Gv#015

Thailand Edition vol. 15

Legends Tom Weiskopf My Top Ten Sir Nick Faldo’s TOP TEN

Choice Resorts Garda Golf Club Style Vacation Golfing Blues

Destination Focus Sicilian Sensations Timeless Charm & Luxury Stays in Siem Reap

The PGA

of Sweden National

magazine of the gm group golf vacations thailand vol.15 MARCH-APRIL 2016 180 baht

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ON THE COVER

GOLF VACATIONS THAILAND VOLUME 15 MARCH-APRIL 2016 THE PGA OF SwEDEN NATIONAL

TOM wEISkOPF THE PGA OF SwEDEN NATIONAL

SIR NICk FALDO'S TOP TEN

04 • G o l f V a c a t i o n s • MaR-aPR 2016

TIMELESS CHARM & LUxURy STAyS

GOLFING BLUES

72 collection 72 FAShION Louis Vuitton men's Spring-Summer 2016 Collection 74 GOLF taylormade m1 and PSi return of the king - Cobra 80 TIME breitling avenger bandit breitling navitimer 1884 bentley b05 unitime midnight Carbon bentley exospace b55 Vacheron Constantin Patrimony Collection Franck muller Casablanca Limited editions for Southeast asia 84 MOVE maserati Levante

95 MoMents - mazda launches aggressive sports marketing drive with thongchai jaidee signed up as first SkYaCtiV technology brand ambassador - aSean tourism Forum (atF) 2016 - mercedes-benz announces mercedestrophy 2016 - the Dalat at 1200 Ladies Championship 2016 - Lexi thompson won 10th Honda LPga thailand - team announced for mission Hills world Ladies Championship 98 last putt the Last Putt with the ardent golfer hotelier TAYLORMADE M1 AND PSI

86 hOTEL & RESORT novotel Suvarnabhumi airport Hotel banyan Hua Hin 88 GOLF COURSES morocco Parichat international golf Links

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06 • G o l f V a c a t i o n s • MaR-aPR 2016

ThE LAST PUTT wITh ThE ARDENT GOLFER hOTELIER

Editor’s Page hello cool summer After my son's graduation ceremony, he and I discussed where we should go on an adventure together and 'Iceland' was the first destination choice that came to mind. We both hadn't been there before. Flights to Reykjavik from London take approximately only 3 hours. Plus, the sun never sets in summer.

Iceland is a geographically unique island, adorned with breathtaking landscapes full of fjords, geysers, volcanoes and glaciers. It has a population of around 300,000 and area of 103,000 sqm.

Places to visit - Hallgrimskirkja: the largest church in Iceland, situated in Reykjavik.

- Gullfoss: The Niagara Falls of Iceland, the country's most famous waterfall.

- Geysir: a geyser that, during eruption, can send hot water up to 180 meters into the air. The smell of sulfur cannot be ignored.

- Thingvellir: Iceland's national park, also a World Heritage Site.

- The Blue Lagoon: the geothermal spa is one of the most visited attractions in Iceland where water temperature averages 40°C. - Jokulsarlon: a large glacial lake that has been a setting for James Bond films A View to Kill, Die Another Day as well as Lara Croft: Tomb Raider and Batman Begins. You can take a boat tour on the lake for iceberg sightseeing.

One of the most fun and exciting things to try is 'Inside the Volcano' tour. This involves hiking on cold lava to the crater and descending to the bottom of a volcano the size of the Liberty Statue. Inside the crater, the temperature is always around 5°C. Summer in Iceland means 24 hours of daylight. Many golf courses are open for play 24 hours a day so you can play whenever you like. Golfing under the midnight sun is definitely a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Iceland has more golf courses per capita than any other country in the world. There are 65 golf courses throughout the country. Reykjavik Golf Club is the oldest and largest course. During the months of May-September, the average temperature is 13°C. If you need to escape from the summer heat at home, Iceland is the ideal place to be.

Happy cool summer.

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Thailand

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Suebwong Kaewthipharat editor-in-chief

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

contributors Kristen evelyn rOssi Jeffrey OOn

chris fOlley

Michael Bridge A former journalist who has dabbled in print, broadcast and digital media, mainly with global technology companies, Jeffrey is also an avid distance runner and traveller.

His favourite pasttime? Exploring new destinations with a pair of running shoes and golf clubs in tow.

Born in Germany, he was raised in France, educated in Australia and is currently based in Singapore.

The editor of Thai Golf News, Michael Bridge spent years in Dubai before coming to Asia and Thailand had been his selected stop. Since then, he has never left, except for the many sojourns into the depths of Asian golf and travel sites, satiating his love for the Far East and an ancient game.

It has been a year since Kristen Evelyn Rossi left Thailand. Fortunately, she continues to spread her passion of Broadway and the golden age of jazz through Asia, from Hanoi to Macau to Hong Kong, the last of where she performed songs and stories on Frank Sinatra, on the brink of his centennial birthday.

Here, she shares with us her special memories of Old Blue Eyes.

Brett Brasier

Musings from our ‘Fellow of the PGA’ on the lighter side (darker as well) of playing golf, extrapolation of personalities and psychiatric mumblings.

Inspired rant or not, we leave it to your own commiserations.

08 • G o l f V a c a t i o n s • MaR-aPR 2016

Justine MOss

Australian writer cum newscaster cum media trainer, Justine Moss loves to travel, drink wine and play golf. In this issue, she returns to a place she loves so much that she brought her mother along. Siem Reap. Culturally active and with some of the most inspirational hotel stays in one location, it is certainly a destination to pine for.

The deputy chief subeditor on the London Evening Standard features desk, and long time contributor to Golf Vacations, Chris braved the land of the Mafiaso – Sicily - en route to bringing us this story.

Fine, the greatest danger he had was probably tripping while exploring the eight Greek temples of the Valley of The Temples, but the fine wine and balmy sea breezes calmed his spirits well enough.

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44 More than 18 of its 644 square kilometers of land have golf courses on them, representing nearly three percent of total land mass. That is a lot of golf in one place. But considering the fact that Hoylake, a links in the Open rota is there, as well as some ladies-only golf clubs such as Wirral and Formby, are also there makes for an interesting mix.

70 Guangzhou, or canton, in earlier times is already one of the most densely populated regions in the world, especially along the Pearl River Delta. With more than 70 courses with urban spread accelerated where golfing communities are located, it is no surprise that this is one of the fastest growing golf regions in the world. With the amazing 27-hole Dragon Lake Golf club and even the megaplex Mission Hills Golf club nearby in Shenzhen and Dongguan, it is golfing buffet at its finest.

16 From old to new, Los Angeles Golf club and Riviera add to more than 200 centuries of tradition between them to more recent inductees - the Trump National features a multi-million dollar waterfall feature and further south, the two Tom Fazio Pelican Hill courses make up just some of the joys of visiting the city of Angels.

18 Another one to top 15 Likened to coastal this list consistently is Singapore. Will a Scotland and Ireland, registered population Victoria’s diverse geography offers unique of more than 100,000 golfers in a country golf course settings from river frontage and of 5 million, and a rolling hills to stunning space of merely 718 square kilometres, seascape settings. The the fact that this city of Melbourne, set island nation boasts upon these lands, thus offer world-class courses 18 golf courses and a designed by renowned spattering of 9-holers architects and although is amazing for golfing fans. Sadly, some of 15 is the number we them are set to be have here, the 390 culled in the coming public courses around years to make way the state are mostly fairly reachable by car. for other commercial Drive from the glorious and residential sand belt to the links of developments.

Mornington Peninsula and the quirky sandscrape greens of the state’s northwest, there’s plenty to offer here.

Merseyside, UK

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15 Johannesburg is golfers' paradise with more golf courses in one city than probably anywhere else in the world. Just within a 10km radius of Sandton there are 15 courses. Factor in year-round sunshine and highly competitive pricing and it's no wonder this town has a major share of golfing fanatics. Just outside the city in the wider Gauteng region you will find plenty of golfing estates with challenging courses and stunning scenery, while the famous Sun city is just two hours drive away.

Postcard

IMAGE COURTESY OF DAVID J. WHYTE

Kingussie Golf Club, Inverness-shire, UK

Journal ★ Tournament

AsiA Golf Tourism ConvenTion 2016 AGTC

Chiang Mai Exhibition and Convention Centre (CMECC), Thailand, April 24-27, 2016.

The eyes of the golfing world will be on Northern Thailand in April when the fifth Asia Golf Tourism Convention (AGTC) comes to Chiang Mai. Organised by IAGTO, the global golf tourism industry organisation, the event is pivotal in the golfing calendar for Asia and is set for a record attendance by golf tour operators from across the world – with 190 from 36 countries already registered and more than 200 expected to attend.

This will be the second time that Thailand has hosted AGTC, and hosting the event is going to have a huge impact on golf tourism for Thailand’s Rose of the North and the surrounding region. Pattaya staged AGTC in 2013, directly leading to a big increase in visitors the following season.

In all, over 600 delegates will descend on Chiang Mai for AGTC 2016, which takes place at the city’s state-of-the-art Chiang Mai International Convention Centre (CMECC) over four days from April 24-27. Besides the golf tour operators, or buyers, it will also be attended by a wide range of suppliers comprising golf resorts, golf courses, hotels, golf specialists, inbound operators and tourist boards from destinations including

Malaysia, Vietnam, Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, the Philippines, Singapore, Australia, New Zealand, India, Sri Lanka, Mauritius, Brunei, Fiji, the UAE, Oman and Turkey.

Among new sellers for this year are Sri Lanka’s Victoria Golf & Country Club, Mie Golf Tourism from Japan, the Sanctuary Cove Golf and Country Club from Australia, and golf resorts from Turkey. A record 14 supplier exhibitors are attending from Vietnam.

Thailand will be particularly well represented, with all the country’s best golfing destinations taking part, housed in the stunning Thailand Pavilion – the first time the host country will have its own dedicated show hall.

The convention will be a wonderful opportunity to showcase the tremendous golf in and around Chiang Mai, much of it undiscovered internationally, as well as the incredible history, culture, nightlife, shopping, dining and other attractions of Thailand’s second city.

The 600 delegates will be staying at eight hotels in the heart of the city, allowing them easy access to explore Northern Thailand’s premier holiday destination. During AGTC, more than 4,000

meetings will take place between buyers and sellers from across the Asia Pacific region, but outside of the business sessions more evening social functions than at any previous IAGTO conventions are planned, to ensure delegates can maximise opportunities.

All sellers automatically receive IAGTO membership, giving them direct access to more than 300 golf tour operators in 52 countries selling golf holidays to Thailand, 612 golf tour operators worldwide and 205 specialist golf travel writer members of the International Association of Golf Travel Writers.

A highlight of the Chiang Mai convention will be the fabled AGTC Golf Tournament, which will be contested by 200 delegates

on the Chiang Mai Highlands and Mae Jo golf courses on April 27, 2016 following two days of business meetings. Following that, 140 tour operators will then take part in familiarisation trips to discover the golf courses and tourism highlights of Northern Thailand around and beyond Chiang Mai. IAGTO’s Chief Executive, Peter Walton, said “AGTC Chiang Mai is going to be an extraordinary event where every golf tourism company in the Asia Pacific region has the opportunity to increase their immediate and future business dramatically. All in the wonderful environment of one of Asia’s most popular destinations.

This is where the future will be formed.”

Chiang Mai Lanna style offers excellent golfing holidays of international standards, where traditions and way of life remain unchanged for centuries. There are over 10 stunning golf courses on international standard to play and a wide range of hotels to suit all golfers.

The media partner GM Media Group will also join the media corner which will be powered by Golfzon, where golf technology makes golf more fun indoors.

Apart from major golf courses from Northern Thailand, famous courses from Hua Hin, Thailand's golf paradise such as the 20-year-old Jack Nicklaus-designed Springfield Royal Country Club, world-renown Black Mountain, challenging Banyan Golf Club, Palm Hills and Lakeview will also be at the Thai Pavilion.

Additionally, courses from Bangkok and vicinity, Koh Samui, Phuket, and Khao Yai along with Pattaya will present the best of their golf courses, hotels and resorts.

The city of Chiang Mai has evolved considerably over recent years. There are plenty of international flights connecting to the city every 10 minutes. Hotels and restaurants cater to all tastes and feature local Thai Lanna specialties and international cuisine. The cool northern climate and its caring, lovely and friendly people will stay in your memory for a lifetime. www.iagto.com/agtc

By G e o r G e S o m a pa

Journal ★ Product

WE DO ASIA CELEBRATES 10 YEARS OF MYKITA IN THAILAND February 11, 2016 marked the 10 years presence of MYKITA in Thailand through an exclusive exhibition held at the Bangkok CityCity Gallery. With a great turnout, the event was also attended by MYKITA’s Founder and Creative Director, Mr. Moritz Krueger who flew in specially for this event from Berlin and the Managing Director of We Do Asia (Thailand’s exclusive distributor), Mr. Jonas Koblin.

Guests were welcomed at the event venue with a film presentation showcasing MYKITA’s history and the future of the brand. They were then led to the main exhibition hall where the newest and best-seller collections were presented together with the 2016 campaign photography captured by renowned photographer Mark Borthwick from New York. MYKITA’s newest technology, MY VERY OWN (MVO) was also showcased to present the future of the eyewear industry. The main gallery atmosphere maintained a clean minimal look, as philosophized by the MYKITA brand.

A special live performance at the garden of Bangkok CityCity Gallery was provided by Jay Montonn and Hanna.

MYKITA is a modern manufactory that combines precision craftsmanship with new technologies. A constant search for innovation, the visionary use of materials and a wealth of experience in eyewear design are the defining elements behind MYKITA’s collections.

A key factor in the company’s success is its holistic business philosophy, which brings together expertise from all disciplines under a single roof, the MYKITA HAUS located in Berlin. It thrives on the power of a selfcontained network that enables interdisciplinary research and the transfer of technologies. This all-encompassing mentality is also reflected in the MYKITA Shops; the unique retail concept unites the firm’s own design principles with optical precision made in Germany.

Journal ★ Comments

Miserable Golfers

A rant and then some of growing old and (trying) to stay happy.

What is it about golf that calls to the company of misery

so often? How else to explain our endless fascination with descriptions and boring accounts of our latest catastrophe on the course? Why is it so much easier to worry about our game, and then feel just happy that we are even playing at all? We’ve learnt from psychologists that there’s little correlation between money and personal fulfillment and that in a recent survey on ‘happiness’, that the Danes are less gloomy than other Europeans because their expectations tend to be lower.

Despite the fact that figures show that married people are outnumbered by singles, the notion that marriage makes people happier is still considered conventional wisdom.

But nevermind all that. I would like to put forward the idea that happiness on the golf course is much more important than money, relationships, geography or anything else. A certain survey over two million golfers across 80 countries attributes the feelings of psychological well-being on the links to the secret to contentment and long life.

It is true that cheerful golfers live systematically longer, counting simply their blessings that their remaining years will be playing golf. They have watched similar-aged ‘grouchy’ golfers die around them and value their own remaining years. The secret of golfing contentment as we get older is recognizing that we’re never going to be contending for the Masters, compete in the Olympics or marry a supermodel – well, maybe not the last - and that this knowledge becomes easier to take as the years go by. Happy golfers are just glad not to be dead.

What is noteworthy and, I dare say, in our golfing world, groundbreaking, is that the researchers (of said survey) aren’t blaming external factors for a grumpy golfer’s discontent. Instead of telling us that they are gloomy because they haven’t walked down the aisle or seriously considered suicide, they seem to be suggesting that this is simply the way things are.

Disgruntled golfers suffer more than others - that’s clear to see anytime you step up the tee. What is interesting is that these unlikable golfers are both of the male and female variety, can be single or married, rich or poor and with or without children.

For normal golfers, just taking a tablet for a headache would be sufficient but not so for the miserable swingers, as they always feel bad and take out the effects of this permanent state of depression on the golf course.

The treatment, which takes place in a psychotherapist’s office, features different analysis for the grumpy golfer every day of the week. Problems of the disillusioned golfer’s soul are generally perceived to be highly individualized and fundamentally solvable.

But what if we were to enter the golf therapist’s office and be told that feeling depressed is just a natural part of the golfing

LPGa star Christina Kim’s widely publicised depression saw the usually bubbly personality struggle for two years.

process, the psychological equivalent of gaining weight or arthritic knees? Moreover, what if your typical morose golfer were told that his depression, while probably not wholly unrelated to childhood problems, is ultimately, not at all that different from that of most golfers of the world? In all likelihood, these unlovable golfers will seek a second opinion, but something tells me they might also accomplish the next best thing to actually feeling good; they actually might feel less depressed about being depressed.

