Gv#013

62 ResoRt Golf AcAdemy S.O.S FOR GOLF together with swing coach roberto borgatti, we bring you the first of a series of S.o.S, or ‘Save our Swing’, instructional features.

66 style VAcAtion A ChINESE SPY a gentleman’s game in its most discerning sartorial expression.

72 collection ShOwCASE Since 1839, Patek Philippe Has never stopped Creating timepieces of unrivalled Quality and reliablity 82 ShOP bvlgari unveils the first Peter marino concept boutique in Southeast asia. iwC Schaffhausen inaugurates new concept boutique in bangkok.

84 BESPOKE Vertu aster Stingray 85 FOOD indus restaurant oSHa thai restaurant & bar mango tree on the river

88 MOVE rolls-royce Dawn Seductive beauty is coming to thailand!

90 TIME Hermes Faubourg joaillerie Vacheron Constantin reference 57260 92 GOLF the best irons ever produced by titleist 93 moments Dusit Queen’s Cup invitational accor Hotels golf Charity for Yim kids thailand audemars Piguet "the new millenary for women" the 5th anniversary of renaissance Phuket resort & Spa 98 tHe lAst PUtt the Leaderboard, Conversations on golf and Life

A ChINESE SPY

GM MULTIMEDIA GROUP PUBLIC COMPANY LIMITED Chairman & CEO : Pakorn Pongvarapa Executive Vice President : Finance Pornjitt Pongvarapa Executive Vice President : Business Development ritnarong kulprasoot Executive Vice President : Marketing Suebwong kaewthipharat Executive Vice President : New Media PeSiLP Pongvarapa Editor-in-Chief : Suebwong kaewthipharat Managing Editor : george Somapa Executive Art Director : PrateeP Putchimtuck Photographer : Damrongrit Sathitdamrongtham Computer Artist : PraSit anakananthpun Advertising/Marketing Manager : kongwarong Somsa Advertising/Marketing Staff : SantiPat Suksinchai PemiSa khuangsirikul Production Manager : ratana khow General Manager : Panuwat Pongvarapa Finance Manager : wimonLak asaiphanit Accounting Manager : niCHaPa buparanond Color Separation : kanoksilp (thailand) tel. +662 215 1588 Printing : o.S. Printing House Co., Ltd. tel. +662 434 6850

MANGO TREE ON ThE RIVER

S.O.S FOR GOLF

TITLEIST NEw IRONS

Editor’s Page The ulTimaTe lifeTime gifT Happiness is when what you think, what you say,

and what you do are in harmony. - Mahatma Gandhi The year end is now approaching. Many of us may have been busy finding New Year’s presents for our clients, friends and families and loved ones. It is certainly not an easy task to “select” the right present for each individual. This may seem trivial, yet requires considerable contemplation and attention. And while we are being generous to others, don’t forget to be kind to ourselves. Make sure to reward ourselves after working hard for the whole year.

Today GV joyfully introduces another sophisticated and impressive option to reward ourselves, our loved ones and VIP clients. Just invite 1-2 golf buddies and their plus ones for a golf game in Pattaya (at your preferred golf course) in the morning. After the game, head to Ocean Marina Yacht Club to go on board Ocean Emerald. There are exclusively 4 of them on this planet. It is a Super Yacht designed by Lord Norman Foster who also designed Wembley Stadium, Millennium Bridge in London and Apple Headquarters in the U.S. The 450 million baht Super Yacht is 41 meters long having 4 storeys.

It houses 5 bedrooms, accommodating a total number of 12 people. It is well designed, with stylish, modern and spacious interior. This state-ofthe-art yacht is made of stainless aluminum alloy, fiber glass and carbon fiber. Inside you can enjoy day and night natural light and get dazzled with exquisite art pieces and furniture of Cassina, the leading Italian brand. And the kitchen is second to none, luxuriously decorated with Schiffini’s kitchen solution.

At sunset, holding a glass of Champagne, all shall take pleasure in the astonishing scene in front. Or indulge yourself with a sip of some cocktail and a dip into the Jacuzzi, watching the sun sinking below the horizon.

Then complete the night with an exclusive dinner prepared by Celeb Chef in the Chef Table style under the moonlight around Ta Waen Beach, Koh Lan. And have a nice dream on this luxury floating resort. The cost per person is surprisingly affordable, just about 100,000 baht per person. This is one of those “once in a lifetime” experiences of the century that you shall not let pass.

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year.

Suebwong Kaewthipharat editor-in-chief

Remark: The yacht rental fee is 550,000 baht/day or 11,000 baht/hour, not inclusive of gasoline.

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

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

Thailand

Company: GM Multimedia Group 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

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 lesteR lim RobeRto boRgatti

Justine moss

DaRRyl Wee Based at the Resort at Longboat Key Club in Florida, Roberto Borgatti leads clinics for players of all skill levels and seminars for teaching professionals around the world.

Borgatti has an indoor Sky Golf studio in New York where he teaches the financial bigwigs and interesting famous figures of Wall Street and brings us the first of a series called “S.O.S Golf” where he takes famous amateurs golfers and turns their games around.

A recent member of the Scotty Cameron Museum and Gallery, Darryl discovered a world of putter collectors that has changed his outlook on the short game itself. Currently, the Managing Director of The RBL Group for South East Asia, Darryl spends his time growing the business across the region but nevertheless, finds time between his home clubs at Singapore Island Country Club and Royal Bangkok Sports Club.

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Years spent in Singapore’s fastest growing real estate management company has taught Lester many things and includes being able to spot a good investment from a mere popular one. And in this case, his exposition on Sydney in Australia, offers a measure of both.

PatRiCk lim

Veteran photographer and previously Chinabased, Patrick’s recently moved back to Singapore bringing his beautiful wife and two daughters home. But before that, he managed to pay a visit to one of southern California’s most popular beaches and alongside it, the Pelican Hill resort with its beautiful Tom Fazio designed courses.

ChRis Folley

Chris is deputy chief sub-editor on the London Evening Standard features desk, and a regular contributor to its travel pages. He has also worked at the Daily Telegraph and Sydney Morning Herald. Chris started travelling at three months, being a Kenya-born son of a British Airways family, and hasn’t stopped since, especially in this trip to Myrtle Beach.

The Managing Director of Jay-Jay Communications, a communications and entertainment business based in Singapore.

Justine has been in the entertainment, communications and media industries for over 16 years, having worked in Singapore, Australia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom. She writes the weekly golf feature for Business Times and frequently writes for GOLF, Golf Asia and Frequent Traveller.

Postcard reignwood Pine valley golf club & resort beijing, china

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advertorial

ALL-STAR CAST SET FOR FIFTH EDITION OF THE THAILAND GOLF CHAMPIONSHIP

BANGKOK, THAILAND (27 October) –Defending

champion Lee Westwood is looking to mix business with pleasure when he goes in search of an unprecedented third victory at the Thailand Golf Championship, which returns to the award-winning Amata Spring Country Club in Chonburi from 10-13 December.

The popular 42-year-old, one of England’s greatest golfing exports, will line up alongside multiple major winners Bubba Watson and Martin Kaymer in a star-studded field for the fifth edition of a tournament that has become a favourite among the game’s elite.

Past champion Sergio Garcia, 2016 European Ryder Cup captain Darren Clarke and local favourites Thongchai Jaidee and Kiradech Aphibarnrat have also committed to play in the Asian Tour’s flagship event, which boasts a prize purse of US$1 million.

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- Tournament VIPs at today's press launch for the Thailand Golf Championship in Bangkok – from left to right: Mr Richard Bunn, Managing Director, IMG; Mr Iddikorn Vidhidharmabod, Vice President, Downstream Business Group Human Resource Management, PTT Group; Ms Araya Phuphanich, Head of CSR & Corporate Communication, Siam Commercial Bank ; Mr Dominic Wall, Director – Asia-Pacific, The R&A; Mr Sarath Ratanavadi, Executive Director of Thailand Golf Championship; Mr Kyi Hla Han, Chairman, Asian Tour; Ms Porntipa Chinvetkitvanit, President, Gulf; Mr Titipong Khiewpaisal, Senior Vice President – Consumer Marketing & Sales, AIS; Mr Nutthorn Sinives, General Manager, Passenger Car Marketing, Toyota Motor (Thailand); Mr Andrew Pitts, General Manager of Amata Spring Country Club

At the event’s press launch, which took place in Bangkok today, Sarath Ratanavadi, Executive Director of the Thailand Golf Championship, revealed that preparations for the tournament’s fifth edition are well on track and that the Thailand Golf Championship’s status as an Open Qualifying Series event will continue for a second consecutive year.

Four highly coveted places at The Open in 2016, which will be

staged at Royal Troon, will be up for grabs at Amata Spring for those players who are not already exempt from golf’s oldest major championship.

Although the elegant Thailand Golf Championship trophy has gone to international players for four straight years, the galleries can be assured of a strong Thai challenge thanks to the form of local stars Thongchai Jaidee, Kiradech Aphirbarnrat and Prayad Marksaeng.

“Playing on home soil makes the Thailand Golf Championship a very important tournament for me,” said 45-year-old legend Thongchai, a three-time Asian Tour Order of Merit champion who made his way onto the International team at the Presidents Cup earlier this month after enjoying a string of top performances in Europe. “The tournament always features strong international

players, but I’ll be trying my best to win and to keep the trophy here in Thailand. I’ve had a consistent season so far so maybe my time has come.”

The significant financial rewards on offer and its position as the penultimate event on the Asian Tour calendar means the Thailand Golf Championship will likely play a key role in determining who claims the Order of Merit.

See thailandgolfchampionship.com for more information.

Like us on Facebook: ThailandGolfChampionship Follow us on Twitter / Instagram: @ThaiGolfChamps

Journal ★ Tournament

SMBC Singapore open 2016 Singapore, October 20: Player of the Year Jordan Spieth,

the winner of two Majors in 2015, will be the star attraction at the 50th staging of the SMBC Singapore Open next January.

The phenomenally talented 22-year-old claimed this year’s Masters Tournament and US Open, and recently triumphed in the Tour Championship to clinch the 2015 FedEx Cup. He was also runner-up in the PGA Championship, tied for fourth at The Open Championship and was named PGA Tour Player of the Year.

“Playing in the SMBC Singapore Open is something I’m really looking forward to”, said Spieth. “I’m very fortunate to play golf around the world and can’t wait to visit Singapore for the first time”, added Spieth, who was part of the United States team that recently claimed The Presidents Cup. 16 • G o l f V a c a t i o n s • noV-DEc 2015

Enthusiastic galleries are expected when Spieth graces The Serapong Course at Sentosa Golf Club for the iconic SMBC Singapore Open from January 28 to 31, 2016.

With a minimum prize purse of US$1 million, the SMBC Singapore Open will be jointly sanctioned by the Asian Tour and the Japan Golf Tour Organization (JGTO).

The SMBC Singapore Open will feature the top 60 from the Asian Tour, top 60 from the JGTO, leading Singapore professionals and amateurs and invites including players from the top 50 in the world.

More info http://www.smbcsingaporeopen.com

Journal ★ Report

dtac

dtac as the first to launch 4G on 1800 MHz with faster and wider bandwidth in Thailand. dtac has rolled out 4G service over its

existing 1800 MHz band to complement the 2100 MHz 4G service to strengthen its position as the country’s 4G leader in data and voice services. dtac is the first mobile operator in Thailand to commercially launch 4G Calling | VoLTE services. dtac is also the first operator in Thailand to roll out 4G on 1800 MHz band. dtac will continue to drive innovation and growth with exciting campaigns on 4G devices and services.

Prathet Tankuranun, Chief Technology Officer, Total Access Communication PLC or dtac revealed, “dtac is today launching 4G service on 10 MHz bandwidth of the 1800 MHz frequency, the most widely used frequency for 4G services worldwide, adding to the initial 5 MHz on the 2100 MHz band. Our 4G customers will experience faster and better performance as per our commitment to deliver the best mobile internet experience through dtac’s 4G services. The latest launch of 4G services on 1800 MHz band will generally benefit and improve the experience of dtac customers using other services on different frequencies, including 4G on 2100 MHz, 3G on 2100 MHz, 3G on 850 MHz, and 2G on 1800 MHz. dtac is officially unveiling their 4G services on the 1800 MHz bandwidth.

The service begins with inner Bangkok, which has the heaviest usage traffic, and accounts for 50% of all 4G usage area in Bangkok Metropolitan Area. The launch of 4G service on the 1800 MHz band will support increasing mobile internet demand in business, shopping, and tourist areas, including Rama IV, Sathorn, Silom, Klong Toey, Phyathai, Sutthisan, Ratchadapisek, Din Daeng, and Ladprao. dtac customers will feel the difference in speed and enjoy faster and more seamless data services, such as Facebook, Instagram, LINE, YouTube, live TV, media streaming, and HD online content.

Sigvart Voss Eriksen, Chief Marketing Officer of dtac added, “dtac has commercially launched 4G service on the 1800 MHz band, the most supported frequency by 4G smartphones. dtac is also the first mobile operator to launch 4G Calling | VoLTE (Voice over LTE) services in Thailand allowing simultaneous voice and data connections on 4G. The advantages of dtac 4G Calling | VoLTE are HD-quality voice service and 10X faster call setup time, improving from 5 seconds to only 0.5 seconds. Moreover, 4G Calling | VoLTE offers HD-quality face-to-face video calls with 720P/1080P resolution.

We had more than ten thousand trying the services during the first week of launch.”

In addition to the introduction of the latest 4G technology to support the fast-

growing demand of mobile internet, dtac also offers a full range of 4G smartphones, from high-end top performance smartphones, such as iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus and Samsung Galaxy series to affordable smartphones, such as dtac Eagle Blade 4G available at only 4,390 Baht – one of the cheapest phones in the market with a 5-inch display. “dtac’s marketing focuses on fulfilling customers’ needs with various promotions and co-marketing campaigns with partners, such as Samsung’s “4G Festival Galaxy Special” campaign that offers up to 4,000 Baht discount on Samsung Galaxy phones and free Eagle Blade 4G phone under 4G Festival campaign, making it much easier for dtac customers to own a 4G smartphone,” said Sigvart.

Journal ★ Suitespot

EastErn & OriEntal PEnang

A heritage hotel set in an idyllic enclave in northern Malaysia.

The grand, brilliant white facade against the beautiful

sparkling turquoise waters of the Andaman Sea is the first thing that catches your eye as you approach the magnificent lobby - the same one that has welcomed the world’s most celebrated artists, writers and heads of state since 1884. A sense of history pervade all who enter the Eastern and Oriental hotel in Penang. Standing as a testament to the heritage of the British colonial era, the hotel has effortlessly combined the elegance of that time and the modern luxuries that guests have come to expect from a five-star hotel.

The Heritage Wing is the original part of the hotel. Built in 1885, its Moorish minarets and cavernous domed lobby, khaki-clad

the Heritage Wing's entrance sunset view at the Heritage Wing

Victory Annex swimming pool

Victory Annex corner suite's bedroom

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doormen and pith-helmeted bellhops have welcomed guests for over 100 years and an area in the lobby showcases pictures of some of the famous personalities that have stayed here.

The inspiration to just pick up a notebook and pencil and scribble in a corner by the lobby, watching the world go by is supplanted only by the desire to roam its halls, taking in the smells and aura of its nostalgic past.

