be another links club of this highest golfing calibre that can also boast such a laidback and family-friendly welcome as Trevose. This is why Trevose stands out above so many other famous British links destinations, many of which are jealously guarded by clubhouse cultures and memberships that are as creaking, dusty and outdated as each other.

Some of these traditional clubs are struggling financially today, with aging memberships run by committees who fail to acknowledge that the old model for members-owned golf clubs is running out of fuel. These clubs are failing to attract younger men, let alone women and families, and they could learn some critical lessons in survival from Trevose, a club that has been owned and run by three generations of the Gammon family since 1955. There are no committees resisting modernisation at Trevose.

British golf venues simply do not come more inclusive than Trevose. Central to this tenet is a trio of golf courses, offering a graduated golfing challenge. The Championship Course is unequivocally the star attraction, but it is ably

“This championship course, a classic links opened in 1925 and designed by Harry Colt, occupies a landscape of rare, natural, peaceful beauty. Halfway down the northern shoreline of Cornwall, in England’s southwest, the first hole sets the tone.�

deputised by the 9-hole, 3,031-yard Headland Course. This layout also runs down towards the beach, but it is less linksy and gentler in design than the Championship Course, and does not require a handicap certificate to play, unlike the other. It is not too long for novice golfers, yet still has room for the driver on some holes.

Then the Short Course, at 1,360 yards, does not offer a hole longer than 200 yards, yet comes with a generous par of 29. This is the ideal layout for beginners, as a steppingstone to full-length golf, while it could also motivate some interesting side bets from more seasoned players. The greens are small and so not always easy to find in one, yet the putting surfaces are reasonably level, to give a decent stroke the best chance of reward. The highlight here is the elevated tee shot to the 135-yard fourth hole, which plays over the ruin of a third-century holy well.

While the usual British golfing dress code is upheld on the main attraction of the Championship Course, stale golfing etiquette is cut adrift on the supporting acts. If someone new to the game wants to enjoy a few shots, without investing in golf shoes and even while sharing clubs, the Short Course is their stage.

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The Championship Course at Trevose is one of the reasons the legend of Harry Colt thrives. From the back tees it can be a serious challenge at 7,079 yards, and sufficiently so for the R&A to bring some of its most important national amateur events to the Cornish coast. The yellow yardage totals a much more civilised 6,187 yards – for regular men’s use - which adds to the holiday philosophy of Trevose. The course is not set-up to brutalise golfers, but rather to give them the opportunity to score well.

If the winds get up across the headland, scoring will become upwardly mobile regardless, so the course set-up offers some balance by giving golfers every opportunity to succeed. The fairways are generally wide off the tee, and only after decent strips of first cut does the thick meadow grass and occasional gorse start to issue serious punishment. That is not to say this is an easy golf course. Pars at the long par-fours of the first, fifth, 10th, 12th and 18th are all very well earned.

“I was fortunate enough to win the West of England Professional Championship (at Trevose) in 1966,” writes Alliss, a former Ryder Cup golfer. “The competition was played with 72

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Top - clockwise from Top: sunset over Trevose ; Trevose clubhouse at night; Big sky at Trevose. riGHT pAGe BoTTom: exterior courtyard of a fairways lodge, Trevose.

what the locals called ‘a good breeze’ but to me it was cyclonic. My winning score of 148 for two rounds does not look impressive on paper, but I can assure you a lot of blood, sweat and tears went into compiling that score.”

If there are signature holes on the Championship Course they must be the par 3 third and par 5 fourth, which run endto-end along the bottom of the golf course, nearest to the sea and amid the tallest of the dunes. They are both spectacular holes, and depending on the wind’s mood and direction, each of them can play short or long.

One characteristic Trevose does share with many other grand old links golf courses is a remote location. True links courses occupy stretches of sand-based land between the sea and more fertile arable land, and the oldest courses inevitably evolved in sparsely populated areas. While regular flight connections to Newquay Cornwall Airport - which is less than 10 miles from Trevose – mean that Trevose can be reached by air without much trouble, if visitors arrive at the club without getting stuck behind a tractor on Cornwall’s notoriously narrow and winding lanes, they are fortunate.

Yet the remoteness of Trevose is part of the point. While clubhouse and all accommodations are equipped with wi-fi, guests must not bank on getting a strong signal for their mobile phones.

“You can get away from the world on the golf course if you turn your cell phone off,” said Tom Watson in a recent interview, when asked to consider what makes golf such an appealing pastime.

“You can enjoy a walk in nature. I don’t agree with Mark Twain’s comment, that ‘Golf is a good walk spoiled’.”

While the resort’s facilities are contemporary, arriving at Trevose requires visitors to leave the modern world behind, figuratively at least. It is this atmosphere that makes Trevose so appealing for holidaymakers of all ages, whether they are golfers or not. Beyond its 36 holes of golf, extensive practice facilities and first-class coaching from head professional Gary Lenaghan, the resort offers tennis courts and an outdoor swimming pool for summer use, while the broad and sandy beach of Constantine Bay is just a 10-minute walk from the club and past the first two holes of the Championship Course. The Cornish coastline is also rich with hiking routes to suit wall mileages.

The clubhouse at Trevose, the hub of the resort, enjoys one of the best vantage points in British golf, sitting above the course and with Trevose Head and the sea beyond. With expansive windows across the front of Colt’s bar and the Constantine restaurant, the building takes full advantage of its stunning panorama. Colt’s and Constantine have been renovated in recent years, so their interiors are bright, spacious and contemporary, and the service is friendly and unpretentious.

The Colt’s menu offers a full array of clubhouse fare, with welcome twists such as a succulent Cajun burger with blue cheese, red onion and jalapenos. Constantine’s menu brings in more sophistication, while maintaining the club’s Cornish

character and utilising local produce. It is a great venue for guests looking for dining of genuine quality, with dishes such as a Goan fish curry - featuring sea bass, monkfish and prawns – among the star turns.

Taking in the sunset on a clear summer’s evening from the clubhouse at Trevose, having waged battle with the Championship Course, is one of those idyllic scenarios that convinces golfers that all the frustrations and angst of this game are, in fact, worth it.

The Trevose package is completed by self-catering accommodation in a broad variety of bungalows and apartments, located primarily behind the clubhouse. The pick of the lodgings are seven Fairway Lodges, which are the result of a £2 million project completed in 2010. These ‘eco-lodges’ are nestled unobtrusively beneath the 18th hole and just 100 yards from the clubhouse. Partially subterranean, the beautifully appointed, three-bedroom lodges were built with local materials and feature ground-source heating and rainwater harvesting for golf course irrigation, while ‘green’ turfed roof space boosts biodiversity.

There are many products in golf marketed as ‘innovations’ when the truth is far different, but in the sphere of golf resort accommodations, the Fairway Lodges at Trevose are strikingly innovative. And therein lies the secret to success at Trevose Golf & Country Club, seamlessly combining the old with the new, an age-old links golf course with the best of 21st century hospitality. www.trevose-gc.co.uk

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Choice Resorts

Bangkok

Borderland eco escape Asita Resort applies nature’s salves to city stresses without spoiling it all with too much travel time.

Wouldn’t it be great to get the heck out of Dodge and fill those lungs with sweet fresh air without having to prepare like Dessert Storm and survive an ordeal more jarring than the Paris-Dakar to get there?

Asita Vimolchaichit, the inspiration and prime instigator behind Asita Eco Resort in Amphawa, Samut Songkhram, just around the corner from there-and-back-in-half-a-morning Damnern Saduak floating market, thought it might.

And so it proves. Depending on where your Bangkok bee hive is and when you plan your escape, the low-key-with-a-touchof-luxury resort is do-able in 1-1.5 hrs, about 20-30 downtown traffic light changes, so it doesn’t cut into your precious weekend at either end.

