Issue 9 The Pattaya Golfer - September 2016 by Pattaya Golfer

September/October 2016

Issue 9

AWAY days

Phuket

COURSE REPORTS

Greenwood & Pleasant Valley

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW Masters Champion in Pattaya

OVERSEAS DESTINATIONS Japan & Bali

www.movenpick.com

Fairways to heaven

great golf

Mövenpick Siam Hotel Pattaya is offering two attractive stay and play package options for golf lovers that book either 3 or 4 nights at the recently opened five-star resort on the stunning Na Jomtien Beach. All Golf Packages include daily breakfast, complimentary rounds of golf at Siam Country Golf Club inclusive of green fees, caddy and golf cart, plus all transfer fees to and from the golf club. The 3 Day / 2 night package comes with one complimentary treatment at Mövenpick Siam Hotel Pattaya’s Wave Spa and the 4 Day / 3 Nights package comes with two complimentary treatments. Wave spa uses the finest botanical ingredients, applied by talented therapists to guarantee a blissful, rejuvenating experience. Mövenpick Siam Hotel Pattaya occupies one of the most beautiful beachside locations in Pattaya, the property features authentic restaurants and bars, a large outdoor swimming pool, and a range of state-of-the-art facilities. For more information or to make a reservation Please call +66 (0) 33 078 888 e-mail: Hotel.Pattaya.Reservation@movenpick.com 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 (0) 33 078777 www.movenpick.com/pattaya

From the

September/October 2016

Issue 9

Publishers desk In this issue we have an article on the. ‘dying game of golf’, as there does seem to be less people playing than in previous years, this is due to multiple social and economical factors, should we be concerned? Fortunately the trend in Thailand and Pattaya is the opposite, this years low season has not been as quiet as expected, perhaps boosted by various local events and tournaments. For example, September 26th, the East Coast Golf Course Management Association (EGA), are organising the finals of the Caddie Championships at Siam Country’s Old Course, the Pattaya and Thailand Golf Festivals at Burapha and Laem Chabang and the International Pattaya Golf Festival at Plantation. A mammoth four tournaments all on the same day with over 500 competitors all going to a gala buffet afterwards at Non Nooch Gardens. And, look how well the Thai women on the LPGA tour, led by Ariya Jutanugarn are doing, inspiring more and more young Thais to take up the game.

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

CONTENTS

Phuket Jewel of the South

Exclusive Interview Trevor Immelman, 2008 Masters Champion

See Page 17 - 20

See Page 24 - 25

Discover : Magical Bali

See Page 33 - 36

8 14 17 6

News Interview: Mohamed Buamaim Away Days : Phuket

22 24 26 28 32 38 42 45 48 54 56 58 60

Course Report : Pleasant Valley Golf & Country Club and Greenwood Golf Club

See Page 28 - 31, 38 - 41

Is Golf Dying Away? Trevor Immelman Thailand Golf Travel Mart 2016 Course Report: Pleasant Valley Destination: Bali Course Report: Greenwood Kings Cup Report Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a Game of Numbers

Overseas Destination: Surprising Japan

Destination: Japan Behind the Scenes Caddies Local Golfer: Shane Ruddle Motoring S65 Mercedes

See Page 48 - 52

News Boost For Golf Tourism Ariya Jutanugarn has now amassed over US$2Million mostly since May, having just added the Canadian Pacific Open trophy to her collection. She made history on the Marquess’ Course at Woburn in July by becoming the first player from Thailand – male or female – to capture a Major Championship. Just days after being held up as one of the country’s golfing icons at the Tourism Authority of Thailand’s (TAT) annual Golf Travel Mart, the 20-year-old from Bangkok triumphed at the Ricoh Women’s British Open. Ariya said: “I felt really stressed because I missed a lot of birdie putts today. I just wanted to make one. My goal was to win a Major, so I hope I can inspire some players in Thailand.” Speaking at the Thailand Golf Travel Mart held in Pattaya, senior TAT officials said the success of players such as Ariya,Thongchai Jaidee and Kiradech Aphibarnrat on the international stage helped to promote Thailand as a golf tourism hotspot.

Bye Bye Nike

Ariya was recently signed up as Ambassador for the TAT and now joins LPGA colleague Pornanong Phatlum. News that Nike Inc is getting out of the golf equipment business, caught many super stars out. This was for some a surprising announcement, that is sure to send Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy and other players searching for new clubs and golf balls next year. Nike said it would stop making clubs, golf balls and golf bags, instead devoting its resources to shoes and apparel, its strength in the golf marketplace. The announcement comes after Nike in June posted an 8.2% drop in sales of golf articles to $706 million during the fiscal year that ended in May. Americans are losing interest in playing golf — and it’s taking its toll on business. Golfsmith, a 150-store golf specialty retailer, has hired an investment bank and restructuring expert as it weighs a possible bankruptcy court filing, according to a report in the New York times. The Austin, Texas-based chain, caught in the middle of a downdraft in the sport — roughly 6 million people, or 20 percent of those who regularly play golf have walked away from the game since 2000.

Golf Citizen Thailand Series

Recently the series was hosted by Phoenix Gold Golf and Country Club where Golf Citizen’s golf ambassador Chayuda Singhsuwan a Professional on the Thai and China LPGA tour’s gave a putting clinic.

The winner at the end of the series will receive a VIP weekend trip to Dubai. He also has to compete in the Omega Dubai Desert Classic 2017, which is taking place in the Pro-Am tournament official at the world famous Emirates Golf Club. There is still time to enter with tournaments planned in September at Narai Hill Golf & Country Club.

During the months summer months Thai based players are competing for points in order to be a winner of GOLF CITIZEN Thailand Series 2016.

Muang Kaew Golf Club, Thana City Golf & Sports Club and Lotus Valley Golf Resort. For details on how to enter their events or to book your tee times at 22 Thai courses visit www.golfcitizen.com.

News

Pattana Unveiled as MENA Golf Tour Venue

CEO of MENA Tour (left) with Pattana Golf Club Executives Pattana Golf Club and Resort will make its debut as one of the host venues when the MENA Golf Tour returns to Thailand in 2017 in a clear manifestation of the tour’s rising popularity index in the Far East and beyond. With Pattana coming on board, the MENA Golf Tour will have a minimum of three tournaments during its second visit to the kingdom in May as Banyan Golf Club and Mountain Creek have already committed to continue their support after successfully hosting the tour events earlier this year. “We feel proud and privileged to join hands with Pattana. Their support augurs well for the growth of professional golf and further strengthens our resolve to create meaningful playing opportunities for our members to showcase their skills on a global basis,” said Mohamed JumaBuamaim, chairman of the MENA Golf Tour and golf in Dubai. “With an impressive portfolio of world-class courses, Thailand has already established its credentials as one of the most popular golf destinations in the world and the addition of a new MENA Golf Tour event at Pattana will further realise the country’s huge tourism potential.

“The MENA Golf Tour events will provide a great opportunity for the Thai talent to gain valuable World Ranking Points in addition to promoting Golf Citizen, one of the fastest growing online tee time booking engines which has richly-diverse golf courses on its network. The Pattana management was equally upbeat about welcoming the MENA Golf Tour party to their course. “We are very excited with our association with the MENA Tour, which, I am confident, will further stimulate the growth of golf. It will be a great opportunity for us to showcase our championship course, which we are very proud of,” said Thomas Hans Tapken, Managing Director of Pattana Golf Club. “We are motivated to make this one of the most popular events in Thailand and look forward to welcoming fans, players, sponsors and organisers alike to Pattana in May 2017,” An initiative of the ShaikhMaktoum Golf Foundation, the MENA Golf Tour was created in 2011 with the aim of developing golf in the region. It is affiliated to R&A, and enjoys the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) status. Darren Clarke the Ryder Cup captain is the tours Ambassador.

News

Canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t Wait For the Big One

The 40th Ryder Cup will be played September. 30th -October. 2nd, 2016, at Hazeltine National Golf Club in Chaska, Minn.USA.

The Ryder Cup features 12-member teams representing the United States and Europe in three days of match-play competition. Each of the first two days consists of morning and afternoon sessions of team play. One session each day will be fourballs (better ball) and the other will be foursomes (alternate shot), with the final day reserved for 12 singles matches. The decision on when each team format will be played on the first two days will be made closer to the start of the competition. With a 12 hour time difference here in Thailand expect live coverage of the Foursomes to start on Friday September 30th at 19.35hrs and the singles will kick off at 23.04hrs on Sunday October 2nd. At the time of going to press they had not published who was broadcasting it but expect Fox Sports and maybe The Golf Channel to be showing it live. Here in Pattaya most bars will be hosting it on the big screens such as Frasers in Jomtien or the Golf Club bar in LK Metro.

This is one of those events that die hard golf fans cannot miss, so better tell the office you will be away in meetings all day on Monday the 3rd!!!!

