Thai Golf News No.16 by Thai Golf News

Golf Course Reports

Bangkok, Chonburi & Khao Yai INTERVIEW with

TAT Deputy Governor BEHIND THE SCENES

Rasputin’s Golflife

The Open Champion 2012

Who Els!

THAI GOLF / ISSUE Sixteen

FREE COPY

experience Troon Golf Strategic solutions for today’s golf businesses.

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Clockwise below: Lion Lake, Guangdong Province, China Pacific Harbour, Queensland, Australia Pronghorn, Oregon, United States of America The Montgomerie, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

HONG KONG

SHANGHAI

SEOUL

21st Floor ICBC Tower, CITI Bank Plaza 3 Garden Road Central Hong Kong Phone: +85.2.2166.8190 Fax: +85.2.2166.8999 Email: info@troongolfchina.com

18F Bund Centre 222 Yan An East Road Shanghai Phone: +86.21.6132.3852 Fax: +86.21.6335.1336 Email: info@troongolfasia.com

20Fl, Korea First Bank Bldg, 100 Gongpyung-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul Phone: +82.2.2076.8391 Fax: +82.2.2076.8488 Email: info@troongolfkorea.com

www.troongolfasia.com

ISSUE 16

CONTENTS 12 22

Editorial Editor Mike Bridge editor@thaigolf-news.com Tel: +66(0) 83 198 6700 Senior Writers - Mark Hall info@thaigolf-news.com - Thamrong A. (Jack) jack@t haigolfnetwork.com

6 EDITOR’S LETTER 8 GOLF NEWS... Who Els! 12 Interview TAT Deputy Governor 15

Destination report: MUANG KAEW

17 Destination report: LAEM CHABANG CLUB 22 ADVERTORIAL BLUE DIAMOND

Staying on course? Maya, Banyan

Pattaya news

Phuket news

Behind the Scenes RED MOUNTAIN

34 40

TAT EVENTS FROM TGN Tee OFFers

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ISSUE Sixteen

ART & Design and Layout: PRODUCTION Dew Piyaman dewangelo@gmail.com Tel: +66(0) 89 144 7837 Printing: Grand Prix International Co Ltd Tel: +66 (0) 2 522 1731-8 ADVERTISING Thailand: Thamrong A. (Jack) Mobile +66 819878201 jack@thaigolfnetwork.com International: Mike Bridge +66 (0) 831 986 700 editor@thaigolf-news.com Russia: Kim Waddoup kim@aigroup.ru PUBLISHER Grand Prix International Co Ltd 4/299 Moo 5, Soi Ladplakhao 66 Ladplakhao Road Anusawari, Bangkhen Bangkok 10220 Thailand Tel: +66 (0) 2 522 1731 -8 Managing Editor Thanyalak Padungmueang Magazine Website

www.thaigolf-news.com

THAI GOLF

ISSUE 16

EDITOR’S LETTER Editors letter….

Thank goodness ESPN and not Grammy was transmitting the British Open, as us Asian based golf fanatics would have been miserable, if we had another black out similar to the Euros fiasco! Great golf and to hear the likes of Peter Alliss, Ken Brown and Nick Faldo sparring with each other just added to the coverage. I especially liked Ken’s comment on seeing Bubba Watson drive 340 yards down the fairway ….’Bubba drives further than I go for my holidays!’ Old joke but still funny. Our home grown players did not fare so well, but at least Thongchai made the cut and earnt US$17,183 for his troubles. Ernie Els the eventual winner banked a whopping US$1.452,078. Let’s hope the organisers of the Thailand Golf Championship can invite the Big Easy over in December to challenge Lee Westwood the defending champion. This month we have the U.S. $1 million Thailand Open part of the OneAsia Tour, at the Suwan Golf Club from 9th-12th August. Local hero Prayad Marksaeng wants to go one better than last year and win this big purse. The veteran Thai led by two shots going into the final round in 2011 before losing a titanic battle with Australia’s Andre Stolz. If you are heading south, check out the special reduced golf festival rates at most of the Hua Hin and Cha Am golf courses during August and September. Golf Course reports

Bangkok, ChonBuri & khao Yai

INterVIeW WIth

TaT DepuTY governor

This month we give you three more golf course reports to add to your collection, an interview with the top man at the TAT, plus news, reports and offers from around Thailand.

BehIND the sCeNes

raspuTin’s golflife

Don’t forget to apply for the Thai Golf newsletter where we give out details about discounted green fees currently on offer. Send your contact details to editor@thaigolfnews.com The open Champion 2012

Who els!

THAI GOLF / ISSUE Sixteen

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COVER PICTURE SUPPLIED BY Thaigolfnetwork

Enjoy your golf in the land of the smiles….. Mike Bridge.

REGULAR

FEATURES: • LOCAL AND INTERNATIONAL NEWS • GOLF TOURISM • THAI COURSES • INTERVIEWS • GOLF JOKES • TEE OFFERS 6

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ISSUE Sixteen

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2008

2009

The Vintage Club is Venues of Thailand LPGA 2008-2010

Mobile : 086 570 3970, 084 438 8443

2010

GOLF NEWS... Who Els? Thai assist Korean to win the US Women’s Open Congratulations! Na Yeon Choi, 24-yearold South Korean won her first major at US Women’s Open Championship at the Blackwolf Run in Kohler, Wisconsin where another Korean, Se Ri Pak captured her most memorable victory in 1998. Choi was only 10-year-old at that time, but she still remembers watching TV and seeing Se Ri Pak lift the trophy. From then Choi’s dream became to win her own major.

One of golf’s genuine nice guys, Ernie Els, won the top prize in golf, The Open Championship. South Africa’s Els ended ten years of heartache when he closed with a brave two-under-par 68 to claim a dramatic one shot victory over Australia’s Adam Scott at the 141st Open Championship at Royal Lytham & St Annes. Els had been as much as four shots behind his Australian rival with five holes left to go, but birdied the last to post a sevenunder-par total of 273 and then watched in surprise as his great friend dropped four shots to par over the last four holes to return a five over par 75 and fall back to six-under-par.

Our own Thai Golf Publisher Dr Prachin Eamlumnow, who is also the President & CEO of the Bangkok International Motor Show, played a round with Miss Choi earlier this year at the Siam Country Club during the Pro Am before the LPGA Thailand Open. Obviously some of his tips seemed to have paid off for her big time! Na Yeon Choi of South Korea poses with the championship trophy after her four-stroke victory of the 2012 U.S. Women’s Open on July 8, 2012 at Blackwolf Run in Kohler, Wisconsin.