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Not a bad trade-off for the chance to plunge into another world of slow-paced serenity spiced with a salt-water pool, a spa and organic cuisine, if only for a couple of days.

Billed as a boutique caravanserai, Asita comprises 20 exclusive villas of 42 sqm and a 3-room house. These are set amidst a forest of pine trees a coconut’s thrown from a clean canal.

The villas are attractively rustic with the accent on cool comfort and minimalist sophistication, all reflecting the savvy of an owner with many a year of experience guiding leading tourist hotels to success.

The sensitively sourced materials are complemented by the vista of greenery that bursts through the widescreen windows. Bathrooms are generously proportioned with stand-alone showers. One might

be tempted to turn off the mobile and leave the tablet at home but if you can’t live without, it’s all plug and play anyway with broadband wireless internet, cable and battery-charging points.

Either way, the main temptation is just to sink back and relax around the pool between spa treatments and meal times and rediscover the beauty of life.

As and when you feel like exploring around, Samut Songkhram has some surprises to offer, ranging from the picturesque floating market to multitudinous manifestations of its gilded history. Klong tours are a speciality, whether in a group or by private charter boat. Some of the nearby sights include the Church in a Tree (Unseen in Thailand), Train Track Market, and boat trips to see marine life and watch fireflies. A shuttle is provided to Mae Klong Market, Pak Tor Train Station (for those arriving and departing by railway via Hua Lamphong). Or help yourself to one of the resort’s well-maintained bicycles, borrow a map and explore the area by just following your instincts or with a guide, just as you choose.

Other discoveries include the resort’s accent on authentic, expertly prepared Thai and international cuisine with a healthy rider. Using only locally-sourced produce ranging from seafood from the local marine farm to home-grown herbs and vegetables, resident chefs Pueng and Ord create dishes to die for.

If you’re feeling industrious and looking to get engaged, you might also sign up for a cooking class, guided yoga session or get the free bikes to ride around.

It’s like being on another, incredibly peaceful planet filled with good things – but without going through torment and torture to get there or home again.

Asita Eco Resort Amphawa is located 63km southwest of Bangkok along Highway no.35.

Tel: 089 866 2168, 089 866 3168 email: booking@asitaresort.com www.asitaresort.com, or www.facebook.com/asitaresort

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Choice Resorts

Rancho chaRnvee

ResoRt & countRy club Convenient and about an hour commute from the Suvarnabhumi Airport and easily accessible through the eastern motorway driving towards Nakhon Ratchasima province, Rancho Charnvee Resort & Country Club is a dream destination nestled within the roaming hills and green landscapes of Khao Yai National Park.

Rancho Charnvee Resort & Country Club is situated in Pak Chong District and can be accessible through 2 routes, the Thanarat Road or the Pak Chong-Nong Sarai Road.

Visitors can relax through the fresh, chilling atmosphere and beautiful scenery offered by the Dong Phaya Yen Mountains.

The resort offers a championship standard 18-hole golf course, elegantly designed to test the ability of golfers at all skill levels. In addition, the clubhouse was designed to meet the needs of golfers and for them to be able to experience the atmosphere of Khao Yai in a panoramic setting which is beautiful, luxurious and convenient. Amenities include international restaurant, coffee shop, souvenir shop, standard personal lockers and shower areas.

Rancho Charnvee Resort & Country Club is exquisitely designed and influenced by European country style, fitted with high quality fixtures and furniture to give an extravagant feel of the west. The resort offer rooms encircling a huge free-forrm swimming pool and private villas with outstanding facilities such as Jacuzzi, fitness room and a green grass court for relaxing. The hotel offers 76

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4 room types, such as the Superior rooms which have a total of 40 rooms, the Deluxe rooms that total 12 rooms and 2 Suite rooms. Rooms are uniquely-decorated with different themes and high quality fixtures and furniture. In addition, the resort also offers 8 villas as a premier lodging option which are suitable for guests with big families and those who enjoy privacy and tranquility Enjoy exquisite meals prepared by resident executive chef at the “Chez Sonia� European restaurant and pair dishes with various drinks available in the in-house wine cellar. Guests may utilize the well-equipped fitness center as often as they want during their stay at the resort. Also, they can appreciate the beauty of the horses raised and taken care of by Rancho Charnvee. Another alternative of light exercise and relaxation is a bicycle ride around the resort, besides swimming.

Rancho Charnvee Resort & Country Club is committed to offer a complete vacation for family and friends (and to challenge seasoned golfers). The resort and golf courses have been exquisitely designed and ranks among the top resorts and hotels that golfers and guests choose as a favorite destination during their visit to Khao Yai National Park. Rancho Charnvee Resort & Country Club offers luxurious accommodations, complete with family-friendly outdoor facilities to escape the bustle of city life.

Rancho Charnvee Resort & Country Club 333/2 Khanongphra Sub-district, Pak Chong District, Nakhon Ratchasima Province Tel: 044 756 210-3, 088 375 4466 www.ranchocharnvee.com

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Asia Golf Event

2015 ASIA GOLF TOURISM CONVENTION (AGTC) Nearly 1,000 people, including the region’s top golf tourism convention heads were warmly welcomed to Jakarta, Indonesia for one of the largest of Asia’s golf tourism industry events for the week of Sunday 26th through Thursday 30th April 2015.

- BY Kurt Greve PGA of AmericA mAster Golf ProfessionAl 78

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Following on from the biggest and most successful Asia Golf

Tourism Convention (AGTC), held on China’s tropical island of Hainan, the 4th edition of the annual event moved to Indonesia’s capital of Jakarta. This event brought together golf clubs, golf resorts and destinations from the Asia Pacific region to meet with the many golf tour operators from all over the world. Great relationship building and networking for all that attended to reach the ultimate goal of bringing more golfers to the many great golf destinations.

This event was expertly organized by the global golf tourism industry organization, IAGTO (International Association of Golf Tour Operators).

Tables were full and active with many meetings and discussions to support each other and talking of ways to improve relations and services delivered.

The AGTC has expanded each year since its inception in the Malaysian capital of Kuala Lumpur in 2012 and everyone was excited to hear that the 2016 event will be held in the wonderful city of Chiang Mai. The 2015 event was held at the spectacular Jakarta Convention Centre and guests stayed at the Hotel Mulia Senayan and the Sultan Hotel with both having fantastic accommodations and well-maintained rooms and amenities. These hotels were both well-received and supported the many events, with the Gala Dinner on the final night in the ballroom of the Hotel Mulia Senayan for nearly 1,000 people who attended. The evening was filled with great speeches, wonderful local music and fine Indonesian foods.

IAGTO Chief Executive Peter Walton was also very excited about the convention moving back to Thailand and the host city of Chiang Mai for 2016. With the official hand-over from Indonesia to Thailand, one was successfully finished and the next will prepare for a successful event.

Peter Walton and the IAGTO team were all very impressed with the passion and support for golf tourism in Jakarta and those hard-working staff with “Enjoy Jakarta”. Everyone was highly impressed by the quality of golf courses in Jakarta and seeing many golf courses within a short distance of the capital’s city hotels, shopping and entertainment district.

All of the golf courses stood out in high regards of their fantastic hospitality, the well-managed clubhouses through the restaurants to the golf course conditions to the many details it takes to operate a quality golf experience.

Jakarta is truly one of the friendliest cities in Asia. Easy access Jakarta as Indonesia’s capital city affords from the Asia Pacific region and further afield and the excitement and interest shown by delegates showed that Jakarta could handle the high expectations of the world's best golf tour operators and golf course suppliers who attended the AGTC, and exceeded their expectations.

Those who played golf were very impressed in all regards.

