Thai Golf News - Issue 22 by Thai Golf News

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEWS…

Lee Schmidt COURSE REPORTS…

• LAM LUK KA GC • Plutalong GC PICTURE REPORT…

Caddy Championship WHERE TO STAY...

Penang

THAI GOLF / ISSUE Twenty two

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CONTENTS

ISSUE 22

22 6 EDITOR’S LETTER 9

GOLF NEWS... Hank Haney Came to Thailand

Interview Lee Schmidt

Destination report: LAM LUK KA

Destination report: Plutalong GG

22 ADVERTORIAL ISUZU Thailand Master 26

Where to stay in pattaya Hard rock & dusit d2

Behind the Scenes Summit Windmill

Phuket news

Picture report Caddie Championship

Pattaya NEWS

Editorial Editor editor@thaigolf-news.com Design Dew Piyaman dewangelo@gmail.com Advertising Thailand Amy Khongboonma amy@thaigolf-news.com +66 (0) 8 9419 0188 International Kim Waddoup kim@aigroup.ru

Thai Publisher Grand Prix International Co Ltd Attn: Phanrawee Suwan (Aey) 4/299 Moo 5 Soi Ladprakhao 66, Ladprakhao Rd. Anusawari, Bangkhen, Bangkok, Thailand 10220 Tel: (+66) 2 522 3227

Magazine Website

www.thaigolf-news.com

Grand Prix International is not responsible for any promotional materials and contents written in this magazine. All materials in this magazine are the copyright of Thai Golf News

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EDITOR’S LETTER

ISSUE 22

Editors Letter Having lived in Bangkok for the last three years I decided I needed a change, and so have now headed to Pattaya, arguably the capital of golf in Thailand. Well it did scoop ‘Best Asian Golf Destination’ in 2011 voted by tour operators from IAGTO. I liked Bangkok’s style but could not cope with the pollution, wet weather and appalling traffic! Here in Pattaya it is relatively quiet during the week and you just need to avoid some hot spots such as Sukhumvit where at the weekend the tourists can create a bit of havoc. From a golfing stand point the big difference is that most of the green fees are the same all week long, no weekend increase to pay. We really are spoilt for choice with 23 excellent courses all within one hour’s drive from Pattaya. I understand that getting on the tee during high season at the top courses is tough, but the second and third division courses are fine for a fun round of golf. Last month Pattaya hosted one of the most unique golf tournament in the World, when the 4th Amazing Thailand Singha Caddy Championship was played at the superb Siam Plantation course. After 700 Thai caddies took part in five tough qualifying rounds, the top 140 Thais competed against top caddies from China, Malaysia, Vietnam and South Korea for the chance to be crowned Caddy of the Year. Even Golfing World TV sent a crew to cover it from the UK so watch out for their coverage in October. More on this colourful event in our picture report. Also in this issue we caught up with Schmidt and Curley who have designed several Thai classic courses, we visited Lam Luk Ka and Plutaluang golf courses and talked to three heavy weights editors from Golf Digest about their opinions of Thai golf.

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEWS…

Lee Schmidt COURSE REPORTS…

• LAm LUK KA Gc • PLUtALonG Gc PICTURE REPORT…

cAddy chAmPionShiP WHERE TO STAY...

PenAnG

THAI GOLF / ISSUE Twenty two

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COVER PICTURE SUPPLIED by Mike Bridge

Don’t forget to logon to our website www.thaigolf-news.com which we update regularly, and include special offers on green fees and hotels in Thailand. Enjoy your round!

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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... Asian Tour Property

In addition to bringing the Asian Tour into this market, both the Tour and The Dalat at 1200 are committed to the development of golf in Vietnam and in particular to encourage more player development and foster junior player development. The Dalat at 1200 will also be home to the first Asian Tour Performance Golf Institute. The Asian Tour Performance Golf Institute will be focused primarily on being the Asian Tour players’ home away from home, enabling them to practice and hone their game during and after the season.

Asian Tour Chairman Kyi Hla Han and Kay Hwa Tang, Director of The Dalat at 1200 Country Club and Private Estate

The Asian Tour has launched its exclusive network of world-class golfing properties around the region with the unveiling of The Dalat at 1200, Country Club and Private Estate by Centurion Group Development as the Tour’s first Asian Tour Destination in Dalat, Vietnam.

Located in Dalat, Vietnam which is accessible by air via a 30 minute flight from Ho Chi Minh and a one hour and 40 minute flight from Hanoi, this exciting development itself is centered on bringing a new type of lifestyle to Asia. Asian Tour’s CEO Mike Kerr described the landmark partnership as a ground breaking development and believes it is a testament to the standing of the Asian Tour as the region’s premier Tour.

