THERE IS LIFE AFTER TIGER! INTERVIEWS
IAN WOOSNAM & SAM TORRANCE CADDIE’S
STATESIDE BLOG OVERSEAS GOLF DESTINATION
CAMBODIA COURSE REPORT
RED MOUNTAIN THAI GOLF NEWS / ISSUE TWO
FREE COPY
CONTENTS 34
18/19/21
11
ISSUE 02
24/25 5
EDITOR’S LETTER
7/9
GOLF NEWS
Veteran superstars, a runaway golf buggie and a rogue crocodile all make the news this month...
11
BATTLE FOR QUEEN’S HONOUR
Come June, the attention from the beautiful white sandy beaches of Koh Samui...
13/15
EXCLUSIVE IAN WOOSNAM INTERVIEW
Ian became the first former European Tour Order of Merit winner on the European Seniors Tour in 2008...
16/17
EXCLUSIVE SAM TORRANCE INTERVIEW
Sam won the 2009 European Senior Tour Order of Merit and has earned over Euros 1.2 million on the tour...
18/19/21
VERSION OF DISNEYLAND! RED MOUNTAIN
Have you conquered the 18th hole at the Majlis course where Tigers ball went into the water during the Dubai Desert Classic?...
23
GOLF REAL ESTATE NEWS
“Golf de Ceron’ is located on the edge of a sleepy village situated on the southern tip of Soane-et-Loire...
24/25
CADDIES BLOG FROM THE MASTERS
How Ross FIsher won the Masters, accompanied by his ever loyal caddie...
27/29/31
OVERSEA GOLF DESTINATION CAMBODIA
The thrill of visiting a completely new destination...
32
SPORTS MALL TOURNAMENT WINNERS!
The second round of the “Sports Mall Golf Tournament 2010”...
04 THAI GOLF NEWS / ISSUE TWO
33
YOUNG GUNS TO THE RESCUE
Rory and all!...
34
TEE OFFers
The Royal Golf & Country Club have special rates for this month...
EDITORIAL
Editor:
Contributing Editor:
Mike Bridge theeditor@thaigolfnews.com Tel: +66(0) 2713 6174 George Saharat Somapa George@connex.co.th Brett Brasier Brett_brasier@hotmail.com
ART & PRODUCTION
Liquid Publishing:
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Thai & International: Russia:
Alex Bowden (Art Director) Tirawat Surisehasathain (Designer)
Mike Bridge editor@thaigolfnews.com Tel: +66(0) 2713 6174 Kim Waddoup kim@aigroup.ru
PUBLISHER
International Golf Publications / Liquid C/O 65 Room 1504, 15th Floor, 42 Tower, Sukhumvit Soi 42, Bangkok 10110, Thailand Tel: +66(0) 2713 6174 • Fax: +66(0) 2713 5140 www.thaigolfnews.com
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THAI GOLF NEWS
EDITOR'S LETTER
ISSUE 02
Well since our first issue launched back in early April, everything seems to have happened both on and off the golf course. Just as we launched, some folks all wearing the same colour shirts took over most of central Bangkok, which has naturally affected Thailand’s tourism sector. Then Europe was paralysed by the huge dust clouds spewing forth from the Icelandic volcano, creating chaos at the airports. However at the same time we enjoyed some superb golf on TV, with this year’s Masters creating more birdies than a chicken farm. Most of us would kill for just one eagle in our lifetime, but these pros were knocking them in like crazy. Certainly some of Mr Mickelson’s shots were out of this world and he definitely deserved this year’s Green jacket. Also wonderful to watch Rory McIroy’s 43 foot putt on the 18th at the Quail Hollow Championship, to win his first PGA tournament in the States. It seems you think we have got it right here at Thai Golf News, as the reaction as when we went around Thailand distributing our first issue has been great. Both the public and the golf industry have told us the articles and style of the pages are different and interesting. So here you are starting to read issue 02, which features our Red Mountain course report, one of my personal favourites. I also went over to check out golf in a new area for me, namely Siem Reap in Cambodia. We also cover the golf news here and abroad, tee offers, our caddie blog from the USA, and this month we are including a regular look at some golf real estate. Just back from checking out some great new courses in Abu Dhabi and managed to get up to the 124st floor of the Burj Khalifa. More about their courses in a future issue. Do keep sending us your comments, suggestions and more importantly your pictures of your favourite Thai Caddie.
