Issue Four
Quarter 4 - 2015
THAILAND GOLF CHAMPIONSHIP Attracts Big Names
EXCLUSIVE Interview
Thongchai Jaidee
course report’s
Khao Kheow & Parichat
AWAY DESTINATIONS
Phuket & Langkawai
Ad Rolex Page 3
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From the
Issue 4 Quarter 4 2015
Publishers desk Well this is issue four, quarter four, October through December 2015 and our first years publishing is now complete. Next year, starting in January you will be able to enjoy reading your copy of The Pattaya Golfer every two months, as we will publish six times a year. This is possible because our readers and advertisers have been so supportive, but more importantly its possible because golf in the region is so popular. In our magazine, we represent the twenty six clubs around the Eastern Seaboard, and this region is now playing more rounds a year than even the famous Algarve area in Portugal! Not just more rounds, we have top LPGA and PGA International points scoring tournaments that attract the great names in golf to come and play here. Thailand’s, premier golfing event is The Thailand Golf Championship, and Bubba Watson, Charl Schwartzel, Rickie Fowler, Justin Rose, Sergio Garcia, Ryo Ishikawa, Lee Westward, Martin Kaymer, Henrik Stenson and John Daly have all played here in December. The Honda LPGA Thailand event attracts the top 50 female players in the World, past players include Michelle Wie, Amy Yang, Anna Nordqvist, Inbee Park and Lexi Thompson. This exciting tournament returns for its 10th anniversary at the end of February 2016. The Pattaya Golfer is an official media sponsor at the Thailand Golf Championship in December, so get your tickets ready and enjoy premium golf right here in your region.
By Charlie Warner
Supported by
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Publisher Editor in Chief Laddawan Kaewhan. CEO Charlie Warner. General Manager Pimonwan “Pao” Kamjan. T. 082 478 4666 pimonwan@exactthailand.com Managing Editor Mike Bridge, T.083 198 6700 mike@exactthailand.com Production Supervisor Kanyapat “Aof” Kohmanee. aof@silvermover.com Graphic Design Silvermover Co.,Ltd
Our new address Exact Trading Co., Ltd. 46/131 Moo 4, Soi Chaiyapruek 2, Huay-Yai, Banglamung, Chonburi 20150 Thailand T. 083 113 8712 www.thepattayagolfer.com exactthailand.com The Pattaya Golfer is distributed via the member clubs of the EGA. You can also purchase in most good news stands and book shops. If you would like to take out a subscription and have the magazine mailed to your door see page 96 for details
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CONTENTS
Cover Story
Thailand Golf Championships
Exclusive Interview President Jaidee
See Page 15 - 17
See Page 22 - 25
Course report Khao Kheaow & Parichat International Golf Links
See Page 35 - 38, 42 - 44
8 15 18 22 6
News Interview : Thongchai Jaidee Interview : Andrew Pitts Thailand Golf Championship
with
27 31 34 38 42 46 50 54 61 62 66 68 72 74 78
GM to the Stars
See Page 18 - 21
Seaside Golf Around : Phuket Caddies Course Report: Khao Kheaow The Most Unique Tournament Course Report: Parichat International Golf Link Playing with your mates 2bu Playing The Els
Overseas - Els at Langkawi
Where to dine in Pattaya Mantra, A Culinary Performance Bruno’s A Pattaya Tradition Where to Stay Spas Memorable Motors Daimler Finance
See Page 54 - 57
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News TAT Plan Major Golf Mart in Pattaya
After successfully re launching The Thailand Golf Travel Mart this summer in Hua Hin, the Tourism Authority of Thailand have just announced that the 2016 event will be taking place in Pattaya next August.
April-June this year compared to the same period in 2014. 31% remained the same whilst 19% reported a drop in golfers travelled. On average golf holiday departures were up 5% compared to a year-on-year growth of 8% in the 1st Quarter.
Over 160 leading international golf tour operators plus many overseas golf journalists will spend a few days networking and playing golf in the city, which will bring additional business to the region.
North America reports the greatest surge with a doubling of golfers travelled and forward bookings to over 10%, year on year, compared to an average of just over 5% in the first Quarter.
Golf courses, local tour operators and hotels will be able to promote their products and services during the Mart. The International Association of Golf Tour Operators (IAGTO) are expected to assist in setting up the event along with the East Coast Golf Course Association.
Golfers travelled from Asia were down in the 2nd Quarter by 5% but forward bookings remain the same. From Australia and New Zealand, forward bookings are on a parity with the same time last year.
At a recent survey by IAGTO members worldwide, 50% of operators reported golf vacation departures were up in
The Thailand Golf Travel Mart is however expected to boost golf vacations in Thailand.
GOLF ROUND PATTAYA GOES ON AIR
The Pattaya Golfer has teamed up with Fabulous 103FM in Pattaya to keep listeners in the picture about all golf news. Presented by Mike Bridge our Managing Editor, Golf Round Pattaya is a three minute segment featuring items including the latest tournament news, helpful information regarding golf lessons, local course promotions, how to get a proper golf handicap plus advance details of local golf events.
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Golfers travelled and forward bookings are fairing slightly worse in Asia, Australasia and Africa.
The information is pre recorded every week and is aired three times a day during the week. If you would like to advertise or have any news items relating to golf then, please contact us at mike@exactthailand.com
nd Pat u o r tay A F L a GO
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News HAPPY BIRTHDAY
Star attraction at a recent awards gala at the 2015 Singha Amazing Thailand Caddie Championship final qualifier at Waterside, was when a 58 year old caddie from Bangkok sang for everyone. It was her birthday too, so all 160 caddies sang HAPPY BIRTHDAY for her too.
What an amazing lady.....think how many kms she must of walked and how many triple bogies she must have had to endure from terrible golfers. We all salute you for your amazing service!
Silky Oaks Re Opens
After a busy summer adding several new holes, Silky Oaks has re opened. Instead of sharing fairways in the past, the course now plays a full 18 holes and they have added new cart paths and a drinks kiosk as well. Future plans include a THB200million new clubhouse for Silky Oaks overlooking the 18th fairway.
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News Busy few weeks for Kiradech
Kiradech Aphibarnrat the rising Thai star has had an exceptional few weeks. At only 26 years old he has won three tournaments this year, most recently the Jadiee Foundation at Black Mountain.
Also with his family he has opened his first driving range in Bangkok called Kiatthada Driving Range, close to expressway 9. Not only are there great facilities there, but he has also set up a golf training centre with his personal coach called simply TEAM KIRADECH. Then just before he jetted off to play on the European tour Kiradech was
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announced as an ambassador for one of Thailand’s leading property companies, the Fragrant Group. Currently ranked 59 on the Official World Golf Rankings, he will wear the Fragrant Property logo on his left chest as well as appearing in Fragrant Group advertising and will host a special golf day for Fragrant Property’s partners. Next month, Kiradech will also move into his twobedroom apartment in Circle 2 in the heart of Bangkok.
When asked if he thinks he can make the top 50 in the world, he told us he hoped to get there before the Race to Dubai. Good luck!
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President
Jaidee
By Mike Bridge
Last month I was lucky enough to catch up with globetrotting Thai super star Thongchai Jaidee, while he was hosting his new Jadiee Foundation golf tournament at Black Mountain in Hua Hin. Caddie and Thongchai
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hongchai Jaidee’s one-stroke victory in the Porsche European Open in Germany has pushed the 45 year old into the top ten of The Race to Dubai. The experienced Thai shot a four under final round 67 to win his seventh European Tour title has launched him up to eighth in The Race to Dubai rankings with 1,477,477 points as he claimed the € 333,330 winner’s cheque. He goes into the President’s Cup ranked 34th in the World Rankings, and he becomes the first Thai to play in this prestigious event. It had also just been announced that he would be the. So here is our exclusive interview. First I asked Thongchai about his new Jadiee Foundation Tournament, co sanctioned by the Asian Development Tour and All Thailand Tour.
Course Ambassador
‘I started planning it after the True Classic event back in February. We wanted it to be a local Thai event for all the young players, and we needed to find a date that meant all the top star Thai players could also compete. This was important to attract the sponsors. This week we managed to get everyone to play. We are also very lucky to be able to play on one of the top courses in Asia as well’, said Jaidee. Thongchai has been helping young players at his academy north of Bangkok in Lopburi for a longtime and in fact one of his star pupils was competing at Black Mountain, and gaining great experience playing alongside the international players. The tournament was eventually won by Kiradech Aphipbarnrat. Turning to the recent news that the European and Asian Tours were planning to work together I asked him for his reaction. ‘For me I think the future is very good for the players. They have more stronger players on the European Tour, which will be good also for Asian Tour players to compete. If the tournaments are stronger, then more players will not be saying no we cannot make it to enter.’
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New house at Black Mountain with family watching Thongchai also sits on the Asian section of the Olympic Golf committee where he is an advisor. Likely that Thongchai and Kiradech may get into the men’s competition, while Pornanong Phatlum and Ariya Jutuanugarn from the LPGA tour may join the women’s competition. Turning to the Presidents Cup I asked him about his team. ‘I haven’t played with the likes of Jason Day or in fact many of the team, except Anirban Lahiri
from India who he played with during the Asian Tour. The Presidents Cup is very tough and it is hard for Asian players to get in the team. They picked a Korean player to boost home support, however if they had picked Kiradech Aphipbarnrat, it would have suited me, as we have played well together in many team events.’ ‘The Jack Nicklaus designed course is new and very tricky, so I plan to go their
Porsche European Open straight from the European Tour event in Munich to practice early. I have played in Korea many times, and I think the International team especially with the Asian players will have an advantage, as the conditions are very different from America.
Bangkok plus a condo in Northpoint here in Pattaya.
Because of the time differences in the States, the tee times will be very early which may also suit the Asian players time clocks as well.’
Kiradech and Prom also play on the European Tour and both, like Thongchai, are getting used to the different weather conditions. Sometimes they play or practice together. Kiradech plays on the European, Asian and Japanese tours.
Thongchai will then head of to finish off his year at the Race to Dubai at the famous Earth Course in November. The course is a bit long for him but with his great short game he once again has a great chance. His is currently placed in the top 12, so will also hopefully get a large bonus too. Thongchai is a great Ambassador for Black Mountain and he has had a condominium there for several years. He has now swopped his condo for a house overlooking the 9th green, and his family were out by the pool as he was putting during his tournament. He has invested wisely and apart from the family base in Lopburi, he owns two condos and a house in
‘I have not bought any homes overseas, and I tend to stay in hotels in Europe, so in between I can fly back. It is always good to be back home.’
‘ The European tour has stronger players than say the Japanese Tour which for someone like Kiradech is a lot easier. So I would expect him to concentrate more in the future on the European tour in the future.’ Thongchai has two boys, a 13 year old and a 7 year old, and they love all sports. They along with Dad support Manchester United, and Thongchai has even built an all weather soccer pitch at his Lopburi home. His 7 year old though is also starting to hit a few golf balls so maybe the Jaidee name will carry on for many years to come.
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Global star. Jaidee Foundation Gala
Andrew Pitts GM to the stars By Mike Bridge
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he club has been voted by the region’s players as the Best Golf Course in 2014 respectively on the Asian Tour. Home to the Thailand Golf Championship, the club topped the voting for the third straight year in the Best Golf Course category while it was also the Host Venue of the Year when the prestigious US$1 million tournament was launched back in 2011. Amata Spring General Manager Andrew Pitts said: “Winning the Best Golf Course award for the third straight year, in addition to being the Host Venue of the Year in 2011, is a great reflection of the high standard that we have established for both our course and our facility. We caught up with the North Carolinian as he prepares Amata for the 2015 Thailand Golf Championship to be held on December 10th-13th 2015. Before joining Amata he told us he was a touring professional golfer from 19912006. He has competed in professional events on six continents. His career provided opportunities for him to play in South Africa, then on the Asian and Japanese tours plus stints in Canada and South America. You could say he was a true journeyman! ‘Fortunately I had the opportunity to play on numerous courses in many different countries around the world. I was able to identify and learn from what some of the best courses in the world do and also have witnessed challenges and problems from other facilities in which we do our best to avoid here at Amata Spring’, said Andrew.
Amata Spring Country Club is an exclusive private country club located in Chonburi, Thailand. The facility features one of the most prestigious and recognizable championship courses in Asia.