By Brett Brasier

Journal ★ Culture

I Get A KIcK

Old Blue Eyes may have gone but his light shines forever pure through the sounds of our resident jazz singer, sentimental writer.

i can see a picture of a young boy

To celebraTe SinaTra’S 100Th aS well aS KriSTen’S year Touring aSia, Spreading The golden age of jazz, She iS releaSing her ep.

with a cigarette dangling from the corner of his mouth, hat tipped, leg bent supporting his weight Kristen evelyn rossi: liVe in hong Kong as he leans against a street pole. officially out on iTunes No, this is not a photo of Gene and Avicii. As a result, I grew up surrounded by and Amazon December Kelly or Frank Sinatra, it is of my the sounds of Ol’ Blue Eyes and it has become 10th. To kick off the release you can download so ingrained that I did not realize it until grandfather. Born in the upper one of her jazz/Arabian east side of Manhattan to Irish I actually became a singer myself. tracks "A Very Good immigrants, William Buttner was A prime example was last week at our Year" for FREE http:// bit.ly/1QSaUE3 a bi-product of the mass European weekly rehearsal. The band and I were migration that occurred in the late rehearsing a new song in the afternoon but 1800s. having a problem with the arrangement, when, as Murphy’s Law A young American my grandfather was also part of the would have it, the general manager walked in. After a few minutes generation that grew up listening to the likes of the suave, of continuing to struggle I stopped, turned to the general manager dapper crooners Dean Martin and Sinatra. These singers standing quietly behind me and asked, “What can we sing for you?” were my grandparents' "Top 40" artists, they were his Katy Perry “How about that one... ‘I get a kick’?” he answered.

“I Get A Kick Out Of You” is a Sinatra classic I had never performed before but I opened the charts anyway, we found my key and somehow the lyrics and feel came circling in.

This is true for most of Sinatra's tunes, years of being surrounded by his music at family weddings, summer barbecues, in my grandpa's car, there is little preparation needed, the words and melodies just flow out of my mouth.

Happy Birthday Frank!

By K r i s t e n e v e ly n r o s s i

www.kristenevelynrossi.com

Thomas Daniel Weiskopf was born on the 9th

November 1942 in Massillon, Ohio. His father, a railway worker with an intermittent drinking problem, played golf sporadically. His mother would tag along too, but though his parents were consumed by the game, Tom rebelled, choosing instead to try his hand at America’s all-conquering triumvirate of team sports; basketball, baseball and football.

Independent and articulate, Tom excelled at school.

Yet he couldn’t help but court controversy from a young age, regularly in trouble for fighting and playing pranks.

Realising that his son’s nature was best suited to individualistic tasks, his dad took 14-year-old Tom to watch the 1957 US Open at Inverness, where he belatedly fell in love with the game.

“After we walked through the gate, my dad took me straight to the practice range and pointed out Sam Snead,” Weiskopf remembers. “The sound of Sam’s iron shots, the flight of the ball, thrilled me. I was hooked even before I’d started playing.”

He quickly got his handicap down in time to earn a scholarship at Ohio State University, where, as a

bursting onto the scene with two tour wins in 1968, his temperament was beginning to cost him dear. His form slumped, he seldom challenged at the main events and was, in some quarters, considered a mere PGA Tour also-ran by the turn of the decade.

But in spite of such mediocrity, the death of his father in the spring of ’73 proved to be the most significant moment in Tom’s life and career. Weiskopf won five times in as many weeks at the beginning of that season, before setting his sights on the promised land; a major championship. And though he was pushed into a respectable third placed finish at the US Open at Oakmont, he remained so focused that he left almost straight away, flying to Scotland for an intensive preparation before The ’73 Open at Troon.

With his newfound killer instinct, he tore through the field ruthlessly in hazardous conditions, to win by three shots from Johnny Miller. In doing so he became the first man in 40 years to win a major having led after all four rounds.

Following his memorable performance at the ‘73 Open, Weiskopf’s ever-enthralling, yet ultimately floundering pursuit of a second major – especially at Augusta – illustrated how his demons; alcohol, anxiety and recklessness, had returned. Nobody in history has ever come so close on so many occasions (he came second four times) without securing victory.

Legends He had the prettiest swing in golf but the ugliest temper. The Towering Inferno was a maverick who wasted his talent, and got wasted too often along the way...

By Be n co v e

freshman, he caddied for a certain senior named Jack Nicklaus.

The young Weiskopf was so inspired by Nicklaus that he grew sick of wasting time in the classroom.

Opting to gamble on his own ability, he grafted his way onto the PGA Tour within a couple of years.

As a rookie, what set Tom apart from other young tour pros was his elegant, rhythmic swing. But at the same time, he was gaining a reputation for his on-course outbursts and propensity to self-destruct. Such traits earned him the label, the Towering Inferno, and despite

Weiskopf’s last real chance at The Masters was in 1975, when on the 18th green, the very man that had inspired him to join the professional ranks shattered his dreams – and effectively opened the trap door to the demise of Tom’s career at the top level.

“I’ve thought about that 40-foot putt Jack Nicklaus made to beat me at the ‘75 Masters a thousand times,” says Weiskopf. “It seemed an absolutely unmakable putt, but it went up the slope and broke into the middle of the hole.”

“What set Tom apart from other pros, was his elegant rhythmic swing, the kind that others ogle enviously”

Though Nicklaus proved a thorn in Weiskopf’s side at many a PGA tournament, the two combined ferociously when paired together during the USA’s two Ryder Cup victories of ’73 and ’75.

But in ’77, Weiskopf’s penchant for courting controversy resurfaced when he shocked the golfing world by refusing to represent his country at a third successive Ryder Cup, instead partaking in his preferred past time; sheep hunting.

At the time, he was universally condemned as an ungrateful enfant terrible, but Weiskopf’s motives were understandable. Having hailed from a different class of background to most PGA Tour pros, Tom never accepted the stringent bureaucracy and exclusivity synonymous with the game’s governors. And his boycott of the ’77 Ryder Cup team was a belated reaction to an injustice Weiskopf felt he’d been victim to six years earlier.

He was still angry at the PGA, who had demanded he passed a PGA Business School diploma course in 1971, before he could be accepted for Class A golfer status.

Having “sat through numerous boring lectures” and attained the certificate, Weiskopf was still denied Class A status – and consequently places at the Ryder Cup and Varden Trophy of that year – because the PGA had ‘lost’ his letter of application.

Weiskopf had flirted with greatness, but fallen out of love with the game – and its notoriously archaic government – by the late ‘70s. He was disillusioned, washed-up and struggling to motivate himself again.

It wasn’t until he quit drinking for good in the late ’90s that he found his post-career calling. Whether it’s his inherent, ruthless nature, or his impulsive love of the game that has caused it, one thing is for sure: Weiskopf has taken to course design like a match to an inferno. He sowed the seeds of the rip-roaring Loch Lomond Championship Course in 1993 and is regarded as one of the 21st century’s most sought-after designers.

Some years after the infamous ‘Dead Man’ round at Sawgrass, Tom Weiskopf and his old mate Edgar Sneed were together in a bar again. As they discussed their lives and careers over a beer or two, Weiskopf admitted to being full of regrets. “Wouldn’t it have been great to drink the days away, spend the nights with the world’s most beautiful women and still be the best golfer in the world,” he wondered. Sneed replied instantly; “What are you on about Tom, that’s exactly what you did.”

The Interview Series

Sir Nick Faldo returns to Laguna Lang Co., and shares stories including his final Major at St. Andrews.

BY M i c h a e l Br i d g e

Sir Nicholas Alexander Faldo MBE, was born

in England in 1957 and was the top player of his era.

He was ranked number one on the Official World Golf Ranking for a total of 97 weeks. His 40 professional wins include 30 victories on the European Tour, plus six major championships, three Open Championships (1987, 1990, 1992) and three Masters (1989, 1990, 1996). Sir Nick has since become a successful course designer and a television pundit for CBS Sports and the Golf Channel.

We met up with this busy golfing legend while he was hosting the first round of the Laguna Golf Classic 2015 at his Laguna Lang Co course in Vietnam. The second round will take place at Laguna Phuket next March.

Congenial and funny had not been words used to describe Faldo but on this day, he was both and more. In the end, we found Sir Nick to be in great form and our quick, allotted interview turned into 26 fascinating minutes, with him insisting we should walk down the 18th to the bunkers to get a good photo of him and the clubhouse.

“I enjoy Asia. I came here moons ago at the end of the 70's to play and I have come here to holiday quite a few times to Bangkok, Phuket, Malaysia, even did the Orient Express. I enjoy the people, the food, the ambience as well.”

GV: This golf course (Laguna Lang Co.) is beautiful. Has it progressed as you’ve envisioned?

Sir Nick: “I walked the course yesterday. Basically it's a tough golf course. We don't perhaps need unplayable jungle so close to the holes, so we are going to keep pushing it back which is quite a job here.”

What was the area like when you first saw this plot of land?

“Well if you go on YouTube, you can see we went through the jungle and they cut me a swath through around eight to 10 foot wide and that was what we first looked at the course. A lot of it were all ditches and rivers and we would bend a tree over and literally make an Indiana Jones bridge. We had a great time, and it was fun. We then brought our crew here including my design team, shapers, director of maintenance and construction.

They have all worked in this area before so they are experienced and knew what it was like to put a golf course into that sort of terrain. In fact we came in on time and under budget so we got an extra star for that.”

What is it that attracts you to this part of the World?

“I enjoy Asia. I came here moons ago at the end of the 70's to play and I have come here to holiday quite a few times to Bangkok, Phuket, Malaysia even did the Orient Express. I enjoy the people, the food, the ambience as well.”

Did you ever win over here?

“Yes I won the Jonnie Walker at Singapore Island (Country Club) and in fact I did play a few events over here as Johnnie Walker hosted a few tournaments for a while and Dunhill also had a few too. Back in my day, these Asian tournaments would be held at the end of the season. It is different now how they cram them all in throughout the year. I love the way I get treated here and I love the weather, though not the 100 degrees (Fahrenheit) at 9am in the morning. Generally, Asia is just a great place to come and chill.”

What about future stars of Asia?

“I have probably been asked that question for over 20 years. I said it would take time and it has. Asia was always attacking the rest of the world one man at a time. Now they are not and things have really improved and there are half a dozen or more very recognizable stars playing in America such as An Byeong Hun, Seung-Yu Noh and Hideki Matsuyama. These guys are winning in America and Kiradech Aphibarnrat is also doing great and winning tournaments. So if they can get onto the European or the American professional Tours, which they are in force, they will make their presence felt.”

China was deemed to be the growth area for golf, but has this changed?

“Well as a course designer I have actually slowed down there now. We had a few projects there which go on like ‘here's your land... no, no here’s the land... no in fact here’s your land... oh no, it’s not there and now it’s somewhere completely different, and eventually it does not happen.’ I know what's going on and it’s pretty serious, so currently I do not have any new projects in China.”

What about Thailand? Was The Emerald one of yours?

“Yes, well that was back in the days when you were the one-hit wonders and you come in and you are just a name on a design. I remember those days with Desmond Muirhead. Also Century Chonburi (Now called Pattavia Century) was another course. But now I have had my own company since 2000 so we are very much handson and I have my own architects and my own little office in Windsor in England and pursue projects all over the world.”

We told Sir Nick about Nikanti's 6 holes by three courses in Bangkok.

“I agree with that idea. We have actually been talking to the R&A. I think especially around hotels you have

got to break away from 18 holes being a Championship golf course. Why not have maybe 12 really fun holes or even 9-hole par 3s? I sometimes give my design team a few challenges - Can it be all turned into a par 3 course?

Can it be played backwards? We have to break down the mentality of the hotel owners who say I've got to have an 18-hole championship course. But why not send your guests with families out there for two to three hours instead of six hours. That’s what we really have to go hard on and I know the R&A are interested to help on that.”

Players are now hitting the ball further, do you find you are having to create longer holes?

“Well if you want to hold an actual tournament then you have to have length, but what we do at Laguna Lang Co. is to actually have six tees and I like to design a

golf clinic in vietnam.

course as good as I can, so I like it to be tough off the back, but as you keep going forward, it is more and more playable. Similar with the greens. You have four really challenging pins and the rest are quite playable.

The design which Jack Nicklaus did, was to have many holes downhill. The pros can now hit it 350 yards using the down slope. Well, that has turned great golf courses into driving and a wedge or a nine iron. They are getting 500 yards with roll!

“Tiger's dominance was fantastic, but now we've got three or four superstars plus a great chasing pack and the way they play is now a science. Most have a good golf swing, then there is the physical side. In my day they were saying don't lift weights in case you lose your touch. Now they have doctors with Master's degrees in biomechanics, then there is the dietary side and how they eat and sleep. Many say golf is an old man’s sport, but it isn’t at the pro level.”

“The whole Pringle sweater thing was my idea.

I knew it fit and I just wanted to stand there on the bridge at the 18th in the same sweater when I won my first Open. That was definitely one of my best top ten days I've ever had in golf.

Yes, that was my last major.”

Sir Nick is now working most of the year behind the microphone as a successful TV pundit and commentator. We asked him how TV affected him during his playing days?

“When I was playing, we did not have the replays we have now, so I hardly watched myself at all. You couldn't play your round of golf and come back and watch yourself play that evening. In this modern era you can watch the PGA tour at 9pm which for the players is probably quite useful. You can see your swing or your missed putt and you thought you hit it perfectly.”

You make it look very simple on air but have you had some scary moments?

“What you see on the screen is not really what's going on and three seconds before we are on, we can have technical issues but fortunately it’s not down to me but my excellent hosts. These guys are brilliant! They can even talk about their front door for 45 minutes! 2016 will be a great year for me, and I will have the best seat in the house. I have three majors - CBS Masters, the Open with Golf Channel, the PGA Championship with CBS, my 20 odd tournaments throughout the year, then there is the Olympics and the Ryder Cup. So I am going to be talking wall to wall.

That means I have got one possible week to play a golf tournament next year.”

Speaking of Majors, describe your final one at St. Andrews in 2015.

“We had a great week. But it all went ridiculously wrong and in fact most people don't know what actually happened. I picked up my shirt on the Tuesday in the house I had rented in Bonny Scotland, throw the shirt over my shoulder and on the wall behind me were Deer Antlers, and I impaled my finger and I had the most amazing cut. I could see how bad it was and I couldn't even hold a club let alone swing it.

“So I went off to hospital and had it glued and tapped and then tried to play on Wednesday in that Champions Challenge. I had to go as my old caddie Fanny was there and my daughter Emma was going to caddie and carry the bag over the bridge. Everything was designed behind the famous Swilcan Bridge that week.

“Then, on Thursday we went off for the actual championship and it completely scared me as I did not know how to hit it and I got nervous and ended up shooting 83. The next day it all cut open in the morning, but my son who was on my bag said, ‘Dad, I don't care what you shoot, let's just go for a walk,’ and that was a great attitude.

“I had actually thought originally I could shoot four rounds of 71's and be there on the Sunday and what a great week it would have been.

Well on that Friday I luckily actually shot 71 and on the 17th (The road hole) I made three and that was just unbelievable.”

Banyan tree lang co.; laguna lang co.

And you had that Pringle sweater on all that time.

“The whole Pringle sweater thing was my idea. I knew it fit and I just wanted to stand there on the bridge at the 18th in the same sweater when I won my first Open.

That was definitely one of my best top ten days I've ever had in golf. Yes, that was my last major. I didn't at the time realise it was my 100th Major, and I went through the 17th at six o’clock and the stands were packed, the sun was out and I'm happy; everybody was happy and it couldn’t have ended any better. I lucked out that day.

The kids were there, my friends were there - what a way to say goodbye to major golf. It was fantastic for me.”

Cover Story

A golf club that befits its status as a national icon in Sweden.

By G l e n n R o G e R s

Built to be the permanent home of Sweden’s national Open championship, you would expect something magnificent from the PGA National, and on that it delivers. The property selected was the grounds of a 16th century Torup Castle which still stands today and the entrance to the entire estate immediately gets your pulse racing. By medieval standards, Torup Castle has endured an uneventful life apart from a tragic drowning in the 18th century; many a score card has suffered the same fate since the club officially opened in June 2009.

The drive to the clubhouse winds around one of the lakes, and the views across the water to the hills and forests beyond are a delight. The newly constructed clubhouse is somewhat imposing and a little awkward in this setting with its richly coloured brick and immature plantings. This will change over the coming years when the climate delivers the building a natural patina and the vines climb the exterior. All good things come with time.

Supporting that adage is the 13 years between the suggestion from Sweden PGA board member Mikael Sorling that the country have its own world standard ‘National’ course and its ultimate opening. It has been reported that this suggestion was found at the bottom of a whiskey bottle that was being shared by the committee.

If this is true there will be hundreds of ‘National’ courses popping up in Sweden if the club’s bar is anything to go by.

But on this one that actually happened, there are two courses on offer, The Links and The Lakes. It is easy to see that the Swedish PGA had a very simply plan for the country’s home of golf, which is to build a world-class championship course and then build a better one next to it. The national championship is played on a composite course showcasing the best and most demanding holes from both, much like how the Hong Kong Open is played in Fanling.

The Links course is set on the side of a gradual hill and takes players on a roller coaster ride, with the front nine running a loop around the outside and the back nine bouncing up and down and across the slopes on the inside. An interesting feature you will notice is that every hole almost tee to green is built with natural amphitheatres. This is to allow perfect viewing for spectators during major tournaments. This also means that many of the greens and landing areas for that matter are obscured if you fail to find the fairway.

To highlight how well this course was designed and built, it hosted the Nordea Masters only five years after opening. In 2014, Thailand’s Thongchai Jaidee took home the trophy and the following year, local hero Alex Noren romped to a four-stroke victory. The course is not a monster in terms of length but the natural terrain makes it feel a lot longer. As you have come to expect from many modern courses, there are six tee boxes on every hole, which will make for an enjoyable round for any level of play.

CLOCKWISE FROM THE MAIN IMAGE: Bridge at the Link Course; 17th, 18th and 12th hole at the Link Course.

