Thai Golf News Issue 20 by Thai Golf News

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CONTENTS

ISSUE 20

12 22 Golf Club 4/299 Moo 5 Soi Ladplakhao66 Ladplakhao Rd. Anusawari Bangkhen Bangkok 10220 Tel. 66+ 2-971-6450 www.bluediamondgolf.com 19 Moo 13, T.Chongdarn, Bo Ploy, Karnjanaburi Zip. 71160, Thailand. For reservation please call 66+ 87-160-0140 or 66+ 34-603-858

Editorial Editor editor@thaigolf-news.com

EDITOR’S LETTER

GOLF NEWS... Another Super Star

Interview Mike Moir from Fenix

Destination report: LAGUNA PHUKET

Destination report: Tublamu Navy Coursee

22 ADVERTORIAL The Grand Prix Golf Club 26

Where to stay in Thailand Pullman

Pattaya news

Behind the Scenes PATTANA

Phuket news

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Playing Partners: Golf Society News and Events Picture report Thailand Open + Singha Pattaya Open

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• THAI GOLF •

ISSUE twenty

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ISSUE 20 Editors Letter It has been an amazing few weeks for golf here in Thailand and abroad. Korea has been the top Asian country for providing top golf pros for some time, but things are about to change…..watch out as the Thais are coming. Last year Thaworn Wiratchant became the oldest golfer on tour to win the Asian Tour’s Order of Merit. Prayad Markseank, another the veteran from Chiang Mai, won this year’s Thailand Open and currently leads the One Asian order of merit, and Thongchai Jaidee is still winning tournaments and is in the world’s top 60. But it’s the Thai youngsters who have been earning the big bucks in 2013. It all started back in 2011 when the Jutanugarn sisters from Bangkok lead the qualifiers for both the LPGA tour (18 year old Moriya) and the Ladies European Tour (17 year old Ariya). Since then between them, these talent sisters have earned a staggering US$567,065 since February. Moriya now playing full time on the LPGA Tour came 3rd in the Australian Open and is currently the tour’s leading Rookie. While Little sister Ariya, broke the hearts of the biggest tournament crowd in Thai history, when she triple bogeyed the last hole at the Honda LPGA Thailand Open. Ariya went on to win her first professional event in Morocco in March, and leads the Ladies European Tour in only her 4th event. She then had to qualify for the Lotte Championship in Hawaii and having then led in the first round, came in a creditable 3rd. She is already ranked 23 on the Rolex World Rankings. As we go to press she leads the 1st round in Virginia at the LPGA’s Kingsmill. Talented Pornanong Phatlum, also a full time LPGA player, has earnt US$189,238 this year and sits at 16 on the LPGA 2013 money list. She and her brother are well known on TV as they both wear LoudMouth. Young male Thai golfers are also making headlines, when Kiradech Aphibarnrat, a 23 year old known as the Thai John Daly, went on to win the European Tour’s Maybank Malaysian Open earning a massive US$456,099. He also came 4th at the tours Avantha Masters and 6th at the Ballantine’s jumping to 10th on the tour’s Race to Dubai. Kiradech is on a roll as we went to press he was leading the Volvo China Open. THAI GOLF / ISSUE Twenty

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Thailand is definitely on a roll and this has to be great for golf in the land of smiles. In this issue we cover reports on three courses in Phuket, talk to the CEO of Fenix about their new Sandy Lyle range, and we meet Stacey Walton GM at Banyan. COVER PICTURE SUPPLIED by Mike Bridge

Do check out our revamped website as we have added a lot of great discounted green fees for courses all over Thailand. Please come and see us and pick up your FREE copy of our latest golf guides for Bangkok, Hua Hin, Pattaya and Southern Thailand at the Golf Citizen stand at the Thailand Golf Expo at Bangkok’s Queen Sirikit’s Convention Centre May 16th-19th.

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FEATURES: • LOCAL AND INTERNATIONAL NEWS • GOLF TOURISM • THAI COURSES • INTERVIEWS • WHERE TO STAY • Golf Society Info 6

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GOLF NEWS... New Dates for Thailand Golf Championship Register for Golf Citizen Open at Queen Sirikit The Grand Final of the Golf Citizen Open Series will be held on December 14th 2013 here at Banyan Golf Club and there are some sensational prizes on offer. Banyan Golf Club Hua Hin is very proud to announce the following series of Golf events in association with www.golfcitizen.com and the other partner golf clubs in Thailand. In order to reach the Golf Citizen Open Series final, players will need to qualify via one of the qualifying rounds at the partner clubs during the year. The first of these qualifying rounds will be at Banyan Golf Club on Saturday June 1st 2013. The top three placed players in this event will be invited to play in the Grand Final in December, as will the top three from the October qualifier.

2013 winner Thailand Golf Championship

The third edition of the prestigious Thailand Golf Championship will be held at the vAmata Spring Country Club from December 12-15, 2013 and offer a total prize fund of US$1 million. The Asian Tour’s full-field tournament has grown rapidly since its inaugural year in 2011, attracting many of golf’s leading names such as Lee Westwood, Bubba Watson, Hunter Mahan, , Charl Schwartzel, Darren Clarke, John Daly, Ryo Ishikawa, Sergio Garcia, Thongchai Jaidee and Nicolas Colsaerts. Rated as one of the finest championship courses in Asia, Amata Spring has contributed immensely towards the development of professional golf in Thailand and Asia, where it has also hosted the Open Championship – International Final Qualifying – Asia, Royal Trophy and World Salute King Bhumibol’s Skins Games which featured world number one Tiger Woods.

Similar qualifiers are being held at Bangsai, Lakeview & Santiburi Samui. The qualifying events at Banyan Golf Club will be run as full handicap Stableford competitions, and the Grand Final as a full handicap Strokeplay event. All you need to do is register yourselves on www. golfcitizen.com under the “Become a Golf Citizen” Tab and follow the instructions. Members of the Golf Citizen team will be exhibiting at the Golf Expo taking place at Bangkok’s Queen Sirikit Convention Centre from May 16th-19th. If you are interested in playing in their series you can also register on their stand at the Expo. The Golf Citizen Open Series is to promote their online booking service allowing golfers to book tee times instantly. EGC CLUB

Too early to know who will be in the field but could be a good end of season tournament for Rory McIlroy to turn up in the land of smiles.