The Dalat at 1200 is the first property to become part of the newly established Asian Tour Destinations network which promises to offer a comprehensive range of facilities and services to their members and guests as well as Asian Tour players and officials.

“The Asian Tour is a recognised brand name in the golf industry. As the official sanctioning body for professional golf in the region where we are celebrating our milestone 10th season in 2013, our association with Corporate Asia is second to none,” said Kerr.

The Development is currently under construction and is expected to open in 2015. This unique partnership, where their identity will be closely aligned to the Asian Tour, will also welcome an Asian Tour tournament after the 2015 opening.

Asia’s Amateur Golf Weeks Begin in October The first of the new season’s Golfasian Amateur Week tournaments in South East Asia kicks off in Thailand next month. Seven amateur events will be held in Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam between October and August 2014, with the first in Pattaya, two hours’ drive from Bangkok, to be held from October 19-26. The Golfasian amateur series is Asia’s first and only amateur golf tournament series that provides men and women of all ages with any handicap the opportunity to compete on a level field. “Our goal is to provide the highest standard of professionalism, offering amateur golfers the opportunity to play Asia’s finest golf courses and experience the excitement, camaraderie and friendly competition of tournament golf,” explains Golfasian principal, Mark Siegel. Participants play in four-round tournaments under 8

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the stableford scoring system. The winner of each tournament is the player with the highest total. There are also prizes for each day’s winner and runner-up, as well as nearest the pin on par-3 holes and the best front and back nine scores. The schedule for the 2013/14 Golfasian Amateur weeks is: Pattaya, Thailand Oct 19-26; Chiangmai, Thailand Oct 26-Nov 2; Hua Hin, Thailand Mar 1-8; Pattaya, Thailand Mar 8-15; Phuket, Thailand June 8-14; Siem Reap, Cambodia July 27-Aug 4; Danang, Vietnam Aug 4-10. Packages for each tournament include accommodation (various grades available), two group dinners, four rounds of golf with caddie fees included, golf carts at each course, welcome pack with shirt, cap and towel and all taxes. An English-speaking guide accompanies each group. For more information and to register for one of these tournaments, visit tournaments.golfasian.com www.thaigolf-news.com

GOLF NEWS... Hank Haney Came to Thailand Lotus Valley Golf Resort hosted Hank Haney’s first ever appearance in Thailand last month. The legendary golf instructor, famous for his work with Tiger Woods and Mark O’Meara, provided a golf clinic for Bangkok junior golfers at Lotus Valley’s TMG Golf Academy. With approximately one hundred people in attendance Hank Haney made a dramatic arrival by helicopter landing on Lotus Valley’s 18th fairway where they were met by Lotus Valley’s owners, management and welcomed by the entire team of Lotus Valley Caddies. “Hank is a living legend of the game of golf, and we are delighted to finally have him here”, said Tony Meechai, US PGA Professional and Head of the TMG Academy.

Rose and Stenson For Amata Tournament

Haney’s clinic covered his three points absolutely necessary to improving your golf and he followed by giving some firsthand instruction to a fortunate group of Bangkok’s junior golfers. Lotus Valley is home of the Tony Meechai Golf Academy and Hank Haney was inspired by the facilities. “The golf course looks fantastic and the conditions are wonderful” said Haney “I think this is one of the nicest clubhouses I have ever seen, so modern, what a terrific design.” Hank hosted another clinic for special guests invited by Taylor Made, TMG, The Golf Channel and Lotus Valley Golf Resort on the golf course. “Look at these conditions! This would be a top quality golf course no matter where in the world. You are very fortunate to enjoy this, said Haney.” Lotus Valley is fortunate to have such a good relationship with Tony Meechai to attract a celebrity like Hank Haney. Thanks to Taylor Made and The Golf Channel for their support and the Lotus Valley Board of Directors for generously providing the venue to host such a terrific event.” remarked Lotus Valley GM, Derek Schade. The Hank Haney entourage, including Tony Meechai, left Lotus Valley late afternoon for the airport where they will fly to Phuket and host another day of golf instruction at Phunaka Driving Range on Sunday.

Reigning U.S. Open champion Justin Rose will lead a star-studded international field at the 2013 Thailand Golf Championship from December 12 to 15, 2013 at the stunning Amata Spring Country Club in Chonburi province on the outskirts of Bangkok. The 33-year-old Englishman will be joined by manof-the-moment, Henrik Stenson, who became the first European to win both the Tour Championship and the FedEx Cup titles when he triumphed at Sawgrass recently.

