July/August 2016
AWAY days Chiang Mai
Masters champion Kings Cup Preview
EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW EGA President
OVERSEAS DESTINATIONs Yangon Myanmar & Danang Vietnam 120 THB
Issue 8
Pattaya’s newest hotel under the sun offers smiles, blissful moments and everlasting memories, not to mention Mövenpick’s signature daily ‘Chocolate Hour’. Unique by design, Mövenpick Siam Hotel Pattaya’s contemporary style perfectly complements its breathtaking beachfront location at serene Na Jomtien beach, while our world-renowned Swiss hospitality is enhanced by Thailand’s warm service, always from the heart and with a smile. Proximity to Ocean Marina will gladden the hearts of sailors; other guests will revel in spacious guest rooms and suites with large private balconies, direct beach access, and an array of new dining experiences.
Mövenpick Siam Hotel Pattaya 55 Moo 2, Sukhumvit Road, Km. 156.5 Na Jomtien, Sattahip, Chonburi, 20250, Thailand Phone +66 (0) 33 078888 l Fax +66 33 078 777 e-mail: Hotel.Pattaya.Reservation@movenpick.com www.movenpick.com/pattaya Follow us on
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The new Pattaya
upscale beachfront experiences
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From the
July/August 2016
Issue 8
Publishers desk We are very pleased to deliver this new issue of our magazine, we believe its full of original and exclusive content once again. We been to Myanmar, Vietnam and Chiang Mai, plus coverage of our local golf scene as usual. We are very proud that The Pattaya Golfer is an official media partner for two major events taking place this July in Pattaya. “The Thailand Golf Travel Mart”, on July 26th29th at the Dusit Thani Hotel, held in Pattaya for the first time and the “European and Asian Tours Kings Cup”, also in Pattaya for the first time hosted at Phoenix Gold Golf and Country Club on July 28th-31st. Not only is it a very busy month for Pattaya, but golf in Thailand is getting a huge boost with many of our Thai professionals making the news overseas. Thongchai Jaidee’s great victory at the Open de France puts him back in the top 50, and he will be one to look out in the remaining majors. While over on the LPGA tour both Jutanugarn sisters are raking in the dollars too, and are already stars on tour. Several other young Thai females have also won in last month in Japan and in the States. Thai golf is starting to reach new heights and Thailand has a great chance to grab a medal at this year’s Olympics. July and August will be busy months so enjoy the golf on TV.
By Charlie Warner
CEO & Advertising Charlie Warner. T.086 088 8744 charlie@thepattayagolfer.com Managing Editor Mike Bridge, T.083 198 6700 mike@thepattayagolfer.com Production Supervisor Kanyapat “Aof” Kohmanee. aof@silvermover.com Graphic Design Silvermover Co.,Ltd
Our new address Silvermover Co., Ltd. 46/131 Moo 4, Soi Chaiyapruek 2, Huay-Yai, Banglamung, Chonburi 20150 Thailand T. 083 113 8712 www.thepattayagolfer.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
Supported by
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CONTENTS
Chiang Mai Jewel of the North
Masters Winner Headlines Kings Cup
Course Report : Wangjuntr Golf Park, Pun Hlaing Golf Estate
See Page 17 - 20
See Page 22 - 23
See Page 28 - 31
Discover : Yangon
See Page 33 - 36
8 12 14 17 6
News Fenix Xcell WHY THAILAND? Away Days : Chiang Mai
22 24 28 32 38 42 45 48 54 56 58 62 66 73
Kings Cup Preview Ega Interview Course Report : Wangjuntr Destination : Myanmarexclusive Course Report : Pun Hlaing Food & Wine : Le Planteur Playing With Your Mates Destination : Danang Mr Tee Off Caddies Interview : Md At Mc Sun & Moon Urban Hotel Real Estate Golf Map & Directory
Overseas Destination: Danang
See Page 44 - 48
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News Siam Country Club Off Season Rates
If you fancy playing on some of the best fairways and For August they are running Ladies Month at Plantation greens around town then now is a great time to check out or Waterside, so during the week for a group of four you the promotions offered by Siam Country Club. pay just THB2,900 green fee. Firstly they are running a sports day promotion of only THB1,750 for green fee (Normal weekday rate is THB3,600). You can play Plantation on Monday’s, The Old Course on Tuesday’s or Waterside on Wednesdays and this runs until October.
And if you fancy getting in some practice the Plantation’s driving ranging is now open to everyone at just THB100 for 100 balls. For more information check out www.siamcountryclub.com
Ho Tram Players Championship
Ho Tram will host some of the best golfers in the world including defending champion Sergio Garcia.
“The Players Championship will be the highlight of the Asian Tour year and we could not think of a more deserving venue than Ho Tram,” said Asian Tour commissioner Kyi Hla Han. Golfers competing at the US$1.2 million prize event will secure world ranking points. The championship will be broadcast around the world in over 180 countries reaching over 740 million households, organizers said. The Asian Tour has announced its new flagship event Ho Tram Players Championship, which will take place at The Bluffs Ho Tram Strip in Ba Ria-Vung Tau Province from April 13-16, 2017.
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The Bluffs Ho Tram Strip, which was launched in 2014, was recognized as “The World’s Best New Golf Course” at the prestigious World Golf Awards and was recently ranked 74 in Golf Digest’s Top 100 Greatest Golf Courses.
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News Birdie
Thailand has a new golf website which can create your handicap called Birdie Thailand. It’s been created and recently launched by local golfer Shane Ruddle, well known to many golfers as he also organises the monthly Pattaya Amateur Golf Series tournaments too. Birdie Thailand has over 147 course reports across the country, so their clever software can link your handicap to that particular course, allowing for slope and degree of difficulty. You can also find a suitable club to visit,
and each course report includes yardage, a review and a gallery of pictures. Birdie Thailand will also become a great place to interact with other golfers as well. Register free now at www.birdie.in.th
Vietnam Expands Its Golf Courses Each of the links-style courses are in dramatic oceanfront settings that provide an extra dimension to golf in Asia and create new golf tourism destinations for local and foreign golfers.
Its first integrated resort, at Sam Son, 170km southeast of Hanoi, opened earlier this year. The second, with a Nicklaus Design course that opened in March and another designed by Schmidt-Curley under way, is near Quy Nhon on the south central coast between Nha Trang and Danang. A 500-room hotel is about to open at Quy Nhon, which also will feature several hundred villas. Publicly-listed Vietnam company, FLC Group, has announced plans to build a staggering twenty new golf courses in Vietnam over the next five years. The Hanoi-based company – a major developer of apartments, shopping centres, industrial parks and resorts – has USD1 billion of golf resort development under way or completed at four locations on Vietnam’s 3260-kilometre coastline.
A third project near famous Halong Bay east of Hanoi has just commenced and a fourth – that promises to be the company’s crown jewel – will comprise 10 courses, 1000 villas and townhomes, a hotel and convention centre in Quang Binh province on the north central coast. FLC Group expects a majority of players and investors at the new courses to be local Vietnamese, with Koreans and Japanese as likely secondary participants.
The Pattaya Amateur Golf Series The PAGS mission is simple, They aim to provide participants with the best value golfing and social experience on the Eastern Seaboard. After 6 successful years where participation has grown each year they feel they are almost there.