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GOLF NEWS... Another Thai Superstar Weeks after the Jutanugarn Sisters made the headlines by winning over US$350,000 in their first four tournaments as professionals, Thailand’s Kiradech Aphibarnrat completed a sensational wire-towire victory at the weather-shortened Maybank Malaysian Open when he overcame a host of stars with a gutsy performance on Sunday. The big-hitting 23-year-old held his nerve for a battling two-underpar 70 to lift his second Asian Tour title by one-shot from Ryder Cup star Edoardo Molinari of Italy, who signed off with a 67, at the Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club. Anders Hansen of Denmark shot a 66 to finish two shots back while 2011 Masters champion Charl Schwartzel of South Africa settled for tied fourth position following a 71 in the US$2.75 million championship sanctioned by the Asian Tour and European Tour. Kiraech, who is the fourth Thai after Thongchai Jaidee, Thaworn Wiratchant and Chapchai Nirat to win a co-sanctioned tournament, said: “I’m so happy this week. I’m proud of myself and for my family. I almost won here a few years ago (2010) and finally I made it. I’m so happy. With a winner’s cheque of US$458,330, Kiradech also jumped to the top of the Asian Tour’s Order of Merit with his season’s haul of US$594,230. The burly Thai, dubbed Asia’s John Daly due to his physique and style of play, had to overcome tiredness because of a thyroid problem and four days of weather disruptions to prevail at the Maybank Malaysian Open which was reduced into a three-round tournament. He led by one shot through 15 holes of the third and final round when play was suspended for two hours because of a lightning storm and came back out shaking at the prospects of winning his career’s biggest title yet. He birdied the 16th hole upon the resumption of play from four feet to open up a two-shot advantage and then enjoyed a stroke of fortune when his approach into the 17th green ended just a few feet from the water hazard. After leaving his chip some 15 feet short of the flag, Kiradech drained his par putt and celebrated with a clenched fist. Playing it safe with an iron off the tee on the last, a closing bogey did not matter as his three-day total of 13-under-par 203 was one clear of Molinari.

“During the suspension, I couldn’t eat anything. I was so excited. When I walked out, everything was shaking, even my voice. My caddie told me to just concentrate, just two more holes. I’m lucky that I played only 54 holes. Otherwise, I am so tired due to the weather and the golf course.” Thai golfers including Prom Meesawat, (28th in the Maybank) , Thongchai Jaidee and Chinnarat Phadungsil (both 33rd) veteran Thaworn Wirachant (40th) and Prayad Markseang (55th) managed to gain some valuable cash prizes to boost their standing on the order of merit on the Asian Tour. Both the young ladies and male golfers are not only catching the old stagers, but also are climbing up the Rolex rankings. It is likely to also have a huge impact on golf in Thailand. Prayad Markseang’s victory in Bangkok

“After I made birdie on 16, I knew I had a chance to win. But in golf, you can’t say you can win when you’re not finished. I was lucky my ball was still safe (on 17). If it rolled into the hazard, it would be tough to win. But I concentrated hard on 18. I’ve played here for about 20 times, and on 18, I think I’ve birdied it more than 10 times. Bogey was so tough but it was good enough to win,” said a beaming Kiradech. www.thaigolf-news.com

ISSUE twenty

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GOLF NEWS... Is Danang the new Phuket? This is the question tourism operators on Vietnam’s Central Coast and travel experts internationally are pondering as domestic and foreign tourism to the area surges.

HYATT OPEN GOLF TOURNAMENT 2013

The recent launch of direct Dragonair flights between Hong Kong and Danang is providing a timely further tourism boost to the region that ranks among Asia’s fastest growing and most appealing holiday destinations. With rapid high-end tourism development on the shores of the South China Sea (called the East Sea in Vietnam), the Hue-Danang-Hoi An area, situated midway between Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi on the 16th parallel, has all the ingredients of becoming Asia’s newest tropical seaside hotspot. In particular, the owner-operators of the three world-class golf clubs in the area believe the thrice-weekly Dragonair flights, will bring a further influx of eager golf tourists from Hong Kong, southern China and other markets. The 4th annual Hyatt Open 2013 amateur golf tournament organised by Hyatt Regency Hua Hin and Grand Hyatt Erawan Bangkok, is to be held over the weekend of 20 - 21 July 2013 at the Banyan Golf Club in Hua Hin. This event allows golfers to play in this challenging and exciting golf tournament, while enjoying the charm of Hua Hin as a destination, and experiencing the ultimate relaxation and authentic hospitality at Hyatt Regency Hua Hin. There will be several prizes and the winner of the Hyatt Open 2013 will receive a traditional silver Claret Jug design. The special golf package starts from Baht 20,800 net for one player and Baht 28,800 net for two players based on twin sharing basis. The package includes a two-night stay in a Hyatt Guestroom at Hyatt Regency Hua Hin with breakfast, a welcome dinner at Hyatt Regency Hua Hin, plus two rounds of golf i.e. on Saturday, 20 July (shotgun start at 12:00noon) and Sunday, 21 July (shotgun start at 8:00am), including a golf cart and a caddy, the award luncheon on Sunday, 21 July at the Banyan Golf Club. For reservations and further information, please contact the Hyatt Regency Hua Hin Hotline on +66 2254 6200 or +66 3252 1234, or e-mail reservations.hrhuahin@hyatt.com

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Inauguration of the Dragonair service comes just 10 days after the high-profile opening of Laguna Lang Co Golf Club by its designer, Sir Nick Faldo. The official opening of the Laguna Lang Co resort, between Danang and Hue – which features Banyan Tree villas, an Angsana Hotel, spas and other upmarket facilities as well as the spectacular 18-hole course – will occur in April. Laguna Lang Co Golf Club complements two other topflight golf courses in the area. Montgomerie Links Vietnam, a development between Danang and Hoi An, of which the centrepiece is a beautifully-manicured golf course designed by eight-times European Order of Merit winner Colin Montgomerie, opened in 2009. Danang Golf Club, a true links layout designed by ‘The Shark’, Greg Norman, that is part of a development by VinaCapital including The Ocean Villas resort on the My Khe (‘China Beach’) beachfront, opened in 2010. A fourth course, Ba Na Hills in the Danang hinterland, is in the early stages of construction. Domestic and international tourism has been boosted by Danang’s new airport, which opened in November 2011. It is currently serviced by direct international flights from Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Seoul, Siem Reap and several cities in China, including Shanghai. Flights from Bangkok are expected to start within a year.