With defending champion Charl Schwartzel, 2012 Masters Tournament winner Bubba Watson and former world number two Sergio Garcia already confirmed, the 2013 Thailand Golf Championship will have the strongest field ever assembled for the prestigious Asian Tour event. In June this year, Rose became the first Englishman in 43 years to lift the U.S. Open Championship Trophy when he came from two shots back to beat Americans Phil Mickelson and Jason Day into second place at Merion Golf Club. Currently ranked fifth in the world, Rose is the latest Major champion to play at the Thailand Golf Championship after John Daly, Darren Clarke, Schwartzel and Watson. The US-based Rose is eagerly anticipating his first visit to the Thailand Golf Championship. In 2012, the tournament was broadcasted live to over 180 countries and 640 million homes.

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GOLF NEWS... Thai Golf News Goes Daily

D’ablo Sportswear Helps Thailand’s Future Stars They’re young, talented and ambitious – the future faces of golf in Thailand and, if their dreams come true, internationally.

If you enjoy reading our bi- monthly issues of Thai Golf News magazine but like to be kept up to date, then now you can by checking out www.thaigolf-news.com

Sandy Wongwaiwate, 17, and Peng Pichaikool, 13, have what it takes to be potential golf champions and are now taking the next steps towards what they hope will be professional careers. Sandy, from Chiang Mai in northern Thailand, has been playing golf since she was 10, and represented Thailand in the national ladies squad in Singapore and Malaysia. Last year she also won a scholarship to the Hank Haney Academy in South Carolina, and is about to begin a scholarship at prestigious US Ivy League college, Yale, in Connecticut. Peng, from Bangkok, has represented Thailand for the past three years in junior events and this year qualified for the first time to compete in the junior world championships in California, held in July. Peng’s father, Sukkho Pichaikool, a teaching pro at the Tee Off 42 driving range in Bangkok, is his coach. With a prodigious swing that propels the ball 300 yards plus with his driver, Peng can already hit the ball as far as many tour pros. Tyson Powers, who with his wife Jib owns Bangkok-based D’ablo Sportswear, are helping the youngsters with their golf development and believe they have exciting careers ahead.

We have recently upgraded our website and post daily news items about local and international golf news, events and general observations. If you missed getting hold of the latest copy or wish to read past copies then just click on the cover on line and start reading that issue cover to cover. You will also find our golf course reports handy when planning a round or two, plus our travel reports, golf society and course directories and especially our ‘Special Offers’. We always have a number of discounted green fees on offer, which we aim to update every day so you can see what is available when planning to save some funds. Many of the vouchers are valid for 2-4 months so it is quite a saving! You can register on line to receive regular offers too! www.thaigolfnews.com would love to have your comments on your observations, course conditions in fact anything that relates to golf in the Kingdom of Smiles.

“It’s all about getting experience,” Tyson explains. “As a young Thai company ourselves, we want to be part of the development of Thai golf and so we are helping to guide young players like Sandy and Peng. We are confident that with the right instruction and assistance at this early age, they can reach the top.” “They both come from great families with highly supportive parents who are playing a major part in their golf development while also ensuring their studies don’t suffer. The fact that they are academically smart and committed to their education as well as golf is a major reason we are supporting them,” Tyson explains. Sandy Wongwaiwate

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Peng Pichaikool

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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 Lee Schmidt, Co-Founder of SchmidtCurley Design the well-known golf course designers.

Brian (right) and Lee (left)

When did you and Brian Curley start designing together?

opportunity we have to help grow the game and are proud that so many of our courses have met with great success.

I began my career working with Pete Dye and spent seven years with him on projects like Virginia’s Kingsmill Resort and Casa de Campo in the Dominican Republic. I then moved to Landmark Land for 12 years, where I led the design team at courses like PGA West, La Quinta and Mission Hills (California). I first met Brian Curley, at Landmark but it was only after leaving the Jack Nicklaus design group in 1997 that we established Schmidt-Curley Design.

So far what courses here in Thailand have you designed?

How many courses have you designed and what are some of your favorites? Schmidt-Curley has designed more than 150 courses in 25 countries. Some of our bestknown include 10 of the 12 courses at storied Mission Hills Shenzhen – the “World’s Largest Golf Club” – and all 10 at Mission Hills’ new Hainan Island resort. Brian and I really enjoy working in Asia because golf is so new here. We relish the 12

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Well over the past 15 years we have been involved in several courses including three courses ranked among the top 10 in the country by Golf Digest: Amata Spring (No. 2), Siam C.C.’s Old Course (No. 6) and Chiangmai Highlands (No. 8). We have also designed all 27 holes at Siam C.C.’s Plantation Course and executed an extensive renovation of Muang Kaew in Bangkok. Do you have to change your procedures and designs when working in the hot Asia tropical climate? From a design standpoint, one thing we like to do on tropical sites is use Paspalum grass wherever possible. If not overwatered, it presents plenty of opportunity for the ground game, especially with fairway cuts around greens. When combined with a little bit of slope and surface-flow drainage, it allows for plenty of roll. Maintenance is simplified – many course workers are new to the game and can learn one grass thereby avoiding contamination issues.