It was a result that meant Els joined the great Bobby Locke as the second South African to win The Open title at Lytham, and it perpetuated the current run that has seen the last 16 Majors be won by 16 different golfers. Most importantly it also gave the new champion golfer a fourth Major title, a full decade and more after he had won his two US Opens and one Open between 1994 and 2002. “I’m still numb. It still hasn’t sunk in,” said the South African who was 50-1 with the bookmakers at the start of the Championship and still 25-1 with 18 holes left to go. “It’s a crazy, crazy game. I can’t really believe I have won. I have been on the other end more times than I have been on the winning end so I know what Adam is feeling like. “I really feel for my buddy, Scotty,” Ernie added. “I’ve been there before. I’ve blown Majors before and I just hope he doesn’t take it as hard as I did.” The Big Easy…..nice guy, great golfer and wonderful golf course designer too!

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ISSUE Sixteen

www.thaigolf-news.com

GOLF NEWS... Asians to dominate World Golf Experts predict a younger, more accessible game by 2020 dominated by innovation and Asian talent. A major Asian presence in the world’s Top 10, low cost urban golf courses, new self-coaching digital “smart clubs”, short format golf, carbon positive courses and family friendly facilities will revolutionize the game of golf by the start of the next decade, according to a major new piece of research commissioned by global investor in golf HSBC to mark the 141st Open Championship held recently in England. HSBC has teamed up with leading consumer research agency The Futures Company to produce “Golf’s 2020 Vision”, a detailed look at the future of golf over the next eight years based on interviews with a host of leading industry experts and players such as Padraig Harrington, Colin Montgomerie, Gary Player and Annika Sorenstam. Top players past and present are united in their belief that Asian golfers will make up one third of the World’s Top 10 by 2020 with golf legend Player seeing “several of the world’s Top 10 coming from Asia” and former World No 3 Paul Casey predicting the Top 10 will be “an equal split of Asian, European and US players”. The research – which interviewed experts from the world of golf, media, gaming and the environment – revealed that Asia’s success will be fuelled by economic growth and the rise of the middle classes which has seen Asian consumers turning to leisure activities and children playing the game from an early age. In China the number of golf courses has tripled in less than a decade and new low cost urban courses in inner cities will continue this trend. Between 2010 and 2020, Asia is set to double its share of global middle class consumption to 42%.

CIMB Classic 2012

By 2015, 98 million Chinese households are expected to be middle-class, compared with 52 million in 2010. India’s middle class is estimated to grow from 32 million households in 2010 to 53.3 million households by 2015. In China, golf is perceived as a game that teaches children important personal values. Free golf training is offered to kindergartners and some parents are now prepared to spend up to 300,000 yuan ($43,940) a year on lessons for their children. More top flight events will be added to the schedule in China and elsewhere in Asia. Asia has already become a centre of the women’s professional game, and much of the growth in participation across the world is coming from women’s golf. World Golf Hall of Fame member Annika Sorenstam said: “We’ve seen a revolution in women’s golf the past 10 years and there’s no sign of it stopping. The sport is spreading its way across Asia very quickly. We may see a shift from South Korea to China and possibly Japan.” Ryder Cup winning captain Colin Montgomerie said: “Concepts such as a short form of the sport could become more common place. Some people don’t feel they have the time to play a full 18 holes and golf may need to seriously develop its own version of Twenty20 cricket in order to keep pace.

“This could certainly help more youngsters take up the sport, which is obviously vital. It could be a flagship event being hosted at night under floodlights, similar to what Formula One has achieved out in Singapore.”

CIMB Group have announced that the CIMB Classic 2012, the third edition of the only PGA TOUR-sanctioned event in the region, will feature a star-studded field that includes Tiger Woods and past champions Bo Van Pelt and Ben Crane. The event will be held on October 25-28 at the Mines Resort & Golf Club, where players will compete for a total purse of USD6.1million. The tournament, which is co-sanctioned by the Asian Tour, will again feature 48 players, with 30 coming from the PGA Tour, 10 from the Asian Tour and 8 sponsor’s exemptions. CIMB Group today announced that the CIMB Classic 2012, the third edition of the only PGA TOUR-sanctioned event in the region, will feature a star-studded field that includes Tiger Woods and past champions Bo Van Pelt and Ben Crane. The event will be held on October 25-28 at the Mines Resort & Golf Club, where players will compete for a total purse of USD6.1million.

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ISSUE SixTEEN

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GOLF NEWS... Certificate of Excellence 2012”

Troon checks out Thai Courses

A senior member of Troon, the leading golf course management corporation, recently paid a visit to evaluate the US based corporation moving into the Thailand Golf market. With over 200 managed courses worldwide, Troon has become golf’s first and foremost luxury brand. The Arizona based company was started back in 1990, and now represents premier golf clubs in 28 countries, including Turnberry in Scotland, The Els Club in Dubai, Abu Dhabi Golf Club in Abu Dhabi, The Grove in England, Troon North in Scottsdale and Lion Lake Country Club in Guangzhou. Banyan The Resort, Hua Hin receives “Certificate of Excellence 2012” by the world’s leading travel review website, Trip Advisor. Banyan The Resort’s General Manager, Richard Mehr commented. “It is a great achievement for all The Banyan team and it is with great pride we welcome this Award given by TRIP ADVISOR, the world’s leading travel review website. Since the past 5-years, online reviews posted by guests have become an essential part of a hotel’s success, a weapon that can either propel you to the summit or send you to hell. Today, we cannot afford ignoring what customers say about us and our services to the rest of the world…! Mehr adds: It’s a tourist TOOL and a very powerful one! People around the world use TRIP ADVISOR to evaluate a hotel before they choose to stay with this hotel or even work for this hotel, at least you know beforehand what to expect. For us hoteliers, TRIP ADVISOR is an important SALES tool. I am extremely proud of my team, not only is this a testimonial of our high standards in operations but, also opens new digital marketing opportunities for Banyan The Resort Hua Hin and our sister property, Banyan Golf Club, Hua Hin, Thailand. This is our second certificate of EXCELLENCE this year. The first was the Award of BEST RESTAURANT IN THAILAND 2012 given by Thailand Tattler Magazine. We are grateful to all our guests, thank you for giving us the privilege to serve you. 10

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ISSUE Sixteen

David Townend, Troon’s Asia Director, recently paid a visit to Thailand to evaluate the feasibility of Troon moving into this market and to set up a division here to select and manage a number of top golf courses in the future. Similar to a hotel brand, Troon has made a reputation globally of creating a 5 star golf experience, while maintaining a profitable business for golf course owners. Their services includes agronomic conditioning of the course, staff training, purchasing discounts, real estate promotion, international marketing and affiliate membership and loyalty programmes. David Towend told Thai Golf, ‘Currently in Asia we have a number of projects in South Korea, China and Malaysia, where we are working closely with Ernie Els on a multi-course deal. We see Thailand as an important destination, and therefore are now keen to work with existing golf clubs and new courses, to develop profitable partnerships with the assistance of our team of Troon experts. ‘Owners and General Managers are under a lot of pressure these days to deliver a profit, while still maintaining high standards. Therefore we believe by joining Troon, a golf club immediately benefits as a top branded golf course regonised globally, while seeing cost savings through creative cost cutting exercises,’ added Townend. They plan to return to Thailand in the next few months to hold a series of ‘Get to Know the Troon Brand’ workshops, where interested parties can find out how working with Troon can bring financial benefits and upgrade their clubs image locally and globally. Troon Asia is based in Hong Kong. www.troongolf.com www.thaigolf-news.com