For more information about Danang’s govlf courses, visit www.golfcoastvietnam.com

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Blue Diamond Golf and Watersports Club Co.,Ltd.

4/299 Moo5 Ladplakhao 66, Anusawari, Bangkhen, Bangkok 10220 Fax +66(0)2971 7342 Tel. +66(0)2971 7340, +66(0)8 4075 4709

Bo P i hloi, Kanchanabur

Golf Course : 19 Moo13 Chong Dan, Bo Phloi, Kanchanaburi 71160 Tel. +66(0)8 7160 0140 Fax +66(0)3460 3858

www.bluediamondgolf.com

Interview with Mike Moir from Fenix the Bangkok based golf APPAREL company

Sandy Wearing New Range at 2013 Augusta

After 4 years in business the company has just launched the Sandy Lyle Golf Collection, so we caught up with the busy globetrotting CEO of the company to find out more about Fenix.

Mike Moir with the Legend

TG: Have you always been connected to the golf industry? Mike Moir: No, I did play golf during school and then in the USA as an Amateur, but I moved to Asia to work for an IT Company. TG: When did Fenix start then? Mike Moir: We started FENIX GOLF in late 2009, and after I reaIized the potential, I decided to focus 100% of my time and energy on FENIX GOLF in 2010 and have worked full time ever since. TG: Was there a lot of competition when you started? Mike Moir: There was competition, but there was also a major gap between the low end budget shirts and the branded ranges. You could either buy a Baht200 shirt which you could almost through away, or spend up to Baht2,000-3,000 on a Nike shirt. We now offer a high end brand quality for a mid-range price. TG: Did you also find that many brands were not suitable for the hot Asian climate, especially fabric? Mike Moir: The fabric was the big deal, as people still perceived cotton as the best shirt for breathability. In 20 degrees cotton is a great shirt, but when it gets to 35 degrees over here in Asia, you have to have polyester micro fibre products with the technology in it. Up until 2011 most

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brands were not covering that issue, as they were used to the US market, which is naturally there biggest market. TG: So did you spend time sourcing new fabrics so you could produce the ranges you have today? Mike Moir: We always work hard and looked for the market trends, as well as trying to find that new product that gives us an advantage. So when you place your order you have to add all the functions like UV protection and anti-bacterial in there. There is a misconception that all Polyester shirts come with moisture wicking technology, this is not the case. TG: Are there any new fabrics that can help in the heat? Mike Moir: There is a new fabric that can actually reduce temperature and we are currently working on this for our new autumn collections. All functions last about 10-20 washes only. The more you wash it the chemicals in the fabric will gradually wash out. TG: What about caps? Mike Moir: Well it was because Sandy Lyle used our caps during the European Seniors event in Brunei three years ago that we now are working with him as our brand ambassador. He was obliged to wear our cap and shirt during a pro-am day for Aberdeen Asset. Sandy liked them so much he began to wear them permanently on tour. When he left Aberdeen, his agent called me about supplying him regularly, and that’s when I suggest designing and launching the Sandy Lyle Golf Collection. It was therefore all due to our caps and our fabrics that we now work with him. TG: Why Sandy? Mike Moir: Well he was the first Brit to win the Masters, he’s won the Open, the PGA and he is a golfing legend. So whatever he does in his twilight years, I think he has achieved

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enough to deserve his own range. We created a logo incorporating the Scottish flag, so the range is Scottish themed which will be very popular, particularly in the US. TG: So you are now expanding into new markets? Mike Moir: Yes we will be concentrating on the US market and Scotland, as well as our core market here in Asia. Will miss out for the moment on Europe as the euro and pound are so weak, it is not worth us trying to be competitive there. We currently have a very strong distribution base in Asia with Distributors set up in Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Taiwan, Vietnam, Myanmar, Hong Kong and of course Thailand! TG: You are well known as a supplier to the corporate world. What is the practical minimum you can order to have your logo on a shirt? Mike Moir: Well as we carry stock of our own products, there actually is really no minimum. We can brand say a minimum of two shirts, but there are obviously set up charges. If you then want a custom designed shirt, say in your own colours, we can start with an order as low as 100. TG: Do you see this as an important part of FENIX?

Mike Moir: Well we cannot compete with the huge marketing budgets of the global brands, so the corporate market allows people to use our products at a golf tournament or a big corporate event. Then if they like our shirts, they will remember us, and will then go and buy them again through one of our retailers. We work with numerous companies from Bridgestone to Tourism Authority of Thailand, Singha, BMW as well as being the official Apparel of 10 Asian Tour events. TG: When will your Sandy Lyle collection be available in Thailand? Mike Moir: We have just started to deliver the range which includes shirts, trousers, caps and even golf bags.

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Phuket & Khoh Lak

Laguna no 7 Laguna Caddie

It has been a full year since we last played down in Phuket, so recently we decided to check out a few courses there. Phuket is booming at the moment with plans to enlarge the local airport and already there are several international flights connecting the island to Russia, Scandinavia, the Middle East and the UK. There are eight golf courses on the island and a few dotted around Khao Lak as well. Not perhaps the cheapest place to book a round, but you are offered some spectacular holes against a backdrop of blue seas and great weather for most of the year. There are a few active golf societies on the island, and sometimes locals and Thai residents may be entitled to receive discounts, but on the whole you can pay green fees starting from Baht2,500 (9 holes ) up to Baht5,500 for 18 holes. Blue Canyon is perhaps the most famous club here, with a very tricky Canyon course or the slightly easier Lakes course to enjoy. Loch Palm, Phuket Country Club, Phunaka (9 holes + driving range) and new kid on the block Red Mountain are all worth a visit. Take your camera out at Red Mountain’s 17th, a par 3 down an old disused mine shaft. On this trip we took in three courses, Laguna and Mission Hills on Phuket and Tublamu near Khao Lak. www.thaigolf-news.com

ISSUE ISSUE twenty twenty • THAI • THAI GOLF GOLF NEWS • 15•

Golf Destination Report Laguna Phuket Golf Club is located in the middle of Phuket so it is relatively easy to get to. This is an 18 hole championship course adjacent to the famous Banyan Tree Resort. The course has hosted a number of tournaments including the 2010 Thailand Open. It is Phuket’s only resort-based 18-hole, par 71 golf course. Designed by Max Wexler and David Abell, it measures 6,654 yards from the back tees and 5,464 yards from the forward tees. Relatively flat the course features a wealth of tropical scenic lagoons and undulating fairways set against a stunning backdrop of mountains and nearby sea. It is also great exercise to walk this course, as they do not provide golf carts here. To avoid the hot summers first tee time is 06.30hrs or you could play 9 holes and tee of as late as 16.30hrs.