‘I would imagine that in my 15 years as a tournament professional, I would have played in over 450 events (some were small and others gave me the opportunity to play with major champions and Ryder Cup stars. Personally participating and viewing great events plus getting feedback from some of the best players in the world has enabled us to set up, organize and deliver a great championship here in Thailand.’ With a degree in marketing, even while touring Andrew used get involved in sponsorship work and became friendly with the corporate sponsors and organisers. In fact when he stopped touring in 2006 he was asked to join the administration of the Asian Tour, working on sponsorship development and player related issues in Malaysia and Singapore. At the end of 2008 he worked with the promoter of the Royal Trophy which in those days was played at Amata Spring. Afterwards he kept in touch with the club and eventually joined them in December
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2009 as a consultant for a year and then he was made Director of Golf and two years later he was promoted to General Manager. He said that he had played at arguably the best courses in each country in Asia however in his opinion there is not really another facility that delivers the overall golf experience and championship caliber course like Amata Spring Country Club. ‘There are other good courses around the region but in terms of a true championship course, the infrastructure of the facility, the ability to host a large number of spectators, excellent practice facilities, even a built in media centre, Amata Spring delivers it all.’ Naturally everyone talks about their 17th island green, where the players are taken over to the green by boat. It actually floats on the lake on pylons and apparently in 2008 they had to rebuild it after they found the original pylons had corroded and the green was slowly sinking. The second green is positioned in nearly the same location as the first…..
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The first major tournament that Amata Spring hosted in fact was the Honda LPGA, and then the Royal Trophy was held four times followed by World Golf Salutes King Bhumibol, a one day Skins event with Tiger Woods making his first trip Thailand for a few years.
‘Now I think our event, outside the PGA and European tours, offers the highest number of world ranking points anywhere. In fact our event offers more ranking points than 60% of all European Tour events, and all of the Australian, South African and Japanese Tour events.
The club then decided to create their own event and bring the best players in the world to compete against the best players in the region on arguably the best course in Asia. The Thailand Golf Championship is in fact sanctioned by the Asian Tour, is directly linked with The Open Championship and also carries a substantial number of Official World Ranking points.
Players according to Andrew who have helped position the Thailand Golf Championships has been the likes of Ryo Ishikawa from Japan who attracts loads of Japanese fans and media, Sergio Garcia who has played since year one, big hitting Masters Champion Bubba Watson has played three times, Justin Rose, Henrik Stenson, Rickie Fowler, John Daly, Thongchai Jaidee, Kiradech Aphibarnrat and of course Lee Westwood who has won it twice. Expect to see most of these great entertainers returning again.
‘Our target has always been to invite players who have charisma, who the spectators would like to see and who are top in the world rankings. To achieve a high number world ranking points then it is necessary to have a considerable number of players in the top 200 in the world participating’
‘’We would love to have all the top players however sometimes their schedules just do not allow them to get over to Thailand. For example Jordan Speith will be defending his
title at the Australian Open in November and then he is due to play in the Bahamas the next week, Tiger Woods’ event, so it is not feasible for him to return back to Asia.’ ‘ It would be great to have Jason Day play here, but some of these top players have been committed to other tournaments up to 18 months ahead, so it is difficult. Having said that, there are a number of players who really enjoy our course and the hospitality and just love being be here in Thailand.’ The Thailand Golf Championship has the reputation of being played on a great course and it’s a fun week to be here at the end of a long season. We have built up a good reputation with players and have numerous requests and inquiries for invitations from some of the most prominent players in the world. Changing to other courses I asked Andrew what other course he liked, and he said he liked Merion Golf Club outside Philadelphia where he played in US Amateur in 1989 and it was where
Justin Rose won the US Open in 2013 and Riviera Country Club in Los Angeles. More locally he said that the Eastern Seaboard is blessed with a number of really good golf courses and is probably the best golfing destination in South East Asia. Obviously the Siam Country Club courses are fantastic, but since joining Amata he admits his time has been limited to check out all the other courses. As far as the future is concerned, although not an advocate of changing the game, Andrew is a great believer in making courses more fun, without the need for long par 5’s which are hard to play and also expensive for the club to maintain. ‘It is not necessary to build 7,500 yards golf courses anymore. Construction costs are higher, labour costs are more expensive and so are your machinery and course maintenance expenses. For example, Augusta National has 44 bunkers and is widely recognized as maybe the best course in the world…. (editors
note: Take out Whistling Straits in that equation.) If you build less bunkers the costs drop and then you can pass on those savings to your members and their guests. At the moment he thinks golf in Thailand is not necessarily cheap.’ Compared to the States, Andrew said he is a member at a private club designed by the great Donald Ross. There the member’s guest fee including your cart is US$40 on weekdays and US$50 on weekends. This is much lower than a number of facilities here in Thailand. Amata Spring is a member’s only facility, currently with 820 members. Their policy is if you want to play, then you should be accompanied by a member. They still have a 5 year, 10 year and 30 year memberships available. Please feel free to visit their website, www.amataspring.co.th if you have any golf or guest inquiries. For up to date details on the entries for this year’s Thailand Golf Championship and how to get tickets visit www. thailandgolfchampionship.com
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Thailand
Golf Championship Attracts the Big Names...
Sergio Garcia 22
First played in 2011, the Thailand Golf Championship has grown to become the Asia Tour’s flagship tournament and is widely recognized as one of the most prestigious golfing titles in the region.
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t is well known for attracting international stars of the very highest calibre; the tournament, which boasts a prize fund of US$1 million, has enjoyed four spectacular editions to date. In last year’s tournament it once again had a stellar field of international players – defending champion from 2013 Sergio Garcia, two-time Masters winner Bubba Watson, US Open champion Martin Kaymer, Ryder Cup heroes Lee Westwood and
Victor Dubuisson, Anirban Lahiri the Asian Tour No 1, Kiradech Aphibarnrat winner of three European Tour Events and our own Thai hero Thongchai Jaidee. England’s Lee Westwood claimed a unique Thailand Golf Championship double when he staged a fabulous fight back with a final round fiveunder-par 67 with a four-day total of eight-under-par 280 at the Amata Spring Country Club.
This tournament also secured 38 Official World Ranking Points to the winner, which is one of the highest ever in a full field Asian Tour tournament. In 2015, The TGC is once again part of the Open Qualifying Series, the only qualifying event in Asia, with four places in The Open at St Andrews on offer. The tournament also showcased Thailand as a key tourism destination with first-class infrastructure and capabilities to host a major event. The tournament continues to grow from strength in strength and benefit Thailand by generating more overseas tourists as well as increase foreign investors’ confidence in Thailand. Media coverage of the TGC has been tremendous, with the event being broadcast live in high definition over four days through the Asian Tour’s global television platform. Global exposure and PR value has grown
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Bubba Watson
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Charl Schwartzel
Martin Kaymer
Two Time Champion Lee Westwood
exponentially from 2011 to 2014. The tournament successfully delivered 1,624 global broadcast hours across 41 broadcasters. Apart from the fact that there are some serious ranking points on offer, the players really like to make the trip to Thailand. At the end of a very long and tiring year, they can unwind in the luxury of the St Regis hotel in Bangkok, while playing on what many have said is a first class golf course. It’s no wonder that the likes of Henrik Stenson, Rickie Fowler, John Daly, Tommy Fleetwood, Hunter Mahan and Charl Schwartzel (winner in 2012) have also enjoyed the wonderful hospitality of golf in the Land of the Smiles. They are treated like champions and they appreciate it too. This year’s tournament will be held on December 10-13 2015. For more details on who is playing check out their website www. thailandgolfchampionship.com
Henrik Stenson
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Seaside Golf Around The Andaman By Mike Bridge
It has been a couple of years since I last played down in Phuket, so with a few recent chances I decided to check out the golfing scene on the Island again.
Aerial Shot 1 of Laguna Golf Resort
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huket is still relatively busy with construction underway to enlarge the local airport with an additional terminal, and already there are several international flights connecting the island to Russia, Scandinavia, the Middle East and the UK. It is also relatively cheap to fly there from Pattaya or Bangkok for a few days golf down south too. There are eight golf courses on the island and a few dotted around Khao Lak, north of Phuket as well. You will need some deep pockets though, as some of the most expensive rounds of golf in the country can be found here. As there is now no more space to build anymore courses on the island, certain clubs feel they can command high rates especially from the wealthier golf vacationer. To play a round of 18 holes at the island’s top course Red Mountain, their website states the green fee is THB6,000, caddie fee is THB400 and carts which are essential are THB700 all year round. That’s before you tip your caddie and pay for drinks, food and transport. Hefty by international standards, but some will say worth it as it is a very unique experience. I am told that currently however during the low season certain courses were offering green fees for only THB1,500, but during the peak season it is likely to rise. Best bet is to check out the individual courses websites for up to the minute rates. There are also a few active golf societies on the island, and sometimes locals and Thai residents may be entitled to receive discounts.
hazards on 17 of the 18 holes, and when it is windy, you will need to allow for cross winds. Blue Canyon’s clubhouse has a very colonial feel to it and is still a class act, however for the high rates being currently charged these two courses need to be maintained at a higher level. Recently new owners have taken over and have promised improvements, so watch this place. Loch Palm and its sister Red Mountain are located right in the middle of the island, so you are likely to get there within 20-30 minutes from leaving your hotel. Loch Palm is a firm favorite with the locals, and has recently benefited from a complete upgrade of its clubhouse. Loch Palm Golf Club is built around Crystal Lake, the central feature of the course and in fact the largest body of water on any Phuket golf course.
Loch Palm has smooth slopes and dramatic elevation changes, and you will cross or play around ravines and plateaus. The front nine sits amid lakes and palm trees, while the back nine moves you though mountains, hitting uphill and downhill with woods, irons and even your putter. A fun day out! Literally next door is perhaps Phukets most talked about 18 holes, Red Mountain. Designed by Englishman Jon Morrow who then went onto to create Bangkok’s Riverdale, this course weaves its way around an old disused tin mine. Every hole here has the WOW factor from the first to the last hole. Hole 2 a testy par 5 is a tough challenge as your drive and second shot needs to get up the hill so you can then see the raised green. Hole 10 has a good view down to the lake below, and there is a great view of the entire area from the highest point on the course from the 16th tee.
Blue Canyon, next to the island’s airport is perhaps the most famous club here, with a very tricky Canyon course or the slightly easier Lakes course to enjoy. Although most will want to follow in the footsteps of Tiger Woods, Greg Norman and Ernie Els who all competed on the Canyon course, the Lakes course is easier on your scorecard with wider fairways. The Canyon’s rough can be deadly and watch out for the undulating greens here. The Lakes course has water
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Hole18 Loch Palm
Mission Hill par 3 The star attraction here however is their par 3 17th, 120 metes sheer drop down into a mine shaft. Definitely a Kodak moment here! I have to admit the course has been in excellent condition every time I have played here. The caddies are very well trained, the clubhouse restaurant is superb and they have some very new clubs for hire too. It is very hilly so carts are not only compulary but essential. It is expensive but at the end of your round here you will feel you have had your money’s worth. Worth a mention is Laguna Phuket Golf Club, which recently re opened after a major upgrade. Part of Asia’s fully integrated resort development, this 18 holes sits next to one of the island top hotels The Banyan Tree. Only 6,756 yards from the back tees, course designer Paul Jansen has
Blue Canyon Lakes Course created the perfect golf experience for players of all abilities. Here you have a fairly flat terrain with natural water features, well placed bunkers and gently contoured greens built to USGA standards. Nice touches are lakes with water lilies, Banyan trees and even a few local boats positioned to add to the seaside location. Worth adding to your list and you should come away with a low score too. Mission Hills Golf Resort & Spa is on the North East of the island and has one of the most spectacular club house entrances you will see, with the course and the sea as a backdrop. Design by Nicklaus Design this 18 hole par 72 course is 6,806 yards from the black tees to 5,127 yards from the red tees. The course has experienced some problems in the past, particularly the
Laguna Phuket
quality of their fairways. However we are pleased to report that all 18 holes have benefited from a full course up grade. Perhaps not the busiest 18 holes on the island you are however rewarded by some great holes running along beside the sea, and you can almost touch the fishermen as the chug past in the small long tail boats. Millionaire’s golf and no waiting here on the tee boxes! On the island there is also the Phuket Country Club and Phunaka (9 holes + driving range) if you need a quick round. In a nut shell Phuket is still a golfers paradise and with all the nightlife, fabulous restaurants and a wide choice of boutique to 5 star hotels, it is hard not to enjoy a few days there. But do remember to top up your ATM card.