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 Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Deputy Governor for Domestic Marketing, Khun Thawatchai Arunyik…… So we decided to invite 30 travel agents and journalists from all over the world to come and visit. We continued to invite travel agents and over 130 came to this region in the third year. From what we achieved in the past, over the past 15 years Thailand has now become known as a golf destination.That is one reason why golf is an important “Niche” market for Thailand to promote. TG: Most people will associate golf with Scotland or perhaps Portugal. However Portugal is minute compared with Thailand’s massive golf industry. How do you at TAT get this message out across the World, that golf is so big in Thailand? TA: In the past it was difficult to explain to people, partly because the owners of many of our golf courses did not understand the overseas market at that time. Having built their golf course, all they really wanted to do was sell real estate, where they generated most of the money. However after we tried to convince them that the actual golf course can also generate money, many owners now believe that golf is their main product and source of income. TG: Golf in Thailand is relatively young and the boom really only happened here in the past 20 years. Those golf course designers who built all those courses in the 90’s are now all millionaires, but you now have over 280 golf courses to promote. What are your plans to coordinate everybody?

With 280 golf courses dotted around the country, Thailand is starting to become well known as one of the top golfing vacation destination in the World. We caught up with one of the people responsible for spreading the word that golf in Thailand is on the up, TAT’s Khun Tamatchai. TG: Pattaya won the Best Golf Destination for Asia and Australia voted by the International Golf Tour Operators for 2012. Was this award one of the main reasons TAT included Golf Holidays for your promotion of Niche Markets for 2012? TA: Well if we go back to 1996 I was working in Cha Am as a Director for TAT. Now in those days nobody really new about Cha Am and Hua Hin, and after discussions with the private sector, we realized that apart from the sea and the countryside, this region also had Golf to offer too.

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ISSUE SIXTEEN

TA: It is quite difficult to coordinate all over the country, so we start by promoting those destinations which are very popular. For example it is difficult to promote those courses that are far away from the main tourist destinations, as you have to combine golf with other attractions. Golfers do not only come to play golf, they also like to enjoy other activities which is why for example we promote Pattaya, Chiang Mai or Phuket. TG: TAT are in a unique position being the government’s spokesperson to be able to coordinate those individual owners. However at the moment the actual golf information on your website is still fairly minimal with certain areas not even covered. Are you planning to get more information on line so tourists can find out where to play golf across the country? TA: Yes we are going to develop our website very soon, because it is a fairly new website and it does take time. By the end of this year we hope to have a Google map giving more information, with details about each golf course including where to go, how long is the course and other useful information. TG: Tourists and expats alike need to know where to play golf. You have mentioned several popular destinations, what about perhaps

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the newer destinations such as Khao Yai or Kanchanburi? Are these areas you plan to promote as well? TA: It is impossible to promote every region as a golf destination. You have to understand that the tourist who may want to go to Kanachanaburi do not want to play golf only. They want to visit other tourist attractions and golf is at the moment just an added value. In the future I think Kanchanburi will become a feature golf destination in the West of the country, especially as Myanmar is going to open very soon, and there will be a new airport and deep sea port nearby.

TA: My special course is Bangpra in Chonburi, and the second course for more than fifty years would be the Royal Golf Club at Hua Hin. My third choice would be another Hua Hin course, the Banyan Golf Course. TG: What about some of the new golf courses that have recently opened? TA: Black Mountain and Riverdale too. TG: And finally any overseas favorites?

TG: Thailand as a destination is fortunate to be able to offer such a wide variety of golf courses. For example to play golf in Khao Yai is totally different from say playinga round of golf in the pine forests of German. How do you get that message over to the Tourist?

TA: Wentworth. I played there two times. I loved the old course there.

TA: Well I already discussed with the people who designed our website, that they will have to put each golf course’s identity on our site. If that course does not promote its own identity, people might think it’s just another 18 holes and nothing different. So we will need to tell them that if you go to play golf in Chiang Mai or Kanchanaburi, you will need to explain the identity of each golf course. Then the website visitors will be able to decide whether to play there or not by themselves. TG: Are you planning to involve perhaps your number one asset, Thongchai Jaidee in some of your golf promotions? TA: We would love to involve Thongchai, but it is not that easy as he is an international product and his managers sell him to promote products. He receives fees from several sponsors, so you would need to talk with his manager. TG: OK apart from Thongchai, what do you think is one of your main unique selling points regarding golf in Thailand? TA: It has to be our Caddies. TG: Exactly, and TAT is sponsoring the 3rd Caddie Championships this year which is taking place over the next few months across Thailand. Do you plan to use this event to promote golf here globally? TA: Caddies are our Ambassadors for our golf courses. They are close to the players, and advise or suggest not only what line to take on each hole but also where to go or what to eat afterwards too. Golf without our smiling Thai caddies would not be so popular in the Kingdom. TG: You personally love to play golf. What is your handicap and what clubs do you play with? TA: Well my current handicap is about nine. I used to play a lot of golf but not so much nowadays. My clubs are Mizuno. TG: What would be your top three golf courses in Thailand?

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ISSUE SixTEEN

• THAI GOLF •

ขอเชิญแข่งขันกอล์ฟครัง้ ยิง่ ใหญ่แห่งปี

2012 กับรายการ

Amazing Thailand – MBK Golf Tournament 2012

วันเสาร์ที่ 8 กันยายน 2555 ณ สนามล็อค ปาล์ม กอล์ฟคลับ จ.ภูเก็ต วันอังคารที่ 18 กันยายน 2555 ณ สนาม ริเวอร์เดล กอล์ฟคลับ จ.ปทุมธานี วันเสาร์ที่ 22 กันยายน 2555 ณ สนามแม่โจ้ กอล์ฟคลับ แอนด์ รีสอร์ท จ.เชียงใหม่

ชิงรางวัลไปตีกอล์ฟ สนาม เรด เมาน์เท่น กอล์ฟ คลับ จ.ภูเก็ต พร้อมทีพ ่ กั และตั๋วเครือ ่ งบิน ลูน ้ รางวัล Hole in One New Toyota Camry Hybrid