Transitioning to the present and future, yet keeping with the sentimentality of the past, the E&O hotel expanded its horizons in 2013 and unveiled a new Victory Annex that continues to incorporate architectural elements of the original with its colonialstyled guestrooms of the early 1900s. All suites feature Victorian details such as en-suite bathrooms fitted with claw footed long baths, pedestal ceramic basins, lazy ceiling fans and breezy private balconies.

Happy hour hospitality is extended in the Victory Annex with access to the Planters Lounge, which offers evening cocktails and snacks daily from 6pm to 7pm, a perfect time to catch the sunset and the magnificent view of the Andaman Sea. Additionally, in a welcome change from being charged a high price for consuming anything from the mini bar, guests can help themselves to drinks whenver a lazy afternoon or nightcap calls for one.

The restaurant Sarkies on the first floor of the hotel offers a daily buffet dinner which features a selection of international cuisine as well as the famed Penang street food that is so popular that there is a significant proportion of locals dining at the restaurant alongside hotel guests. And for those more concerned about their personal well-being, the hotel has partnered with the well-known Thai spa, Panpuri, to open the Panpuri Organic Spa. Its famous range of skincare products are made only with natural and organic materials.

One highlight of the stay at the E & O Hotel is the complimentary water limousine. A pier right outside the hotel offers guests a ride from where they are at the tip of Penang to Straits Quay, a new shopping and dining area. This 20-minute boat ride is a great way to see the skyline of Penang from a different perspective and is a cool respite from the tropical heat of the region. And when you look at the glittering night sky across the Andaman Sea on-route to the other side, you can’t be blamed for wanting to live here forever.

www.eohotels.com

By Lester Lim

Journal ★ Report Most of us are familiar with Krung Kavee as a golf course

located in the Rangsit-Pathum Thani area. However, what we do not realize is that the golf course is only a part of a major real estate project situated on a 950- rai land. In addition to the golf course, the project includes land, houses, low-rise condominiums, and a commercial building area located next to the main road.

It took Kanok Vienravee, Chairman of Krung Kavee Co., Ltd. and owner of Ban Krung Kavee and Krung Kavee golf course, more than 20 years to plan and design the layout of the entire project. Inspired by Venice of the East, the property is filled with beautiful lakes and canals that portray a perfect combination of land and water in one place. The varieties of plants and trees surrounding the area have become the habitat for different species of animals, bringing a balance into the ecosystem.

“Other housing projects generally waste approximately 15-17% of their land. On the contrary, we utilize only 36% of our land and the rest are for green areas, water bodies and necessary utilities.

The golf course is not part of the common area of the housing project but instead surrounds the project.”

The housing estate located in the Krung Kavee project are called “Ruan Villa.” The designs come in 3 sizes - small, medium and large – ranging from 4-bedroom houses occupying 400 square meters to large-sized houses on approximately 700-800 square meters of land. The houses are named after the people who designed them: Manop, Dusit and Suparurk. The uniqueness of these houses begins with the way each house is situated.

Each house allows for maximum access to the outside view and customers get more space than expected. More importantly,

Krung Kavee “I wanted to create a community where a golf course serves as the center for our residents to get together.”

Ban Krung Kavee is a high-end housing project with a similar concept to countries where houses are located in suburbs with large areas and a closeness to nature. The houses are designed to allow residents to appreciate the surrounding view.

To do this, we have to start with creating a beautiful environment.

“We started this project 20 years ago by first focusing on the surrounding environment. We began by germinating seeds of large forest trees, like the alatus, ta-khian and sugar palm, which later grew and spread throughout its surroundings. I would like to emphasize that we didn’t just relocate grown trees to our property because doing so would have hurt the root system of the trees, causing the trees to be less healthy and less strong as they’re supposed to be. After 20 years, those trees have now fully grown.

Therefore, it is now an appropriate time to build homes for people to live.”

The goal of Krung Kavee is to create a community focused on 5 vital areas: social, sport, art, children, and environment.

The community should be a giving and compassionate one with a common area for people to get together, and a place where children are surrounded by nature. In the future, arts will also be introduced into the community.

customers gain added value from high-quality materials used in building the houses; even support materials for steel pipes are specially made. The double walls of the houses help with heat insulation and energy conservation. These little details keep the house from deteriorating quickly which is an important aspect to consider especially since real estate prices would only go up in the future.

The Krung Kavee project has also taken preventive measures in case natural disasters, such as floods and droughts, are faced. Since the beginning, a larger-than-average sized dyke was built and was surrounded by trees which helped prevent Krung Kavee from being severely affected by the 2011 floods. After the flood that year, the land was elevated even higher. In case a drought hits, water from the lakes and canals can be used as they are very well-maintained; the oxygen level and other measures are consistently checked. At the same time, the lakes serve as a reservoir when it rains so that water is not immediately released to the outer area.

The Krung Kavee project aims at sustainable living. The value of the houses will increase considerably in the future because of the premium materials used in constructing them. The customers are the ones who will profit from purchasing a house from this project, both in terms of quality of life and quality of the house.

Journal ★ Tournament

Maybank ChaMpionship Malaysia 2016 A first of its kind Championship set to raise the bar of the Asian golf scene

The inaugural Maybank Championship Malaysia 2016 golf tournament is set to be held at the

historic Royal Selangor Golf Club (RSGC) from 18 February – 21 February 2016, just over a week after the Chinese New Year festivities. The first of its kind, the Championship represents an evolution in the way international sporting events in the ASEAN region are run. Hosted at one of the oldest golf courses in the country, it will be an exciting week of tournament as more than 30 nationalities from all over the world are said to be competing and at a very high level.

The RSGC, Malaysia’s most exclusive membership club has had a long and illustrious history that is associated with the birth and dawn of golf in Malaysia. It was even a part of the World War II as the Clubhouse was used as an arms school by the Japanese Occupation Forces and the courses became tapioca, bananas and vegetable patches during the war. All golfing activities ceased at that time. After the war, tremendous efforts were made to revive the golf course with the help of prisoner of wars, using primitive tools. The Course came back to life as it hosted the very first Malaysian Open in 1962 and consecutively throughout the 60’s.

Numerous world-class amateur as well as professional tournaments have since then been hosted at that course, from the Putra Cup, the Nomura Cup, Fairway Masters, Dunhill Malaysian Masters, Davidoff Nations Cup and till now, the Maybank Championship Malaysia.

This world-acclaimed event is to be co-sanctioned by the European Tour, the Asian Tour, the Professional Golf of Malaysia Tour (PGM Tour), and the Professional Golfers Association of Malaysia (PGAM), definitely a first of its kind. All professional golfing bodies in Malaysia have collaborated in this manner for the common good of the game as well as its professional players, the eager fans and young talents that are waiting to be shown the way forward towards competing internationally and hopefully at the Rio Olympics in 2016. Maybank’s involvement in golf is to ensure that their brand is projected to their stakeholders worldwide and to be able to support the community’s aspirations making sure that it is sustained in the best possible ways; in this case, to nurture budding ASEAN golfing talents by providing a fixed number of spots during this tournament.

The field will comprise of 156 players, a full field event whose names known globally as well as local favourites offering an elevated quality of play compared to the usual focus on just a

By MELANIE THAM

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handful of star players. The qualifying criteria will be as such; top 67 players from the European PGA Tour and the top 67 Asian Tour Players gaining automatic invitations for the event. Ten spots given to the top ten qualifying players based on the Order of Merit from the Professional Golf Of Malaysia Tour (PGM) and members of the Professional Golfers Association of Malaysia (PGAM).

Five spots given to ASEAN Professionals that will be awarded based on the Asian Tour Order Of Merit, Asian Development Tour Order Of Merit and National Professional Golfers Association of ASEAN Countries (where available). An additional two spots will be given to Malaysian professionals. One spot will be accorded to the top player on the Middle East North African Tour (MENA). Two spots reserved for other top players who are not members of European PGA Tour and the Asian Tour, and the final two spots will be given to the top two amateurs that qualifies – one to the highest ranked Malaysian in the Amateur World Rankings; and one to the Asian Pacific Amateur Masters Champion.

Being one of the richest European PGA Tour and Asian Tour co-sanctioned tournaments in Southeast Asia, this premier event contributes to both the Race to Dubai and the Asian Tour Order of Merit, offering a lucrative prize purse of USD 3 million. The Maybank Championship Malaysia 2016 will also be one of only six events at which the European Tour members will participate in the Asian Region. The event will also provide a significant platform for Asian players to gain valuable Official World Ranking points and stake a claim for a place at the 2016 Rio Olympics. It is also one of only four tournaments that is co-sanctioned by the Asian Tour in 2016.

Co-sanctioned tournaments like this also allows Asian players to compete against the stars from the European Tour on a world stage.

The title sponsor with the event promoter, GlobalOne announced recently that two Major Champions, Martin Kaymer and Louis Oosthuizen were the first to commit to the Maybank

Championship Malaysia 2016 with many more other high profile players set to follow their lead. Louis Oosthuizen, a past Champion of the Maybank Malaysian Open 2012 and a well-known favourite here, is ranked at No.13 on the Official World Golf Ranking and No.4 on the Race to Dubai. In 2010, Oosthuizen won his first European Tour event, the Open de Andalucia de Golf and won his first major championship, the 139th Open Championship at St Andrews. He won for the fourth time on the European Tour when he successfully defended his Africa Open title in 2012, also adding the Maybank Malaysian Open to his list of victories that year.

Oosthuizen continued his winning streak after that by winning the Volvo Golf Championship in 2013 and 2014 respectively.

Two-time Major Champion Kaymer currently ranks No. 26 on the Official World Golf Ranking and No. 20 on the Race to Dubai. He played at the Maybank Malaysian Open in 2011 as World No.1 and holder of the US PGA Championship 2010, which was also his first Major. Since then, he has won the US Open 2014, his second Major and the Players Championship 2014, which is the PGA Tour flagship event. Other wins include the HSBC World Golf Championship in 2010; and he was a part of Europe’s winning team at the Ryder Cup in 2012 and 2014. He last played in Malaysia at the Maybank Malaysia Open in 2012. All the rankings mentioned are as of the second week of November, 2015.

The Maybank Championship Malaysia is set to raise the bar of Malaysia’s golf scene and to begin a new chapter in ASEAN’s professional golf scene as well. Several more players’ announcements and innovations surrounding the event are scheduled to be announced in the course of the next few months leading up to the event. 2016 will definitely kick off with a great start for golf in Malaysia with the Eurasia Cup happening in January and the Maybank Championship Malaysia in February.

Legends

The first African-American to play in the Masters…

Wo r d s by G av i n n e W s h a m

It’s April 1997 and Lee Elder is sat at home in

Pompano Beach, Florida, watching the Masters on his television. At the end of the third round, the 21-yearold American phenomenon Tiger Woods enjoys a nine-shot cushion at the top of the leaderboard, and is fast closing in on a victory that would make him the first black player to win the Masters six years after the club admitted its first black member. Unable to contain himself, Elder, 62, informs his wife that he’s going to fly to Georgia the following day to see Woods take his maiden major title.

Rising at 7am, he flies to Atlanta before making the two-hour drive to Augusta. Despite being stopped for doing 85mph in a 70mph zone, he arrives just in time to see Tiger Woods rip one down the first fairway – and, some four hours later, slip on the famed green jacket.

“I don’t think the world would have been ready to accept a black champion with open arms in my day,” reflected Elder. “In 1975, you needed armed guards to get to the first tee. Today, times have changed. I know he’ll be accepted.”

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Tiger Woods has a lot to thank Lee Elder for. Along with Charlie Sifford, Peter Brown and Teddy Rhodes, Elder was one a band of black pioneers who finally brought the PGA Tour to its senses and consigned its Caucasian-only membership clause to its shameful past.

And while Sifford gained recognition as the first black player to secure full membership of the PGA Tour, it would be Elder who became the first AfricanAmerican to play in the notoriously selective Masters tournament.

Born Robert Lee Elder in Dallas, Texas on July 14, 1934, the young Lee took up caddying at the age of nine at Tenison Park Golf Club to help his family out in times of need. By his early teens, it was clear to anybody who watched his fluid swing and his poise over the ball that Elder was a natural. And while he turned professional in 1959, plying his trade on the Black United Golf Association circuit, he would have to wait until 1967 to have his first crack at the PGA Tour’s Qualifying School. Needless to say, he breezed through at the first attempt.

Š getty images

© getty images

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Stopped for doing 85mph in a 70mph zone, he arrives just in time to see Tiger Woods rip one down the first fairway.

But black players were still treated like second-class citizens in the world of professional golf. Clubhouses were out of bounds, barracking was commonplace and even PGA Tour event winners like Sifford and Brown failed to receive invites to play at the Masters, when virtually all the white winners did as a matter of course.

For many the problem lay with Augusta’s autocratic chairman, Clifford Roberts, a man who had long been seen as the architect and enforcer of the club’s tacit no blacks policy. By the early 1970s, however, the pressure on Roberts and Augusta was mounting and in 1973 he received a letter penned by a group of congressmen demanding a change in policy at the National. Roberts’ response to the letter was typical.

“We are a little surprised as well as being flattered that 18 congressmen should be able to take time out to help us operate a golf tournament,” he wrote. “We feel certain someone has misinformed the distinguished lawmakers, because there is not and never has been player discrimination, subtle or otherwise.” This from a man who once said: “As long as I’m alive, golfers will be white and caddies will be black.”

Clifford, though, would be powerless to prevent Lee Elder’s march into golf history. A rule change soon after ensured that every PGA Tour event winner in a given year would be guaranteed an automatic invitation to the following year’s Masters tournament, so when Elder triumphed in the 1974 Monsanto Open at Pensacola Country Club (a place where he had been refused entry to the clubhouse some six years earlier) his path to Augusta was finally clear. “I didn’t realise how important it was at the time,” he later reflected, “because all I really wanted so badly was to play in the tournament.”

But if Elder thought there would be balloons and bunting awaiting him in Georgia, he was wrong. During the week of the Masters, he would receive no less than six death threats. “I was always assured that nothing would happen inside here [Augusta], but I was worried about being outside. It was pretty frightening.”

On April 10, 1975, Lee Elder stepped on to the first tee at Augusta and smacked a beauty straight down the middle. In one shot, after decades of vile abuse and intolerable discrimination, he had finally broken down one of the last remaining barriers in the game of golf.

But while he would record three more Tour victories in his career and play on the victorious 1979 US Ryder Cup team, the stench of racism remained in the background.

Even when Elder joined the Seniors Tour, he was still confronted by the kind of ignorance that he might have assumed would have dissipated in the wake of his breakthrough appearance at the Masters. But no. At the Kroger Senior Classic near Cincinnati, for example, Elder finished his round and asked a tournament official if he could get a courtesy car. According to the young woman in charge of the vehicles, there were no cars available. Moments later, however, Elder’s fellow pro, (the Caucasian) Bob Brue appeared and was offered a car immediately. When Brue declined the offer, Elder asked again but still the woman insisted that there were no cars for him to take.

In his 1992 autobiography Just Let Me Play, Charlie Sifford was still critical of a system that singularly failed to promote or encourage black players in professional golf: “Lee Elder,” he said, “has won over $2 million at golf and was the first black to play in the Masters in 1975. But he never modelled clothes or did an American Express ad or was asked to be a guest commentator on a golf broadcast or was paid $10,000 to appear at some big corporation’s annual golf outing.

He was never made a star by the sport, and now that he’s older and his game has faded a little, he’s just Lee Elder, the first black guy to play in the Masters…”

OPENING PICTURE: Resort Horizontal Promenade, Pool & Pacific View.