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10th-from-clubhouse Red Mountain
ST. ANDREWS 2000 / RAYONG GREEN VALLEY / SILKY OAK Contact us :
Tel. 038 030660-2 , 081 940 8181 Fax. 038 030663 Email: golfing@standrews2000golf.com Website: www.standrews2000golf.com 30
Silky Oaks caddies
Thailand’s
Secret Weapon Apart from over 230 golf courses, the excellent
climate, great value and superb hospitality, maybe the number one asset that puts golfing here in the Land of Smiles way ahead of other regions are the wonderful Thai Caddies.
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Helpful Caddies
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ccording to Thailand’s top golfer Thongchai Jaidee, he reckons that the caddies are the secret weapon to adding to a great round of golf here.
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Whether you are a golf vacationer or an expat, perhaps the first experience of having your own caddie can seem a bit daunting. I always remember being informed at the pros shop that I would be paying for the green fee and caddie fee, and that my initial reaction was that my game was not worthy of taking a caddie.
Bottom line, it turned out to be one of my better rounds, and since then when playing in other countries, I actually miss their advice and support. At virtually all Thai courses, the golf club is one of the main sources of employment for members of the local community, from ground staff to admin plus caddies to waitresses. It is estimated that there are over 25,000 mainly female caddies employed across Thailand, often with mothers and daughters working together.
The majority are well trained in the etiquette of the game, and know the layout of their own course. Older caddies will pass on information to the newer recruits, and although some may have a limited grasp of English, they seem to get by with a smile. When you arrive at the bag drop, your allotted caddie will take your golf bag and give you a card with a number. Then either your tour operator will have sorted out the fees, or you pay for your green fee, golf cart if needed and a caddie fee.
This caddie fee is normally between THB350-400 of which the caddie is likely to receive 75%, while the club keeps the rest to cover insurance and uniforms etc; The duties of your caddie range from driving your golf cart or pushing your trolley, cleaning and selecting your clubs, giving you the distances from the tee box and on the fairway, plus advising you on the slope of the greens. Some experienced caddies with years of experience, can read the greens better than reading a paperback novel! Caddies do not receive a salary, and during the low season will be lucky to average four rounds, so naturally they do rely on us to tip them at the end of 18 Holes. Ask them how much and they will all reply “It’s up to you!” Having asked around, I think the average is anything between THB300-500, and if you are playing in a four ball often everyone will pay the same tip. Naturally if you have some birdies on your card or even a hole in one, then a bit more would be handy and very gratefully received. So enjoy your round, and let the caddies do all the hard work, and hopefully lower your score too!
Caddie reading the greens
Come visit us at Soi Siam Country! Our 300yards driving range is exclusive. We are the first and only boutique driving range in Pattaya. Come visit us. We welcome all customers.
Tel : 038-405016 E-mail : support@300driving.com www.300driving.com
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Course report
Khao Kheow Country Club
At the recent 2015 PGA Championship hosted at Whistling Straits, we are all likely to maybe remember two things, as it was the first major victory for Ausi Jason Day and everyone was in awe of the actual 18 hole course itself.
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histling Straits beside Lake Michigan in the States is a Pete Dye classic, and to be honest it is unlikely that you will ever play a boring Pete Dye designed golf course anywhere in the world. Here in sunny Thailand, Dye and his company Dye Designs Inc have been involved in two courses, Subhapruek in Bangkok and Khao Kheow near Pattaya, Thai Muang Beach Resort in Phuket and Khao Kheow near Pattaya. All two feature Pete Dye trademarks: tough par 4’s (especially the closing holes) where you need to hit straight, tricky par 3’s, the subtle use of water hazards and, of course, the railway sleepers (tires) in and around the bunkers. Pete Dye is reputed to have never finished a golf course. His courses may be open to play, they may host major championships, but he continually
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returns to these famous designs to fine-tune them – improving the playability for the typical resort player while ratcheting them up for the tour professional. Considerable work in recent times has also gone into making the 27hole Khao Kheow Country Club a very fine, championship standard course with the A-B courses likely to be the venue in the future for an Asian PGA event. These developments have not altered the nature of the courses. They have just fine-tuned them to make them better. While they are eminently playable to the average resort guest, they remain extremely challenging to even the most seasoned pro. Located beside the Pattaya to Bangkok expressway about 45 minutes from Pattaya or Suvanabhumi International airport, both locals and golf vacationers alike thoroughly enjoy this peaceful country golf course.
Dye has come up with some challenges for golf enthusiasts of every level. While offering exciting golf, these 27 holes also provide the most spectacular and serene mountain vistas and climate. Like so many of the Eastern Seaboard’s courses, Khao Kheow is set in a valley between two hills and strong sea breezes are prevalent most afternoons. All three nine hole courses at Khao Kheow are equally challenging. Courses B and C are located on the
slightly lower sections of the land, while course A heads up towards the mountain ranges, giving a bit more elevation. Course C is perhaps their third track and according to the marshall is often only used at peak times. In typical Pete Dye design fashion, careful shot making is required to overcome not only the windy conditions but also to take into account the numerous large ponds, bunkers and hills that surround the well-manicured fairways. Greens are heavily undulating which makes precise putting a key to scoring well. Having said that Khao Kheow really has something for everyone. In particular, their signature parthree B8, which plays to an island green will make both amateurs and professionals fell like they are golfing at Dye’s most famous par 3 at TPCC Sawgrass.
The first eighteen holes (A and B Courses) have been designed as a championship course and were renovated recently in 2013. The final nine holes (course c) are easier, more like a resort course. Playing all 27 holes is a good option for those who would like to enjoy the variety of holes, elevations, and settings. Not perhaps the most up to date facilities here, however the locker rooms are fine and their clubhouse restaurant overlooking the course serves great Thai cuisine. Overall Khao Kheow is one of the best values courses in the region. Carts are optional, which also helps to keep costs low and affords all golfers a choice of walking or riding. On your next golfing holiday in Thailand, try to play at least one of these Pete Dye masterpieces – you will be glad you did. www.khoakheowgolf.com
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The Most Unique Tournament
in the World
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Chinese Caddie
Thailand is well known for its culture, sandy beaches and of course its golf, but perhaps what you didn’t know, that is also well known for its smiling caddies who can also play great golf in the caddie championship.
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or the past five years Pattaya has hosted a very unique golf event called the Singha Amazing Thailand Golf Championship. It all started out as an idea to encourage the caddies to learn to play golf and improve their overall knowledge of the game. Gradually more and more club managers realised the benefit this gave to the caddies and of course in the end the improved service they gave to the customers too. The tournament has attracted international coverage, with TV crews including Golfing World flying in from the UK to cover the event. This year over 800 Thai caddies from all over the country took part in regional qualifying rounds. Then the top 120 Thai caddies joined their fellow caddies from China, Vietnam, South Korea in the Grand Final held at the Siam Country Club’s Plantation course. The tournament is taken very seriously by the competitors and there are prizes for overall scores, longest drive and closest to the pin plus prizes for the best turned out player. Yes it is very colourful!
Three Players
Hole in one
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The eventual local winner was Khun Hong caddie 170 from Burapha Golf Club here in Pattaya, while the international winner came from Sea Pine in Hua Hin. However the happiest caddie at the gala dinner was Se Jong from Seoul in South Korea who made her 1st hole in one on the par 3 in front of the club house, and also went on to finishing second in the international tournament winning a trip back to Chiang Rai. So next time you ask for some tips from your caddie, she can probably out drive you and putt you off the green....all of course with a big smile!
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New Course PARICHAT INTERNATIONAl
Golf Links
LOCATED NEXT DOOR TO THE PATTAYA COuNTRY CLUB ON THE 331 ROAD, PARICHAT INTERNATIONAl GOLF LINKS IS HANDLLY PLACED JUST 40 MINUTES FROM DOWNTOWN PATTAYA 42
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wned by the same team who run Pleasant Valley, this 18 hole course has a lot of elevation considering the area was relatively flat. Apparently the story goes that a friend of the owner had just won the contract to expand Laem Chabang Port and need a lot of sand. They agreed that in return for taking a few million tons of sand, they would build an 18 hole golf course. Good deal all round! Although still at soft opening mode the deal obviously worked, as the challenge here is to conquer some fairly elevated tee boxes across water hazards, huge bunkers, ravines, sloping fairways and small undulating greens. After a round here you definitely know you have been through the whole works. At 6,660 yards from the black tees to 4,833 yards from the red tees this is a tricky challenge.
On the day I joined a group of local expats used to playing off the blue tees, it was clear that for this excursion they were out of their depth with many not clearing the reeds and marshes to reach the fairways with their first shots. Would advise moving to the white tees here, if you want to avoid supporting the Thai Golf Ball Manufacturers Association. I think the course designers here have created a fun layout, however the majority of the greens were quite small and undulating, so offered very little room for errant shots. Putting also became a bit of a switch back affair! I suppose most will come away remembering the huge cliff guarding the raised green on their 17th hole. Fairly daunting with water hazards across the fairway. For your second shot long hitters will aim for the green, but most will need to get over
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the water and large mound across the fairway first, for a chip up to the green. Not any easy task. The front nine seemed to be a bit more forgiving with some ravines to cross and a few blind shots across dog legs to raised greens. For the romantics they even have a bunker on the front nine in the shape of a love heart. Caddies thought it was fun! Back nine kicks off with a par four with a very wide fairway up to a green surrounded by bunkers. Then you move to a tricky par 3 with water on the right and the current car park on the left. With the wind blowing getting onto the green here is tough. Preferred the second par 3 number 15 as it gave you a chance with a wider green. 16th is a killer if you tee off from the black or blue tees, as you have a long carry over reeds and marsh land onto a thin sloping fairway. I watch four players lose their balls here. Better go for the
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white tee here as at least you have a view of the green. The back nine was definitely interesting, challenging, infuriating and for the sadists fun. A low score around these nine holes and you were doing well. They are building a large club house and hotel next to the first tee box which will be complete in 2016, but for now they have built a very efficient temporary clubhouse with locker rooms, showers, restaurant and pro shop. Not everyone will take to this quirky new course and it is not to be compared to the top courses in the area such at Plantation or say Laem Chabang. To be fair the team here are still in opening and testing mode, and some bunkers and tee boxes needed fine tuning, but give it another six months and Pattaya will have another unusual golfing experience at reasonable rates. We wish them well.
BE Original
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You Can’t Beat
Playing With Your Mates 46
Finding people to play golf in Pattaya is actually relatively simple as there are numerous golf societies and bars around the city who organise trips on most days of the week.
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ecently we decided to join The Golf Club, for their monthly away day trip to Kabin Buri Sports Club about two hours north of Pattaya.
Around 22 players, some with non playing partners, drove or went in the club’s mini buses from Soi LK Metro and we all met up at the Tawa Ravadee hotel for an early lunch or for some a late breakfast. The club organises everything from booking the hotel to sorting out the
tee times at the course, so really all you need to remember is to bring your golf clubs. Kabin Buri is located only 160kms from Bangkok and around 120kms from Pattaya via the 331 and 304 motorways. Designed by Yoshikazu Kato who also created Blue Canyon in Phuket and Treasure Hill in Chonburi, this is a fairly flat course but lengthy at 7,504yards from the Black tees. A more manageable 5,829 yards from the red tees though.
For this outing everyone drove off from the white tees playing the Stableford format, so you will need to have a handicap. Check out the Pattaya Sports Club who can organise your handicap for you. This course had been used by the Golf Club several times before, so some of the golfers had a slight advantage with course knowledge. Steve Ellision one the Club’s Directors enjoyed warning new comers to watch out for Crocodiles and Deer on the back nine. In joke as you can see!
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The condition of the course was good and although flat, the layout was interesting with well place bunkers, grassy mounds, some water hazards and mature trees. After the round it was all back to the hotel’s pool for a wine and cheese party. Then several of us enjoyed a fairly boisterous dinner in the hotel’s Japanese restaurant with Saki to add to the fun. Next day I had to leave early, but the rest of them played another 18 holes at Kabin Buri before heading back to LK Metro for drinks and prize giving at The Golf Club’s popular bar. If you are planning a holiday or maybe have recently moved to Pattaya, then here is a great opportunity to play some excellent courses along with a cross section of golfers from all over the world. They run trips roughly three times a week so check their schedule at www.golfclubpattaya.com
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porsche design sport
Central Festival Pattaya Beach Lvl 2 | Flagship Store at Siam Paragon Lvl 2 www.porsche-design.com
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2bU is
Cool on and off the Course We all know how important it is out here in tropical Asia to have the right gear to wear around the course, just to survive 18 hot holes.