ณ สนามริเวอร์เดล กอล์ฟ คลับ วันอังคารที่ 18 กันยายน 2555

สอบถามรายละเอียดเพิม ่ เติม สนามริเวอร์เดล กอล์ฟ คลับ สนามล็อค ปาล์ม กอล์ฟ คลับ สนามแม่โจ้ กอล์ฟ คลับ แอนด์ รีสอร์ท

โทร. 02-501-2789 โทร. 076-321-929 โทร. 053-354-431

Thailand Golf

Khao yai / North-Eastern

Directory

Bonanza Golf & country Club Tel: +66(0) 86-977-6658 , +66(0) 44-921-009 www.bonanza-khaoyai.com

Great Course in a Great Location…

Hua hin / Cha am

Kaeng Krachan Country Club & Resort Tel: +66(0) 2-618-7200-1 www.kaengkrachanresort.com Palm Hills Golf Resort & Country Club Tel: +66(0) 2-238-0782 , +66(0) 32-520-801-5 www.palmhills-golf.com Army Sport Center II Tel: +66(0) 32-515-470-3 , +66(0) 82-052-9072 Banyan Golf Club Tel: +66(0) 32-616-666 www.banyanthailand.com Black Mountain Golf Club Hua Hin Tel: +66(0) 35-703-664-6 www.ayutthayagolfclub.com Imperial Lake View Hotel & Golf Club Tel: +66(0) 32-456-233-40 www.imperialhotels.com

Royal Hua-Hin Golf Course Tel: +66(0) 32-512-475 , +66(0) 32-531-070 Springfield Village Golf &Spa Tel: +66(0) 32-709-222 www.springfieldresort.com Swang Resort Golf Club Tel: +66(0) 32-562-555 www.sawangresortgolf.com The Eagle Milford Golf Club Tel: +66(0) 32-572-444 www.milford.co.th The Majestic Creek Country Club Tel: +66(0) 32-619-168-70 www.golfhuahin.com

Kanchanaburi / Ratchburi Muang Kaew, Topview of Hole 1

Blue Sapphire Golf & Resort Mida Golf Club Muang Kaew Hole 6 Tel: +66(0) 34-581-227-30 , Tel: +66(0) 34-527-250 , +66(0) 81-173-1976 +66(0) 2-235-4560-2 www.midagolfclubkanchanaburi.com Muang Kaew Golf Course is perhaps one of Thailand’s www.bsgolfclub.com best-kept golfing secrets. Here is a challenging and Mission Hills Golf Club superbly 18-hole championship golf course , +66(0) 2-226-3390-3 Dragon Hills maintained Golf Club And Tel: +66(0) 34-644-147-8 Country that isClub quietly tucked away from the noise, hustle www.golfmissionhills.com Tel: +66(0) 32-228-222 and bustle, but still only 20 minutes from downtown www.dragonhillsgolf.com Royal RatchaburiGolf Club Bangkok. Tel: +66(0) 32-227-031-2 Evergreen Hills Golf Club & www.royalrachaburi.com Resort with tourists, expats and locals alike, this semiTel:Popular +66(0) 2-941-2801-5 www.evergeenhillsgolfclub.com private golf course is open for guestsWoosung of members, Castle Hill Country Club +66(0) 32-050-52 , +66(0) 32-228-069-70 visitors and tournaments. Chiang MaiTelHighlands Green World Hot Spring www.rachaburi.com Muang Kaew share the same owners, and this Tel:and +66(0) 2-539-4613-6 , +66(0) 34-685-843 Bangkok golf course was re-designed in 2004 by the

Dancoon Golf Club Tel: +66(0) 43-255-107 www.dancoongolfclub

KBSC Kabinburi Sport Club Tel: +66(0) 37-283-891 , +66(0) 82-486-3633 www.kbscgolf.com Khao Yai Golf Club Tel: +66(0) 44-297-258-9 , +66(0) 81-977-1952 Kirimaya Golf Club Tel: +66(0) 44-426-000 www.kirimaya.com Mountain Creek Golf Resort & Resident Tel: +66(0) 44-323-024 , +66(0) 85 773 9773 www.mountaincreekthailand.com Panorama Golf & Country Club Tel: +66(0) 44-436-300 www.panoramacountryclub.com Rancho Charnvee Country Club Tel: +66(0) 85-418-4078 , +66(0) 88-375-4466 www.ranchocharnveegolf.com Royal Hills Golf Resort and Spa Tel: +66(0) 37-385-210-5 www.royalhillsresort.com Singha Park Tel: +66(0) 43-209-000 www.santiburi.com Sir James Country Club Tel: +66(0) 36-343-200 www.sirjamesresort.com Toscana Valley Country Club Tel: +66(0) 2-745-6999 , +66(0) 87-549-7222 www.toscanavalley.com

Schmidt-Curley Design Company, adding new green complexes – tournament speed Tiff-Eagle Greens.

Phuket / Southern

When we last played there the fairways and Blue Canyon Country Club greens were in great condition. It’s a fairly flat Tel:layout, +66(0) 76-328-088 however the course does have numerous www.bluecanyonclub.com challenges, from tricky water hazards, raised LAGUNA PHUKET GOLF undulating greens andCLUB well placed bunkers, all Tel: +66(0) 76-270-991-2 designed to make you think about your course www.lagunaphuket.com management. The holes are lined with a variety of Loch Palmtrees, Golf Club mature which give the golf course its great Tel: +66(0) 76-321-929-34 ambience and www.lochpalm.com challenging play.

Chonburi-Pattaya Golf Festival 2012 Eastern part of Thailand Golf Course, Chonburi Province 1st May – 31st October 2555 Beginning the season with golf championship at Pattaya Golf Festival with an exclusive prize Contact: (TAT) Pattaya Office Tel: +66(0) 3842 3990, +66(0) 3842 8750

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Phunaka Golf Course

Tel:but +66(0) 76-521-911-5 Setting off at hole one may look easy, watch out for the Mission Hills Golf Resort & Spa www.phunakagolf.com small stream ahead of the green which seems to catch a lot of Tel: +66(0) 76-310-888 players out. www.Missionhillsphuket.com

Red MountainGolf Club Tel: +66(0) 76-322-000-1 Phokeethra Golf & Spa Resort The par 3 hole 3 needs an accurate tee shot as the green here is www.redmountainphuket.com Tel: +66(0) 75-627-800 , +66(0) 2-555-9600 partly surrounded by a small lake and very deep bunkers. www.sofitel.com/6184 Santiburi Samui Country Club Phuket Country Club par 4 at hole 8, where There is a great the longer hitters will go Tel: +66(0) 77-421-700-8 Tel: +66(0) 76-319-200-4 , +66(0) 76-319-365-71 over the large lake to cut out the dog leg, allowing for a second www.santiburi.com www.phuketcountryclub.com

