15
&
Volume 11 issue 1 November 2013
Volume 11 Issue 1 November 2013
HUA HIN & CHA-AM GOLF FESTIVAL FINALE The Champion of Champions – Imperial Lake View
O
n a rain soaked Sunday the final Event of the Hua Hin & Cha-Am Golf Festival was held at the Imperial Lake View Golf Course on Sunday 6th October. The weather conditions were unusual for Cha-Am with almost constant steady rain testing the competitors who qualified in earlier Events during the Golf Festival. Usually no weather problems for these month so a great time for visiting golfers to enjoy golfing on the Regions many fine golf courses. The Champion of Champions day was the culmination of two months (August and September) of reduced Green Fees and competitions, an annual feature of the region’s golfing calendar. An additional feature of this year’s Event was a luck draw for a brand new Honda Brios car. The lucky winner was Miss Patarawadee Muen-aum who hails from Pranburi.
Another lucky winner with a cash prize of 100,000 THB was Mr.Somboon Morparn. This feat was achieved on Hole Number 11 at the Sawang Golf Resort Course. The overall winner was a lady, Ms.Manussa Ceemakorn, with a gross score of 73 playing off a handicap of 2.4. Congratulations to all the competitors who battled through the conditions and to the organisers and sponsors of the Event. More Results:
Flight A1 Flight A2 Flight A3 Flight B1 Flight B2 Flight B3 Flight C1 Flight C2 Flight C3 Ladies 1 Ladies 2 Seniors 1 Seniors 2
Mr.Chinakorn Ka-ungku Mr.Nikorn Klaprabjone Mr.Dhanadej Sookmuang Col.Noppasit Kongchinsart Mr.Poomsak Niamera Pol.Lt.Col.Yudhana Poengkijsuwan Mr.Rachata Kiewsudhi Mr.Varong Saengmuang Mr.Den Su-arsa Ms.Preenaphan Pumklai Ms.Ratkusuma Maj. Thongchai Narknaem Pol.Sen.Sgt.Maj.Songkram Roopsom
16
Volume 11 issue 1 November 2013
17
Volume 11 issue 1 November 2013
‘I’m singin’ golfin’ in the rain Just singin’ golfin’ in the rain What a glorious feelin’ I’m happy again!’
H Small towels will be useful for obvious reasons.
H Consider an extra shirt, there’s nothing wrong with changing if you become saturated.
H Wet weather gear (jacket/trousers) is not
frequently worn by golfers in Thailand. Perhaps that’s because it’s not so cold here. I would also Let’s be honest; it’s not really a ‘glorious feeling’ suggest this part of golfing equipment doesn’t at all, I’ve yet to meet a golfer who is happier really deliver what it promises, but that’s your to play in the wet rather than the dry. To choice. golfers, RAIN on golf day is a four letter word. It complicates the game, means carrying extra H Think more about a change of clothing equipment and can even result in a round not (including footwear) for after the game. If you are the sort of golfer who usually showers after being completed – very frustrating! returning home, wet weather may change that. However the reality is that sometime or another every golfer will need to cope with a rainy H Think about how you will protect the score day. In Thailand it’s usually less of a problem; card (a zip-lock plastic bag?). Marking, signing rain may appear as a short, sharp burst then and reviewing a wet card that is falling to bits is disappear and it’s typically not going to leave difficult. you freezing cold even if you are soaked. On The Course It’s worthwhile thinking about wet weather golf f The golf course will play longer because it’s before this happens to you (again) and being soft with less carry. Taking a club higher than prepared. normal will allow for an easier swing and can compensate for the lost yardage. The good Before The Game news is that soggy fairways and greens are more H Check the weather forecast before you receptive. The fairways and greens become, in head off to the Golf Course. It’s very simple effect, wider and bigger, respectively, because to get a local forecast, including the likelihood your shots don’t bounce into trouble as much. of rain via the internet or even a phone app. Here’s one website: www.wunderground.com/ f On a rainy day, the greens will be slow. Hit weather-forecast/TH/Hua_Hin.html. However your putts harder than you do when the sun is recognise that the weather in Thailand can be shining and remember that the ball won’t turn unpredictable and very localised. When in as much. doubt, be prepared. f In a bunker, the sand will be firmer; you H It may seem unnecessary to say, but the won’t have to swing as hard to get the ball out. umbrella really is a golfer’s best wet (and hot) f Try not to let the conditions affect your weather friend. If for some strange reason you normal routines, don’t rush. The best wet forget, most Golf Courses will be able to rent weather players always take their time and stay you one. patient. H Consider your choice of footwear. Wet feet f Reduce the rain-induced challenges by really add to wet weather discomfort. wearing a baseball-style golf hat that helps to H Always have a rain cover for your bag. keep the rain out of your face. Keeping your clubs dry, particularly the grips f Hang your small towel and spare gloves are important. from the inside ‘spokes’ of the umbrella so that H Extra gloves and caps will allow you to they stay dryer and are easily accessible. change them if needed. f Don’t drive a buggy across casual water or rain affected areas to avoid wheel ruts. (Apologies to Gene Kelly!)
f Make sure all pitch marks are repaired as there will be more than usual.
f Consider your caddies. They are more likely to be more concerned about your comfort than their own. Help out every caddie more than usual, everyone’s comfort is important. Maybe a bigger tip; some players even take an extra umbrella just for the caddie.
f If there is a heavy shower take some shelter and ‘time out’; it may quickly pass by.