News

Huge Win for Golf After Olympic TV Ratings

Golf made a triumphant return to the Olympics at Rio following a 112-year absence and the sport’s bosses are confident it has done enough to secure its Olympic status beyond the Tokyo 2020. The conclusion of just the men’s golf competition in Rio on Sunday pulled in an impressive 8.8 million average TV viewers in the States. Sunday’s broadcast ranks second only to the Masters in ratings for a 90-minute broadcast window. That means more people were watching the final round in Rio than were watching the final round of the U.S. Open, British Open and PGA Championship. Justin Rose’s victory attracted vast viewing figures in the UK where 10 million people witnessed Britain’s former US Open champion receiving his gold medal. The numbers were also incredible in Sweden where the final round was watched by an average of 550,000 people and peaked at 1.5 million. Not bad for a country with a total population of about 9.5 million. Remeber when Stenson was battling Phil Mickelson at the British Open yesterday to win his first major, that historic final round was only watched by an average of 65,000 viewers in the country. South Korea’s Inbee Park celebrated gold in the Womens event , Ko thrillingly claimed silver for New Zealand with a birdie at the last to leave China’s Shanshan Feng with the bronze medal. Each medallist represents a key market for the game. Americans Stacy Lewis and Gerina Piller, Canada’s Brooke Henderson and Britain’s Charley Hull were also in contention. Both men’s and women’s tournaments in Brazil have been regarded as huge successes. Despite the often painfully slow pace of play, this geographical spread will undoubtedly have attracted the biggest global television audience ever to witness a women’s golf tournament. These are the metrics that matter most to the International Olympic Committee. If the IOC would allow us, I think we should include a mixed format in Tokyo, without taking away from anything we have now added Ivan Khodabakhsh, the Ladies European Tour chief Executive. Rose’s victory the previous week attracted vast viewing figures in America, Stenson’s Sweden and at home in the UK where 10 million people witnessed Britain’s former US Open champion receiving his gold medal. I understand the 36-year-old has been inundated with contract offers in the wake of a victory that he admitted resonated far more than his 2013 major triumph at Merion.

“It’s great to showcase golf to billions of people,” Khodabakhsh added. “They see how competitive golf is, that it’s not just a pastime but a real high-performance sport.

“Usually women’s sports take second position on TV and in the media and here we are centre stage on the same platform as the men. “For us it is important to ignite the interest around the world. Golf is a fantastic sport - which father or mother wouldn’t like to have their daughters pick up this sport now they have seen it? “I am sure this will be a huge game-changer for golf. It has been said many times before but the proof of it is now here.” The Ladies European Tour boss is, however, among those looking for a tweaking of the format for the Tokyo Games. “If the IOC would allow us, I think we should include a mixed format in addition, without taking away from anything we have now,” he said. This could mean a mixed team event in the gap between the men’s and women’s tournaments in Tokyo. Harnessing television interest will be the key because all Olympic sports lobby to find formats that generate more medals for their competitors. US network NBC is the biggest power broker because it contributes most to IOC coffers. The dedicated Golf Channel is part of the NBC television empire and it invested heavily in covering the Rio tournaments. So although Matt Kuchar’s men’s bronze was the only American success in Rio, there is reason to suggest powerful forces will be keen to secure and enhance golf ’s Olympic status. It has surely become hardet has surely become harder for people within the game to argue against its inclusion. Players have enjoyed levels of global exposure far greater than their traditional tournaments have ever achieved. Now, for those who run the game, comes the appetising challenge of securing golf ’s Olympic status and harnessing a legacy of growth for all levels of the sport.

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



  13

Mohamed Juma Buamaim CEO at golf in Dubai

A Man With Vision

Golf as we all know needs new players to grow the game, otherwise in 20 years many clubs will not be able to survive.

e caught up with one man who’s influence in the Golf Industry is impressive. Mohamed Juma Buamaim is the Vice President and CEO of golf in Dubai. golf in Dubai was created in 2005 to promote Dubai as one of the world’s leading golfing destinations and to underline Dubai’s other international attractions to a worldwide audience. It promotes and organises two major European Tour events — the Omega Dubai Desert Classic and the Omega Dubai Ladies Masters, plus it runs the MENA Golf Tour.

It started the MENA Golf Tour in 2011 to provide a much-needed springboard for both amateurs and professional to take their game to a new level. In 2015, European Ryder Cup captain and Major winner Darren Clarke of Northern Ireland was appointed as the Patron the MENA Golf Tour.

Scotland, Matthew Fitzpatrick and Joshua White (all England) are the global ambassadors of ‘golf in DUBAi’ along with renowned coach Peter Cowen.

Golf Citizen is their online booking service which allows golfers to book in real time, sometimes at favourable rates. Its available across the Middle East and Some of the most respected golfers now at several Thai courses too. in the world, stars such as England’s Dame Laura Davies, Stephen Gallacher Mohamed Juma Buamaim or Mo as (Scotland), India’s Jeev Milkah Singh he is affectionly known, was in Pattaya (India), Thomas Bjorn (Denmark), recently attending the Thailand Golf Faycal Serghini (Morocco), Zane Travel Mart and I managed to meet him.

Jeef Milkah Singh golf in Dubai Ambassador Pattaya Golfer: How did you get into golf in the first place? Mohamed Juma Buamaim: I really have no idea. I was running my own advertising and marketing company at the time, when a representative of the Government of Dubai just asked me initially to go and run Emirates Golf Club. I think they wanted a local UAE national to be there. I joined in 1997 and took over as general manager in 2000. We launched the Dubai Ladies Masters in 2006 and then in 2008 I created golf in Dubai to look after the Desert Classic as well. In 2011 we launched the MENA tour and Golf Citizen at the same time. PG: How did the MENA tour come about? MB: I realised that all our good local players were doing well, however when we used to give them sponsors invites in the Abu Dhabi Championships and the Omega Dubai Desert Classic, unfortunately the gap was so fast between them and the European players, that it was actually embarrassing for them. In fact some even considered giving up golf because it actually frightened them. So that along with so many Moroccan players who could only play in their own country, it gave us the idea of starting a MENA tour.

First Arab Winner

2016 Maters Champion wins in Dubai

PG: Now moving forward to the 2016 season you now have players from over twenty countries competing. MB: OH and the rest. You see we knew you cannot help our local players by just creating a tour where they are just playing each other. They need to gain experience competing against other nationalities so eventually when they do become professionals they need to travel and play abroad. They have to be ready to see how people react, what they eat, their customs and habits and all that. Its therefore good to have other players from other countries involved. Our mandate is that we would like to encourage any young kids to get themselves experience to maybe become professional golfers, and it does not matter where they come from.

PG: How do you see the MENA tour position itself? MB: Well as MENA has now received the approval of World Rankings I think we are there. We cannot naturally compare ourselves with say the European or Asian Tours, as they have been in this business a longtime. The finances they have we cannot compete too, but we donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t need that much, as we are starting with youngsters, and are there to give then a taste of the sport itself rather than the money. We run our own Q School in Spain and this year the tour is visiting nine countries. PG: Moving onto Golf Citizen can you explain the reason why you started an online booking service? MB: We started three years ago initially across the Middle East, but

over the past couple of years also added Thailand as well. People are not used to booking online so much here in Asia, however fairly soon I think everyone will be booking online. We already book our flights and hotels this way and golf has to go that way to make life easy for the club and for the players. This booking system is very flexible as it allows the clubs to offer the tee times they want to fill and at special rates on certain days or times. PG: Finally what has been the most important memory for you in your golfing career? MB: I would say when a Arab won on the MENA tour, that was special. In fact a Moroccan player won in the UAE on the MENA Tour in 2015.

Laguna Phuket’s 14th Fairway

Phuket

Jewel of the South

Phuket has always been a major attraction for international travelers and the same can be said for golf vacationers as well.

ith around eight courses dotted around the island, you are spoilt for choice and now many are also venturing off the island to test their skills at a new course about one hour North of Phuket, called Katathong. Phuket is still relatively busy with construction underway to enlarge the local airport with an additional terminal, and already there are several international flights connecting the island to Russia, Scandinavia, the Middle East and the UK. It is also relatively cheap to fly there from Pattaya or Bangkok for a few days golf down south too.

by Mike Bridge You will however need some deep pockets though to enjoy your golf on the island, as some of the most expensive rounds of golf in the country can be found here. Basically the land on the island is very expensive and there is now no more space to build anymore courses on the island. Certain clubs feel they can therefore command high rates especially from the wealthier golf vacationer. Best bet is to check out the individual courses websites for up to the minute rates. There are also a few active golf societies on the island, and sometimes locals and Thai residents may be entitled to receive discounts.

Blue Canyon, next to the island’s airport is perhaps the most famous club here, with the fairly tricky Canyon Course or the slightly easier Lakes Course to enjoy. Although most will want to follow in the footsteps of Tiger Woods, Greg Norman and Ernie Els who all competed on the Canyon course, the Lakes course is easier on your scorecard with wider fairways. The Canyon’s rough can be deadly and watch out for the undulating greens here. The Lakes course has water hazards on 17 of the 18 holes, and when it is windy, you will need to allow for cross winds.

Blue Canyon Lakes Course Blue Canyonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s clubhouse has a very colonial feel to it and is still a class act, however for the high rates being currently charged these two courses need to be maintained at a higher level. New owners have taken over and have promised improvements, so watch this place. Loch Palm and its sister Red Mountain are located right in the middle of the island, so you are likely to get there within 20-30 minutes from leaving your hotel. Loch Palm is a firm favorite with the locals, and has recently benefited from a complete upgrade of its clubhouse.