Chiang Mai Golf Festival 2012

The golf course participate the project in Chiang Mai, Lamphun and Lampang May-June 2012 Opening the season with golfing in the midst of the mountain, amazed with one price green fee 800 baht/person and join the competition for the whole season 900 baht/person Contact: (TAT) Chiang Mai Office Tel : +66(0) 5324 8604, +66(0) 5324 8607

ISSUE SixTEEN

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Red Mountain Golf Course Muang Keaw

Only opened since 2008, this superb 18 hole golf course on the island of Phuket really is fast becoming a firm favourite with tourists, locals and expats alike. Designed by Jon Marrow, (he designed Bangkok’s Riverdale golf course as well) the course cleverly follows the contours and layout of an old disused tin mine. The rocks which are genuinely red, hid the next hole, making the trip around the 18 holes similar to your first visit to Disneyland…..a ‘wow’ at each tee box!!! After a fairly straight forward par four downhill, the fun starts on the second hole, a difficult par 5. You tee off over 160 yards of water onto a fairly wide fairway. Your second shot needs to get up to the dog leg, to avoid a blind shot over a large rock hiding the green, which is similar to a switchback train. A par here and you are on the way to a great round. Hole 8 has a spectacular view from a raised tee box with plenty of risk and reward options. Hole 10 should be a worthy signature hole, and also enjoy hole 12 a beautiful par 5 along with the 18th.

Open 2007 May Designer Jonathan Morrow 18 holes 72 Par and covers less than 7,000 yards Grass Type Fairway Grass- Seashore Paspalum Grass on Green- Bermuda Novotek Website: www.redmountainphuket.com Reservation call: +66 (076) 322 000-1 Signature Hole: Hole 17th Par3

The cameras will go crazy at their fun par 3, 17th, literally 140 yards Hole 9 down aMuang mineKaew shaft!! Putting Green shot onto a raised green. You’ll need at least 230yards Red Mountain is one of the most expensive courses to play in Thailand, here and watch out for a deep bunker guarding the green. but for once you really do feel you get your monies worth. The tee boxes, It’s amazing how the ball loves to trickle back into this fairways and green were in excellent condition, the caddies were very bunker!!! friendly and extremely well versed in the layout and especially reading the greens. The back nine fun really kicks in on hole 13 a long par 5 where you tee off over a road into a blind shot onto the house fairway.isIfvery you relaxing have thewith length you couldrestaurant aim for the The club an excellent overlooking green or For takeonce the easier route and skirt the lake the 18th hole. no need to worry aboutaround hiring clubs…..check out on the right. their selection of brand new clubs. Good driving range and two putting areas to get your eye in too. The final hole is a clever par 4 with a cleverly designed green that disguises the fact that it has water in front If you only have one reason to head to Phuket, please try Red Mountain. and at the side. Muang Kaew Hole 3

The club offers a full complement of facilities and services to golfers including a golfer’s bar and restaurant overlooking the golf course, plus a fully stocked pro shop, spacious locker rooms, two practice greens and a short game area. Muang Kaew Golf Course is 20 minutes from downtown Bangkok and 10 from Suvarnabumi Airport, conveniently located just off Bangna -Trad Highway at km 7.7 www.muangkaewgolf.com tel +66 (2) 740 2693-700

Chiang Mai Golf Festival

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Laem Chabang International Country Club

The name “Jack Nicklaus” is very well known for the golfers all over the world. Moreover, Jack Nicklaus is also a world famous on golf course designer, having been involved in designing over 280 golf courses around the world.

Laem Chabang International Country Club is one of the six courses in Thailand that have been designed and recommended by Jack Nicklaus. Besides, keeping the standard and improving the course, Jack Nicklaus has organized his team to regularly check the course as it his wish that all players will be impressed when they come to visit the course. It is now has been 20 years old since the course opened, and it still preserves a very good layout. The course itself has been improved using Paspalum on the fairways which are same as tee boxes, and the greens with 9.0 speed Tiff Eagle. This update allows Laem Chabang Golf Course to be well preserved, and allows it to keep to the standards of a top international standard golf course in Thailand. The standard golf course has 27 holes, separated into course A, B and C. Each course has its own outstanding characteristics and each is named by geography. Course A (Mountain) according to the landscape of the course, the player has to cross over several hills with sloping fairways.

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The most outstanding part of course A is hole 9 A. The tee off slopes down to the hill and the player has to approach the tricky green by then playing up to the hill, which is very narrow and deep to the back. The green has the bunkers on both left and right. Course B (Lake) has 9 holes with water hazards instead of the forest bunkers on the A Course. The outstanding hole here is hole 6 B, where players have to play down through the hill with the big lake between the fairways and green. This course requires good accuracy in order to drive from the tee to the slightly narrower fairways. The course C (Valley) 9 holes are different from course A and B, which are integrated into the mountain and lake. Since the fairways are slightly narrower, course C offers the most difficult challenge especially hole 6 C. Here

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there are long bunkers set in between the fairway. The fairway is separated into two sides. Moreover, players have to play across the watear from the fairways onto the green. Therefore, you need to plan your shot and be accurate with your yardage calculations. Each of the three courses has a different challenge, and Course B is also floodlit, offering one of the best night golf experiences in the Eastern part of Thailand. Great if you want to drop by one evening during your visit to Pattaya. Leam Chabang also has a hotel, golf lodge, a large pro shop, swimming pool and international restaurant with live band in club house. Live band time is (18.00-21.00 Hrs.). www.laemchabanggolf.com tel +66 (38) 372273

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Country Magic… Royal Hills Golf Resort.

Only 90 km. from Bangkok you will find Royal Hills Golf Resort and Spa, a peaceful retreat set amongst the graceful mountains of the Nakorn Nayok Province. Designed by the world-famous golf course architects Nelson & Wright of Belt Collins & Associates, Royal Hills combines competition and relaxation to ensure a gratifying golf game for anyone who enters its domain. The designers have taken the pain out of the game by creating a golf course that is simply enjoyable to play on. Peacefully merging with its natural surroundings, Royal Hills fosters an atmosphere of relaxation and recreation. This 18-hole, 7,034 yard par-72 championship golf course offers a challenge to golf professionals and novices alike, who can enjoy their game on wide green fairways situated in a scenic mountain valley. The course has hosted numerous tournaments over recent years and is also the host for a regional round of the TAT Singha Caddie Championship. I have played here on several times during the year and the scenery is breathtaking. The front nine takes you along a valley with streams and gushing waterfalls with mist covered mountains on either side. I liked the par 5 2nd hole, possibly the most difficult hole on the course at 513 yards. The first landing area puts you between two sand bunkers to the right and the third to the left. If this is not enough, a dogleg left awaits you over a hill, as well as a rocky channel, which separates the fairway. The green has two bunkers on its left, and also has one on the back right. Hole 6 is a par 3 playing uphill all the way with a huge, deep sand bunker to the right side of the fairway. The green is long with two bunkers to the left, as well as a long, deep grassy swale and the 20