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ne company, named 2bU, has in the past few years managed not only to solve the problem of keeping us cooler, but enlights us with original unique styles for the exquisite people among us.
staff. He recognized that there was a niche for more fun and better quality range of shirts, be it for charity events or for the retail market. Hence, he started off with TerraAnimalis Brand featuring his beloved Chihuahua head.
We caught up with their Swiss Owner Hanspeter Feer to find out his secret of making 2bU into a very successful brand. Hanspeter is the most unlikely fashion guru you will ever meet, having spent most of his life in the hardnosed corporate world. Although having made an apprenticeship in the garment Industry in his early age, he graduated with a bachelor degree in cooperate Finance with professional assignment in Brazil, Europe and since 1991 in Asia.
By accident in 2011 he bought a colourful belt that he liked, but the buckle broke and could not be repaired. Upset over the easy breakage, he decided to source a manufacturer of these belts who had a better quality. In the end he was able to provide two buckles with each belt, which is how the idea 2bU was actually born.
Hanspeter left the cooperate world in 1995 to start his own successful Logistics and Freight Forwarding company with his partner. Hanspeter has been participating in several golf events, but was always disappointed about the low quality as well as over branded shirts he received at these events. Shirts he would hardly wear, but just passed on to one of his
‘2bU is not about the 2 buckles anymore, but has established itself as a lifestyle brand for exquisite people, who like “TO BE YOURSELF”, said Hanspeter. 2bU brand was then first launched in 2012 with the colorful belts. In 2013 they switched also all the apparel from the Terra brand to 2bU. Today 2bU is sold through most high end golf courses in Thailand including Siam Country Club, Laem Chabang, and Burapha here in Pattaya, Thai
Country Club, Riverdale, Royal Gems, Nikanti, around Bangkok, Banyan in Hua Hin, Santiburi in Samui and Red Mountain in Phuket, Rancho Charnvee and Mountain Creek in Khao Yai as well as some other courses plus online at www.2bU.biz. Hanspeter indicated they he would like to take brand a few gears up and is looking for partners and distributors abroad to further grow his business. 2bU used to be very much a fun side of his life, now with it fast increasing popularity, Hanspeter had to get more and more professional with his team. There are six designers based in Vietnam, who are continually searching for new patterns and styles for the unique 2bU range of golf shirts, pants and caps. ‘Apart from their popular seasonal ranges in the shops, 2bU prides itself in being able to individualize, allowing you to literally ‘Create your own style’, where you can choose the colours, patterns with matching shirts pants and caps for tournaments, teams or corporate use,’ explained Hanspeter.
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Hanspeter added, ‘We are using a variety of high performance fabrics, with the most popular being a lycra – polyester mix for more comfort. Bearing in mind the fact that we are close to the equator here, on all our fabrics we apply latest coating technology from Switzerland with 50 + UPF Uv protection, and a number of other coatings to our shirts, making them comfortable to wear.’ Although 2bU work with a small base collection, their range is continuously changing and customized to each shop. 2bU is also supplying to Siam OLD course the HONDA LPGA collection again in 2016. His partime fun hobby is now turning into a major fashion name on the course. The best news is you can also buy everything on line, just check out www.2bU.biz
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PLAYING The Els Everyone has been raving about Ernie Els’s new course on Langkawi Island in Malaysia which opened in April 2014, so we sent Callum Mackie to check it out for us
Callum Mackie is the Pattaya based owner of Solar Golf Tours
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fter a night’s rest at The Datai resort they headed off to the Els course in the early morning mist to be greeted by James, the golf course director. The Els is actually managed by Troon Golf who provide all the bells and whistles for which they are renowned. Golf carts are included in the rate and are equipped with the latest GPS course guide. The course length is 6,449yards and 5,311 yards respectively. The length off the black tees is measured at 6,760 yards. All course markers are in yards but the GPS on the carts offers a choice of yards or metres. The front nine threads through the jungle with the fairways getting tighter as you get deeper into the course. ‘We emerged from the jungle on the stunning 7th– a par 5 played into a green right on the edge of the Andaman sea. This 569 yard double dog leg named Taluk Datai has one of the most stunning views in South East Asia.’ This is followed by another par 5, called the Big Easy and measuring
541 yards played back towards the clubhouse with a jungle stream guarding the elevated green. Players are all greeted at the turn with refreshing cold towels and then escorted to the 10th which climbs back into the jungle with another stream ready to capture anything hit out to the right. From the 11th you play back downhill through the jungle reaching the little par 3 15th with an elevation change of around 100 feet from tee to green. Hole 16 leads back to the ocean and requires a long and precise drive to get a clear second to the green on the edge of the beach. The road home runs across the beach with a tricky par 3 and then the closing hole where you take on the signature jungle stream twice before reaching the generous green in front of the clubhouse. ‘The unique feature of the course is the total absence of any bunkers. According to Ernie, it is difficult enough without adding extra hazards. The course defenses are
relatively narrow fairways with jungle trees on both sides and the ever present jungle stream running through the course ready to catch any wayward shot. ‘ It was nearing the end of the rainy season on Langkawi, so the course should be perfect for the peak golfing season from December to April. Carts are shared between two golfers and there are caddies available if you book them in advance. The clubhouse facilities are luxury class with a friendly, informal atmosphere. Ernie even has his own locker complete with a full set of golf clubs. The Hornbill café features Asian, European and fusion cuisine attentively served by English speaking staff. The Els has been awarded the accolade of Best New Golf Course 2014 in the inaugural golf travel awards. ‘The beauty, serenity and unique design coupled with a location that combines jungle and sea side make this a must play course for the traveling golfer. A nice touch is the feature to enter your score after every hole and then your scorecard is sent to you by email on completion of the round,’ added Mackie. Courses on the Island...There are three golf courses on Langkawi including The Gunung Raya Golf Resort, a colonial style course located near to the main town in Langkawi. It is a charming, hilly layout meandering through jungle and tea gardens with an interesting variety of holes. Water is in play on many of the holes and yes – there are bunkers at Gunung Raya. There is no difficulty in getting tee times and it is an easy 30 minutes transfer from the Datai Resort.
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There and back by land, sea and air.... Mackie and his partner headed there on the invitation of the resort owners and Troon Golf. But instead of taking the conventional route by air to Langkawi, they first decided on an adventure by land and sea. ‘Our pilgrimage started in Bangkok in the early afternoon when we boarded the Butterworth express complete with luggage and two sets of clubs. Class of travel was Hobson’s choice – second class sleeper where we had to lay the clubs on the carriage aisle,’ said Mackie. The train meanders through the Bangkok suburbs and onwards through rice fields, banana farms and rubber plantations following a route southwards via Hua Hin. After an evening meal your seats are converted to sleeping bunks, with the
wider beds on the bottom. Everyone sleeps until the train stops at the Thai/Malaysian border in the early morning.
from Kuanta Perlis to Langkawi is frequent, comfortable and economic. The passage took about 90 minutes at a cost of around £6 per passenger.
Crossing the border necessitated disembarking the train with clubs and luggage, exiting Thailand and then entering Malaysia.
Total journey time was bang on 24 hours from Bangkok.
Formalities complete, they then proceeded to Arau in Malaysia. Mackie explained, ‘Dinner and breakfast were pre-ordered and delivered to our seats by a smiling, friendly service lady. Thailand seems trapped in a 1950’s time warp whilst Malaysia is modern and efficient. However, the Thai’s win every time on service and friendliness.’ On arrival at Arau they took a taxi to the ferry terminal and boarded the express to Langkawi. The ferry
Where to Stay....
For the return journey to Bangkok was a lot quicker than the train. We departed Langkawi on the morning ferry to Penang where we spent the night at the enchanting Blue Mansion – the former home of a much respected Chinese businessman that has been restored to an exclusive hotel in the centre of the old town. After an evening of exploring the streets of Penang, we slept soundly, enjoyed the a la carte breakfast and then flew directly to Bangkok with Air Asia – the excellent low cost airline.
Our hosts on Langkawi were The Datai resort, owners of the Els and located just 10 minutes from the golf course. The resort is simply stunning, located within the rainforest it combines jungle and beach in one exotic getaway. The rooms are luxury, the food awesome and the staff have that exceptional quality of being both attentive and informal. The architecture of the main resort building resembles a Malay longhouse built on stilts overlooking the Andaman Sea. The huge verandah with a lily pond is the perfect venue for pre-dinner drinks when a troop of monkeys pay a surprise visit swooping down from the trees in the rain forest. The resort facilities are world class including a feature swimming pool, spa, private beach, guided rainforest tours and a variety of restaurants serving Malay, Thai and international gourmet cuisine.
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A SPECIAL PLACE
with an ambience like no other......CASA PASCAL Fine Dining offers European and Asian style home cooking by Kim and Pascal. www.casa-pascal.com +66 (0)38 723 660
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Where to dine in PATTAYA
Pattaya is well known for its golf, beaches, shopping, spas and also of course its famous nightlife
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owever what you may be surprised to hear is it is fast becoming known as well for its many fine dining experiences. Thailand is the place for lovers of great cuisine and Pattaya is no exception, with many small and large sea food restaurants dotted along the 30kms coastline.
But if you prefer perhaps a more international styled fare, there are many excellent choices from French to Italian or Indian to Japanese with some very interesting surroundings to enjoy. In this issue we introduce you to two well established restaurants, both at opposite ends of the city.
Mantra is one of the largest fine dining experiences in town close to the Dolphin roundabout in the West on Pattaya Beach road, while Brunos is right in the heart of Jomtien. Over the next few issues we will introduce you to some hidden gems, great to enjoy a fabulous meal after a great round of golf.
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Mantra A Culinary Performance
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f you are looking for a special night out with a theatrical touch, Mantra Restaurant and Bar ticks all the boxes and more. Dynamic, stylish and seriously cool, Mantra is located on the Beach Road in Pattaya next to the Amari Hotel. With a new concept in dining, Mantra is not only raising standards in Pattaya, but also blazing a brand
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new trail that others can only hope to follow.
various mouthwatering Asian and Mediterranean cuisines.
The restaurant, with its aweinspiring architecture and eclectic and unique dĂŠcor, opens at 18:00 and the Bar, equally as impressive and provocative, is open from 17:00 to 01:00. Enjoy a pre-dinner or postwork drink before settling in to enjoy a fabulous culinary journey through
Exotic combinations from the menu offer diners a host of sublime taste sensations. In each of the open kitchens surrounding the main dining theatre, the chefs take the centre stage, expertly preparing the cuisine in a well-orchestrated display of their craft.
Savour Indian delights fresh from an authentic tandoor oven, Chinese creations from the dim sum steamer or wood-fired duck from the oven. You will find all of your Western favourites and a variety of pizzas with sun-drenched flavours hot from the wood-fired pizza oven. Enjoy fresh fish and seafood from the tanks, hot from the lava-stone grill or sliced, diced and rolled, as you watch at the sushi bar. Be sure to explore the treasures from an extensive walk-in glass wine cellar as we have over 160 branded wines from all over the world. Mantra truly is a gourmet experience. Guests can share an intimate dining alcove on The Balcony or dine on the outdoor Treasure Terrace. The Lost Gallery offers private rooms that are the perfect party space for
many occasions. Special menus can be tailor -made for every function, bringing together a delicious symphony of different Mantra cuisines. Afterwards, savour the experience by taking a seat and lingering in the bar to enjoy the sounds of the
Mantra lounge.