Loch Palm Golf Club is built around Crystal Lake, the central feature of the course and in fact the largest body of water on any Phuket golf course. Loch Palm has smooth slopes and dramatic elevation changes, and you will cross or play around ravines and plateaus. The front nine sits amid lakes and palm trees, while the back nine moves you though mountains, hitting uphill and downhill with woods, irons and even your putter. A fun day out!

Literally next door is perhaps Phukets most talked about 18 holes, Red Mountain. Designed by Englishman Jon Morrow who then went onto to create Bangkokâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Riverdale, this course weaves its way around an old disused tin mine. Every hole here has the WOW factor from the first to the last hole. Hole 2 a testy par 5 is a tough challenge as your drive and second shot needs to get up the hill so you can then see the raised green. Hole 10 has a good view down to the lake below, and there is a great view of the entire area from the highest point on the course from the 16th tee. The star attraction here however is their par 3 17th, 120 metes sheer drop down into a mine shaft. Definitely a Kodak moment here! I have to admit the course has been in excellent condition every time I have played here. The caddies are very well trained, the clubhouse restaurant is superb and they have some very new clubs for hire too. It is very hilly so carts are not only compulary but

Red Mountain Hole 17

Katathong Golf and Country Club essential. It is expensive but at the end of your round here you will feel you have had your moneyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s worth.

Mission Hill par 3

Worth a mention is Laguna Phuket Golf Club, which recently re opened after a major upgrade. Part of Asiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fully integrated resort development, this 18 holes sits next to one of the island top hotels The Banyan Tree. Only 6,756 yards from the back tees, course designer Paul Jansen has created the perfect golf experience for players of all abilities. Here you have a fairly flat terrain with natural water features, well placed bunkers and gently contoured greens built to USGA standards. Nice touches are lakes with water lilies, Banyan trees and even a few local boats positioned to add to the seaside location. Worth adding to your list and you should come away with a low score too.

Mission Hills

Mission Hills Golf Resort & Spa is on the North East of the island and has one of the most spectacular club house entrances you will see, with the course and the sea as a backdrop.

Katathong Design by Nicklaus Design this 18 hole par 72 course is 6,806 yards from the black tees to 5,127 yards from the red tees. The course has experienced some problems in the past, particularly the quality of their fairways. However we are pleased to report that all 18 holes have benefited from a full course up grade. Perhaps not the busiest 18 holes on the island you are however rewarded by some great holes running along beside the sea, and you can almost touch the fishermen as the chug past in the small long tail boats. Millionaireâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s golf and no waiting here on the tee boxes! On the island there is also the Phuket Country Club and Phunaka (9 holes + driving range) if you need a quick round.

If you are willing to travel around one hour north of Phuketâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s airport, then

you should try out the Katathong Golf and Country Club, developed on an abandoned 15th century tin mine. One of Thailandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s newer courses that is getting a lot of good reviews, it opened its 18 holes in 2015. As you play the front and back nines, you will still see authentic mining equipment leftover from the former tin mine. The course is nestled between three stunning misty mountains Phang Nga, Khao Nang and the taller Katathong mountain recognised by its gently curved summit. Here there are spectacular natural contours featuring undulating hills , sand traps, and a beautiful natural reservoir, with cascading waterfalls and streams. Players will enjoy the challenges of narrow but fairly short fairways requiring precision and accuracy, but above all here you will arrive to play golf, and to leave with a deeper respect for nature.

In a nut shell Phuket is still a golfers paradise and with all the nightlife, fabulous restaurants and a wide choice of boutique to 5 star hotels, it is hard not to enjoy a few days there. But do remember to top up your ATM card. Laguna Phuket

PHOENIX GOLD

GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB

Special Promotions April - November 2016

MONDAY SPECIALS Green Fee 1,000THB (18Hole)

FREE CART EVERY TUESDAY (18Hole)

SPECIAL GREEN FEE FOR GROUP (18Hole) WED,THU,FRI : 3,500THB WEEKEND : 7,000THB

BOOK NOW!! SUNDAY SPECIALS AFTER 12.00pm. 2,000THB INClude GREEN FEE,CADDY,CART (18Hole)

TWILIGHT PROMOTION AFTER 3.00pm.

+66(0)84 873 5363 +66(0)92 225 8449

GREEN FEE 600THB (18Hole)

*Packages cannot be combined with any other offers

111 Moo9, Sukhaphiban2, Huayyai, Banglamung, Chonburi Tel : +66 (0)38 239 391-5 Fax : +66 (0)38 239 414 Mobile : +66 (0)84 873 5363, +66 (0)92 225 8449 E-Mail : reservation@phoenixgoldgolf.com www.phoenixgoldgolf.com

Is Golf Dying Off? The game of golf has seen a dramatic decline in the number of active golfers playing, with statistics provided by Golf Datatech showing that just in the U.S. golfers played 462 million rounds last year, the fewest number since 1995.

olf pundits, golf legends, even TV commentators have all been discussing the situation for several years now, but the serious warning signs are there to see, especially with the recent news that Nike Inc is getting out of the golf equipment business. This was for some a surprising announcement, that is sure to send Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy and other players searching for new clubs and golf balls next year.

Nike said it would stop making clubs, golf balls and golf bags, instead devoting

its resources to shoes and apparel, longs its strength in the golf marketplace. The announcement comes after Nike in June posted an 8.2% drop in sales of golf articles to $706 million during the fiscal year that ended in May.

The Austin, Texas-based chain, caught in the middle of a downdraft in the sport â&#x20AC;&#x201D; roughly 6 million people, or 20 percent of those who regularly play golf have walked away from the game since 2000.

Americans are losing interest in playing golf â&#x20AC;&#x201D; and itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s taking its toll on business. Golfsmith, a 150-store golf specialty retailer, has hired an investment bank and restructuring expert as it weighs a possible bankruptcy court filing, according to a report in the New York times.

1,300,000 Golfers Gone Forever For the third straight year, the National Golf Foundation (NGF) based in the States reports the number of golfers in 2014 was near 25 million. This number (24.7 million) matches the figure for 2013, but is down from 2010 (26 million) and 17 percent off the peak in 2005 of

30 million. It also matches the pre-Tiger Woods number of 24.7 million in 1995. Everything depends on how you define a golfer, but broad estimates of ‘regular’ golfers are those who play at least one round on a recognised golf course per year or use a practice facility such as a driving range. According to Golf.com the typical American golfer is aged 46 yrs old, he earns an average of US$100,980 a year, plays 46 rounds a year, has been playing for 23 years and looses 1.3 golf balls per round. The venerable R & A published a lengthy report stating that there are 576,534 golf holes in the world, although given that there are 696 new developments in planning or construction, this number maybe out of date already. These half a million golf holes are spread over 34,011 golf facilities across the globe. 33 Countries Have No Golf Courses However just 18 countries account for 88% of the worlds courses, and there are 33 countries that do not have any courses at all. The majority of worldwide supply is located in the Western Hemisphere, with North and South America providing 55% of the world supply. Europe comes in at 22% followed by Asia with 14% and Oceania with 6% The States with 15,372 courses has the most tracks in the world, but even that is down from its peak of 16,502. Over 250 courses are closing every year there and many are also closing in golf mad Japan due to the cost of memberships. Over in Asia golf is still developing , but has been handicapped by environmental and political restrictions. Currently there is there is a slow down on course construction in China, because of concerns of water shortage and use of land. Even golf crazy South Koreans are finding they have less

in their pocket, with many clubs under particular financial pressures there. Only 1% of Golfers are Aged 18-29 years Old According to the Asian Golf Monthly, only 43% of active golfers are aged under 49 yrs, with only 1% played by 18-29yr olds. A very sobering figure! The baby boomers of the post war years helped to fuel the golfing craze in the 60’s - 90’s, but most are now in the 60’s and will soon stop playing altogether. The ‘Millennials” as in young people, seem to have more pressing matters such as playing computer games, getting a job, starting a family and then paying the mortgage. They don’t have the time or the spare cash to indulge in what is still too many seen as a ‘Middle Class’ elite sport. Clock is Ticking Another issue is time. With most golf played at the weekend, when some courses are busy, it can take up to five hours to finish a round, and that leaves less time for quality family time. Many are spending less at the course by just playing nine holes, which means less revenue for the club. Everyone complains on how slowly the Professionals take on TV, but locally with groups of up to 6 playing, eating and even gambling their way round, it certainly does not promote golf in a good light.

Real Estate Decline Many clubs and golf resorts have been planned with real estate as part of their financial mix, offering owners free or reduced playing rights. Some have been very successful, however for many with the decline in home prices and foreclosures a common site in the States, courses along the Carolina Coast and in Central Florida lay abandoned due to empty homes and high maintance costs. Although surprising most clubs around the World are open to the public, only 29% are actually private clubs. However as seen in membership led Japan, the decline in people who can afford to join or renew their membership, has meant golf management having to alter the rules just to survive, with many private courses now allowing the public to play

In Asia golf vacationers are still playing in large numbers, due to excellent weather, great service and often at a variety of reasonable rates. In Bangkok Thailand, they have even successfully opened the regions first 6-6-6 golf course, where customers can decide to play say 12 holes or the full 18 holes. Each 6 holes offer two par threes, two par fours and two par fives.