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Advertorial Feature

right side has grassy hollows. At 192 yards with the wind in your face, this is a tough challenge. Many of the holes at Royal Hills are single track, so you can enjoy some fairly wide fairways and undulating greens without feeling the pressure of the following players. The back nine runs close to the massive Khlong Tha Dan Dam and then curls back towards the hotel and club house. The 12th is a truly a beautiful 387 yard hole with elevated tees. The hole is a straight shot with a channel dividing the fairway. On the second half of the fairway just across the channel lie 3 pot bunkers and beyond is a valley shaped fairway. The green is large with a sand bunkers to the right and a large grassy hollow in the back. Can be costly here, so course management is essential. The 13th is a dinky little par three across a lake onto a green borderd by a rock wall that runs from the tee area, all the way down the right hand side of the fairway past the green. The green has two levels and is full of movement. There is one sand bunker to the left. Check out the ‘Midst Duplexes’ a new development which overlooks this fairway. The 18th is a beautiful finishing hole with a large lake that runs the entire length of the hole and a grand view of the Hotel from the tee area. Royal Hills goes out of its way to welcome you with a first class club house, well equipped pro shop, and a terrace overlooking the course serving drinks and local and international food. They also have a 90 room hotel with modern fully furnished rooms and suites, all with a clear mountain view. Or if you prefer to spend some time with your friends, then book one of their luxurious 22 houses at Baaningpha, offering a much needed quiet retreat safely nested amidst the gently sloping hills. All the available 88 rooms, tastefully decorated in Asian style, have adjoining private terraces for the guests to relax in peaceful surroundings and enjoy the outdoors. Apart from some excellent golf there are lots to do including canoeing, water rafting or visting the Nang Rong, Sarika & Wang Takhrai waterfalls. Check out there excellent stay and play packages at www.royalhillsresort.com and relax in a beautiful part of Thailand. www.thaigolf-news.com

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Grand Prix comes to life…

Grand Prix Golf Club

As they say pictures count for a 1,000 words so in this issue we thought we would let these great photos taken recently at the Grand Prix Golf Club do the talking! All 18 holes are now complete and they are just in the process of completing their state of the art Clubhouse overlooking the front nine holes. This premium golf course is due to open in October and if you would like more information about how to become a member please visit www.bluediamondgolf.com

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Grand Prix Golf Club

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Golfing around in Pattaya… Rasputin Beauties

The Rasputin ‘Golflife’ tournaments have really taken off in a big way with over 190 golfers taking part in the sixth event last month at the Pattana Sport Club. This ten match competition, which started back in May at Burapha Golf Club, selects the top eight players plus another eight lucky persons from each match. They will then go forward to compete for the new car in the final match at Siam Country Club Plantation on the Autumn. It’s a great formula for a full fun day out, starting with lunch, then 18 hole tournament with prizes for longest drive and nearest to the pin. Afterwards all the competitors head down to The Rasputin Nightclub where they lay on dinner and free drinks while the give out the prizes. The final bonus is that this is followed by a stunning cabaret with stunning Rasputin dancers. Apart from having a great fun day out, some lucky or skillful golfer still stands to win 400,000 THB and a brand new car in the in the final tournament.

Rasputin Beauties

There is still time to join in the fun, just check out: www.thaigolfnetwork.com or contact them directly at Email:tgnsupport@thaigolfnetwork.com Tel: +66 (0) 02 274 7252, +66 (0) 83899 4453 or call Rasputin Pattaya + 66 (0) 38 4160 546, +66 (0) 82 377 Thai Golf caught up with the players, caddies and Rasputin staff at Pattana. Winners from Round Six

Where is my Cart

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Staying on course…

Private Villa at Muthi Maya

Thailand’s 280 golf courses offer an enormous variety of superb and unusual tracks from beach side to mountain and more. To add to your golf experience are the smiling Thai caddies, some excellent food and of course the Thai weather. The opportunity of staying in some first class hotels or villas on or nearby the courses can also be fun and relaxing….but where to stay is often a hard choice.

of this Jack Nicklaus designed course in Khoa Yai. They have a wonderful guitarist who plays in their fusion restaurant called Myth which serves Italian or Japanese cuisine or you can have a personal butler prepare a BQ next to your pool in your villa. www.muthimaya.com

Sometimes people like to stay on the course itself and there are some exceptional accommodations offered if you look around. However a golf course at night can be a very quiet option with only your own group to make up the entertainment along with the lone security guard for company. However if you do want to experience staying on course, there are some exceptions where you can combine good quality accommodation with excellent facilities. Kiri Maya for example have over 90 luxury villas all with your own private pool. Two hours north of Bangkok their villas are called Muthi Maya and surround the 9th and 10th greens Suite at Banyan 26

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The four villas on top of the clubhouse at Hau Hin’s Banyan Golf Club are beautifully designed in traditional Thai style, with all mod cons and a private Jacuzzi overlooking the first hole. Enjoy a nightcap at Mulligans bar and wake up to a great breakfast in their restaurant overlooking the course. http://www.banyanthailand.com/ Loch Palm in Phuket is often overshadowed by its neighbor Red Mountain, but now boasts its own 45 room hotel called Tinidee, offering budget accommodation near their club house which doubles as you’re eating options. Great golf and stay packages offered here, but it’s a good idea to book a taxi or hire car here, as the bright lights of Patpong are a 20 minute ride away. http://www.tinideehotels.com Those who have a bigger budget might wish to try out Banyan Tree Phuket located opposite the Laguna Phuket Golf course. Great service and first class facilities on offer. http://www.banyantree.com I here that Mountain Creek Golf Club in Korat will soon boast a 5 star boutique hotel, while you can already rent one of their 18 villas with pools overlooking the course. This Seve Ballesteros

designed course, a two and half hour drive from Bangkok, has 27 holes, some well over 600 yards so staying on site will give you time to recover from Seve’s trickery. http://www.mountaincreekhotel.com

Pattaya – Pratamnuk Hill 150 baht. O’Garas is also home to the best 99 baht breakfast in town from 08.00. Bruno’s Restaurant is a Pattaya institution with an unrivalled reputation for fine cuisine prepared and served under the ever-watchful eye of chef Fredi. A fabulous selection of tantalising dishes is on offer on the a la carte menu. Bruno’s hosts regular food speciality events and August sees the arrival of fine Spanish cuisine. The features are live mussels served with either a Mediterranean sauce or Mariniere (while wine and shallots). The fish selections are Turbot cooked in traditional Spanish fashion on a cast iron skillet or the intriguing Sea Bass in Crazy Water. Bruno’s is located on Thappaya Road on the left heading towards Jomtien.