They made the decision to keep Phoenix Gold as their only venue throughout the 2016 series but due to the Kings Cup, a co sanctioned event between the Asian Tour and European Tour they have moved the July event to
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Greenwood where they have always looked after them over the past 6 years. Greenwood is currently in great shape and they managed to negotiate a very good rate of 1600 baht for Green fee, Caddie fee, Cart, Food and Competition. The date of the July PAGS is Tuesday 26th July followed by a trip back to our regular venue of Phoenix in August which falls on Tuesday 30th August. For further details please visit their Facebook page www.Fb.com/PattayaAmateurGolfSeries
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Scott Hend Grabs Global Attention LIKEABLE AUSSIE SCOTT HEND’S RECENT RETURN TO FORM ON THE EUROPEAN AND ASIAN TOURS HAS BEEN A BOOST ALSO FOR HIS CLOTHING SPONSOR FENIX XCELL
W
e all remember the gasps when John Daly started to wear the outrageous LoudMouth range on tour a few years back. Since then clothing manufacturers have been testing out numerous unusual designs, patterns and colours. These days even the likes of veterans Westwood and Garcia are often seen wearing day globright shirts and some of the female stars are even wearing disco style outfits on the LPGA tour. Fenix have been working on their CAMO POLO and have introduced the seven camouflage prints to coincide with Scott Hend’s appearance at the recent BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth. However perhaps we are not used to seeing the rather conservative Hend from Australia wearing such attention grabbing styles on tour. Certainly his camouflage shirts also caught the attention of the European Tour TV commentators, who even said they had ribbed and joked with Hend after his first round.
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Watched by millions around the world, Hend the popular European Tour Player and also Fenix XCell Brand Ambassador, wore these amazing and fashionable camouflage prints sublimated on a sports tech fabric on all four days. According to Bangkok based CEO of Fenix XCell Michael Moir, ‘ We could not have asked for a better platform to launch this new range, especially as in the earlier rounds at Wentworth Scotty was in contention and constantly on TV.
on the fairways, he replied “there’s no need to hide went you’re playing for a win on Sunday”.
Since then we have been inundated by calls and emails from potential buyers from all over the world.’
The CAMO 2016 LIMITED EDITION COLLECTION comes in a variety of colour combinations including Blue and White, Red and Black, Purple and Black and White and Gray and will be available from your closest retail golf outlet soon.
Hend commented “I’ve had a long association with Fenix and Michael Moir, and I’m excited to be wearing their CAMO polo’s in my upcoming tournaments”. When asked if he thinks he will stand out
For more information about these eye catching golf shirts and Fenix’s full collection contact: Fenix XCell info@fenixxcell.com 629 Raminthra Rd, Tharaeng, Bangkhen, Bangkok 10230, Thailand
Weekend Golf Breaks in Pattaya Stay 2 nights and play 2 rounds at Pattaya’s top courses. Packages from 8,500 baht per person including 4 star hotel, green fee, caddy and golf cart. Participating hotels are Amari Pattaya, Royal Cliff, Woodlands Resort, Tara Court and Centara Grand Phratamnak. Play 2 rounds at Laem Chabang, Siam Country Club, Burapha, St Andrews 2000 or Khao Kheow. Special packages for golf societies and groups including event management, functions and scoring.
New for 2016 – golf trips to Cambodia, Malaysia, Vietnam, Macau and China All inclusive golf holidays to top golf destinations. Flights from Pattaya and Bangkok
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Why Thailand Should be on every golfers destination list
Apart from the exceptional cultural experiences, a great climate, superb cuisine and the warm welcome, Thailand, referred to often as ‘The Land Of Smiles’, is also an award winning golfers paradise.
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n the boom of the 90’s golf courses sprang up all over the country and virtually every top golf course designer made a beeline to this S.E Asian country. The likes of Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, Gary Player, Pete Dye, Robert Trent Jones Jr, Nick Faldo Greg Norman and Schmidt and Curley all weaved their magic and Thailand started to attract the big stars like Ernie and Tiger to play here in major tournaments. Move forward to 2016 and although the boom in new golf courses opening left, right and centre has cooled a fraction, we still however have some fine new courses being created by the next generation of course designers.
Thailand has won many awards from the media and from IAGTO members having collected the Best Golf Destination in Asia and Australasia for both Pattaya and Hua Hin. Thailand now ranks in the World’s Top Five for golf vacations. No one actually knows exactly how many courses there are here, but estimates state a massive 240 across the whole country. Whereas many of the emerging Asian destinations with relatively young courses, tend to all charge approx; US$150 per round, here there is a huge selection of what could be categorized as premiere league tracks, division one and even division two clubs, allowing golf vacationers to book according to their budgets.
Another plus is the variety of golf challenges ranging from the hilly cooler layouts in the North to the seaside tracks in the South or the flatter set ups across the capital. The climate plays a big part too and although there are regional differences, on the whole golf is available 365 days a year. Of course there are tropical downpours, but many of the courses are built on sandy terrain and with excellent drainage, play can resume almost immediately the rain has passed. For the typical golf vacationer however what really makes Thailand stand out is its Golf Caddie experience . In fact Thongchai Jaidee the top golf professional, even goes
Chiangmai Highlands.
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Mission Hills Phuket. as far as to say that Thai caddies our the country’s Secret Weapon. Over 25,000 mainly young female caddies work here, providing useful advice such as giving the yardage on the fairways, reading the greens, cleaning your clubs and driving your cart. All done with a big smile too! With the arrival of many leading tour operators and journalists from all over the world for the 2016 Thailand Golf Travel Mart, Pattaya is very much on the golfing map and can boost of over 27 great courses all within easy drive of the city. The city is really pulling out all the stops as running alongside the Mart on July 28th-31st is the prestigious Kings Cup hosted by Pattaya’s Phoenix Gold Golf and Country Club and co sanctioned by the European and Asian Tours.
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If you are looking for the best golf vacation destination then we are sure you can’t go wrong in the Land of the Smiles. ENJOY!!!
Riverdale GC Bangkok.
Chiang Mai Highland
Chiang Mai Jewel of the North
Chiang Mai is not only a popular tourist destination for international visitors but it is a top golf holiday venue as well. by Callum Mackie
T
he region has twelve 18 hole courses, one 27 hole course and two 9 hole courses providing plenty of variety for any golfer to enjoy. During our visit we played three of the best courses in the region – Chiang Mai Highlands, Summit Green Valley and North Hill.
Chiang Mai Highlands is rated the number one course in the region. Opened in 2005, this Schmidt-Curley design has won many awards and was recently extended to 27 holes to increase capacity and cope for the
growing demand for this “must play� Despite only being open for less than course during the high season. a year, the new nine holes played with maturity. We particularly enjoyed the We played a combination of all three tricky par 4 C4 which plays 366 yards courses teeing off on the original back off the white tees. A straight drive is a nine, rotating to play all of the new must to open up the dog leg and is then nine holes and then finishing with reachable with a hybrid or long iron. the original opening four holes. The designer has used the naturally hilly Despite us playing in the worst month terrain to offer a challenging design of a long drought, the course was still that is pleasing to the eye. There are presented in top condition with a lot no blind shots so you can see a clear of roll on the fairways and fast greens. path from tee to green but many water The clubhouse features luxury locker hazards and bunkers can catch out the rooms and fine dining in the balcony wrong club selection or errant shot. restaurant. Chiang Mai Highlands are
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Chiangmai Highlands Golf and Spa Resort offering a special low season package of green fee, caddy and cart for 3,500 baht per round. Valid for play until 31st October 2016. Our second round of the trip was at Summit Green Valley. I had not played this course in ten years so it was a treat to play this well-established track. The course was recently acquired by the Summit Group who have invested substantially to improve the condition of this Dennis Griffiths favourite. They course was lush and green which is a big compliment given the drought that had challenged the green keeper. There is an abundance of water hazards so no shortage of H2O to keep the course in top condition. We started off the blue tees measuring 7,200 yards but then dropped back to yellows at a more playable 6,900 yards – long enough for this “veteran”. The ladies in our four ball had a significant advantage off the red tees at 5,500 yards.