Happy hitting! Mike Bridge theeditor@thaigolfnews.com
REGULAR
FEATURES: • LOCAL AND INTERNATIONAL NEWS • APPOINTMENTS • GOLF TOURISM • BORN TO CADDIE • GOLF REAL ESTATE • TEE OFFERS • GOLF TIPS WWW.THAIGOLFNEWS.COM
05 THAI GOLF NEWS / ISSUE TWO
GOLF NEWS... GOLFING GREATS AT THE ROYAL GEMS! Sandy Lyle and Ian Woosman, both winners of the Masters famous green jacket, along with Sam Torrance, the ex Ryder Cup captain recently attended the pro am during the Seniors European Tour in Bangkok.
president of the Thai Golf Course Association Pornsit Sriorathaikul, who also hosted the Tour at the Royal Gems
GOLF BUGGY INVOLVED IN CRASH A Hong Kong golf course worker who crashed a golf buggy resulting in the death of a colleague, was
Cuban Tourism Minister Manuel Marrero has approved the development of several golf courses, marinas and other real estate projects by foreign investors to help boost the
The stars were welcomed by the
Golf Course.
CUBA GOES GOLF CRAZY
communist run Cribbean Island tourist industry. Currently there are only two courses on the island, one nine hole course in Havana used mostly by diplomats, and a 18 hole course in the beach resort of Varadaro. Your editor was fortunate to play a couple of rounds at Varadoro three years ago. Certainly it was fantastic to tee off next to the blue Caribbean and the Mojitos in the 19th hole were very potent.
convicted of causing death by dangerous driving. Li Man–yam lost control of the low speed buggy carrying four colleagues on a slope at the public course where he worked. Apparently the buggy rolled over throwing the passengers out of the cart and injuring three of them. A 62 year old received serious head wounds and was later declared dead. Li, 57 was sentenced to 200 hours of community service and had his driving licence suspended for two years!
HUA HIN IN THE DESERT Three lucky chaps from the Banyan Golf Club were recently teamed up with Asia’s number one golf Thongchai Jaidee. Thailand’s popular golfer, was joined by Banyan Golf Club management team including the club’s manager Stacey Walton, and Stuart Daly for the pro am event before the Omega Dubai Desert Classic. Walton commented@ It was a wonderful experience to
DEFINITELY OUT OF BOUNDS!!!! A Malaysian businessman, who was bitten by a crocodile while playing a round of golf at the A’Famosa Resort near Malacca, has won
play with Thongchai around the Majlis course. I have tremendous respect for his commitment to the golf in Thailand. Thongchai must of picked up some great tips from the boys, as he came in a very respectable third in the tournament.
US$13,000 in damages. Hong Kee Siong said he was searching for a lost ball, when he stumbled across the croc, which tried to drag him to a pond on the resorts ‘Crocodile Nine’ course named after local wildlife. Hong managed to escape by striking the creature on the head, but he still needed 38 stitches in his left leg. The make of club used was not mentioned. WWW.THAIGOLFNEWS.COM
07 THAI GOLF NEWS / ISSUE TWO
VOLCANIC DUST CHECK!!! Most golf clubs have rain delay policies, but recently they have had a different type of delay to cope with, namely delays due to the Icelandic volcano. This major dust cloud has created chaos around Europe and the knock on affect has been even felt as far away as here in Asia. Liberty Golf Services in Malaysia told us that their agency was offering full refunds for deposits taken from any affected countries from Europe. Here in Thailand Mark Siegel CEO at Golfasian explained that they had already refunded all monies paid to us by clients in Europe who were unable to travel with us at the time. One golfer has already rebooked for later in the year, as they were surprised (pleasantly) at how fast we were able to deal with the situation.
IN 1923 WHO WAS .....? 1. President of the largest steel company? 2. President of the largest gas company? 3. President of the New York stock Exchange? 4. Greatest wheat speculator? 5. President of the Bank of International Settlement? 6. Great Bear of Wall Street? These men were considered some of the world’s most successful of their days, but now 80 years later do you know what ultimately became of them?