“Standing on the 14th tee staring back up the hills again, you might start to wonder where the course architect Kyle Phillips, a modern day master in exquisite course design, sort his inspiration.”

The short par 3, 5th is at the highest point on the course and the views are stunning, more stunning than the hole, it has to be said, which is a shame because the first four holes range from lovely to spectacular. The 5th is only 120 metres off the back tee and 75 metres off the front. The green is a generous 40 metres wide but a mere 19 metres deep. In truth, it feels like they only built 17 holes and had to squeeze another one in somewhere.

But that will be the last of your disappointments.

The highlight is the eighth, a 500-metre downhill and then uphill par five. With an expansive fairway to aim at from a raised tee, your initial thought is to grip and rip the driver, but there are risks to doing so, especially for longer hitters. A creek splits the fairway and the short grass starts to end around 250 to 260 metres. Laying up is the only option and your second shot will be to an uphill hidden green tucked around the right. It sounds horrible but it is actually an enjoyable hole to play. The ninth is a lovely finishing hole and its length is again exaggerated by the return of the aforementioned creek on hole 8. You will become very familiar with this strip of water as it comes into play on another five holes.

The back nine starts back up the hill with a testing if not draining long par 4 with the creek running all the way along the right. The 11th is a skinny long par 5 downhill with the creek cutting the fairway in half as it does again on the 12th, only this time closer to the green. It may be well shy of the putting surface but a savage uphill approach ensures it is fed its daily dose of balls. The par 3, 13th may look like a respite on the score card and on a windless day it is, but if there is anything stronger than a stiff breeze, there’s every chance the serpent like creek that perpetually snakes across the course will be grinning again with satisfied delight.

Standing on the 14th tee staring back up the hills again, you might start to wonder where the course architect Kyle Phillips, a modern day master in exquisite course design, sort his inspiration. Cast your mind back to your childhood and the ubiquitous board game ‘Snakes & Ladders’. Remember the joy of landing on two consecutive ladders only to plummet on the preceding snake? Your round is likely to feel the same.

The comparatively short par 5, 15th does hint of a birdie opportunity but the danger lies on the dance floor which sits atop an atoll; long, short, left or right of the green and you’ll have to be a magician to get up and down. Both the 16th and 17th are really nice holes to TOP IMAGE: Lake Course, 17th hole.

BELOW IMAGES - CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Range shelter; Lobby; Suite room; Bedroom.

play and the 18th is a masterpiece that is not dissimilar to the 9th with added length and muscle to reach. One may believe that when Kyle Phillips started designing this hole, he looked in his desk drawer and discovered he had a load of bunkers and creek left over – waste not, want not.

Back in the clubhouse, reprieve can be found in the locker rooms with steaming showers and the fluffiest of towels. These were only bettered by the soft lounges in the bar and a whisky selection that will have any Scotsman dreamy eyed – and probably the main reason why there is accommodation available upstairs. There are 16 apartments available which can accommodate up to four guests with a décor and fit reminiscent of a hunting lodge. Chesterfield lounges, swing back chairs, tartan throw rugs all combine to deliver a relaxing elegance accompanied by stunning views of both courses.

The restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, serving traditional Swedish cuisine or the more masculine dining experience of the American Steakhouse inspired grill that tempts you with local seafood, pork and beef depending on your appetite. The aforementioned whisky selection can be sampled a short distance from your bedroom although the stairs to the accommodation on the first floor do become a little more challenging the longer the night continues.

The National is only a short 15km drive from Malmo city centre but spending a night or two on course will emphasize the experience, or if nothing, then to just be able to comfortably play both courses. Being the home of the PGA, there is a splendid state-of-the-art golf academy on site with all the latest technology and a host of young kids barely out of nappies smacking golf balls into the wild blue yonder. Lessons are available for all visitors and private booths can be arranged as well.

Malmo is the capital city of the southern province of Skane, which runs along the Strait of Oresand, separating Sweden and Denmark. On any clear day, Denmark is visible and the width of the strait can be measured with your odometer when you drive across the very impressive Oresand Bridge, a magnificent piece of engineering that runs directly from Copenhagen Airport to Malmo. The quickest way to Malmo is through Copenhagen rather than Stockholm, which is about a three-hour drive away.

You can drive from Copenhagen Airport but car rental in Denmark is about 30 percent more expensive than Sweden and there is a dedicated train service which run from Copenhagen Airport direct to Malmo Central. www.pgaswedennational.se/en

My Top Ten

Sir Nick Faldo'S ToP TEN

We ask Sir Nick Faldo MBE for his top ten golf courses, and within seconds he tells us his top three, all where he won his Majors, but then he also added you have to go with memorability as well. Here are Sir Nick’s comments.

By M i k e Br i d g e

When we were asking Sir Nick Faldo about his top ten courses, he then went on to tell us about his last round in a major, the 2015 Open, at his favourite Old Course at St Andrews.

“We had a great week. But it all went ridiculously wrong and in fact most people don’t know what actually happened.

“I picked up my shirt on the Tuesday in the house I had rented in Bonny Scotland, throw the shirt over my shoulder and on the wall behind me were Deer Antlers, and I impaled my finger and I had the most amazing cut.

“I could see how bad it was and I couldn’t even hold a club let alone swing it. So I went off to hospital and had it glued and tapped and then tried to play on Wednesday in that Champions Challenge. I had to go as my old caddie Fannie was there and my daughter emma was going to caddie and carry the bag over the bridge. everything was designed behind the famous Swilcan Bridge that week.

“Then, on Thursday we went off for the actual championship and it completely scared me as I did not know how to hit it and I got nervous and ended up shooting 83.

Photography by Tharm Sook Wai

FOOT nOTe: “Then the next day it all cut open in the morning, but my son who was on my bag said, ‘Dad, I don’t care what you shoot, let’s just go for a walk,’ and that was a great attitude.

“I had actually thought originally I could shoot four rounds of 71’s and be there on the Sunday and what a great week it would have been. Well on that Friday I luckily actually shot 71 and on the 17th (The road hole) I made three and that was just unbelievable.

The whole Pringle sweater thing was my idea.

I knew it fit and I just wanted to stand there on the bridge at the 18th in the same sweater when I won my first Open. That was definitely one of my best top ten days I’ve ever had in golf. Yes that was my last major.

“I didn’t at the time realise it was my 100th Major, and I went through the 17th at 6’oclock and the stands were packed, the sun was out and I’m happy; everybody was happy and it couldn’t have ended any better. I lucked out that day. The kids were there, my friends were there - what a way to say goodbye to major golf.

It was fantastic for me.”

1OlD

COurSe, ST. AnDreWS, uK

2 MuIrFIelD, eAST lOThIAn, uK

“It was laid down by nature and is perhaps one of the most strategic courses we play. I love the way you go left of hells bunker up the fairways to play the other holes. That is very cool. When you play St Andrews and shoot 66’s, it is easy, but when it’s tough breaking 76, it is good even for pros. My birdie on the 17th Road Hole in last year’s Open was fantastic. It was 6pm, sunny and the stands were packed...what a way to say goodbye to Major golf.”

The oldest and most iconic golf course in the world. The Swilcan Bridge and Hell Bunker are recognized across the globe, yet the greatest feature of the Old Course is that despite its grand status as home of the R&A, it remains a public golf course, open to all.

“Muirfield is actually a great golf course and I obviously won two Opens there which is quite unique. Two in a row 1987 and 1992 and is special winning on the 18th green there.”

Golf was first played at Muirfield in 1891 on 16 holes laid out by Old Tom Morris which was extended to 18 holes for the Open the following year. Restricted by stone walls that completely surrounded the course, the original layout occupied 117 acres. In 1923, a further 50 acres were secured to the north of the course. Renowned course designer Harry Colt was consulted and his recommendations effectively produced the layout as it is today. Apart from Tom Simpson’s re-modeling of the 13th hole in 1935, the only notable changes since then have been the provision of new tees to combat improvements in equipment.

3 AuguSTA

nATIOnAl, AuguSTA, uSA

“Augusta is unbelievable and it just gets better every time. It’s like we are redefining the word ‘perfection’.

It’s not just the course and the grass, the whole tournament is totally designed for players, because nobody is allowed inside the ropes apart from you and the caddie. They also only allow six TV cameras in special positions so for players it is the ultimate.”

Augusta National Golf Club, located in Augusta, Georgia, is one of the most famous golf clubs in the world.

Founded by Bobby Jones and Clifford Roberts on the site of the former Fruitland (later Fruitlands) Nursery, the course was designed by Jones and Alister MacKenzie and opened for play in January 1933. Since 1934, it has played host to the annual Masters Tournament, one of the four Major championships in professional golf, and the only major played each year at the same course.

4 The rIvIerA

COunTry Club, lOS AngeleS, uSA “I love Riviera in Los Angeles California.

George Thomas was a great inspirational designer with great bunkering.”

Riviera’s famed George Thomas designed golf course has hosted one US Open, two PGA Championships, and a US Senior Open in addition to serving as the perennial site of the PGA Tour’s Northern Trust Open. Legends like Ben Hogan, Byron Nelson, Sam Snead, Tom Watson, Nick Faldo and Fred Couples have all tasted victories here, while celebrities like Douglas Fairbanks, Mary Pickford, Charlie Chaplin and Dean Martin have long graced its fairways.

5 KIngSTOn

“A great test. The sand belt is fabulous in Australia.”

heATh, vICTOrIA, AuSTrAlIA

Kingston Heath Golf Club is one of Australia’s best golf courses. Ranked as the number one course in Austra-Asia and the 20th best course in the world, Kingston Heath enjoys an enviable reputation for its superb conditioning all year round. The 18 holes were built on only 50 hectares (most courses in the modern era are built on over 100 hectares), it is perfectly manicured and its bunkering and clever use of dips and hollows visually fools the non observant golfer. If you wildly deviate from the fairway, the rough (comprising long grass, ti- tree and sandy scrapes) will test your ability to get the ball back into play.

6 rOyAl

MelbOurne, vICTOrIA, AuSTrAlIA

“Another great classic Aussie course with a lot of history on the sand belt.”

Prior to 1891, there had been attempts to form golf clubs in Melbourne and the other locations in Australia. None of these continued hence Royal Melbourne Golf Club is the oldest golf club in Australia without interruption. A group of men, many of them with Scottish roots, gathered together and after a series of informal meetings, a circular was sent out inviting those who were interested to attend a meeting, on Friday 22 May 1891, at Scott’s Hotel, Collins Street. It had been ascertained that 100 members, each prepared to subscribe 15 guineas, would be necessary if the club was to be financially viable. The 100 men who subscribed were granted Life Membership and are known as the Founders of the Melbourne Golf Club.

7 SpOrTIng

Club berlIn, bAD SAArOW COurSe, gerMAny “I went in there 25 years ago, but we are now bidding for the 2022 Ryder Cup and so if we get that, we will do a redesign and build 11 new holes.

I have a vision which creates a strategic course the players will enjoy and which will create some storied drama in a match play format. I believe we will create an environment for history and for the fans. We will create open spaces for spectators and atmosphere. As a TV analyst, I can see the pictures we will show the world. The Ryder Cup means a lot to me and the contributions of the German players has been significant. Of all my current projects, this one is what I am most excited about.”

The Faldo Course Berlin is a links course with 133 pot bunkers, undulating fairways and challenging greens.

8 rOCO KI

In The DOMInICAn republIC

“We did a good job here, and it was very well received. Same as Laguna (Lang Co, Vietnam), we went through the headlands, then the jungle then the sand dunes and the sawgrass.”

Roco Ki Golf Club’s Faldo Legacy Course on the island of the Dominican Republic in the Caribbean provides an unforgettable experience not only for the game, but also as a way to explore the land. The golf course’s first tee presents a panorama of the course, the headlands, the ocean and the mountains beyond.

9 WeST COurSe, WenTWOrTh, uK

“It has been changed so much back from its days, but I had a love affair with the West and it was my first great golf course when I was an amateur in 1974. That was the holy grail to play there.”

The West course was originally designed by Harry Colt and opened in 1926. Ernie Els was then brought in to upgrade the par 72, 7,308-yard course in 2005 and 2007. It is currently the home of the European Tour and hosts the BMW PGA Championships every year.

10 lAgunA

lAng CO. vIeTnAM “I sneak this one in as it is quite unique. You have all these environments out there. Like we go through the rice field to the jungle, then you go along the beach, then you come down the river and then you’re in the rocks and then you finish all down on our sand.”

Part of the Golf Coast group of courses close to Danang in Vietnam, this Faldo designed 18 holes meanders through some breathtaking scenery with the sea running along some of the holes. It is a great course for all levels in a very peaceful area of the country about 50 minutes drive from the airport.

The 19th

Ahead of the 50th edition of the SMBC Singapore Open, we tracked down and caught up with Frank Phillips, the inaugural winner of the very first Open back in 1961.

By J e f f r e y O O n P i c t u r e s cO u rt e s y O f t i f fa n y c h a i s s O n ( w w w.fa i rwayfO O d i e.g O l f ) “I’ve been waiting for your call all afternoon!”

said the voice, loud and clear, on the other end of the line.

At the age of 83, Frank Phillips sounded healthy and strong over the phone from his home in Moss Vale, a small town community of just 7,000 located in New South Wales, about 90 minutes’ drive south of Sydney, Australia.

Possessing no mobile phone or email or knowledge of modern digital apps like Skype or WhatsApp, it was a mini feat tracking down and then speaking to this venerable gentleman of the game.

But was I glad I did. After all, here was the man who, 55 years ago, had made Singapore Open history by winning the inaugural 1961 tournament. In doing so, he forever cemented his name at the top of the list of a long line of illustrious winners of Singapore’s National Open.

Then a strapping 28-year-old at the peak of his game, the 1.88-metre Australian broke the course record at the then Island Country Club with an opening round 67 and never looked back. His final scorecard over four rounds: 67, 69, 67 and 72 for a total of 275.

His nearest rival, compatriot Darrell Welch, finished a distant eight shots behind in second place.

“It was the first time I ever played in Singapore and it was very hot. It does get hot in Australia but not as humid.

That was the hardest part,” recalled Phillips of his maiden success in Singapore, which earned him a winner’s cheque of 5,000 Malayan dollars.

WINNING YEAR: Frank Phillips beats Ken Nagle and Gary Player to capture his second Australian Open title in 1961, the same year he won the inaugural Singapore Open.

HOmE COmFORtS: Phillips loves spending time at the mount Broughton Golf and Country Club, where he is patron and co-designer of the course he still regularly plays twice a week.

I used to go to a chiropractor in Sydney and it got to the stage where he said, “Look, if you keep this up, you know what’s going to happen… you’re going to wind up in a wheelchair.”

“That’s when I decided to give it away. The funny thing is, not playing too hard and still practicing now, my back’s not too bad! It’s ridiculous,” he chuckled.

Frank’s lifelong love of golf started when he was an eight-year-old boy living in Moss Vale, an area known for its sheep rearing and fertile farmlands. He and some friends would dig holes in a fenced-up field and begin hitting balls. Before long, the self-taught golfer would turn professional when he was 18 in 1951 and start travelling the world.

“The first couple of years were a learning curve,” said the bespectacled Phillips. “You learn what to do on the course, commanding the golf course and then it becomes more serious and you start to play well, and it sort of progressed from there.”

Progess he did.

A two-time winner of the Australian Open in 1957 and 1961 – both times beating South African great Gary Player down the stretch -- Frank was rated one of the best-ball strikers at the time. A long, powerful hitter, he used his

“I started off very well and then continued on. I was playing very well at the time. Different grass, much coarser than what I was used to. The course was a bit hilly, some very tricky holes. I just had one of those tournaments when everything went right and the ball was sinking well,” he said in his measured Aussie drawl as he rolled back the years.

Phillips would claim the Singapore Open again four years later, in 1965. The victory, this time on the Bukit course at the newly merged Singapore Island Country Club, came via a thrilling final round shootout.

Starting the day five shots behind pint-sized Japanese leader Tadashi Kitta, Phillips shot a course record 66 to win by two strokes as Kitta faded with a 74.

“I told my good friend Mick Kelly that if I could get stuck into this bloke and really get tough and play hard, I should beat him,” said Phillips, referring to his lifelong friend and fellow Aussie pro, who to this day, he still plays golf with once a week..

“That’s exactly what happened. I ran Kitta down,” he added with a hint of satisfaction in his voice.

‘I enjoyed SIngapore So much.’

Phillips would stay with family friends during the tournament and he said he saw early signs of pre-

“Unfortunately, my wife passed on a few years ago and I often think to myself ‘Oh, I’ll give it away’, and then I start to think to myself, ‘No, what the hell would I do?” I still love the game, it’s still in my blood.

You just can’t give it away really,” sounding like a man who’d wrestled with the decision countless times. independence Singapore slowly but surely learning to stand on her own two feet, first from the British and then later, Malaysia.

“I remember when I went to Singapore in 1961, it wasn’t as clean compared to when I went there a second time in 1965. In 1965, everything had been spruced up, it was very clean and it was wonderful. I just enjoyed it so much,” said the Aussie golf great, who counts among his peers Australian golf luminaries such the legendary Ken Nagle and five-time British Open champion Peter Thomson.

Phillips would be a regular visitor to Singapore throughout the 60s and early 70s as he flirted with several runner-up finishes at the Singapore Open.

“I had the opportunity to win a few more, but I played bad shots at the wrong time,” he said matter-of-factly.

He eventually retired from professional golf in 1975, the demands of the professional game having taken a heavy toll on his health.