The Tiger Woods factor which helped fuel the boom in golf has now vanished. Although we do have exciting young stars entering the fray, namely Speith, Fowler, McIlroy and even the ‘BEEF’ Johnston, our youngsters the future of golf, now have parents that either don’t play or cannot afford the time or money to play. They never get to go to a golf course anymore.

There are new ideas, such as Footgolf or Frisbee Golf seen as ways for clubs to increase revenue, however most believe its the cost and time that are the main factors.

Therefore maybe we need to find ways to make golf much more affordable, a lot faster to play, to become less elitist, and all this has to be done quickly too!

Exclusive Interview

Trevor Immelman, 2008 Masters Champion

Any golfer will tell you it would be their ultimate dream to win either The Open or the Masters. I caught up with someone who has grabbed that ultimate dream, South African Trevor Immelman.

With GM at Phoenix Gold Golf & Country Club

he 2008 Masters champion, currently playing on the PGA tour, now lives in the States where he flew in from recently to take part in the Kings Cup at the Phoenix Gold Golf and Country Club. I met him on the practice day. Pattaya Golfer: It is unusual to meet a Masters Champion here in Pattaya. Trevor Immelman: Well that’s a great honour, I know Bubba Watson played up the road in Chonburi, but I am delighted to be here. PG: On a more serious note, we all talk about your Augusta triumph, but more recently after years of injuries, you returned playing on the Web.com tour and gaining your PGA tour card back by winnining the final tournament, the Hotel Fitness Championship in 2013. Now that must rank high on your achievements? Trevor: Yes it did....it’s been a long run. This is my seventeenth season as a professional and as anything in life, there are going to be ups and downs and golf is no different. It’s a perfect analogy for what life is going to be like, so you learn to move with the times and life for me has changed tremendously on a number of occasions, personally and professionally. It’s been a great journey.

PG: The Web.com tour has some great players and a lot of prize money. It’s hardly a Challenge style tour! Trevor: No disrespect to the Challenge Tour , they are both feeder tours to the main event, either the PGA or the European Tour. Currently I don’t have any exemption on the PGA tour, so I have to get going tournament to tournament, however I am lucky as I still have plenty of playing opportunities on the European and PGA tours. PG: The MENA tour which encourages both amateurs and professionals to compete on tournaments in the Middle East, Asia and South Africa, is a feeder tour, with entry to the Asian and Sunshine Tours. Trevor: I am a huge supporter of these new tours. Look it’s hard to get on the main tours and a very small percentage of golfers worldwide make it. So if we can organiser more tournaments where players can make a living I am a huge fan, and a big supporter of the Sunshine tour in South Africa. PG: Here in Thailand golf clubs welcome kids even on Sundays and Thai players are starting to do well internationally. Same with South African players. Do you think it is important to work with the kids? Trevor: It’s no doubt we have to work from the bottom up, so you have to find ways

to get kids to come to the game, to make it enjoyable, while still teaching them the rules and the etiquette, and that’s how you grow it. PG: Thailand has one of the first 6-6-6 golf layouts at Nikanti near Bangkok. It’s a way of encouraging families to play shorter rounds. Trevor: That’s cool, I haven’t heard of this club, but it has to be one way forward. PG: I hear you are now starting to venture into media as well. Trevor: Yes I am doing some TV work, and although I still love to play at the highest level, I haven’t been able to do that for a number of years now, so I have considered other ways to stay in the game and to contribute into the game. With the Champions tour allowing us golfers to carry on, golf is really a game for a lifetime! PG: Finally have you played over her before? Trevor: Yes we used to come over to play in the Jonnie Walker Classics....I think it was at the Thai Country Club in Bangkok. I am looking forward to playing the Mountain and Lakes courses at the Phoenix Gold. The greens are fast!!!

TAT Party at Mantra

Pattaya Hosted

The Thailand Golf Travel

Mart 2016 in Style

Held annually and organised by the Tourism Authority of Thailand, this year Pattaya was selected to host the 2016 Thailand Golf Travel Mart.

AT invited over 150 leading golf tour operators from Asia, Europe and the States along with over 50 golf journalists and editors.

The main expo took place at the large ballroom at the Dusit Thani Pattaya, while golf tournaments were held at Laem Chabang and Burapha. The opening presentation was attended by over 1,000 delegates and exhibitors who were first welcomed by the TATâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s deputy governor. The keynote speaker Mike

Sebastian from Asia Golf Monthly, gave everyone some sobering statistics that only 1% of the worlds golfers were aged between 18-29 years old. He also added however that because of good pricing, Asia and particularly Thailand would continue to remain a top golfing destination. Apart from networking with 200 sellers including golf courses, local operators and hotels, these important buyers and media representatives were able to enjoy Pattayaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hospitality. There was a 5 star party at the Mantra with amazing food and live music,

and another party after the golf at Laem Chabang. A nice touch there was that all the local golf courses had their own stall with sumptuous Thai cuisine on offer. All delegates and sellers were eager to grab a copy of The Pattaya Golfer and we eventually gave away over 300 copies. Although it was a fun four days, everyone reported that they made some excellent contacts for the future, which has to be great for the golf courses, the TAT and of course Pattaya too.

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

Pleasant Valley Golf & Country Club

Located close to the Bangkok to Pattaya expressway and nearby to Khoa Kheow Country Club, Pleasant Valley is perhaps one of the regions busiest 18 holes. 28

Par 5 3rd

Island Greeen at the 8th hole

unning at 7,002 yards from the black tees or just 5,221 yards from the red tees, their 18 holes meander around a couple of large lakes with fairly wide fairways and several undulating greens, all backed by a tree covered mountain. There are a few well place bunkers plus many palm trees and shrubs, however the designers have not made this course too challenging, so would recommend it especially if you are a high handicapper. The 3rd hole at 601 yards around the lake is their handicap No.1, and only very long hitters could try to make the green in two. The modern club house overlooks the 9th and 18 green split by another lake, with the 18th a par 5 dogleg at 580 yards. The facilities are modern and clean and with low rates for most days it is not surprising they have a lot of golfers.

17th

Try to avoid the weekends and holidays, when the club allows up to 8 balls to play after midday. I have to say if you do find yourself behind one of these large groups do not expect to get home in under 6 hours! Overall Pleasant Valley, which is owned by the same group who run Parichart International Golf Links, offers excellent value, but do check with the pro shop first to find out if it will be a busy day or not. www.pleasantvalley-golf.com

Par 3 5th hole

Destination

Bali

Discover

Magical Bali By Mike Bridge

Bali is one region where not only are you able to savor some spectacular courses, but for once it is also a great place to take all the family too, as there is so much to do.

Nirwana Rice Paddies

Destination

BALI

Arial view overlooking Tanah Lot temple and golf course at Pan Pacific Nirwana Bali Resort (7th green)

here is a difference between say playing the links of Scotland in the rain, conquering the pine trees lined fairways in Europe or tackling the bush out in the desert of America. All interesting challenges of course, however South East Asia brings its own charm to your golfing holiday, and I have to say playing in a tropical climate does help a lot as well. From Thailand it takes roughly four hours to fly to Bali, however once you land you realise it was all worth the trip. Bali is blessed with stunning beaches, hotels to suit all budgets, superb restaurants, great shopping, incredible temples and also some top class golf courses. Not far from the Bali International airport there are two clubs, both beside the ocean, Bali National and New Kuta while Nirwana Golf Resort is around 35

minute up the coast. Finally for the more adventurous Bali Chandra is a two hour drive up into the highlands. The Islandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s No 1 Course Bali National which was completed modernised back in 2013 is arguably the number one 18 holes on the island. Close to most of the top international resort hotels on the southern tip of the island, this 7,166 yard par 72 layout was re designed by Robin Nelson and Rodney Wright as an Hawaiian-styled golf course. It now features new Paspalum turf, with scalloped bunkering lining most of the fairways and elevated greens. The outward nine plays through the hills with lush tropical and jungle fauna, with spectacular views of the Indian Ocean on most holes. A nice touch are the hand built local stone walls, giving the impression of playing beside a typical rice field terrace that you find all over the island.

The back nine plays on more level land dominated by coconut trees and a series of manmade lakes. They even have their version of the famous 17th par three at TPC Sawgrass with an island green They have a grass driving range, chipping and putting green to warm up before you start, and their modern clubhouse has a great restaurant with excellent views across the golf course. Sea, Sand and Cliffs Also overlooking the Indian Ocean and perched 200 feet above the sea is the New Kuta Golf, about 20 minutes away from Bali National. Here they have carved the 6,378 yard course out of the harsh limestone between brilliant white cliffs and the blue waters crashing below. The landscape includes rolling links styled fairways, semi rough of natural grasses, plus sand and undulating greens.

#3 green at Bali National The outward nine ventures away from the coast, and is played over a varied terrain. Do watch out for their 6th green, which is literally surrounded by a sea of sand. The fun however really starts on the backward nine with prevailing winds coming into play on each hole. The winds are a factor at New Kuta, but are also a blessing in the hot tropical heat.