THE ANSWERS: 1. The president of the largest steel company. Charles Schwab, died a pauper. 2. The president of the largest gas company, Edward Hopson, went insane. 3. The president of the NYSE, Richard Whitney, was released from prison to die at home. 4. The greatest wheat speculator, Arthur Cooger, died abroad, penniless. 5. The president of the Bank of International Settlement, shot himself. 6 The Great Bear of Wall Street, Cosabee Livermore, also committed suicide. However, in that same year, 1923, the PGA Champion and the winner of the most important golf tournament, the US Open, was Gene Sarazen
K.KAI AT CHIANG MAI HIGHLANDS GOLF & SPA RESORT
CADDIE OF THE MONTH Rodjana Phromsri known as K.Kai works at Chiang Mai Highlands Golf & Spa Resort. 28 year old K.Kai has worked for over a year at this top course in Northern Thailand. She has obviously been very well taught in the basics of the game. She knew all the yardages spot on, read the greens very competently. She was great company and had an infectious smile. Definitely, a worthy caddie of the month. Mike Bridge, Editor Thai Golf News.
If you have a favourite caddie, then send us in a picture and a few words on why she is your choice for Caddie of the Month. Send to:
What became of him?
theeditor@thaigolfnews.com He played golf until he was 92, died in 1999 at the age of 95. He was financially secure at the time of his death.
The Moral: Give up work. Play golf. WWW.THAIGOLFNEWS.COM
09 THAI GOLF NEWS / ISSUE TWO
BATTLE FOR QUEEN’S HONOUR
RETURNS TO KOH SAMUI GAGANJEET BHULLAR
Boonchu Ruangkit, widely regarded as the big brother in Thai golf, said: “All Thai players are proud to play in this event and everyone will aim to win the tournament as it is very important to us.” Some of the top Asian Tour players are also likely to put their names in the hat this June such as Jason Knutzon of the United States, Gaganjeet Bhullar of India, Singaporean Lam Chih Bing and Swedish Rikard Karlberg, who won his maiden Asian Tour title at the SAIL Open in India, and Australian Andrew Dodt.
SANTIBURI SAMUI COUNTRY CLUB
The Queen’s Cup will be the last event to the first half of the Asian Tour Schedule before the
Come June, the attention from the beautiful white sandy beaches of Koh Samui will shift momentarily to golf as the Queen’s Cup, sanctioned by the Asian Tour, arrives on the holiday isle of Thailand.
season enters a highly-packed second half of the year, which tees off at the end of July. With no fewer than 35 tournaments won by Thai players on the Asian Tour, Kyi Hla Han, the Asian Tour Executive Chairman, believes that the Queen’s Cup will further propel the growth and
The prestigious US$300,000 event, held in conjunction with her Majesty
development of professional golf in Thailand.
Queen Sirikit’s 78th Birthday, will see defending champion and local star Chinnarat Phadungsil gunning for a repeat victory on home soil from June
Han told us, “The Thai players are one of the most
17-20, 2010.
successful groups of players to emerge from the
The Santiburi Samui Country Club will once again play host to the
have reaped the rewards from the platform we have
tournament, as the top Asian Tour stars and Thai players aim to tame the
provided.”
Asian Tour and we are delighted to know that they
windy and tricky conditions at the panoramic par-72 golf course. “Many young stars are emerging from Thailand such Last year, Chinnarat produced a magical finale when he claimed his third
as Chinnarat (Phadungsil) who showed his class
Asian Tour victory before his 21st birthday, and reinforced his credentials
last season. I’m sure we can expect another great
as the future king of Asian golf en route to a three-stroke victory.
tournament come June,” said Han.
He will be seeking to battle for the Queen’s honour again in the tournament, sponsored by the Sports Authority of Thailand and Bangkok Airways. Many Thai players which include Thaworn Wiratchant, an 11-time Asian Tour winner, Prayad Marksaeng, Chapchai Nirat, who set a new world 72-hole scoring record with a stunning 32-under-par 256 winning total at the SAIL Open in India in 2009, and Kiradech Aphibarnrat are tipped to feature in the Queen’s Cup which is highly revered in Thailand.