As Indonesia’s capital city, Jakarta was one of Indonesia’s most important tourism destinations and a melting pot of cultures with its population of 12 million people. Besides offering historic sights, heritage trails, shopping, entertainment, dining, spa and international events, Jakarta has 35 golf courses in mountain and city settings in the surrounding area. Some of the golf courses are designed by top name international designers to include Jack Nicklaus and Greg Norman.

The ultimate goal for the 2015 IAGT was to not only expand the golf market and not only to Indonesia, but also throughout Asia. Jakarta was obviously excited to be the host location and full-filled their guarantee that sellers and buyers will have a wonderful experience and all enjoyed coming to Jakarta.

GOLF IN JAKARTA

Jakarta offers one of the greatest combinations of city and golf experiences that you are ever likely to find in any place in the world. Jakarta has simply the best caddy service in the world and 21 world-class golf courses to choose from. All are easily accessible from your city hotel, whether you choose to golf in town or in the highlands. Courses designed by Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, Gary Player, Greg Norman, Robert Trent Jr. and many other great named golf course architects are matched by comfortably appointed clubhouses serving great food and offering fantastic service.

Highly-trained with naturally welcoming personalities, the caddy services in Jakarta are some of the best in the world. You can request caddies who can communicate in English, Korean, Japanese and Chinese. At all golf clubs in Jakarta, every visitor has one caddy, which gives you the freedom to ride in the golf car or walk the golf course between shots.

All of golf clubs in Jakarta also have VIP suites in their clubhouses that can also be rented by visitors. At some golf courses, like Bogor Raya, you can check in directly through the VIP entrance and exit directly onto the golf course without going into the main clubhouse building. This is perfect for small groups and of course if you are combining golf with business for that private VIP experience. Most golf courses also have meeting rooms of different sizes to accommodate your after-golf needs.

These services and amenities are all to make your golf trip and travel experience extra special.

Some of the world’s legendary golf course architects have designed golf couses in Jakarta. You will be able to play on golf courses created by Jack Nicklaus (BSD, Emeralda), Gary Player (Sentul Highlands), Arnold Palmer (Emeralda), Greg Norman (Riverside Golf Club Cibubur), Nick Faldo (Jababeka Golf & Country Club), Peter Thomson (Padang Golf Modern) and world renowned architects Robert Trent Jones, Jr. (PIK, Pondok Indah) and Graham Marsh (Klub Golf Bogor Raya, Gading Raya Padang Golf & Country Club) and many others who are well-respected golf course designers.

Jakarta’s clubhouse facilities are outstanding to provide everything you might need for the day. Many city residents choose to visit the golf clubs for dinner, because of their reputation for great gastronomy and delivering a wealth of local and international cuisine at the highest quality. Whichever course you choose to play, you will receive a memorably warm welcome, matched by great facilities from well-appointed locker rooms to well-stocked pro shops and fully equipped spas and massage services (Soewarna Cengkareng) with abundant practice areas. All to make your experience both on and off the course memorable.

Wherever you stay, you won’t have far to travel to find a golf course, with a number of golf experiences within the city, such as Senayan Golf Club that stretches out from the iconic Hotel Mulia and adjacent to shopping malls and great restaurants. Royale Jakarta Golf Club is well-known for hosting the Indonesian Masters and lies within the city limits at the gateway to the southern highlands of Bogor. Pondok Indah, host course of the Indonesian Open, is another must-play ‘green oasis’ in the heart of the city. If you don’t feel like straying very far from your hotel room, there are many options.

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Bogor highlands, the nearest of which can be reached in 45 minutes from the city. The abundance of golf courses that are accessible from the southern highway has given rise to a new name for this region. Here you can find immaculately-presented ‘garden’ courses, like Bogor Raya, and others combining mountain vistas with expansive views, rivers and lakes, hills and woodland (Sentul Highlands, Gunung Geulis Golf & Country Club, Rainbow Hills, etc.). If you like the idea of combining beautiful tranquil golf during the day with the hubbub of a vibrant city in the evenings, then come and experience Jakarta’s great golf courses for a great golf experience.

All around the city there are a wide variety of golf courses, easily accessible from the city centre. In the direction of the airport are the Soewarna Cengkareng and Damai Indah PIK courses, both courses are fantastic, but offer quite different experiences. Heading west, the Jack Nicklaus designed BSD course is a stunning design in a beautiful lush tropical setting. Only 30 minutes’ drive is the 27 hole Emeralda Golf Club, with 18 holes of an Arnold Palmer designed layout with contrasting 9 holes by Jack Nicklaus and so close to the city, but feels a world apart with rolling hills scattered with water hazards.

Thank you to all and we hope to reciprocate these many generous and numerous efforts of service and support to make this trip a positive and memorable experience when we meet again in Chiang Mai, Thailand in 2016 or sooner.

For those who do not know the IAGTO, it was established in 1997 and IAGTO's membership comprises of over 2,300 accredited golf tour operators, golf resorts, hotels, golf courses, receptive operators, airlines, tourist boards, approved media and business partners in nearly 100 countries including, at its core, nearly 600 specialist golf tour operators in over 60 countries. It is estimated that IAGTO’s operators control over 85% of golf holiday packages sold worldwide is valued at more than €2.1 billion per year.

As stated by IAGTO’s founder and chief executive, Peter Walton,

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“IAGTO strives to provide information and create opportunities that help its members develop their business faster, with less effort and less cost. In addition to organizing FAM trips, press trips, workshops, destination conventions and events, our staff around the world are constantly developing new services for our members to take advantage of and we pride ourselves on being at the heart of the golf tourism industry.”

Whilst the primary goal of IAGTO has always been to develop services and activities to directly benefit its growing membership, IAGTO now has a much broader remit to maintain and raise standards throughout the industry and to help destinations position themselves not only to attract more business but to deliver the best possible experience to the visiting golf traveller.

The Asia Annual Convention was so well-attended and respected to bring buyers and suppliers together in equal numbers to meet and talk business on a regional level. It is always a great pleasure to work with Peter Walton and his team on events and to attend all of the IAGTO’s well-organized and professionally run events.

In order to reward the outstanding achievements of many undiscovered, emerging and established golf destinations along with individual golf resorts, IAGTO celebrates the end of each year with its own Golf Travel Awards Ceremony and Gala Dinner.

IAGTO’s global head office is based in London, England, and it also has representatives in the USA & Canada, China, Japan, Korea, Thailand, Australia & New Zealand, South Africa, France, Ireland, Spain, Germany, Italy and Turkey.

Many thanks to the 5-star airline of Garuda Indonesia and their 5-star Airline Award! A great trip from a great airline when we flew from Bangkok to Jakarta for the AGTC 2015 event and all that traveled were well taken care of for the flight with comfort, quality food and beverages and kind flight attendants. We all enjoyed the smooth 3-hour flight and exceptional service delivered. It was as expected and more

from a 5-star airline and we will be flying Garuda Indonesia many more times in the future when traveling through SE Asia. Thank you!

Garuda Indonesia marked another milestone in its receiving the prestigious recognition as a 5-star airline. In December 2014, Skytrax, the world’s leading airline review specialists have named Garuda Indonesia the newest member of the exclusive group of 5-Star Airlines. The exclusive, top-tier 5-star rating is only awarded to airlines achieving the highest quality performance on a consistent basis. Garuda Indonesia becomes the seventh airline to earn the prestigious award, joining Asiana Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Hainan Airlines, All Nippon Airways, Qatar Airways, and Singapore Airlines.

For Garuda Indonesia to be named a 5-star airline by Skytrax is an incredible recognition and achievement of the airline’s efforts to consistently deliver great service, which the airline has continued to do over the recent years, not only in terms of services, but also throughout all aspects of the company.