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Cover Story

A Fazio bit of paradise on Californian shores.

By Pat r i c k L i m

The weather is absolutely perfect in southern California. Quite phenomenal actually, with over 300 sunshine days per annum making it such a desirable destination. Newport Beach, just south of Long Beach and halfway between Los Angeles and San Diego is that place to die for. Although, one would truly rather live and enjoy the amenities of golf and easy living here. With temperatures around 15 to 20 Celsius throughout the year and that early morning coastal mist to add to the allure, there are few places on earth to be enjoying a vacation than in this Italian styled coastal retreat.

Upon arrival, the valet that parks your car for you (self parking is not even allowed) are your first steps towards a memorable stay at Pelican Hill, coupled with very pleasant ambassadors who will greet and welcome you into their doors. As mentioned, the Italian architecture influences structures outside and within with columns and cupolas mixed with modern fireplaces to give out a cozy, relaxed atmosphere that pervades throughout the entire property.

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THIS PAGE: Golf Academy Plateau.

RIGHT PAGE, CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: Pelican Hill Ocean South Hole 7; Pelican Hill Ocean South Hole 13; Pelican Hill Clubhouse Practice Tees; Pelican Hill Panoramic.

It didn’t take long for me to find my favourite spot, which is the verandah right next to the café off the main lobby area. Fresh brewed cappuccino with a view, made even better with cookies. Or home-style gelato that is so good. A few steps ahead and one can watch golfers finishing up on the 18th green at The Ocean North Course, which, I shall soon discover, is a tough par 4 of 430 yards.

There are many amazing golf courses in the American west coast but few carry two delightful designs by Tom Fazio, noted for having the most courses in America’s Top 100 list including Pebble Beach Golf Links. The Ocean North Course and The Ocean South Course at Pelican Hill offers even more drama and fun after two years of what Fazio and his team calls, “Re-perfecting” his original creation.

The undulating terrain and views of the Pacific makes for some great photo opportunity, and for those with an early tee time, a morning mist to add to that charm and romance of golfing in this region as well.

Steve Friedlander, vice-president of golf at Pelican

Hill puts things in perspective, “Tom Fazio originally designed the courses in the early 1990s and then returned in 2005 to oversee a series of thoughtful enhancements to the aesthetics, turf quality and playing conditions of the courses.”

Part of the enhancement work begins from ground up, re-turfing the fairways and tees with Tifway II hybrid Bermuda to achieve a consistent look, texture and playing surface all year round, while also eliminating the need for annual overseeding. They also converted the roughs to a cool-season blend of tall fescue and rye to contrast with the Tifway II in colour and texture, adding definition for that aesthetically pleasing contour across the course but also becomes less tolerant to stray shots heading their way.

With 25 new bunkers, moving some of the existing bunkers and adopting lower growing and native plants, the vistas framed by the natural environment of ocean views and clifftop sights is better enhanced. Add to the mix, new tee boxes and re-contouring of the fairways

makes up an extra 200 yards and more challenges for better golfers to enjoy.

“Since re-opening Pelican Hill Golf Club in 2007 and the resort a year later, golfers have come from around the world to challenge their skills and have great fun playing our two ocean-view courses.”

The Ocean South course is a Par 70 layout at 6,580 yards with back-to-back par 3’s (Holes 12 and 13) tucked on a ledge above The Pacific Ocean. There are beautiful views that make you wonder and ask, “Is this for real?” The 13th is particularly unique, especially in this modern era of golf where there are two greens.

So check which green is in play for the day. The ocean breeze is a factor and both greens are heavily guarded by bunkers. Perhaps one of the most picturesque holes on the California coast, you would probably want to take your time and enjoy the scenery as well as the golf shots.

The 18th is perhaps my favourite (hard to pick just one hole when the entire course is so much fun) and a good test of golfing skills. The variety of vegetation here at

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the South provide for all kinds of flora and fauna, with the sounds and sights of seabirds and sailboats interrupting your round in the most pleasant way possible.

The North Course is slightly longer at 6,825 yards but on higher ground and a little bit inland. But the elevation allows for even greater views along the Newport Coast towards the Pacific Ocean. I particularly enjoyed the 8th, which is a 540-yard downhill par 5. Some of the greatest golf holes are downhill par 5’s (like Oakmont’s 12th) and this one is reachable with a good drive, giving you a feel good factor when you actually do so. Most of what Tom Fazio and his team have created here is pleasant and I also thoroughly enjoyed the 16th, a medium length par 3 of 168 yards, aided by the ocean breeze, so a mid-iron often will suffice where a two tier green awaits your par attempt. Perhaps there are a few more forced carries here than the South and a tough finish with the 17th par 5 and 18th par 4 providing for a majestic round of golf for the better golfer.

Water conservation is a huge issue in California nowadays and the use of treated water for irrigation purposes is now part of the agronomy practice here at Pelican Hill, supervised by Steve Thomas and his very capable team with no real issue of invasive and naturally occurring grasses invading the Tifway II hybrid and in fact adds to the colour and feel all around. One cannot help feel that these two golf courses have been here forever instead, they have only been in existence for about 20 years so it’s best to simply let nature take its course.

A golf academy run under the watchful and experienced eyes of Golf Magazine Top 100 Teacher Glenn Deck at Pelican Hill Golf Club offers instruction for kids as well as adults and there are even clinics on Golf Flexibility and Stability to help you with the physical aspects of the game and not just playing lessons. One and Two-day programs are available or even just half day sessions for those pressed for time, which you shouldn’t when you take a vacation here anyway. I’d recommend sending your kids to The Junior Golf Clinics but just call ahead and the helpful staff will gladly assist.

Forecaddies are compulsory at Pelican Hill and certainly helpful as they go ahead and help spot your little white dimpled ball around the course. Like many resorts, carts are compulsory - you’ll be thankful to ride them here as well because of the elevation changes on the courses.

Back at the resort, there is alfresco dining under the sun or stars at either Pelican Grill or Andrea (the pasta is made fresh daily). As you might expect, the selection of wines is stunning. Andrea at Pelican Hill is particularly enticing with classic Italian cuisine (made with Californian produce) offered at lunch and dinner. Enjoy your favourite pasta with a glass of pinot noir sitting by the terrace overlooking the Pacific Ocean makes for a fine end to a golfing day.

If you’re by the pool, and a large pool at that; one inspired by the Roman Coliseum, there’s the usual favourites to munch as well – pizza, seafood and salads in a relaxed setting. As Pelican Hill Golf Club and Pelican

“There are many amazing golf courses in the American west coast but few carry two delightful designs by Tom Fazio, noted for having the most courses in America’s Top 100 list including Pebble Beach Golf Links. The Ocean North Course and The Ocean South Course at Pelican Hill offers even more drama and fun after two years of what Fazio and his team calls, 'Re-perfecting' his original creation.”

LEFT PAGE, CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: Golf Ocean North 17th Hole; Golfers tee off Pelican Hill Ocean South Course; Golf Ocean South 18th Hole.

Hill Resort sit on a 504-acre site with one of the most serene coastal settings in Southern California, you might also choose to have your own space as there are areas that allow for privacy. Even when you’re by the pool, there are little areas for you to relax in seclusion while you watch your kids waddling in the pool.

Also, there is a bar with huge flat-screen TVs in case you don’t want to miss a ball game and of course the children’s menu is always a big hit with the young uns when they are not at Camp Pelican where you can leave your kids or teenagers under watchful eyes and careful guidance here. Activities are organized each day of the week to keep both adults and children alike occupied and engaged.

There are 204 private and spacious bungalow rooms and suites; 128 two-three and four bedroom villas, a 23,000 square foot spa with 22 private treatment rooms, a detached function space with an array of indoor and outdoor venues and an ocean view lawn with gazebo and wedding chapel for that very special occasion.

Just an hour away from Los Angeles International Airport, if you don’t want to self-drive, there are luxury transfers available from the resort if you book them.

Then there’s Fashion Island, Newport Beach, San Diego, Disneyland, or more golf at Oak Creek Golf Club (sister club to Pelican Hill) also designed by Tom Fazio, or Torrey Pines, La Costa Resort and Aviara Resort all within an earshot distance from Pelican Hill.

Heck, you might like it so much you’ll want to live here.

I know I would. www.pelicanhill.com

My Top Ten Peter Thomson is regarded by many as the greatest player Australia has ever produced, winning the British Open five times. In this exclusive article, Thomson picks some of his favourite courses and golfing destinations in Australia.

By p e t e r t h o m s o n

They say a change is as good as a rest. If you are a golfer of steady habits

who enjoys a weekly round on your home course, a visit to another venue can be the refresher you have been looking for. Australia is rich in golf resorts, from Tasmania to Far North Queensland. All are accessible by road, rail or airline, and generally the costs are very affordable.

In any case, there are courses to suit all tastes.

I have tried to put together a list that will be some help in the choosing, with a tidy number of resorts, each of which makes for an enjoyable break with hospitable accommodation and a welcoming course. In my view, a stay at a golf resort needs comfortable wining, dining and sleeping. So here is my preference of those eager to roll out the welcome mat. A bag of golf clubs is, as ever, a special passport to a great vacation.

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LINKS HOPE ISLAND, QUEENSLAND

This award-winning course is part of a huge development that sits on what was there before – a low-level flood plain. The entire construction lifted the golf holes and real estate by four-and-a-half metres above the natural level. Everything one can see is planned and manmade. The course is links-style yet the construction saved some trees while plenty that were planted have now reached maturity. The bunkering is Royal Birkdale-style – what is called “two step”, meaning it takes just two strides into the bunker to address your ball. Greens are varied in size for added interest yet mostly built for flat putting. The whole course wanders over two distinct nines making for an easy walk.

Hope Island is typically Queensland by character and nature, and rates among the top 10 courses nationally.

THE MORNINGTON PENINSULA, VICTORIA

A Tuscan-like area south east of Melbourne stretching down to the Bass Strait, it has an expanse of vineyards and olive groves plus 20 or so golf courses. The cream of these is grouped together behind sand dunes that rise to great heights in an area of land called The Cups, which is violent in its contortions of hollows and ridges.

It is as spectacular as any golf land anywhere in the world. There are seven courses that qualify as genuine links-style – enough to earn praise from a respected R&A captain on a recent visit. The Open course at Moonah Links I have christened ‘The Leviathan,’ to suggest size and ferocity. Apart from Moonah Links (Open and Legends courses), RACV Cape Schanck Resort, The Dunes and St Andrews Beach all await you, and the National Golf Club if you have a friend there.

THE SANDHURST CLUB, VICTORIA

If you journey to Melbourne and would like to include some classic golf, there is hardly a better destination than the Sandhurst Club. It takes just 35 minutes by freeway and a 36-hole welcome awaits you. Managed and operated by the PGA of Australia, the two courses are both championship size and quality. The North Course was opened first, with a design that was destined to host big events. It has a solid par-72, which can withstand the onslaught of even the best professional players. The Legends Course has holes named after past (Australian) PGA champions, such as Kel Nagle and Norman von Nida. Many holes on this layout are bordered by fine houses and a lake or two but by no means detract from the status of the Sandhurst courses.

ROYAL PINES, QUEENSLAND

As the name suggests, there are plenty of pines here. But in fact, pines are just about your only worry. The three nines at Royal Pines are very pleasant holes, made up of generous fairways, large shallow bunkers and mostly outsized greens. The professionals tackle it with enthusiasm every year during the ANZ Ladies Masters and turn in plenty of low scores. It is, I suppose, in every other way a ladies course.

Accommodation is superb and comes as part of the territory. You won’t need to start the car for days! Other facilities include just about everything a hotel on a golf resort can supply.

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HAMILTON ISLAND, QUEENSLAND

When I mentioned that it was built on a hog’s back I was corrected by Bob Oatley, the chairman and inspirer of the course at Hamilton Island, who said quite firmly that it was a whale’s back. Being a seafaring man, he would know. It is not an easy walking course, being as long as 7,500 metres by Shanks’ pony, and therefore best played with the use of an electric cart and it is not an easy course to beat. There is plenty of rough to hide one’s ball if it goes astray but just as easy to find some. The course is ever well groomed and altogether the most spectacular in Australia. Bring your camera.

BARNBOUGLE DUNES, TASMANIA Tasmania has an expanse of wild duneland that provides the basic ingredient for some unique golf of the links variety. For me, the first course at Barnbougle was a disappointment.

It never did measure up to the likes of the UK’s seaside classic links and bears little comfort for those who can’t keep absolutely straight. A second course has just been opened named Lost Farm. This course corrects the obvious mistakes of the first, offering generously wide fairways and flat greens. Links golf has a mystique about it, even snobbishness, but it has to tread a careful track between wild nature and practicality. After all, golf is played on a clean surface or it can’t be played at all. Barnbougle is about a 90-minute drive from Launceston. Accommodation is available on site.

TWIN WATERS, QUEENSLAND

Twin Waters Golf Club sits on the estuary of the Maroochydore River with a waft of sea air coming from the Queensland coast.

Its holes have been raised four metres above the river but one would never know that just playing golf. The course belongs to the big resort that’s just a golf buggy ride away amongst the indigenous forest and associated real estate. I describe it as Queensland’s Kingston Heath, more for the difficulty factor than anything else.

There’s great variety in the holes: four championship standard par-threes and four lesser threatening par-fives. Greens are of subtropical strain because of the course’s latitude and are mostly flat, and for good measure they’re also on the slow side. As a whole, this is one of Australia’s top golf resorts.

YARRAWONGA & BORDER, NEW SOUTH WALES

Back in the day, when the state of Victoria wouldn’t license poker machines, New South Wales was the ‘pokies’ state.

Investment followed into clubs of various kinds that could fund themselves in lavish style from the revenue of visitors. Yarrawonga was one such club that moved across the river onto land that seemed made for pleasurable golf. The club hired Michael Wolveridge to build a golf course among the magnificent river gums calling it, logically, the Murray course. It is one of two 18-hole courses here with another nine-holer thrown in for good measure. Because it is sited on possible floodland, all the greens and most of the tees are built up as ‘table tops’ to hopefully survive an inundation.

The holes are generous and is kept clean of rough so trees do the job. For golfers who enjoy a gamble on the machines, Yarrawonga spreads a big welcome mat, as does Rich River at Moama, just along the river.

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SEA TEMPLE, PORT DOUGLAS QUEENSLAND

There are more golf courses per head of population in Port Douglas than anywhere else that I know and Sea Temple is the most exciting among them.

This course was created by Michael Wolveridge who loved it so much that he took up residence on its edge. A tight layout with attractive holes and an occasional crocodile, Sea Temple lacks for nothing. It is easy on the walking and all round you there is the breath of tropics. Even for those of special skill at the game, 72 is a capital score. The small, attractive clubhouse has a cool charm. Accommodation is all around you, so take your pick. Port Douglas has much to offer, and for a game of golf in a special place, it is hard to beat.

The 19th

Golfers collect golf balls, tee markers, pin flags and memorabilia. That is normal. However there exists a unique group of enthusiasts that specifically collect putters. Not just any ordinary putter, but Scotty Cameron putters. There are not that many brands in golf where you will find such a group of passionate collectors. Evidently, those three red dots at the back of the putter mean a lot more than the professionals who line them up for literally a million dollar putt at the 18th on tournament Sunday.