Laguna no 15

Sunrise around the course is spectacular and you will enjoy hole number 10, a tricky par 4 with a lagoon dotted by a series of bunkers running along the fairway guarding the green. Overall a very enjoyable outing and the course was in great condition last month. There are plans to upgrade the back nine later this year so check out their website www.lagunaphucketgolf.com for the latest updates. You can always play their front nine twice!!!

Laguna no 9

Laguna no 10

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Golf Destination Report

Mission Hills par 3 Mission Hills no 9

Mission Hills Golf Resort & Spa is on the North East of the island and has one of the most spectacular club house entrances you will see, with the course and the sea as a backdrop. Design by Nicklaus Design this 18 hole par 72 course is 6,806 yards from the black tees to 5,127 yards from the red tees. The course has experienced some problems in the past, particularly the quality of their fairways. However we are pleased to report that on this visit all 18 holes have benefited from a full course up grade.

Mission Hills

Perhaps not the busiest 18 holes on the island you are however rewarded by some great holes running along beside the sea, and you can almost touch the fishermen as the chug past in the small long tail boats. Millionaire’s golf and no waiting here on the tee boxes! The course is reasonably easy for all levels, and again it is fairly flat with generous wide fairways and a few tricky greens. Good club house, small driving range a spa and a resort hotel on site make a visit to this club most enjoyable. Try a cool young coconut after your round!!! Over the past few years some top 5 star hotels have opened in Khao Lak including JW Marriott and Le Meridien resorts. More a beach and National Park type of vacation if you need to hit a few balls there are course to play.

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Khoh Lak Report Roughly 65km north of Phuket guests here have the choice of a 90 minute drive to Blue Canyon or Mission Hills or around the corner is Tublamu Royal Navy Golf Course. Perhaps not in championship condition, their 18 holes have quite untreated fairways and relatively small greens, but if you need your golf fix then it does the trick. A bit similar to Sea Pine in Hua Hin, the 17th and 18th holes literally run beside the sea, which also provides a welcome breeze during the hot summer months. Most of the holes here are fairly simple, but they do have a few interesting par 3’s to conquer. Established in 1990, it is a par 72 course at 7,160 yards from the back tees. Tublamu no 17

Quite popular with the Thai Navy officers, nonmembers are however welcome and although the club house facilities are a bit basic, the fresh sea food eaten on the terrace overlooking the 18th green was most excellent. A round here will cost approx. Baht1,600 and you can call them on tel: +66 (0) 817542175 or +66(0) 76453352. No website at the moment. Tublamu Mascot

Tublamu GG Tublamu no 3

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GOLF CITIZEN OPEN SERIES

Win an all-expenses trip to play in the

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25th Anniversary 2014

Omega Dubai Desert Classic Pro-am! Three lucky winners will receive this amazing prize, which includes; . Return flights; Bangkok - Dubai - Bangkok . Hotel accommodation in Dubai . Omega Dubai Desert Classic Tournament hospitality . Invitation to play alongside a European Tour star in the 2014 Omega Dubai Desert Classic Pro-am

Open to all GOLF CITIZEN members

GOLF CITIZEN Open Qualifiers: The top 3 placed players in each of the Qualifying rounds will be invited to play in the GOLF CITIZEN Grand Final at Banyan Golf Club on Saturday 14th December 2013;

1st June 2013 - Banyan Golf Club Hua Hin, green fee THB 2,600 1st July 2013 - Bangsai Golf & Country Club, green fee THB 2,600 13th July 2013 - Lakeview Resort & Golf Club, green fee THB 2,600 August 2013 - TBA September 2013 - TBA 12th October 2013 - Banyan Golf Club Hua Hin 2nd November 2013- Santiburi Samui Golf Club 16th November 2013- Lakeview Resort & Golf Club Notes: All entries must be booked & paid for via www.golfcitizen.com See website & Club notice boards for more details

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YOUR GOLF COURSE MANAGER…

Stacey Walton and Stuart Daly right of Tiger Woods

Stacey Walton… The secrets behind operating one of Thailand’s most successful golf clubs “Banyan Golf Club, Hua Hin” in an exclusive interview with Thai Golf News Please, tell us a little about yourself and your background? I’m originally from England and have an extensive work history in 5-star hotels and premium golf clubs in Europe, Middle East and Asia including Hyatt International and Hilton. I completed a Master of Arts degree specializing in strategic management and marketing at Birmingham University. I developed my golf club career with Dubai Golf as a member of a newly appointed management team to refurbish and open the new clubhouse at the world famous Emirates Golf Club, Dubai. I was part of the golf club’s executive team from 2000 and helped prepare the golf club as host venue for the European Tour Dubai Desert Classic each year. In 2007 I formed GLS Asia Limited the golf club management company responsible for providing pre-opening and technical assistance in the development and opening of Banyan Golf Club, Hua Hin. In 2008 I was the opening General Manager of the golf club and we have been managing the golf club ever since with great success. 20

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Were you involved in many of the decisions regarding the design of the course and club house at Banyan Golf Club, Hua Hin? Not so much on the golf course layout as Khun Pirapon Namatra of Golf East is an outstanding golf course architect. For the clubhouse, Smith Obayawat OBA is highly regarded as Thailand’s best architect. However, I was very involved in this stage of the golf club’s design and development concerning operational flow, functionality and the concepts for food and beverage. We are proud to say that we recently won ‘Best Clubhouse’ in Asia Pacific by Asian Golf Monthly last year. After just one year of operation we also won “Best New Course Asia Pacific” and delivered an operating profit. It’s been one of the most successful newly golf clubs to recently open in the region. What made you decide to be the first club to have GPS on the golf carts? www.thaigolf-news.com