No need to worry about parking with valet service available and a large car park. Best to note Mantra’s dress code is chic, smart and stylish and that is how we like our patrons to dress – Gentleman, no shorts, tank tops or sandals please. The Mantra team reserves the right to refuse entry. For more information, please contact Mantra Restaurant & Bar at +66 (0) 3842 9591 or
Editor’s note:
Mantra Restaurant and Bar is open on the Beach Road in Pattaya with a dynamic concept in dining. The Restaurant, with its aweinspiring architecture and its eclectic and unique décor, is open from 18:00 and the Bar, equally as impressive and provocative, opens from 17:00 to 01:00. Enjoy a pre-dinner or post-work drink, before settling in to enjoy a fabulous culinary journey, through various mouthwatering Asian and Mediterranean cuisines. Mantra Fabulous Sunday Brunch is also available from 11:00 to 15:00.
email@mantra-pattaya.com and visit us at www.mantra-pattaya.com
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Bruno’ s A Pattaya Tradition
The original home of fine dining in Pattaya since 1996, the newly refurbished Bruno’s restaurant is located in Thappraya Road in Jomtien. 66
B
runo’s was the brainchild of Alois Fassbind and Bruno Forrer, and they were joined by Swiss born Fredi Schaub, the then executive chef in the Royal Wing at the Royal Cliff hotel. After setting up shop in North Pattaya, they soon set the standards for other restaurants to follow. They then moved to their present location and became ‘The’ place to eat in town. Fredi as he is affectionately known by his many regular customers, has had a long career and has worked for the likes of the South Hampton Princess hotel in Bermuda, the Drake Hotel in New York and the Landmark hotel here in Bangkok. Fredi has now taken over the restaurant from his original partners, and after employing several chefs while he running the restaurant as host, he has now decided to go back into the kitchen to create his masterpieces, much to the delight of all his patrons. Bruno’s prides itself on training their staff to a very high level, and this is reflected from the moment you are welcomed at the door with a smile, to
the wonderful cocktails at the bar, and then right through to the attention at your table throughout your meal. Bruno’s offer a very international fare, and perhaps what sets them apart from other restaurants is the size of their menu with over 100 items to choose, including the weekly specials. They also change their popular luncheon menus offering a set menu for just THB450. One of their signature dishes is their twice cooked Australian Lamb Rack which is specially prepared. Another favorite is their Chilean Snow fish and Fredi’s Goose Liver boat which is pan fried. They also have a large selection of pasta, and at the moment they have been promoting their mushroom dishes. One nice touch which has become a Bruno’s trademark, is they serve sorbet between dishes which helps to clear the palate. If you still have room, try some of their very tempting deserts, including a hot chocolate soufflé or a frozen Campari parfait with the spun sugar, which apparently looks fabulous.
Also have a look at their walk in chilled wine cellar with a great selection of French and Italian wines, plus a variety of new world wines including Chilean, Australian or Argentinean wines, which are very well priced. So if you are looking for a romantic meal for two or a place to celebrate that special occasion, then Bruno’s remains The in Place to dine and to be seen in Pattaya.ss the
Editor’s note:
Bruno’s restaurant and bar is located on Thappraya Road in Jomtien Pattaya, and offers a truly fine dining experience. The restaurant is open daily for lunch from 12.00-14.30hrs and for dinner from 18.00hrs until late. Enjoy a pre-dinner cocktail at the bar and lounge, before Fredi and his staff escort you to your table for a five star culinary experience, accompanied by one of Pattaya’s largest selection of wines. Tel: 038 364 600-1 www.brunos-pattaya.com
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U Pattaya swimming pool
Where to STAY Coastline Pools
With nearly 30 kms of coastline to explore, visitors to Pattaya are spoilt for choice when it comes to choosing a good hotel with a great pool to soak up the sun. Here we selected a few cool pools from Wongamat in the north of the city right down to BangSaray Beach in the east. 68
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he Pullman Hotel is nestled between some high rise condos tucked away on Wongamat Beach.
Overlooking the main beach is the Hilton hotel’s infinity pool high up on the 16th floor.
This 353 room hotel has a large pool and a very white style beach restaurant overlooking the beach.
Great place to take that special sunset photo before grabbing a cocktail at their 32 floor Horizon bar afterwards.
Great place for a dip before a late brunch at the weekends.
If you prefer being closer to the bars and action, then check out the
Barracuda Hotel (formerly Dusit 2) which has a very trendy pool with some of the best designed bedrooms in town located on Pattaya’s 2nd road. Up on the cliff overlooking the Gulf of Thailand is one of the largest pools in town with the best views at the Royal Cliff Resort. In fact they have three large pools here, so you are spoilt for chose.
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Ravindra pool
Venturing along the Sukhumvit Road east of the city is the Ravindra Hotel in Na Jomtien, with a very long and meandering series of pools leading down to a sandy beach next to Pattaya’s
Ocean Marina. Fina l ly new k id on the block is the U Pattaya on Bang Saray beach which has a combination of rooms and v il las some w ith private pools.
Their beautiful beachside restaurant called Papillon serves great seafood dishes, and patrons can also take advantage of a dip in their infinity pool overlooking Koh Larn and Monkey Island.
Royal Cliff Terrace
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Thailand is famous for many things from its incredible culture to its fantastic hospitality.
Spas
Whether you like shopping, playing golf or just lazing on a beach
it’s all here. However your round of golf will be complete when you experience a visit to a Thai spa.
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ere in Pattaya we are awash with spas and massage parlours, some who employ accredited staff and others where the staff may have no training, but a big smile. Certainly after 18 holes on a great course, it is great to easy the aches and pains away, so let us make a few suggestions where to go in Pattaya for a five star experience. To be honest although they may be more expensive, most of the 5 star hotels have some of the top spas in town. The Spa Cenvaree at the Centara Grand Mirage Beach Resort, is the largest wellness facility in Pattaya. Here apart from a number of treatments they also have a Sauna for general detoxification, weight loss and stress relief, a herbal Steam Room, cold & hot plunge pools, a lap pool , a fitness center, and a relaxation lounge complete with juice and snacks. For locals they even have a “Heavenly Care Spa Membership” which costs THB10,000 for annual 12 month membership fee. This means you can enjoy spa treatments to the value of THB 35,000 and use of all the facilities too. For more information or reservations, please contact 038-714-967 Close by and also on Nakula Beach is the Pullman Pattaya Hotel G. Their spa called Aisawan is designed in a traditional Thai style with quiet areas, outdoor Jacuzzi and tranquil treat rooms. The spa also takes pride in applying only the finest of natural products and
boasts a dedicated team of highly skilled therapists. Luxurious treatment rooms exude serenity and the idyllic outdoor spa villas, set between pristine lotus ponds and spanned by natural wooden walkways, each allow guests to experience the very essence of nature. Telephone 038 411 940-8 At Bang Saray which is around 10kms east of the city there is a new hotel called U Pattaya. They are located right on the beach and their U Spa has both indoor treatment rooms called Barnacle plus an open air terrace sun deck overlooking the Gulf of Thailand or the Strand their beachfront zone.
Serenity Cenara Spa Exterior
Here their skilled therapists use seaweed extracts, salt scrubs using extracts from the Dead Sea and cream, milk and oil for a very relaxing massage. The hotel which is not far from Non Nooch Gardens also has a wonderful restaurant overlooking the sea called The Pavilion which is worth visiting after your spa. www.facebook.com/UspaPattaya. Finally one of Thailand’s leading chain of wellness centres Health Land has a very large spa located in North Pattaya.
Pullman Spa
The number of treatments is extensive from body polish to chromo therapy steam or foot ref lexology to a tourmaline Japanese Sauna. Telephone 038 371473-7. Best to check ahead for availability and most spas do stay open late too. Relax and forget the double bogies and enjoy.
Healthland
U Spa
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MEMORABLE Motors
Double Six By Charlie Warner
Whenever we go back to the UK for a holiday,
we usually have our last night in the Windsor
Castle Hotel, right opposite the castle gates. It’s
convenient because its close to Heathrow airport. I was born and raised near Windsor, I played youth football for Windsor Rovers on the Windsor
Great Park every Sunday, I later went to Windsor
College and as a young man I worked for a boutique publishing company in Eton High street, next to the famous school.
A rare classic car, Daimler Double Six, 5.3cc V12 Coupe.
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he Royal family was often at the Castle and you would see the Royal Daimler limousines, wafting down the streets of Windsor. These stately black limos were often used to take the Queen to her many public appearances; she and other members of the Royal family could usually be seen sitting in the back seat. The Queen Mother had her own limo, a black over claret two-tone Daimler DS420. When the Queen travelled to some of her more private engagements, or tralleing between Palaces, she sometimes travelled in her own personal Daimler Double Six, long wheelbase (LWB), a very different Daimler, an exhilarating 4 door saloon car and even though the back seats of this large luxury sedan are as comfortable as any car, Elizabeth II was often seen sitting in the front passenger seat, smiling and was known to drive it herself much of the time. I have a very happy memory with this royally approved car. It was about 1983 I was working in Eton, my boss Mr. Baker, had a 1978, 2 door, Daimler Double Six Coupe, a 5.3 Liter V12. An extremely rare beast between 1975-78 only 371 were made, just 27 in left-hand drive, Mr. Baker was a country gentleman in his early 60’s with all the refinements of a well healed fellow, a large country mansion in Berkshire, a stylish flat in the West End of London and of course, a Rolls Royce and a Land Rover, but his true love was that wine red Daimler Coupe. He was the publisher of several magazines and he was the owner of the official magazine for the British Race Horse Owners Association. Horse racing was one of his great passions and he also had interests in stud farms around the world. At the time I was a recently married 25 year old, a young father with a newborn baby, I was the graphic designer for all his publications, my favorite was working on his Horse Racing magazine. One day we were all in the office, it was very quiet and he turned to me and asked, “ Have you got much work to do today?”
A Daimler DS420 State Limousine on duty
Elizabeth II driving her 1984 Daimler Double Six LWB “Well, I’m always busy boss” I replied. “Yes, I’m sure you are, come on grab your coat, you and I are going to Kempton Park races” he said and we left the office, jumped into the beautiful light sand coloured leather interior of the Daimler Double Six Coupe, and speed off to Kempton near London. “Boss: I said, “I can’t afford to bet on the races”. He passed me three £10 pound notes and said “make it last all afternoon”. It was a great days racing, it was always fun to be there, as he was a
race horse owner himself, we got to meet the jockey’s and the trainers and see the horses up close in the paddock. Then later cheering with the crowds in the stands and drinking alcohol in the bar. I really enjoyed being with the old gent, he was so dynamic always telling me stories and encouraging me to learn. I lost my thirty pounds that day though and I think Mr. Baker lost his wad too, At the end of the day when, we were leaving the busy car park I saw a new Audi Quattro Turbo, I remember it was bright white and impressively imposing with its four Olympic type rings on the side. Launched around
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1981 the Audi Quattro was a sensation, a 4-wheel drive turbo sports car for the road, there was nothing else like it. It had a 0 – 60mph of just 7.1 seconds and a top speed of 137mph. Mr. Baker in his light brown coloured sheepskin coat, his brown wool trilby, black-rimmed Ray Ban sunglasses, gold Rolex and his usual expensive cigar, was less impressed than I. When the young cigarette smoking leather jacket wearing Yuppie driver of the Quattro surprisingly over took us, rather rudely and rashly and started to pull away, the boss was spitting indignant feathers. I said “that’s the new Audi Quattro Turbo boss, it goes like a rocket? “Oh does it indeed?”. he replied. Cruising through the edges of Greater London suburbia, we gradually drew closer to the rear of the white Quattro, suddenly the boss put his foot flat down on the accelerator and the 5.3cc Daimler lurched forward, slipping past the audacious Audi, he slotted the V12 back in front in the Audi Quattro in the slowing queue of traffic.
Leather wood and chrome interior of the Double Six Coupe
Now the contest was on! Both drivers were looking for the gaps in the congestion, for the moment when they could press their accelerators and get away. I was stunned how quick the Double Six was, the Quattro tried, but was unable to get past us and once we hit the M4 motorway we gradually pulled a gap and left him in the distance. The Daimler won the urban race that day and the boss had an eternal grin of satisfaction on his face. As it happens that big old V12 classic car with a luxury interior like a gentleman’s club, had a 0 – 60mph of just 7.7 seconds and a top speed of 150mph.
With the windows down the pillar less coupe looks sleek
I’m sure the Quattro driver must have been pretty disappointed and surprised by the Daimlers performance, the similar looking Jaguar XJ6 of the time were not nearly as fast as the V12 Double Six, I wonder if he ever told the story of that days events to his mates at the pub?
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The 1982 Audi Quattro Turbo is now a classic car
2016
@ 7 th - 13th Jan Open times 10.00am - 9.00pm
THAI PROPERTY EXPO CENTRALPLAZA WESTGATE The Thai Property Expo will take place on Level One occupying an area of 336m2 in a very busy prime location close to the centre's Tops Super Store. There will be space for approximately 14 exhibitors with stands from 9m2 up to 20m2 available for this seven day expo. CentralPlaza Westgate which opened in August 2015 is the most complete 'Super Regional Mall' in South East Asia. Occupying over 500,000m2 at a cost of over THB14Billion CentralPlaza Westgate is attracting over 80,000 a day Monday to Thursdays and a staggering 150,000 a day at the weekends.