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Despite many water hazards, the course will be enjoyable for high and low handicappers alike. Fairways are generously wide and the greens large and receptive. This very enjoyable course can be played for 1,800 baht green fee and caddy until 31st October 2016. Carts are optional at 600 baht per golfer but the course is suitable for walking if the temperature and humidity are user friendly. North Hill Golf Resort is the latest addition to the Chiang Mai portfolio. It started life as a private 9-hole course for owners of properties in the resort, but it has now been extended to 18 holes and a brand new hotel is opening on the development as well. North Hill is a definite contrast compared with Highlands and Green Valley. It is tighter and much shorter so the accent is on club selection with straight, accurate hitting. You need to leave the driver in the bag at many of the holes or you will run out of fairway. The course measures only 6,241 yards with
North Hill blind tee shots or obscured hazards on many holes. Many a good drive will roll “off piste� into the rough or a hazard so it is essential to use a course guide to navigate your way around this course. The caddies are armed with stroke savers, so you need to check yardages and take advice on club selection. At first we thought the opening holes were somewhat bland but that all changes as you proceed around the course. We really enjoyed the challenge of playing the short, tight layout and we had to duck for cover a few times to dodge errant drives from adjoining holes.
North Hill
The greens were fair with many late breaks and the fairways had plenty of grass despite the drought conditions. We enjoyed a cold beer and a snack in the new clubhouse restaurant overlooking the course as the sun went down over Chiang Mai. Green fee and caddy cost 3,100 baht but there are promotional packages available to Thai residents. The course is an easy walk but carts are available at 600 baht per round.
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Callum Mackie: CEO SOLAR GOLF Our visit was not restricted to golf. e walled city has a vibrant night market with an amazing variety of food, drink and crafts. e weekend market sees many streets taken over by local vendors selling their wares in a buzzing atmosphere. We spent a day in the mountains visiting Doi Pui – a village that is home to the hillside tribe and Doi Inthanon – the highest peak in Thailand with spectacular views and beautiful vegetation. Editors Notes:
Summitt Green Valley
Getting there You can drive from Pattaya stopping over in Kamphaeng Phet en route. Total driving time around 12 hours. A faster alternative is to take a flight from Utapao, Suvarnabhumi or Dom Muang with many carriers servicing the route. And there is the bus from Pattaya or Bangkok if you are looking for the lowest cost. Where to stay There are guest houses and hotels in every category that will fit any budget. Our favourite hotels are: Ratti Lanna – an oasis of tranquility on the banks of the River Ping combining modern facilities with traditional design. D2 – a boutique hotel right in the centre of town with a great bar and restaurant. Holiday Inn – located perfectly for driving to the golf courses
Summitt Green Valley
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Summitt Green Valley
What to eat You cannot visit Chiang Mai without trying the local dish called Khao Soi. A rich, succulent combination of egg noodles, coconut curry sauce, pickles and a choice of meats topped with crispy noodles. There are numerous street vendors and shop houses serving this local delicacy.
PHOENIX GOLD
GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB
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Masters Winner Headlines Kings Cup Defending champion Thaworn Wiratchant of Thailand and Masters winner Trevor Immelman of South Africa will be among the top stars headlining the US$750,000 Kings Cup.
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haworn won the 2014 Kings Cup for a record 18th Asian Tour title and will defend the prestigious trophy against a strong line-up which includes the 2008 Masters Tournament champion Immelman. For the first time in the history of the King’s Cup, the tournament will be sanctioned by the Asian Tour and European Tour at the Phoenix Gold Golf and Country Club in Pattaya from July 28 to 31, 2016. At the age of 49, the evergreen Thaworn continues to shine on the Asian Tour where he has won the Order of Merit crown twice and notched 18 victories, a record on the region’s premier Tour. With His Majesty the King Bhumibol Adulyadej celebrating his 70th year as the King of Thailand, Thaworn is eager to keep the revered trophy on home soil. Immelman, a four-time European Tour winner, will make a welcome return to Thailand for the first time since 2004. “I’m excited to play in the Kings Cup. I’ve heard great things about the event and I’m looking forward to the challenge. The standard of golf in Asia has grown tremendously over the past few years which is great for the sport,” said the 36-year-old Immelman. The Kings Cup, supported by the Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT), will receive global coverage on the Asian Tour’s extensive television platform which has a potential reach of over 180 nations and territories and 740 million homes.
Asian Tour Commissioner Kyi Hla Han was delighted to welcome back the return of the King’s Cup on the Asian Tour’s Schedule. “The Kings Cup is a special event which Thai golfers hold close to their hearts as it honours their King. We’ve witnessed many worthy champions over the years and I’m confident we will see another great champion emerge during the week,” said Han. Keith Pelley, Chief Executive of The European Tour, said: “We are delighted to be adding another tournament to the schedule, which gives those European Tour members not playing in the US PGA Championship an opportunity to compete that week. We had a very successful visit to Thailand in March it’s a wonderful country with some of the most warm, welcoming people in the world, so we are very much looking forward to returning for the King’s Cup.” “The Kings Cup is one of Thailand’s most significant golf tournaments. We are determined to maintain the importance of this tournament and make an effort to strengthen it in cooperation with the Asian Tour and European Tour in order to grow golf in Thailand, particularly to offer Thai players the opportunity to play in international fields,” said Methee Sudasna Na Ayudhya, President - Professional Golf Association of Thailand. Chanya Swangchitr, President, Phoenix Gold Golf & Country Club said: “We are looking forward to welcoming both local and international players at our challenging championship course. We also strongly believe that it will be one of
the most exciting and very competitive tournaments in Thailand.” Lt. Gen. Kriangkrai Chaichumporn, President of Greatness Holding Company Limited, the promoter of the tournament, said: “We are delighted and proud to organize this prestigious golf event which is considered as one of our nation’s prominent events. We do hope that the coming King’s Cup 2016 will be beneficial for golf development and promote tourism in Thailand.” The Royal Thai Army Radio and Television (Channel 5) will broadcast the event liveon Saturday and Sunday for local golf fans. “Channel 5 is pleased to be part of this international golf tournament. With our nationwide network and high definition broadcasting system, the Thai golf fans can enjoy watching the exciting golf tournament at home,” said Col. Thanathip Sawangsang, Program Director of Royal Thai Army Radio and Television. The field for the King’s Cup will comprise of 90 players from the Asian Tour, 25 from The European Tour, 25 from Thailand PGA and 16 invite spots. Prize money earned from the tournament will count towards the Asian Tour’s Order of Merit and also on the Race to Dubai ranking on The European Tour. The Kings Cup will be the second tournament in Thailand to be jointly sanctioned by the Asian Tour and The European Tour following the staging of the True Thailand Classic earlier this season.
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EGA
Moves into
2016
Mike Mesommonta President of the EGA.
The EGA or to give its full title The East Coast Golf Course Management Association actually started over twenty years ago, where they had 5 star , 4star and 3 star golf courses then. The idea was to get together the seven clubs giving them more impact to encourage golfers to come to Thailand.
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n those early days it was more of a social networking group and gradually it became more of an information giving operation, covering the percentage of foreign golfers, the problems with their courses and looking at budgets etc; The owners were happy and more clubs joined so today the EGA is one of the largest and most active courses in South East Asia.
The EGA is also a major events organiser, which started nine years ago with their Pattaya Golf Festival, which has now grown into the Thailand Golf Festival with over 3,470 local and international players competing. Prizes galore and discounted green fees has made this a big hit with the EGA members and the golfers alike.
Thai Mike Mesommonta who originally graduated in the States, has now been at the helm of the EGA and its President for almost 18 years. Not only is he the GM at Burapha Golf Club, a very busy 36 hole club in Chonburi , but also spends up to 50% of his time running the EGA.
Recently they launched the Singha Amazing Thailand Par 3 Championship held on 18 holes at Burapha. Available to young and old, male or female golfers, it was a huge success, so that in 2016 the championship will include rounds at St Andrews 2000, Laem Chabang, Siam Country Club and Burapha. Each course sets up new tee boxes on the side of the fairways where there are slopes and the events take place on week days. In 2015 they held three rounds and over 144 took part in each round, bringing in welcome extra revenue too.
Over those 18 years he is very proud to say that firstly they have improved the working conditions for the thousands of caddies working in the Thai golf industry. Also the Association with its various incentives has definitely increased the number of rounds of golf in the region with over 1 million rounds played in Pattaya alone! By advertising together the 26 members are making a bigger impact especially overseas.