Golf Club, which is about 75 minutes from Nusa Dua and 30 minutes up the coast from the airport. Part of the Pan Pacific Resort, Norman designed this course back in 1997 and has used some of the most amazing scenery to create a magical Balinese style layout which overlooks the Indian Ocean and weaves through rice terraces and towering palm trees

Holes 14-16 are all perched on cliffs some 200 feet above the Dreamland Beach, which is great for surfing too. In fact the par 4 14th tumbles some 438 yards downhill with the aqua blue waters as the backdrop. Along with the beauty and challenges this course was recognized for its environmental conservation and in 2008 was awarded a certificate “IGOLF Laureate Course”.

At 6,805 yards this par 72 championship golf course was voted by Golf Digest and Asian Golf Monthly as the best golf course in Indonesia and best golf resort in Asia.

Greg Norman Masterpiece My favourite course though goes to the most photographed18 holes in Asia, Greg Norman’s beautiful Nirwana Bali

If you are lucky enough to get an early tee time, you will find that your first hole maybe shrouded in a ghost like mist that hovers 4 feet off the ground, so all you can make out of the green ahead is the flag stick. Three of the holes play alongside the ocean with the famous Hindu temple protecting the course from the gods of

the sea. The ultimate Kodak moment of your golf vacation has to be from the 7th tee box, where you aim at the raised green with the ball going over the Ocean. Nirwana Bali has a luxurious Balinese clubhouse with a colonial feel, providing a well stocked pro shop and restaurant. The Pan Pacific Resort is right next door too! A truly magical experience. Balinese Highland Golf If you really want to see the traditional way of life away from the tourist resorts, then it is perhaps worth taking a two hour trip past Balinese villages and rice paddies on the way to Bali Handra Golf and Country Club. Opened back in 1974 by Australians Peter Thompson and Mike Wolveridge, this course is located at an altitude of 1,142 metres above sea level, and temperatures moderate between 14 and 20 degrees Celsius.

Destination

BALI

Set in the lush highlands of Bali and nestled in the crater of a volcano in the mountains of Bedugul, mature trees line fairways, while indigenous flowers and Bent grass greens characterize the layout. The par 3, 14th is their signature hole where you are hitting uphill to the raised green with huge mountains as the backdrop. The Clubhouse while dated, features a Japanese restaurant, although to break the journey home it might be more interesting to stop of at one of the many restaurants in the beautiful village of Ubud.

Hole #12 Bali National

If you would like everything taken care for you check out www. Golfasian. com who have 4 day / 3 night packages including golf and ground transport (flights are not included) starting from US$525. They use a variety of hotels including the 4 star Grand Aston Bali Beach Resort and the 5 star Nusa Dua Beach Hotel and Spa.

Editors Note: Like most golf

clubs on the island, if you book a late tee time you not only can save on the green fee, but you will be rewarded by some awesome sunsets as you come to the end of your round. I think what sets golfing in Bali apart from other destinations is that there is some much to appeal to your non playing partner and children. Well worth the trip south!

36Bali Handra

Course Report Greenwood Golf Club

Located around 40 minutes north of Pattaya , this country style 27 hole course was designed by the legendary Peter Thompson five times British Open Champion.

Greenwood Golf Club

t opened in 2007, but now plays as a mature woodland track. There are there nine hole courses, styled as a Links, British and American Woodland style courses. With over 10,535 yards of excellent fairways and greens to play you can choose course A, B or C to create your 18 holes. We played course C and A. C course starts with a fairly long par 4 with a hidden green which for average players will be hard to reach in two. Most of course C has wide fairways and some blind dog legs ending with a 550 yard par 5 across water, its signature hole. The layout is suitable for the big hitters although there are numerous tee boxes to assist all players. We all felt the star attraction was Course A which offers elevation, woodland, some water, undulating fairways and excellent greens.

The fairways here seemed lusher and greener and most of the tees offered some â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;WOWâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; factors. I especially liked the second and eight hole where you are driving downhill with a second shot over a valley with a small stream up to a raised green surrounded by bunkers. By the way, the greens are Bermuda Dwarf and fairways Bermuda 419 for you technical golfers. The course is popular with Japanese players as there are several factories owned by them nearby. We found the club house was adequate with clean locker rooms and showers. The restaurant on the first floor was a bit basic but the menu was extensive. Overall if you like to have a new course to add to your bucket list, then Greenwood is well worth a visit but add Course A to your 18 holes if you want some fun golf! www.gwgolfclub.com Hole 1 A course

Kings Cup a Winner

With only a few months to prepare for the Kings Cup, the Phoenix Gold Golf & Country Club managed to host an exciting tournament eventually won by Chinese Taipei Chan Shih - Chang. 42

Winner Chan Shih - Chang

ith a very busy schedule and players committed to other international tournaments due to the Olympics, 2016 was always going to be a big challenge.

coverage, said on air that it was great to see the professionals struggling with some tricky pin placements. In his opinion the two courses especially the tricky 9th on the Lakes was a winner too.

Naturally it would have been more interesting to see some big stars compete in the first hosting in Pattaya of this prestigious tournament, however congratulations on all at the club for putting together a very professional co sanctioned event.

Next year the players will most likely tackle the Ocean course, widely regarded by locals as the clubs premier nine holes, coupled with the Lakes course. This year Ocean was undergoing a complete renovation programme.

The Lakes and Mountain course initially was one of the shortest layouts on the European or Asian Tours, and pundits predicted massive scores. However in the end many failed to make even par. Certainly the TV commentator Dom Boulez, working for the Fox Sports

No dates yet but the tournament may move forward into the spring to enable players to compete in back to back Asian events. Maybe we may see a Rory or a Jason next year. However my number one choice who would certainly get the Pattaya crowds shouting, would be fans current favorite, Andrew Johntson also knows simply as BEEF.

Eddie Pepperill from England

13th and 14th holes

It’s a Game

of Numbers!

Well we all know how long it can take to play a round of golf these days, especially during the busy weekends!

ere in Thailand local players also love to play in large groups and gamble their way round, even stopping off sometimes for a bite to eat at the course kiosks. Bottom line is golf is an expensive hobby, and it can also take you away from quality time with your family and friends! Gary Player has always advocated that as equipment has improved, course designers are also having to create longer yardages to keep the big hitters happy. This however means more maintenance and more precious water is required.

Everyone from the R&A to Jack Nicklaus know that that to encourage the next generation to take up the sport, the golf industry needs to adapt to people who basically have less free time to spend. Here in Thailand we are actually blessed with an excellent youth programme to encourage youngsters to play golf. With several Thais winning on the world stage including Kiradech Aphibarnrat and Ariya Jutanugarn, kids are keen to try golf, and golf clubs encourage them to play with the parents, even on the weekend. Try that in Europe!!!!

Here they are also being creative with Par 3 competitions at Burapha over 18 holes and putting contests at Siam Country Club’s Waterside. Great fun for all ages! Pirapon Namtra the talented Thai course designer, has listened to the problems and has designed and created Asia’s first 6-66 concept, enabling players top play six, twelve of the full eighteen holes. Nikanti opened in late 2014 35 kilometres west of Bangkok and has been a big success from day one. Pirapon has created three six hole loops, each with two par threes, two par fours

13th

and two par fives. Players can then decide the number of holes they wish to play, depending on the time the have available. Apart from a very interesting and well maintained golf course, Nikanti also has very stylish caddies, a top chef and a very chic clubhouse, all adding to the whole experience. They also have adopted an all inclusive rate to include green fee, carts with GPS , caddie fee plus meals before and after your round. Many leading lights across the golfing world have been coming to see how Nikanti is getting on, so expect many more course owners to adopt the 6-6-6 layout. Sir Nick Faldo has told us with many international resort hotels wishing to save on land costs, he reckons we will start to see twelve hole golf courses being built. That way Dad can still enjoy his golf without leaving the family by the pool all day!

