Property Today January 2014 by Hua Hin Today

January 2014

2014 BANGKOK POST – BLACK MOUNTAIN CHARITY GOLF & GOURMET DINNER Black Mountain Golf Club Hua Hin January 11th

ll money raised at the 2014 Bangkok Post – Black Mountain Charity Golf and Gourmet Dinner will go to the Bangkok Post Foundation to support education for underprivileged students in 32 Provinces across Thailand. Apart from playing golf at one of the most awarded Golf Courses in the Region, players will be able to participate in a golf clinic showcasing some of the world’s top professional players. Additionally there will be a gourmet barbecue buffet dinner prepared by 14 top chefs from Bangkok Hotels and Resorts as well as Black Mountain’s own Executive Chef, Marten Karlsson. The Event will be played by 30 four person teams competing for prizes including

a week’s stay (including golf) at Black Mountain Golf Club’s Villa and round trip tickets from Bangkok to Siem Reap. THE PROGRAM 10.00 AM Registration and Golf Clinic conducted by Thongchai Jaaidee, Johan Edfors, Mikko Illonen, Simon Yates and Rikard Karlberg., 11.00 AM Buffet Lunch, 12.30 PM Shotgun Start, 6.30 PM Pre dinner drink and canopes at the Clubhouse., 7.00 PM Gourmet barbecue buffet dinner with wine at the Clubhouse. Further Information : Bangkok Post Khun Thanyarat: Ph 02 498 7737, email thanyarat@bangkokpost.co.th Black Mountain Khun Mint: Ph 089 254 3773

CHA-AM RESCUE AND HOSPITAL – AN UNINTENDED SEQUEL

Now for a real story; a sequel based on personal experience. I was the writer of the initial stories, but at the time I had no idea that I would soon be in need. My first motorcycle accident (and first ever hospital admission) happened on 4th December. I have little memory of the actual event, but the bottom line is I suffered some forehead lacerations and a badly broken toe requiring surgery and three nights in hospital. I “came to” flat on my back in the Rescue Vehicle with little memory of the accident itself but with reassurances all round that I was in safe hands. I learnt later that the vehicle arrived at the scene in less than 10 minutes. First of all no suggestion of an unauthorised trip to a private facility, just straight

to the Cha-Am Hospital. My admission was immediate with attentive staff and doctors showing a professional and concerned approach. After some immediate treatment an assessment included the need for surgery without delay, immediate ambulance transport to the Pra Chomklao Government Hospital in Petchaburi followed; again no suggestion of any upgrade. Surgery followed soon after admission, without fuss and with minimal discomfort. When it was then revealed that I did have accident insurance I was transported to Petcharat Private Hospital in the morning without delay. Petcharat Hospital is regarded as one of the leading private hospitals in the region. It seemed apparent

to me that they approved of the procedures leading to my admission there. I spent the next two nights recovering and it’s true to say that a private ‘suite’ for the last two nights made a difference to the overall hospital experience. It’s now been over a week since my discharge. The daily visits to Cha-Am Hospital for the dressing of my ‘wounds’ has been reduced to every few days. My last visit today, in part, prompted this story. As usual the wait for attention was less than ten minutes and every time this has been pain free professional consultation and treatment. The only other foreigner in the casualty ward where I was treated today was complaining; not about the hospital, but about her traumas related a dog bite.

Heard that before? The fee for today’s visit? - 70 THB. In fact to the total bill for the two government hospitals I attended, including the surgery was less than 12,000 THB and covered by my insurance. Sponsorship that I often hear about is typically focused on higher profile and probably already well supported facilities. I guess that’s more ‘sexy’ for the sponsors, but does it go to where it’s most needed? My thanks for all the people involved in my ‘rescue’ and treatment. My first hospital experience could have been a whole lot worse! P.S. Accident insurance is not expensive, less than 7,000 THB a year; it’s worth it!

January 2014

ASIAN TOUR SIGNS MILESTONE 10-YEAR EXCLUSIVE DEAL WITH GOLF CHANNEL UNTIL 2024

GOLF CITIZEN SERIES WINNERS INVITED TO OMEGA DUBAI DESERT CLASSIC

he Asian Tour has signed an exclusive broadcast partnership with Golf Channel, which will run for 10 years until the end of 2024.

Through this milestone agreement, Golf Channel will hold exclusive television and digital rights in North America. The Asian Tour will be shown on Golf Channel, including Golf Live Extra, the network’s authenticated streaming service, and other potential NBC Sports platforms. Additionally, the Asian Tour will also be featured on Golf Channel’s news programming, including Morning Drive and Golf Central, as well as GolfChannel. com.

“The Asian Tour stars continue to establish themselves with wonderful performances both at home and abroad and I am sure golf fans in North America will continue to enjoy watching the best players from Asia perform in world-class tournaments.”

Kyi Hla Han, Chairman of the Asian Tour, said: “We are extremely delighted to extend our partnership with Golf Channel for the next 10 years, which means the Asian Tour will continue to be shown to nearly 90 million homes in North America.