The recognition of quality standards at Garuda Indonesia reflects the hard work by the airline in recent years. This rating is based on an allround assessment of the product and service, onboard and at the airport.

Consistency of an airline's product and service is a major part of the 5-star rating, with Garuda's long haul fleet now offering Business Class flatbed seating and 34 inch seat pitch in Economy Class is up to the highest standards. Customers can also experience the new First Class and Business Class 5-star service concept rolled out across the Boeing 777-300ER fleet.

Garuda Indonesia also takes great effort to go above-and-beyond and delivers consistent fantastic service at the Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, its home base hub. Providing enhanced airport service, together with improved and expanded premium passenger facilities is a key to the success.

A 5-star airline rating represents "ultimate" quality recognition, which is only awarded to airlines that achieve a consistent and exceptional front-line quality performance. The 5-star airline rating recognizes airlines at the forefront of product innovation that sets quality benchmarks. The airline rating system assesses the standard of an airline's product and service delivery quality, using more than 800 assessment categories.

Onboard the product of the aircraft with comfortable seats, attentive service staff, clear communication techniques and delivery efficiency of food and beverages, is all associated with the aspects of this 5-star service experience.

Other noteworthy awards the airline has been awarded are: “The World’s Best Economy Class” in 2013, “The World's Best Regional Airline” in 2012, and “The World's Most Improved Airline” in 2010, also by Skytrax. More importantly, during the “Passenger Choice Awards 2013” held in September 2013 in Anaheim, California, USA, and organized by Airline Passenger Experience Association (APEX), Garuda Indonesia was chosen as the “Best in Region: Asia and Australasia”.

From Bangkok to Jakarta, Garuda Indonesia provides 3 flights scheduled daily: GA 865 depart at 06.35am GA 867 depart at 14.10am GA 869 depart at 17.15am and can transfer to Bali and Yogyakarta to visit the famous Borobudur Temple. Tel: 02 285 6470 Email: garudaindonesia.bkk@hotmail.com - edited BY GeorGe somAPA

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Collection ★ Golf

NIKE GOLF

Latest club collection pays tribute to the history of the game.

The game of golf has evolved. So have the players, the clubs, the courses and the style. Its history, however, will never change.

The latest edition of the Nike Golf Club Collection, a tribute to golf’s heritage, releases in time for The Open Championship at St. Andrews in Scotland.

Designed for on-course performance and off-course casual, the collection celebrates the game’s journey with a worn, weathered look, inspired by the famous links of Scotland. The ever-present elements at the historic course, especially wind and rain, lend to the garments washed appearance.

That theme is most evident on the T-shirt graphics from the collection. Each shirt emphasizes the harsh conditions with a washed and muted aesthetic. The Nike Golf Every Damn Bunker T-shirt honors the sand hazards that notoriously disrupt the game of even the world’s best players. An extension of this idea, the Nike Golf Swinging Blind T-shirt refers to the St. Andrews hotel that obstructs the fairway view from the 17th tee box.

Each piece of the collection takes from a palette of primary colors that are reminiscent of the third Major Championship. The Nike Golf Tipped Novelty Polo, available in gym red, white, is a classic polyester polo with a knit rib collar and cuff. The Nike Golf Windrunner is borrowed from Nike Sportswear while adding a weathered look to the classic Nike silhouettes.

Other products in the Nike Golf Club Collection include the Nike Golf True Cap. These hats are standard styles designed with elements that speak to the dangers of the game - wind and rain - as well as the swoosh golf logo that is a constant in the Nike Golf Club Collection. Nike Lunar Mont Royal Premium in a limited edition color, Nike RZN Black golf balls with logos reflective of the third major championship of the year, as well as a blue putter cover are also included in this collection.

The Nike Golf Club Collection is available on nike.com and select retailers from July 1.

Unicorn Link Co., Ltd. Puenjai Potepanao (Hen) M: +6661-645-1614 Email: puenjai@gmail.com or unicornlink2013@gmail.com Nike Golf – SEA/Pacific Tel: +662-646-6100 Pisit Khematharonon M: +668 3883 3271pisit.k@nike.com Akhrathep Srinarula M: +668 6902 5566 akhrathep.srinarula@nike.com

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Collection ★ Indulge

Zwilling J.A. Henckels

From oven to table.

Top of the line stainless steel cookware at your

fingertips from Zwilling J.A. Henckels!

Built for stability and sophisticated design, every cook (professionals and amateurs) would be proud to have this in their kitchen!

Practical and elegant, these cookware from Zwilling J.A. Henckels is the best investment for every household.

Too little time? No problem! Technically designed for efficient heat distribution, your dishes will be evenly and easily cooked to perfection!

What more....its design is so elegant. Get rid of those serving plates! From stove or oven, serve your dishes direct to your table!

Done with dining? No messy wash-up jobs! Leftovers? Keep the rest (including your cookware) direct in the refrigerator!

My cookware, my dream! Make it yours too!

Zwilling J.A. Henckels Store at K Village, 1st Floor, Tel: 02 661 5009, Mega Bangna, 2nd Floor, Tel: 02 105 1815 and Erawan G Floor Instagram: #zwillingthailand

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Collection ★ Move

Jaguar XE

receives two top global awards ahead of Thailand launch in Q3 “Most Beautiful Car of 2014” at the 30th Festival Automobile International in Paris and “Best Large Car 2015” in Diesel Car magazine awards.

Bangkok – The Jaguar XE has scooped two coveted international motoring awards ahead of the XE’s Thailand launch in Quarter Three, 2015. The Jaguar XE was named “Most Beautiful Car of 2014” at the 30th Festival Automobile International in Paris, an award decided by public vote with more than 100,000 votes cast across 59 countries. The Jaguar XE took victory with 28% of the overall votes – a remarkable achievement. The second award, “Best Large Car 2015” in the Diesel Car magazine awards, praised the Jaguar XE for its beautiful looks, competitive pricing, classy cabin, low CO2 emissions and its sporty driving dynamics; in short, it is the complete executive sports saloon.

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Ms. Kornlak Kaewkulaya, Marketing Manager, City Automobiles Co., Ltd., said, “City Automobiles is pleased to announce it is to unveil the Jaguar XE to Thai consumers in the third quarter of 2015. The Jaguar XE is a medium-sized sports sedan which suits a new generation of young businessmen in Thailand; successful, driven professionals who prefer a unique, high performance executive vehicle, but at a manageable cost of entry and with reasonable running costs.”

City Automobiles will launch the campaign #feelXE in the lead-up to the launch, giving customers a sense of connectivity to the new car, along with a feel for the XE lifestyle. Jaguar’s new XE is the first car in the world to make use of a new grade of high strength aluminium called RC 5754. This new alloy features a high level of recycled material and makes a significant contribution to Jaguar’s goal of using 75% recycled material by 2020. The technology is projected to deliver fuel economy of over 75mpg* (less than 4 litres/100km) on the EU combined cycle.

The Jaguar XE will be the first aluminium monocoque product in the segment and is set to be the most advanced, efficient and refined sports saloon in its class. The model comes with the choice of two power plants: Benzene 4-cylinder 2.0L and Diesel 4-cylinder 2.0L (with fuel economy at 26.5 km/lt, and CO2 emissions lower than 100 g/km).

With a sophisticated infotainment system and an array of advanced driver assistance systems, the XE also features Jaguar’s new laser head-up display (HUD) - an industry-first. Projecting sharp, high-contrast colour images onto the windscreen, the technology provides the driver with information such as speed and navigation instructions with maximum clarity and minimum distraction. As well as better image quality, the laser HUD is smaller and almost a third lighter than existing systems.