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Siam CC Old Course No. 4

they embrace combining business with golf. Women play more. Families promote golf to children as a tool to advance in business. Moreover, golf is a social game and Asians are very social. Americans change their shoes in the parking lot and want a quick round in order to get back to their other responsibilities and family. To many Asians, the golf club and its expansive clubhouses is their family/social scene. Therefore, we’re still very bullish on golf in Thailand and Asia on the whole. Finally apart from your own designs which other Thai courses layouts do you admire? What is your overview of the future of golf in general? Can the clubs afford the up keep and to keep the standards up on a yearly basis with in most cases revenues dropping? While we didn’t have a crystal ball, we did have a general sense that golf’s popularity would wane in North America. Golf doesn’t have an economic problem, it has a golf problem. I am afraid that younger people will take a pass on golf. You cannot tell a prospective 35-year-old member he has to give up his iPhone for five hours. Times have changed. Asia, however, is a little bit different. The sport is new and exciting. Plus, unlike the Western World, www.thaigolf-news.com

It’s always good to back in time to see how architects from past eras used design elements. Two courses that immediately come to mind in this regard are Royal Hua Hin Golf Club and Royal Bangkok Sports Club. Royal Hua Hin is the oldest course in Thailand, built in 1924 by a Scottish railway engineer named O.A. Robbins and is sometimes referred to as the “Railway Course.” Gulf of Thailand views are prevalent, as are massive trees protecting undulating fairways and tiny, elevated greens. Wats are frequently part of the landscape as well. Royal Bangkok Sports Club is another course that has stood test of time. It is set right in the middle of downtown Bangkok on the infield of a race track and uniquely captures the vibe of one of the world’s great cities. (www.schmidt-curley.com) ISSUE twenty two

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Lam Luk Ka Country Club. West Course

Green on No.6

A one hour drive from Bangkok’s thriving metropolis, Lam Luk Ka Country Club’s 36 holes set the stage for a golf experience not easily forgotten.

Club house Restaurant

Both courses meander through Bangkok’s wetlands, where over 10,000 trees and water ways provide homes to over 100 species of birds and wildlife. The Championship East Course which places a premium on driving the ball long and straight is their longest course, at 7,012 yards from the blue tees or 5,517 from the red tees. It hosted the 2002 Thailand PGA Championship, and will punish errant golf shots, but make for an enjoyable round if played from the somewhat friendlier white tees. The day we arrived the East Course was closed for maintenance, so they can keep all the greens and fairways in excellent condition. We played The West Course.

A great country green

It is relatively short, but water comes into play on 15 holes making course management a key factor in scoring. A par 72 course playing 6605 from the Blue tees down to 5,335 yards from the red tees. Every hole provides several options, so longer hitters can still hit driver although it’s not necessary on most holes. The West Course is a favourite of tourists and recreational golfers, and is home to a plethora www.thaigolf-news.com

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Well maintained bunkers

Tree lined Fairways You have been warned!

of native birds and wildlife, and even though in the summer Bangkok experiences massive downpours, their drainage system is excellent and copes well. It is great to be able to play a course with so much wildlife all around you and you really do get the feeling of playing in the country. Worth bringing your camera! Before your round there is a 60,000 square foot, 30 Bay Grassed Driving Range, as well as chipping and putting green. Chipping greens are individually designed for trouble play and regular short game shots. The first hole is a par 4 and it pays to aim for the right of the dog leg so you have a clear view of the raised green. The 2nd is the longest on the course at 554 yards, but being straight is fairly tame. Hole Most of2the front nine holes are interesting and hole 5 needs a bit of careful planning with a tree in the middle of the fairway. Ideal to aim right but beware of the water and then accuracy is required for the 2nd shot onto a green surrounded by grassy mounds.

The West course I think comes into its own on the back nine with a difficult par 4 to start you off. My favourite is the 13th a par 5 from a raised tee ending up with a green surrounded by water and several large and deep bunkers. I have never seen bunkers raked in such creative designs before!

international culinary delights in the clubhouse restaurant overlooking the 18th. Lam Luk Ka’s club house may not be the most modern around, but they make up with very friendly staff both in the club’s restaurant and out on the course. Our caddies were very well trained and were able to give us all the yardage and tips on how to play each hole. There is a fully equipped pro shop and out on the course there were numerous food and drink stations, very useful to escape the downpours. I have now played both East and West courses and would recommend both as they offer you exciting challenges, played on a very well maintained 36 hole golf course close to Bangkok.