Tom Knapp, Senior Vice President of Programming for Golf Channel, said, “As golf continues to grow internationally, quality professional tournaments are being held around the globe and throughout the year. Our expanded partnership with the Asian Tour provides our viewers increased access to “Our long-term partnership with Golf Channel these compelling tournaments.” is another wonderful endorsement of the value This new agreement was managed by Asian and appeal of the Asian Tour Media, a joint venture company between Tour, which is represented the Asian Tour and IMG. Presently, the Asian by the finest players from Tour’s television broadcasts are available to over across the region and 180 countries/territories and 650 million homes, tournaments of the highest ensuring a truly global platform for the region’s calibre.” premier Tour.

aul Ramon shot a stunning net 66 to win the Thailand GOLF CITIZEN Open Series Grand Final, organised by golf in DUBAi as part of their drive to encourage golf enthusiasts to become members of the fast-expanding golf reservation website.

“Since the launch of GOLF CITIZEN in 2011, it has steadily grown in popularity with many new courses joining its network. Our aim is to have every single golf course in the UAE, Thailand and across the region join the GOLF CITIZEN booking engine where one can book multiple tee times in one go,” he said.

Supree Khomsanit finished first runner-up on a net 69 with Beet Nara Kim settling for the second Golfers from any part of the world can register for runner-up spot a further two shots adrift after a free as a ‘GOLF CITIZEN’, enabling them to book thrilling finale held at Banyan Golf Club in Hua Hin. rounds at courses of their choice. The top three players from the final were awarded an all-expenses paid trip to Dubai to play in the 2014 Omega Dubai Desert Classic Pro Am alongside elite professionals as the longestrunning European Tour event in the region celebrates its 25th anniversary in January 2014.

GOLF CITIZEN Members also qualify to receive a 25 per cent discount tickets for the 2014 Omega Dubai Desert Classic to be held at Emirates Golf Club from January 27 to February 2, 2014.

In addition, the top three will also received VIP hospitality invitations to the landmark event, which will feature world number one Tiger Woods, Europe’s newly-crowned champion Henrik Stenson and Northern Ireland’s golfing sensation Rory McIlroy and other past champions, in a tournament that will probably boast the best field in a regular European Tour event in 2014.

TEE TIME THAILAND INVITATIONAL BLACK MOUNTAIN GOLF COURSE 5th – 6th DECEMBER 2014

ost Marten Norragard described this Event as a “two fantastic days with some really unforgettable moments”. The TTT Invitational involved 108 players in 54 two person teams vying for some great prizes with sponsors a-plenty. With 9 holes to play 6 teams were within 4 Stableford points and the tension was palpable! Marten further commented that the 2014 Event is already being prepared with a larger field of 128 players possible as the Event will move to February with more daylight hours available. Players from the 2013 Event will have the first option to participate. WINNERS

The grand final was preceded by five qualifying events held at different courses in Thailand with the winners from each event making the cut for the finale. Mohamed Juma Buamaim, Vice Chairman and CEO of golf in DUBAi, promoters and organisers of the Omega Dubai Desert Classic, presented the prizes and announced that “2014 will see an expansion of the series to allow more golfers the chance to participate.

SPRINGFIELD @ SEA – FIVE YEARS YOUNG!

W cheques to the value of 30,000 THB.

hen you are invited to a five year old’s birthday party, you’d expect balloons, party games, presents, lots of cake and fizzy drinks. However the five year old’s birthday party we were invited to attend was a little different. Yes, there were balloons and the party games were lucky draw prizes. We also spotted some wrapped presents. However the food for party goers was courtesy of the Resort Chefs and drinks on offer included free flowing beer and wine.

FIONA ZIMMERMAN AND CHOOSRI First Place with a total of 96 Stableford points and HAWTHORNE winning from MISSION HILLS CHINA (HAIKOU) 4 days/3 nights and 3 golf rounds with and travel Second Place with a total of 93 Stableford Points Springfield @ Sea Resort & Spa has a and winning from the SENTOSA GOLF CLUB in significant presence on the beachfront Singapore Golf for 4 golf rounds and Thai Airways some 5 kilometres South of Chareturn tickets and 20,000 THB. Am. The beach is now referred to as ‘Springfield Beach’ in recognition of MATS OLGEMAR AND ROLF OLSSON the contribution made by the resort Third Place with a total of 92 Stableford Points to the development of this stretch of waterfront. On and winning from the SUTERA HARBOUR 29th November 2013, the Resort celebrated its fifth RESORT 3 days/2 nights, two days of golf and year since opening in 2008, with a birthday party travel cheques to the value of 30,000 THB. complete with live music, fine cuisine and drinks. The party spilled out to the beach road with guests WILLY THINGSTAD AND ARNE BACKSTRÖM literally ‘dancing on the street’. However there were also many other prize and lucky draw winners. Tee Time Thailand is an operator of golf tours in Hua Hin, Thailand. They offer a wide range of golf packages for all budgets. The company is managed by Mr. Conny Wikström and Mr. Ulf Sparvman. Both with long experience of golf in Thailand through previous companies; Scandinavian Golf Hua Hin (Conny) and SweThai Golf (Ulf). Together they have 25 years of golf experience in Thailand. For more details contact Ulf Sparrman – Mårten Norragård – Conny Wikström GO TO WWW.TEETIMETHAILAND.COM AND WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/TEETIMETHAILAND

The birthday party guests included the Managers of other hotels in the region, the ChaAm Mayor Khun Nukul Pornsomboonsiri and many other ‘friends of Springfield’. Our thanks to Springfield for the invitation and for the opportunity to enjoy such a great party. Congratulations for the five years of achievements, contribution to the tourism industry and to the Cha-Am community.