Scotty Cameron began making putters in 1991 and within six years, they became the most widely used on the PGA Tour. Tiger Woods used a ‘Scotty’, as they became commonly and affectionately known, for his maiden win as a professional at the 1996 Las Vegas Invitational and a year later he also used the same putter to claim his very first Green Jacket. For the amateur, it may have in part been marketing whizz – watching so many of the world’s top players tap in anything from 3-inch to 30-footers must have a desirable effect – but it is also the quality of craftsmanship that once one has experienced, may find hard to let go.

A while ago, while playing a round with a friend named Yuji Unno, I was asked in passing if I had heard of the Scotty Cameron Museum & Gallery to which I replied with an inquisitive, ‘no’. Inquisitive because I then spent the next nine holes querying him, and finding out that this somewhat mythical facility is in fact a reality housed in Japan’s Shizuoka Prefecture, which is about an hour by bullet train from Tokyo. In early 2015, some months after that day of discovery, I was making my way from the JR Hamamatsu Station in Shizuoka and headed towards Hamamatsu Seaside Golf Club for the annual Scotty Cameron Cup. “The idea of a museum was actually proposed by my good friend Yutaka Fukuda, who owns the Hamamatsu Seaside Golf Club in Japan,” reveals Scotty Cameron in our email exchange, explaining further, “Fukuda-san has been a collector and distributor of my Tour putters and limited release merchandise for over a decade.

RIGHT PAGE, TOP HALF, CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Miki & Yuji Unno, and I at the entrance of the of Scotty Cameron Museum & Gallery; Nui with Scotty and Fukadasan at the autograph signing ceremony; The Theater Zone.

Find out what grown men with an unshakeable desire for Scotty Cameron putters do when they get together.

By da r ryl w e e

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RIGHT PAGE, BOTTOM HALF, CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: The Putter & Headcover Zone; Yuji and I in the museum store; Kaz's wall with Scotty; Kaz's Vijay; Kaz's collection; Scotty's restored Porsche; Wall of images in the personal zone.

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Putter fitting at the Gallery; The Gallery in Encinitas, California; Get your own specially fitted putter from the Gallery.;Gallery store in Encinitas.

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“Over the years, Fukuda-san would see all of the items that I’ve surrounded myself with at my putter studio in California – from the Porsche my daughter and I restored, to all of the signed Tour headcovers and putters, to the various historical artifacts spanning a couple decades of putter making – and one day he proposed housing them in one museum.

“So, about 10 years ago, we sat down to plan a space to display all of this cool stuff. And, Fukuda-san, being a likeminded guy with a great eye for design, came up with the perfect solution.”

I was interested to find out from Cameron what have been the advantages for his business in having the museum in Japan and he said, “From a brand perspective, it has provided a place for collectors and fans of my work to experience some of the history firsthand. It’s not necessarily a business venture but of course, the museum helps to spread the word about my craft and some of the history behind it. We do meet annually with a small, very passionate group of folks who come from around the world to play golf and maybe buy, sell or trade a few putters.”

The Scotty Cameron Museum and Gallery has approximately 500 members, of which 70 percent are Japanese. The joining fee is merely US$30 with annual dues of US$200. Each member gets a badge, a pin and a welcome gift, which ranges from any museum paraphernalia like a putter headcover for example. Each membership term lasts for one year and incidentally, every renewal gets a welcome gift as well, going some ways to defraying the cost of joining.

But the key privilege of membership is having first option of limited edition or Circle T putters that will be put on sale, allowing members access to purchase before anyone else in the world even know of it.

The museum also organizes a two-day event at the golf club where Scotty Cameron himself attends and this is also open only to members. Toshi Hirota, General Manager of the Scotty Cameron Museum & Gallery explains, “We hold the festival annually together with Mr. Cameron and would like our members to deepen their friendship with each other at this event.

“On the first day, we announce new collectable items and special putters to be released. We also have an autograph session with Mr. Cameron. At the tournament, which is held at the second day, we award Mr. Cameron’s handcrafted trophy to the winners, and also prepare many other rare items as prizes.”

Recently in Singapore, Kazuo Nakamura and a few other members of the Scotty Cameron Museum & Gallery were in town to play some golf and told us why he joined the club.

He effuses, “First of all, I would say the Scotty Cameron Museum is the place all collectors expect to visit once in their lifetime. The Museum is heaven for the collector and it is where we can see and sometimes touch, many one-of-a-kind putters Scotty made.

“At the museum, we learn the history of Scotty’s putter, technology and his creation. Also, the Museum shows us where Scotty is looking to in the future. Truly, when you are there, you will see many of Scotty’s creations and feel his passion for putters.”

For such a special collection to be seen by only 500 is a shame, which thankfully, is not the case. The museum and gallery is open to the public. Entrance fees for nonmembers is ¥1500 per person and a leisure stroll around it lasts about an hour.

“Over the years, Fukuda-san would see all of the items that I’ve surrounded myself with at my putter studio in California – from the Porsche my daughter and I restored, to all of the signed Tour headcovers and putters, to the various historical artifacts spanning a couple decades of putter making – and one day he proposed housing them in one museum.”

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: Circle T putters on display at the Museum & Gallery; Scotty and Kazuno; Scotty spray painting Kaz's garage wall.

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“We have three zones in our museum, the theater zone, the putters and headcovers zone and the private zone,” say Hirota-san, continuing, “At the theater zone, you will watch two films – ‘Cameron’s history’ and ‘Inside the Studio in California’, both narrated by Mr. Cameron. At the putter zone, you can see the actual tournament putters used by Tour players.”

There is also a wonderful museum shop for some retail therapy on items that are listed on the website and have not been sold. If you’ve come this far, you are very likely a fan and you might as well join the club, play the golf day and be open to even more unique offerings, including the opportunity to meet and talk putters with Scotty Cameron, who incidentally, will tell you that this is a one-of-its-kind facility, and that he does not intend to open another one.

“There will only be one Museum. However, I may explore opportunities in other cities for additional Scotty Cameron Gallery locations in the future. The success that we’ve realized in our California location has proven that folks will come from near and far to get a Tourquality putter fitting experience, not to mention a place to experience my ideas related to the Art of Putting.”

The Scotty Cameron Gallery in Encinitas, California, is near his home and, as professed by the man himself, is a dream come true. “I’ve always wanted to have my own shop where I can express myself and offer items that I think are cool,” he tells us.

“Of course, we focus on putter fitting, helping golfers understand what is happening between the ball, the putter and the player and how we get those three things working together, but the Gallery is also about so much more.

“It’s about the way I view the golfing lifestyle and how golf brings together people from all walks of life. We offer some of the most rare Tour putters in the world, as well as items you can’t get anywhere else. We opened in July of 2014 and it’s been an overwhelming success.”

At last year’s event, I also met Nui Sincharoenkul from Thailand, a member who also happened to be the winner of the lowest gross competition. He took home a specially handcrafted trophy by Cameron. When I asked him how he got to know of the museum, he said, “I was really just looking around to find a place that I can get Scotty’s Tour putters,” which adds credence to the saying that if one tried hard enough, he can find what he wanted.

Says Kazuo-san, “If you are Scotty Cameron lover, there are many benefits to becoming a member. Scotty Cameron is a high-end brand in the golf industry and we can buy all of Scotty’s creations at member’s price and also before public release.”

A neophyte in the Scotty Cameron collecting world, my prized possession is my Scotty Cameron Museum member’s crest that Cameron autographed for me. I asked Khun Nui what his favourites were, to which he humbly replied, “My first Scotty Cameron item was the Master 2005 putter headcover. Now I have a few putters, headcovers and also a Scotty golf bag.” Doesn’t sound much until you realize that ‘a few’ refers to an impressive collection of about 20 Circle T and Limited edition putters. However, when compared to Kazuo-san, the term is rightly used.

“I have more than 200 Scotty Cameron putters in my collection. I love to collect handmade putters, classic putters and Tour players’ putters. I also have CT headcovers, CT staff bags,” reveals the Japanese fan who began his passion in 1992. “It was in 2003 that I started to have my own web page, ‘Kaz Putter Plaza’ where I showed my collection and share my knowledge about putters with other collectors,” he says enthusiastically.

Kazuo is also a member of “The Cameron Collector” since the beginning of 2004. This distinct group is the biggest Scotty Cameron society with 20,915 members globally. “I was lucky enough to get invitation to Scotty’s personal putter party in 2005,” Kazuo proudly announces, “it was big surprise for me and honour.”

Over dinner with Kazuo here in Singapore, I discovered that Scotty Cameron actually visited his home in Tokyo to see his collection. He told me it was a night he can never forget, having Scotty look through his collection and spending time together was special. However, what made it even more memorable was Cameron actually leaving an indelible mark by decorating a wall in his home as a sign of their friendship.

After spending time at the annual festival with these collectors and rekindling our friendships whenever someone visits, I realize it is not the size of your collection, or whether you have made it to Hamamatsu every year. The Scotty Cameron Museum & Gallery offers a place where like-minded people with a common passion can come together. Kazuo-san puts it best when he says, “The best part about collecting putters is that I’ve made many friends all over the world, like you.

I thank Scotty for giving me a chance to meet new friends.”

To join as a member of the Scotty Cameron Museum and Galley, visit http://en.cameron-museum.com/member/new/

Destination Focus

A hidden golfing solace in the wind and woods, set in fairytale land.

By To n y S m a rT

Bridgend in south Wales is not the first name that springs to mind when you think of great golf destinations in the United Kingdom. St Andrews, Carnoustie and the East Fife coast in Scotland, Royal County Down, Royal Portrush and the K Club in Ireland, and Royal Birkdale, Royal Lytham and Royal Liverpool on the northwest coast of England are all instantly recognisable to golfers.

Even Celtic Manor in south Wales is on the golfing map since it staged the 2010 Ryder Cup. But Bridgend?

Where’s that?

The answer to that is somewhat justified when the senior version of the world’s oldest competition, The British Senior Open Championship made it way to Royal Porthcawl in 2014. Porthcawl, one of the UK's finest links courses and one that is 122 years old, is set in the same region as Bridgend, and although undoubtedly jewel in the crown of courses there, others like Pyle & Kenfig, Maesteg, The Grove, and Coed-y-Mwstwr have built very strong cases for themselves too.

But back to Porthcawl and longtime fans of the game may recall that it hosted the 1995 Walker Cup (the amateur version of the Ryder Cup) when a youthful Tiger Woods played for the US, ended up on the losing side, and was beaten in the first day's singles by England's Gary Wolstenholme despite consistently outdriving his conqueror by between 30-50 yards.

OPENING PICTURE (PREVIOUS PAGE): Pyle & Kenfig Golf Club.

BELOW: Sunset at Royal Porthcawl.

RIGHT PAGE, FROM TOP: Dune fest at Pyle & Kenfig; Aerial view of Royal Porthcawl.

The first three holes of this glorious links, all par 4s, play alongside the sparkling waters of the Bristol Channel. At the long par 3 4th with a green surrounded by deep pot bunkers, the course turns inland although the Bristol Channel is always in view. From the 13th fairway is where the most spectacular views of the coast and the sea beyond, is. Measuring 7,089 yards from the professional tees, this par 72 course offers a variety of tees that allow you to play at lengths between 6,303 to 6,901 yards as well; very useful should the wind howl in from the sea as it did during the 2013 Speedy Services Wales Senior Open, blowing Ian Woosnam out of the lead in the process.

The course is a joy to play with crisp fairways that run up and down hills and round dog-legs, superb large greens that test your putting with some serious undulations, deep rough that easily swallows golf balls, first class bunkering that includes many fiendish greenside pot bunkers, and some great holes especially the par threes.

Indeed it is so good that it has been described as being one of the 12 finest courses in the world by the late Tom Scott, a leading writer on golf and former editor of Golf Illustrated magazine.

Photos of the many tournaments and stars like Peter Thomson, Sandy Lyle, Greg Norman and Nick Faldo line the wooden walls of the wonderful old clubhouse that is steeped in history and filled with warmly hospitable staff.

Royal Porthcawl should be on every golfer's bucket list and if you come here you should try and play it at least twice.

A little further west along the coast lie Pyle & Kenfig Golf Club, another challenging Welsh links beside the Bristol Channel. P&K, as it is affectionately known by those who love its quirky charms, has a front nine that plays up into the hills away from the sea yet still affords great views of the Bristol Channel, followed by a back nine on the other side of the main road that passes the clubhouse with a lot of strong and dangerous holes that play through towering sand dunes down to the coast again.

Measuring 6,860 yards, par 71 from the back tees, yet only 6,167 yards from the yellows, the dunes come into play at the 525-yard, par 5 11th and from here on, it is sheer entertainment. Get your cameras out on the 14th tee, a 416-yard par 4, because the panoramic view

Photos of the many tournaments and stars like Peter Thomson, Sandy Lyle, Greg Norman and Nick Faldo line the wooden walls of the wonderful old clubhouse that is steeped in history and filled with warmly hospitable staff. Royal Porthcawl should be on every golfer's bucket list and if you come here you should try and play it at least twice.

towards the Gower Peninsula is utterly stunning and absolutely photogenic. Following this is a long, tough par 3 and then P&K’s last three holes (all long par 4s) are amongst the best closing holes in golf. Golfers should make their score on the front nine and then try and hold on to it on the back by avoiding the dunes, pot bunkers and severely thick rough.

After the round, relax in the cosy clubhouse or take a lesson from the club's excellent professional Dylan Williams. You can even stay overnight at P&K as the club is one of the few left in the UK to offer dorm accommodation and ensuite bedrooms located above the clubhouse with excellent B&B and golf rates.

Around 10 miles inland from Bridgend and up into the Welsh mountains lies Maesteg Golf Club, which celebrated its centenary last year. Set in a valley between two majestic hills, this is an even shorter course (Par 70) at 5,889 yards but its challenge comes in the form of narrow fairways, thick rough, and water hazards and out-of-bounds areas that are very much in play.

From its location high up in the mountains it provides some spectacularly panoramic views across the local countryside that, on a clear day, can stretch all the way to Swansea Bay on the Bristol Channel some eight miles away.

Being so high up, Maesteg is subject to winds that are almost as strong as those felt at the links courses below and so a round here is no pushover. When visiting Maesteg, seek out Mark Wilson, an ex-army veteran who is now the club’s General Manager, a wonderful host, and a veritable mine of information about the club’s history, especially its membership of the James Braid Association and the course’s original design by the same five-time Open champion from Scotland.

From there, another of Bridgend’s favourite situated close to Pyle & Kenfig with spectacular views across the Bristol Channel can be found. Nestling in the countryside, the Grove Golf Club is most reminiscent of a parkland course than any here. One of the newer courses in the area at just under 20 years, the shortish 6,128-yard par 70 track contains the usual hazards that make up parkland, inland courses, with the prevailing winds adding some spice as well. After the round, a luxurious clubhouse offers a fully licensed bar with a terrace overlooking the golf course and countryside presents a charming way to end the day.

But the runt of the lot is a property with an interesting name. Coed-Y-Mwstwr (Welsh for ‘Whispering Trees’) Golf Club is the newest 18-hole course in the area having progressed from 9 holes in 1994 to 12 holes in 1995 and then becoming a full 18 holes in 2006 after an additional 27 acres of land was purchased in 2003 and with grant aid from Sportlot for construction work. It's also the closest course to Bridgend, located in the wooded countryside on the town’s outskirts.