For more information about visiting the expo or to book a stand please Call
The new MRT line linking central Bangkok to the centre will open in December 2015. The station is adjacent to the centre, and is expected to attract even more visitors. The cost of exhibiting is THB 6,000m2 for the corner stands and only THB5,500m2 for all other stands. This rate is for the full seven days and includes carpet, electricity and 1.2m high white panels. The Thai Property Expo will be open 10.00 - 21.00hrs Monday to Thursday and from 10.00 - 22.00hrs on Friday - Sunday.
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Cash next to no return!
WITH THE LIKELIHOOD OF ONLY A VERY GRADUAL INCREASE IN THE HISTORICALLY LOW INTEREST RATES OF MANY DEVELOPED ECONOMIES, DEPOSIT ACCOUNT HOLDERS ARE, IN MANY CASES, RECEIVING A RATE LESS THAN HALF THAT OF INFLATION! WATCHING THE VALUE OF YOUR MONEY SLOWLY DEPRECIATE IS A WEARING PROCESS.
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here are a huge variety of alternative options available but sorting the financial wheat from the chaff is no mean feat. Most of us are looking for a low risk, reasonable return. Doesn’t sound too difficult, does it? Nonetheless, the fact is that consistent, worthwhile returns with a low risk profile are few and far between.
It has always been accepted wisdom that, if you hold onto to ‘blue chip’ stock for 10 years, you could be assured of a good return on your capital, whether or not you bought at a peak and/or sold in a trough. There is normally some truth in that maxim despite the mayhem that’s prevailed in the Worlds’ Financial System over the last 7 or 8 years.
The problem is that, in most cases, in order to achieve better rates, the traditional school of thought says one needs to move away from the alleged safety of Bank deposits, all the way to Equities (Shares), with Sovereign and Corporate Bonds being somewhere between the two, offering a less volatile alternative, but with, historically, much lower potential returns.
All this is fine as long as you don’t need income, above dividends, throughout the ten years and you can cope with the interim fluctuations of the Share prices. Nonetheless it has to be said, for long term capital growth, quality Equities have an important place.
Rather than direct investment in equities, there are managed funds that spread their exposure across a variety of shares, with the intention of smoothing out the bumps along the way, the better of these offerings have fared well. Not only are there ‘Managed’ Funds that are spread across the Equity Sectors and Markets, there are also similarly Managed propositions that are referred to as ‘Multi-Asset’ Funds that hold selected Worldwide Equities, Fixed Interest, Commodities, Alternative Investments and Cash, where necessary. The various assets held by these Funds provide a broadening of the Investment, further reducing the risk profile.
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By Tim Whiteley
Since the upheaval in the World’s financial system, Fund managers have also had to come up with real alternatives for the millions of people looking for decent growth and/or income from their Capital. This has resulted in Funds that are linked to Sectors where demand far exceeds supply, into the middle distance. Such Funds mushroomed out of enterprise and necessity and have provided a stable, worthwhile investment for many throughout the general Market turmoil that has existed over recent years. Unconnected to the Stock Markets and benefitting from increasing demand from their particular Sectors, many of these offerings have been real boon to those of us partially, or wholly dependent on growth and/or income from Capital.
Important Note - This article contains general information only and is not intended to be taken as specific financial, investment, or tax advice. A personal analysis should always be obtained. Tim Whiteley of IFA International has over 25 years as an IFA, advising International Investors and Expatriates, both Onshore UK, and Offshore in Asia. With offices in Bangkok, and regular client visits to Pattaya, IFA specialises in Wealth Protection Services, Offshore Trusts, QROPS UK Pension Transfers and QNUPS, creating tailor made Investment Solutions for individuals around the World. IFA International does NOT provide discretionary portfolio management, securities advice, forex trading, or local brokerage/ insurance products. The services that IFA International Group provides are for International Investors and Expatriates only and are not applicable to local Nationals. This is NOT a solicitation to sell or market securities. Questions to the author can be directed to: timwhiteley@ifainternationalgroup.com
Sell your car quickly and easily reach 1,000's of buyers in your area, its simple to advertise your car and it's FREE! Buy new and used cars The best choice of second hand cars and new motor dealers in Pattaya and the Eastern Seaboard district. Useful information on how to buy and sell used cars, auto insurance and motor finance. Find new car dealers showrooms for sales, service & parts in Pattaya Chonburi & Rayong.
Private sellers go to the website to add your car.
For Dealers Advertising Call:
T. 092 716 8453 or 083 113 8712
www.PattayaCar4Sale.com
PATTAYA SPORTS CLUB more than sport
pattayasports.org info@pattayasports.org 038 361 167 open daily 9am to 5pm 3/197 pattaya 3rd road
Our members enjoy organized golf most days of the week with super discounts at over 20 courses.
Golf made easy
PattayaSports.org/GolfMadeEasy
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TO BANGKOK
TO CHACHOENGSAO
314 7 34 315
3 AMATA SPRING C.C.
CHONBURI
7
25
315
349
3 331
344
8 3138 MOUNTAIN SHADOW G.C. 1 BANGPRA G.C. 22 PLEASANT VALLEY G.C.C. 7 KHAO KHEOW C.C.
2
CRYTAL BAY G.C.
BAN BUNG
344
GREEN WOOD G.C. 5
7
SIRACHA
WANGJUNTR G.P.
3241
12
TREASURE 18 HILL G.C.C.
AO UDOM
PATTAVIA CENTURY G.C.
10
LAEM CHABANG
3
331
3
BURAPHA G.C.
7
PATTANA SPORT CLUB & RESORT
3138
9 LAEM CHABANG G.C.
36
3245
MINI SIAM
SIAM C.C. WATERSIDE
PATTAYA
17
SIAM C.C. 14 OLD COURSE
19
ASIA PATTAYA HOTEL
Siam Royal View
PARICHAT INTERNATIONAL GOLF LINKS
26
21
20
SIAM C.C. PLANTATION
PATTAYA C.C.
3376
36
16 11
RAYONG GREEN VALLEY C.C.
PHOENIX GOLD GOLF 23 & C.C. PATTAYA ST. ANDREWS 2000 G.C.
331
3
80
4
3376
332 ROYAL THAI NAVY PLUTALUANG G.C. SATTAHIP
3375
6
15 U TAPAO AIRPORT
THE EMERALD G.C.
3
3191
13
SILKY OAK C.C.
BAN CHANG
EASTERN STAR G.C.
TO RAYONG
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Pattaya Golf Course Directory.
All within 25-80 minutes from central Pattaya are 25 golf courses offering some amazing challenges for golfers of all handicaps from beginners to professionals. Literally every type of challenge is here in Pattaya, from the genuine championship golf courses such as Siam Country Club’s Old Course to the whacky Wangjuntr country course, with animals and two greens per hole. Over the following pages we have listed the twenty six local courses around the region that are open to the public. Of course there is also the famous Amata Springs course near Chonburi, home of the Thailand Golf Championships, however this is a member’s only course so we have not included it in our list. Verging on the border of Pattaya, but still only a 90 minute drive from Pattaya is Royal Lakeside Golf Resort, a links style course and also Bangpakong Riverside. So you could say there are nearly 24 courses to test your skills nearby. Each entry will give you a brief description of the club and course plus we include website and telephone numbers as well.
Birdies describe either a great hole or some good points to take in. Bogeys will explain any downsides such as a difficult hole or a poor facility. Watch out for is our way of giving you the heads up on some special feature at the course. We have not included prices as they can change during the seasons. Best bet is to call ahead and see if the selected club is running any promotions. We know you will have a
lot of fun playing golf in Pattaya and luckily apart from a few rainy days the courses can be played 365 days a year. Apart from our magazine do check out our website www.thepattayagolfer.com as we will be up dating course reports and information regularly. Do give us your feedback by going on line and sending us your own report. Enjoy!!!
Golf Course Directory 1. Bangpra Golf Club 2. Crytal Bay Golf Club 3. Burapha Golf Club 4. The Emerald Golf Club 5. Green Wood Golf Club 6. Eastern Star Country Club 7. Khao Kheow Country Club 8. Mountain Shadow Golf Club 9. Leam Chabang Golf Club
10. Pattana Golf Club & Resort 11. Phoenix Gold Golf & Country Club Pattaya 12. Pattavia Century Golf Club 13. Silky Oak Country Club 14. Siam Country Club Old Course 15. Plutaluang Navy Golf Course 16. Rayong Green Valley Country Club 17. Siam Country Club Waterside
18. Treasure Hill Golf & Country Club 29. Asia Pattaya Hotel 20. Siam Country Club Plantation 21. Pattaya Country Club 22. Pleasant Valley Golf & Country Club 23. St Andrews 2000 24. Wangjuntr Golf Park 25. Amata Spring Country Club 26. Parichat International Golf Links
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COURSE DIRECTORY
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website: www.bangpragolf.co.th Email: tiwa@bangpragolf.co.th Tel: +66 (0) 38 341149-50
2
Tel: +66 (0) 38 349 370-4
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Bangpra Golf Club is the one of the oldest golf courses in Thailand.
Birdies: A longish course but with some birdie opportunities.
Constructed on a total area of 550 rai, it celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2007. Originally Bangpra Golf occupied only 9 golf holes, however they added another 9 holes, and further improvements were assigned by the Tourism Authority of Thailand.
Bogeys: The course has some of the most difficult greens to putt in Thailand Watch out for‌.Tourists in particular will enjoy playing alongside monkeys who frequent a couple of the holes here!
Crystal Bay Golf Resort This 27-hole Golf Resort course was designed by Japanese designed Thai Takenaka and opened for play in 1988.
Birdies: The rates charged make this a popular stop for locals and expats, and it does provide a fun round of golf close to the sea.
It is located near Sriracha some 45 minutes from Pattaya and 1.5 hours from Bangkok. Described as a Hawaiian style course with palm tree lined holes, Crystal Bay has good tee boxes, lush fairways and fair greens.
Watch out for: Several birdie able holes and some potential holes in one here. Bogeys: The rates charged make this a popular stop for locals and expats, and it does provide a fun round of golf close to the sea.
COURSE DIRECTORY
Birdies: Perhaps one of the most spectacular holes on course B is the 4th a 403 Golf yard parClub 4 off a raised tee Burapha down across a small lake onto a large landing area. Also the last 4 holes on D course are good fun with plenty of birdie opportunities. Watch Out For‌. Course D takes in the highest part of the course with spectacular views across the valley to its neighbor Laem Chabang Golf Club.
Bogeys: Locker room is a bit old fashion, but is clean and has adequate showers etc. Summing Up: Overall if you want a number of challenges at a fair price then Burapha ticks all the boxes. There is a well-equipped driving range and putting greens plus male and female locker rooms, a pro shop and club restaurant. www.buraphagolfthailand.com
A well maintained 36 hole golf club located only 30km north of Pattaya makes Burapha Golf Club in Chonburi Thailand a popular stop for locals and tourists all year round. Designed by course architect Gary Panks and tour professional David Graham, they have cleverly incorporated the hilly countryside to create four sets of challenging nine holes. The West course is 7,100 yards and the East is 7,300 yards The club has hosted several championships including the Singha Pattaya Open which uses course B and D.
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www.buraphagolfthailand.com Tel: +66 (0) 38-372-700-2
The local Pattaya Sports Club have also added silver tees just behind the Red Tees for their older players, who did not want the idea of playing off the ladies tees, but need that extra few yards to give them a chance of a good score. This course is very well maintained and the greens play quite fast as well. The caddies are very knowledgeable and many also play golf.
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COURSE DIRECTORY Birdies: The rates charged make this a popular stop for locals and expats, and it does provide a fun round of golf close to the sea. Watch out for: Several birdie able holes and some potential holes in one here. Bogeys: The rates charged make this a popular stop for locals and expats, and it does provide a fun round of golf close to the sea. 4
www.theemeraldgolf.com Tel: +66 38 941 111
The Emerald Located approximately 40 minutes’ drive east of Pattaya just past Bang Chang, this modest 18 hole course was supposedly designed way back by Sir Nick Faldo. A genuine country course with several single track holes, giving you the feel of playing in a peaceful ‘Hobbit’ style forest. The course which is actually carved through a pristine rain forest with mature trees, has it good and bad days but is always busy as their pricing is reasonable. Birdies: A very pleasant golfing experience, with not so many bunkers but lots of mature trees lining the fairways plus a
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www.gwgolfclub.com Tel: +66 38 263 158-9
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Greenwood Golf Club Located around 40 minutes north of Pattaya , this country style 27 hole course (A,B and C nine holes) opened in 2007 was designed by the legendary Peter Thompson 5 times British Open Champion. There are three nine hole courses, styled as a Links, British and American Woodland style courses with Bermuda Dwarf on the greens and fairways Bermuda 419 for you technical golfers. Birdies: The fairways on course A seemed lusher and greener and most
lot of grassy undulating raised greens. Their first par 3 is across a valley up to a very steep green is a challenge. Well done if you make birdie here.