Collection ★ Move

Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes-Benz sets new benchmark for first 5 months sales, ready to take leadership to further heights with introduction of the new S-Class Coupé.

Bangkok – Mercedes-Benz Thailand has set new car sales records.

The company achieved an all-time high in the first five months of 2015 by making an all-time sales record of 4,108 units, an increase of 12.24% from 3,660 units in the corresponding period of 2014. It is now poised to extend its lead in the premium segment by launching the new S-Class Coupe, combining classic proportions of a large, sporty coupe with modern luxury and pioneering technology. The model marketed in Thailand, S500 Coupe AMG Premium, is now open for orders at Mercedes-Benz authorized dealers only, at the price of 15,490,000 baht.

The model officially marketed in Thailand is the S500 Coupe AMG Premium.

From the exterior, its sporty front radiator grille with one chrome slat is unmistakably enhanced by a large central Mercedes logo. The long bonnet, AMG Sports Package (front and rear aprons, side sill panels), under-bumper trim strips at the front, green-tinted glass all round; single-layer safety glass for rear window, dual exhaust pipes, vented brake discs and brake calipers with “Mercedes-Benz” lettering, and sporty 19-inch AMG 5-twin-spoke light-alloy wheels reinforce the S-Class Coupe’s reputation as a masterpiece of automotive refinement.

The interior design of the S500 Coupe AMG Premium offers the highest level of “modern luxury”. Use of the finest materials contributes towards a truly exclusive car interior. For example, its Exclusive package includes seats in designo Exclusive nappa leather with a striking diamond backstitching pattern, headlining in DINAMICA microfibre and a sporty multifunction steering wheel.

S500 Coupe AMG Premium is powered by a 90-degree V8 biturbo engine with a displacement of 4,663 cc. Combined with 9G-TRONIC transmission system, the engine has a rated output of 455 hp at 5,250-5,500 rpm and max torque of 700 Nm at 1,800-3,500 rpm. The new coupe makes 0-100 km/h acceleration in 4.6 seconds and has a top speed of 250 km/hour. AIRMATIC suspension with continuously variable damping control offers a cutting-edge combination of great driving comfort and excellent high-speed handling. The S500 Coupe AMG Premium is priced at 15,490,000 baht. For more information and orders, please contact one of the 31 Mercedes-Benz authorized dealers nationwide.

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Collection ★ Time

Lange & SĂśhne Datograph up/down in pink gold, a chronograph classic restyled.

Three years after it was first presented, the datograph up/down is now available in a second version as well: in a pink-gold case with a black solid-silver dial.

Launched in 2012, the datograph up/down is endowed with milestone technical features: a classic column-wheel control mechanism, a precisely jumping minute counter and a flyback function come together in a movement that showcases true engineering finesse. The aesthetic quality of the calibre is reflected by the balanced dial layout with the characteristic Lange outsize date and the two argente subsidiary dials for the seconds and the minute counter forming an equilateral triangle. The up/down attribute is standard Lange terminology for the power-reserve indicator. Up stands for the maximum power reserve of 60 hours when fully wound, while down means that the energy of the mainspring has been depleted and the pink-gold arrow enters the red zone of the indicator.

The black dial made of solid silver is embedded in an 18-carat pink-gold case with a diameter of 41.0 millimetres. Luminous hands and pink-gold baton hour markers accentuate the systematic design concept.

The sapphire-crystal caseback allows many components to be observed in action, for instance those of the precisely jumping minute counter, which assures precise time measurement, or the column wheel that controls the chronograph functions. Composed of 451 parts, the l951.6 manufacture calibre unites all typical lange quality hallmarks, such as the sturdy three-quarter plate made of untreated German silver, lavishly finished movement parts, a hand-engraved balance cock and four gold chatons secured with screws. These assets make this calibre one of the most seductive manifestations of Lange & Sohne’s competence in chronograph design.

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Collection ★ Time

AudemArs Piguet

Royal Oak Concept Laptimer Michael Schumacher.

The timepiece features a single chronograph driving two central hands which can be controlled independently via three pushpieces - the first sited at the conventional two o’clock position to start and stop the chronograph; the second sited at the four o’clock position to re-set the chronograph, and the all-important third pushpiece sited at the nine o’clock position.

This third pushpiece makes it possible to simultaneously stop either of the two chronograph hands, while returning the other hand to zero and restarting it - meaning that, while the time of the most recent lap is being noted down, timing of the next lap is already underway. The watch therefore negates the need for two or more handheld timing devices, streamlining the operation within a single wrist chronograph.

Alternatively, the watch can keep a certain lap time as reference, stopping one hand with the laptimer button, and using the flyback function on the other chronograph hand with the pusher at 4 o’clock to restart the measurement of each new lap. Finally, the timepiece can be used as a “standard” flyback chronograph with both hands running together in parallel.

"Royal Oak Concept Laptimer Michael Schumacher" is the world’s first mechanical chronograph with alternating consecutive lap timing and flyback function, specifically designed and engineered for continuous action and relentless precision in timing laps on the racetrack. It will be the second Audemars Piguet chronograph to carry the name of the celebrated driver, and in honour of his extraordinary career, the Royal Oak Concept Laptimer Michael Schumacher will be made available in a strictly limited edition of 221 pieces, in recognition of the number of F1 World Championship point-winning races in which he competed. This hand-wound Manufacture Calibre 2923 Laptimer and Flyback Chronograph comes in 44mm carbon case, openworked black dial, curved glareproofed sapphire crystal, 80-hour power reserve, together with black rubber strap and titanium AP folding clasp, at a price of 6,433,900 baht.

In 2010, F1 legend and Audemars Piguet ambassador Michael Schumacher posed an apparently simple question to the engineers at Audemars Piguet: would it be possible to create a mechanical wrist watch designed specifically for use in motorsport which would make it possible to measure and record an extended series of consecutive lap times?

It was a horological challenge that had never before been met in a mechanical watch, and one that was inspired by motor racing's very specific requirement to be able to time and compare multiple, consecutive laps - a task which has traditionally been carried out using a bank of two or more stop watches arranged in series.

Now, after almost five years of development, Audemars Piguet can claim to have conquered that challenge. It is the first motorsport-specific watch to feature a complication imagined by the celebrated driver, with two angular indexing systems on a single chronograph, each with an independent memory. It is also the first time that a movement has been developed from scratch at the behest of an ambassador by Audemars Piguet – an indication of the strength of the long-standing relationship which the Manufacture has enjoyed with Michael Schumacher since 2010.

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Collection ★ Time

HAuTLENcE

Hautlence’s new chronographs Invictus 01 and 03 are now available in stores worldwide.

La Chaux-de-Fonds, May 2015 – Hautlence’s two new

elegant and sporty chronographs are now available at the brand’s recently inaugurated hautlounge in Jakarta and points of sales around the world.

Presented at Baselworld 2015, the Invictus 01 and 03 perfectly embody the invincible ‘gentlemen rebels’ spirit that characterises the Hautlence man.

The Invictus 01 and 03 are powered by the same skeletonised chronograph movement as the Invictus Morphos, the brand’s first chronograph designed in collaboration with its dynamic ambassador, ex-footballer Eric Cantona. The bezel stands out in contrast with the stylish black titanium case and comes in a choice of two different materials - glowing 18-carat red gold (Invictus 01) or sophisticated black PVD-coated steel (Invictus 03). Both versions are entirely in tune with the brand DNA, featuring complex multi-level dial constructions that ensure excellent readability while bringing immense depth to the design.

The three-dimensional overall effect is further enhanced by Hautlence’s emblematic honeycomb motif adorning the dial base in gold.