Again it is quite short, measuring just 5,817 yards from the back tees but this unique Par 69 course is no pushover. There are tricky greens, plenty of mature horse chestnut trees lining the fairways, lots of dangerous

LEFT PAGE, FROM TOP TO BOTTOM: Clubhouse at The Grove; Golfers walking The Grove golf course; Coed-Y-Mwstwr Hotel.

greenside bunkers, holes that plunge into valleys and then sweep up hills, and finally, a 19th Century high-walled garden to traverse with your second shot on the par 4, 5th that also hides the green from view. It is a delightful course to play and a very hospitable clubhouse to relax in after your round.

Right next door to the club is the wonderful Coed-YMwstwr Hotel, an oasis of tranquility that is appropriately evidenced by a wide variety of trees that include Ash, Horse Chestnuts, Elms, Spruces, Beech, Blackthorn and Hawthorns. Originally a family home built in 1888, it was transformed into a lovely hotel just over a century later, with 35 en-suite bedrooms and suites that are beautifully furnished, the award winning Eliot Restaurant that serves delicious food, four conference rooms with facilities for up to 100 delegates, and a gym, tennis court, sauna and steam room. As well as the trees, the hotel overlooks picturesque gardens and a perfect base for any golf trip to Bridgend.

Other good hotels in the area are the Best Western Heronston Hotel with 75 en-suite bedrooms, several conference suites, a restaurant that serves traditional and continental cuisine, and a health centre that includes indoor pool, gym, jacuzzi, sauna and steam, and idyllic gardens in which you can sunbathe or enjoy a relaxing drink; and The Great House Hotel at Laleston, a 15th century Grade II** listed building with 12 exquisite bedrooms, the award winning Leicester's Restaurant, and a health suite with jacuzzi, sauna and multigym. To give you an idea of the quality of The Great House, it numbers among its guests, His Royal Highness Charles, Prince of Wales.

With such a strong spread of courses to play in, it is well noted that most are very affordable, from £20 for Maesteg to £55 for Pyle & Kenfig on weekdays. Only Royal Portcawl comes in a little steep at £115 for a round.

However, if you don't want to spend all your time on the magnificent golf courses around Bridgend and Porthcawl, there are plenty of other things to see and do locally.

Sightseers might like to visit the National Museum in Cardiff, the Brecon Beacons National Park, the National Botanical Gardens, or a whole host of castles including Cardiff, Caerphilly, Oystermouth, Ogmore and St Donat's.

Those who are more activity minded can go mountain biking, horse riding, shooting, fishing, off road driving, or surfing, and when you play Royal Porthcawl, you'll see dozens of surfers riding the waves in the Bristol Channel right next to the golf course.

All told, this is a great, relatively undiscovered golfing destination, which means that it is usually easy to book a tee time, so go now before the entire golfing world gets wind of it, if they already hadn’t.

www.royalporthcawl.com, www.pandkgolfclub.co.uk, www.maesteg-golf.co.uk, www.grovegolf.com, www.coed-y-mwstwr.co.uk, www.coed-y-mwstwr.com, www.bw-heronstonhotel.co.uk, www.great-house-laleston.co.uk

Destination Focus RIGHT PAGE: Well sculpted bunkering around Hole 9 at Heritage.

An American journey of golf and grill in South Carolina.

By C h r i s Fo l l e y

Americans know Myrtle Beach all too well.

This bustling, high-rise seaside town, complete with amusement arcades, disco bars and a Ferris wheel has been reeling in holidaymakers for years, drawn

by South Carolina’s appealing all-year climate and endless supply of entertainment. With almost 100 courses to choose from, it is also now arguably America’s favourite golfing playground. Voted Best Destination, Best Destination for Value and Best for Buddies Trips by fans of reputable portal Golf.com, it is the combination of great golf and a variety of experiences that continues to entice and enamour.

Murrells Inlet, with its marina full of launches, a walkway across a swamp, and other rocking establishments such as Wicked Tuna and Bubba’s Love Shack, is a great base for your golfing trip, providing unique Southern hospitality and a different feel to Myrtle Beach itself. Murrells is the self-declared seafood capital of South Carolina: at Wicked Tuna you might tuck into hogfish in spicy Szechuan sauce - hogfish is a white fish, a bit like grouper but sweeter - with carrots, water chestnuts and peppers. Or another night at the Gulfstream café, across the water from the Marshwalk at Murrells but with superb sunset views from its terrace, out will come blackened mahi-mahi, chased down by oyster shooters – that’s oysters in a shot glass with vodka and a spicy salsa.

Yes, this is Southern socialising down to a tee.

And excuse the ‘tee’ pun if you are a golfer - you are quite likely to be one if you are heading to this stretch of coastline known as the Grand Strand, 60plus miles of sand. It all works around Highway 17, the main artery heading down to Florida via historic Charleston and dotted with episcopal churches, waffle houses and typical American diners.

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“Yes, this is Southern socialising down to a tee.

And excuse the ‘tee’ pun if you are a golfer you are quite likely to be one if you are heading to this stretch of coastline known as the Grand Strand, 60-plus miles of sand.”

To make the most of such a trip you really need a week rather than your customary long-weekend golf mission but Myrtle Beach is well connected, with nonstop daily flights from most major U.S. cities (New York, Chicago, Washington). And all the courses you want to play are within easy driving distance of Myrtle Beach’s shiny, yet laid back airport. For one, head south of Murrells Inlet, to Pawleys Island, the oldest beach resort in the US, and you may have found the finest golfing site you had ever seen. The waterways nearby which once provided sanctuary to the Waccamaw, among the earliest Native American Indians to be discovered in the South, now help shape True Blue, Caledonia and Heritage.

True Blue has perhaps the widest, biggest fairways in the area, and the par 72 course length varies from 4,900 yards to 7,100, depending on your choice of tee. With five par 5s, it is an expansive and intimidating test. Both True Blue and its sister course, the wonderfully named Caledonia Golf and Fish Club, were designed in the 1990s by architect Mike Stranz, who sadly died of cancer in 2005. I cannot remember playing a stroke index 1 on an opening hole but at True Blue you could be tackling a 600-yard brute off the blue tees while still trying to digest breakfast. Your drive must be straight, and you need to avoid your first encounter of True Blue’s defining feature - huge areas of sandy wasteland all the way down the left.

Your second shot has to be driver strength too, veering dog leg left and onto a small green, avoiding a stream running across the fairway in front of the green.

If you are familiar with playing golf in the US, you will know how much they love water. It comes early, at the par 3, 3rd, which is a 160-yard carry to a greensite that is completely surrounded by water bar a tiny bridge at the back. The fourth is yet another par 5, the 523-yard distance made largely by the curve left of the fairway. A well-judged drive allows you to cut a fair chunk of this yardage by encouraging you to go over the lake to reach the green.

CLOCKWISE TOP TO BOTTOM: 18th hole at Caledonia; 12th hole at The Dunes sees more swamp than sand; Panoramic view of the 18th fairway at Caledonia golf course; Sand bunkers aplenty guards the 13th green at True Blue.

Hole 6 is quite curious but actually very inventive - this 393-yard par 4 has two greens, the hole being in the shape of a straight ‘Y’ from the tee. A sign at the tee box will tell you which green to play on a particular day.

Come the end of your round, and if you haven’t been reduced to rubble by the heat and humidity, the final three holes will probably do the job. The 16th is a 205yard par 3, again over water with a green surrounded by sand. The par 4 17th is the second hardest on the course, requiring pinpoint accuracy from your drive to give you a chance of reaching the green in two. And your final hole, unsurprisingly with water all the way down left, is simply epic. Fortunately the greeting at the impressive clubhouse, with its balcony full of typically Southern rocking chairs overlooking the 18th green and adjoining lake, is a welcoming respite.

First impressions count for everything at Caledonia.

You enter via a drive cradled by hanging oaks and Spanish moss, and sweep around to reach an elegant clubhouse – it was once the main house of a working rice plantation. It looks incredibly historic, with loads of old school Southern charm, but the course is in fact only 22 years old. The 6,526-yard, par-70 course has some beautiful holes routed around gnarled live oaks and meandering streams. There is quirkiness too – all tee boxes are framed by wooden ducks, with the black, blue, yellow and red tees represented by pintails, mallards, wood ducks or redheads.

On your first nine, the standout holes are six and eight.

The 6th has a tricky undulating green that is protected at the front by five bunkers, while the 8th requires you go over water to reach a green framed by those trademark hanging Spanish oaks. The 11th too is a lovely hole – a long ditch and rough runs along the left hand side of the green while there are bunkers on the right. And talking of bunkers, how about the 17th? In front of the green is a huge sandy expanse that is bigger than the green itself.

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LEFT PAGE - CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Wooden steps leading up (or down) the greenside bunker along the 11th at True Blue; Bunkers carving its way around the 13th at Caledonia; A large lake wraps around a menacing multi-tiered green at the finishing hole at the Heritage course; Contrasting colours of blue and green soothes the eyes here at True Blue golf cours; A clubhouse that befits its location here at the Heritage golf course.

THIS PAGE, TOP TO BOTTOM: Tall, mature trees line the Caledonia fairways; View from the 11th teebox at Caledonia; Overhanging trees frame the 8th green at Caledonia; Relaxing at Bubba’s Love Shak; A flag to not aim to at the 18th green, Caledonia Golf Club.

The 18th hole borders the plantation’s old rice field, and requires a difficult second shot over water to hit the green. It is also the cue for tradition to kick in with a crowd often gathering on the terrace with drinks in hand and holler wildly as your shots either land on the green or in the lake. Fortunately my effort just stays on the edge of the green.

Finally, there is Heritage, which again has a fabulous colonial-style clubhouse. It’s a course of two halves. The front nine largely meander through woodland, with wide-open fairways, while the back nine are more shaped by water. Get to the par 3, 13th green - which must be reached via a 228-yard drive over water - and a sign once again reminds players of the dangers of alligators. The 14th, meanwhile, is deservedly the most difficult hole on the course, requiring you go over water twice. Come the 17th, which is another hole requiring a drive over water to reach the green - and you are reminded of the area’s historic associations with slavery. A sign informs you as you tee off that the field next door was a cemetery for the slaves of the nearby Midway Plantation back in the 1700s.

Another selling point for Pawleys Island is its more laidback and upmarket feel for your aprèstee entertainment. Bistro 217, on Highway 17, is a chic and intimate restaurant that’s all dark woods, nooks and crannies and modern artwork. Pre-dining involves congregating around a centrally located cocktail bar before the serious business of the menu: dishes such as grouper cheeks to start, followed by cornmeal encrusted flounder with pepper jack cheese grits and crawfish creole.

If you must spend time in Myrtle itself, head to the Sea Captain’s House for a monstrous American breakfast - pancakes, grits, endless coffee and all - and walk it off along the white sands of Myrtle Beach. And before you go back in the air don’t forget what one would imagine is a right of passage for many overseas golfers coming to these parts - a trip to the Aladdin’s Cave that is the USPGA superstore.

With a healthy exchange rate, you could go quite mad here, and in the nearby shopping malls. It might be a relief if there’s no room left in your bag.

Delta (www.delta.com) has daily flights to Myrtle Beach. www.myrtlebeachgolfholiday.com has packages such as three nights B&B and three rounds from US$399 per head twin-sharing a deluxe studio at the Inlet Sports Lodge (inletsportslodge.com, 001 877 585 9360), Murrells Inlet.

Myrtle Beach hosts the world’s biggest amateur golf tournament, with more than 3,000 golfers taking part, August 31 to September 4. myrtlebeachworldamateur.com.

Choice Resorts The newest jewel in ITC’s crown is a stunningly beautiful mosaic of architecture, traditions, culture, heritage and world class quality that pays a rich tribute to the glory of India.

By J u s t i n e M o s s

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OPENING PICTURE: The wondrous facade of the ITC Grand Bharat Hotel.

The one-hour drive from the centre of New Delhi to the ITC Grand Bharat in Gurgaon is a journey of great contrasts. A modern highway flanked by office and residential blocks covers a lot of the mileage before you find yourself in a mass of beautiful green countryside dodging potholes, herds of cattle, shrines and laughing children playing on bicycles. A few minutes later and the magnificent ITC Grand Bharat appears out of nowhere on a 1.2 square kilometre wooded estate.

The resort has taken close to five years to develop and officially opened in January 2015. As a premium luxury resort, like all ITC properties, it takes its mantra of ‘Responsible Luxury’ very seriously and practices a number of sustainable elements to remain what the management calls, ‘Planet Positive’.

There are 100 deluxe suites which either come with a private terrace or a semi-private plunge pool, as well as four 532 m2 Presidential Villas themed after four

Bharat was built as a tribute to the country itself as the term Bharat means India in Hindi.

Explains S.C. Sekhar, former senior executive vicepresident at ITC Hotels, “It’s 5,000 years of unspoilt civilisation so inspiration has been taken from a variety of architecture and it typifies what modern India is all about. It is traditional yet pretty modern and an adaption of traditional architecture with modern values.”

As envisioned and then explained by Sekhar, elevations and detailing of the columns within the resort pay homage to the Adalaj Stepwell, while the central dome over the atrium has been inspired by the rich temple forms of Orissan architecture. Additionally, the main entrance to the hotel block has been modeled on the famous Torana (arched gateway) of the Muktesvara Deula of Bhubhaneswar, Odisha. The lobby is quite magnificent and is symbolic of the meeting of three historic rivers – the Ganga, Yamuna and Suraswati which signify power,

“Unsurpisingly, each of the ITC properties in the country have also been modeled after a particular dynasty or theme, for example the ITC Maurya in Delhi itself was styled after the ‘Mauryan’ dynasty which gave Indian history its Golden Age of art, culture and architecture. Being in the national capital region, the ITC Grand Bharat was built as a tribute to the country itself as the term Bharat means India in Hindi.”

dynasties of India - Maurya, Maratha, Mughal and Chola. Moving forward, ITC will be looking at opening over 100 residential units to be offered for sale. The suites are furnished with vibrant Indian colours and fine craftsmanship and feature a luxurious bedroom and living room, marble bathroom and walk-in wardrobe.

There is also a butler on standby to cater to your every need. Other amenities in the suites include a signature WelcomeSlumber kit, pillow menu and 300 thread count linen sheets to make your stay as comfortable as possible.

Unsurpisingly, each of the ITC properties in the country have also been modeled after a particular dynasty or theme, for example the ITC Maurya in Delhi itself was styled after the ‘Mauryan’ dynasty which gave Indian history its Golden Age of art, culture and architecture.

Being in the national capital region, the ITC Grand 58 • G o l f V a c a t i o n s • noV-DEc 2015

wealth and knowledge. The lobby’s highlight is the painted Tree of Life, surrounded by eight pillars.

Such a blend of resplendent history and architectural landscape lends itself perfectly when arriving here to visit the brand’s first golfing project, the ITC Grand Bharat’s Classic Golf Course. Prominently sited along the foothills of the Aravali mountain range, it also owns a piece of historical relevance. Open for play since 1996, it was the first Jack Nicklaus-designed course in South Asia. Made up of three par-36 nines called the Canyon, Ridge and Valley - all are both walking and buggy courses - the latter two make up the 18-hole championship course that plays host to both the Sail and Indian Opens on the Asian Tour circuit. Nevertheless, each route features its own design characteristics that will certainly be savoured by all who experience them.

RIGHT PAGE: Views of the Classic golf course at Grand Bharat.