A clever par 3 on 16 with a flattish green almost surrounded by water requires a high approach shot unless you want to slide off into the water. Their 18th finishes alongside a large lake with a small stream cutting across the fairway nearby the green. Reasonable birdie opportunity here!

If you want to get away from the confines of central Bangkok, then Lam Luk Ka Country Club is a great day out playing on what is one of the city’s top courses.

After your round, you can relax and take a swim overlooking the 10th, or enjoy a range of Thai or

For full information regarding up to date rates and directions visit www.lamlukkagolf.net

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Course report Plutaluang Navy Golf Course… Only 35 minutes’ drive along highway 3 from Pattaya, Plutaluang Royal Thai Navy Golf Course offers one of the best value rounds of golf in the region. Plutaluang has 36 holes, the first nine were built and opened back in 1969 by the 7th Queen and the last nine were completed in 1996. The four 9-holes are named after their directions, South, North, East, and West. Their signature hole is Par 3 Island green with lighthouse on the North. It was designed by the Royal Thai Navy themselves to enable their staff at the huge Navy base nearby to enjoy a round of golf in a natural setting. It takes full advantage of the natural beauty of the landscape, set in a wooded valley with mature trees of all types, and is built around a huge natural reservoir. Unlike modern Thai golf courses, it is an old school natural golf course offering some of the best Asian golf available anywhere. The Zoysia fairways and greens help conserve water, which is more typical of courses in Phuket and Malaysia. When we played there we started on the West course which has a great raised tee on the 2nd hole, a par 5 down to a valley with trees and water. The greens were in excellent condition although beware of their speed. The two most notable holes are the third hole on the North Course and ninth hole on the South Course. The former is a par three with its own lighthouse and island green. The latter is situated at the highest point on the course and this par four requires a long, accurate downhill drive with a good second shot over water to a small green. The refurbished clubhouse is well laid-out with wellmaintained lockers & showers, a pro-shop and the restaurant has excellent views across the golf course and surrounding hills. Drinks and Thai food are very reasonably priced as the course is essentially a public Navy facility. Perhaps not up there with the Championship courses such as Siam Old Course or Lam Chabang, however with the friendly attitude of the staff, the natural layout, and low costs, a visit to Plutaluang makes for an enjoyable day of golf in Pattaya. www.thaigolf-news.com

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Plutaluang Navy Golf Course

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Meet the International Editors

Editors from Korea, Japan and USA on first tee

Recently I had the pleasure of playing around with some of the most powerful people in the golf industry, and they were not even on the PGA, European, LPGA or Asian Tours.

Yasuko Mukai

In fact they were three of the leading editors working for the top golf magazines and on line portals in the golf media, from Japan, South Korea and the United States. They were over in Thailand courtesy of Golf in the Kingdom and had just played Siam Country Old Course and Plantation, Thai Country Club, when I met up with them for a round at Riverdale Golf Club in Bangkok. First I caught up with Yasuko Mukai who is the Editor in Chief at Golf Digest Online in Japan. www.golfdigest.co.jp with thousands of readers. ‘Japanese media is very influential and many of our readers come to Thailand and return again and again. I find the maintenance of the courses here is excellent and the golfing is a bit more relaxed than back home. The

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Advertorial Feature

GM at Riverdale with Stephen Kahn

scenery is great and the caddies are so fun too,’ explained Mukai. Apparently she told me that the majority of the Japanese golfers have to drive at least 90 minutes out of the cities to play golf, and the average round of golf is around US$150. ‘We do have female caddies but at an average of US$50 per caddie, most golfers will have one caddy for four players, so here in Thailand it is much cheaper. The Japanese population is in fact shrinking and although golf is a huge market it is not growing,’ she added. Stephen Hahn who is a Course Ranking Panelist for Golf Digest USA and the Golf Editor at the 19th Hole Magazine, www. http://the19thholemag.com was making his second trip to Thailand. He had just played Riverdale and he had heard some good reports before he arrived, but he does not think they did it justice. ‘I think this is one of the cleverest layouts that I have seen in Asia for a while, and look I forward returning to play it from some of the other tee boxes, when the course has had time to mature a bit too.’ Stephen is one of the selectors for Golf Digest’s Top 100 golf courses around the world. What did he think makes a great golf course? ‘Well our main criteria would be difficulty. We do also look and experience the facilities which would score points for ambiance. I would look forward to return to Riverdale to see what the difficulty is when playing from the back tees, explained Khan.’ www.thaigolf-news.com