Clubhouse and 18th hole

De s t i nat ion

Japan

Discover

Surprising

Japan By Callum Mackie

This was my first visit to Japan and I had many misconceptions in my mind. Expensive golf courses, endless traffic jams, incomprehensible language and neon signs everywhere. How wrong could I be!

et me first destroy the myth that golf in Japan is expensive and exclusive. This may have been the case 10 years ago but with the number of active golfers falling from 11 million to 8 million and the age profile rising, many golf courses suffer dropping memberships and lower revenues. This means that previously members only clubs are starting to open their doors to visitors and have embarked on a charm campaign to woo Western tourists. Weekday golf packages including green fee, cart share and lunch are priced between 3,000 and 5,000 baht – very affordable for an inherently expensive country. I was invited to inspect the golf and tourism facilities in Mie Prefecture located in South East Japan and I was very impressed by the complete golf, culture, gastronomic and scenic experience I flew from Bangkok to

Nagoya in south east Japan – about 5 hours’ flight time. On arrival, our hosts whisked us off to the high speed ferry that connects Nagoya Centrair airport with Mie Prefecture. The landscape was hilly and picturesque without a skyscraper or neon light in evidence. Given that our flight arrived early morning, our hosts had arranged a spectacular sightseeing and culinary tour for the day. We started with delicious sushi at a family restaurant followed by a visit to Japan’s most famous shrine – Ise Grand Shrine (recently visited by the G7 leaders at the 2016 summit). Our next highlight was to visit the famous ladies that dive for shellfish and then cook the catch for you on a charcoal bbq. Fresh and delicious with a great tradition of family fishing. We stayed overnight at the luxury Nemu Golf Club – a full service golf resort

located on the coast in the Ise-Shima area of Mie. The accommodation is five star all the way with service to match. We enjoyed multiple courses of seafood, vegetables and meat washed down with more varieties of Sake than I care to remember. Our hosts were exemplary – warm, friendly and brimming with enthusiasm for their golf destination, food and culture. During a very hectic programme, we played 5 golf courses of very different styles and designs. Nemu Golf Club is based on a traditional course that was renovated and re-designed by Damian V Pascuzzo and his partner in golf design, Steve Pate. The result is a very playable course measuring 6,768 yards with a variety of shorter tees for all standards of golfer. The course presentation is immaculate and you travel from shot to shot in a 4 seater motorized golf cart that is steered by GPS. The clubhouse

TSU Country Club

De s t i nat ion

japan

is a traditional Japanese style with a floating pearl design. The restaurant offers stunning views over Ago Bay, famous for its pearls.

for having hosted a skins match between Greg Norman, Jumbo Osake and Scott Strange.

Mie would rank alongside the very best private members’ clubs in the UK and is a joy to play.

Cocopa resort has hosted the Japanese seniors open on its signature course. This is a massive complex with two hotels, chalets and 3 excellent golf courses. We played 2 of the courses – Mie Hakusan and Mie Phoenix golf courses. They were both very playable for all standards of golfer with undulating greens protected by strategic bunkers. We stayed 2 nights at the resort and experienced the traditional hot springs baths after golf to relax the muscles and our minds.

It is a real test of golf – particularly off the back tees that we were press ganged to play. Long carries, tight fairways and elevated greens challenged this high handicapper but the experience was worth the challenge. Probably the best course we played in Mie. Our final round was at Mie Country Club. This is a private members club so we were honoured guests to play this traditional parkland course in the company of the General Manager.

There are 16 golf clubs and resorts in Mie Prefecture that are open to tourists and visitors. It is recommended to play during the week because the courses get busy at weekends with city golfers getting out of town. All in all, golf in Japan and Mie in particular is a unique experience to be enjoyed at least once in your life. I am honoured to have been one of the lucky few.

Ise Country Club is one of the top championship golf courses in Japan famous

A great design with fairways lined by trees and many blind shots with elevation changes.

TSU Country Club

Golf in Japan – what is different A golf day in Japan is a whole day experience. On arrival at the golf course you should wear a jacket and shirt to be polite.

De s t i nat ion

Japan

Your round will have been booked for 9 holes in the morning followed by 9 holes after lunch. Normal tee time will be around 10.00 breaking for lunch at 12. to 12 noon then completing the back nine in the afternoon. Lunch in the clubhouse is quick but the variety and quality of food is excellent. Each four ball shares a cart with 4 seats and 4 sets of clubs on the back of the cart, Carts are restricted to fairways only but many have GPS that means you can send them up the cart path using a remote control. Golfers are expected to repair divots and rake bunkers. Caddies are available at some courses shared one caddy to 4 golfers. After golf it is traditional to enjoy the Japanese bathing and hot spa experience before dinner.

Cocopa Resort

Getting there Organising a golf trip to Japan can be complicated and expensive. Hotels and transport are typically 5 times the price of equivalents in Thailand and few of the golf course speak English. The best solution is to join a tour organized by one of the outbound golf tour operators from Thailand. Solar Golf www.solargolf.com or email admin@ solargolf.com are planning 5 and 7 day tours from March 2017 onwards so contact them to register your interest. Callum Mackie travelled to Mie, Japan as a guest of Mie Prefectural Government and hosted by the golf courses and resorts in Mie.

Angsana Lang Co Resort 52

Cocopa Resort

Richard and Dom

Behind the Scenes

Kings Cup TV During the Kings Cup, the main reason the huge sums can be raised to sponsor this co sanctioned event, is because of the huge global audience watching the four day TV coverage.

ver 700 million viewers tune into the European and Asian tour coverage and the responsibility to deliver an exciting and interesting commentary falls to some very talented commentators.

I caught up with the Hong Kong based Dom Boulet, part of the three man team of Richard Kaufman and Anthony Kang at the Phoenix Gold Golf and Country Club recently. Huddled together in a TV

compound close to the 2nd green on the Lakes course, Richard and Dom work in front of a big screen with tour professional Kang out on the course. Pattaya Golfer: First of all since youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re playing career do you know how many events you have covered? Dom Boulet: I probably average between 15 and 16 tournaments a year and I have been commentating for ten years. I mainly

cover Asian Tour events, but recently I did cover the British Open at Troon. PG: What other commentators do you admire? Dom: Of the people I work with, I really enjoy working with Julian Tutt, Dougie Donnelly, Richard Kaufman and Alan Wilkins although it has been a long time since I worked with Alan. From the American side, I think Paul Azinger is

Dom Boulet with Anthony Kang fantastic, Faldo at the Masters is brilliant and Ken Brown is terrific. PG: You seem to know the players especially here in Asia. Dom: Yes I certainly know the older players on tour, however with Anthony on board this week, being a tour player, he still travels and eats with the players and knows them a lot better . I do now feel a separation as I am no longer a player. This has to be, as I don’t tend to eat with them at night. I almost feel I am imposing on them when I sit in the players’ lounge. PG: With golf courses closing and the common feeling that golf is losing its appeal, do you feel that you have a responsibility to move golf forward? Only 1% of golf is currently played by 18-29 year olds Dom: Well at my golf club in Hong Kong the average age is 61 years old and I was at Montrose Golf Club in Scotland where the secretary told me his average age was over 60 yrs. It’s a huge concern if you look at it that way, but in most countries including Hong Kong, golf is too expensive. If you have just started work, you just cannot afford to play. I think most will join a club later on perhaps when their family life is settled and they have a reliable income. The dynamics of the family has changed

so when I was growing up I played golf with my Dad on the weekends and my mother and sisters did their thing. Nowadays, it seems like weekend activities involve the whole family. PG: Many potential golfers often first get a taste of the sport by watching TV. Do you feel you have an obligation to grow the game? How could you improve the coverage. Dom: Well one obvious factor is the speed of play. That is a huge problem in the game, not just for pros but also club players too. PG: What about rounds of 12 holes? Dom: No I don’t think changing the format is the way to go. We used to play a round in three and half hours. Now it’s up to five hours!

PG: What about the cost of a round of golf. Here in Pattaya you can play twlight rates for around THB400. Dom: Well in the UK it is still quite reasonably cheap. Even in Hong Kong we have now introduced Twlight rates which are reasonable by HK standards. Now people can play at the Hong Kong Golf Club for US$50-60. PG: Finally what were your impressions of Phoenix Gold? Dom: I like it. If you look at the card showing 6,600yards, you would think these guys would rip it up. But if you come here and see the size of the greens and how firm it is, it is terrific. It highlights the fact that you don’t need a 7,500 yard course to keep these guys honest. All good players want firm and fast conditions and they got it here.

TV compound

Pheonix Gold Caddies

Busy Month For Caddies Although we are currently in the middle of what is commonly known as the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;low seasonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;, thousands of Thai caddies, especially around Pattaya have still been very busy.

he last few qualifying rounds of the Amazing Thailand Singha Caddie Championship, saw over 300 female caddies competing for the last remaining places in the 2016 Grand Final. We caught up with them at Burapha Golf Club, and as you can see many colourful outfits were on display. The standard of golf has also improved too, since this tournament which attracts over 800 entrants from all over the country was launched five years ago. Go and support your local caddie when the top 120 Thai caddies take on caddies from six other Asian countries at the Grand Final hosted by Siam Country Club’s Old Course on September 26th.

Another local Thai caddie made the news, when she caddied all four rounds for Chan Shih - Chang from Chinese Taipei, who went on to win the Kings Cup at Phoenix Gold Golf & Country Club. Let’s hope she got a bit more than the average tip for her hard work. He won US$150,000!!! There are allegedly over 30,000 caddies who work full time at the 240 golf courses around Thailand, and that’s what adds to everyone’s round of golf when playing here. For many, especially golf vacationers, its an experience that they will remember for a longtime. Not only do these caddies take over when you reach the bag drop,

handling your yardage, reading the greens and driving your cart or pulling your trolley, but working 365 days, they also know there course very well too. The system here in Pattaya is all clubs have a compulsory caddie service, where on registration the golfer will pay for their green fee and caddie fee at the pro shop. Typical caddie fee will be THB350 of which your caddie should get approximately 75%. But as they rely on our generosity also, at the end of your round it is customary to tip them for their hard work. We suggest between THB300-500 is fair, however if she has helped you to a few birdies or even an eagle or three, then as they say ‘Its up to you!!!’

Caddie Championship Competitor

Caddie Championship at Burapha

We talk to a local golfer Shane Ruddle

Many of our readers will have probably enjoyed playing in one of Shane Ruddleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s tournaments over the past few years, as he created the Pattaya Amateur Golf Society, know simply as PAGS.