Wet Weather Rules of Golf
v A Local Rule may be made to allow
lies on very wet days (‘winter rules’). v Rule 25-1 deals with casual water, defined preferred Without such a Rule being made, preferred lies as an “accumulation of water that is not in a water hazard and is visible before or after the player takes his stance.” If your ball or stance is in visible water you are granted free relief by dropping the ball within one club-length of the nearest point of relief, no closer to the hole.
cannot be legally taken.
v Rule 14-2 states that a player must not make
a stroke while accepting physical assistance or protection from the elements, including by an umbrella held over the player or ball.
v Rule 25-2 allows lifting, cleaning and After The Game dropping the ball, without penalty, as near as b Remember to towel dry your grips and shafts possible to the spot, not closer to the hole (optional). These rules apply anywhere on the course (including the ‘rough’) except when the ball is in a water hazard or a lateral water hazard, on the teeing ground and the green of the hole being played.
completely after playing in the rain. Drying water will loosen the glue that holds the grips in place and will also remove the tackiness and elasticity from the grips. Rusted metal shafts are also not a good look!
Clean your shoes of mud and take v If the ball is in a bunker with casual water b advantage of the Golf Course ‘air gun’ to get you can drop by the same rule but must remain in the bunker. You can take a one stroke penalty and drop out of the bunker.
the drying process started for your shoes.
b Take a warm shower and change your
to avoid staying damp and risking v On the green, relief (placing the ball) is clothing colds or the ‘flu. also allowed if casual water intervenes on the player’s line of putt.
Unfortunately there will be days when conditions unplayable, especially when there v It must be a matter of virtual fact whether a become is lightning in the area. That’s frustrating, no ball is lost in casual water. In other words there options but to grin and bear it – the Golfing must be reasonable evidence otherwise the ball Gods have struck again! must be treated as a lost ball. golfer standing on a tee overlooking a v If the ball is not immediately recoverable A river sees a couple of fishermen and says to from this condition, another ball may be his partner, “Look at those two idiots fishing substituted. If the original ball is recoverable, it in the rain.” may be cleaned.
Coming to the Dusit Thani Hua Hin Win the toss and book first
@ The 19th Annual Hua Hin Cricket Sixes Tournament 5th–10th April 2014 A record twenty-one teams took part in the 18th edition of the annual Hua Hin Cricket Sixes, sponsored by Bangkok Post in 2012, this event and hotel where there are no strangers, just friends you have yet to meet. Such was the camaraderie generated that many of those twenty-one teams have already reconfirmed their reappearance for 2014, leaving only a limited number of places available for the 19th Annual Hua Hin Cricket Sixes that will take place between Saturday, 5th April and Thursday, 10th April.
participating, early booking is seriously and sincerely recommended before December. Entry fees are Baht 40,000 per squad of a maximum eight players, or Baht7,000 per individual who will be found a team. This rate includes the following: H Registration and Tournament Entry H Welcome Dinner at Dusit Thani Hua Hin H Farewell Dinner at Dusit Thani Hua Hin H 16 x Hua Hin Sixes Team Shirts per team
With the 2014 tournament being limited to a H 8 x Hua Hin Sixes Cap per team maximum 24 teams, if you are interested in H 1 x Souvenir Programme per player
Dusit Thani Hua Hin offers unbeatable rates to players and accompanying family members, friends or spectators during the tournament and for anyone wishing to extend their stay before or after the tournament. There are also entitlements to enjoy special food & beverage privileges throughout the tournament.
Please contact the hotel or, alternatively, tournament organizer Thanasak ‘Tom’ Karnasuta at thanasak.karnasuta@shell.com or thanasak. karnasuta@gmail.com . A dedicated tournament website is also being set up and we hope to be able to announce it has gone ‘live’ in the next issue of the Hua Hin Sun.
18
T
HHSSY, THE FINNISH ASSOCIATION OF HUA HIN
he HHSSY was founded for Finnish people staying in Hua Hin or nearby regions such as Cha - Am in 2009. In the beginning the purpose of the Association was to help members´ stay and comfort in every day life and add to their knowledge of Thai culture. The key interest point became The Library, where more than 1600 books are available for Members to borrow. It has been THE most popular spot ever since.