“I retired because my back just wore out. I had a strong powerful swing and it took its effect on my back.

RIGHt PAGE - ClOCKWISE FROm tOP: Powerful Swing - Phillips, on the way to his second Singapore title in 1965 at the Bukit Course at Singapore Island Country Club, was rated one of the best ball-strikers of his era; At the top of his game - Phillips wins the 1964 Victorian Open ahead of an elite field that included Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player, the Age newspaper, 1964; memory lane - Phillips’ win in Singapore makes news Down Under in 1961.

height to great effect, coiling his lanky frame to regularly unleash booming 300-yard drives down the fairway. At his peak, he regularly tangled with Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player and Arnold Palmer on the Australian circuit. He won 17 times on the Australasian circuit and would go on to win a total of 45 events all around the world. In 2002, he was granted lifetime membership to the PGA of Australia SacrIFIce Known to his friends to be cheeky and possessing a mischievous streak, one thing is still clear to this very day: Frank’s golf bug is still an itch that has to be regularly scratched. He plays 9 holes at least twice a week at the 18-hole links course he co-designed at the picturesque Mount Broughton Golf and Country Club in the Southern Highlands, a short 10-minute drive from his home in Moss Vale.

“Unfortunately, my wife passed on a few years ago and I often think to myself ‘Oh, I’ll give it away’, and then I start to think to myself, ‘No, what the hell would I do?”

I still love the game, it’s still in my blood. You just can’t give it away really,” sounding like a man who’d wrestled with the decision countless times.

His lifelong devotion to the game has not been without sacrifice. Far from it.

“My first two boys, I was away a lot… and I wasn’t a good a father as I could be,” admitted the father-of-three, his voice turning pensive.

“I was away for so much. My daughter came along late and she was one of the joys of my life and I enjoyed her company and it was wonderful but I had more to do with her than the boys.

I knew better than to probe further.

He continued: “That’s the one thing that’s very difficult when you’re playing professional golf, especially in the old days because you never really made enough money to take them with you. These days they make so much money they can travel with their families all the time.” regreTS Upon his retirement in 1975, Phillips readily admitted he was “impossible to live with” as he faced what all professional athletes dread when they call time on their career: how to get over that regular adrenaline fix that came with elite level competition.

“It was very difficult. For quite a few years, my wife said I was impossible to live with. She said ‘You can’t really give it away’.

“It is very difficult but you gradually get to the stage where you tell yourself “Well, I’ve done that so be happy with it because once it’s gone, it’s gone.”

Desperate to stay involved with golf, he became a teaching pro at the Ryder-Parramatta Golf Club, Sydney, for nine years. After that, he would take to running a service station and then later teaching at a public golf course.

Of regrets, his biggest is turning down a long-term contract to play exhibition golf with the man who would go on to found one of sport’s biggest marketing agency, International Management Group or IMG. “In 1962, I was rated number four in the world and I was approached by Mark McCormack. I could have gone with him and I could have played exhibition tournaments with players like Gary Player, Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer and I would have made a lot more money,” he said.

So why didn’t he?

“I just thought I would rather spend the spare time with my family and I just didn’t do it. I had to give something back to my family and I didn’t do it… I can’t complain because I’m still reasonably well off but that was a regret in a way because I would have made a lot more money,” he said, sounding like a man who would give just about anything to relive those glorious days once again.

‘SpIeTh WILL WIn a LoT oF majorS’ Fast forward to today and much has changed since that momentous Sunday in 1961 when Phillips held the inaugural Singapore Open trophy aloft.

Coming off the back of a year of SG50 celebrations, the 50th SMBC Singapore Open returns after a three-year hiatus.

The marquee field this time includes world No.1 Jordan Spieth, the electrifying 22-year-old Texan who took home the Masters and US Open last year in sensational style. No other golfer has generated this much excitement since a young Tiger Woods won his first Major at the age of 21.

Spieth’s greatest asset is his mental composure, according to Phillips, still a keen observer of the modern game.

“He’s a very, very good putter, he’s got the basics and he’ll win a lot of Majors. He won the Australian Open in 2014 and I saw him play his last round where he shot an eight-under-par 63.

“It was one of the best rounds of golf I’ve ever seen.

He had the ball on a piece of string…he knew exactly where to hit it and he putted the eyeballs out of it. He’s not as long as the other players but he has a very cool head, he doesn’t get flustered at all.”

lEFt PAGE FROm tOP: lifelong Buddies - Phillips and mike Kelly, 82, an Aussie golf pro who also competed in the 1961 Singapore Open, have been playing together for 61 years; Natural Beauty Phillips and Kelly inspect the 18-hole Scottish-style links course at mount Broughton, which offers sweeping vistas of the Southern Highlands in New South Wales.

prIZe money Total prize for the SMBC Singapore Open is expected to top US$1 million, with Spieth reported to have been paid US$1.2 million in appearance fees alone. That’s a far cry from the 5,000 Malayan dollars Phillips took home way back in 1961 for winning.

“It’s a funny thing,” he said.

“A couple of years ago, John Senden won a tournament and he got 1.6 million dollars. I rang up my good friend Kel Nagle the next day and I said, “Do you realise he made more money in that one tournament than we made in a lifetime and won between us over 120 tournaments?”

“Just goes to show I’d like to be 25 right now,” he chuckled.

And does he think, in his prime, he would have been able to compete with the likes of Spieth, Jason Day and Rory McIlroy, currently the world’s number one, two and three?

Phillips shot back: “I’m sure I could.”

“People forget the great Ben Hogan – I’ve not seen a better player than he was – what a wonderful player.

Don’t tell me he wouldn’t have competed today?”

“Sure, a lot has changed with new clubs, new balls and new equipment. In my time, the shorter hitters hit about 220 but these days they can hit 280, 290 so even they can reach a par-five in two, that’s where the game has changed so much,” he continued.

“My time came and my time’s gone, that’s all part of history. I made a good living, won a lot of tournaments but yes, I would love to compete again. I wish I was 25 again. I think I could compete against these people the way I used to… I’m sure I could.”

The inaugural winner of the 1961 Singapore Open and the reigning world number one Spieth, right in Singapore’s Sentosa backyard?

Now, that would truly have been a duel for the ages.

1999:

HISTORY OF

THE SINGAPORE

OPEN established in 2001 as a merger between Sakura Bank and Sumitomo Bank, signs three-year deal to become title sponsor and revive the Open after three-year hiatus.

Event moved to end-January to avoid monsoon season.

2013-2015: Cancelled due to lack of sponsorship.

2012: Matteo Manassero (ITA) wins

thrilling playoff against Louis Oosthuizen after playing a marathon 36 holes.

2010: Adam Scott (AUS) becomes

first player to win hat-trick of Singapore Open titles.

2006: Adam Scott (AUS) successfully defends title as Barclays Bank begins sixyear sponsorship, gradually increasing prize purse from US$4 million in 2007 to US$6 million in 2011. jordan SpIeTh (uSa) World ranking (at the start of 2016): 1 age: 22 Turned pro: 2012 notable wins: 2 majors (2015 masters and uS open), 2015 Tour championship

an Byeong-hun (S Korea) World ranking: 29 age: 24 Turned pro: 2011 notable wins: 2015 BmW pga championship

1998: Shaun Micheel (USA) captures title at the SAFRA Resort Country Club.

He would go on to win the 2003 PGA Championship, the only Major to his name.

1997:

Zaw Moe (MYA), a long-time Singapore-based pro, grabs a “home win” at the Jurong Country Club.

1996: John Kernohan (USA) wins

Highlights of the premier event in Asian golf.

2016: Sumitomo Mitsui Bank,

Kenny Druce (AUS) wins a playoff at the Orchid Golf and Country Club.

2005: Adam Scott (AUS)

wins event after Sentosa Leisure Group revives Open as title sponsor. The US$2 million prize purse makes it the richest national Open on the Asian Tour and kicks off Sentosa Golf Club’s long-standing association with the Open.

2002-2004: Cancelled due to lack of sponsorship.

2001:

Thaworn Wirachant (THA) bursts into prominence by winning the Singapore Open held at the Jurong CC.

2000: Jyoti Randhawa

(IND) wins first title outside India with a three-shot victory at the Island course at SICC.

TOP PICKS y.e. yang (S Korea) World ranking: 275 age: 43 Turned pro: 1996 notable wins: 1 major (2009 uS pga championship), 2006 hSBc champions

the Open, held for the first time at Laguna CC.

1995:

Steven Conran (AUS) wins the last-ever Open played at the Bukit course at SICC.

1967: Ben Arda (PHI) becomes first Asian player to win title.

1965: Frank Phillips (AUS) wins

second title

1964: Ted Ball (AUS) wins by one

stroke at the newly minted Singapore Island Country Club, a merger of the Royal Island and Royal Singapore Golf clubs. Phillips, a crowd favourite, breaks the Bukit Timah course record with a seven under-par 66.

SICC would host the Open until 1995.

1961: Frank Phillips (AUS) wins inaugural Open held at the then Royal Island Club, the first-ever professional tournament held in Singapore.

darren cLarKe (n IreLand) World ranking: 573 age: 47 Turned pro: 1990 notable wins: 1 major (2011 open), four-time ryder cup winner

mardan mamaT (SIn) World ranking: 330 age: 48 Turned pro: 1994 notable wins: 2006 Singapore masters

TICKETING DETAILS SmBc SIngapore open Venue: Sentosa Golf Club, Serapong Course Dates: January 28-31 Ticket prices: Free on opening day, $20 on Friday, $30 for weekend rounds, $50 for season ticket. Tickets can be bought online at APACTix (www.apactix.com) Free entrance for children under the age of 5 FaST FacTS • The 2016 Singapore Open will be the 50th edition of the Singapore Open.

• First time the Singapore Open is jointly sanctioned by the Asian Tour and Japan Golf Tour organization.

• Traditionally held late in the year, the Singapore Open has been moved to January to avoid the November-December monsoon season.

• World No. 1 Jordan Spieth’s rumoured appearance fee: 1.2 million US dollars • TaylorMade is the event’s official equipment sponsor. TaylorMade will provide range balls for both professionals and spectators who want to test their latest drivers and irons.

Destination Focus

Visiting an island with enough historical and cinematic influences to last many lifetimes. And then there’s the golf.

by C h r i s Fo l l e y

A study in cubism combines fine architecture with nature’s finest at Verdura Resort.

“Of all the hotels in Sir Rocco’s portfolio – now 10, with outposts in Jeddah and Shanghai opening soon – the 500-acre Verdura is the one where he always spends the most time at.”

The Italian golf scene is hard to fathom. The Molinari brothers in particular, and also now young Massimo Manassero, are putting Italy on the map in golf with their performances and yet tourist traffic to the country’s many courses is below what you might expect.

And yet it’s a country that in addition to having courses to rival some of the best in Europe offers so much in terms of culture, food and wine and natural beauty.

Even less heralded golf-wise than the Italian mainland, perhaps, is Sicily. The boot of Italy is perhaps best known for its many historical sites and less favourable connections with the mafia but with its hot Mediterranean climate, it is still a big summer and winter, sun-kissed destination. Golf, though, is pretty much restricted to two admittedly impressive resorts at opposite ends of this huge island – Verdura and Donnafugata.

Verdura, on the southwest coast, near the towns of Castelveltrano and Sciacca, is the baby of famous hotelier Si Rocco Forte. When you hear of the trials and tribulations he endured to set up and run Verdura – a huge amount of bureaucracy, mainly over ecological issues, leading to him paying well over the odds for the land – and find him still there suggest Sicily has really got into his soul.

Verdura finally opened seven years ago, with the main attractions being its five-star luxury hotel and two championship courses designed by Kyle Phillips, renowned for his designs at Kingsbarns in Scotland and The Grove just north of London in Hertfordshire.

Of all the hotels in Sir Rocco’s portfolio – now 10, with outposts in Jeddah and Shanghai opening soon – the 500-acre Verdura is the one where he always spends the most time at. You might expect a five-star resort of this nature to be blessed with glorious sands and beautiful sunsets but the beach is underwhelming. That seems to be of little concern to Verdura’s well-heeled clientele, though as many guests seem to be mainly drawn by its award-winning spa and general air of peace. It also feels incredibly secluded. A two-hour drive from Palermo airport, you can also get there via the CataniaFontanarossa airport, nearly three hours away in the island’s second largest city, Catania.

First impressions as you enter the resort are actually of coastal Morocco. Think terracotta and ochre, all in a modernist rectangular low-level design. Once you get into the rooms, however, the style is rather different.

Sir Rocco’s interior-designer sister, Olga Polizzi, who helped set up Forte hotels in 1996, has also been lauded

RIGHT PAGE - clockwIsE FRoM ToP: Verdura 18th green, East course; The East’s 8th at Verdura; Verdura spa from the fairway; Thalassotherapy pools offer vantage views of the golf course; Main reception and dining at night; A trek up the 18th on the west course.

in her own right at prestigious resorts such as the Hotel Tresanton in St Mawes, Cornwall. Here, she uses natural materials and plenty of colour to provide a warm, Italian tone consistent with the balmy Mediterranean setting.

All rooms have flatscreen TV with satellite channels, pay-per-view films, a well-stocked in-room bar, CD/DVD player, Ortigia toiletries, slippers and bathrobes, which you wear for your short walk to the spa. Palms dot the heart of the resort where the reception is located, while the spa is a sleek sandstone-coloured pavilion grouped around an open-air courtyard with 11 treatment rooms, a 20-metre indoor swimming pool, a state-of-the-art gym and four outdoor thalassotherapy pools.

The other prominent landmark is a Moorish-looking tower, which is effectively the clubhouse, housing the pro shop, the Torres bar and a gelateria. It is linked by a piazza to the rustic Liola trattoria, with its spacious terrace and clifftop views over the sea. Here, the golf beckons.

Phillips’s courses are simply called East and West - the East is 7,221 yards long and the West 7,474 yards from the championship tees. There is also a 1,056- yard nine hole par-three course.

The East is arguably the more attractive, with lots of undulating fairways and bunkers. You start off by heading away from sea with a dogleg right 364-yard par four requiring careful placement of your drive between three strategically placed bunkers. The next three holes wrap around the back of the resort before returning towards the sea for the 464-yard fifth, considered the most difficult hole on the course requiring a good drive over reeds onto a narrowing fairway with the hole itself on the water’s edge.

The par three sixth, at just 112 yards, is described as the course’s ‘Postage stamp’, after that famous short par 3 at Royal Troon in Scotland. Apart from length (or lack thereof rather), it is the difficulty of having winds billowing about this short shot to the green.

Your back nine on the East course takes you back towards the hills, around the back of the driving range and into a clutch of less threatening holes. However, the best is saved for last, with the 18th proving to be perhaps the most memorable and indeed, toughest, one on the East Course.

As you eye up your drive on this par four 436-yarder, all the way down the right hand side is out of bounds and the sea, while ahead of you is the green with the impressive 14th century Torre Verdura behind it. A long drive really helps here, because if you’re short, your second shot will have to traverse a deep hollow in front of

Packages at Verdura (roccofortehotels.com) from â‚Ź246 a night room and breakfast, with two green fees and complimentary driving range balls. Four nights at Donnafugata (donnafugatagolfresort.com) from â‚Ź1,080, including room and breakfast, two green fees, driving range balls, two three-course dinners per person and four free accesses valid for one hour per person to the spa.

the green, itself one of the trickier ones on the course as it sits horizontally and with a sharp dip if the flag is to the left. Not surprisingly, this is a stroke index 2, and a tough way to finish indeed.

The West course starts smoothly enough, like the East with a dogleg though this time to the right, and your first real challenge comes at the 564-yard par five 4th hole. Bunkers are strategically placed mainly right of the fairway, making accuracy and length together key if you are looking to somehow get to the green in two.

Next up is a 448-yard par 4 that starts from an elevated teebox with views over the entire course and resort. For your second shot it’s a steep run downhill onto a green surrounded by four bunkers.

Both courses at some point come across the front of the resort, from where you can admire modernist blocks of suites and rooms facing out to sea. Tee times are arranged at 12-minute intervals to ensure free-flowing play. In fact, to further ensure no one gets bothered while they are out there, one of the courses is dedicated daily to two-ball play only.

At the full service country club, there are also six tennis courts, a 60-metre infinity pool in front overlooked by the main terrace and reception building, a soccer pitch, a fully-equipped gym and running trails through olive and lemon groves. In summer, the wooden-decked Amare beachside restaurant does salads, pizzas and barbecuegrilled fish. The resort also has five bars, including Granita, which spills out onto the aforementioned terrace and is perfect for sundowner cocktails.

As mentioned, the spa is as much an attraction as the golf - Verdura’s spa is the flagship across the group, and has won numerous awards. In January 2015, the Rocco Forte group went further with its spa branding, introducing Rocco Forte Rituals (spa treatments using the newly created Forte Organics product line), Rocco Forte Fitness and Rocco Forte Nourish (healthy menus, and partnerships with renowned healthy eating experts).

If you feel the urge to escape the resort – many guests prefer to just stay in blissful isolation on site for their entire break - the nearest town is Sciacca, an historic fishing port. Sciacca is not really on the tourist trail but nevertheless offers a discovery of history with many buildings dating back to the 16th century. It is also well known for hosting colourful religious festivals.