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I have always believed in enhancing the golf experience and as Banyan Golf Club is a public resort course I see the need to provide something different than the other courses in the area. GPS not only provides yardages but also has an emergency call out button should there be an accident or problem. The other advantage of GPS is that we can monitor where every golf cart is at any particular time which helps with pace of play. Banyan was the first Thai club to accept online bookings from Golf Citizen. Tell us how it works and has it generated extra business for the club? Golf Citizen is an online booking platform to promote and sell available tee times. Golf clubs have the flexibility to add, remove tee times and adjust pricing instantly. Our golf club is enjoying the extensive exposure and PR provided in the Middle East and South East Asia by the developers. It’s easy to use for everyone and free for golf clubs to join the program. It offers golfers the convenience to book 24-hours anytime, anywhere as well as looking out for promotional prices. We have seen an increase in business as a result of being on line especially from local residents living in Hua Hin, Bangkok and expat golfers coming to Thailand from the Middle East. Golf Citizen will be announcing a series of tournaments to be played throughout Thailand this year with the final being hosted at Banyan Golf Club in December to win an all expenses trip to attend and play in the pro-am at the 25th Anniversary of the Omega Dubai Desert Classic in 2014. Members at Banyan are now starting to use Golf Citizen as it’s free for them to book tee times and convenient. The feedback from our members has been very complementary as they can now use their iphone or ipads to make a booking. You work very closely with Stuart Daly. What roles do you both take on and why do you think Banyan has been so successful? www.thaigolf-news.com

Stacey Walton

Stuart Daly is also a Director of GLS Asia and oversees golf club operations at Banyan Golf Club. We complement each other, Stuart oversees the running of club operations and I am able to focus on the golf club’s business development with our owners, sales, marketing, financial performance, HR and general administration. As well as welcoming and entertaining key accounts, tour operators, VIP’s, members and guests. Have you ever been asked to use your experience to assist other owners of golf clubs here in Asia on fine tuning their operations to make them attract more players and to increase profits? We are both well known within the golf industry, and I have attended many golf industry conferences and events over the years as well as a guest speaker on the subjects of golf club management and tourism on several occasions. GLS Asia has a reputation in the industry of developing Banyan Golf Club, Hua Hin as one of the best managed operations in the region. Several golf course owners have been to experience our course and facilities as they see Banyan Golf Club as a benchmark for resort course success. We now plan to pass our experience and knowledge of running a successful golf club here to other Thai Golf Course owners. ISSUE twenty

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Grand Prix Golf Club Bo Phloi, Kanchanaburi www.bluediamondgolf.com

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Golf Club 4/299 Moo 5 Soi Ladplakhao66 Ladplakhao Rd. Anusawari Bangkhen Bangkok 10220 Tel. 66+ 2-971-6450 www.bluediamondgolf.com 19 Moo 13, T.Chongdarn, Bo Ploy, Karnjanaburi Zip. 71160, Thailand. For reservation please call 66+ 87-160-0140 or 66+ 34-603-858

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Grand Prix Golf Club Bo Phloi, Kanchanaburi www.bluediamondgolf.com

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Opening Soon

It was a busy April for the Team at the Grand Prix Golf Club, as they prepare for their soft opening this summer. Owner and course designer Dr Prachin Eamlumnow, is also the President and CEO of the Bangkok International Motor Show which attracted over 2 million visitors to the Impact Arena last month. Apart from the latest cars, motorbikes, scooters and motor accessories, the Grand Prix Golf Club also exhibited and attracted a lot of attention on their stand. This was the first time many of the visitors had seen the layout of the course, and they were able to pick up some introductory green fees to play the course before the official opening in October.

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Being a member only club, there was huge interest from golfers keen to join what will be a very elite championship 18 holes. Grand Prix GG is located adjacent to the Blue Sapphire Golf Club in Kanchanaburi. The good news is that the Thai government has just announced that they will build a high speed motorway to link Bangkok with the West making the journey time a comfortable 90 minutes to the course. Apart from 18 superb and challenging holes, there will be a state of the art club house overlooking the course, and in the future there will be a boutique hotel to enjoy the beautiful and peaceful countryside. If you would like the opportunity to join the club or to play the 18 holes then check out their website www.bluediamondgolf.com

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Deep Sea Marina Now Open Siam Royal View’s new marina on Koh Chang Thailand is now open to boat owners. The massive construction project was completed in November and after rigorous testing, has started to receive its first nautical residents after a soft opening. As much as boat owners appreciate top notch marina facilities, the thing they prize above all is good cruising grounds and Siam Royal View’s Koh Chang marina excels in this regard with easy access to the waters of the Koh Chang Marine Park; a protected national marine reserve comprising over 50 idyllic islands. Throughout the surrounding waters there are excellent diving and snorkeling spots. The marina is one of only two comparable facilities on Thailand’s Eastern seaboard and is the only first-class facility for yachts for a radius of 200km. In total, the marina can offer wet berths for up to 75 boats ranging in size from 8 to 30 metres. The marina is shortly to open a new purposebuilt pub and restaurant and boat owners will also have access to Siam Royal View’s award winning facilities including the beaches, swimming pools, a par3 golf course, superb beaches and their Beach Club. Siam Royal View’s marina on Koh Chang offers an excellent option for boat owners concerned about the lack of marina facilities in the Gulf of Thailand. It is the perfect place to moor a yacht for owners based in Bangkok, Pattaya or elsewhere in Thailand. Koh Chang is easily reached from Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport, making it the ideal permanent mooring for yacht owners based elsewhere in Asia where facilities are either extortionately priced, overcrowded or simply unavailable. If you would like more details of their Koh Chang or Pattaya developments visit http://www.siam-royal-view.com or contact them at sales@siam-royal-view.com or telephone +66 (38) 909 901

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Stay in Paradise at Naithon Beach Phuket…

Pullman Phuket Aracadia Villa

Perched on a headland overlooking the crystal water of the Andaman sea, the Pullman Phuket Arcadia Naithon Beach offers guests a tranquil and relaxing getaway with direct access to the beach. With Sophisticated and contemporary décor, the resort brings a cosmopolitan sensibility to a seaside setting, allowing guests to “check in and chill out”. Brand new state-of-the-art 277 rooms and pool villas, all with contemporary Thai Style interiors with warm tones, have been created by one of Thailand’s most innovative and unique design companies. Featuring an array of modern amenities including; daybeds, WiFi, SMART LCD TV, separate bath tub and rain shower areas.