Watch out for: Some very fast and undulating greens especially on the par 3’s. A very friendly golf outing. Feels like you are playing in a green forest…. very peaceful setting.
Bogeys : The locker rooms are very small and old fashioned with have padlocks instead of keys. The club house restaurant is open air so can be humid after a rain storm, but the beers are cool!!!
of the tees offered some ‘WOW’ factors. A good country outing! Bogeys : Staff in pro shop spoke a little English which can be tiresome, but they are friendly. The locker rooms and showers were clean, and although the restaurant was a bit basic, the menu was extensive. Watch Out For...we especially liked the third and eight holes on Course A where you are driving downhill with a second shot over a valley with a small stream up to a raised green surrounded by bunkers.
COURSE DIRECTORY
Birdie: A great starting hole with a sloping green down to a lake.
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Watch Out For: The topiary is everywhere including elephants and even what looks like the FA Cup on the dogleg at hole number two. Also yardage markers are quaint bird huts on long poles. Bogeys : Can be a bit slow at the weekends, as it is a popular course. www.easternstargolfcourse.com Tel: +66 38 630 410
Eastern Star Country Club This links-style course located near the Gulf of Thailand, is one of only five courses in Thailand designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr. Set on 530 acres of land the course features wide fairways and hundreds of coconut palm trees. The gently undulating fairways and greens feature 65 bunkers, 11 lakes and more than 2,200 coconut palm trees. The golf resort is conveniently just past Utupao Airport and is situated just 2 kilometers from the sea ensuring a constant
cooling breeze. Like a true links course, it is only slightly above sea level in altitude. Eastern Star has been the venue for local and regional golf tournaments. With open fairways this course will suit beginners and experienced golfers alike. There is a good practice area and driving range in addition to a basic clubhouse providing a wide range of facilities such as an Olympic sized beach pool, tennis courts and locker rooms.
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COURSE DIRECTORY
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Khao Kheow Country Club If you are a Pete Dye fan you will warm to this 27-hole championship course roughly 45 minutes along the Pattaya to Bangkok expressway. Dye has come up with some challenges for golf enthusiasts of every level. While offering exciting golf, these courses also provide the most spectacular and serene mountain vistas and climate.
www.khaokheowgolf.com Email: info@khaokheowgolf.com Tel: +66 (0) 2630391-3
Birdies: Dye has created a course that definitely takes you into the countryside, with lakes, fairly generous fairways, hilly fairways and undulating greens. Bogeys : Can be busy at weekends and attracts a few local golf society tournaments so book ahead. Watch out for: Being out near the mountains the course also has its fair share of winds too, making for a very pleasant round of golf.
Photo
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Mountain Shadow Golf Club Address : 159/1 Moo 2 Saensuk Rd. Muang Chonburi 20130 Tel : +66 38 393 019
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Mountain Shadow Golf Club formerly the Natural Park Hill Golf Crystal Bay Golf Resort Club, re-opened 2004 after a complete This 27-hole Golf Resort renovation. Located halfway course betweenwas designed byPattaya, Japanese designed Thai Bangkok and this Ronald Fream Takenaka18and opened forrunning play inat designed holes is a par 72 1988.yards. 6,722 It was crafted out of a former mango It is located near Sriracha some plantation with beautiful flowers and trees 45 minutes from Pattaya providing a backdrop to each and hole.1.5 hours from Bangkok. Described as a Fairways and greens are kept in reasonably Hawaiian styleUtilizing coursewater withhazards, palm tree good condition. lined holes, Crystal hastogood doglegs and four islandBay greens good tee boxes,the lush fairways and fair greens. effect, relatively short 18-hole course is well suited for golfers of all levels.
Birdies: A very pretty course and an enjoyable round of golf is guaranteed. Watch out for: Greens are fast and generally have large undulations. Bogeys: The narrow palm tree lined fairways make it a challenge to recover from errant tee shots. Adding to the difficulty is also the relative long distance between the tees and the fairways. Shorter tee shots often wind up in the difficult to hit out of semi rough.
COURSE DIRECTORY
Birdie: Their Valley course is perhaps the most exciting nine holes in the region. Jack really asks you to think about your strategy here on every hole. Watch Out For: Pattaya’s only night course as their Lakes nine holes are flood lite allowing for play up to midnight. They have also renovated their large clubhouse which serves excellent buffets with live music in the evenings too! No need to
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rush back after your round here. Leam Chabang also has a hotel, golf lodge, a large pro shop and swimming pool. Bogeys: A popular course, so expect some delays especially on the tee boxes at the weekends.
The name “Jack Nicklaus” is very well known for the golfers all over the world, and this is one of his best designers anywhere, which he likes to recommend... It is now has been 20 years old since the course opened, and it still preserves a very good layout. The course itself has been improved using Paspalum on the fairways which are same as tee boxes, and the greens with 9.0 speed Tiff Eagle. The golf course has 27 holes, separated into course A, B and C. Each course has its own outstanding characteristics and each is named by geography.
www.laemchabanggolf.com Email: info@laemchabanggolf.com Tel: +6682 2223031-3
Course A (Mountain) according to the landscape of the course, the player has to cross over several hills with sloping fairways. Course B (Lake) has 9 holes with water hazards instead of the forest bunkers on the A Course. The outstanding hole here is hole 6 B, where players have to play down through the hill with the big lake between the fairways and green. The course C (Valley) 9 holes are different from course A and B, which are integrated into the mountain and lake. Since the fairways are slightly narrower, and there are a lot of water hazards this course C offers the most difficult challenge.
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COURSE DIRECTORY
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Birdie: There are several holes offering birdies with well placed second shots up to the greens. Possibly Bookie is the best challenge but all courses are interesting.
Bogeys : There are several holes offering birdies with well placed second shots up to the greens. Possibly Bookie is the best challenge but all courses are interesting.
Watch Out For: An excellent restaurant overlooking the course is one of the best in the region.
www.pattana.co.th Email: marketing@pattana.co.th Tel: +66(0) 38 318 999
The Pattana Golf Club & Resort. This championship golf course, has 27-holes carefully crafted and manicured, situated throughout a 400 acre resort property. Each of the three 9-hole courses are aptly named Andreas, Brooke, and Calypso (after the cactus found throughout the property and course). Here you will experience undulating fairways, panoramic views of rolling hills, friendly windy conditions and scenic signature holes,
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including a 663 yard par 6 (one of only two golf courses in Thailand) make each golfer’s experience a memorable one. The Pattana Golf Club & Resort golf course and facilities offer the perfect challenge for experienced and leisure golfers, families, friends, and even larger groups and specially arranged tournaments. It is roughly a 45 minute drive from Pattaya.
COURSE DIRECTORY
Birdie: Signature hole is the par 3 hole 7 on the Ocean course. Be careful of the winds so club selection is vital‌.listen to your caddie. Watch Out For: Some holes have magnificent views of the ocean and Silverlake in the distance. Being mainly on high ground there are
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welcome breezes most of the year to keep you cool. Bogeys : Food is a bit limited on the course kiosks and they give you change in vouchers.
www.phoenixgoldgolf.com Email: reservation@phoenixgoldgolf.com Tel: +66 (0) 38 239 400 Mobile +66 (0) 84 873 5363
Phoenix Gold Golf & Country Club Pattaya Perhaps the nearest golf course to central Pattaya, Phoenix Gold is only 25 minutes away.
Piraporn has worked his magic on the Ocean and Mountain courses and the Lakes course is expected to follow. The yardage is Mountain at 3,449 yards, Lake at 3,261 yards and Ocean at 3,363 yards.
Originally designed by Denis Griffiths in 1993, this 27 hole course has recently been upgraded on instructions of the new owners by Piraporn Nimatra, who designed Banyan in Hua Hin.
Facilities include a driving range, restaurant, Pro-shop, several meeting rooms and separate male and female locker rooms.
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COURSE DIRECTORY
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www.pattaviagolf.com Tel: +66 (0) 81-304 1545
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www.standrews2000golf.com Email : golfing@standrews2000golf.com Tel : 081-940818, 038-030660-2
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Pattavia Century Golf Club. Recently Bay Crystal takenGolf overResort by Chang the This Golf this Resort course was major27-hole Thai brewery, 18 hole country designed by Japanese course originally opened indesigned 1993 has Thai Takenaka andup opened for play had the course graded and a newin 1988. minimalistic clubhouse built between the 1st and 18th holes. It is located Sriracha some Although not anear championship course, 45 Pattaya 1.5 theminutes layout wasfrom interesting, theand fairways hours from Bangkok. Described were OK and the greens were in good as a Hawaiian style course with palm condition. Maybe the rough could be tree lined holes, Bay need has good trimmed backCrystal so you don’t a minetee boxes, fairways andball! fair greens. detectorlush to find your errant
Birdies: For value for money Pattavia is hard to equal, if you enjoy a leisurely stroll around a well maintained country golf course. Watch out for: We found the greens were quick so listen to the caddies, as their undulations are often extreme. Bogeys : Not easy to find, (they need a few road signs!!!) it is around a 50 minute drive from Pattaya along the 331 about 2 kms north of Treasure Hill. At the top of the hill there is currently a small sign Pattavia so turn right and drive for another 7kms.
Silky Oak Country Club Located near Rayong, about 40 Crystal Resort minutes Bay fromGolf Pattaya, Silky Oak shares the This Golfclubhouse Resort course same27-hole location and with thewas St designed by Golf Japanese designed Thai Andrews 2000 Club and the Rayong Takenaka opened Green Valleyand Country Club.for play in 1988. Opened in 2010 this 7,135 yard par 72 course gets its name after a native of It is located Sriracha some Australian treenear that resembles a pine and is 45 Pattaya and the 1.5 golf theminutes main tree from planted throughout hours course.from Bangkok. Described as a
Birdies: Most holes on the course play to panoramic views of the surrounding hills. Least busy of the three courses so you should have no delays here.
Hawaiian style course with palm tree lined holes, Crystal Bay has good tee boxes, lush fairways and fair greens.
Watch out for: The half-way houses located on top of the hills have extra special breathtakingly scenery. Be sure to stop here between nines to really take in the magic of the area. Bogeys : Make sure you arrive early as it is a 10 minute drive by golf cart from the clubhouse to the first hole.
COURSE DIRECTORY
Birdies: The condition of the course is always immaculate and certainly the first hole driving down to some menacing bunkers and an undulating green will certainly test your nerves.
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Watch out for: Everything works like clockwork here, as you are called onto the first tee and set off on your adventure, don’t be late!! Pattaya. Bogeys : Due to its popularity during high season it is vital to book well in advance, to avoid disappointment. www.siamcountryclub.com Tel +66 (0)38 909700
The Old Course boosts an 18 hole Championship course, and has hosted many golfing events such as the Thailand Open four times, Asian Golf Circuits and the latest a world class tournament “Honda LPGA Thailand”. The Old Course was constructed back in September 1969, originally designed by I. Izumi, and has just been completely renovated with Mr. Lee Schmidt of Schmidt-Curley Design Inc. as a course architect.
In addition, the 101 bunkers are there for beauty and challengers for all golfers alike. Only 15 minutes from Pattaya and 75 minutes via motorway from Bangkok, the club is well worth a visit. You will need to book in advance and in the summer they are often closed on Monday’s. Siam Country Club also owns the adjacent 27 hole Siam Plantation course plus the latest offering the new Siam Waterside, making this the largest golf complex in Thailand.
A popular grass, Seashore Paspalum, was chosen for the fairways and Novotek for the greens.