The EGA’s most unusual event though has to be their Singha Amazing Thailand Caddie Championship. It started back in 2009 as a local event for Pattaya caddies
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who play golf to compete, and learn more about the game. Move on to 2016 and over 900 Thai caddies are competing across the country in regional events, where the top 120 will play alongside caddies from other Asian countries including China, South Korea, Indonesia, Japan and Vietnam.
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Quoted by the Golfing World TV show as the most colourful tournament they
have ever covered, this year’s final will follow the footsteps of the LPGA stars, as it is being hosted at the famous Old Course at Siam Country Club. Not only does it improve the caddies enjoyment and understanding of the game of golf, but the dream of the EGA is that maybe that one of the caddie finalists will move onto to join the LPGA tour. For more information check out their website www. egathailand.com
Wherever you go 2bU connects you 2bU golf apparel is available in selective Pro Shops around Thailand and can also be purchased online with worldwide delivery guaranteed. Feel free to create your own style, pattern and color of golf or leisure sports wear for your team, company or event. 2bU will assist and fashion them for you to perfection. Visit us and stay connected www.2bU.biz
Order no w w o rl dw ide de l iv e ry 27
Course Report
Wangjuntr Golf Park
The Wangjuntr Golf Park is perhaps one of the most unique golfing experiences you are most likely ever to encounter. A mix of Safari World, mountain climbing, disneyesque madness, three courses, 54 holes and yes 90 greens!
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14th Signature Hole
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Highland Course at Wangjuntr
P
ark is in fact the correct term as their signature course, the Highland’s 18 holes, is actually built around an animal sanctuary with deer, ostrich and cattle roaming the spectacular countryside. It is in the countryside away from Pattaya, but using Google Maps it takes just over an hour to get there along the 331, and then left after Greenwood GC onto the 344 towards Rayong. Wangjuntr opened back in 1999, actually consists of three courses. The Valley (18 holes and currently closed for an upgrade), Highland (18 holes) and the new Jungle course opened in late 2014 (18 holes). 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.
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Their new Jungle course is excellent and well worth booking, however a visit to Wangjuntr would not be complete until you have experienced their Highland Course with the right hand greens which play 7,646 yards from the back tees or 5,601 yards from the front tees, the longest layout in the region.
Having checked in at the pro shop, you are taken up to the Highland’s own club house “The Highland House” by open truck with all the caddies and golfers together. Gates are opened and you feel like you are on a safari trip with views of wild animals everywhere. It actually takes 10 minutes to arrive where you pick up your golf cart for another five minute trip to the first tee. It all adds to the mystery! Hole No 1 is a par 4 408 yard par 4 where if you want you can tee off on the actual roof of the drinks kiosk down into the valley below. (Definitely a Kodak moment here!) 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. The views from both the 3rd and 4th greens are spectacular, with the countryside stretching as far as the eye can see. Be prepared for a lot of hill climbing especially if you drive away from the cart paths, as golf carts are not allowed on the fairways. Exercise is part of the round and you will feel you have
conquered the course at the end of 18 holes. One characteristic here is they have a lot of uphill fairways and several tricky blind shots onto some seriously undulating greens, several surrounded by water. In fact the greens here are very large too! Hole 7 looks simple and is a short par 4 at 326 yards but beware of the rocks in the middle of the green here. Hole 8 is perhaps the most frustrating par 3 at Wangjuntr, as the right hand tee is obscured by bushes to the right of the tee box and the thin green is raised up surrounded by slopes, and is aptly given the name Edge of Life. After a cool drink or snack back at Highland House the real adventure begins with the back nine. Hole 11 is called Himalaya and it lives up to its name as it is all uphill to a hidden undulating green. Once you get your breath back, another Kodak moment starts on the 12th tee as you look down on to the scenery below. The owner’s palatial mansion lies here, so he picked one of the best views. Stair Way to Heaven is the name given to the par 4 13th which literally has
12th Tee steps along the fairway before reaching a fairly long but undulating green above. No Led Zeppelin music here but great fun anyway! The star attraction though has to be hole 14 where the golf cart needs all it power to get you to the top. Difficult to describe this hole in mere words known simple as THE BEAUTIFUL BEAST. Your view from any of the tees is awesome and as you tee off your ball will drop ‘hopefully’ down-downdown to the waiting thin ‘strip’ of fairway below, where the true delights of this hole will suddenly hit you! Reminded me of the par 3 at Red Mountain down their mine shaft. You have to have your photo taken here! Hole 17th known as the Dwarf ’s Kingdom actually has a green shaped like Thailand . A fitting finish to this wonderful course, the 18th known as Huge Heart, will have you shooting up hill from the tees towards a welcoming fairway. Don’t worry about your score here. Just take in the wonderful scenery, the challenging terrain, the quirky if not sometimes amusing greens , and I am sure remember your round at the Highland for a long time with fondness.
Thailand Green
Wildlife
Editors note: Like most courses, Wangjuntr had
survived the dry weather when we played in late May, but for a very quiet country club, their greens and fairways were in great condition. The caddies are very friendly, but not all speak English and some may not even understand the game of golf, but go with the flow. The pro shop is adequate but does not stock a large range of clothing, and the locker rooms were clean and functional. The club’s restaurant although not f ine dining had great local Thai food, cold beer and very friendly staff, and the rest is def initely needed before heading home. The club is normally close on Mondays and they also rotate the courses on other days, so best call ahead and book your favorite course. www.wangjuntrgolf.com
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Destination
MYANMAR
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DISCOVER
Yangon By Charlie Warner
In 1990, Myanmar or Burma as I knew it from my school days was a no-go zone, a Military State with deadly ethnic wars on the boarders of Thailand. One day in Bangkok while in a coffee shop I met a old gentleman, he asked me if I was English, to which I replied yes, he had heard my accent and said he wanted to talk to me. His English was ‘perfect Oxford’. I asked him had he lived in England, he said no. “I was educated in Burma at a British Grammar school”. Surprised I said. “I thought you were Thai”, no he replied “I’m a Burmese political refugee, I can’t go back there”.
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Destination
MYANMAR
The Golden Pagoda is an enchanting place
H
ow times have changed, political reform, international investment and now you can buy a return flight from Thailand to Yangon for less than 2,000 Baht. Tourist visa is $50.00 and you can buy it online, its all very simple. Flights are a little over an hour. There are many hotels, for 5 star we recommend the Sedona Hotel Yangon, great location excellent facilities and staff and it can be booked from under $125.00 a night. Cheaper option is the Inya Lake Hotel 4 star at best but book online from only $60.00 a night Superior The 4 start Lake Inya Hotel Yangon
The 5 start Sedona Hotel Yangon
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twin 2 people. Prices are from Agoda at the date of publishing. Myanmar is like going back in time, the locals are gentle, polite and reserved, men still where the sarong and many the bamboo hats of old, women wear the traditional long dress in bright colours its all very nice. The city like any poor asian country is dirty and hectic, but not nearly as bad as places like Medan or Mumbai. Thanks to its well planned streets the traffic does flow. Things you will notice if you come from Thailand
is no motorbikes in the city, also its incredibly green, with open spaces and huge trees that so far, have survived the developers axe. I had time to visit the new Myanmar Center, a gleaming new shopping mall with all of the international restaurants and shops you’d find in Thailand, well nearly. I was particularly happy to find a Black Canyon restaurant serving Thai food and great coffee. Find yourself a hotel in the city, prices vary from 5 stars to cheap apartments, make sure you make time to visit the famous Golden Pagoda, it really is stunning and spiritually invigorating.