Nearby too is one of Sicily’s star attractions, Valley of the Temples, south along the coast at Agrigento, an ancient town founded in BC582 by Greek settlers. Now a UNESCO World Heritage site with the remains of eight Greek temples, you can find hour-long private tours with an English speaking licensed guide at €10 a person on site.

Further afield is a collection of some very good vineyards. Sicily is the second largest producing wine region in Italy, and particularly recommended is a visit to the Planeta winery at Ulmo, on the shores of Lake Arancio, about an hour’s drive inland from Verdura, near the village of Sambuca di Sicilia. The Planeta family

lEFT PAGE clockwIsE FRoM ToP lEFT: Bird’s eye view of Verdura Resort; Ulmo estate on the banks of lake Arancio; liola sicilian restaurant at Verdura Resort; Planeta winery dining hall; la Foresteria Planeta Estate; Verdura, water sports centre; The Presidential suite at Verdura Resort; and the Ambassador suite.

decided to build their first winery here in 1995, just a few metres from the 15th century farmhouse which has always belonged to them anyway.

Some of the most representative wines of the firm originated and are now produced at Ulmo; Chardonnay, Merlot and Syrah, as well as single variety Grecanico and Nero d’Avola. Planeta has operations throughout Sicily including a site on Mount Etna, the largest active volcano in Europe, where the soil is rich in black lava sand and minerals. The Plumbago 2013, a 100 percent Nero d’Avola variety, stands out with its soft tannins and abundance of red fruits like plums (hence the name) and ripe blackberries.

Planeta also owns the Foresteria Resort, with an open kitchen serving Sicilian specialties, cooking classes, 14 guest rooms, a swimming pool and bicycles are offered on the property with easy access to the sea. This winery also has its own private beach in the nearby seaside town of Menfi.

Perhaps one drawback for golfers staying at Verdura is the lack of other courses nearby should you want some variety to your golf. The aforementioned Donnafugata golf and spa resort is the obvious rival – but it’s nearly a three-hour drive away. This 202-room resort, in the south-eastern province of Ragusa, has two 18-hole championship courses - the Gary Player-designed par 72 Parkland North and the Links South, designed by Franco Piras.

Player’s 6,530-metre design nestles among olive groves, with stone walls dotting the course. Indeed, just 100 metres from the 6th hole is a sixth century BC Greek necropolis. A “wet” zone between holes two and three provides sanctuary for wildlife while two lakes frame the last few holes. The greens for the 9th and 18th are next to the main part of the resort.

The 6,674-metre Links course stretches out over two big valleys, with the sea and the island of Malta on the horizon. The course is highly exposed to winds from the ocean and has multiple tees for each hole to change the course character from one day to the next. The Links occupies a wide bowl, with the front nine playing around the bottom of it. This is arguably the tougher of the two courses due in part to its length but also the trickier fairways and greens, especially on the back nine.

Opened in 2010, Donnafugata is most easily reached from Comiso airport just 17km (15 minutes) away, and Catania (100km, 90 minutes). The main sights to see around Donnafugata are the UNESCO World Heritage towns of Modica, Noto, Scicli, Ispica and Ragusa. The resort also has a private beach, which can be reached by a complimentary shuttle.

It’s a large island but if you have time enough to roam, crossing hundreds of kilometres for some supreme golf, plus experiencing the unforgettably unique personality of Sicily, may just be the sinker that makes this all worthwhile.

Destination Focus

Timeless Charm

& luxury sTays

Siem Reap combines a unique blend of Khmer and French to offer hoteling options unlike any other in the region.

By Just i n e M o s s

OPENING PICTURE: Le Meridien Angkor THIS PAGE - LEFT ROW: Amansara Cambodia RIGHT ROW: Belmond La Résidence d’Angkor

FIRST ROW TOP TO BOTTOM: Victoria Angkor Resort & Spa TOP RIGHT: Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor BOTTOM LEFT: Le Meridien Angkor

While its magnificent Angkor UNESCO World Heritage Site speaks for itself, Siem Reap has, in almost a decade since the Phokeethra Country Club was built, become somewhat of a golfing destination as well. With its open market system and robust economic progress over this same period of time, Cambodia’s large tourism industry has continued to attract investors.

However, what truly draws one back again and again might not be as obvious at first but this quite sublime quality has brought visitors, golfers and others alike, back over and over again. Much like falling in love. This quality is in the stay; the luxury hotels that adorn the streets from National Road to River Road to the Charles de Gaulle quadrangle. Each, in its pretty and puissant manner, pulling its guests into its inescapable embrace, its romantic façades and sense of historical place.

Hence, a blend of traditional and French architecture with excellent Khmer and French cuisine and accessible golf courses and attractions all contribute to Siem Reap’s appeal as a high-end vacation destination. We offer the finest of the lot for consideration.

FiNE StAyS iN SiEm REAP

to begin with, the Amansara is located 10 minutes from the entrance to Angkor and used to be the guest villa of King Norodom Sihanouk. Named after the Sanskritderived word for ‘Peace’ and ‘Apsara’, the heavenly nymphs of ancient Hindu texts, this 24-suite retreat is a

real sanctuary for those who want to get away from it all and experience first class luxury. the suites – 12 of which are pool suites - come with a living area and sleeping area in an open style design. there is also a spa with an extensive menu, four treatment rooms, private relaxation area and steam baths and showers. Private yoga sessions can be arranged within Amansara’s grounds or outdoors amongst the temples. The dining room offers Khmer and international cuisine and guests can enjoy a pre-dinner beverage on the romantic Roof Garden and listen to local cultural performances. Adding to the list of superb touches is that each suite is provided with a remork (a sort of tourist transportation) and driver for trips to the Angkor Archaeological Park.

Another intimate accommodation choice is the Belmond La Résidence d’Angkor, which is home to 54 deluxe rooms and eight Residence suites. the 90-metre square suites are fitted out with a king bed, spacious bathroom with freestanding bathtub and separate walk-in rain shower. A private external terrace is a perfect spot for a pre-dinner drink or private al fresco dining. There is a choice of 45 metre square deluxe pool or garden side rooms which have all the touches expected from a retreat of this calibre.

Facilities include an outdoor swimming pool, fitness centre, excellent dining options and the Kong Kea Spa with six treatment rooms, sauna, steam room and Jacuzzi. you can also attend a meditation session with local monks twice a week. the hotel also organises live cooking stations by the swimming pool where you can sample local delicacies.

ALL IMAGES ON THIS PAGE: Park Hyatt Siem Reap.

Le meridien Angkor is the closest five-star hotel to the Angkor Wat and its neighbouring temples, and it has cleverly and tastefully blended Khmer and European design throughout the hotel. the 213 guestrooms and suites are equipped with superb amenities and modern comforts – rich timber floors, Khmer motifs carved from local stone and colourful Cambodian silks reinforce the local culture as well as modern European style. the 161 square metre Grand suites include a bedroom, living room, bathroom, dining room, separate entrance, work area and a sofa. Corner suites (76 square metres) also include a powder room and can interconnect to the 36-38 square metre Superior or Deluxe rooms which have a garden view. Located within the hotel are two restaurants, a lobby lounge, bar, swimming pool and Spa. the award-winning Park Hyatt Siem Reap is a luxury establishment which has discerningly fused local culture with contemporary luxury. Centrally located near the Old French Quarter, night market and the popular Pub Street, the hotel has 108 guestrooms which include 13 suites, the largest at 242 square metres. it is one of the best locations in Siem Reap and is only a 15-minute drive to the international airport and the temples.

The suites feature either a private garden, private plunge pool or both and there is free butler service if you’re staying in the Park Executive Suite, Rooftop Garden suites, two-bedroom Pool suite or the Angkor Suite. Facilities include a spa with six treatment rooms, steam and relaxation rooms, an outdoor free-form swimming pool and lap pool and a gymnasium. the restaurants are first class and the hotel’s cuisine is based on the concept of ‘carefully sourced and

ALL IMAGES ON THIS PAGE: Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra Golf & Spa Resort.

thoughtfully served’ and draws inspiration from the Cambodian kitchen and its rich French colonial past. the Glass House, which has an outdoor terrace with a view of the town, offers French inspired snacks and dishes, while the Dining Room is an upmarket dining experience adjacent to the courtyard, which is home to the hotel’s signature banyan tree. the splendid Grand Hotel d’Angkor first opened its doors back in 1932 before re-opening in 1997 after an extensive restoration and refurbishment programme by Raffles international. the Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor is one of only two luxury hotels in Cambodia that pre-date the civil war and the Khmer Rouge era, and is spread out over 15 acres of beautifully landscaped French gardens and built around the country’s largest swimming pool. it is extremely well located and in easy reach of the airport, temples, national museum, town centre, markets and restaurants. Its colonial architecture and understated elegance from the lobby throughout the hotel include black and white tiled corridors leading to the guestrooms and suites with wooden floors and ceiling fans.

As befitting a hotel of this stature, there are a number of luxury rooms and suites to choose from. These range from the State and Landmark Rooms to the Personality,

Colonial, Landmark and Cabana Suites. there are also two-bedroom villas. All are beautifully furnished with a mix of colonial charm and modern comforts, and complimentary standard room and suite extras include daily champagne breakfast, complimentary Wi-Fi, 24hour butler service and a daily fresh tropical fruit basket.

Facilities include swimming pools, fitness centre, Raffles Spa with sauna, Jacuzzi, steam and private massage rooms and a number of restaurants and bars, which serve some of the best Royal Khmer and Western cuisine in Siem Reap.

Another hotel to elegantly combine the very best of traditional Cambodian architecture with elegant French colonial style without compromising on comfort and luxury is the superb Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra Golf & Spa Resort. Set in a six-hectare landscaped lake garden and surrounded by lagoons, this is five-star luxury at its best. there are a total of 238 rooms comprising Superior, Luxury and Luxury Premium rooms, Junior and Prestige suites and one Opera suite. All have timber flooring and wrap-around terraces, in addition to lovely views, elegant bathrooms and amenities (L’Occitane, Lanvin or Hermes). the suites offer a private balcony or terrace, separate living room and a pillow menu. Facilities include a number of excellent restaurants and bars serving Khmer and French cuisine, the So Spa, which offers outstanding treatments, combined with French cosmetology for a rejuvenating experience, golf and swimming pool. the beautiful colonial style Victoria Angkor Resort & Spa features 130 rooms overlooking its salted swimming pool, tropical garden, or the magnificent Royal Garden. there are also a total of 10 suites (73 metres square) which come with a living room, outside terrace, king-size bed and large bathroom. Located less than five minutes from the town centre and near the river, it is also only six kilometres away from the temples.

Like many of the other hotels in Siem Reap, it takes its corporate social responsibility (CSR) programmes seriously and has developed partnerships with two ethical and environmental local farms to provide it with fruit and

vegetables. the hotel’s cuisine is superb and includes the main restaurant L’Escale as well as the traditional and gastronomic French restaurant Le Connaisseur which not only serves some of the best French food in town, but also is the only terrace in Siem Reap that overlooks the Royal Garden. If you have time, make a booking at the Healthysens Spa, which has a range of different massages and treatments as well as a yoga class.

then, there is Phokeethra Country Club. Part of the Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra Golf & Spa Resort, it has played host to a number of professional events such as the very popular Johnnie Walker Cambodian Open. it was also the first course to be built in Siem Reap and is a real privilege to play on with its finely sculpted sweeping fairways, generous greens, natural lakes and tricky bunkers.

While it has many fine golf holes, the Par 5, 18th is perhaps its finest. this finishing hole is also noted as the course’s signature design and quite spectacularly so. Fringed by lagoons, one needs a decent strong drive straight up the middle of the fairway before stripping a long second shot over water to reach the well-bunkered green. High handicappers may want to lay up before the water, leaving a short chip onto the green. it is possible to get a birdie here with some sensible shot making but entering that dreaded watery grave is more often the case here. Facilities include a clubhouse, putting green and practice pitching area, pro shop, restaurant and bar.

GOLF iN SiEm REAP

Do try and make time for a round of golf when visiting Siem Reap, as the courses are so accessible and a delight to play on. the premier Angkor Golf Resort course was designed by Sir Nick Faldo and the 7,279-yard Par 72 layout will challenge all levels of golfers. the 606-yard Par 5 third is the longest on the course, and to add to its challenge is the stretch of water which runs down the entire length of the hole on the left side but comes into play when you play your second shot. the green is long and narrow and next to the water, so a par on this hole will feel like a birdie. the 11th is a classic risk-reward hole, so while cautious golfers may go the conventional route, long hitters will be tempted to try for the green with the tee shot. From the back tees, the carry over water straight at the green is 283 yards, and it obviously lessens as one moves up to the shorter tees. The long green is guarded on the left by water and on the right by a deep bunker, so accuracy is key here. Even golfers taking the safe route will have to place their tee shots carefully if they want an open approach to the green. try and squeeze in a couple of rounds here if you have the time. Facilities include a 300-yard grass driving range, practice putting green, chipping hole, clubhouse, pro shop and restaurant serving both Western and Asian dishes.

Hotels

www.aman.com/resorts/amansara www.belmond.com/la-residence-d-angkor-siem-reap www.lemeridienangkor.com siemreap.park.hyatt.com www.raffles.com/siem-reap www.sofitel.com/gb/hotel-3123-sofitel-angkorphokeethra-golf-and-spa-resort www.victoriaangkorhotel.com

Golf BELOW: Angkor Golf Resort.

www.angkor-golf.com www.phokeethragolf.com

Choice Resorts

The absolute finest in Italian golf.

By C h r i s Fo l l e y

Think of the Italian lakes and Como will probably first

come to mind - rich, flamboyant and, perhaps much to the irritation of traditionalists, immediately associated with George Clooney. Then, there’s Lake Maggiore with the wonderful town of Stresa. But the biggest of the Italian lakes is Lake Garda, and tucked away in the southwest corner of this massive water body and an hour’s drive from Verona airport, is the Valtenesi district.

A typical Italian painting comes to mind when one pictures Valtenesi. Fields full of lemon and olive groves, a mild Mediterranean climate bordered by cypress trees and with vines in abundance fill up the area.

It is so obviously different that as you head away from Verona airport towards Brescia, you can quickly see the landscape changing. Away from the industrial - passing by the factory for the famous Grana Padano hard cheese - you soon hit holiday country, with Lake Garda’s many pretty villages coming into view.

Wine talks in these parts, with the Valtenesi and Lugana DOCs producing wines such as the Chiaretto, a rose made from the Groppello grape. It is a far cry from the more mountainous areas further north. Pride of place here at lakeside are picturesque towns of Desenzano and Sirmione and also where ancient villages with medieval castles and churches such as Salo, Padenghe sul Garda and Soiano del Lago reside.

Among them, if Soiano is on your visit-list, it is more than likely to be because you are going to Gardagolf Country Club, considered one of the finest courses to be built in the past 30 years in the whole of Italy. When you consider Italy’s other fabulous attractions – its history, gourmet and style - golf enjoys a disappointingly low profile that has yet to truly take off.

Maybe the continued success of the Molinari brothers in the Ryder Cup, and the rise of Matteo Manassero, now a four-time winner on the European Tour, will change all that. One hopes so. Indeed, mentioning Manassero is appropriate when it comes to Gardagolf, for he is from the Verona area and is the club’s resident professional.

PREVIOUS PAGE OPENING PICTURE: Gardagolf Country Club, the Yellow Course - 5th hole.

RIGHT PAGE CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Gardagolf Country Club, , Clubhouse Terrace; Aerial view of Gardagolf Country Club; View from Gardagolf Country club; Clubhouse at Gardagolf Country Club; Gardagolf Country Club, the Red Course - 4th hole; Gardagolf Country Club, the Red Course - 2nd hole; Polpenazze di Garda.

As you approach nearer, a medieval castle towers over the village and the golf club, with views over the lake and the mighty Dolomites behind it. The four-star Hotel Porta del Sole, owned by the same family for three generations, provides a comfortable base within easy walking distance. There are 24 rooms in a 1700s neoclassical villa, a swimming pool, a delightful roof terrace and a welcoming atmosphere.

The concept of Gardagolf was devised in 1984 by businessmen Riccardo Pisa and Giorgio Simonini. The first 18 holes – rather unimaginatively called the Red and White courses - were designed two years later with the input of English firm Cotton, Pennick, Steel and Partners.

A new nine-hole course, the Yellow, was then added in 1990. (Ed: If you think about it, the heritage of excellence and naming of the courses does somewhat coincide with that of another location: Bethpage in New York, except for it being a members club) Gardagolf has been a members club all this time, drawing in golfers from Brescia and Verona, both about an hour away, and even Milan, which is more than two hours away. However, there has recently been a drive to get more visiting golfers out on the course. Perhaps not surprisingly, the Germans have beaten everyone to it, as Munich is a mere four-hour drive away.

The Yellow course is probably the easiest of the three, starting with a gentle downhill par 3 away from the clubhouse, and having few spectacular holes. Having said that, the 465-metre par 5 fifth invites you to drive over water with a line of Cypress trees ahead and pointing left towards the green. It is flanked by mountains for a spectacular view. For your second shot you need to beware of water to your right while the green is sloped and well guarded by two bunkers.

This is followed by the lovely 310-metre sixth hole, where you must drive downhill but accurately as water again features prominently on your right. Two bunkers again protect the green while a hook as you try to reach the green is almost certain to take you out of bounds.

“Gardagolf has been a members club all this time, drawing in golfers from Brescia and Verona, both about an hour away, and even Milan, which is more than two hours away. However, there has recently been a drive to get more visiting golfers out on the course.