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RestauRants

LEFT PAGE, CLoCkwisE From ToP LEFT: Golfers on the Classic course fairway, iTC Grand Bharat Golf Course; restaurant Boulevard; Banquetsocial.

The ITC Hotels’ tradition of offering excellent cuisine in their properties is also apparent at the Grand Bharat.

1. The India Room showcases a range of European classics, with signature dishes including pan-seared sole with sugar snapped puree, melon pearls, vermouth froth and salmon roe.

2. The Aravali Pavilion, on the other hand, is home of unique culinary concepts such as Swasthya cuisine and ‘well being’ low calorie options while the Verandah offers alfresco dining.

3. The Apas Promenade is a celebration of the Terra Madre community’s Slow Food Movement, with breakfast, comfort food and local Mewati barbeques that forms part of the food of the Aravalis.

4. The Peacock Bar has an extensive wine and malt selection complemented by molecular mixology-inspired classic cocktails.

BELow: Nature walk sights.

sPa

Home to the ITC Hotels’ Kaya Kalp concept spa, it translates as “Complete Transformation” from the Sanskrit form. In the 1,951 square-metre facility you can try a number of elaborate therapies and signature treatments including the ‘Royal Bharat Chakra’, ‘Manipura Vitality Massage’ and ‘Passage to India Spa Journey'.

outdooRs

With a vast acreage, the temptation is there to get out and explore and indulge in some outdoor activities. If you’re not up to walking the property, then explore it on one of the resort’s segways, bicycles or ATV quad bikes.

You can also take a nature walk or pull on a pair of hiking boots, pack a picnic lunch and do a spot of bird watching in and around the Aravali ranges.

“Golf in India is still in a nascent state – there are only around 250 golf courses in the country and that includes those owned by the army and airforce. In terms of tournament quality, there are probably less than 50 all over the country and seven of those are in the capital Delhi,” says Sekhar.

When it comes to discussing any unique features on the course, Sekhar shares that there are lots of bunkers on the Canyon layout. “The Ridge and the Valley are typical Jack Nicklaus courses with doglegs and the course plays reasonably well,” he offers, continuing, “The game has changed substantially since 1996 and people are hitting longer, so we’ve had people shooting 24-under-par over a three-day tournament.”

The Ridge, which makes up the first nine, rewards accuracy more than distance as the fairways narrow down at shorter distances off the tees. There are three holes where water comes into play and the par three holes are comparatively shorter and more undulating. Then, you come to The Valley, and the holes provide a bit more generosity with the fairways wider than the Ridge.

The par 3 11th is its signature hole and perhaps so for all three nines. It consistently plays over par and measures close to 206 metres off the black tees. The entire left side is out-of-bounds making for some brave shot selection off the tee if the pin is sited there. For the most picturesque experience however, the Canyon course takes the cake. Built last, it is also set on the most picturesque land surrounded by the Aravali ranges on three sides.

It is a relatively tight course due to its location on the property and features a number of short and reachable par 4s which are classic risk-reward holes.

The resort’s country club also has a spectacular clubhouse that looks out over the 10th tee box and the 18th green. It has a large terrace, two restaurants, a bakery, health club and yoga room, steam and sauna room, lawn bowls, croquet, proshop, driving range, putting and chipping practice areas, golf fitness area and a golf academy.

The club is private and has around 1,300 active members. If you want to play, you need to either be accompanied by a member or you can become a member for a day and use the facilities. It is also open to those staying at the ITC Grand Bharat. As soon as one steps into the grandeur of this resort, the flood of warm Indian hospitality, serenity, rich heritage, culture and architecture immediately washes away any feelings of tiredness or stress.

This is truly an oasis of unhurried luxury and one which will make you want to return again and again. www.itchotels.in/itcgrandbharat

Resort Golf Academy

Together with swing coach Roberto Borgatti, we bring you the first of a series of S.O.S, or ‘Save Our Swing’, instructional features.

By R o Be Rto B o R g at t i

p h oto g R a p h y By Dav i D J. W h y t e

Roberto Borgatti

S.O.S is a platform for teaching golfers of all nations

and skill levels how to achieve a great swing. It’s all about getting golfers to their desired goals, and removing the mystery and frustration they experience about the game.

In this series we will work with a wide array of individuals from amateur golfers struggling with their games to seasoned professionals wanting to reaching the next level. They all share one thing in common - they want help with that most basic of golf techniques: the swing.

What is a great swing? It’s maximally leveraging your body, something unique from person to person.

Body dimensions, points of flexibility and muscle

mass all come into play. The objective is to establish a move that is repeatable and designed for success.

To the untrained eye, all of the world’s best swings look different but those differences are only the visible signs of each individual golfer’s physical answer to the same fundamental question: How do I discover and develop my best move? The look of the swing may be unique, but the fundamentals underneath are always the same. In essence, a great swing is control and grace, mixed with speed and power.

Those are the four basic ingredients, the raw materials, of what I call, ‘a swing you can trust.’

So without further ado, on behalf of Golf Vacations, I introduce our first student, Francois Payard.

ABOVE: Francois Payard & Roberto Borgatti; Francois's first moves.

Francois Payard is among the world’s most well-known pastry chefs. Though renowned for the sweetness of his confections, finding the sweet spot on the golf club is another matter. Francois came to me because he wanted to improve his game so that he could enjoy the day out on the links with his culinary colleagues, who are all skilled players. Since Francois’ playing experience had been limited to sporadic games with other chefs in high-profile charity events, we needed to address basic fundamentals.

FrancOiS FirSt MOveS Before getting down to nuts-and-bolts, I always start with the big picture on how to use the body’s big muscles, in partnership with momentum, to produce a flow and rhythm.

These elements are found in all great swings.

1A

I often begin by taking my novices through the basic swing motion without a club and letting them feel how the body ideally moves through space, becoming aware of their body’s rotational capacity and movement of the centre of gravity. For the mature player these are moments of gaining an overall perspective. Body awareness is akin to that view from 40,000 feet before descending into the forest.

Swings with a medicine ball help a player learn how to turn the body back and through in one fluid motion. It more resembles the easy development of a youngster, with the heavier weight of the club. Francois began to engage his core and larger muscles for a powerful and repeatable swing. the Grip The grip is always an essential starting point for the set up. In Francois’ case, you can observe a most unorthodox approach - a reverse hand placement in the grip! I did my best to contain my surprise.

Our first step was to establish a proper grip,

one that provides stability and allows the player to achieve the correct hinging of the wrists.

While a possible answer for putting, it did not take a PhD in physics to know Francois’ grip was unlikely to generate maximum power and precision. handS, arMS, club The next step to an effective swing is the correct action of the hands, arms and club. The hands and arms play a very important role, one that needs to be defined. The proper hinge of the wrists creates a lever, a lag that produces significant speed. The mechanics and technique involved allow even the minimally athletic player to increase clubhead speed and distance.

The easiest way to visualize the proper action is to picture the two letters of the alphabet, a “Y” and an “L.” At address the arm and club form a “Y” shape, then by the finish of the backswing make an “L”. The shape returns to “Y” at impact, then the trail arm (right for a right-handed player) and club makes an “L” on

1A 2A

1A 3A

LEFT COLUMN: The Grip.

CENTRE COLUMN: Hands, arm, club.

RIGHT COLUMN: Lower body.

1B

1B 2B

1B 3B

the follow thru. By hinging the wrists to make the “L,” you have a technique that will generate more clubhead speed.

Once Francois had the proper action of the arms, hands and club, it was time to address the lower body action.

Lower Body The objective was to get Francois to feel the swing, from the ground up - leg, knees and ankles - initiating the move down. With the swing initiated from the ground up, the entire body is engaged and the proper sequencing is assured.

Most golfers are taught to “keep their head down”. Although well-intentioned advice, the pertinent question is not if the head should move, but rather when. When a golfer’s body moves through the moment of impact, the spine and head should remain steady; then, as the golfer’s right side/shoulder passes underneath the chin, the head and body must release for a healthy finish. This successful completion

of a swing is not just aesthetically pleasing, it is also physically healthy and a reflection of good fundamental mechanics. review By the end of our session, Francois was making some satisfactory swings that we reviewed on my iPad’s V1 app. Before sitting down to view his progress on video I offered him a kale-banana smoothie. He made a sour face, then smiling broadly, asked if I kept any red wine? Showing Francois the evolution of his technique over a glass of Cote du Rhone was a nice relaxing finish to a mission accomplished.

In the end, it’s all about technique. In the words of Joseph Chaikin, “Technique is a means to free the artist.” Those who succeed so much better than their peers do it because they have technique under control, which frees them to soar.

When the whistle goes off or when they stand on the first tee, their mastery of technique means they are ready to trust their swing.

Style Vacation

A gentleman’s game in its most discerning sartorial expression.

words: Benny Teo PhoTograPher: Joel lim PhoTograPhy assisTance: alfie Pan fashion sTylisT: Jerome awasThi sTyling assisTance: derek Jou grooming: John lee using laneige and Bed head By Tigi model: georgi s, ave

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Bally double Breasted suit and Pants; white Turtleneck Pullover; Brown soft leather suitcase Boss leather monk strap shoes hat (stylist own)

dior homme denim Blazer; denim Jeans; white cotton shirt; Black skinny Tie Boss leather monk strap shoes Bally vintage monogram hard case mini suitcase

“Do you want to tell us a fairy tale?” said one of the boys. The old man said, “Yes, I will tell you a story about yourselves. Sit down around me and learn. One of the boys turned to the others and said, “Let’s listen to this old man’s story. We have nothing better to do. But if it isn’t a good story old man, we will beat you for wasting our time.” The old man laughed. “I’ve been beaten by time and by others and it is time that is the worst foe. I will tell you the Legend of the Chinese Spy, an ancient story of our past and one that is relevant to you today.

“It begins in the year 1370, nearly 640 years ago. China was at war trying to free itself from the harsh and corrupt rule of the Mongol Yuan Emperor Temur. During those years, he tyrannized the Chinese population and confiscated their farm animals, crops, tools and weapons. He oppressed the Chinese culture and tried to exterminate all Chinese. He hired a Chinese Spy named Lu Wong Di to gather intelligence about his enemies.

Bally fur checked leather Jacket with fur collar; grey leather Pants J lindeBerg vintage Print grey golf Polo shirt maruman, Transview green leather with leather weave details golf Bag

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Boss Trench coat; Blue navy suit Jacket; navy Pants; silk Tie; leather lace ups ankle Boots; leather weekender Bag houndstooth umbrella (stylist own)

Golf Vacations

sep - oct 2015

69

The Chinese people rose in revolt against the Mongol emperor. Their military leader Zhu Yuanzhang defeated the Mongol armies and finally rid China of the Mongols. Lu Wong Di’s goal of gaining power and wealth continued even though he fled to Mongolia with the emperor to save his own life. Lu Wong Di is the Chinese Spy whose life has become a legend.”

One of the boys asked him, “How does this story relate to me today?” The old man replied, “You are no different from others who have lived before you. Their lives and experience are important to you so you do not repeat the mistakes that others in the past have made. The path you must follow to fulfill your destiny is not predetermined; it is discovered and reveals in the actions you take every day.”

Excerpt taken from “Legend of the Chinese Spy” by T.H. and Helen C. Henning.

Boss Turtle neck Pullover; grey cotton Trousers; navy wool Blazer TiTleisT, Transview leather Tote weekender

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BoTTega veneTa wool sweater & Brown Turtle neck Pullover maruman, Transview green leather with leather weave details golf Bag

Collection

SINCE 1839, PATEK PHILIPPE HAS NEvEr SToPPEd CrEATINg TIMEPIECES oF UNrIvALLEd QUALITY ANd rELIABILITY ••••••• Master of complications, Patek Philippe has manufactured distinctively impressive and beautiful wristwatches for both ladies and gentlemen. It is widely regarded as the most prestigious luxury watchmaker in the industry. Begun in 1839 in Geneva as a pocket watch company, the Patek Philippe Company has a long and flourishing history of watch innovation, including being the first company to add the chronograph, the minute repeater, the perpetual calendar, and the split-seconds hand into the wristwatch.

And it has again proclaimed watchmaking innovation with new materials and leadingedge technologies, while continuing to preserve the tradition of ancestral watchmaking know-how, and maintains the industry’s strictest quality control standards.

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Patek PhiliPPe annual Calendar ChronograPh ref.

5905P

a grand tradition with a new faCe

with its new ref. 5905P annual Calendar Chronograph, Patek Philippe proves yet again that refined combinations of trailblazing design and successful horological complications can result in totally new and distinctive timepieces. thanks to creative fine-tuning, it has a clearly unique look. the manifestly elegant model with the blue dial comes with matching navy blue strap. a matt black alligator strap complements the version with the black dial. Both straps are secured with a platinum 950 prong buckle.

Patek PhiliPPe Calatrava Pilot travel time ref.

5524

UP, UP and away

Patek Philippe’s ref. 5524 Calatrava Pilot travel time is a decidedly masculine watch that aptly symbolizes the conquest of the skies by aircraft and the conquest of the wrist by wristwatches. it is a precise and dependable timekeeping instrument with a time-zone function that is especially useful in air travel. with the salient details such as the blue dial, the white-gold case, and the time-zone function, it stands in a category of its own. it doesn’t compromise between straightforward technology and contemporary elegance but instead melds both facets in perfect harmony.

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Patek PhiliPPe Ref.

5370

sPlit-seconds chRonogRaPh foR men who take accuRacy seRiously

for the first time, the Ref. 5370 incorporates the fantastic caliber chR 29-535 Ps in its pure form without the added complication of a perpetual calendar. Because it is focused exclusively on time measurement, the Ref. 5370 has a decidedly masculine face that appeals to men who value time, authenticity, tradition, functionality, precision, discretion, and timelessly sleek elegance. it comes with a two-pusher model, a stopwatch with two pushers for the basic start, stop, reset functions and an additional on/off button in the crown for the split-seconds function.

Collection

Patek PhiliPPe IndePendence Independence is at the heart of the Patek Philippe spirit and is the guarantee of continuity, durability and trustworthiness.

TrAdITIon Founded in 1839, it is the story of a unique heritage, a combination of experience, ingenuity and passion that the company safeguards and revitalizes in all its disciplines and skills.

As the last family-owned independent watch manufacturer in Geneva, Patek enjoys total creative freedom to entirely design, produce and assemble what experts agree to be the finest timepieces in the world. The ten fundamental values display the very spirit of the Genevan watchmaker: herITAGe To acquire a Patek Philippe is to welcome into your own family a possession designed to last and accompany successive generations.

The classic and elegant styling combined with unparalleled watchmaking craftsmanship have secured Patek Philippe a reputation for being the ultimate choice. As the inventors of the perpetual calendar, that’s hard to disagree with.

InnovATIon Patek Philippe constantly pushes back the frontiers of the watchmaking art through its achievements at the cutting edge of innovation.

It has confirmed its pioneering role by filing over 80 patents.

QuAlITy And FIne workmAnshIP Today, more than ever, “quality” and “fine workmanship” remain the watch-words for every aspect of Patek Philippe’s production. rArITy over 200 models are in regular production, produced in small series of between ten and several hundred watches and fitted with a vast array of in-house movements. vAlue A Patek Philippe commands a high price and will fully retain or even increase its value over the years. It is an investment for the present and the future.