WWW.THAIGOLFNEWS.COM
SANTIBURI SAMUI COUNTRY CLUB
11 THAI GOLF NEWS / ISSUE TWO
INTERVIEW
IAN WOOSNAM Ian Woosnam became the first former European Tour Order of Merit winner to repeat the feat again on the European Seniors Tour in 2008. He played in eight Ryder Cups, and captained the victorious European Ryder Cup team at the K Club in Ireland in 2006, where they won all five sessions for the first time. He received the OBE in the New Year’s honours list in recognition of this feat. He won the European order of Merit in 1987 and 1990. But perhaps he is best remembered as the first Welshman to wear the famous green jacket, when he won the 1991 Masters at Augusta. Thai Golf News caught up with Ian at the European Seniors Tour sponsored by Chang at the Royal Gems Golf Club in Bangkok. How are you finding the course here at Royal Gems? It’s a beautiful golf course, nice and flat and whoever has designed it, has done a great job. The course is perfectly set up for a Seniors tournament. Do you think there are going to be some low scores here? I would expect so. I had nine birdies today and an eagle during the pro am so I probably have used up all my quarter, and won’t have many birdies tomorrow, but I would expect some low scores. (n.b. The eventual winner was Thai veteran Boonchu Ruangkit, who broke the Senior’s tour record for the lowest score ever of -19 ) With the Ryder Cup being hosted in Wales this year, do you expect this to have a big effect for the future of Welsh golf? Well we are only a small country, and at most we only had maybe six pros regularly playing on the tour. WWW.THAIGOLFNEWS.COM
13 THAI GOLF NEWS / ISSUE TWO
Rys Davies looks like he’s doing better on
Well Faldo picking him for the last years
But you also have to remember that you
both the Asian and European Tours, and
Ryder cup was great, and winning all his
need to make different tees for ladies and
is getting more confident, having finished matches was also good for his confidence.
players of all ages and standards. You
well at the recent Mabank Malaysian Open.
always need to give people an opportunity
Ian is just going from strength to strength,
(Since this interview Rys won his first as is Paul Casey.
to get it on the green, whereas a lot of
European tournament in Morrocco.) Also
designers make you go over water and
Bradley Dredge, has changed his coach
Outside the tour are you busy working on
through bunkers. You must give everyone a
and seems to be kicking off again. So if
other projects?
chance to get their ball in the hole.
they put in some good performances, then maybe they could get into the Ryder Cup
Yes, myself and David Russell are using our When you won the Masters at Augusta in
team.
experience from our 35 years of playing on
1999, can you remember what bought you
courses all over the world, and have set up
down to earth when you return to the UK?
Paul Casey was recently quoted as
a design company called Royal Golf Course
saying he looked up to you when he was a
Design. We have designed a few golf Well I was still drunk, and all I can remember
lot younger. Do you feel you have in Wales
courses already, and will be spending more
was I had to go down to the Benson &
a lot of people looking up to you?
time as we get older designing. In fact here
Hedges at St Mellion Golf Club near
at Royal Gems I think it is a great course for
Plymouth and they made me tee off at
Well anyone who is been in my position and
Amateurs. They will come here day in day
08.00hrs. I had not even had time to unpack
those before me, you look up to and you
out and they will really enjoy it.
try to do your best. I have always been a player who plays aggressively, and Paul and
Now do you think there are a lot of Golf
Ian Poulter watched me when they were Clubs that maybe need to upgrade their younger and adapted that way of playing
after the masters, and my clothes were all over the place. I went out and scored 82 and missed the cut. I don’t think the organisers were very happy!
courses?
more aggressively. Sometimes it works, and other weeks it’s not going to be so great.
Well a lot of equipment has changed and improved, and therefore some of the
Certainly Ian has done very well already
courses made 40 or 50 years ago, maybe
this season.
now need to be lengthened.
WWW.THAIGOLFNEWS.COM
WOOSNAM MASTER CLASS
15 THAI GOLF NEWS / ISSUE TWO
INTERVIEW
SAM TORRANCE Sam Torrance won the 2009 European Senior Tour Order of Merit and has earned over Euros 1.2 million on the tour. He won 21 times in a glittering European Tour career. He captained the European Ryder Cup team to victory at the Belfry in 2002 and was awarded the MBE in 1996 and the OBE in the 2003 New Years Honours list, for his services to Golf. Thai Golf News caught up with this likeable Scot recently at the Chang Thailand Seniors Masters 2010 at the Royal Gems Golf and Sports Club.
Is this the first time you have played in Thailand? No I have been here many times. Do you remember some of the courses? Well I have played the Army Course and also Blue Canyon in Phuket. How do you rate the Royal Gems course here in Bangkok? Holes 4, 5 and 6 on the front nine are good holes. It is a very good golf course. It’s a good test. Do you think there will be some low scores during the Seniors? Probably, it will depend on the weather, especially the wind.
16 THAI GOLF NEWS / ISSUE TWO
WWW.THAIGOLFNEWS.COM
How did you find playing in the Seniors in
Do you enjoy commentating?
Brunei?