Perhaps not surprisingly, the Germans have beaten everyone to it, as Munich is a mere four-hour drive away.”

“The 19th hole is a very relaxing affair. Drinks and lunch can be taken outside on the traditional Italian style terrace, again with those views to ponder, or inside at a trendy bar surrounded by designer white stools.”

The Red and White courses – which make up the 6,505-metre 18-hole championship course - are of a higher standard. The Italian Open has been held here twice in 1997 and 2003.

The 410-metre first hole on the Red course is an uphill affair - you must drive over an undulating fairway and avoid serious rough on both the left and the right, where you will find olive trees. Then you move onto Gardagolf’s signature hole, a 145-metre par 3 where you drive from an elevated tee box onto a horizontal strip of green with a curious maze behind it and Mount Baldo in the background. It was in fact nominated one of the 500 World’s Greatest Golf Holes by Golf magazine.

The tee at the 405-metre fourth is perhaps your best chance to appreciate your fantastic location. You have the hilltop village of Polpenazze di Garda to your left, the medieval castle of Soiano do Lago to your right and a sighter straight ahead of Desenzano, with the water and mountains behind it. The hole itself heads down hill and straight, with a fence line of Cypress trees to your left and rough on the right hand side providing the greatest obstacle.

Come off the green and your slighter longer walk takes you right into rows of vines, with the village of Polpenazze behind the fifth tee. It is a quintessentially Italian scene and all you need are some church bells to ring out, maybe in approval of your drive, to complete the picture.

Stroke index 1 on the Red course is the 446-metre par 4, eighth hole. Aim for the cypress trees to your left and you should have a good view of the green but your drive needs to be long. Your second shot then needs to go over a big dip before you arrive at a green, which slopes left towards two bunkers. Your finishing hole on the Red is a 170-metre par 3 to a raised green, right in front of the imposing terracotta coloured clubhouse.

Most golfers at Gardagolf then go on to the White course, which is arguably the best maintained and most interesting of the three. Water is a big feature of the early holes - your second shot on the 484-metre par 5 second hole (confusingly, it’s actually called the 11th on your card) will have to avoid the right hand side to stay dry, while your channel approach is very narrow. Two lakes divided by a bridge loom large on the third hole - your drive needs to be long and straight otherwise you could easily end up in trees or reeds.

TOP TO BOTTOM: View from the swimming pool at Hotel Porta del Sole; Main entrance of Hotel Porta del Sole.

The fourth hole looks innocuous enough, being long, straight and flat, but the stroke index 2 is all down to the distance, 383 metres. The green is protected by slopes and two bunkers, while the green itself is slightly undulating.

Where the White course also scores highly is in its views. The signature hole is certainly the 7th, a dogleg with another lake framing the turn, and the mountains and shores of the lake in the background. Even if you hit a good drive to carry the water hazard, you still have a tricky second shot at the turn thanks to the three bunkers protecting the green. Your finish again takes you back to the clubhouse and uphill to the green. A quirky feature on this hole is the shrine to your left with a statue of the Virgin Mary taking centre stage just after the water - a bit of divine intervention needed, perhaps, to finish your round on a high.

The 19th hole is a very relaxing affair. Drinks and lunch can be taken outside on the traditional Italian style terrace, again with those views to ponder, or inside at a trendy bar surrounded by designer white stools. The restaurant next door is light and airy while you can also relax in a drawing room underneath the honours boards that will feature names such as Sam Torrance, Bernhard Langer, Jose Maria Olazabal and, of course, the aforementioned Matteo Manassero.

Away from Gardagolf, you’d be wise to take the opportunity to visit Verona. Down the road, Venice may take all the plaudits for obvious reasons but Shakespeare was clearly inspired when he decided to set three of his plays - Romeo and Juliet, The Two Gentlemen of Verona, and The Taming of the Shrew - in Verona. The city also enjoys UNESCO World Heritage Site status and a general air of refinement that’s hard to beat.

A case in point is one of the city’s most atmospheric streets, Via Sottoriva, essentially one long medieval arcade lined with trattorias, osterias and cafes. One such establishment is Il Banco Prosciutteria, using only the best of the country’s charcuterie, straight from the source.

It is situated in the basement of a typical old Veronese house, with vaulted red-brick ceilings to maintain the original charm and rustic feel. The meat and cheese platters are a speciality, and can be washed down with one of the region’s many excellent wines. It is also just a five-minute walk from the beating heart of Verona, Piazza delle Erbe, where the bright and beautiful parade late into the evening. And so, the dream continues.

Style Vacation

Disturbing, perturbed, sombre, and looking good even when the going gets tough.

p h oto g r a p h e r: J o e l lo h S t yl i S t: J e r o m e awaS t h i

On the right Vertical stripe print polo shirt from Oakley from golf house grey pants by greg norman from golf house Sunglasses from Dior homme Belt and golf shoes from Puma golf On the left graphic print polo shirt by Mizuno from golf house new Champion sunglasses from Carrera from Safilo

On the right Penguin print polo tee; Sheer black jacket with wild wings leather trim by KYe and newspaper print bucket hat from Superspace, #02-18 Orchard gateway On the left Blue tartan print pants from Munsingwear; gt brushstripe polo shirt; Blue Cuadrado belt ; Blue lightweight golf bag and golf cap all from Puma golf; 60 red tie Q4 golf clubs from Cobra

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to Pho oh l L t: Joe e: LiS sthi tanc y a t w S S a pf SSi me zko r a Jero ing a L chw gS Sty Jou n i s : ek g cu Der omin ac3 in F o gr e Sin, nn Joa e UP: k ma er ev For eL: D mo , ave L Pier

On the left newspaper print bucket hat; Soldier green parka from i love Ugly from Superspace; Orange and red leather trim golf shoes from Diamond Walker; Matt black orange filtered sunglasses from Polaroid in the MiDDle Black and white square polo shirt from Cutter & Buck Dark blue pullover from Cutter & Buck Sunglasses from Dior homme On the right graphic print polo shirt; leather Boston bag; Pullover tied around waist; grey pants by Mizuno from golf house; grey long jacket by i love Ugly from Superspace

Collection Fashion

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LOUIS VUITTON MEN S SPRING-SUMMER 2016 COLLECTION “Rather than look at one destination, this season I decided to look at travelling the world,” says Kim Jones, the Men’s Artistic Director of Louis Vuitton. “Now the world traveller picks things up wherever he goes and makes them his own. In this collection we are using many ideas and techniques from Southeast Asia, from Myanmar, Thailand, Laos and Cambodia. At the same time, we wanted to look at how those styles share so much globally; say how the traditional dress of the Lahu tribe in Thailand looks so much like contemporary sportswear. Fashion is a language that reflects different cultures and tribes globally from New York, Tokyo, Bangkok and Paris – and Louis Vuitton is really a part of that.”

This season, the Louis Vuitton Men’s collection is a celebration of the similarities in global style rather than its differences. Both transposing and transforming traditional and contemporary dress codes from Thailand’s Lahu tribe to America’s Ivy League, the Louis Vuitton collection playfully stakes its place as part of that pantheon, of the global language of fashion.

Looking at how people identify themselves the world over, from the wearing of the humble tourist souvenir jacket to being clothed in timeless, luxurious icons of menswear, the Louis Vuitton collection works as a form of extended clothing remix, with the codes of the House at its heart. Here, traditional, intricate striped Thai embroidery echoes

contemporary sportswear as well as the personalised stripes of the LV Monogram; the silhouettes of Southeast Asian national dress reflect the large volumes of the American baseball top or track pant in embroidered silk; new forms of light, organza bonded leathers with taped seams, luxuriously echo traditional utilitarian waterproofs of the past and are made fully reversible; while timeless indigo features as a global, unifying colour from the lavish, hand dyed and sun dried Japanese Kobe leathers in traditional American flight jacket shapes, via new silk mixed denims, to discharge printed silk parkas in their new, ‘brush stroke’ camouflage patterns.

Even pearl accessories are lavishly treated with indigo while the pearl is still forming in the shell.

Collection Golf

Taylormade m1 and PSi The evolution of a revolution.

By L eo n a r d W ee

Revolutionary is how one would describe TaylorMade’s late year push in the equipment race. The company that brought us the first adjustable loft woods and popularised sliding weights in clubheads has now put all the tech they know into one single series. It came to be that that very name they called it was the same one that rocked the golfing world back in 1976. M1, the world’s first metalwood.

For years since, TaylorMade has been already making excellent titanium clubheads and they are taking a huge risk with this departure. By replacing a good portion of the crown (the part you see when you setup to the club) with a lighter carbon composite material instead of titanium, they are able to move the centre of gravity lower than ever before for even more forgiveness. This is not the first time carbon composites have been used in drivers but it’s definitely the first time it is achieving real world results. Meaningfully, the “M” in the M1 moniker is TaylorMade’s foray into the multi-material world of golf clubs. Now, in a total reversal of technology, this current M1 is set to be the first carbon inspired multi-material unmetalwood.

Also included in the M1 series are the 3 and 5 woods, both of which come with the R15 style of dual weights on the same draw-fade track and the same signature M1 carbon composite crowns for that lower centre of gravity.

To complete TaylorMade’s 2015 lineup of new clubs following the M1 unmetal woods are the PSi and the PSi Tour Irons. The ‘P’ in replacement of the R line stands for ‘Players’. The company reveals that these were designed with the better player in mind and has worked hard with their top tour professionals to come up with a set of irons that look good, sound good, feel good and, at the same time, still forgiving on off-centre hits like their predecessor, the RSi. The actual carbon fiber badge that says ‘PSi’ fit in nicely with the M1’s multi material range, mimicking a sort of a racecar look to it. It differs from the RSi in that the clubface is now made even thinner at less than 2mm, with the hugely successful speed pockets and face slots as seen on the RSi intact. A further tungsten weight is fitted at the toe for the longer irons that moves the CG of the club even lower. It is also interesting to note that the face slots and the speed slots are only for clubs 7-iron and longer for ease of play and consistent distance with mid to long irons.

Although when looking at their specs, the 31.5 degree lofted 7-iron is still a tad weaker than the RSi series irons, to be able to achieve an extra club’s length goes to show the tech behind it is unrivaled. www.taylormadegolf.asia

M1

A big fan of the R15, Jason Day wasn’t sure how it could be improved, but he made the switch. The R15 had two sliding weights for draw and fade bias adjustments. The M1 driver now has two single weight tracks where the golfer can adjust launch parameters as well. What this means is that by adding another T-track system perpendicular to the R15’s left-right bias system lets users to adjust both their launch angle and spin rates. It might not sound like much but that 10g weight can make a big difference.

On the shaft sleeve there’s also a 4-degree (+-2) change you can make on the loft of your driver. If you’d believe it, Jason Day’s loft over the four days when he was bombing in down the Straits course at Whistling Straits in Wisconsin, was at 10.5 degrees.

STOckIST

With over 20 shafts to choose from TaylorMade’s super fitting studio at Toa Payoh Driving Range and The cathay, this makes the M1 the most customisable driver in the market.

Also fully customizable are the PSi irons.

PSI

Fully forged using 1025 carbon steel, the PSI irons are TaylorMade’s most advanced iron set there ever was. The TP (Tour Preferred) version, more suited for professionals and better players, differ in that it has less offset, a thinner topline and slightly weaker lofts. The combination of all these complicated technology resulted in an excellent looking iron head, superior playability and extreme forgiveness.

collection Golf

RetuRn of the King Made new incorporating technology made for space travel.

By Da n Ow en

Back in the 90's Cobra dominated iron sales, and had one of the most successful drivers of the era. Greg Norman was bombing it with his King Cobra driver, while Tiger Woods won his first Masters by out driving the competition using his King Cobra. So to bring back the name, Cobra needed something special, something more advanced and performance enhancing than any driver they have released in years. Enter the King Ltd. Earlier this year sister company Puma launched the Titan Tour shoe which was co-developed with The Center for the Advancement of Science in Space (CASIS), and this is the first golf club Cobra have developed with them as well. Using a science research study that took place on the International Space Station, Cobra has produced what they feel is a game changing driver.

The Spaceport weight in the sole is made from 16 grams of translucent aluminum, allowing players to fully see inside the head when it is removed, the first time the average golfer has had the chance to see the inner workings of a golf club without sawing one in half.

An ultra-light TeXtreme Carbon composite crown, a material frequently used in aerospace and other advanced high-performance structures, is 20% lighter than a standard carbon fibre crown.

These two things combine for the lowest, and furthest back centre of gravity. This is truly a driver that will offer maximum forgiveness along the lines of Cobra’s own Fly Z+ with the weight in the rear, while offering high launch and low spin, the science behind it should make this the longest driver next year if fitted correctly.

A thin, lightweight 811 titanium face with next generation E9 zoning removes 10 grams from the face. The hosel structure has been lowered which contributes to lowering the CG of the club head. The body is constructed of lightweight 811 titanium with an optimised variable thickness sole incorporating a back weight port and 12 gram tungsten weight, that can be replaced with different weight for swing weight adjustment. This could be a very special golf club and we can't wait to see if it takes the crown next season. kIng LTD FORgeD IROnS Rickie Fowler has had a big hand in creating Cobra's new forged irons. We're not just talking about the orange paint either. These clubs scream Rickie, and demonstrates what he likes to see in a golf club. Technically a combo set with 3-6 iron in CB, 7-PW in MB, both of the CB and MB will be available as full sets as a special order. Rickie will probably use a full set of the MB's, but he's a lot better than us.

Forged from 1025 carbon steel, these suckers are soft. A five-step forging process produces tighter tolerances and softer feel at impact.

Something that started in Rickie's personal irons first, these have tungsten weights inserted in the toe. This helps move the sweet spot to the centre of the head, rather than traditionally near the heel.

Ever wondered why a shank can still feel decent?

This is part of the reason why.

Available in five lofts – 9°, 9.5°, 10.5°, 11.5° and 12° and three draw settings – 9.5°D, 10.5°D and 11.5°D. The KING LTD PRO is also available in five lofts – 7.0°, 7.5°, 8.5°, 9.5°, and 10° and three fade settings: 7.5°F, 8.5°F, 9.5°F. The drivers are equipped with a Tour AD 50g graphite shaft and a Speeder 661 Evolution TS 60g graphite shaft respectively and Lamkin UTX/ KING LTD grip. www.cobragolf.com Available at all authorised Cobra outlets.

collection Golf

The era of 716 Titleist’s latest irons literally going the distance.

By Ben n y Teo

Titleist launched their whole series of 716

irons that run gamut from the traditional forged muscleback blades to the cast irons that are said to be “the longest, most forgiving Titleist irons ever.” The lineup includes the updated AP1, AP2, CB and MB models including the new addition T-MB utility irons. Delivering best-inclass combination of distance, forgiveness and enhanced tour-proven looks and feel, the 716 series has something for everyone.

AP1 AnD AP2 AP1’s extreme 360º Undercut Cavity design was constructed with a large, thin, unsupported face to deliver speed and launch for maximum distance, while the industry-leading use of high-density tungsten weighting provides maximum forgiveness. The previous generation 714 pales in comparison as the current model's moment of inertia has been increased with 50% more tungsten resulting in the ultimate heel and toe stability to produce a quicker ball speed across the face for more consistent distance on off-centre hits.

The AP2, is claimed to be Titleist’s most advanced players’ iron to deliver tour proven distance with forgiveness and solid forged feel.

Using extreme high density tungsten weighting, it aids in positioning the centre of gravity low and perfectly aligned at impact for more speed. The “gold standard” in tour-played iron category, an innovative advanced co-forged construction places the high density tungsten low and to the perimeter, increasing the moment of inertia for greater forgiveness and consistency distance. Expect faster ball speeds across the face for the most consistency on offcentre hits at a tour-preferred blade length for all the shot control you need.

With the AP1’s new pre-worn leading edge and cambered sole which aids in reducing digging and a fractionally wider sole (as compared to the 714 AP2) with the trailing edge relief of the 716 AP2, golfers can expect improved turf interaction and a solid feel at impact on all shots.

PROS SAy…

Jordan Spieth: “The first time I looked down at the new AP2s, they looked even cleaner. I thought they looked almost like a blade. As an amateur, you can now get the look of a tour blade while still having the consistency and forgiveness of a forged cavity. For a true golf lover that can’t be beaten – and I’m really looking forward to getting dialed into my new set after the Presidents cup.”

Zach Johnson: “The improvements are just that much more every generation.

With the new AP2s, what I’ve seen during testing is a clean top line. It almost looks blade-like but a little bit thicker, a little bit bigger and as a result a little more forgiving. But all that technology that you don’t see is there. It’s internal.

It’s on the back. It’s the way it’s weighted. It’s where the weights are. But it’s a beautiful golf club. It’s a simple golf club.”

CB and MB Similar to the AP2, these traditional forged heads include tungsten co-forged low in the body to produce high ball speeds through better centre of gravity alignment. The technology added to the 716 CB puts this iron in a class of its own in terms of MOI and forgiveness, and makes it clearly stand out among traditional blade forgings. The new co-forged construction and addition of high-density tungsten weighting gives CB an added kick with unprecedented forgiveness in a traditional blade size.

On the other hand, the new 716 MB, inspired and validated by the world’s best shot makers, is a precise, high muscle back design with a squarer toe, thin topline and pre-worn leading edge that delivers maximum shot control with pure, forged muscle back feel.