Shane with Costantino Rocca (Center).

his 35 year old Brit actually came close to qualifying for the Asian Tour, when he came to practice in Thailand eleven winters ago. To cut the story short he told us he was distracted by the beautiful females here, and although having pre paid US$1,000 to enter Q school, failed to turn up. However as a qualified PGA instructor, Shane opened a local driving range and to encourage business set up a monthly tournament open to all clubs with its own order of merit. PAGS regularly attracts upwards of 120 players and this season they have been playing every month at the Phoenix Gold Golf and Country Club. The Greenways Driving range has long gone, however Shane is as busy as ever running his successful Pattaya Rent- a - Car and Pattaya Rent- a Bike in Pratamnak, publishing his

popular Pattaya Guide and launching a new golf website. Called Birdie in Thailand,, the idea is golfers can register their recent rounds at most of Thailandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s golf courses, and not only will it create your handicap, but it will also keep a full stats record of how many birdies and bogeys you made at what course too. He has still maintain is 1.7 handicap but due to a bad back and his busy schedule he rarely plays golf these days. His favorite courses however would be the Old Course at Siam Country Club in Pattaya and Lam Luk Ka north of Bangkok. Having played a lot of links style golf around the Somerset area back home in England, he also likes the feel of St Andrews 2000 and Pattavia Century both close to Pattaya. If you wish to register for your FREE handicap go to www.birdie.in.th

Breathtaking

& Irresistible

S 65 Cabriolet, Mercedes-AMG Open-top driving with prestige and performance Launched at the Detroit Motor Show in January 2016, available to order in the UK from April, with deliveries beginning in the summer, the S65 Cabriolet receives the same upgraded twin-turbocharged 5.5-litre V12 as the recently introduced S65 Coupé. Now assembled at parent company Mercedes-Benz’s factory in Mannheim rather than on site at AMG’s Affalterbach headquarters, the three-valveper-cylinder powerplant produces 621bhp at 4800rpm along with 737lb ft between 2300 and 4300rpm. The reserves are channelled to the rear wheels through a seven-speed automatic gearbox with three drive modes: Controlled Efficient, Sport and Manual. The car sits on standard 20in wheels shod with 285/35 tyres.

model is nominally limited to 155mph, although buyers can choose to raise it to 186mph with an optional Driver’s Package that includes uprated tyres. Combined cycle fuel consumption is put at 23.5mpg, with CO2 emissions rated at 272g/km. The range-topping S65 Cabriolet is visually differentiated from other S-Class Cabriolet models through its more liberal use of chrome within the air ducts incorporated in the front bumper, a unique wheel design, V12 bi-turbo badges along the flank, a high gloss black diffuser, quad-trapezoidal shaped tailpipes and S65 identification at the rear.

The multi-layer fabric roof is available in black, dark blue, beige and dark red. It can be opened and closed on the move at speeds Despite carrying an extra 175kg brought on of up to 31mph, with the whole process by the added bracing incorporated within its taking a claimed 17sec. Inside, the luxurious platform, Mercedes-AMG says the 2180kg S65 new four-seater receives Mercedes-Benz’s Cabriolet boasts the same 0-62mph time as Aircap wind protection deflector, Airscarf the 2035kg S65 Coupé at 4.1sec. This is 0.2sec heating elements in the backrests of the front slower than the 2110kg four-wheel driveseats and heated armrests among a raft of Mercedes-AMG S63 Cabriolet 4Matic, whose twin-turbocharged 6.2-litre V8 produces 577bhp upmarket features, all of which are carried over from the S65 Coupé. and 663lb ft. Top speed for the new AMG

BANG GOES THE BAHT B

eing an expat makes a little economist out of all of us to a certain degree... Just one example; how often do you find yourself moving between one currency and another, or even two, three or four at once! When Dave, down the pub, compares the price of a pint here in Pattaya to that in his local the ‘Dog and Duck’ back at home, most of us will find ourselves agreeing at how much more affordable things are here in Thailand. For many of us having a salary based on another major world currency or assets and incomes held outside of Thailand translates into being able to afford a better lifestyle – and, most importantly, more golf! We rarely stop to think about the ramifications of the currency conversions that we make in our everyday lives. As an expat in Thailand currency should be an important consideration for all of us as it can have a huge impact on our finances and in particular how far we can stretch our Baht (or Euro, Dollar, Pound, etc.,). For example, in the past 12 months alone the Thai Baht has risen (low to high) against a range of major world currencies by as much as around 20% (Sterling), 8% (Euro) or 6% (USD). Of course if you have assets in these currencies, be it a property, cash deposits or investments, or if you are receiving an income, pension or otherwise, from overseas, this has been bad news, as you’ll have seen real decreases in their value in Thai Baht terms. That means for our friend Dave that depending when he bought his pint it could have cost anywhere between £1.80 and £2.25 – a big difference! Of course, on the other hand if you have most of your assets here in Thailand, but have commitments overseas like a mortgage, child at university or debts, you will have found these outgoings have become a bit cheaper. It is swings and roundabouts and that is only over the past year. Many of us have

By Rob Rose been here longer than a year and I am sure that many of you will remember a time when the Baht was significantly weaker against other major world currencies. (2005: 75 Baht to the pound anyone?) For example, over the last ten years £1 has been worth as much as B71.70 or as little as B43.57. That is a shift of more than 40% in the relative value of the two currencies. Meanwhile USD saw a high of 37.77 against the Baht versus a low of 28.61, a shift in value of just under 25%. What can we learn from this? Well, over the last ten years it is clear that holding US Dollar would have proved a better option than holding pounds sterling because there was less volatility in Dollars against the Baht. (The highs weren’t as high and the lows weren’t as low so there was more to lose holding sterling.) But, just because holding US Dollars would have proven a better option over the last ten years doesn’t mean that it will for the next ten years. Indeed, as with so many things, it is always easier to make a judgment about the past than a prediction of the future when it comes to the foreign exchange markets. So what can be done? Well, you should diversify your assets through a range of different currencies if you can. This can be done in various ways, including, by investing in assets in different currencies or holding cash in a multi-currency account. You should also contact an experienced foreign exchange broker whenever you are moving significant amounts of money. This will mean that you have more options on which currency to move in or out of, helping you make the switch at the best time, generating better rates. And, don’t forget, major world events can have a huge impact on foreign currency markets as we have seen recently with referendum result in the UK, which sent Sterling into free-fall. At the time of writing it is one of the

best opportunities to move money into GBP in more than thirty years and some commentators are expecting Sterling to weaken even further. It is clear that foreign exchange markets can and will react wildly to the next big news story. The question is; are you and your finances prepared? About Rob Rose Rob is a wealth manager and financial blogger who has been helping expats in South East Asia manage their wealth for half a decade. Rob holds various qualifications from both the Chartered Insurance Institute and the Chartered Institute for Securities and Investment in London as well as locally with the SEC in Thailand. Outside of his work Rob is involved with various charities and expat organisations. As a result in 2015 he was inducted into the Tatler 300 as one of the 300 most influential expatriates living in Thailand. 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.

If you need help or advice on any of the issues raised in the article or in any other area of your personal finances Rob can be reached as follows: Mobile: +66 852129792 Email: rob@bankingonbangkok.com Web: www.bankingonbangkok.com

TO BANGKOK

TO CHACHOENGSAO

314 7 34 315

3 AMATA SPRING C.C.

CHONBURI

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.

CRYTAL BAY G.C.

BAN BUNG

SIRACHA

WANGJUNTR G.P.

344

GREEN WOOD G.C. 5

3241

TREASURE 18 HILL G.C.C.

AO UDOM

PATTAVIA CENTURY G.C.

LAEM CHABANG

331

BURAPHA G.C.

PATTANA SPORT CLUB & RESORT

3138

9 LAEM CHABANG G.C.

3245

MINI SIAM

SIAM C.C. WATERSIDE

PATTAYA

SIAM C.C. 14 OLD COURSE

ASIA PATTAYA HOTEL

Siam Royal View

PARICHAT INTERNATIONAL GOLF LINKS

SIAM C.C. PLANTATION

PATTAYA C.C.

3376

16 11

RAYONG GREEN VALLEY C.C.

PHOENIX GOLD GOLF 23 & C.C. PATTAYA ST. ANDREWS 2000 G.C.

331

3376

332 ROYAL THAI NAVY PLUTALUANG G.C. SATTAHIP

3375

15 U TAPAO AIRPORT

THE EMERALD G.C.

3191

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

COURSE DIRECTORY

website: www.bangpragolf.co.th Email: tiwa@bangpragolf.co.th Tel: +66 (0) 38 341149-50

Tel: +66 (0) 38 349 370-4

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

Crystal Bay Golf Resort This 27-hole Golf Resort course was designed by Japanese designed Thai Takenaka and opened for play in 1988. 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 forâ&#x20AC;Ś.Tourists in particular will enjoy playing alongside monkeys who frequent a couple of the holes here!

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.

COURSE DIRECTORY

Birdies: Perhaps one of the most spectacular holes Golf on courseClub B is the 4th a Burapha 403 yard par 4 off a raised tee 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 Forâ&#x20AC;Ś. 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 wellequipped 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.