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COURSE DIRECTORY
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www.plutaluangnavygolfcourse.com Telephone: +66 (0) 80 209 9175, +66 (0) 81 003 3811, +66(0) 33 679 932-3
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www.standrews2000golf.com Tel: (+66 )38-030660-2
Plutaluang Navy Golf Course Not your normal course designer here as the course was actually designed by the Royal Thai Navy Committee. Primarily open to allow the large Navy base to have a course nearby, there are in fact there are 13,076 yards with 36 holes on offer here. Many locals play here as it offers great value. Located 33 kms east of Pattaya to set up includes a massive locker room with hot showers, Pro Shop, Driving Ranges, 2 Putting Greens, a large Restaurant, 150 new golf carts, and over 350 caddies.
Rayong Green Valley Country Club This 18 hole Crystal Baycourse Golf Resort is part of a This 27-hole course mammoth golfGolf resortResort comprising of was designed byStJapanese designed over 72 holes, with Andrews 2000 and Thai Takenaka opened play Silky Oaks also alland sharing a largefor joint clubin 1988. house and two onsite hotels. Rayong Greennear ValleySriracha was designed It is located somein 45 minutes Pattaya and 1.5 1992 by Peter from Thomson to accommodate hours Bangkok. Described as a all levelsfrom of players, and located between Hawaiian style palmhas tree Rayong town andcourse Pattaya,with the course lined Bay haschallenge good tee a goodholes, layout Crystal and offers a solid boxes, lush fairways fair greens. with wide fairways up toand relatively small undulating greens.
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Birdies: Some raised tees add to the experience. Bogeys : Great prices so can be a bit slow if you are following a five ball. Watch out for: A full size Lighthouse on their par 3….photo opportunity here.
Birdies: Enjoy hole No 3. Although it has a fairly wide uphill fairway, Thompson has created some cleverly place bunkers around the raised green, so help from your caddie here is vital. But birdies are rewarded here. Watch out for: Some very well placed water hazards and bunkers with small tricky greens here…..but still one of the most enjoyable courses in the region. Bogeys : A very popular course with Scandinavian golf groups so best avoid those days when the tee off in large groups…can create a bottle neck.
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Birdie: Holes 8 and 9 offer some wonderful challenges around the lake as does the finishing hole 18.
Watch Out For: Highlight of the Waterside apart from the course has to be their clubhouse with 180 degree view of the beauty of the course, lakes, creeks and landscape blending with natural surroundings. Good sized restauarant, pro shop and changing rooms all add to a five star service. Bogeys : Can be quite breezy here, however great in the hot summer.
In May 2014 Siam Country Club launched it 3rd new golf course project in Thailand called Siam Country Club Pattaya Waterside. Now with 63 holes Siam Country Club has now become the biggest golfing resort in Thailand. The Waterside is an 18-hole, par 72, 7454 yards covering the area of 525 rai (200 acres) but holds the same championship qualities of the successes of the Old Course (18-hole) and Plantation (27-hole) on the property next door, which are already renowned golf courses among the best in Asia Pacific.The course was designed
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www.siamcountryclub.com Tel : +66(0) 38 909 400
by IMG Golf Course Design, one of the world renowned golf course architects and built by the same team who built Banyan in Hua Hin. Golfers will experience creation of design in harmony with nature. With many water-feature holes, including lakes and creeks in play, the course offers a great challenge from the back tees at the same time offering enjoyment for everyone from the regular tees.
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COURSE DIRECTORY
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www.treasurehill.co.th Tel : 038-420-766, 081-344-8002, 02-295-0856 Fax. 02. -295-0857
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Tel : 038 250401-11 www.asiahotel.co.th/asia_pattaya.htm
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Treasure Hill Golf & Country Club Treasure Hill is a beautiful course with the natural environment where you can experience the serenity of the country side along with a good golf challenge with complex features at each hole. Opened over 20 years ago and designed by Mr.Yoshikazu Kato Treasure Hill who has paid meticulous attention to every hole on this par 72 course 7,241 yards course. A first sight the course may look simple. But when you start playing a round you understand that it will be a good challenge to play your handicap. Located around 40 minutes’ drive from Pattaya, Greenwood and Pattavia Century golf clubs are also nearby
Asia Pattaya Hotel Right in the heart of Pattaya on Crystal BayRoad GolfSoi Resort Pratamnak 4 (between South This 27-hole Golf Resort Pattaya and Jomtien Beach)course is a greatwas par designed by hole Japanese Thai 3 course nine course designed owned by the Takenaka and opened forfrom playthe in Asia Pattaya hotel. 968 yards 1988. back tees this is a handy par 27 course. Considered a good course to improve Ityour is located nearand Sriracha some short game rescue shots 45 minutes from Pattaya and 1.5 due to the fairly rough surface. Very hours from Bangkok. Described as a conveniently located next to the sea at Hawaiian course the end of style Pratumnak Soiwith 4, theypalm hire tree lined Crystal has good clubs holes, and balls, so toneBay up your short tee boxes, lushbefore fairways and fair greens. game here venturing out to conquer one of the 22 local courses.
Birdies: This course has some smallish occasional water hazards to negotiate and fewer than usual bunkers that are a bit larger than normal, and there are several dogleg holes demanding that you position your tee shots carefully. Bogeys : This golf course sits on foothill terrain that makes it quite challenging, with sloping fairways and greens. Even the avid golfer may find it challenging to play their normal shots on this course. Watch out for: Club house restaurant serving Thailand, China, Japan, and the local food, wine, beer, soft drinks, plus they have a Jacuzzi to get rid of those aches.
Birdies: Great place to practice on some fairly tricky greens. Watch out for: Beginners may hold you up. Bogey : Not in tip top condition, but the greens are well maintained.
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Birdie: Being on the side of a hill, all 27 holes get a fair breeze which is great in the hot months. They also have a good variety of snacks and cool drinks at the on course kiosks here.
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Watch Out For: First class service all the way especially the very well trained caddies and they have one of the best club houses in the region. Popular with lots of corporate and local tournaments so best to book ahead. Bogeys : Some of the greens really are extremely difficult to read, and with 205 bunkers you will need you’re a game here.
www.siamcountryclub.com Tel : +66 (0) 38 909 600
Opened in 2008 this monster 27 hole course was designed by Scmidt – Curley Design and hosted the 2009 Honda LPGA Thailand and also the unique Singha Amazing Thailand Caddie Championship finals.
Carts are compulsory and necessary here as it is quite hilly. There are quite a lot of WOW factor holes here and to be honest whether you play the 3,736 yard Sugar Cane course, the 3,752 yard Tapioca course or the 3,645 yards Pineapple course they all offer some wonderful challenges.
There is a good driving range to allow players to warm up first, along with a large putting green and practice area near the first tees.
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COURSE DIRECTORY
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www.pattayacountryclub.com Tel : +66(0)81 654 5654
Pattaya Country Club Well located on the 331 and near to Crystal Bay Golf Resort the 36 intersection this course was This 27-hole Golfand Resort course was recently up graded has just opened a designed Japanese designed Thai magnificentby new clubhouse. Takenaka and Pattaya, openedthis for18play Only 18km from holein course 1988. designed by Thai Lt General Weerayut Phedbeusasak is a fairly flat layout with It is located some a few lakes andnear well Sriracha place bunkers, ideal 45 minutes from andThere 1.5 is for beginners or lowPattaya scorers alike. hours from Bangkok. Described as a a 300 yard driving range and the course Hawaiian style1,800 course withapalm occupying over rai offers breezytree lined holes, Crystal Bay has good tee day out.
Birdies: Low handicappers can score low on this course. Watch out for: Possibly the most interestingly designed club house around. Bogeys: Popular at weekends as it is so close to Pattaya and the Eastern Seaboard Factories
boxes, lush fairways and fair greens.
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www.pleasantvalley-golf.com Tel: 081-4105522, 085-0454050
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Pleasant Valley Golf & Country Club Pleasant Valley is located amongst then mountains north of the city of Pattaya, and is cooled by the breezes blowing across the golf course. The Khao Kheow national park with lakes and water-fall are located only a few minutes’ drive from the club house and Khao Kheow golf course is also nearby. It’s a great day for relaxation not only for golfers, but also for family members who are seeking time in the natural beauty of our country. The course is surrounded by the mountains and offers a few water hazards and undulations, on a fairly small area of land. Same owners are now constructing a new course next to Pattaya Country Club which has now opening date yet.
Birdies: A relatively short course so opportunities for low scores here. Bogeys: Relatively cheap rates means this can be a very busy courses. Watch out for: They offer several promotional packages for both weekday and weekends so check out their website.
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St Andrews 2000 This is an extremely long course playing at 7,700yards to par 74, as it features two massive par 6’s. It is part of a 72 holes resort sharing its clubhouse with Rayong Green Valley and Silky Oaks. English born golf course architect Desmond Muirhead has created one of Pattaya’s most spectacular golf courses, as St Andrews 2000 was built to replicate a Scottish links course. Located in Rayong, it is about 40 minutes from Pattaya.
Wangjuntr Golf Park Perhaps one of the most memorable golf courses in the Crystal Bay Golf Golf Resort region, Wangjuntr Park now This 27-hole Golfthe Resort was has three courses, Valley course (18 holes), designed byholes) Japanese designed Thai Highland (18 and their new Jungle Takenaka and opened course (18 holes). Park is in for factplay the in 1988. correct term as their signature course, the Highland’s 18 holes, is actually Itbuilt is located near Sriracha some around an animal sanctuary with 45 minutes from Pattaya and 1.5 deer, ostrich and cattle roaming the hours fromcountryside. Bangkok. Described spectacular Around 70 as a Hawaiian style course withneed palm minutes North East of Pattaya to tree lined holes, Crystal Baybut has good book in advance. Whacky great fun!tee boxes, lush and fair and greens. N.B. They are fairways closed on Mondays on other days somtime only open two of the three courses, so call them first before booking.
Birdies: There is a certain thrill when you look down from a high tee box to a valley below with humps and hollows, knowing that you have to drive with a degree of accuracy. Risk and reward is the name of the game here! Bogeys: The facilities although perhaps a little old fashion, are quite adequate. Watch out for: There are two par 6’s, both over 800 yards, claimed to be the World’s longest par 6! Good luck if you par them!
Birdies: Hole No 1 is a par 4 408 yard par 4 where if you want you can tee off on the roof of the drinks kiosk down into the valley below. (A Kodak moment perhaps!) However the signature hole has to be No14 on the Highland’s course…..tee box has to be 100Metres above the fairway. Watch out for: To offer golfers 36 holes, both Valley and Highland courses have two separate greens on each hole. When you arrive they give you a left hand or right hand score card so you know what to play on that round. Bogeys: The greens here offer an additional challenge as many have mounds, boulders or even a pond slap bang in the middle, so beware and ask your caddy for advice before taking your final approach shot.
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www.standrews2000golf.com Tel: (+66 )38-030660-2
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www.wangjuntrgolf.com
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COURSE DIRECTORY
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www.amataspring.co.th Tel : +66 (0) 38-468-888
Amata Spring Country Club is an exclusive private country Crystal Bay Golf Resort club featuring one of the This Golfand Resort course was most27-hole prestigious recognizable designed by Japanese designed Thai championship courses in Asia. Located in Takenaka and opened play ,inthe Chonburi 50 minutes fromfor Pattaya 1988. course and facilities provide our members with the best private club experience Itunmatched is locatedanywhere near Sriracha some in the country. 45 minutes fromthe Pattaya 1.5 Since its opening courseand has been hours fromtoBangkok. Described a privileged host the highest profile as golf Hawaiian styleincourse with of palm tree events staged the Kingdom Thailand.
Birdies: Course is a true championship track always in immaculate condition. Watch out for: The 17th is the course’s signature hole, featuring the one of the most famous island greens in the world. Get to it by boat. Bogeys: Avoid the rough here as the grass is long and difficult to get out of.
lined holes, Crystal Bay has good tee boxes, lush fairways and fair greens.
Parichat International Golf Links This is currently the newest 18 hole course in the Pattaya region. Next door to the Pattaya Country Club, this 7,201 yard course is currently on a soft opening with a temporary clubhouse. The course is called a Links although most of the holes offer wide fairways with small greens. It is already becoming popular with local golf societies, as its location on the 331 means you can get there from Central Pattaya in 25 minutes.
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Birdie: There are some fun holes including hole 17 with a cliff guarding the raised green. Watch Out For: Some of the tee boxes are set back so suggest you play White tees if you cannot carry 175 yards to some fairways. Bogeys: The greens here are on the whole very small and are hard to get close to pin.
www.parichatgolf.com Email: sales@parichatgolf.com Tel: +66 (0) 90 3860001-3