Rate includes: Le|Club points, Complimentary and unlimited WiFi. Conditions: This rate has to be prepaid, cannot be modified, is non-refundable and cannot be cancelled. Valid until: 31st October 2013 http://www.pullmanphuketarcadia.com/ specialoffers/offer-2/

Opened in March, this stunning new hotel is already the talk of Phuket, and as bonus for golfers is only a few minutes’ drive from Blue Canyon and Mission Hills Golf Clubs. ENJOY FREE NIGHT, STAY 3 PAY 2 DISCOVER A NEW VISION OF WELL-BEING IN EXCEPTIONAL SETTINGS • Enjoy Stay 3 nights pay 2 nights for 2 persons. • Brand new 5 Star Resort with Stunning uninterrupted views of the Andaman Sea. • Located in tropical tranquility with direct access to Naithon Beach. • Only 15 minutes from Phuket International Airport.

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We have recently redesigned our popular website, www.thaigolf-news.com so you and your friends here in Thailand or overseas, can now all read Thailandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s No.1 English Golf Magazine online. Check out the latest issue plus past editions along with all our regional golf guides for Pattaya, Hua and Bangkok. We also want to give you all the latest news, events and information about playing golf in the Kingdom. If you are keen on selecting a top course, then use our golf course reports with gallery photos of some of the top Thai clubs to select the perfect round of golf. Our online directory features all the top golf societies and every month click on our TGN Offers page where we list all the discounted tee offers and hotel rooms available across Thailand. Save money and enjoy your golf in Thailand the land of smiles!

Mabilia is a 60 foot luxurious UK built yacht once owed by Prince Rainer of Monaco. Now based in Pattaya Thailand, she comfortable sleeps up to 8 passengers in 4 cabins and can cruise up to 420 nautical miles at up to 20 knots. From sunset cruises around Pattaya to extended cruises to Koh Samet, Koh Chang or further afield, our cruise packages start from only Baht 24,000.

For further information please contact Captain "Noi" (Thai and English) +66 (0)87 912 5755 or (English) Kevin Burton +66 (0)80 097 1190

Pattaya Hosts Asia’s Largest Fam Trip Over 160 leading golf tour operators supported by 160 Thai caddy, recently took part in the International Association of Golf Tour Operators (IAGTO) Cup hosted by Laem Chabang and Burapha Golf Clubs in Pattaya Thailand. This event, part of the Asian Golf Tourism Convention 2013, was the largest number of Golf Tour operators ever to play together in one tournament in Asia. The Eastern Seaboard Golf Management Association (EGA) hosted over 500 delegates from Asia, USA, the Middle East and Europe, who attended 2013 Asian Golf Tourism Convention (AGTC), held in Pattaya over a period of seven days. The AGTC is the biggest and most important golf tourism event held in Asia with golf resorts, golf courses, hotels, inbound operators and tourist boards here to do business with buyers. Pattaya has now become a major golf destination hosting many international tournaments and attracting over 500,000 golfers in 2012. Several local courses already host major golf tournaments including the Thailand Golf Championship at Amata Springs, the Honda LPGA Thailand Open at Siam Country Club’s Old Course and the Pattaya Open at Burapha Golf Club. The Mayor of Pattaya, Ittipol Khunpluem said,’ During the convention we managed successfully to showcase our superb golf courses, and to entertain all the delegates at various functions including gala dinners with traditional entertainment to fun beach parties. All government sectors including the Tourism Authority of Thailand, Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau and EGA worked extremely hard to make sure everything ran smoothly and I am confident AGTC will impact massively on the number of future golf vacationers in this region and Thailand as a whole.’

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Mike Mesommonta, President of the EGA added, “Our members organized over 2,300 rounds of golf for the delegates during the convention. The tour operators were able to see for themselves some truly excellent courses designed by the likes of Jack Nicklaus, Pete Dye, Gary Player, Robert Trent Jones Jr and Nick Faldo.” Peter Walton, CEO of IAGTO, added “Our Thailand division Called IAGTO Thailand now has over 85 member companies, making it the biggest and most representative trade organization for golf tourism in Thailand. Thailand certainly pulled out all the stops and the convention was a resounding success.’ Pattaya’s golf portal www.playpattaya.com provides full information on the region.

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Behind the scenes at Pattana Pattana Golf Club & Resort is located a mere 90 minutes from Bangkok, neighboring the coastal areas of Pattaya, and Rayong. The 400 acre resort property boasts a full range of premium accommodations and amenities, meeting and event facilities, championship 27-hole golf course, and 7,000 capacity stadium. We caught up with their busy staff recently during a shotgun tournament. Big shotgun

Caddies 118 and 157

Thai Massage at Clubhouse Can we help you

Where are our golfers

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Summer Golf in Phuket… Well summer is nearly here in Phuket and that means HOT weather, cooling showers and GREAT GREAT prices on Golf course green fees and Hotel room rates. Below are some of the better deals we have been able to find.

Another one for those who can book early – The Nap Patong is offering 40% discount on there already great rates for those booking 14 days in advance.

Continuing the success of the recent promotion Mission Hills Golf Resort will continue to offer Baht2500 to all Phuket residents. This includes green fee, caddie fee and cart. That equates to Baht1600 green fee on one our most challenging layouts. Despite huge improvements lately the course is still normally quite quiet and with carts can you easily be done in 3 hours. (See our course report in this issue).

Check out some great restaurants too….. Baan Rim Pa Group’s Resident discount Card is available to all locals and expats living permanently or part time in Phuket. It offers a 15% discount of food and beverage at Baan Rim Pa, Joe’s Downstairs and Da Maurizio Bar Ristorante. Contact info@baanrimpa.com

Laguna Phuket Golf Club is offering Thai and expat golfer’s cut-price green fees of Baht1, 800 for 18 holes during the current low season – less than half the usual Baht4, 200 visitor rate. (See our course report in this issue) Loch Palm Golf Course is offering a fantastic deal for those who want a stay and play package. From May 1st till October 31 you get a 2 day / 1 night stay at Tinidee hotel, located right next to the ninth hole on Loch Palm. The package includes a round of golf at Loch Palm each, and airport transfers for only Baht8, 000 total. The Royal Embassy Resort and Spa – a small boutique resort in Kamala is offering about 40% off its normal rates throughout the summer Season. There are only 20 villas / apartments here, so everything is taylor made for a great experience – even the price! The newly opened Outrigger Laguna Phuket Beach Resort is offering Deluxe Lagoon rooms at 3,999 Baht included breakfast for 2 persons and Club Lagoon Baht 5,999 including Club Lounge benefits. At the south of the island there is the divine Serenity Terrace Resort offering 20% off the rates for all suites. Book 21 days in advance and get 25% of the normal rate.