Volume 11 issue 1 November 2013
TOUR DE THAILAND 2014
T
ens of thousands of people each year take cycling holidays. It’s possible that like-minded individuals can take these cycling holidays with more in mind than just another bicycle ride in a foreign land. Imagine a premium quality cycling tour that is fully supported, environmentally friendly, and a meaningful adventure that will change the world one smile at a time. The Tour de Thailand is a tour with charity at its heart that provides a whole lot of customer satisfaction to make sure our riders enjoy their efforts each and every kilometre along the way.
Although the majority of members are Finns, there are also Thai, Swedish and British nationals. Around November and December is the most
SKAL NEWS -October Monthly Speaker
K
Khun George Somapa
hun George Somapa was speaking at the monthly Skål gathering that took place at Mondo Vino on Thursday the 17th of October. George Somapa commented that “Hua Hin is unique in several aspects. All the golf courses in and around Hua Hin are beautifully located between the Tenasserim Mountains and the sea. Greater Hua Hin offers excellent accommodation in various price classes and the seafood is excellent”, he explained. “Not only the golf facilities themselves, but also the accommodation, entertainment and restaurants are very good. Location and facilities make Hua Hin unique.” “The golf courses themselves offer a wide variety, ranging from the PGA-standards courses like Black Mountain, Banyan and Springfield and the more the affordable ones like Sawang, Kaengkrachan and Milford. Possibly two more golf courses will be build in Pranburi and one close to Black Mountain.”
Riders can choose from the Eastern Seaboard, North-eastern, Northern, Central or Southern Regional rides. These rides are life-changing rides—not races—through Thailand’s rich and diverse culture with breathtaking scenery, compassionate riders and caring support staff. The 2014 Tour is on between May and July. Strat planning early (and training!) so you can become a part of this great Event.
The big difference with the Tour de Thailand is that each participant raises a minimum of $1,000 US Dollars per section for Operation Smile, an organisation dedicated to providing free surgical treatment to children and young adults in developing countries who are suffering from facial deformities. For more information contact the organising Communication with Members is via e-mail and The 10th Annual Tour de Thailand is throughout Company Tour de Asia Bicycle Touring Co. Ltd. the interactive home pageson the website. If you the length of Thailand in 30 days over 1500 miles They are located at 15/120 Petchakasim Road are interested in the Association more information / 2400 kms which includes 24 days of riding and 6 (between Soi 27 and 29) Hua Hin. strategic days off for sightseeing, relaxation, and to Phone: 081 734 469 or email: info@tourdeasia.org. can be found at the website or by email. take it all in. www.huahininseudunsuomalaiset.fi or huahininseudunsuomalaiset@gmail.com
In March 2013, HHSSY rented a new home base near the Grand Plaza Hotel. There are two meeting rooms upstairs and the library downstairs as well festive season with a Father´s Day Dinner, as a small kitchen. One of the meeting rooms has Finland´s Independence Day Party and a traditional Christmas Celebration, ”the Little Christmas Party”. WIFI and a computer for the members to use. Ther are now over 230 Members with different Regular visits to concerts in Bangkok have also activities arranged every week day during the been on list of activities. winter season. We can bike together, go to the gym, discuss the challenges of IT, practice Thai language or have a typical sauna on Saturday afternoons.
Bikes are ridden each day taking in all the sights along the way, with dinner parties and a comfortable night’s sleep after a day in the saddle. There will be plenty of rest stops along the route to refuel your body, fill your water bottles, and, should you need it, provide a repair for your bicycle. After arriving at the hotel, its shower time, then perhaps a massage or a cool drink in the pool while our bike techs maintain your bike in peak condition!
LET’S SEA HUA HIN ALFRESCO RESORT – ECO INNOVATION
From the resort that introduced daily minibar credits comes another innovation that challenges the status quo. Hotel guests the world over are familiar with in-room requests to reuse towels but how many actually offer rewards for participating? Let’s Sea now does with new Eco-Coupons.
Let’s Sea guests can choose to help the environment by reusing their linen and therefore directly reducing the amount of chemicals used in the laundering process. In turn they are immediately rewarded for their efforts with a 200 THB EcoCoupon per day to spend at any of Let’s Sea’s food and beverage outlets, Gaia Spa and even for Khun Suwit Raenroonruang, Deputy Mayor, who Z-Luxe Club privileges. masterminded the annual Hua Hin Golf Festival, To participate, guests simply place the Eco-Chic said at the Skål gathering: “I hope Hua Hin can be flag outside their door before 9am and an Ecolabeled as the best golf destination of 2014. It will Coupon is soon delivered. This one small action boost tourism, which means business and jobs for has immediate benefits for both the environment the Thai community”. and guests at Let’s Sea. The gathering ended with a Charity raffle for the This the first property in Thailand to implement this Skål for the Children’s Literacy Program. unique Eco-Coupon program, Let’s Sea is also
helping to ensure that the natural beauty of Hua Hin and its relaxed way of life will continue to be enjoyed by many more guests in the future. For further information and reservations please click on www.letussea.com