You travel extensively so what do you think is the difference when playing here in Thailand? ‘The service and the pampering around you here is great and I think a lot of my fellow Americans would appreciate that service. I also see a lot of new courses being built here achieving golf excellence, which is really remarkable.’ Nam Hwa Young is the Editor of Golf Digest South Korea. http://www.golfdigest.co.kr I asked him why so many Koreans are attracted to play in Thailand? ‘Our season is relatively short for playing from March to September, so many Koreans head to other parts of Asia to play golf. In Thailand your courses are open to foreigners, the weather is warm here during our winter, and the friendly people are some of the reasons. We have some many golfers but not enough courses, so the price is very high and many are member only clubs.’ What have you personally liked on this trip? ‘I am supposed to recommend the top 7 courses in Thailand, and so far all seven I have played are in my top seven. The most challenging course was Siam Old Course and I also thought Riverdale was a good course too.’ ISSUE twenty two

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Opening Tournament at Grand Prix Golf Club.

ISUZU Thailand Master

156 lucky Isuzu customers were invited to take on the challenging 18 holes at Thailand’s newest golf course Grand Prix in Kanchanburi recently. This was the final qualifying round and the top twenty golfers will go through to the grand finale to be held at Amata Spring. Grand Prix Golf Club will have its official opening in late October when the club house will be complete. To date the club has signed up sponsors for most of the 18 holes with Yamaha, BMW, Isuzu, Nissan, Toyota and Honda all contributing to the running of the club. During the soft opening period up to 50 golfers per day are welcome to book a round of golf for the special rate of Baht1, 500 to include green fee, caddy and cart. Hurry as places are limited. www.grandprixgolfclub.com

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Train Driving…

Recently I needed to leave Thailand and decided to combine my required visa run with a spot of golf in Malaysia. I had played at the wonderful Kula Lumpar Golf and Country Club several times, so on this trip decided a stop in Penang would be perfect. Now many of us golfers have been taken by the local airlines, which see us as rich pickings when we check in with our golf bags. Sometimes the excess baggage charge can be over US$30 each way. Therefore adding to the adventure, I decided to book a return ticket from Bangkok to Butterworth on the express train. Not only was the return cost US$80 compared to Air Asia’s US$246, but they only charge US$2 to put the golf bag in the cargo truck. Ok the train leaves Bangkok at 14.45hrs arriving the next day at 13.30hrs but the ticket includes a large lower berth bed too, so you also save two nights’ accommodation and get to see some wonderful countryside as well. I booked a unique Cultural hotel in Georgetown which is a World Heritage area, so just took the short ferry ride to the town, then taxi to my hotel. www.thaigolf-news.com

The island of Penang is not too big and the main course there is the newly named Penang Golf Club, formerly known as Bukit Jambul Country Club. It is near to the airport about 20 minutes south of Georgetown. A fairly hilly 18 hole course, it measures 6,393 yards with Bermuda grass on the fairways and Tif Eagle on the greens. First opened in 1984 the new owners re opened it in late 2012 after a major face lift. Their signature hole is their par 4 10th teeing off around 100 feet down to a wide fairway. Holes 9 and 18 were challenging as you are hitting from the tees up to undulating greens. It hosted the Malaysian Open in 1992 which was won by Vijay Singh. That same year the Penang golf club was rated at the 6th best in Malaysia and since then many other events and professional golfers have graced the Penang Golf Club fairways. Maybe not up there compared to the immaculate KLGCC, but all the same great fun and the clubhouse has excellent facilities including a Japanese and ISSUE twenty two

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Chinese cuisine and a variety of well known ‘Sake” and ‘Shoucu’ from Japan. There is a driving range and putting green plus if you want they will rent you a set of clubs too. www.penanggolfclub.com.my If you have time there is another course on the mainland 20 minutes from Penang Bridge, called Penang Golf Resort. It is a 36-hole golf resort within the masterplan of a new township in Seberang Perai Utara, Penang. Designed by Graham Marsh, a golfing great and worldrenowned golf course architect, it challenges players of all golfing capabilities and temperament with three sets of tees, tree-lined and landscaped lush fairways culminating with well-manicured verdant greens. The fairways, roughs and tees of the courses are turfed with Zoysia while the well-manicured verdant greens are carpeted with Bermuda Tifdwarf. www.penanggolfresort. com.my Golf coupled with a stay in wonderful Georgetown makes for an unusual few days break from either the bustle of Bangkok or KL. Traveling from either city by train gives you the chance of meeting some very interesting travelers while enjoying the experience of seeing Malaysian and Thai countryside too. Hotel note: Adding to the adventure I decided to take in some culture and stayed at a unique Chinese hotel in Georgetown called 1881 Chong Tian Hotel. www.1881chongtian.com It has just 11 suites all decorated with priceless century old antiques and art pieces. Originally opened in 1800’s catering for the rich merchants who came to Penang to trade, they now have modern facilities without losing the charm. They recently were awarded Asia Cultural Hotel for 2013, so expect them to be very busy. Promotional rates from MYR280 but how often can you stay literally ‘Back in another century???” Contact: reservations@1881chongtian.com 26