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Playing Partners Time to Enter a Classic… The inaugural Bangkok Oilfield Charity Golf Classic will be held on Saturday 10th August 2013 at the Bangkapong Riverside Country Club and the THB4,000 fee includes your green fee, caddy fee, shared buggy, goodie bag, gala dinner, lots of free drinks and great prizes. This event will be supporting the “Yim” kids charity which is committed to improving educational opportunities and child health in Thailand. For details go to www.asiangolfevents.com

117th PSC CHARITY CLASSIC FRIDAY 22ND MARCH 2013 AT BURAPHA GOLF CLUB To arrange any golf tournament takes weeks of organization. To arrange a major tournament, like the Pattaya Sports Club Charity Classic where there were prizes on every hole, prizes for the top 10 pairs, sponsors to obtain, shirts to order as well as negotiating for a golf course at an attractive price, with a shotgun start and a buffet, is no exception. PSC Golf Chairman, Joe Mooneyham excelled himself with masterminding the tournament. As expected at Burapha, the course was presented in pristine condition with superb greens and closely mown fairways. With a full complement of 144 players, it was about 5 hours later that the teams returned to the clubhouse and presented their scores.

The Londoners Golf Society have several events coming up including a chrity day medal starting at 07.30hrs and Bangpakong on May 25th and a stableford at Thana City on June 8th. Members’ guests and new members are also welcome to join us at these events, which are staged to enjoy the fun of a round of golf with like-minded souls. Although the majority of people do not know all (most?) of the Rules of Golf, we actively encourage development in this area. In the past few years the club has become very popular and we have as many as 60 golfers at our events.

A special relationship has also been developed with Singha, a company that supports many golf tournaments in Thailand, for today they provided the winners with the magnificent Singha Golf Bags and many free drinks for everyone. Prior to the prize presentation Joe auctioned some pin flags from the recent Thailand PGA tournament that had been signed by some top golfers – Sergio, Bubba, Lee, Darren– again after some hectic bidding, a substantial sum was added to overall total. Prizes went to runners up Max Bracegirdle and Stu Rifkin with a net 62.8 off their combined handicap of 8.2 losing by just .2 to the winning team of Bob Watson and Max Scott with 62.2 net of their 1.4 handicap. So ended another successful Charity Classic where there were many winners – the main one being Charity as more than 400,000 baht was raised through this event. Well done PSC.

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Golf Society Directory THE SPORTSMAN PUB www.sportsmanpub.com The Sportsman Pub Golf Society in Pattaya holds a golf challenge every Wednesday, a great day out for all, no matter what your golfing level. They meet early, usually at The Sportsman and transportation is arranged to and from the course. The event is informal and always enjoyable. The Londoners Golf Club. www.londonergolfclub-bkk.com This Bangkok Club belongs to members, who seek to play competitive golf in an amicable environment, yet, “By the Book”. They are a non-profitable, golfing society, where good golfing fun is the number one objective of their events and a good score runs a close second. We are called The Londoner Golf Club as tangible recognition of the wonderful sponsorship, which we receive from our spiritual home, The Londoner Brew Pub, where throughout the year, they enjoy many evenings. The Pattaya Sports Club www.pattayasports.org Perhaps one of the biggest and busiest sports clubs in the country, their golf section is extremely popular and you will find a useful list of all the local golf clubs and societies on their website along with a schedule of forth coming tournaments. The Hua Hin Golf Society www.huahingolfsociety.com This golf society is based in Hua Hin, Prachuabkirikhan, Thailand. They are a private members only society and play twice weekly, Tuesdays & Fridays, at one of the local golf courses. Members can enroll for the twice weekly competitions at Berny’s Inn. Members are welcome to bring their friends to the Society’s games as their guests.

Zoomhackers Club www.zoomhackers.blogspot.com A new golf society has been formed in Chiang Mai and will be known as the “Zoom Hackers”. The name has been derived from their sponsors the Zoom Bar, which is located near the entrance to the Thai Boxing Complex towards the bottom end of Loi Kroh Road, close to the Centara Duangtawan Hotel. The society’s aim is to play golf at least twice a week. On Monday mornings at 7-30am and Friday mornings at 7-30am also at Mae Jo Golf Club. Chiengmai Gymkhana Sports Club www.chiengmaigymkhana.com This club was originally founded in 1898 by a group of local teak loggers and British expatriates. Today, over 100 years on, they are proud to be not only the oldest sports club in Thailand and one of the oldest in Asia, but a part of Chieng Mai’s heritage. The club has an international membership and is managed by a mix of Thais and expats from around the world. The Phuket Slags www.phuketslags.com Members meet every Saturday afternoon at Laguna Phuket Golf Club, in Phuket, Thailand. Tee times are normally from 1pm. The weekly competition is Single Stableford normally held at Laguna Phuket Golf Course

Phuket Expats Golf Society (PEGS) www.expatgolf.com They play monthly medal and stableford competitions, and occasionally competitions of other formats are held at courses in and around Phuket, which are held on the last Thursday of every month. Winners of the competitions and runners-up receive a prize and trophy at the post tournament meeting and buffet. The Society is run on an entirely non-profitmaking basis, and is run by a non-paid committee, who offer their time and care for free. An additional benefit to members is that the society attempts to organise special rates with the courses on Phuket.

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Kanchanaburi

Western Thailand . . .

Kanchanaburi is the largest among the Western provinces of Thailand and borders nearby Myanma. Distance from Bangkok is less than 150 kilometers, using routes such as Bangkok -Nakhon Pathom (BanPongha, Kanchanaburi province) the ring road of the western route linking Bangkok Suphan Buri, U- Thong and also Kanchanaburi.

“

one vision one identity one community

”

is the slogan of the ASEAN Community, being prepared for the officially opening. Major industries are being encouraged to be aware and prepared for The ASEAN Economic Community in 2015. The population of the 10 ASEAN countries is over 2 billion, combining over 500 associations. The main goal is to balance their economies and to unite and to build power for bargaining with suppliers. It is interesting to notice that since the opening of Myanmar, the west side of the country has grabbed the world attention with the natural resources and tourist attraction places.