AesTheTIcs As exceptional creations, they outlive passing fashions without ever losing their appeal and modernity. Patek Philippe has established its own understated, timeless style: a harmonious combination of personality and discretion, elegance and an aristocratic touch. servIce The company believes that it has a duty to provide the highest standard of after-sales service, and has made this requirement a key criterion of the Patek Philippe seal. emoTIon A Patek Philippe is far more than a means of telling the time ; it is a unique, personal object steeped in precious memories.

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Calatrava ref.

5153r-001

the famous Calatrava men’s wristwatch in the Officer’s-style case in yellow and white gold is joined by a new rose-gold model. Its warm hue perfectly matches the silvery-opaline dial with a hand-guilloched center. the precious self-winding movement can be admired through a sapphire-crystal case back which is protected by a hinged cover.

Calatrava ref.

5227G-010

the ref. 5227 Calatrava, a paragon of sleek, timeless elegance, comes with a new black dial in a white-gold version. the contrast between this darkbackground and the whitegold hands and applied hour markers boosts the legendary readability of the dial. the sapphire-crystal display back is protected by a dust cover with an invisible hinge.

Calatrava ref.

6000G-012

With its analog date and the prominent dashboard-style dial, the ref. 6000 Calatrava is a highly coveted model. It celebrates an impressive comeback with a white-gold case and a two-tone sunburst blue and silvery gray dial to match the navy blue alligator strap.

Ladies’ annuaL CaLendar ref.

4947G-001

The annual Calendar for ladies presents a new, subtly reworked case; its gently undulated caseband is highlighted with the fire of precious diamonds. The whitegold model has a blue sunburst dial and a blue-gray alligator strap.

Ladies’ annuaL CaLendar ref.

4947r-001

introduction of a new annual Calendar for ladies, ref. 4947 in rose gold. This new model will gradually replace all existing ref. 4936.This rose-gold version features a silvery sunburst dial and a violin strap.

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Ladies’ annuaL CaLendar ref.

4948G-001

The new annual Calendar, even more feminine than before, features a redesigned and refined case whose contours sparkle with the gleam of diamonds. The mother-of-pearl dial in black for the white-gold model and in white for the rose-gold model display the day of the week, the month, and the date that requires only one correction per year.

Ladies’ annuaL CaLendar ref.

4948r-001

introduction of a new annual Calendar fully paved for ladies, ref.4948 in rose gold.

This new model will gradually replace all existing ref. 4937. it features Black Tahitian mother-of-pearl dial with shiny mink gray alligator strap,

Ladies’ automatic NautiLus Ref.

7118/1a-001

the Ref 7118/1a is the first steel model in the ladies’ Nautilus contemporary collection without diamonds. the key featuRes: 1. Larger stainless steel case: 35.2mm 2. Blue opaline dial, gold applied hour markers with luminescent coating 3. White gold baton-shaped hour and minute hands with luminescent coating 4. White gold frame for the date aperture 5. stainless steel bracelet, with Nautilus fold-over clasp

Ladies’ automatic NautiLus Ref.

7118/1200R-001

the key featuRes: 1.Larger rose gold case: 35.2 mm 2.Bezel set with 56 diamonds (~0.67 ct) 3.7118/1200R-001: silvery opaline dial 4.Rose gold baton-shaped hour and minute hands with luminescent coating 5.Rose gold frame for the date aperture 6.Rose gold bracelet, with Nautilus fold-over clasp

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Ladies’ automatic NautiLus Ref.

7118/1200R-010

the key featuRes: 1.Larger rose gold case: 35.2 mm 2.Bezel set with 56 diamonds (~0.67 ct) 3.7118/1200R-010: Golden brown opaline dial 4.Rose gold baton-shaped hour and minute hands with luminescent coating 5.Rose gold frame for the date aperture 6.Rose gold bracelet, with Nautilus fold-over clasp

meN’s NautiLus Ref.

5711/1R-001

the Nautilus 5711/1 is the first rose gold model without complication in the men’s Nautilus collection. the key featuRes: 1.Rose gold 5N 40 mm case 2.Light/dark brown graduated dial, gold applied baton-shaped hour markers with luminescent coating 3.Rose gold 5N baton-shaped hour and minute hands with luminescent coating 4.Rose gold frame for the date aperture 5.Rose gold 5N seven-link bracelet, with Nautilus fold-over clasp

Shop First Peter Marino Architectural Design Concept in Bangkok’s Siam Paragon Shopping Centre in Thailand

BVLGARI UNVEILS SOUTHEAST ASIA’S

October 2015 - Bulgari, the

magnificent and contemporary Italian jeweler, master of coloured gemstones, announces the re-opening of Southeast Asia’s first Peter Marino concept boutique at Bangkok’s Siam Paragon Shopping Centre.

Following the renovation of the Via Condotti flagship in Rome in which a delicate transformation of the existing historical store was accomplished, many of the brand’s signature architectural elements are mirrored within this newly renovated space. Here, the Peter Marino concept creates an architectural identity for Bulgari, drawing on its Mediterranean origins and Roman traditions, emphasizing a classical Italian approach to modernity.

In the main central area, two oval shaped counters are an invitation to browse the shop and explore Bulgari’s iconic collections. Above them, two oval shaped Murano crystal chandeliers by Vistosi (Ecos, designed by the Venetian studio

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Renato Toso, Noti Massari e Associati) enlighten the products and the atmosphere.

The VIP area’s entrance is defined by the Maglia Pantheon (Pantheon Mesh), a bronze-lattice work screen whose design was inspired by the Roman Pantheon’s

floor with the additional motif of the iconic Bulgari eight-pointed star. A universal symbol of balance, harmony and cosmic order, the eight lines are symbolic of the four cardinal points (North, South, East, West) and time (two solstices and two equinoxes). According to legend, the star means “Roma Caput Mundi”, meaning that all the routes lead to Rome. In fact, the original star is part of the flooring inside the historic Bulgari via Condotti store in Rome, and is a unifying symbol found in all Bulgari boutiques around the world.

The brand’s touch is prevalent throughout the areas transformed into a Bulgari art-gallery: walls are decorated with vintage images of famous celebrities’ endorsements, celebrities who have truly been fans or ambassadors of the brand’s exciting Italian lifestyle.

Bulgari Unit 22-23 Main Level Siam Paragon Shopping Centre No. 991 Rama 1 Road, Pathumwan Bangkok 10330

IWC

New Concept Boutique in Bangkok.

SCHAFFHAUSEN INAUGURATES 23 October 2015 – Swiss luxury watch manufacturer IWC Schaffhausen proudly announces the opening of a boutique at the Siam Paragon shopping centre in Bangkok, Thailand. The boutique is the first in Southeast Asia to implement a brand-new boutique design concept which features innovative interior design, materials and display arrangements, aimed at providing watch connoisseurs with an even more refined Swiss haute horlogerie experience.

“An IWC boutique in the capital city of Thailand is of great importance to the brand. The new boutique located in Siam Paragon is an affirmation of the growing significance of the Thai market and of our future vision. With the new boutique, we are pleased to offer IWC enthusiasts a location where they can select from among an exquisite range of IWC timepieces and experience the brand’s philosophy of engineering excellence,” said Matthieu Dupont, Managing Director of IWC Schaffhausen Southeast Asia.

NEW BOUTIQUE CONCEPT The new Siam Paragon boutique is the first to implement the brand-new boutique concept in South East Asia, which inspires to fascinate and underline IWC’s signature with the traditional fine art of watchmaking. Designed by IWC’s inhouse team of architects, the new boutique design concept is a perfect embodiment of the brand’s core values of innovation and engineering excellence. It provides an exceptional and sophisticated setting to showcase the full range of IWC’s haute horlogerie masterpieces, welcoming longtime watch connoisseurs and new admirers alike. Upon arrival, the striking boutique facade immediately draws visitors in.

The unique interior architecture provides the perfect backdrop for the collection, featuring a mix of finely crafted glossy Macassar timber furnishings and lush carpeting, against touches of white and chrome.

IWC SCHAFFHAUSEN With a clear focus on technology and development, the Swiss watch manufacturer IWC Schaffhausen has been producing timepieces of lasting value since 1868. The company has gained an international reputation based on a passion for innovative solutions and technical ingenuity. One of the world’s leading brands in the luxury watch segment, IWC crafts masterpieces of haute horlogerie at their finest, combining supreme precision with exclusive design. As an ecologically and socially responsible company, IWC is committed to sustainable production, supports institutions around the globe in their work with children and young people, and maintains partnerships with organizations dedicated to climate and environmental protection.

Bespoke

VERTU

Vertu launches Aster Stingray, the Quintessentially English Smartphone.

Vertu Aster Stingray

Aster Stingray is the new, quintessentially English smartphone from Vertu, the English manufacturer of luxury mobile phones. Handmade and finished by craftsmen, using the most luxurious materials, in an exquisite palette of colours, Aster Stingray can also be personalised with a monogram or engraving. Its beauty of design and simplicity of use belie the cutting edge technology at its heart, which facilitates its seamless operation almost anywhere on the globe. The new handset features Dolby® Digital Plus virtual surround sound and Hasselblad certified imaging, as well as Vertu’s full portfolio of services, which comprises Classic Concierge as well as Vertu LIFE and Vertu CERTAINTY packages. Together these features combine to create in Aster a rare and indispensable lifestyle accessory.

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Edges are much softer to create a less masculine aesthetic. The soft, almost fluid lines of the handset are enhanced by the use of a grade 5 titanium casing, featuring a mix of brushed and polished finishes that sweep the sleek lines of the handset and contrast with its textured, natural grain leather, sourced from the finest Stingray.

Services Design

Aster Stingray delivers a very contemporary version of some of the signature elements found in Vertu phones.

For example the traditional V pillow is made of titanium and uses clean horizontal lines and a simple geometry. The strong vertical sides are created by cutting a scoop into the titanium and using different finishes to bring the profile to life. This creates a surface that is a pleasure to hold.

Vertu CERTAINTY protects their Vertu phone and their data through best-inclass technology and expert partners.

This includes encrypted communications, comprising voice calls, text and video, delivered in partnership with Silent Circle and complimentary to Aster owners for 12 months. A six month complimentary service provided by iPass offers unlimited access to secure WiFi globally via 13 million secure WiFi hotspots across 123 countries.

Complimentary 12 month’s access to Kaspersky mobile security, including antivirus and anti-theft protection protects the phone itself.

Vertu began working on a luxury mobile phone concept as early as 1998 and four years later the company shipped its first product, the Signature, from its headquarters in Hampshire, England. Today, Vertu still leads the market that it pioneered, with a range of phones available: Vertu Signature, Vertu Signature Touch and Vertu Aster.

Each product in the range delivers an unrivalled synergy of hand craftsmanship and materials, unique design, latest technology and curated services. Every Vertu phone is handcrafted by a single craftsman whose signature is engraved inside the back plate compartment.

Collection ★ Food

Contemporary

IndIan dInIng Set in 1960s art deco wooden house centrally located in SukhumvitSoi 26, INDUS creativity recreates an authentic feel of the grandeur of royal Indian dining.

INDUS is comprised of a vibrant Dining Room, a capacious Cocktail Lounge, an outdoor Garden Terrace, a Function Room, and a private VIP Room.

The main Dining Room is an elegant and romantic art-filled room with antique, handcarved wooden frames, giant Maharaj water kettles, brass water pipes, and sandstone brick-walls.

The harem-inspired INDUS BAR with its high ceiling is fitted with observatory-style windows, paintings of Mohgul nobility, plush black leather sofas, and brick walls. The bar boasts and extensive drink list with popular spiced-infused signature cocktails created by world-renowned mixologist Joseph Boroski and over 60 wine labels.

The Garden Terrace is an enchanting area with candle-lit alfresco dining options, a thatched roof bar and relaxed seating choices beneath both bamboo and palm trees.

Indus Restaurant (est. 2004) is the proud winner of countless Best Restaurant awards in Thailand and since opening has maintained high standards of taste and quality in Indian cuisine.

Indus Restaurant 71, SukhumvitSoi 26, KlongToey, Bangkok 10110, Thailand Reservations: +662 258 4900, +6686 339 8582 Fax: +662 661 3227 Email: indus@indusbangkok.com

Collection ★ Food

OSHA THAi ReSTAuRAnT And BAR OSHA, a luxurious authentic Thai restaurant from San Francisco, was listed as one of Bangkok's Best New Restaurant 2014 by BK Magazine, and was at number 16 in Bangkok's Top 20 Best Restaurant 2014 in CHIM Bangkok Charity Week 2014. Osha has made a name for itself over the past 17 years. OSHA was opened based on passion for cooking and the will to promote authentic Thai taste and excellent services for the San Franciscan people to experience. From OSHA's first day in 1997 until today, OSHA has expanded to eight branches in San Francisco, and is now ready to come home to offer the same delectable experience to the Thai people. Dr. Wutthisak the owner of OSHA Thai Restaurant & Bar Bangkok presents San Franciscan ambience in the middle of Bangkok's business district on Wireless Road.

The interior is decorated with dark furniture and golden hues made from pure gold, giving guests a feeling of dining in a royal palace. Adding to the luxurious ambience is the exquisite Thai painting on the wall at the entrance, and the extravagant flooring tiles. A custom-made chandelier, shaped as a chada, is hung on the staircase leading up to the second floor. The chandelier is meticulously crafted and decorated with gems and glasses.

The golden lights make the entire restaurant sparkle with warmth and relaxation, setting the mood for tasting delicious Thai dishes and the east-meet-west decoration. The second floor can be converted to a private party venue, with circular seats shaped like a monk's alm bowl, which can be seen from the lower floor. To add a modern touch, 3D mapping technique is used to display 3D motion pictures on the wall to make the atmosphere more exciting.

For the opening phase of OSHA in Thailand, this technology is used to create an image of Hanuman swallowing a pavilion based on Ramakian to create grandeur at the entrance and the ceiling. The image will be changed constantly to add something new to the atmosphere.

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In addition to the atmosphere and decoration, OSHA's specialty is its unique and impressive food. OSHA’s food is under the concept “The Best Authentic Thai with Molecular Twist”, using Molecular Gastronomy - a subdiscipline of food science that seeks to investigate the physical and chemical transformations of ingredients that occur in cooking - to create interesting dishes that are fun to eat. Temperature is also controlled to make sure the taste is enhanced.

OSHA Thai Restaurant and Bar Lunch: 11:00 – 14.30 Dinner 18:00 – 24:00 Dress code & policies: Smart Casual apply to children as well Contact Tel: +66 2 256 6555 Fax: +66 256 6551 Reservation: reservations@oshabangkok.com 99 Wireless Rd., Lumpini Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330 Parking: Valet parking only

Mango Tree Thai Cuisine aT iTs BesT The wait is finally over. Mango Tree Worldwide’s first flagship restaurant, Mango Tree On The River, has opened its doors on the banks of the Chao Phraya River. Mango Tree Worldwide’s first lifestyle concept restaurant, it is poised to become a landmark, taking pride in its casual elegance, the restaurant has a contemporary vibe. It offers a gorgeous dining area where you can dine on comfort foods, both healthy and decadent, and enjoy a gentle river breeze.

Mango Tree On The River has a holistic approach to design that considers every detail from the décor down to the menu itself to create the inviting vibe that makes this the perfect spot to catch up with friends or dine out with loved ones. The menu offers patrons a variety of sumptuous Thai dishes with extraordinary flavors, compelling textures and enchanting visuals.

It’s the perfect spot to watch the sun go down, listen to music, and enjoy a good meal with good company. The restaurant’s impeccable service contributes to its warm atmosphere. The team caters to the needs of individual guests to ensure all diners experience the finest in Thai hospitality.