The Invictus 03’s aluminium case middle and horns contrast beautifully with the elegant black PVD-coated steel bezel, push-buttons and screws. A sapphire crystal intermediate dial with powdered silvertoned print completes the design and is offset by hour and minute hands coated with orange Super-Luminova®. The more luxurious Invictus 01 features push-buttons, screws and a crown crafted out of red gold, as well as matching 5N red-gold plated details on the dial. The Invictus 03 comes with a black hornback crocodile leather strap with orange topstitching and a steel clasp, while the Invictus 01 is fitted with an upscale Louisiana alligator rubberised leather strap paired with a folding clasp with polished red gold plate.

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Hautlence’s latest demonstration of its creative approach to watchmaking has resulted in two exceptional timepieces that will appeal to connoisseurs who appreciate fine watchmaking and mechanical works of art. Personifying the spirit of the exclusive Hautlence gentlemen rebels club, the chronographs are aptly named Invictus - meaning unbeatable and invincible.

A brand-new chapter in Hautlence history

Ever since its foundation in 2004, Hautlence has been dedicated to bringing a new dynamic into the art of watchmaking, thus gaining the recognition of watch collectors and connoisseurs the world over.

The brand has a portfolio of four calibres designed and manufactured in-house and relies on external partners for the movements of certain collections. Hautlence launched the HL calibre in 2005, followed in 2009 by the HLQ calibre, with the brand’s third calibre, the HLC hot on its heels in 2010. The following year saw the introduction of the high-flying HL2.0 calibre in a variety of different versions. Since 2012, Hautlence has enjoyed the support of melb holding, which has made its experience and network accessible to the brand with the aim of developing effective synergies between Hautlence and the group as a whole.

Like its name, an anagram of the brand’s hometown of Neuchatel, Hautlence is renowned for turning things upside down. Following this mindset, the brand has challenged the boundaries of traditional watchmaking designs by drawing on its architecturally-inspired roots and uniting them with innovative mechanical solutions borrowed from other industrial worlds. Acutely aware of the two essential dimensions of time and space, Hautlence is driven to design timepieces with original lines and multi-level dial constructions that provide incredible depth.

Collection ★ Time

HErMÉS

A movement towards the essentials.

Hermes presents a new watch collection born of a stylistic exercise on the theme of aesthetic purity: Slim d’Hermes. This determination to aim for essentials results in lines distinguished by their elementary sobriety, expressed through the slenderness of a case. The broad dial opening immediately draws the gaze, while the design of the lugs forms a right angle. The extreme simplicity of this watch conveys a movement towards essentials in a rigorous, beautifully balanced manner.

Slim d’Hermes, designed by Philippe Delhotal, Creative Director of La Montre Hermes, testifies to the graphic approach of the house through the original typography created by Philippe Apeloig* to mark the hours. The light, airy outline of the numerals imparts a lively rhythm that gives time a pleasing cadence.

This watch for both men and women comes in three sizes.

At the heart of the large 39.5 mm-diameter model beats the Manufacture Hermes H1950 ultra-thin movement. The integration of a micro-rotor serves to slim down this self-winding calibre that now measures just 2.6 mm. Like the other models from the Manufacture, this movement is adorned with the “sprinkling of Hs” motif, while the bridges are hand-bevelled in keeping with watchmaking traditions. A sapphire crystal case-back affords a glimpse of the details conveying this expertise. Time is displayed in its simplest expression showing only the hours, minutes and seconds.

The 39.5 mm-diameter model may be equipped with a perpetual calendar mechanism, one of the most demanding horological complications. This function, which counts off the days and months while taking account of leap years and thus provides a four-year display, is associated with a moon-phase indication in natural white mother-of-pearl set against an aventurine glass sky, as well as a dualtime display in an ultra-thin composition.

A quartz movement drives the 32 mm and 25 mm models, while new colours enrich the range of alligator straps: blackcurrant, cloud white and sapphire blue, alongside ember, Etruscan, elephant grey and ultraviolet options. The wristband is also available in box calf, Barenia leather strap or steel bracelet versions. Slim d’Hermes appears in rose gold or steel variations, with or without diamond settings. When adorned in rose gold, the watch is graced with a guilloche dial in white natural mother-of-pearl, while the brand’s exlibris motif appears on the back of the case.

Whether mechanical symphony or artistic composition, Slim d’Hermes delivers its supremely pure definition of time, symbolising a return to the fundamentals of the watchmaking art. In keeping with the proud traditions of the house, this collection also provides broad scope for highlighting handcrafted skills, be they historical or unprecedented in the watchmaking field, in giving rise to truly exceptional creations.

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Collection ★ Time

PATEK PHILIPPE Reference 5016A-010.

One of the great classics of the Patek Philippe

wrist Grand Complications between 1993 and 2011, Reference 5016 unites in its Calatrava-style case three of the complications most highly prized by devotees of exceptional watches: the tourbillon, the minute repeater and the perpetual calendar with moon-phase display.

As an additional refinement, the perpetual calendar is endowed with a retrograde date hand, which flies back to the 1st of the month after having reached the 28th, 29th, 30th or 31st under the action of an ingenious mechanism controlled by a spiral-coiled spring. This graceful interplay of sophisticated functions is orchestrated by a movement comprising 506 parts, all painstakingly finished by hand with the dedication to excellence for which the manufacture is known.

Reference 5016A-010 was created specially for Only Watch 2015 and is the first and only version of this watch to be produced in

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steel. The sheen of this metal, rarely seen in a Patek Philippe Grand Complication, compliments a blue enameled dial that perpetuates the tradition of the rare handcrafts.

Ref. 5016A-010 Caliber R TO 27 PS QR. Manual winding. Minute repeater.

Tourbillon. Perpetual calendar with retrograde date hand. Day, month and leap year in apertures. Moon phases. Seconds subdial at 6 o’clock. Blue enameled dial with gold applied Breguet numerals. 18K gold dial plate. Alligator leather strap, shiny navy blue, hand-stitched.

Fold-over clasp. Interchangeable full back and sapphire-crystal case back. Case is humidity and dust protected only (not water resistant).

Case diameter: 36.8 mm. Steel.

Collection ★ Time

BuLGArI OcTO MASErATI,

THE EPITOME OF ITALIAN EXcELLENcE. This limited-edition chronograph pays tribute to the joint

anniversary of the two Houses embodying a certain art of living. Founded on December 1, 1914 in Bologna by Alfieri Maserati and two of his six brothers, Ettore and Ernesto, the eponymous car manufacturer now based in Modena is celebrating its centenary in 2014. A momentous year, that also sees Bulgari toast its 130th anniversary.

Reputed for their creativity and excellence, the two Italian firms have jointly decided to mark this milestone year with a distinctive and exceptional sports watch: the Octo Maserati chronograph, symbolising the encounter between Italian talents in two fields that are at once very different and yet extremely close. Maserati, an Italian icon of automobile design, has forged its worldwide success through the world of competition – a school of rigorous discipline and performance that are essential prerequisites for mounting the winners’ podium and achieving the best possible results. Human beings play a crucial role in such feats, be they the engineers, designers, mechanics who develop and fine-tune a racing car, or the driver who holds its fate in his hands. Thanks to this experience, Maserati is able to offer a demanding and refined clientele a number of particularly remarkable GT cars. Distinguished from mere sports cars that are fast but often somewhat restrictive, GT models are capable of whisking their occupants along on fine journeys at a brisk pace and in a manner that is both comfortable and elegant.

Power and performance are thus dedicated to serving a way of life.

In keeping with this tradition, and to mark the centenary of the car manufacturer, Bulgari has conceived a timepiece evoking this art of living shared by the two Italian firms reputed for their boldness, their creativity and their chic. For this exceptional partnership that began in 2012 with the launch of the Octo Quadri-Retro Chronograph bearing the colours of the Italian carmaker, the Manufacture Bulgari has chosen this year to drive its chronograph by means of a movement that lives up to its name. Nicknamed Velocissimo, meaning “the fastest”, the self-winding chronograph movement chosen by the Swiss masterwatchmakers to power this limited series is fitted with 45 jewels and distinguished by its extremely high frequency, at 36,000 vibrations per hour.