There a few courses to play while you’re in Yangon. Pun Hlaing Golf Club, an 18 hole, par 72 course, which is known as “The Pride of Myanmar,” it was designed by Gary Player in 2002 and has just under gone a four million dollar refurbishment, no wonder its known as the best golf courses in Myanmar. Yangon City Golf Resort, is just 25-minute drive to the north of the capital city, and consists of two, 18-hole courses with very different characters. The simpler of the two is, The Ngwe Taw Thar or Silvery Course its spread across
a low flat plain with wide fairways and large greens. The Myakantha Course or Pondy Course, has tighter fairways over an undulating landscape, and is more demanding and requires accurate accurate play. The course has been host to APGA events in thepast.
Above, Yangon City Golf Club Left. Star City Golf Links Below left Pun Hlaing Golf Estate
Star City is a new development on the outskirts of Yangon, modern accommodation for the wealthy Burmese and the Japanese. Chinese and other foreign expats who work at the emerging industrial estates. The Star City links is a nine hole course in fantastic condition, with
huge wide landscapes with a horizon of condominiums more familiar to Singapore than a third world country. The Yangon Golf Club is Myanmar’s oldest golf club, about a 25 minute drive North of Yangon, it was built during British rule back in 1909, but
35
Destination
MYANMAR
Left, Brian Andora resident pro at Star City and Khun Phairoj Jewkaew Deputy Project Director it unknown who designed it. I spoke to American golf pro, from Star City, Brian Andora and he said its a wonderful course to play, well laid out very charming, however it needs some attention in parts, but still plays remarkably well after so many years. There are other courses to play further away from Yangon around the country and we shall return to Myanmar again to cover those next time.
Editors Note:
There are many hotels, for 5 star we recommend the Sedona Hotel Yangon, great location excellent facilities and staff and can be booked from under $125.00 a night. Cheaper option is the Inya Lake Hotel 4 star a best but from only $60.00 a night Superior twin 2 people. Price are from Agoda at the date of publishing.
36
Yangon Golf Club
We invite you to jo in us for what prom ises to be a un ique and exceptional d in ing experience,
in thE heart of Yangon on the shore of Lake inya.
GOURMET
i B iSTRO i W iNE BAR i H iGH TEA
Le PLANTEUR restaurants & lounge 80 UNiVERSiTY AVENUE, BAHAN TOWNSHiP YANGON, MYANMAR T: +95 (0) 1 514 230 m: +95 (0) 9786451651 W.LEPLANTEUR.NET FACEBOOK/LEPLANTEUR.NET
37
Course Report Pun Hlaing Golf Estate The Pride of Myanmar by Charlie Warner
From the city of Yangon, an eighteen km drive along potholed roads and the chaos of a third world country, suddenly you turn through the gates of “The Pun Hlaing Golf Estate�.
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Originally designed by Gary Player in 2002, the course had a two year renovation by Shape & Form which was completed in 2016.
18th
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T
hrough the gates of Pun Hlaing, and you are entering into a different and peaceful world. In fact shades of Florida here, as the paper smooth roads wind through the beautifully manicured avenues and in between the multimillion dollar mansions. The Pun Hlaing Golf Estate includes a 600 plus acre luxury property development of vast mansions, luxury condominiums, with a school, hospital, Spa, Bistro and the main club house and superb golf course. I met with up with club manager and golf pro Jeff Craig, who drove us around the course while describing the changes made to each hole in the recent renovations. One very special addition which he was very proud to show me was their drainage system, where underground pipes connect to a special
tractor vehicle that sucks the water from the ground and sends it to the lakes. This allows his staff to keep the course firm and playable even during the rainy season. Pun Hiaing is a par 72 18 hole layout running at 7,124 yards from the back tees and 5,604 yards from the red tees. The course is both flat and hilly, with twelve holes having water in play plus there are plenty of bunkers. The greens vary from quite small to large areas , some relatively flat while others have numerous undulations. Check for the correct lie with your caddie! Their signature is the par 3 6th hole, set on a wonderful pond with the stately Pun Hlaing Mansions standing guard. It is a 175 yard carry over water and sand to a soft sloping green with subtle breaks. A deep and tricky bunker guards the left of the green, along with
The Pun Hlaing Estate, which recently won the Myanmar property award for Myanmar’s Best Real Estate Development, has come a long way since it started in 1997 and now boasts varying sizes of beautiful houses and luxurious and practical condo and apartment living. By early 2017 a luxury 46 rooms Lodge will be completed, next to the existing Golf Club building. As well as offering a number of different dining options, bars, cigars and a wine cellar, it will also house a golf academy, with simulators, coaching facilities and a direct access to the driving range. This high standard of accommodation sitting right on this beautiful course, makes it a perfect choice as a golfing destination in this unique and fascinating country.
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Par 3 12th
a stunning grand old Rain tree, the only tree on the whole grounds, before the others were planted in the late 90’s. Playing this hole in the evening sunset is a poetic experience as the golden rays of the sun bounce off the glass faced pond. Kodak moment here! The 13th at 470 yard is a long and challenging uphill par 4 that will test you to the limit with its unforgiving canals on both sides of the hole. If you have a good drive, then for your second shot you can use a long iron or hybrid, but watch out for a long green side bunker protecting the left side of the green and fall away slopes at both the right side of green and behind. A very challenging hole Par 3 6th
The 4th a, 510 yard par 5, offers both risks or rewards? The lake on the right side of the hole is daunting from the tee. A long drive will tempt you to go for the heavily bunkered green with several treacherous hole locations; the trickiest being tucked on the front right. A beautiful retaining stone wall defining the green was constructed which serves as a bleak reminder to hit your shot well or watch your ball splash. Overall the course was in tip top condition and offers an excellent challenging round of golf in perfect surroundings. Here they have over two hundred delightful female caddies, proud to wear the Pun Hliang uniform. Actually their English was reasonably good and some also speak a little Korean, Japanese and Chinese as well. The club established a Caddy Player programme back in 2014, enabling them to practice whenever they have free time and to play on Mondays too. The club now have over sixty Caddies who regularly break 100! After your game enjoy their beautiful club house, which includes two restaurants that serve a blend of Asian delights and western cuisine. Legendary Thai Chefs Pakdee and Tuk have been holding court and serving their delicious dishes for many years! You must try their great Buffet dinners on the clubhouse back lawn overlooking the 18th green. This is a ‘must play course’ if you’re ever in Myanmar.
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Food & DINE
MYANMAR
Le Planteur Restaurants & Lounge Yangon
NO TRIP TO YANGON CAN BE COMPLETE WITHOUT VISITING THIS MASTERPIECE IN ELEGANT DINING. THE OLD WORLD COLONIAL CHARM ABOUNDS FROM THIS STATELY LAKESIDE MANSION. SWISS FOUNDER BORIS GRANGES PRECIDES FACIDIOUSLY OVER PRESENTATION OF THE BEST FOOD AND WINE.
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French Chef Gil
Gourmet, bistro, wine bar and high tea, its fine dining on Lake Inya in the fashionable district of Yangon, close to the home of Aung San Suu Kyi. Recently renovated Boris added a unique wine cellar where guests can dine in the cold chill wearing warm blazers provided by the restaurant, with probably one of the best collections of quality wines anywhere in Myanmar. Arrive before 6.00 pm and sit on the terrace with your friends, enjoy the sunset over the lake as chimes emanate from the temple next door, the fine wine never tasted better. Chef Gil learned from the greatest chefs in the best establishments in Europe, after a successful ten years in Paris he worked in Indonesia, Algeria, Kenya, Egypt, Morocco and the French Caribbean island of Saint Martin, where he lived and developed his desire of cooking using various spices and techniques. Moving to Myanmar he brings his world wide knowledge and savoir faire to a wonderful existing team, by maintaining and raising what is Le Planteur today: the best fine dining and best French restaurant in Myanmar. The choice is sit on the upstairs veranda, the ground floor terrace or inside in the exquisite dining rooms. The food is first class and the service is equal to any 5 star in South East Asia. Le Planteur is truly a fulfilling experience and underlines the panache of the old world in Asia.