Archaeologists have discovered corpses from the ancient-time and with the added evidence proving the area was involved in the history of Asian wars among neighboring countries. Perhaps the more recent world war history, such the passage ways that have been used at the time of World War 2 “Railway of Death” and the legend of “The Bridge across Kwai River”, are now places that attract tourists not only around Thailand but from all over the world. The everlasting song “kamen-sai-yok” made Kanchaburi fascinating and became even more popular. Everyone should find a chance to visit these historical sites. 40

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Counting all the five-star hotels, boutique hotels and resorts, overall there are about 12,000 rooms, with more planned to support the increasing number of tourists and investors expected. Tourism travel here is based on Thailand’s famous historical culture and the tribe groups, which will add value and increase a passionate atmosphere for visitors.

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The forests here are still plentiful and continue with The Thung Yai Naresuan sanctuary and the Huai Kha Kang of Uthai Thani. There is the charm and the adventure of trekking through the forests and also the fun of floating on a raft downstream in the river Kwai, and arriving at your camp to take a rest. And you can enjoy popular foods here such as a fresh-water fish from the river Kwai and from other dams around Kanchaburi, plus fresh vegetables from the forests which are difficult to find in Bangkok, such as silver sillago and abizia benth.

Golf as a sport is popular with people around the world, and especially here in Thailand. Kanchaburi has currently eight golf courses, which are open for all golfers to experiences a number of new challenges including green mountain golf courses. -Nichigo Resort and Country Club (18 holes) www.nichigoresortcc.com Location: 106 Moo 4, Tambon Wang Dong Muang Kanchanaburi 71000 Thailand Tel: (+66)-34 51-8518, Fax: (+66)-34 58-4000 Email: info@nichigoresortcc.com -Srinakarin Dam Golf Course (18 holes) Location: 300 Moo 4, Tha Kradan, Sri Sawat, Kanchanaburi Phone: (+66)3457 4001-2 Ext. 2511 Fax: +66 (0)3457 4001 Ext. 2453 - Mission Hills Golf Club and Resort (18 holes) www.golfmissionhills.com Located: 27/7 Moo7 Thambol Pang-thru Amphur Thamuang Kanchanaburi. 71110, Thailand Tel: (+66) 34 644 147-8 Fax: (+66) 34 644 323. Email: hills@ksc.th.com -Evergreen Hills Golf Club (18 holes) www.evergreenhillgolfsclub.co.th Located: 152 Moo2 Thambol Rangsali Amphur Tha-Muang. Kanchanaburi 71110 Thailand Tel: (+66) 81-928-1992. (+66) 81-829-7512 Fax: (+66) 81-735-6920. Email: sales@evergreenhillsgolfclub.co.th -Mida Golf Club Kanchanaburi (18 holes) www.midagolfclubkanchanaburi.com Located: 123 Moo7, Lad Ya, Muang District, Kanchanaburi 71190, Thailand Tel: (+66) 34 527 250 Fax: (+66) 34 527 299 Email: information@midagolfclubkanchanaburi.com

- Green World Hot Spring Resort & Golf Club (18 holes) Located: 127 Moo5, 107 Kanchanaburi –Thong Pha Phum Road, Tambon Hin Dat, Amphoe Thong Pha Phum, Kanchanaburi. Tel: (+66) 3459 9210-1 Fax: (+66) 3459 1946 - Blue Sapphire Golf Course (36 holes) www.bsgolfclub.com Located: 85 Moo 13 Tambol Chongdan Borphloi Kanchanaburi 71160 Thailand. Tel: (+66) 3458-1227-30 Fax: (+66) 34581-322. Email: bluessapphiregolf@hotmail.com - Grand Prix Golf Club is a newest golf course providing 18 holes located at Bo Ploy. A member’s only club, http://www.bluediamondgolf.com Located: 19 Moo 13 Chongdan, Bo Phloi Chongdan Kanchanaburi, 71160 Thailand Tel: (+66) 29 717 340. Fax: (+66) 29 717 242 Email: BlueDiamondGolf@gmail.com

Kanchanaburi is a paradise for the history seekers, people who love some adventure or back to nature and some great golfing experiences. You can travel there all the year. Hope to see you soon in Kanchanaburi. ** For more information of golf courses. Please feel free to download “TAT golf directory” (FREE Mobile application) www.thaigolf-news.com

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Promotion for this coming June-August 2013 Reservation to play golf on Friday via TGN website and TAT GOLF Application, get birdie at the selected hole get free The GANG voucher !!!

www.thaigolfnetwork.com

Weekday 1,000 Baht Weekend & Holiday 1,200 Baht Caddie 300 Baht Cart 500 Baht (1golfer per cart, not compulsory) Treasure Hill Golf & Country Club Si Racha , ChonBuri Tel: 038-420-766, 081-344-8002,Fax.038-420-767

E-mail; Treasurehillgolf@yahoo.com

Golf Classified

Oskar is a bar, bistro and restaurant with live DJ, pizzas, salads, burgers, skewers, plus a large selection of superb wine and the best cocktails in town! Located nearby Bed Supper Club on Soi Sukhumvit 11. Tel: t:+66 2 255 3377 www.oskar-bistro.com

Play in Pattaya

0836 184449

www.solargolf.com

Located in Chonburi province, 109km from Bangkok and 30km from Pattaya. Tel: +66 (0) 38372 700-2

www.buraphagolfthailand.com

Bangkok and Pattaya Host Golf Tournaments… Prayad Markseang walked away with the Thailand Open part of the One Asia tour hosted by Thana City in Bangkok, beating the likes of Chris Woods and Padrig Harrington. Down the road , Kwanchai Tannin won the Singha Pattaya Open by an emphatic six shot margin at Burapha, beating Masters competitor Thaworn Wirchant ……again more Thais take top honours!

Demo at Pattaya Open

Singha at Pattaya Kwanchai Tannin laughs his way to win the Singha Pattaya Open.

Ryder Cup Captain in Bangkok

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A bespactabled Padraig Harrington

The winner Prayad Marksaeng and Asian No1 Tirawon Wirachant

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Thailand

Khao Yai / North-Eastern

Thailand

Golf