Pattaya – Pratamnuk Hill The majority of Pattaya visitors head for downtown Pattaya for shopping and entertainment or Jomtien Beach to relax by the seaside. However, if you are looking for somewhere quieter to stay and brush up your short game, then Pratamnuk Hill is the place for you. Often called Pattaya’s Beverley Hills, the mostly residential Pratamnuk rests between Pattaya and Jomtien. Between the condominiums, shop houses and private dwellings the area is home to some of the finest restaurants. It also boasts the only golf course within the city boundaries. The Hotel Asia golf course on Pratamnuk Soi 4 is a 9 hole par 3 in the grounds of the hotel. At just 370 baht a round, it is ideal to sharpen up your short game. Beginners and families can take their time to practice the basics before heading out to one of Pattaya’s longer 18 hole courses. Right across the street from the course there is the new Sapphire Club – a watering hole that is very popular with the locals. A favourite golfers’ haunt is O’Garas Bar and Grill on the ground floor of Tara Court Suites Hotel. O’Garas is a proper Irish Bar owned by the McKillop family. You can relax in air conditioned comfort with a great, cosy atmosphere. All the sporting events, including GAA, are shown on the 6 wall mounted TV’s. They are offering some great low season deals with draught Heineken at 75 baht a pint and happy hour mixed drinks at 120 baht for a double measure. There is an extensive international menu and daily specials like Irish Stew and Cottage Pie for a bargain

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Phuket News

Blue Canyon

We have almost covered all of Phuket Island over the past few issues. This month we now cover the top of the island, including the northern beaches of Nai Thon, Nai Yang and Mai Khao. This is an unusual area as there are very few foreign residents but a lot of high end hotels – this has resulted in a number of reasonable priced Thai restaurants on the beach (after four years of living here my wife still loves eating dinner with her feet in the sand!) and a number of very good (but expensive) restaurants located in the 5* hotels, but very little in between. The southernmost beach - Nai Thon - has a few fabulous resorts like the newly opened Malaiwana complete with UP beach club. Also here is the well-known Trisara, and the soon to be opened Pullman Arcadia, all fabulously luxurious with a beautiful beach to enjoy. Nai Yang beach has a great choice of beachside restaurants and also has the Indigo Pearl hotel and Coqoon Spa. The beach is a great place to relax and unwind watching planes take off and land from the nearby airport. Mai Khao beach has the huge JW Marriott complex along with 4 or 5 other luxury hotels. Whilst these resorts have great restaurants, nightlife is non-existent in the area; which may be the reason some guests stay this far from Patong!! Golf in the north of Phuket is available at the Jack Nicklaus designed Mission Hills Golf Resort and at the world famous Blue Canyon Country Club. The Canyon is famed for the 30

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18th at Blue Canyon Lakes

Mission Hills

amazing finishing battle between Ernie Els and Tiger Woods in the 1998 Johnnie Walker Classic. Golf at this 36 hole facility is magnificent, but does come at a price. The Canyon Course is as tough a challenge as there is in Thailand with undulating greens, tight fairways and more sand than the nearby beaches. The course also has the fabulous 17th hole described by Fred Couples as “one of the best par 3’s anywhere in the world”. Tiger shot the course record for an amateur with a 68 a few years back – so there’s your challenge! The Lakes course* is a fairer test but be patient over the opening 5 holes - with so much water in play it is a tricky start. There are plenty of par and birdie opportunities to come later with some reachable par 5s and even a drivable par 4. The 18th hole is widely regarded as one of the best finishing holes in Asia. If you want a REAL challenge, try the Lakes course from the BLACK tees – now THAT’S golf! When you go there take in the whole Blue Canyon experience: the great golf, fantastic caddies, a meal at the excellent clubhouse, with its old world colonial feel, and obviously two of Phuket’s best courses. *Breaking News – Management at Blue Canyon Country Club have informed TG that carts will again be available on the Lakes by the time this edition goes to press. www.thaigolf-news.com

Behind the scenes at Red Mountain…. Pro Shop smiles

A great golfing experience naturally starts with the actual golf course and Red Mountain in Phuket which opened its doors in 2008 has many fans around the world. Apart from the amazing layout it is the great team there that adds that bit extra to the experience from the minute you arrive, the pro shop staff, the first class rental equipment, the well trained smiling Thai caddies and a wonderful restaurant to round of your day at Red Mountain……enjoy the experience. Eat and enjoy

Great Drinks

Top Thai Caddies

Great Rentals

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The comeback of TC Tuesday Crazy golf

of golf plus dinner with a live band and draft beer on tap. Nearest to the pin competitions and a birdie free beer at the 18th make this a great day out with your mates. The club also has a promotion specially tailor for TC Tuesday Crazy Golf, “Play with four and Pay for three” or “Play with five and pay for four” which makes approx. 975.- Baht / person if you have TC Club card. This promotion is for Tuesday only and it also apply for golf cart and drive ball at the newly renovated driving range. The club also has other hot deals this month ,Monday: Sports Day green fee 1,000 Baht, Wednesday: Lady day green fee 1,000 Baht ( lady only),TC Happy Day Happy Hour, Tee-Off 6.008.00 1,000 Baht 18 holes. Check with reservations for all these offers as some maybe for specific dates.

Thana City has over the past couple of years been making major improvements to their Golf and Sports Club. Their club house which is one of the biggest in Bangkok has been completely renovated and now boosts an excellent restaurant, pro shop and first class changing facilities.

For more information please call Pro Shop 02-336-0567-68, 083-304-4433, 083-304-4455 or visit www.facebook.com/thanacity. golfclub http://www.thanacitygolf.com/

However it’s the Greg Norman designed 18 hole golf course that has seen a huge upgrade, and now their fairways and greens are in Championship condition. This 6,966 yard par 72 golf course is only 25 minutes from the heart of Bangkok, so it is very easy to fit in a round during your busy week. The club has recently relaunched their popular TC Tuesday Crazy Golf, a fun round 32

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The best Thailand (Vacation) Destinations Cha- Am / Hua Hin Golf Festival 2012 Nine golf courses from the Cha-Am and Hua Hin districts of Petchaburi are participating in this popular annual festival. 1st August – 30th September 2012 Play golf for only one price at any nine courses every day. Take part or attend several types of golf tournament every week, plus shopping with the special price for golf equipment and enjoy a number of golf activities. Contact: (TAT) Petchaburi Tel: +66 (0) 3247 1005-6

Thailand and International Bartender Championship Royal Paragon Hall 5 Floor Siam Paragon Shopping Centre, Bangkok Bartenders from Thailand and around the World will all come together to “Shake Shake” and to compete for the top prizes. Contact: TAT Thailand Tel: +66 (0) 2250 5500 – 3496-8