An old car parked by the kitchens
The mansion dominates the lakeside
I8
SUPERB Holes of Golf
The Pride of Myanmar
Reopening July 2016 after $4 Million Redesign
$65 for Weekdays, Weekends and Public Holidays $90, Caddies from $5 to $10, Tournament Packages available on request Enjoy the The Best of Thai and Asian Cuisine, in our Horizons Restaurant.
For The Friday Specials Green Fee Is
US$38 Caddy is Extra
Pun Hlaing Golf Club
Club House, Pun Hlaing Golf Estate Avenue, Hlaing Tharyar Township, Yangon, Myanmar.
Golf Booking
T. +95-1 684 024 l +95-1 687 777 l +95-1 687 800 l +95-1 684 013 E. jeffcraig@spa-mm.com (Golf) phgc@spa-mm.com (Golf Booking)
Playing With Your Mates..... On the World Stage
Playing golf is all about your own personal goals on the course and the fun of being able to compete.
W
ell recently over 800 players from all over the world flew to Thailand, known as the Land of the Smiles, to take part in the biggest Amateur golf tournament in Asia. Held over two weeks first in Hua Hin and then over here in Pattaya, the Centara World Masters Golf Championship and the Mercure Pattaya Ocean Resort 2 Ball Golf Championship have become an incredibly competitive and fun two weeks for amateur golfers. Organised jointly by Go Golf and Golfasian this has to be a ‘win win’ event for everyone involved. Played on some of the top 18 holes in Thailand including Banyan, Sea Pines and Black Mountain in Hua Hin and at all
three Siam Country Clubs plus Leam Chabang close to Pattaya, players ranging from 35-70 years old are treated like real pros. They even have their names on their Caddie bibs!
The World Masters is now held annually in Brisbane and attracts field of up to 1,500 and over 600 entered the 2016 version held for the third year running in Hua Hin.
This clever concept was started back twenty one years ago by Peter McCarthy CEO at Ausi based Go Golf, with the idea of putting golfers over 35 yrs and of a similar standard together, and taking them to incredible destinations to compete on first class golf courses.
According to Golf Asian CEO Mark Siegel, who’s team actually run the logistics here in Asia, they had to turn down nearly 200 players, as there we not sufficient good quality course available. Several courses there had to close due to the severe drought!
‘ It is a wonderful opportunity for every day golfers to compete on an international stage with all the trappings of a professional tournament, having caddies, shuttle transfers, VIP treatment, social functions ,and live entertainment,’ said Peter.
The whole operation then moved onto Pattaya with the Mercure hotel part of the Accor Group taking over as host sponsors. Having met and talked to many of the golfers, it was clear that many were returning to compete with friends made
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at previous masters. They came from Australia, England, Malaysia, India, Germany, Sweden, USA, the UAE and even a few from Thailand too. Praise for the hard working organisers, the courses and the nightly entertainment was heard from everyone. With the business created for these destinations during their low season worth an estimated THB800 million, it’s not surprising both the hotels and the Thailand Tourism Authority are eager to work with Go Golf and Golfasian, on creating more opportunities for these popular events to take place in the future. Next stop will be their first tournament in Danang when the Accor Vietnam World Masters 2016 plays Greg Norman’s Danang Golf Club and the popular Montgomerie Links on September 4th-9th 2016 . If you want to take part, check out the details at www.vietnamworldmasters.com
46Evening Entetainment
Golfasian CEO
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De s t i nat ion
VIETNAM
Danang Is Closer Than You Think by Mike Bridge
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Bangkok Airways now fly non-stop from Suvarnabhumi Airport four times a week to Danang, so we decided to revisit this thriving region now known as the Golf Coast of Vietnam. Ba Na Hills
Ba Na Hills 10th Holle
F
rom Pattaya it can take at least five hours to reach Hua Hin subject to traffic. However with a quick 75 minute flight and a short drive from the airport, we were ready to tee off at Vietnam’s newest course the Ba Na Hills just two hours after leaving Thailand. We actually covered this region in 2015, but then the only way to reach Danang from Bangkok was a flight via Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, which could take up to eight hours if you were lucky. At the moment with the arrival of Luke Donald’s first Asian designed course Ba Na Hills, Danang now has four first class golf courses including Nick Faldo’s Laguna Lang Co, Greg Norman’s Danang Golf Club and Colin Montgomerie’s Montgomerie Links. Soon they will start constructing a fifth course next to the Danang Golf Club, to be created by another legend Jack Nicklaus. So if you want to enjoy a five star golfing experience this is a great new destination. Three of these Danang courses run alongside the beautiful coastline of the China Sea, while the new kid on the block, Ba Na Hills is around 20 minutes drive inland up in the hills.
Danang Golf Club Luke Donald and IMG have used the elevations and hills to great effect and with the white sand used in the bunkers (shades of Augusta here!) there are several WOW factor holes to challenge you.
This is perhaps a good starting point for your Golf Coast vacation, as the current Bangkok planes land around 13.35hrs. So you can start your front nine holes on arrival and as the amazing sunsets take
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De s t i nat ion
VIETNAM
Montgomerie Links over, all 18 holes are floodlit to enable you to finish your round in the dark. Running at a massive 7,858 yards, with a 708 yard par 5, Ba Na Hills is up there with one of the longest courses in Asia. Having said that you have the options of five tee boxes so you can still enjoy a low scorecard here. Their floodlights were very effective and IMG who also manage the club have created a very chic environment in the circular designed club house with a superb restaurant, a well stocked pro shop and a clever credit card system to pay for food there and on course. Having experience Faldo’s and Norman’s links style coastline 18 holes last time, we decided to check out the Montgomerie Links which is located next door to the Danang Golf Club 15 minutes drive south of the city.
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Danang City
Whereas Norman has used the rough coast line for his golfing challenge, Monty’s 18 holes are a lot greener running at 7,091 yards. Here the fairways with Sea Isle Supreme Paspalum are fairly wide with ripples, while the star attractions are the massive undulating greens, many surrounded by casuarinas pine trees. I found each green was beautiful sculptured into their surroundings, and challenged you to think about your approach shot to the pin. Amazing there were in such great condition as we were told by our caddies that they have not seen any rain for five months. All four courses offered first class facilities from the 5 star clubhouses to the polite and English speaking caddies. An average round of golf here including green fee, caddie and cart will cost around US$150 but this depends on the day and the season. Caddies normally get a tip of around US$15. Golfasian the leading tour operator with offices in Bangkok and across Vietnam, have just launched an excellent golf package with flights, hotels and golf starting with a three day two night trip from only THB12,999. For details check out their website www. golfasian.com At the moment they are running a free competition to win free flights to Danang as well. Just logon to enter.
Ba Na Hills Caddies
Danang Sunsets
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De s t i nat ion
VIETNAM Editors Note: Shades of Dubai
here, with very new courses offering the latest technology to maintain a very high standard on and off the course. Very much the fluffy towel service here! It’s a great place for non golfers too with a huge selection of 3-5 star hotels, many attractions including a huge coastline with pristine beach and clear seas, plus the quaint village of Hoi An to enjoy in the cool evenings too.
Angsana Lang Co Resort 52
For our visit we stayed at the beautiful Angsana Lang Co Resort, a 5 star offering next to the Faldo course with a quiet beach, huge pool with lazy river, beautiful bedrooms and suites, a soothing spa with steam room and sauna and several restaurants. If you prefer being in the city, try the Novotel Danang, a very swish modern high rise with all rooms overlooking the brightly lit river. Their breakfasts were
great and do check out the views from their popular roof top club 36 floor up! For those who prefer a cheaper option, try the Mercure Hoi An Royal where you can enjoy a quite dip in their pool before taking a rickshaw ride into the famous village known for its colorful lanterns and some exceptional restaurants. We ate at the Lantern restaurant there which had some very tasty Vietnamese dishes.