Finally what do you think about the Thai hospitality?
I love golf, so I just sit there and talk about It was a lot more jungle lined and very golf. It’s not really journalism, it’s just great
Well all of Asia is fantastic, the people are
humid. Here in Thailand it is a lot cooler.
very amiable, the food is great, it can be a
fun.
bit hot but I always love to come to Asia. Do you think the European Seniors Tour
You seem to come over on air as being
may add some more Asian dates to the
very relaxed, do you plan to cover more
tour?
majors?
I certainly hope so. It’s a long way to come
Well that depends. At the moment my
from Scotland but it would be a lot easier
priority is to play in tournaments, but when
to come here for three weeks , creating an
I stop playing maybe...but that’s a long way
Asian swing maybe.
off at the moment.
You have now branched out into TV
Do you also get involved with designing
commentating, how many tournaments
courses?
are you covering? Yes I have designed a few and that is Well I report on the Masters and the British
something I will be looking into in the years
Open, and this year at the Ryder Cup too.
to come.
You have played at the Masters, has the
Any courses you can tell us about?
tournament changed? Well I have got two on the go at the Well the course has definitely got tougher moment, and have finished St Andrew’s every year.
Bay.
DO YOU WISH TO REACH EXPATS AND LOCALS LIVING HERE IN THAILAND? WELL THESE ARE THAI GOLF NEWS READERS.....THEY ALL WANT TO PLAY GOLF ON YOUR GOLF COURSES..... AND THEY WANT TO STAY AT YOUR HOTELS THIS SUMMER. If you want to reach this active audience, then advertise in our next issue out in July. Advertising rates from only Baht15,000. If you book BEFORE June 11th we will also give you editorial coverage!
For more details check out www.thaigolfnews.com or call us on
Tel: +66(0) 2713 6174 WWW.THAIGOLFNEWS.COM
17 THAI GOLF NEWS / ISSUE TWO
Golf’s version of Disneyland!!!!
RED MOUNTAIN
Have you ever conquered the tricky 18th hole at the Majlis course where Tigers ball went into the water during the Dubai Desert Classic? What about the 13th island hole at the Blue Canyon or how about the thrill of teeing off
Golf’s version of Disneyland!!!! We all like to boast that we have found a real gem of a course to play!
over the ocean at Greg Norman’s Nirwana Golf Course in Bali! These are all naturally established classic courses in Asia, which are loved by the pros and the golfing public alike. It is very hard to create that extra magic where the player is excited just to be playing on the course and to accept the challenge ahead. Now being relatively new to golf, my own experiences have all been crammed into the past five years living in the UK, and then Dubai and travelling around Asia. I am sure many of you will want to add your own gems to the ‘golf heaven’ list, however I have recently stumbled upon my own piece of golf heaven, namely Red Mountain on the island of Phuket. Launched without too much fanfare in late 2008, Red Mountain has become the new kid on the block, and I have yet to find anyone who has been there not to be a committed mountain addict! Once the core of Phuket’s tin mining, the course nestles in the lush Kathu Valley and winds through the mountains of Kathu. The brainchild of a certain local, Mr. K Banterng Tantivit, who is now the chairman of the board, Red Mountain is owned by the same company that owns the famous MBK shopping centre in Bangkok. They certainly have invested wisely, and course designer John Morrow has been given a free hand to design a world class golf course that tests all golfers’ course management skills and shot shaping capabilities. From 6781 yards on the black tees to a manageable 5,203 off the red tees, the course is not that long, but every hole
18 THAI GOLF NEWS / ISSUE TWO
WWW.THAIGOLFNEWS.COM
has its own great theme, and there are
Hole 8 is a par 4, 337 yards hole off an created out of an old mine shaft, so you
mouth watering obstacles around each elevated tee, with a lake to avoid on the
are literally teeing off high over the green,
corner.
right. Great if you can make it to the landing
almost like shooting down at a little dart
area on the left for a chip onto the green.
board below. The hole is easily reached with
All the holes at red mountain are superb, but a few need a special mention.
a wedge or a 9 iron! Take your camera for Hole 10 is a dog leg left downhill with this one, pure show biz!!! another lake to the left, a long par 4, 440
The 1st hole let’s you tee off downhill to a
yards. A great hole to kick off the back nine.