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Georgetown Penang… a Forgotten World On a recent trip to Malaysia I checked in to a slice of history in sleepy Georgetown, definitely a back to the future experience. 1881 Chong Tian Hotel in Penang has scooped the ‘Most Cultural Hotel Award’ at this year’s Asia Rooms Hotel Awards for 2013. This tiny hotel located in the heart of Georgetown was awarded this prestigious prize for providing the best cultural experience to its guests. Built in 1881 this eleven bed roomed hotel was the first Chinese cultural hotel in Malaysia catering for the rich merchants who used to ply their trade in Penang. Recently it was given a detailed renovation and their individually designed rooms offer guests an opportunity to be transported back in time to the 19th century. Every room is different, and is fully equipped with modern amenities while surrounded by priceless century old art pieces. The 1881 has both Eastern and Western restaurants blended into the historical age old surroundings along with a museum, roof top bar and study room Ideally located near all the wonderful old shops and trendy restaurants in this exciting World Heritage town, 1881 Chong Tian Hotel is well worth a visit. Rooms start from RM 250 per night. www.1881chongtian.com or reservation@1881chongtian.com

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• THAI GOLF •

Check out our discounted green feesâ&#x20AC;Ś We currently have some fabulous discounted green fees at several top class courses in Bangkok, Phuket and Pattaya available. Just check out our website www.thaigolf-news.com for prices and register NOW to receive our regular newsletters. We also have a few discounted room nights in 5 star hotels, but hurry as these great discounts do get snapped up very quickly!

Behind the scenes at Summit Windmill... We caught up with the backroom staff who make this central Bangkok 18 hole golf club tick…..open all year round including night golf (except Mondays), their staff are always smiling! Designed by Sir Nick Faldo this is a first class course with 5 star treatment all round!!!

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• THAI GOLF •

Phuket News

It is still Summer time here in Phuket and hopefully the recent great weather will continue. With the current redevelopment of Laguna shortening the course to nine holes many locals are being forced to look elsewhere for their weekly (daily) fix of golf. MBK, owners of both Loch Palm and Red Mountain are certainly doing their bit to help with two excellent tournaments being held in the coming months. The annual Tin Mine event at Red Mountain in October. If the weather stays fine this events should be great days out - especially as Red Mountain is in fantastic condition at the moment. Mission Hills continues its recent surge in popularity with the course still in good condition and the 2500thb deal for locals (including caddie fee and cart hire) still in place makes this a great option. Phuket Country Club now boasts the newest club house on the island and it is stunning. Huge bright airy facility with good food that is reasonably priced and a well stocked pro shop. The course is in good condition, still with its slightly quirky lay out, but definitely

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worth a visit if you have not already seen the new club house. Blue Canyon still remains the favorite destination for those looking elsewhere from Laguna. A relatively short drive north to a great facility that has the Lakes course in great shape and the championship Canyon Course still as challenging as ever! The Director of Golf at Laguna assures me all is on track so far and with good weather for the rest of the year we could see the new back at Laguna open around February or March. I have gone over the blue print for the changes many times and I am excited to get out play ASAP once the renovations have been completed. PHUKET Updates: There continues to be a BOOM in building here and new hotels continue to open up, and they do so with great deals. The Accor Group now has 7 hotels on the island and the Hyatt Regency is opening up later this year in Kamala and a Grand Hyatt in 2014. Beach Clubs are all the go now and it seems a new one opens up every week. Diamond and Catch both on Surin beach, O2 down south in Chalong, Blue Siam and Bliss on Bang Toa beach and Up on Nai Thon beach are all great places to party on after golf enjoying the great Phuket weather late into the night.

The Cost of Travelling with Your Golf Bag Sometimes I think when you check in with a golf bag you know you will need your wallet within minutes! Airlines love to make us pay for everything, especially as their bottom line is where they probably make their profit. Apparently one airline instructed its cabin crews not to offer change when passengers did not have the correct money on board. There are only a few airlines that do not charge for golf bags, Virgin is perhaps one that helps. British Airways Golf Bag allowance states as follows: We will accept golf equipment as checked baggage providing it does not exceed the maximum weight restrictions for checked baggage and is packed in a recognised bag or case to safeguard against damage. The bag can be up to a maximum size of 190cm x 75cm x 65cm (75in x 29.5in x 25.5in).Bags weighing more than 23kg (51lb) may incur a heavy bag charge. A golfing umbrella or parasol carried separately counts as one item of baggage. Here in Thailand on a recent 60 minute flight to Krabi, Air Asia charged us Baht700 each way to take our golf bags and that was a small travelling bag! I travelled back on the excellent express night train from Butterworth to Bangkok and here there is room to put your bag for free under the seat or if you have a large golf bag in the goods section for less than US$2. But of course you cannot catch a train all the way from Hong Kong to Thailand, so maybe it is time to consider leaving the clubs at home and renting.