A throwback to the Forged 680 Series made modern through high-tech CAD modelling, with input from players such as Adam Scott and Webb Simpson, it is all about confidence, and the way this club looks at address, feels at impact and performs through the turf.

Forged from 1025 carbon steel, the new Titleist CB and MB irons feature tourpreferred constant blade lengths with minimal progressive offset for maximum workability.

Compact shapes with precise, progressive CG locations and traditional tour lofts deliver flight, feel and shot-making confidence that have made CB and MB the choice of many of the world’s best players.

Pros say…

Webb Simpson: “When I first got on TrackMan with the 716s I was able to see how much more consistent they were. My spin rates were a lot tighter. Shot shape was better. I want to be able to hit the ball higher with more spin, but not lose any distance, and the new MBs were doing that for me. I think 716 MB has a great hybrid look between the 680 that I’ve been playing and the more recent models.”

Adam Scott: “What’s so important in a blade I believe is the sole and the leading edge. For me, I like that to be fairly sharp and fairly flat. Not too much bounce on it. You want that crisp feel in the turf. That’s what a muscle back has always been about. The new 716 certainly has that progressive blend through the set.

It’s still very clean which is important but that toe shape is looking very neat and progressive through the set, blending nicely, particularly in that 7- and 8-iron area.”

Available at all authorised Titleist outlets.

For more information on the shaft availability and pricing, visit www.titleist.com.sg.

collection time

AVENGER BANDIT ThE SpIRIT of NAVAl AVIATIoN With its 45 mm titanium case, its gray ‘stealth’ look, its ‘Military

rubber’ strap and its high-performance mechanical movement, the new Avenger Bandit more forcefully than ever embodies daring feats and extreme missions.

The deck of an aircraft carrier. The constant, perfectly regulated choreography of planes taking off and landing. The alternating rhythm of catapults and arresting cables, amid clouds of steam.

Extreme concentration at a challenging time. Within the Breitling world, the Avenger reflects all the power of these “ocean fortresses” and their high-tech universe entirely dedicated to performance.

The new Avenger Bandit confirms this exceptional vocation.

The light, ultra-sturdy titanium case, a favorite metal in the field of aviation, displays a generous 45 mm diameter enhanced by protective lateral reinforcements; its satin-brushed finishes eliminate any undesirable glinting in the heat of action. The dial is distinguished by its gray color with tone-on-tone counters accentuated by a finely snailed raised motif; it features vigorous aviation-inspired stenciltype numerals, with a luminescent coating ensuring excellent visibility further enhanced by the thick sapphire crystal glareproofed on both sides. The bezel, also adorned with engraved stencil-type numerals, stands out with its four rider tabs (a classic Breitling signature feature) serving to memorize times. The non-slip grip of the screw-locked crown and the chronograph pushpieces ensures optimal handling, even with gloves.

The titanium caseback is adorned with a conversion scale for the main units. An authentic instrument for professionals, the Avenger Bandit is equipped with a brandnew strap secured by a titanium folding clasp and combining a sophisticated rubber tread on the wrist side with an anthracite high-tech Military textile fiber exterior. The result is impeccable resistance teamed with maximum comfort and flexibility.

Water-resistant to 300 m/1,000 ft, this gem of power and technicality houses a selfwinding chronograph movement: Breitling Caliber 13, officially chronometer-certified by the COSC (Swiss Official Chronometer Testing Institute), a token of superior reliability and precision. Avenger Bandit: the entire spirit of naval aviation on the wrist.

NAVITIMER 1884 A MIlESToNE chRoNoGRAph A tribute to Breitling’s rich history, the Navitimer 1884 limited series combines the famous 1952 aviation slide rule with a calendar featuring a pointer-type date display and twin day/month apertures for which the brand was renowned in the 1940s. A modern and original face for fans of exclusive watches.

1884 is first and foremost a date: that of the founding of Breitling by Léon Breitling, a keen devotee of chronographs and precision instruments. 1884 is now a watch, a limited series of the famous Navitimer perfectly summing up Breitling’s vocation and its range of passions.

The conquest of the air, with the circular aviation slide rule that made the Navitimer the cult watch among pilots and dedicated aviation enthusiasts. Useful, user-friendly functions, with a complete calendar displaying the day and the month through twin apertures at 12 o’clock, and the date by means of a central pointer tipped with a moon crescent: a system known as Datora that became a 1940s Breitling bestseller.

Technical and powerful designs, with an all-black dial made using the “Parépagne” technique on a solid silver base enlivened with red accents. Performance, with a selfwinding chronograph movement chronometer-certified by the COSC (Swiss Official Chronometer Testing Institute), the benchmark in terms of reliability and precision.

This model features an interesting practical detail in the shape of a 9 o’clock small seconds subdial providing an additional 24-hour “military-time” display much favored by pilots and which also facilitates calendar adjustment by distinguishing between day and night.

Issued in a 1,884-piece limited series, this Navitimer 1884 stands out with its generous 46 mm case accentuating the character of the design, as well as optimizing dial readability. In addition to the choice of a bracelet or a leather or crocodile leather strap, this model is also available with a new black rubber strap featuring an aircraft tire-tread motif.

collection time

BENTlEY B05 UNITIME MIDNIGhT cARBoN A GRAND BlAcklIVERIED TRAVEllER The Bentley B05 Unitime worldtime chronograph is back on the road in an all-black new livery, teamed with an original crocodile leather and rubber strap. A 500-piece limited series with a Manufacture Breitling calibre delivering unprecedented user-friendliness.

As the most cosmopolitan model in the Breitling for Bentley collection, the Bentley B05 Unitime was designed for those who make travel an art of living. After steel and red gold, Breitling is offering it in a limited edition with a black satin-brushed steel case achieved using a high-resistance carbon-based treatment, a black dial with a raised globe motif and a brand-new strap combining a rubber core and a matt crocodile leather exterior.

The result is a combination of sportiness and classy elegance for this worldtime chronograph equipped with an innovative Manufacture Breitling movement featuring a mechanism protected by two patents.

Its double-disk system means the Bentley B05 Unitime Midnight Carbon enables at-a-glance reading at any given moment of the time in 24 timezones. When the user changes timezone, all he need do is turn the crown forwards or backwards in one-hour increments to correct all indications in one smooth move – including automatic adjustment of the date to local time without any loss of precision.

Additional user-friendly features include a 24-hour disk complete with a day/night indicator with white and black segments, while the 24-city disk carries indications serving to take account of ‘summer’/ daylight saving time (DST).

Manufacture Breitling Calibre B05 combines this revolutionary worldtime function with a high-performance selfwinding chronograph. Like all Breitling movements, it is chronometercertified by the COSC (Swiss Official Chronometer Testing Institute), the only precision and reliability benchmark based on an international norm.

Visually echoing the black ‘bodywork’ and dial, this exclusive engine is equipped with a highly original wheel rim-shaped black oscillating weight visible through a transparent caseback.

EXoSpAcE B55 Breitling reinvents the connected watch. In creating its first connected chronograph, Breitling has applied a new philosophy placing the smartphone in the service of the watch so as to enhance its functionality and user-friendliness. With the Exospace B55, the brand reaffirms its position in the vanguard of electronics.

The instrument of the future, designed for aviation professionals.

Performance is Breitling’s leitmotif in each of its technical advancements. It was also the core driver for the brand in developing its first connected chronograph. There was no question of turning a watch into an extension dependent on a smartphone yet less efficient than the latter. The chronograph remains the absolute master and the connection is primarily designed to improve its functionality.

Two-way communication enables the two instruments to form a perfectly complementary pair in which each is used for what it does best. Since the main assets of a smartphone are its screen and its ergonomic interface, owners of the Exospace B55 can use their phone to perform certain adjustments (time-setting, timezones, alarms, display and operating parameters, night mode). The result is a considerable gain in comfort and efficiency.

Conversely, the user can upload from the chronograph to the smartphone the results of various measurements (flight times, recorded times with split times, lap times, etc.) so as to be able to read them more easily, store them or pass them on. The new connected watch system devised by Breitling thus facilitates the use of the chronograph functions, in keeping with the spirit of authentic instruments for professionals.

An authentic life companion, the Exospace B55 multifunction electronic chronograph also receives notifications of the smartphone’s incoming emails, messages (SMS, WhatsApp) or phone calls (with caller’s name or number) as well as reminders of upcoming appointments.

collection time

pATRIMoNY collEcTIoN NEw RElEASES AT ThE SIhh 2016 The Patrimony collection draws

inspiration from the elegance of the 1950s.

At the 2016 SIHH, this restrained and sophisticated horological icon welcomes new models combining technical excellence and design, all bearing the prestigious Hallmark of Geneva.

Patrimony Perpetual Calendar Collection Excellence Platine A stellar complication – the perpetual calendar – joins the Collection Excellence Platine. This Haute Horlogerie classic is powered by the legendary Caliber 1120 QP, an ultra-thin mechanical self-winding movement revealing the elegance and finesse of the Patrimony collection.

Caliber 1120 QP developed and crafted by Vacheron Constantin drives the hours and minutes hands, the moon phases at 6 o’clock along with a perpetual calendar displaying the day of the week in a counter at 9 o’clock, the date in a counter at 3 o’clock, the month and leap year in 48-month counters at 12 o’clock.

Acknowledged by connoisseurs as one of the most iconic existing perpetual calendars, it will smoothly cope with all the vagaries of the calendar without requiring any corrections until March 1, 2100. Unlike simple calendars requiring manual correction after every month with less than 31 days, the perpetual calendar takes account of the leap-year cycle with its 31-, 30- and 28-day months, as well as the quadrennial recurrence of February 29th. This sophisticated function requires prodigious miniaturisation to mechanically adjust it so as to keep track of calendar irregularities. This miniaturisation has been taken to extremes in order to achieve an ultra-thin perpetual calendar. Vacheron Constantin Caliber 1120 QP measures just 4.05 mm thick, beats at the frequency of 2.75 Hz (19,800 vibrations per hour), and has a 40-hour power reserve. The oscillating weight cut out in the shape of a Maltese cross further embeds the design codes of the Maison at the heart of the movement.

collection time

fRANck MUllER

INTRoDUcES ThE Two NEw cASABlANcA lIMITED EDITIoNS foR SoUThEAST ASIA

In keeping with the aesthetic codes of the Collection Excellence Platine born in 2006, this new Patrimony Perpetual Calendar is crafted in 950 platinum case, as is the dial. The latter features a finely grained sand-blasted dial discreetly bearing the inscription “Pt50” between 4 and 5 o’clock. The slightly convex external zone is adorned with a circular “pearl” minute-track and 18K white gold applied hour-markers. The hours and minutes hands are in 18K white gold, while the calendar pointers are in blued steel. Setting the finishing touch, the saddle-finish dark blue alligator strap is hand-stitched with silk and 950 platinum threads, and secured by a folding clasp in the same metal.

Revolving beneath the dial, the moon disc depicts the heavenly vault in white gold enhanced by a blue galvanic treatment. Each star has been delicately crafted so as to provide an exact map of the sky.

Fitted with a sapphire back enabling one to admire Caliber 1120 QP, the 41 mmdiameter case is water-resistant to 3 bar (approximately 30 meters).

This exceptional model will be launched in a strictly limited and numbered 100-piece edition.

Franck Muller, the master of

complications introduces the ultimate exemplar of exclusive luxury in two new Casablanca limited editions. To salute the spirit of Southeast Asia with definite cultural diversity, the two models of Casablanca Limited Edition Southeast Asia are set to launch with the spectacular yellow visant numerals and hands on the dial.

Since it launched, the Casablanca line celebrates a dynamic, contemporary and classic style. Designed as part of the beautiful Cintrée Curvex line, the Casablanca reinterprets the restrained and authentic elegance. Its directive numerals, a symbol of the brand, allow perfect visibility and make it completely original.

Its multi-coloured dials perpetuate the artistic marriage between shapes and colours.

Intricately designed on the timeless Franck Muller’s Casablanca collection, these two limited editions bear the yellow visant numerals and hands on the mat black dial in the Cintrée Curvex case made of 18 carat white gold with black PVD treatment. Now, the difference between these models are the dedicated functions, which the first simple one displays hours, minutes, seconds and date at 6 o'clock, while another is complemented with the chronograph.

Each is limited edition of 28 pieces.

They also come with the black rubber strap with yellow topstich and are driven by the automatic Calibre FM 2800 movement with the fine finishing.

Casablanca Limited Edition Southeast Asia from Franck Muller would bring the excitement again through the region.

collection move

MASERATI LEVANTE

DEBUTS AT THE GENEVA MOTOR SHOW Maserati's first SUV receives its eagerly-anticipated world unveiling at the Geneva International Motor Show.

Maserati has chosen the 86th edition of the Geneva International Motor Show to introduce the first SUV in its hundred-year history: the Levante.

As with many Maseratis from the past, the new car's name is inspired by a wind: the Levante is a warm Mediterranean wind that can change from a light breeze to an irresistible natural force in an instant, mirroring the character of the first Maserati SUV. The Levante is the ideal complement to the Maserati range.

Combined with the Quattroporte, Ghibli, GranTurismo and GranCabrio, the range now covers the entirety of the global luxury automotive market.

Design, exclusivity and performance are the key characteristics for describing this new Maserati. Distinctively Italian in style, with breathtaking and iconic Maserati design features.

The interior has been created with the finest materials, most exquisite to the touch, from optional premium leather to Ermenegildo Zegna silk, made in Trivero by the Zegna wool mill with a patented process.

84 • G o l f V a c a t i o n s • MaR-aPR 2016

The spaciousness of the interior, enhanced by the panoramic electric sunroof, is combined with coupé-sleek external lines and the best aerodynamic efficiency in its category with a Cx coefficient of just 0.31.

The new Maserati SUV is based on the Quattroporte and Ghibli architecture, further evolved and refined to meet the expectations of this market segment, in which Maserati will compete for the first time.

The technology applied to every Levante is designed to offer outstanding performances both on- and off-road. Sophisticated suspension - double-wishbone on the front axle and multi-link on the rear, combined with electronically controlled damping, four corner air-springs providing 5 dynamic ride levels (plus one additional park-position), play an essential role in the car's handling.

Furthermore, with the lowest centre of gravity in its class, perfectly balanced weight distribution (50-50) between front and rear, high levels of dynamic torsional and flexional stiffness, and a

mechanical self-locking rear differential as standard, when driven on-road, the Levante delivers all the performance and emotion typical of every Maserati.

The height-adjustment of the body position particularly useful in off-road driving guarantees ride comfort at the top of the category; when set to the minimum ground clearance, it enables the car to perform at its sporty best.

The Levante is fitted with a 3 litre V6 Twin-Turbo petrol engine with either 350hp or 430hp, and a 275hp 3 litre V6 Turbo Diesel. All engines are combined with the “Q4” intelligent allwheel drive system - which can transfer torque between the axles instantaneously when required - and an 8-speed automatic gearbox, with integrated Start & Stop System.

In terms of performance, the Levante S (430hp) covers 0-100 km/h in 5.2 seconds, has a top speed of 264 km/h, and provides combined NEDC-cycle consumption and emission figures of 10.9 l/100 km and 253g CO2/km respectively. The Levante (350hp) accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.0 seconds and achieves a top speed of 251 km/h, with combined cycle consumption and emission figures of 10.7 l/100 km and 249g CO2/km respectively.

The Diesel-powered Levante (275hp) covers 0-100 km/h in 6.9 seconds, and has a top speed of 230 km/h, while its combined cycle consumption and emission figures are 7.2 l/100 km and 189g CO2/ km respectively.

The human-machine interface on board is based on an evolution of the Maserati Touch Control system, completely updated to offer even more functionality and convenience: the 8.4” high-resolution screen is capacitive, and can – in addition to the touch system - be operated using the new rotary control in the central tunnel.

A wide range of sophisticated advanced driver assistance systems is available, including adaptive cruise control with automatic Start & Stop function, forward collision warning, automatic brake assist system and lane departure warning. Further options include blind spot alert, surround view camera and a powerlift tailgate.

Two extended feature packs are available for the Levante, a Luxury-Package and a Sport-Pack; they each include a variety of distinctive stylistic and technical contents and enable customers to extensively personalise the exterior and interior of the Levante.

The list of accessories, tailored to the vehicle's high quality and functionality standards, offers a wider array of options than ever before which includes cargo solutions, useful everyday items and a variety of roof carrier or trailer options.

The Maserati Levante is built in a dedicated, completely refurbished and modernized area of the Mirafiori plant in Turin; the first cars have already come off the assembly line and the market launch is planned for this spring in Europe, to be followed by the rest of the world.

The list price for the Swiss market, where the Levante has been launched, is 75.900 CHF.

hotel & Resort

NOVOTEL BANGKOK SUVARNABHUMI AIRPORT HOTEL

The only official airport hotel Novotel Suvarnabhumi, one of the Five Best Airport Hotels in the World (awarded at the Skytrax World Airport Awards 2012), offers 612 rooms and suites designed with an intriguing Thai influence and a complete understanding of guests’ needs.

Only Novotel is situated right next to the airport terminal, with an abundance of facilities from cutting-edge dining in seven

restaurants and bars to the international brand VOUS Spa, the swimming pool surrounded by tropical gardens with pool bar, well-equipped fitness centre with sauna and steam-room, the business center with secretarial services and various meeting rooms for conferences and weddings for up to 1,000 persons.