The final hole is a fabulous par 5, 559 yards
par 4, 366 yards off the blue tee, through
However it is the last three holes really do
downhill towards a lake with the club house
rocks either side of the green. This hole
take your breath away!
terrace in the distance. The longest hole on
gently gets you into the mood of what is a ahead. The 2nd hole is a real test, a par 5, 484
the course is a great finishing hole to what Hole 16 is the highest hole on the course,
is a great round of challenging and fun golf
and they even have a viewing terrace to see
with your mates!
across the whole course.
yards with an uphill drive over water, then a long iron second shot dog leg right to get
Everything about Red Mountain has been The 17th is the signature hole and all the
dealt with a touch of style. When you arrive
into view of the green. A very difficult by caddies love to show off this unique par 3,
they have a great number of top brand clubs
rewarding par 5.
169 yards hole. The reason is it has been for hire, not any of those tired old relics from days gone by.
WWW.THAIGOLFNEWS.COM
19 THAI GOLF NEWS / ISSUE TWO
The course is in superb condition with Novatec grass on the greens, so even after a downpour the course dries out extremely quickly. The caddies are very well trained and because the club is getting quite busy, they have perhaps some of the most beautiful local girls all keen to work at Red Mountain. The changing rooms are first class, and the restaurant and bar overlooking the 18th hole offers a great selection of local and international cuisine. Great terrace to watch all the players trying to par the 18th hole! The club has just finished creating some driving bays and eventually the course will have its own boutique hotel and villas.
WHERE TO STAY Twin Palm is a collection of low rise buildings nestled around a long modern pool, the rooms are very comfortable and trendy. Great breakfasts are served adjacent to the cavernous open air hotel lobby. Perhaps what sets Twin Palms above the rest of the Phuket modern hotels, is its marvellous beach club, with huge sofas, great bar and restaurant, massage tents and of course a fine sandy beach. It’s hard to escape to get in a round of golf!
I FLEW WITH AIR ASIA DOWN FROM BANGKOK AND STAYED AT THE 5 STAR CONTEMPORY BOUTIQUE CALLED TWIN PALMS HOTEL AT SURIN BEACH. Phuket’s popular Patong Beach is just 20 minutes away. Check out Joe’s Downstairs a beach reataurant and the famous Bangla Road for all the action! TWINPALMS PHUKET Tel: +66(0) 7631 6500 Fax: +66(0) 7631 6599 Email: book@twinpalms-phuket.com www.twinpalms-phuket.com
Loch Palm Golf Club, their sister course is around the corner, so if you are a real golf nut, you can play on two first class courses back to back in one day! I am confident that the Asian Tour will be considering bringing one of their tournaments here soon, as I am sure the TV cameras will love the layout...Red Mountain is a truly Disneyland golf experience! WWW.THAIGOLFNEWS.COM
RED MOUNTAIN GOLF CLUB Tel: +66(0) 7632 2000-1 Email: info@redmountainphuket.com www.redmountainphuket.com
Green fees are 3000 baht 9 holes or 5000 baht for 18 holes. Caddy fee is 250 baht and a golf cart is 700 baht. If you want to rent clubs steel or graphite are 1500 baht and soft spike golf shoes are 250 baht. 21 THAI GOLF NEWS / ISSUE TWO
GOLF REAL ESTATE
NEWS
FANCY A FRENCH CHATEAUX WITH 18 HOLE GOLF COURSE? VILLAS AT CHIANG MAI HIGH LAND
BRICKS AND MORTAR ON THE COURSE. We are always being told that location means more than almost anything else, when buying “Golf de Ceron’ is located on the edge of a sleepy village situated on the southern tip of Soane-et-Loire in Burgundy, France. This 18 hole par 68, 4,900 meter long golf course was originally designed by Gille Charmar a famous French professional golfer, and is set alongside an historic chateau hotel. Apart from its beautiful landscape with hilly contours, eight small lakes, various springs, the course has a small stream running through the middle, which is not only beautiful to look at but it also provides a difficult challenge for the golfer. All in all Golf de Ceron offers a most relaxing, beautiful and yet challenging experience to the players.” If you want to own this unique piece of golfing real estate, and fancy being a member of the French aristocracy, contact their agent. Remember the Euro is very weak at the moment, so you can really pick up a bargain! George Betz at chateau@fire-investments.com
BANYAN VILLAGE: PARADISE FOR GOLFERS Banyan Village, Resort & Golf is a prestigious housing development in the royal resort town of Hua Hin, Thailand. Set in a beautiful landscaped environment and complimented by world-class facilities, Banyan Village has raised the standard of living in Hua Hin to unprecedented levels. Conceived, designed and built to the most exacting standards, the luxurious villas and condominiums come with the exclusive right to become a member of
real estate. Certainly this still applies to city areas like 5th Avenue in New York, Knightsbridge in London and even the Downtown area near by Burj Kalifa tower in Dubai. Another area that will normally hold its value would be golf real estate. Firstly most top golf courses were located and selected in areas for their natural beauty. They normally have access to good transport, and owners can use all the club house facilities. Finally they tend to be gated as well, giving additional benefits of security. Most builders are also sympathetic to the layout, to take advantage of the views over the course without ruining the overall effect for the golfers. No one wants to play golf around a housing estate. Rental returns are good, especially if as in Thailand they play golf all year round. You can’t beat waking up beside the course and then actually going out of your villa or apartment to play a round of golf.