Most golf clubs now realize that customers need to rent a golf cart and clubs and in most cases are offering reasonably new sets for around Baht1,000 a round, but for a two week trip it can all add up. Over in Europe golfers are rushing use ClubstoHire, the award-winning golf club rental company backed by European Ryder Cup captain Paul McGinley. They are set to become an even more attractive option for travelling golfers following the news that budget airline Ryanair intends to increase baggage charges this summer. The popular ClubstoHire service - which allows golfers to rent sets of golf clubs from €35 per set per week at 16 European locations - has recorded sales growth figures up more than 40% this year and looks to set to benefit further from Ryanair’s announcement that it will increase its luggage fees by €20 in the summer period. Dublin-based ClubstoHire was set-up in 2010 to provide a service for golfers who wanted a cheaper and hassle-free option of taking golf clubs abroad as a number of budget airlines began to increase luggage fees for international flights. Its co-founder Tony Judge estimates the company has saved more than 70,000 travelling golfers in excess of €3 million during its three-year existence. “While budget airlines in particular continue to charge larger fees to take on luggage, we’re here to help travelling golfers and make sure they can still play across Europe for a reasonable price with some of the best clubs on the market,” said Judge.

ClubstoHire.com offers sets of clubs from TaylorMade, Callaway, Wilson Staff and Mizuno. Earlier this year, the easy-to-use website was re-launched to cope with the increasing number of users and it recently won the Vodafore Startup award for ‘Best Service’, beating 400 other businesses considered for the accolade. ClubstoHire locations include Faro; Lisbon; Murcia; Alicante; Barcelona; Girona; Malaga; La Linea/ Gibraltar; Palma in Majorca; Tenerife; Gran Canaria; Belek; Aphrodite Hills in Cyprus; Isle of Man, as well as Edinburgh and Dublin. After their success in Europe expect Clubstohire.com to franchise its services in other sectors and according to McKinley when I met him earlier in the year in Bangkok, he feels there is a great potential here in Asia.

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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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Amazing Thailand Singha Golf Championship 2013

After 700 Thai caddies took part in six qualifying rounds at several leading Thai golf courses the top 140 were joined at the Amazing Thailand Singha Golf Championship 2013 held at Siam Plantation’s tough 18 holes in Pattaya. Caddies representing Vietnam, China, Malaysia and South Korea took part and even Golfing World TV flew a crew from Europe to cover this unique international golf tournament.

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The eventual Thai winner came from Plutaluang Golf Course near Rayong and the international winner was from Pineridge Golf Course in South Korea. Longest drive was a massive 278 yards!!! A good time was had by all and next year the organizers predict their will be more international competitors.

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Pattaya Update We are half way through the low season in Pattaya but you wouldn’t think it. Every weekend we see a throng of visitors from Bangkok who have discovered Pattaya’s many attractions - staying in top hotels, relaxing on the beach, shopping, eating, drinking and taking in the first class golf. While the Bangkok courses are mobbed out with weekend players and five hour rounds in high humidity as the norm, Pattaya players are enjoying fast play with cooling sea breezes and fantastic scenery. Whether you play early morning or in the afternoon, the weather has been surprisingly cool for this time of year and the golf courses are in top notch condition. If you are a weekday golfer then you have the added bonus of some great green fee rates on the sports days that run at pretty much every course. Enjoy it while it lasts.

closed their Ocean nine holes and will reopen it in November, after a re vamp by golf course designer Pirapon Namatra who created Hua Hin’s Banyan Golf Course. On September 10th snooker legend Ken Doherty will be playing at Burapha Golf Club. He is on a whistle stop tour of Thailand playing tournaments and exhibitions but he is also an accomplished golfer. You can join Ken at Burapha for a special rate of 1,900 baht including green fee, caddy and cart. Email admin@solargolf.com for details and registration. Ocean Courses at Phoenix Takes Shape

Khao Kheow are renovating their Sawgrass copy B course, so we are looking forward to this being ready for play in the high season. Pattaya Country Club have also been doing major work at the course that is always popular with the expatriate community. Siam Waterside is on schedule to open in early 2014 adding much needed top class capacity to Pattaya’s golf portfolio. We are all waiting to see what the change in ownership at Phoenix Golf Club will bring. Currently they have Friends and Caddies celebrate a 60th birthday bash at Burapha

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Thailand

Khao Yai / North-Eastern

Thailand

Golf