The Asian Golf Experts The Experts
You Could Be Golfing Here Here
Golf Holiday Holiday Inquiries Inquiries & ** Golf & Bookings Bookings Tee-Time Bookings Bookings ** Tee-Time Golf Lessons Lessons ** Golf Equiptment Rental Rental ** Equiptment Visit www.Golfasian.com www.Golfasian.com to Visit to Create Create YOUR YOUR Golf GolfHoliday Holiday or call call us us at at +66 +66 (0) or (0) 84 84 704 704 3344 3344 Email: info@golfasian.com | Web: www.golfasian.com | Phone: +66 (0) 2 714 8470 | Fax: +66 (0) 2 714 8471 Email: info@golfasian.com | Web: www.golfasian.com | Phone: +66 (0) 2 714 8470 | Fax: +66 (0) 2 714 8471 Unit 1105, 29 Bangkok Business Center, Soi Ekamai, Skuhumvit 63 Road, Klongtan Nua, Wattana, Bangkok Unit 1105, 29 Bangkok Business Center, Soi Ekamai, Skuhumvit 63 Road, Klongtan Nua, Wattana, Bangkok
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Mr.
Tee Off
Vanpe Sajamark has been one of the most recognized faces on TV in Thailand for many years, as he is the host of True Visions popular golf show simply called ‘Tee Off’.
J
ay as he is known, is actually the creator, producer and host of this long running golf show which he told us was launched over Although 43 year old Jay was born in Thailand, he actually spent a
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lot of time studying in the States and ended up at the University of Nevada Las Vegas gaining a marketing degree. At the same time he attended a golf programme to get his certificate for teaching golf as a professional.
Having returned to Thailand he decided his goal was to get into sports marketing, and so he went for an interview with Singha. He turned up on the day that the guy interviewing him urgently needed a second commentator to cover
American Football. As Jay had lived in the States he knew about the game, so within a few hours they gave him the second chair and he was litterally given some reasearch notes and was thrown in the deep end.
a new golf show. Called ‘Tee Off ’, they liked his idea and they said let’s do it.
Jay obviously impressed Singha, as they kept him on commentating on various sports for the next few years including covering sailing, basket ball and golf with the PGA tour and the Masters.
Up to that point Jay had only been in front of the camera but now he had his own ideas, he had the option of owning the show or just producing and hosting it. In those days he did not wish to take the financial risk of owning the show, so they agreed that the station would cover the bills.
He eventually realised golf was his real passion, so gradually he stopped covering other sports and golf became his main focus.
Moving forward to 2016 and Jay produces a weekly show for True Vision and ‘Tee Off ’ is his number one priority.
In 2004 Jay knocked on the door of his boss and said he had a concept for
The majority of the content is in Thai, however when he interviews
the stars such as LPGA’s Paula Creamer they run Thai subtitles. Jay also got to work with the great Seve Ballesteros when he was here for the Royal Trophy at Amata Springs and met Michelle Wei as well. ‘Tee Off ’ sponsored by Nike, still occupies the majority of his time, however Jay is in great demand as an MC at numerous sporting events. He is currently also working on some new TV concepts including outdoor activities and all round sports shows. For the record Jay who was once a scratch player now plays off a handicap of 15 and tries to fit in a full round every week.
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Everywhere
What puts a round of golf here in Pattaya ahead of other golf destinations are the variations in styles and standards of the 27 courses, and the prices to suit all budgets. However perhaps the number one reason too are those wonderful smiling Thai caddies.
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A
tradition everywhere across Thailand, all golf courses have caddies which are often compulsory. When you arrive at the course you pay for the green fee and the caddie fee, which is usually around THB350 for 18 holes. Some courses do allow you to walk, so your caddie will put your bag onto a trolley. However most courses have compulsory carts especially those that are hilly, such as Laem Chabang, St Andrews 2000, Wangjuntr’s Highland course or Siam Country Club Plantation.
At the end of your round it is customary to tip her for all the hard work. When asked they will just say ‘ It’s up to you.’ Normally you give between THB300-500, however if you had a great score then more is welcomed. Remember this is their full time job so they rely on your tips!!! Golf in the’ Land of Smiles’ is made a lot more enjoyable when a beautiful caddie can also help you go round with a good scorecard at the end! Enjoy.
Caddies particularly in this region are well trained and most will know their own 18 holes backwards and can read the greens like a popular paperback. They even have their own tournament called the Singha Amazing Thailand Caddie Championship with over 800 entrants with the finals held every October here in Pattaya at Siam Country Club’s iconic Old Course. Apart from giving you all the distances on the fairways and read the greens, your caddie will clean your clubs, keep your score and drive the cart.
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MD at MC
We caught up with one of the youngest MD’s in the country’s golf industry, Ms Ausana Mahagitsiri, where she was hosting a recent press launch of the revamped Mountain Creek Golf Resort in Koh Yai. Over 80 tour operators, agents and members of the media were treated to a VIP day at the course. 58
Phone: 08402
64989 09077 29993
E-mail: info@cafedesamispattaya.com
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Ausana Mahagitsiri (Center)
T
his 35 year old Thai known as Khun Na, is also the Chief Operating Officer for the family’s PM Group business, one of top privately held Thai Conglomerates with assets valued at over US$2billion. Their HQ is in the heart of Bangkok. She told us that her father loves golf and original built Lake Wood Country Club in Bangna and then they decided to create the 27 hole Mountain Creek under the Seve Ballesteros banner. Seve’s only venture in Thailand! Khun Na has actually packed an awful lot into her life already, as she told us that after school she went over to study School of Management at Boston University in the States, before returning to Thailand to complete here masters degree at the Chulalongkorn University. She then flew off again and worked as a private wealth executive at Morgan Stanley’s HQ in Hong Kong, before
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returning to work in the financial industry back in Bangkok. Her father then explained that he had a plan to open their second golf course up in Kao Yai, and felt that it was now time for Khun Na to join the growing family empire. Her first project was therefore back in 2008 to oversee the creation of the Mountain Creek 27 hole golf course and resort. PM Group now own and manage a portfolio of assets including a joint venture with Nescafe, the 27 hole Lake Wood Country Club in Bangna, condominiums, offices and land plus the Mountain Creek Golf Resort. Khun Na is currently excited about opening another new 18 hole course to be known as Lake Wood Links in Bagna, offering day and night golf. And if that was not enough they are also about to get into the hospitality industry with their own hotels as well.
Khun Na does find time to play golf too, although she explained that she was still at the learning stage. She often plays with her father. Certainly the Mountain Creek improvements she and her consultants GLS Asia, the team behind the successful Banyan Golf Resort in Hua Hin, are beginning to pay off. Between them they have improved the three courses, making them in places easier to play as well as looking at the maintenance of the course, which is now in fantastic shape. They have also upgraded the club’s website w w w.mou nt a i ncre ek t h a i l a nd .c om and are actively marketing the club to players in Thailand and further afield. For a genuine country track, Mountain Creek now offers first class golf and stay and play packages, the envy of many city courses. Well worth a visit.
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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Urban Hotel Awaits You in Phnom Penh Only a short flight, less than 1 hour from Bangkok, Phnom Penh the capital city of Cambodia is fast becoming ‘the’ place to visit, with its chic restaurants, funky clubs, a luxurious casino, first class golf courses, an abundance of great hotels and of course the magic of the Mekong Delta.
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hose lucky enough to discover the new SUN & MOON, Urban Hotel will also find that everything is literally all on your doorstep at this new award winning chic hotel concept created and lead by Swiss born General Manager Noel Furrer and his team.
booking sites, with everyone giving it rave reviews, and rightly so. Of course the city now boasts many of the international chain hotels, however if you want to experience something really different and unique with an excellent and honest concept in a very comfortable, original design....then look no further!