Cha-Am Feast-Fish-Flock Shellfish Festival 2012 29th September- 7th October Viewing terrace of Cha-am beach in Phetchaburi Lot of stands offering the best sea food from 50 leading seafood restaurants and hotels from Cha-Am. Exciting events including a cruise in the evening fishing for cuttlefish that are dragged towards the boats by the bright lights. Contact: (TAT) Petchaburi Tel : +66 (0) 3247 1005-6

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The "TAT CONTACT CENTER" mobile application also links to the TAT website and 1672 TAT Contact Center facebook page. Where you can find all about Thailand tourist information.

http://mobile.tourismthailand.org/ 34

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We are going

Thai…

For all the latest local and international news, golf course reports, travel, hotel and entertainment information Thai Golf can now be downloaded in English and Thai free at www.thaigolfnetwork.com Also join are free newsletters giving advance info on playing in local golf tournament plus check out our green fee offers and special hotel packages.To register just email us at editor@thaigolf-news.com quoting ‘Newsletter.’ www.thaigolf-news.com

Pattaya Sports Club – supporting golf and charities

I caught up with Joe Mooneyham just after he had been re-elected as Chairman of the Golf section of Pattaya Sports Club – commonly known as PSC. PSC are best known for the golf discount scheme that has operated successfully for many years. Expatriates and residents pay an annual subscription for their membership which entitles them to discounts at the Pattaya golf courses. The scheme was revised in 2011 to a two tier system whereby bona fide residents qualify for better discounts than holidays golfers. All very fair considering many local members are on a pension and have a limited budget for golf. Joe is a busy man running the PSC tournaments, administrating the handicap system and, most importantly, supports the 2012 Caddy Championship with funds and donations of golf equipment. Most of the caddies can’t afford their own clubs so Joe started an initiative whereby PSC members donate their used clubs to help caddies get started and compete in the Championship.

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The PSC have donated over 28 million baht to local charities since 1999 to the great benefit of the community. Their members play over 2,000 competition rounds of golf every week through a network of bars and societies. PSC meets with the societies every 2 weeks to keep the wheels turning smoothly. Joe is ideally qualified having served in the US military for 27 years retiring as a Lt. Colonel before working for Lockheed Martin in Asia. He came to Pattaya to play golf in 1996 and moved here permanently in 2002. He is married with a son and daughter living in Pattaya. A golf lover who gives his time generously to the PSC and charitable work, Joe is very proud of everything that PSC has achieved over the years. The handicap system runs to worldwide standards and he is the arbitrator of the “adjustments” that are often necessary to ensure fairness. He is committed to delivering value for the members through negotiated green fee discounts and purchasing discount vouchers for special low season rates. The monthly tournaments are run with military precision and the special attention to detail that is Joe’s hallmark. To contact Pattaya Sports Club, go to www.pattayasports.org

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Bars, Pubs, Restaurants… Latest Hot Club Opens in Soi 11 Sukhumvit

Bacchus for a real classy night in BKK… An established haunt well worth checking out is Bacchus Wine Bar & Restaurant located in a cul de sac off Soi Ruamrudee in Phloenchit, close to the Conrad Hotel.

If you like to be ahead of the game and to be seen at the current Bangkok ‘in’ hotspot, then head down to Levels.

Popular with local office workers, expats and tourists alike, Bacchus has several floors including a Wine bar with live music on the ground floor, a restaurant on the 1st floor with a pool table and private dining on two upper floors. Food here is excellent, ranging from mouthwatering snacks to full courses meals, all served extremely quickly. The selections of drinks range from beers on tap to classic cocktails plus some exceptional wines. If you are looking for a classy but friendly place to finish off the day, then head down to Bacchus and you and your friends will not be disappointed. Facebook: Bacchus Bar www.bacchus.tv

Billed as a Nightclub Lounge, this massive new entertainment palace is located on the 6th level of the trendy 350 room aLoft hotel, part of the W Hotel group. It is located in Soi 11 Sukhumvit almost opposite Bed Supperclub. You enter a lift outside the hotel’s main entrance and as you step out on the 6th floor the Levels takes over. Divided into four main areas this massive 1,000m2 club has much to offer. Levels Terrace overhangs soi 11 great for a bit of people watching. If you need a cocktail then head for Levels Lounge where there is a large bar and two levels to sit or stand or dance to the selection of World Class DJ’s and musicians.

Bacchus

Moving further into the club they have a Levels Club which opens its doors once it gets into the late hours. Here they have a state of the art night club with the floor enclosed in lasers pulsating with electro house or progressive music. Levels is so new it is likely to remain the MUST see and the MUST be seen place to go in Bangkok. For more info check out their website www.levelsclub.com

Live Enterment at Bacchus

levels disco

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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

+66 (0) 26510807 or +66(0)26510730 27, Methawattana Building Sukhumvit soi 19

Tee OFFers…

Send your club offers to: editor@thaigolf-news.com New Event Announced

Red Mountain

Very Early Bird Rates Loch Palm Golf Club is hosting the first round of the ‘’Amazing Thailand MBK Golf Tournament’ on Saturday 8th September 2012. This new tournament will begin with a shotgun start at 12:30pm, and handicaps will be calculated by the 36 System on the day of the tournament. All scoring will be based on the Stableford format. The 2nd round will be held in Bangkok at the Riverdale Golf Club on the 18th of September (Tel: 025012789) followed by the 3rd round at Chiang Mai’s Mae Jo Golf Club on 22nd September. (Tel: 053354431-2 / 0819193200). The winners of each flight in each region will be invited to play in our annual ‘Amazing Thailand - The Tin Mine Open 2012’ at Red Mountain Golf Club, Phuket on Saturday the 20th of October 2012. Currently both these Phuket courses are also offering special walk-in & local member rates after 3pm for a nine hole promotional package. Valid until the 31st of October 2012, the package includes a 9 hole green fee, cart fee & caddie fee. For reservations, please email: reservation@lochpalm.com or email: reservation@redmountainphuket.com 40

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Royal Golf and Country Club

If you enjoy getting up early or perhaps have a midday flight to catch then until the end of August the Royal Golf and Country Club have some great tee offers. Located only 5 minutes from Suvarnabhumi Airport this Bangkok course was designed by Japan’s Chohei Miyasawa, and has many water hazards, several long par 3’s and some undulating greens. On Tuesdays if you tee off before 07.00hrs, you pay Baht1, 000 for green fee or Baht1, 600 for fee plus cart. Every Wednesday to Friday check in before 07.00hrs and they only charge Baht900 for green fee or Baht1, 300 for fee plus cart. If you have a late flight or hate getting up early then if you play after 15.00hrs you pay just Baht700, but remember to bring an umbrella.tel: +66 2738 1010. www.thaigolf-news.com

Thailand Golf

Khao Yai / North-Eastern