Equipped with a silicon escapement and an oscillating pinion operating as a clutch to ensure that the chronograph is activated as precisely as a sequential gearbox, Calibre BVL 328 has a 50-hour power reserve guaranteeing a blend of performance, precision and autonomy. This powerful mechanism is equally well prepared for sudden bursts of speed as for long-haul races, just like the cars offered by Maserati. The evocative nature of this timepiece is not confined to its technical aspects, since everything about the Octo Maserati, from the singular case design right the way through to the case finishes, echoes the world of the car manufacturer.

This is a fine example of fruitful cooperation and dialogue between the designers and engineers of the two Italian firms, amounting to far more than a mere partnership. With its 41.5 mm diameter enabling comfortable dial read-off, the case

of the Octo Maserati, which is water-resistant to 100 metres, echoes the generous proportions and comfort of both historical and modern Maseratis.

The two chronograph buttons handling stop/start and reset functions, respectively placed at 2 and 4 o’clock, are perfectly integrated on the case middle within the 110 facets of the case, so as to form a single, homogenous whole. They provide an eloquent reminder that the Octo range is inspired by brilliant Italian accomplishments in the fields of architecture and design – as well as performance, as confirmed by the tachometric bezel. Octo Maserati provides readings as instantaneous as a car’s speedometers, displayed on a champleve dial.

Like the design and production of a Maserati, this production technique involves a long and complex process calling for perfect control, plenty of time, intense concentration and a large number of successive stages: from hollowing out the cavities that will hold the lacquer, to the firing phases and the finishing of the shiny surfaces, as well as hand applying the varnish and polishing each surface. The final result is an elegant and eminently readable dial entirely in keeping with the spirit of the dashboards on the cars bearing the famous trident. The latter emblem that has come to represent the car manufacturer was created by the artist in the family, Mario Maserati, and inspired by the famous Neptune fountain in Bologna. It tops the chronograph hand and discreetly appears on the semi-transparent blue case-back. The dial also features a luminous blue shade reflecting the carmaker’s iconic colour.

The blue alligator leather strap, secured to the wrist by a double-blade steel folding clasp with a safety fastening, is as supple and refined as the upholstery of one of these desirable sports cars.

While each is exactly as its creators intended, each watch is as unique as each car. There will indeed be only 1,914 Octo Maserati chronographs, in tribute to the founding year of Maserati. Proudly bearing its double signature, the Bulgari watch created for Maserati is a manifesto of a distinctive art of living, of kindred values and of a jointly upheld philosophy. Quite obviously, this timepiece is far more than just a commemorative limited-series watch for gentlemen drivers. The Octo Maserati expresses the quintessence of a vision of elegance fully shared by the two Italian Houses keen to provide an imaginative and perfect response to a desire for high standards and elegance.

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Moments

J’AIME A jouney from France to Asia at J’aime by Jean-Michel Lorain.

Jean-Michel Lorain, Michelin stars recipient from La Cote Saint Jacques, Burgundy, France recently visited Bangkok and created a peerless 10-course menu inspired by a voyage of discovery from France to Asia assisted by his protege Amerigo Sesti, Head Chef at J’AIME by Jean-Michel Lorain.

The combination menu served with a shared concept included perfectly executed dishes featuring foie gras, quail, skate, lobster, beef and rice with fine wine pairing highlighting an eclectic selection from France chosen by Jean-Michel’s daughter Marine. This exclusive event was an overwhelming success and stirred great demand and interest among Bangkok’s fine dining aficionados.

For anyone who couldn’t join us please be patient for the next exciting event which is coming soon.

For more information, please contact Suchitra Sirirak | PR Manager Tel: 02 119 4804 Email: pr@usathornbangkok.com www.jaime-bangkok.com

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Moments

HIlton HuA HIn REsoRt And spA The perfect combination of bustling urban life and relaxed seaside living.

The recently opened Chay Had bar and lounge is a very chic Located on a prime beachfront location of Hua Hin beachfront bar that serves numerous cocktails and drinks along with Royal beach resort and just 15 minutes from Hua Hin Airport and foods.

As the sun sets, Chay Had Lounge evolves into a chic cocktail little over 150-minute drive from the capital of Bangkok, Hilton bar worthy of being classed among the best venues to chill out in Hua Hua Hin Resort and Spa houses most rooms overlooking the old Hin. but still operating fisherman pier of Hua Hin with a view to kill Comprising of ten restaurants and bars, Hilton Hua Hin offers from a private balcony of each room overlooking the refreshing remarkable dining options designed with you in mind, be it the wellviews of the magnificent Gulf of Thailand. established Hua Hin Brewing Company that serves international foods Recently, Hilton Hua Hin took part in World Masters Golf that or the award-winning White Lotus that serves delicious authentic housed for almost 900 golfers from over the world participating in Szechuan and Cantonese dishes on the rooftop terrace. The Lotus the world's largest week of amateur golf event. skybar also comes with a stunning view as well.

There are plenty of golf courses nearby within 15 minutes The hotel has top-of-the-class spa and massage facilities called driving distance namely Black Mountain Golf Hua Hin, Banyan The Spa located at M floor and open every day from 10.00-20.00, Golf Club, Palm Hills, Royal Hua Hin Golf and a little further beachfront pool, gym, paddle tennis table, squash, tennis court, bike away such as Springfield Royal Country Club, The Imperial and tour desk and golf tour desk, kids club, baby sitting service, and Lakeview, Majestic Creek and few more. meeting rooms with modern facilities.

Hua Hin has been awarded the Best Golf Destination in Asia Best of all, the hotel is in superb location and right in the heart of

by IAGTO (International Association of Golf Tour Operators) in Hua Hin town. You can easily walk to fisherman pier and the famous the year of 2014 for her lifestyle, quality of golf courses, services Hua Hin night market. and value for money (announced on 14 November 2013 at the IAGTO Awards Gala Dinner on the final day of the International Hilton Hua Hin Resort and Spa Golf Travel Market at the historic Tarragona Place De Tores, 33 Naresdamri Road, Hua Hin, Thailand Tarragona, Costa Daurada, Spain).

Tel: +66-32-538-999 Fax: +66-32-538-990 www.huahin.hilton.com Golf Vacations

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Moments

suZAnn pEttERsEn Claims 15th LPGA Tour victory.

Entering the final round with a one-shot lead, Nike Golf

athlete Suzann Pettersen birdied two of her last three holes to win the Manulife LPGA Classic at Whistle Bear Golf Club. The victory marks the 15th on the LPGA Tour and the first since 2013 for the Norway native.

“I kept digging deep and finished strong,” Pettersen said. “I feel like I played some really good golf this week. It’s nice to be back.”

Pettersen relied on her Nike Golf equipment en route to a 22-under overall finish. She recorded two eagles and 21 birdies throughout the tournament, thanks in part to her Nike Vapor Pro Combo irons. These irons deliver the unique combination of more distance and control through an innovative Modern Muscle design.

Modern Muscle is defined by balanced weighting for perfected precision and power.

Relying on her Nike Vapor Speed driver, Pettersen averaged 278 yards driving. The Vapor Speed driver blends three key technologies: Nike’s FlyBeam-reinforced Covert Cavity Back design, a reengineered Compression Channel and FlexLoft 2. All of these are vital to the golf athlete driven to maximize distance and consistency.