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.

COURSE DIRECTORY

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

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!!!

experience, with not so many bunkers but lots of mature trees lining the fairways plus a lot of grassy undulating raised greens. Their first par

www.gwgolfclub.com Tel: +66 38 263 158-9

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 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.

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

a true links course, it is only slightly above sea level in altitude. 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

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.

COURSE DIRECTORY

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

Mountain Shadow Golf Club Address : 159/1 Moo 2 Saensuk Rd. Muang Chonburi 20130 Tel : +66 38 393 019

Mountain Shadow Golf Club formerly the Natural Park Hill Golf Club, re-opened 2004 after a complete renovation. Crystal halfway Bay Golf ResortBangkok and Located between This 27-hole GolfFream Resort course18was Pattaya, this Ronald designed holes is by Japanese designed Thai adesigned par 72 running at 6,722 yards. Takenaka and formango play inplantation 1988. It was crafted outopened of a former with beautiful flowers and trees providing a It is located near Sriracha some 45 backdrop to each hole. minutesand from Pattaya andin 1.5 hours from Fairways greens are kept reasonably Bangkok. Described as a Hawaiian style good condition. Utilizing water hazards, doglegs course lined holes, and four with islandpalm greenstree to good effect, theCrystal Bay has short good18-hole tee boxes, fairways relatively courselush is well suited for and fair golfers of greens. 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 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.

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.

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.

ISO 9001 : 2008 10

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

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 vitalâ&#x20AC;Ś.listen to your caddie.

Bogeys : Mountain course is currently closed so players are using the new Ocean and Lakes courses. Still a very popular set up and close to the city too.

Watch Out For: Some holes have magnificent views of the ocean and Silverlake in the distance. Being mainly on high ground there are welcome breezes most of the year to keep you cool.

www.phoenixgoldgolf.com Email: reservation@phoenixgoldgolf.com Tel: +66 (0) 38 239 400 Mobile +66 (0) 84 873 5363

Phoenix Gold Golf & Country Club Pattaya Perhaps the nearest golf course to central Pattaya, Phoenix Gold is only 25 minutes away.

Piraporn has worked his magic on the Ocean and Mountain courses and the Lakes course 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.

Originally designed by Denis Griffiths in 1993, this 27 hole course has recently been upgraded on instructions of the new owners by Piraporn Nimatra, who designed Banyan in Hua Hin.

Facilities include a driving range, restaurant, Pro-shop, several meeting rooms and separate male and female locker rooms.

COURSE DIRECTORY

www.pattaviagolf.com Tel: +66 (0) 81-304 1545

www.standrews2000golf.com Email : golfing@standrews2000golf.com Tel : 081-940818, 038-030660-2

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 Thai course originally opened in designed 1993 has had the Takenaka and opened forminimalistic play in 1988. course up graded and a new clubhouse built between the 1st and 18th Itholes. is located near Sriracha some 45 minutes from Pattaya andcourse, 1.5 hours Although not a championship the from Bangkok. Describedthe asfairways a Hawaiian layout was interesting, werestyle OK course with palm lined holes,Maybe Crystal and the greens were tree in good condition. Bay has good boxes, back lush so fairways the rough could tee be trimmed you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t and greens. needfair a mine detector to find your errant ball!

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 minutes from Pattaya, Silky Oak shares the same Crystal Bayclubhouse Golf Resort location and with the St Andrews This Resort course 200027-hole Golf Club Golf and the Rayong Green was Valley designed by Japanese designed Thai Country Club. Takenaka andthis opened for par play72incourse 1988. Opened in 2010 7,135 yard gets its name after a native of Australian tree Itthat is located Sriracha 45 resemblesnear a pine and is thesome main tree minutes from Pattaya 1.5 hours from planted throughout the golfand course.

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.

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: 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.

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.

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. In addition, the 101 bunkers are there for beauty and challengers for all golfers alike.

COURSE DIRECTORY

www.plutaluangnavygolfcourse.com Telephone: +66 (0) 80 209 9175, +66 (0) 81 003 3811, +66(0) 33 679 932-3

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 course is part of a Crystal Bay Resort mammoth golfGolf resort comprising of This 27-hole GolfStResort course wasSilky over 72 holes, with Andrews 2000 and designed Japanese Thai and Oaks also allby sharing a largedesigned joint club house Takenaka and opened for play in 1988. two onsite hotels.

ItRayong is located some 45 by Greennear ValleySriracha was designed in 1992 minutes fromtoPattaya and 1.5allhours from Peter Thomson accommodate levels of Bangkok. as a Hawaiian style players, andDescribed located between Rayong town course withthe palm tree holes, and Pattaya, course haslined a good layoutCrystal and Bay good tee boxes, lushfairways fairways offershas a solid challenge with wide up to and fair greens. relatively small undulating greens.

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.

www.siamcountryclub.com Tel : +66(0) 38 909 700

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 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.

COURSE DIRECTORY

www.treasurehill.co.th Tel : 038-420-766, 081-344-8002, 02-295-0856 Fax. 02. -295-0857

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 minutesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; drive from Pattaya, Greenwood and Pattavia Century golf clubs are also nearby

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.

Tel : 038 250401-11 www.asiahotel.co.th/asia_pattaya.htm

Asia Pattaya Hotel Right in the heart of Pattaya on Pratamnak Crystal Golf Resort Road SoiBay 4 (between South Pattaya and This 27-hole Golf was Jomtien Beach) is aResort great parcourse 3 course nine designed byowned Japanese hole course by the designed Asia PattayaThai hotel. Takenaka and opened for play 1988. 968 yards from the back tees this isina handy par 27 course. ItConsidered is locatedanear some 45 good Sriracha course to improve your minutes from anddue 1.5 to hours from short game andPattaya rescue shots the fairly Bangkok. Described as a Hawaiian rough surface. Very conveniently locatedstyle course with holes, Crystal next to the seapalm at thetree end lined of Pratumnak Soi Bay hashire good tee boxes, lush 4, they clubs and balls, so tonefairways up your and fair greens. short game here before venturing out to conquer one of the 22 local courses.

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.

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 youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Curley Design and hosted the 2009 Honda LPGA Thailand and also the unique Singha Amazing Thailand Caddie Championship finals.

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. Carts are compulsory and necessary here as it is quite hilly.

COURSE DIRECTORY

www.pattayacountryclub.com Tel : +66(0)81 654 5654

Pattaya Country Club Well located on the 331 and near to the Crystal Bay Golf 36 intersection this Resort course was recently This 27-hole Golfjust Resort was up graded and has openedcourse a magnificent designed by Japanese designed Thai new clubhouse. Takenaka andPattaya, openedthis for18play 1988. Only 18km from hole in course designed by Thai Lt General Weerayut ItPhedbeusasak is located near Sriracha some 45a is a fairly flat layout with minutes from Pattaya and 1.5ideal hours few lakes and well place bunkers, for from Bangkok. a Hawaiian style beginners orDescribed low scorersas alike. There is a 300 course withrange palm tree Crystal yard driving and the lined courseholes, occupying Bay tee aboxes, fairways over has 1,800good rai offers breezylush 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

and fair greens.

www.pleasantvalley-golf.com Tel: 081-4105522, 085-0454050

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 minutesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; drive from the club house and Khao Kheow golf course is also nearby. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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.

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!

Wangjuntr Golf Park Perhaps one of the most memorable golf courses in the region, Wangjuntr Crystal Resort Golf ParkBay nowGolf has three courses, This 27-hole Golf Resort was the Valley (18 holes), Highlandcourse (18 holes) and designed by Japanese Thai their new Jungle course (18designed holes). Park is Takenaka and opened in 1988. in fact the correct term as for theirplay signature course, the Highland’s 18 holes, is actually Itbuilt is located near Sriracha some around an animal sanctuary with45 deer, minutes 1.5 hours from ostrich andfrom cattlePattaya roamingand the spectacular Bangkok. a Hawaiian style countryside.Described Around 70 as minutes North East course with palm treein lined holes, Crystal of Pattaya need to book advance. Whacky Bay has good but great fun! tee boxes, lush fairways and fair greens. N.B. They are closed on Mondays and on other days somtime only open two of the three courses, so call them first before booking.

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.

www.standrews2000golf.com Tel: (+66 )38-030660-2

www.wangjuntrgolf.com

COURSE DIRECTORY

www.amataspring.co.th Tel : +66 (0) 38-468-888

Amata Spring Country Club is an exclusive private country club Crystal Golf featuringBay one of theResort most prestigious This Golfchampionship Resort course wasin and 27-hole recognizable courses designed by Japanese Asia. Located in Chonburidesigned 50 minutesThai from Takenaka and opened for playprovide in 1988. Pattaya , the course and facilities our members with the best private club Itexperience is locatedunmatched near Sriracha somein 45 anywhere the minutes fromits Pattaya 1.5 hours country. Since openingand the course has from Bangkok. Described Hawaiian style been privileged to host as theahighest profile golf course linedofholes, Crystal events with stagedpalm in thetree Kingdom Thailand.

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.

Birdies: Course is a true championship track always in immaculate condition. Watch out for: The 17th is the courseâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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.

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