“24 Hours Flexi” and “Flexi Meal” reflect the hotel’s commitment to guests’

convenience. With no set check-in time, guests can arrive at any time and check out 24 hours later as well as receive the usual breakfast meal adjusted to any buffet of the day. This combination of executive convenience with pleasure and leisure activities makes this hotel unique and so much more than just another airport hotel.

For more information, call +66 (0) 2 131 1111 or visit novotelairportbkk.com

hotel & Resort

BANYAN HUA HIN A PARAdISE fOR GOLf LOVERS Hua Hin is a paradise for golfers, with more than ten golf courses located within 20 minutes of the town radius. The spectacular 18-hole championship Banyan Golf Club is connected to The Banyan the Resort with special offers to Banyan Resort residence.

The Resort is located minutes from the centre of Hua Hin town and is the ideal holiday destination for families, couples and golfers. It is the preferred resort at weekends by residents living in Bangkok and nearby cities. The Resort has been voted as one of the best golf resorts in Southeast Asia and was recently awarded as Best Resort of the Year by the International Association of Golf Tour Operators (IAGTO) last year at the International Golf Travel Market (IGTM).

Set in a beautifully landscaped environment and complimented by worldclass facilities, the idyllic resort comprises of luxurious two and one bedroom villas, tropical gardens, infinity swimming pools, recreational facilities, spa, fitness and 5-star dining venues serving Thai and International cuisine. The Resort offers golfers a courtesy shuttle service to the golf club and offers preferred rates to play the course.

The Resort’s luxurious villas occupy 400 square meters of landscaped gardens and provide a generous 120 square meters of living space. The contemporary one or twobedroom villas are tastefully furnished to a high standard in the traditional Thai style and complimented by a range of modern amenities. A private Jacuzzi connecting to a large common lagoon-style pool allows guests to enjoy life in the tropical paradise of Thailand.

It takes only minutes to get to the beach, water park, Cicada Market (Community of Identity Culture Arts & Dynamic activities) now becoming one of the most popular attractions in Hua Hin town and not far from Hua Hin original night market too. http://www.banyanthailand.com

Golf courses

Morocco - New Golf DestiNatioN of the worlD Winter, spring, summer and autumn – whatever time of year,

one of the joys of playing golf in Morocco is that you can enjoy its fairways without the crowds.

Boasting more than 300 sunny days a year and the closest guaranteed winter sun destination to Europe, at less than three hours away by air from most capital cities, it offers golfing visitors the chance to tee off in balmy temperatures and under vivid blue skies when their home courses are under snow or being buffeted by winter gales.

Marrakech makes a very enticing base for a winter golf holiday.

Morocco’s prime golf hub with more than a dozen courses close to the city centre and others due to open soon, its fairways are

always far less crowded than those of other winter sun destinations.

It can be even more alluring at other times of the year.

At Assoufid Golf Club (www.assoufid.com) also in Marrakech, the quietest time on the course is in the afternoons of shoulder season months December, January, May, June and September, when temperatures average a pleasant 20-25C but can reach 3035C on some days.

The resort also limits the number of members of its golf club, to ensure there is a lot of tee time availability for hotel guests.

With year-round golf, great value and uncrowded fairways, what’s not to love about golf in Morocco? www.visitmorocco.com

Golf courses

parichat iNterNatioNal Golf liNks the New hiDDeN challeNGe iN pattaya Recently opened, Parichat International Golf Links is located in just 15 minutes from Pattaya and around an hour from Suvarnabhumi Airport.

Founded in 2015, Parichat International Golf Links is a traditional 18-hole course laid out on 214 acres of beautiful land with perfect natural surroundings. The course was carefully designed to create several exciting dimensions as well as some breathtaking aesthetics for golfers of all handicaps to contemplate.

SignatuRe HoleS Hole no. 17 Par 4 (403 yards from back tee) The most challenging hole on the course. You will have to make a decision on your tee shot to avoid the water which is right in the middle of fairway. The high cliff in the far distance is also an exciting part of the course. Another tricky green awaits, this time

with a notable slope. If golfers cannot stop the ball on the green, they must pay for the mistake with one more shot to get back to the pin.

Hole no.14 Par 3 (158 yards from back tee) Swing over the water hazard and the gaping double bunker and make sure you arrive safely. You will need to pitch the ball up with some loft and make sure it bites the green The classic colonial-styled Parichat Clubhouse features grand interior dĂŠcor that aims to provide relaxation and comfort for all its members and guests. A complete service by friendly and professional staff will make for a perfect day out.

59, 331 Road, Khao Mai Kaeo, Bang Lamung, Chonburi, Thailand 20230 Tel. 038 720 455, 090 386 0001-3, www.parichatgolf.com

Moments

Mazda launches aggressive sports Marketing drive with thongchai Jaidee signed up as first skYactiv technologY Brand aMBassador

After huge success in the Thai automobile market last year, Mazda Sales (Thailand) Co., Ltd. is ready to become a Japanese premium brand in terms of both brand and product. Following huge investments to expand production and build engine and transmission plants in Thailand last year, Mazda is embarking on a sports marketing drive in 2016 with the first big surprise being the signing of Thailand’s No.1 pro golfer Thongchai Jaidee as the first ever SKYACTIV Technology Ambassador.

Mr. Hidesuke Takesue, President of Mazda Sales (Thailand) Co., Ltd., said Mazda has given importance to sports marketing all along. “We want to support Thai sports and help athletes we sponsor to become the national champions and eventually world champions. This year we will be sponsoring a football team that used to be a small regional team but today is a great team with the largest number of spectators in ASEAN – Nakhon Ratchasima Mazda FC (Swat Cats). This is the fourth year that Mazda is giving our support to the team. Another discipline that we will support is motorsports which will help promote Mazda’s outstanding performance. This year the all-new Mazda2 will compete in the Thailand Super Series, which is one of the major motorsports events in the country,” he said “Today golf is a highly popular game with a large number of active players, including Mazda customers. Supporting golf thus is a great channel for Mazda to communicate with our target customers and increase brand awareness to the public. We are willing to take important steps in becoming a proud premium brand,” he said. www.mazda.co.th

Moments

asean tourisM foruM (atf) 2016 Manila, the Philippines The ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) is a cooperative regional effort to promote the Association of the Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) region as one tourist destination. This annual event involves all the tourism industry sectors of the 10 member nations of ASEAN: Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.

Each year, the hosting of ATF is rotated among the member countries. ATF 2016 marks the 35th anniversary of this event since its inauguration in Malaysia in 1981.

ATF aims to: • Project ASEAN as an attractive, multi-faceted single destination.

• Create and increase awareness of ASEAN as a highly competitive regional tourist destination in the Asia Pacific.

• Attract more tourists to ASEAN member countries.

• Promote intra-ASEAN travel.

• Strengthen cooperation among the various sectors of the ASEAN tourism industry.

As the annual convention of the ASEAN tourism industry, ATF promotes the exchange of ideas, review of industry developments and joint formulation of recommendations to further accelerate the growth of ASEAN tourism.

ATF TRAVEX ATF also provides a platform for the selling and buying of regional and individual tourism products of ASEAN member countries, through the 3-day TRAVEX event.

A cooperative effort of promoting the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) region as a single tourist destination, the ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) is an annual gathering that brings together the member countries of the ASEAN to discuss innovations, trends, and developments in the tourism industry and facilitate joint policy formulations to accelerate the growth of the region’s tourism.

Next year, ATF will stage the next event and to commemorate 50 years of ASEAN in Singapore from January 16-20 www.atf2017.com

Moments

Mercedes-Benz announces MercedestrophY 2016 Inspiring customers to “Be The Best You Can Be” with an opportunity to compete at the World Final in Germany.

“MercedesTrophy is an amateur golf tournament held to enhance Mercedes-Benz’s relationship with the customers who are golf enthusiasts and to offer them an exclusive opportunity to join a worldclass tournament. This year, the tournament concept encourages the participants to “Be The Best You Can Be” based on our belief that every golfer has the potential to excel in their sporting endeavours. As with previous events, we hope to create the best experience for our valued customers. The tournament is now in its 17th consecutive year and we have prepared a host of great prizes for participants. Among them, the hole-in-one winner at the Country Final will become a proud owner of the new C 350 e Exclusive, a luxury plug-in hybrid with refined sportiness from Mercedes-Benz.” said Mr. Michael Grewe, President and CEO of Mercedes-Benz (Thailand) Limited.

Mr. Martin Schulz, Vice President of Sales and Marketing, added: “Since the beginning of MercedesTrophy in Thailand, more than 9,700 customers of Mercedes-Benz nationwide have teed off at this tournament. The participants of the 17th MercedesTrophy will not only be exposed to a unique tournament experience and friendship both in the qualifying round and the Country Final, but also have the chance for many golfing privileges.

The best seven at the Country Final can expect to take their golf skills to new heights with professional tips and techniques from Prom Meesawat, a promising Thai pro who is sponsored by Mercedes-Benz.”

In Thailand, MercedesTrophy 2016 begins on 25 April with a series of six qualifying events that continue into May and conclude with the Country Final on 25 May as per the following programme.

Interested customers of Mercedes-Benz can sign up for the tournament online at www. mercedes-benz.co.th/MercedesTrophy.php or in person at any authorised Mercedes-Benz dealer nationwide. For more information, please call MercedesTrophy Contact Center +662 045 0224-25 at 08.00 – 17.00 hrs. (Monday – Friday).

Moments

the dalat at 1200 ladies chaMpionship 2016 Dalat, 16 January 2016 - The first Ladies Professional Golf Tournament sanctioned by the Korean Ladies Professional Golf Association (KLPGA) and The Dàlat at 1200 Country Club & Private Estate (The Dàlat at 1200) will make its debut as the property’s premier official golf tournament from 22-27 March 2016, officials announced today.

The inaugural The Dàlat at 1200 Ladies Championship will take place at the country’s first true country club and private estate. The KLPGA, SBS TV (Korea’s premier TV station) and representatives of The Dàlat at 1200 have signed a three-year agreement to host the tournament on the championship course.

One hundred and twenty professional female golfers from Korea, Taiwan, Australia, Singapore, Hong Kong, China and Vietnam, will compete for the US$ 420,000 prize money following a two-day Pro-Am. The cost for organising this tournament is approximately US$ 3 million.

“We are excited to announce the launch of The Dàlat at 1200 Ladies Championship, which will be hosted on-property this March,” Tang Kay Hwa, Executive Director at The Dàlat at 1200, said. “This being the first professional ladies tournament to be held in Vietnam is a great opportunity to increase interest in the sport while also showcasing our outstanding property and Dalat city.”

Carved into the heart of central Vietnam’s Daron Valley, the 18-hole, par 73 course, with magnificent panoramic views, fresh mountain air from the surrounding pine forests and fresh produce, of which Dalat is famed, offers a refreshing location with temperatures ranging from 18-25 °C year-round and easily accessible from around the region.

Located 15 minutes from Dalat’s Lien Khuong Airport, rolling hills and fragrant pines encompass The Dàlat at 1200 Country Club and Private Estate. Featuring three types of stand-alone villas as well as resort residences, the property boasts unobstructed views of the golf course, the lake and the surrounding mountains.

The Dàlat at 1200 is being developed by The Centurion Group of Singapore, an experienced real estate developer with a diverse portfolio across Asia-Pacific. www.centurionproperties.com.sg http://www.dalat1200.com/

Moments

lexi thoMpson won 10th honda lpga thailand Siam Country Club, Old Course, Pattaya, Thailand.

The 21-year-oldAmerican from Florida is the first American champion in the tournament.

American Lexi Thompson lifted up her seven LPGA title after she hit a final round of 68 for a six stroke victory over In Gee Chun of South Korea in the final round of the US$1.6 Million LPGA Thailand at the par 72 Siam Country Club on Sunday.

"I had to make birdies to win this thing. It was unbelievable with a three-birdie start there from In Gee Chun in the final round, and I knew I had to make birdies to stop her. I was just trying to focus on my game and nobody else’s out there," added Thompson who won the US$240,000 winner's prize money.

As the first American winner, Lexi said "It means the world to me.

I’m out here not only representing myself but representing my country being an American, and this being a huge year with the Olympics.

But I’m just trying to focus on my own game, not anybody else’s. Just trying to do my best and I’m very grateful for the opportunity that I’m out here following my dreams, honestly."

“I think it’s all a matter of me getting comfortable on the golf course and just having fun with my caddie Benji in between shots and just keeping myself relaxed,” said Thompson. “I know where my game’s at right now. But I also know there are a lot of great players out there, so I have to focus on myself.”

“Yeah, I think today a huge key was my putting,” said Thompson.

“I made a lot of good putts today. Even some for up-and-downs there on 8 and 9, which definitely helped out. But the 15-footers are always nice to make.”

Moments

teaM announced for Mission hills world ladies chaMpionship Shenzhen, China— Jin-young Ko and Jung Min Lee will aim to continue South Korea’s success story in the World Ladies Championship when they line up at Mission Hills Dongguan in China from March 10-13 this year.

South Korean teams have held the team trophy since 2013, when Na-Heul Kim lifted the trophy with Park. The former world number one then paired with Ryu to victory in 2014 and 2015.

This year, Ko and Lee, who both have four wins on the Korean LPGA Tour, will make their debut in the US$800,000 event. Ko is best known as the runner-up to Park in the 2015 Ricoh Women’s British Open, where the 20-yearold from Seoul lost a three stroke lead on the back nine of the Ailsa Course at Turnberry. Both Ko and Lee recently represented the Korean LPGA Tour in The Queens presented by Kowa, where Lee was undefeated and Ko won two of her three matches.

“I’m looking forward to playing in the World Ladies Championship at Mission Hills,” said Ko. “South Korea has enjoyed some success in the tournament in the past, so I hope we can keep that streak going and it will be a real honour for me to represent my country.”

The home nation of China has two fine teams. Olympic hopeful Xiyu Lin partners Yanhong Pan, while Ziqi Ye forms another compelling team with Weiwei Zhang.

There are three teams from Great Britain. Hannah Burke and Florentyna Parker will represent England while Pamela Pretswell and Sally Watson will pair up for Scotland. Wales also has a strong team with Amy Boulden partnering Becky Morgan.

Australia will be represented by Rebecca Artis and Sarah Kemp, Chinese Taipei by Tzu-Chi Li and Ai-Chen Kuo, Finland by Ursula Wikstrom and Noora Tamminen, Malaysia by Michelle Koh and Ainil Bakar, South Africa by Connie Chen and Nicole Garcia, Sweden by Camilla Lennarth and Lina Boqvist and Thailand by Wichanee and Kusuma Meechai.

Following a 36-hole cut, the top-60 players and ties in the individual event will qualify for the final two rounds on the acclaimed Olazabal Course, a three-time venue for the World Cup of Golf and designed by Jose Maria Olazabal, the two-time Masters Champion. Meanwhile the leading 10 teams and those tied will progress to compete over the weekend. www.missionhillschina.com

The The LasT PuTT wiTh The Last Putt

ardenT GoLfer hoTeLier

Golf Vacations Thailand: George Somapa, Managing Editor of Golf Vacations Thailand sat down with Patrick Basset, Chief Operating Officer, AccorHotels, Upper Southeast & Northeast Asia.

Q1. Thailand ranks no.7 in the world in terms of golf tourism and no.1 in Asia. We have about close to 1 million tourists coming to Thailand just to play golf. How do you see Accor group of hotels fit in the golf tourism industry for Thailand and the ASEAN market?

Accor hotels in Phuket, Krabi, Pattaya and Bangkok are very popular with golfers. Our hotels are located close to Thailand’s top courses and also offer unbeatable service, amenities and activities — elements that are appealing to golfers traveling with partners and family members who don’t golf. Our hotels in Vietnam are also top choices for the regional and international golf community. This September 4th through 10th, we’re hosting the second AccorHotels Vietnam World Masters Golf Championship in Danang, an area that has become increasingly popular with golfers. The event is a fun way to showcase Danang and Vietnam as a world-class golf destination.

Q2. Do you have specific plans or new golf-related projects with hotels under the Accor Group in the near future?

We already have several golf hotels in Asia Pacific, such as Sofitel Krabi Phokeethra in Thailand and Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra in Cambodia, and are opening more hotels, such as the The Sebel Yarrawonga in Australia, which will have a lovely adjacent course.

Q3. How many Accor hotels are there in Thailand and what is the expansion plan?

In the Kingdom, we presently have 55 hotels and are scheduled to open over 12 more in the next three years.

Q4. How often do you golf here in Thailand and where is your favorite golf course that you have played and plan to play in the near future?

I’m an ardent golfer, so I play every weekend and practice at the driving range once or twice during the week. I love courses with great landscaping and challenging high-slope levels. So in Thailand, you’ll find me playing at the Thai Country Club and Alpine Golf and Sports Club near Bangkok, Black Mountain in Hua Hin, Red Mountain in Phuket and Santiburi in Koh Samui.

Q5. If you have a chance to pick 3 courses anywhere in the world to play and 3 golfers to join you, where will they be and who will tag along with you?

I used to live in Scotland, so I’d love to return and play at St. Andrews, the birthplace of golf, with none other than Rory McIlroy. Another dream would be a chance to play Augusta with Rickie Fowler, who is modernizing the image of golf. I’m a big fan of island courses, so it would be wonderful to play Poipu Bay in Kauai, Hawaii with my son and Sven Boinet, Deputy CEO of AccorHotels, who was the former captain of the French amateur golf team.

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