Mango Tree On the River, the first flagship restaurant of Mango Tree Worldwide, leads your palate on an authentic Thai culinary journey and wows you with stunning panorama views of the “River of Kings.”

Mango Tree On The River Open everyday Restaurant 11.00 – 23.00 Bar 11.00 – 01.00 Telephone +66 (0) 2110 0820 Accept all credit cards.

Pier Pakklong talad (Flowers market) 240 Yodpimark River Walk Building D5 Atsadang Rd., Wang Burapha Phirom Phranakhon, Bangkok 10200 www.facebook.com/cocarestaurantthailand

Collection ★ Move

Rolls-Royce

DAWN

The Seductive Beauty is coming to Thailand!

“Our new Rolls-Royce Dawn

promises a striking, seductive encounter like no other Rolls-Royce to date, and begins a new age of open-top, superluxury motoring. Dawn is a beautiful new motor car that offers the most uncompromised open-top motoring experience in the world. It will be the most social of super-luxury drophead motor cars for those who wish to bathe in the sunlight of the world’s most exclusive social hotspots. Quite simply, it is the sexiest Rolls-Royce ever built.”

Torsten Mueller-Oetvoes, Chief Executive Officer, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars

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“…Accept nothing nearly right or good enough.”

Compromise is not a word recognised in the Rolls-Royce lexicon. Indeed the company continues to live by the clarion cry of co-founder Sir Henry Royce to “Strive for perfection in everything you do.

Take the best that exists and make it better.

When it does not exist, design it. Accept nothing nearly right or good enough.”

The final part of that maxim – “Accept nothing nearly right or good enough” has guided the Rolls-Royce design and engineering teams as they have worked to initiate a new age for open-top, superluxury motoring. In a sector exclusively populated by the biggest of automotive

compromises – the 2+2 seat configuration – Rolls-Royce accepted no compromise.

And so, the new Rolls-Royce Dawn, the world’s only true modern four-seater super-luxury drophead, is born.

The new Rolls-Royce Dawn stands apart from its stable mates, featuring 80% unique body panels.

Indeed such attention has been paid to ensuring this amazing new dawn for superluxury motoring delivers on its promise, even the tyres that connect the new RollsRoyce Dawn to the road are new.

A whOle new cAR

Contrary to media speculation, the new Rolls-Royce Dawn is not a Wraith drophead. 80% of the exterior body panels of the new Dawn are newly designed to accommodate an evolution of Rolls-Royce’s design language and to encapsulate highly contemporary, four-seat super-luxury drophead architecture.

The aim was clear. To do what no other car manufacturer had achieved so far – make a car that looks as beautiful with its roof up as with it down. One could almost say that the result of the design team’s restless endeavours has been to make the new Rolls-Royce Dawn two cars in one.

Roof down, the sexiness of the RollsRoyce Dawn is even more apparent. From the side the steep rake of the windscreen, the swage line that flows over the rear haunches plus the high beltline that rises along the profile give the impression of effortless swiftness. The very same rising beltline wraps around the rear passenger cabin akin to the collar of a jacket pulled up to protect the neck.

The deck itself is an amazing work of modern craftsmanship. Clothed in open-pore Canadel panelling that traces the horse-shoe shape of the rear cabin, it demonstrates the great advances that the craftspeople in the Woodshop at the Home of Rolls-Royce in Goodwood have

made in wood crafting technology and techniques.

The wood on the deck, chosen by the customer to suit their individual taste, flows down the ‘Waterfall’ between the rear seats, and around the cabin clothing the interior door panels and enticing the owner to enter Dawn.

Deliveries on the new Rolls-Royce Dawn commence in the second quarter of 2016.

For more information, contact Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Bangkok & Phuket at 02-670-6060 or 02-610-6787.

Collection ★ Time

Faubourg A miniature composition threaded with gold and diamonds.

The Hermès Faubourg Joaillerie

watch encircles the wrist with a slim gold mesh adorned with a cleverly orchestrated parade of 652 diamonds.

The face of this jewellery model slowly but surely came to life under the nimble fingers of the gem-setter. The stones first composed a beautiful pattern on the dial before melting seamlessly into the soft curves of the 16.3 mm case. To accentuate the featherlight, airy nature of this watch turned jewel, the artisan created subtle depth effects by leaving slender interlacing gold patterns free of any gem-setting. Then it was time to address the bracelet.

Working on a white gold canvas, he pursued his patient work by setting no less than 388 diamonds with infinite precision, repeatedly readjusting them until the bracelet became a perfect extension of the watch.

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Joaillerie

Vacheron constantin reference 57260

The most complicated watch ever made.

Reference 57260 is a double-dial horological masterwork

of hitherto unimaginable complication and technical innovation.

It has been conceived over a period of eight years by a team of three of the company’s Master Watchmakers. Made using the classic principles of watchmaking along with resolutely 21st century thinking, this watch is an entirely original creation exhibiting a total of 57 complications, several of which are entirely new and unique.

The new complications that were required to be incorporated including, amongst others, the multiple calendars and double retrograde rattrapante chronograph, had never previously existed and therefore had to be calculated, designed and developed from scratch, thus a completely new calibre of movement was created. This meant the creation of an entirely new type of movement unlike any other seen before. Furthermore, even the mechanisms of the more familiar complications have been modified, reinterpreted and redesigned so that the finished watch is utterly harmonious as a whole. Its conception and realisation required not only a huge leap of imagination but a level of mathematical understanding and craftsmanship that is almost beyond comprehension. The successful completion of this watch has introduced several important brand-new complications to the world of watchmaking and as such the research and skills developed during its construction can be considered to be the greatest contribution to the advancement of mechanical watchmaking since the 1920s.

Amongst the list of 57 complications are a significant number of ingenious and important new mechanisms that have never been seen before in watchmaking. These new Vacheron Constantin innovations are found in every aspect of the watch’s construction, within which each function has its application in watchmaking both as an individual technical development and as an integral part of this extraordinary watch.

Made of solid 18-carat white gold, polished with glazed bezels on each side, the elegant and perfectly proportioned case has a three-position winding crown with corresponding indication window on the case band to show the position of the crown during

winding or setting. A co-axial button in the crown controls the start/stop and return-to-zero functions of the double retrograde chronograph and the push-button in the case band at 11 o’clock activates and restarts the rattrapante chronograph function.

Of particular note is the totally unobtrusive and new design of the concealed flush-fit alarm winding crown located in the case band at the 4 o’clock position. This is a most sophisticated method of concealing the alarm button so that it does not detract from the clean line and elegance of the case.

Each side of the watch has a dial made of solid silver, while the rotating discs for the displays are made of aluminium so as to be lightweight and therefore require only the slightest energy to move. The meantime dial is of regulator style, displaying the hours, minutes and seconds on separate chapter rings, a design derived from precision regulator clocks such as those used in observatories and laboratories. This first dial displays some of the entirely new and very exciting functions developed by the Vacheron Constantin watchmakers and seen for the first time ever in this watch.

Collection ★ Golf

The BesT ever produced

Titleist introduces New 716 AP1 and AP2 Irons.

New 716 AP IronModels deliver best-in-class combination of distance,forgiveness and shot-stopping performance in player-preferred profiles.

New716 Titleist AP1 and AP2 irons,

available beginning Oct. 23 in golf shops worldwide, are precisely engineered with industry-leading amounts of high density tungsten to deliver the best combination of low CG and high MOI in their respective categories for distance, forgiveness and shot-stopping control.

“AP1 and AP2 irons are designed fortwo distinct player profiles. AP1 is for players seeking maximum distance and forgiveness.

AP2 is for players seeking distance and forgiveness in a tour-proven iron,” said Chris McGinley, Vice President, Titleist Golf Club Marketing. “Our R&D team has precisely engineered both models to create speed and launch for distance with maximum forgiveness to help all players improve their iron play.”

New716 AP1 is the longest, most forgiving Titleist iron ever. New AP1’s extreme 360º undercut cavity design with a large, thin, unsupported face delivers speed and launch for more distance, while the industry-leading use of high-density tungsten weighting provides maximum forgiveness.

“Golfers looking to improve their games need the best technology available,” McGinley said. “We understand these golfers want as much distance and forgivenessas they can get, but we also know they want to score better. AP1 hastechnology that will help golfers hit the ball farther with the proper flight tostop the ball closer to the pin more consistently. That’s what good iron play is all about.” www.titleist.com.my/golf-clubs/irons

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Moments

Dusit Queen’s cup invitational Bangkok, 15 October 2015 -Dusit International recently hosted

its annual Queen’s Cup Golf Invitational in support of the Princess Sirindhorn Craniofacial Centre of the Thai Red Cross Society, the first and largest craniofacial centre in Southeast Asia.

The event was held at the beautiful Riverdale Golf and Country Club in Bangkok on October 8th, with many of Dusit’s clients and business associates taking part in the fun-filled, day-long charity event. Co-sponsors of the Dusit International Queen’s Cup Golf Invitational included Bangkok Airways, Singha Corporation, Thai Airways, Asiana Airlines, Thaiyarnon, Samsung, Ping, Canon, American Express, Laguna Phuket Golf Club and Wongtawan Group.

Moments

Accor Hotels Golf cHArity for yim Kids tHAilAnd Bangpakong Riverside Country Club (BRC)

In Thailand, Accor, our network of hotels and resorts, Yim kids team are working together to improve the future for the beautiful children of Thailand. Yim Kids (Yim is smile in Thai) has been established to fund sustainable projects throughout Thailand committed to improving educational opportunities and child health in the “Land of Smiles”.

Every cent Yim Kids raises goes directly towards improving the future for the children of Thailand. All Accor’s administration is given on a voluntary basis by the Accor team and friends with the same community desire to “make a difference” for the kids of Thailand that need a helping hand.

Main sponsors of the event apart from Accor where all of management names are Mr. Ianic Menard - Vice President Sales, Marketing & Distribution for Accor Hotels Upper Southeast Asia, Mr. Gilles Cretallaz - Vice President Operations Sofitel, Pullman, MGallery, The Sebel, Grand Mercure for Upper Southeast Asia, Mr. Patrick Basset- Chief Operating Officer for Accor Hotels Upper Southeast & Northeast Asia and Mr. Paul Stevens - Vice President Operations Novotel, Mercure, ibis for Upper Southeast Asia and all of hard working team of Accor along with some help from Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) make the day of friendship become fun along with giving back to society.

If you would like to make a contribution, please kindly contact email: yimkids@accor.com

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Moments

auDemars piGuet “There are Exceptions to Every Rule.”

Krist Chatikaratana, Executive Director of Cortina Watch (Thailand), and Audemars Piguet, Swiss luxury timepiece manufacturer and one of the oldest family-owned watch manufacturers in the world, recently hosted a cocktail party “The New Millenary For Women” to officially unveil the latest collection for ladies with its unique signature oval design – the Millenary collection, bringing haute horology and fashion together as one. For this occasion, Antonio Seward, Southeast Asia General Manager of Audemars Piguet flew in specially to join this exclusive party, along with many celebrities and watch collectors such as Rattanaprapa Disavatana, Dr. Cathleen Kichodhan, ThanongChompunuj Leeissaranukul, Orawan Ingkhasit, Kraiserm-Pavita Tohtubtiang, Buppa Kingchatchaval, Thitinart Na Pattalung, Panchalee Phenjati, Khunying Chodchoy Sophonpanich, Pattree Bhakdibutr, Rungnapa Kittivat at Zense, CentralWorld on Wednesday 4th November 2015.

THERE ARE EXCEPTIONS TO EVERY RULE – Since 1883, Audemars Piguet has been creating exceptional timepieces for women for over 130 years, combining the highest level of craftsmanship with aesthetics. For 2015, the new exceptional Audemars Piguet Millenary collection celebrates 20 years of this unique oval women’s watch design. Three years in the making, its elegant shape is a salute to the balance achieved when old-world artisanship meets new-world design. The new Millenary collection, features a new handwound Manufacture calibre 5201 that has been conceived to perfectly fit with the series’ 39.5 by 35.4-millimetre oval case shape that follows ergonomically the curves of the wrist. The open-design movement reveals the balance wheel, also known as the beating heart of the watch, which is offered in three different styles - each featuring a unique case, dial and strap.

Moments

renaissance pHuKet resort & spa Celebrates the 5th Anniversary with the Discovery of Arts Event.

October 2015 – Phuket, Thailand. Renaissance Phuket Resort & Spa celebrated its 5th anniversary at beach lawn with 5 elements of art. The event started with Art of Photography by famous Thai blogger, solo traveler and blogger, Foo Friday with support from Canon Marketing Thailand, Phuket Branch followed by welcome speech from General Manager, Sander Looijen. The second artist, Romadon Suriyan from Thailand's Got Talent then performed his ‘Happening Art’ on stage to mark the opening of the event right at sunset time. Followed by Culinary Art with curry puff workshop by famous guest chef from Bangkok, ML Kwantip Devakula, Performance Art, Cultural Art, Wood Carving Art, Wood Sculpture, Modern Art, Sketcher and Sculpture together with in-house DJ and Busy Trio Band throughout the night while outdoor movies were also available at the end of the event at the Sand Box restaurant.

“Renaissance hotels is all about discovering the locale, our 5th anniversary was a great way to celebrate this philosophy” said, Sander Looijen the newly appointed GM at the Renaissance Phuket.

www.news.marriott.com/company-information.html. Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR) is a leading lodging company based in Bethesda, Maryland, USA, with more than 3,800 properties in 72 countries and territories and reported revenues of nearly $12 billion in fiscal year 2012. The company operates and franchises hotels and licenses vacation ownership resorts under 18 brands. For more information or reservations, please visit our website at www.marriott.com, www.marriott.com, and for the latest company news, visit www.marriottnewscenter.com, www.marriottnewscenter.com.

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Author: Amy Alcott, with Don Wade

The Last Putt

The Leaderboard, ConversaTions on GoLf and Life

A successful transition from tournament golf to competing outside the game, Amy Alcott espouses success through the lives of the prominent figures she’s met.

By Be n n y t e o

Sometimes, when we take a book on board a plane, we

really want to be able to breeze through and enjoy reading it. “The Leaderboard, Conversations on Golf and Life”, is one such read. World Golf and LPGA Hall-of-Famer Amy Alcott has won the Kraft-Nabisco Championships three times as well as two other Majors to total 29 LPGA victories and 33 worldwide.

Most recently, the 59-year-old, together with golf course designer, Gill Hanse, built the Olympic course in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, beating teams of Jack Nicklaus-Annika Sorenstam and Greg Norman-Lorena Ochoa to the job.

Suffice to say, Alcott is a convincing woman with a lot to share. But what separates her book from the run-of-mill sports writing, is that she leaves most of the talking to her subjects, offering only to add a bit of her own experiences where relevant, at the end of each interview.

Reading like a series of simple, quick fire interviews that gets to the heart of the matter, this refreshing book offers life lessons and musings from former US President Bill Clinton, Red Sox owner Tom Werner, reclusive Hollywood thespian Jack Nicholson, talented composer John Williams, and many others who made an impression on her.

Poignant, illuminating, hilarious, and thoroughly entertaining, albeit a little simple at times, this is the equivalent of a speedy ‘thrash’ read but with many instances of wisdom that stays on, long after your flight has landed.

The Leaderboard: Conversations on Golf and Life

By Amy Alcott Price: $14.14 Paperback Available at Amazon.com.

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