Pettersen utilized the Nike RZN Black golf ball with Speedlock RZN core technology. This innovative design features an interlocking core to promote better energy transfer between layers at impact for

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faster ball speed, longer distance and more stability into the wind.

She also sported apparel from Nike Golf’s performance collection and the Nike FI Impact 2 shoe, which will be available on nike.com on July 1, 2015.

PETTERSEN'S NIKE GOLF ARSENAL: Fairway Wood: Nike Covert 3-wood/15-degree Hybrid: Nike Vapor Speed 2/17-degree Irons: Nike Pro Combo (4-5, 7-P), Nike VR Forged (6) Wedges: Nike VR Pro 48-degree and Nike Engage 52-degree, 59-degree Putter: Nike Method MOD 30 Ball: Nike RZN Black NIKE GOLF'S 2015 LPGA TOUR VICTORIES: Suzann Pettersen - Manulife LPGA Classic NIKE GOLF'S 2015 PGA TOUR VICTORIES: Rory McIlroy - Wells Fargo Championship Rory McIlroy - WGC-Cadillac Match Play NIKE GOLF'S 2015 INTERNATIONAL VICTORIES: Rory McIlroy - Omega Dubai Desert Classic (European Tour)

Moments

cEntARA WoRld MAstERs Golf cHAMpIonsHIp 2015 A record 700 visitors from 23 countries will have arrived in Hua Hin for

the start of the championship. The tournament has attracted big numbers from Australia, the Philippines, India, New Zealand and China is represented for the first time with 42 golfers from Grand Hill Golf Club in Chengdu.

The event's international appeal has attracted players from France, Germany, United States, the United Kingdom, UAE and even Iceland. ASEAN nations are well represented with 88 players, including 18 from host country Thailand and 15 from Vietnam.

For the second time, Golf Asian brought in golfers from around the world to the lovely royal beach town of Hua Hin, Thailand. Four golf courses being played are Black Mountain, Banyan, Majestic Creek and Imperial Lakeview with additional round at Springfield Royal Golf Club.

Format of play is 4 round stableford. The winner is the golfer with the most stableford points after 4 rounds.

Executive Director of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Tanes Petsuwan said, "We are delighted to be welcoming golfers from the entire world to Hua Hin to compete in the Centara World Masters Golf Championship. In 2013, Hua Hin was voted best golf destination in

Asia and the continued growth and success of the Centara World Masters showcase the destination's golf and tourism appeal. The Centara World Masters is expected to inject more than 85 million baht into the Thai economy."

Mark Sigel, Managing Director of Golf Asian the main person of the event also quoted "This year was bigger and better than last year with 30% more golfers participated, each golf course was played in a double shotgun format for 3 days versus 2, and most of all over US$30,000 in prizes were given away."

The players were amateur club golfers 35 years in age and older from 23 countries around the world. Countries with the highest number of players were Australia, China, India, Vietnam, UAE, and of course Thailand.

Most definitely the event is a spring board for Thailand golf tourism. Most of the players brought non-playing partners and arrived early and/or are extending their stays after the event. Word-of-mouth has brought 50% of the new players. Next year the event will grow for 800 or even 1000 players, the majority of whom are golf tourists. Lastly, we have a similar even planned for Vietnam in September and are looking into holding Masters Events in Bali and Phuket in 2016 and 2017.

The 3rd edition of the World Masters Golf Championship will be staged in Hua Hin from June 12-18, 2016. All details can be found at www.thailandworldmasters.com Golf Vacations

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Moments

The Banyan ResoRT oysTeR Pool PaRTy The Banyan Splash Pool Bar was

the perfect venue for a wonderful night of pool party. Guests including resort guests, media and members of the Hua Hin Woman’s Club enjoyed fresh imported oysters on ice, homemade gratinated oyster with white wine sabayon paired with bottles of choice wines and beer.

The evening was highlighted by dance performances, entertaining music from a DJ and flaming cocktails by the resort’s professional bartenders.

For information, please contact Pathra Pitak, Assistant to Group Marketing Communications Manager Email: pr@banyanthailand.com Tel.: +6632-538-878 96

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GOLF VACATIONS THAILAND EDITION VOL.11 JULY-AUGUST 2015 THE HILLS GOLF CLUB

Thailand Edition vol. 11

The 19th

BMW Golf Cup Anthology of Caddies

Special Interview Peter Alliss

Destination Focus Cannes

Choice Resorts Trevose Golf Club Asita Eco Resort Rancho Charnvee Resort & Country Club

MAGAZINE OF THE GM GROUP GOLF VACATIONS THAILAND VOL.11 JULY-AUGUST 2015 / 180 BAHT

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6.2 GV011006ER TRIM_247+6.2X300 23-07-58

THE HILLS GOLF CLUB Finest of New Zealand Golf

The Last Putt

That must have given you a good grounding in Thailand?

During those seven years I must have stayed in or inspected over 100 hotels, although many have now changed of course, especially in Bangkok! I was always on the lookout for new product so travelled to Kanchanaburi, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Hua Hin, Khao Yai as well as Phuket, Phi Phi, Samui, Bangkok, Pattaya and most other destinations.

You are bringing AGTC back to Thailand only three years after it was held in Pattaya, why is that?

P E T E R WA LTO N P R E S I D E N T & C E O O F I AG TO

THE GLOBAL GOLF TOURISM ORGANIzATION Commonly considered the most influential man in global golf tourism, Peter Walton travelled to Chiang Mai with Golf Vacations earlier this year, and George Somapa, Editor of Golf Vacations Thailand interviewed him this week after the announcement that IAGTO had chosen Chiang Mai as the venue for its 5th Asia Golf Tourism Convention (AGTC) next year. We found out there is a lot more to this CEO than an annual golf travel event…

What was your first introduction to Thailand?

In January 1990, I came to Thailand for two months to develop a wide range of packages for an upmarket tailor-made UK leisure tour operation (not golf!). I proceeded to run that tour operation to Thailand for seven years successfully until changing course to set up IAGTO in 1997.

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We staged our 2nd Asia Golf Tourism Convention in Pattaya in April 2012. The following winter season, golf tour operator sales to Chonburi and Pattaya surged by 15%. Thailand is by far the largest golf destination in Asia, but the country consists of many individual golf locations, each offering a completely different golf experience, and not all of them thriving in the same way that Pattaya has. We felt very strongly that IAGTO could have an even stronger impact on golf holiday sales to Northern Thailand than we did to Pattaya three years ago.

We made this recommendation to the Tourism Authority of Thailand, and thanks to their support and that of Chiang Mai Province and Chiang Mai City, we are able to bring AGTC to Chiang Mai from 24-27 April 2016.

What can the Thai golf travel industry expect from AGTC 2016?

Next year’s Convention will be the 5th annual event.

We expect well over 200 high level golf travel buyers from some 35 countries to descend on Thailand for 7-10 days including pre and post educational trips. Chiang Mai’s proximity to China will facilitate the highest turnout from this new lucrative new market. But we will also have North Americans, South Americans, Europeans, South Africans, Australasians and buyers from the Gulf States as well as well over 100 from Asian most prolific outbound golf markets.

AGTC is an annual event but IAGTO THAILAND works daily for the Thai golf travel industry, what exactly does it do?

Yes, this is very important. IAGTO is the global trade organisation, first and foremost. Wherever we have a strong national membership, we establish a regional office or chapter. So we established IAGTO THAILAND in 2014 to coordinate, develop and deliver local benefits to our golf travel industry members in Thailand on top of the many services we offer to all 2,400 international corporate members. So Thai sellers who choose to attend AGTC in Chiang Mai next year will immediately begin to receive support and services from IAGTO THAILAND, ensuring that every Thai company can grow its golf tourism related sales year on year with IAGTO’s help, built upon 18 years of experience in over 100 global markets.