Only open since late last year, SUN & MOON, Urban Hotel has quickly risen up the Trip Advisor list and other travel
The facilities are never ending, very clean and well maintained and include a large spa with steam, sauna, hot and
cold Jacuzzis for guests, a gym with top quality equipment with a 180C view to the Phnom Penh, a very cool UNPLUG BAR in the lobby plus and an executive lounge called #8VIP LOUNGE with live entertainment and Karaoke facilities, plus their excellent SALT n’ PEPPER, GASTROPUB with an open show kitchen offering a healthy balance of local and international food and extensive wine list and signature cocktails.
Perhaps their No.1 feature however has to be their roof top, with a large infinity salt water pool offering great views of the city and the benefits from some cool breezes too. At night they open CLOUD9, SKYBAR, the hotel’s rooftop bar with its cool changing rooftop LED lights, a great sound system playing deep vocal house music and some very creative cocktails and snacks. A perfect place to celebrate with your friends, or even better to hold your corporate event. They also have meeting room and board room facilities which are perfect for small executive meetings with lunch, coffee break and such. The ideal place to work and play.
Oh and we almost forgot their original styled 80 guest rooms and suites all offering ample space,with contempory furnishings and unusual pop art decor, plus all the amenities. Definitely a 5 star package here, but check out their very reasonable rates on their website and it’s not surprising the SUN & MOON, Urban Hotel is becoming extremely busy with the hip and chic cosmopolitan travelers who love style, in an affordable price range. As their slogan says, we truly Stay. Inspired! Sun & Moon Urban Hotel Tel: +855 23 961 888 E-mail: booking@sunandmoonhotel.com Website: sunandmoonhotel.com Facebook: facebook.com/ sunandmoonhotel
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‘BREXIT’ MAY HERALD IN AN EARLY MOVE INTO QROPS?
F
ollowing the UK’s exit from the EU, possible amendments in legislation regarding the freedom of movement of pensions may herald in a period of increased demand for QROPS. The concern being that the UK Exchequer may decide to apply restrictions, or even abolish what was a system effectively foisted on them by the EU. Should that be the case, time may be of the essence because, although HMRC have never applied retrospective action on cases that are already in existence, transfers that are still in process would count as fair game and, as they can take weeks or months to complete, depending on the former pension schemes’ attitude and administration, this could catch a large number of individuals. The fact is that HMRC have never been keen on the concept of UK Pension holders being able to move their pot outside their control, so there has to be a distinct possibility that the current ability to transfer pension benefits away from the UK Tax net could well be a target. If you intend to remain a non-resident of the UK, for tax purposes, then examining the merits, or otherwise, might be better done sooner rather than later. It is, of course, entirely possible that HMRC will leave the situation as it stands. The issue is that, at this stage, nobody knows how they will react. Pensions in the UK have gone through dramatic changes over recent years and it’s important to look carefully at current schemes to weigh the potential advantages of transferring against any loss of guarantees that exist in some schemes, particularly ‘defined benefits’ arrangements.
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By Tim Whiteley If you intend to remain an Expatriate then distancing yourself from the UK financially is important from a Tax perspective. There are two main categories that apply to non-residents of the UK. The first is ‘Non-Resident for Tax purposes’. This requires certain conditions to be satisfied to ensure you are fiscally removed from the UK, apart from Inheritance Tax. Any significant attachments there can be construed by HMRC that you intend to return and whilst that may or may not negate your Non-Resident status, it can certainly affect the second category, ‘NonDomicile’. ‘Non- Domicile’ is more of a grey area. All UK citizens are deemed as domiciled in the UK, as a default position. NonDomicile, if established, removes you completely removed from the UK in every financial respect but it is not likely that HMRC will confirm this status in writing, even if it has been achieved. There have been a number of high profile cases which have won which by the UK Tax Authorities, which subsequently exposed those individuals to Inheritance tax assessments. In these cases, again, establishing intention to return to the UK came into play. The more it can be shown that you have reasons to come back, the more likely ‘non-domicile’ status will elude you. Owning property, holding UK Bank accounts, children at school there are all notches on the gun that can add up to you being still classified as domiciled in the UK and, in consequence, potentially liable for Inheritance tax on your worldwide assets. One of the advantages of QROPS for Non-Residents of the UK, irrespective of ‘domicile’, is that it places those pension
assets outside of your estate for Inheritance Tax purposes. Nonetheless, this should not be taken in isolation – a proper assessment of your overall financial situation should be undertaken, in conjunction with any pension arrangements to ensure the best possible planning for you and your family. There are other factors that can influence your status as far as the UK is concerned so, as is always the case in financial matters, getting the correct, legitimate advice is key to setting up your affairs in the most effective manner.
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. 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 Expatriate Clients only and are not applicable to local Nationals of any country. This is NOT a solicitation to sell or market securities. Questions to the author can be directed to: info@ifainternationalgroup.com
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If
ROLEX
Built a villa
This exclusive Swiss quality villa has been designed and supervised in every step by a Swiss construction engineer. The use of high quality materials, the high end finishings and the unusual costly foundation will make this house last for many many years. The U-shape of the house and the unobstructable frontside guarantee full privacy in the pool area and terrace. The maidshouse can also be used as a guesthouse or there is enough space on the landplot to build another guesthouse.
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he large rooms offer a feeling of freedom. The modern architecture is supported by the exclusive light design (LED). There is also a wireless network that can control music in the different rooms. The saltwater-pool offers a jacuzzi, a waterfall and a remote controlled coloured lightsystem. This property has its own water dwell in over 40 meters with a filtersystem that provides drinkable water to the whole house. The Tropical landscaped garden is equipped with a fully automatic sprinkler system. The location of this villa is quiet and and still not far from Sukhumvit road, the beaches and restaurants of Baan Amphoe, Na Jomtien or South Pattaya, Silverlake and Ocean Marina. This property is in Thai company name and will be sold with the company for an easy transfer.
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- Villa with swimming pool - 4 bedrooms / 4 bathrooms - European kitchen - Open kitchen, dining-livingroom - Office - Fully furnished - Carport - Landsize 1600 sqm (1 Rai) - Living area 650 sqm - Thai company ownership - Location: Na Jomtien
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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
7
SIRACHA
WANGJUNTR G.P.
344
GREEN WOOD G.C. 5
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
24
3245
MINI SIAM
SIAM C.C. WATERSIDE
PATTAYA
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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
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
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
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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 yard par 4 off a raised tee Burapha Golf Club 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
www.pattana.co.th Email: Marketing@pattana.co.th Tel: 038-318-999 Golf Reservation: 038-263-378-9 3-storey Clubhouse with all the supporting services and amenities including locker rooms, pro shop, spa, international restaurants, and function rooms. We welcome all guests with great ambiance and full services to ensure that each golfing experience is an unforgettable one.
ISO 9001 : 2008
The Pattana Driving Range is the best place to shape and hone golf skills. With well marked distance signage, chipping green, real grass option, on-site snack bar and automatic ball dispensers, there is no limit to your drive for perfection.
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Pattana Golf Club & Resort is an all encompassing recreational sports resort destination dedicated to individuals, families, and groups with a healthy inspired way of living. Located a mere 90 minutes from Bangkok, and neighboring the coastal areas
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of Bangsaen, Pattaya, and Rayong, the 400-acre resort property boasts a 27-hole championship golf course, full range of premium accommodations, amenities, meeting and event facilities, and a quality stadium with a 7,000-person capacity.
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.
Phoenix Gold Golf & Country Club Pattaya Perhaps the nearest golf course to central Pattaya, Phoenix Gold is only 25 minutes away. 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.
www.phoenixgoldgolf.com Email: reservation@phoenixgoldgolf.com Tel: +66 (0) 38 239 400 Mobile +66 (0) 84 873 5363
Piraporn has worked his magic on the Ocean and Mountain courses and the Lakes course has just re opened as well. The yardage is Mountain at 3,449 yards, Lake at 3,261 yards and Ocean at 3,363 yards. 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.
COURSE DIRECTORY
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) 38 909 700
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.
COURSE DIRECTORY
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) 38 909 700
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.
COURSE DIRECTORY
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