Every month we plan to feature a number of golf real estate opportunities here in Thailand and further afield.
the Banyan Golf Club, awarded “Best New Golf Course in Asia Pacific” by Asian Golf Magazine. For more details visit: www.banyanthailand.com
WWW.THAIGOLFNEWS.COM
23 THAI GOLF NEWS / ISSUE TWO
STATESIDE
FUN AND FRUSTRATION! the following few words of wisdom “Come on
I wish I could begin this article by describing how Ross FIsher won the Masters, accompanied by his ever loyal caddie...
Rossco, let’s get stuck in”. Short but sweet. Effective? Ask Ross... Back to familiar Orlando for the Tavistock Cup, played between rivals Lake Nona & Isleworth. Day one wasn’t exactly a day to
However, at least for another year, this has to remain a fantasy. But more about
remember, partnering Ben Curtis, we suffered
that later on.
a defeat to the slightly mature pairing of John Cook & Mark O’Meara. However day two
Our US trip in the spring, commenced in Orlando at Ross’s lovely home at Lake
brought more success, a really solid round from
Nona, which provided an excellent base for a solid weeks practice, prior to our
Ross, contributing towards a Lake Nona victory.
visit to Miami. So that brings us to the 2010 Masters. After a 10 Admittedly there was one slight distraction, a very generous gesture from
day holiday, we both felt suitably refreshed and
Ross. For my birthday, he got us court side tickets to the Orlando Magic v the
eager as ever to return to Augusta National.
Lakers. Without sidetracking away from golf, let’s just say it was an experience to remember, and the Magic have certainly gained another fan.
Sunday 4th April: We arrived at the golf course mid-afternoon, in time to meet up with Ross’s short
First it was off to the CA Championship,
game coach Mark Roe. Mark has a very positive
230 miles South of Orlando. Unfortunately
outlook, in fact he seems to act as an unofficial
severely
grainy
greens,
proved
an
psychologist to Ross. Match that with his ability to
absolute nightmare to master.
teach the short game, and he’s sure a great asset to the team.
Not only this but Doral is one of the most uninspiring golf courses imaginable. As
The three of us spent a delightful evening wondering
one notable professional described, “It’s
around the tougher somewhat forgotten front 9,
a field under a flight path”. Green fees
hence our decision to devote our attentions toward it.
average between US$200-300 per round! Personally I’d prefer some
Monday 5th April: The gates now officially open, the
alternative thrills down towards South
patrons flocked in, not to mention the long awaited
Beach!
return of Tiger Woods, and the atmosphere was electric.Unbelievable! We played the back 9, hitting it
Next west to Tampa for the Transitions Championship at the Innisbrook
inside 4ft on the 12th making birdie, always nice...even
Resort, a beautifully presented golf course with a real European feel, and
in practice!
seemingly an opportunity to build on confidence. Tuesday 6th April: Had another look at the front 9 For 42 holes it was poetry in motion, flags were being peppered &
today. Everything seemed to be going according to plan,
putts were rolling in, and all was looking rather cheerful. Then all of a
and Ross was certainly in good form. After our practice
sudden an errant tee shot crept in, and the putts stopped dropping. It’s
round, I took the opportunity to sit under the famous oak
horrible when this happens, for both player & caddy... Ross searching to
tree & take in the surroundings. It then occurred to me just
rediscover his swing and me trying to provide accurate yardages from
how special the Masters is, and how fortunate I was to a
opposing fairways, whilst at the same time remaining positive.
part of it. Excuse my philosophical views, but I’m getting old!
Despite Ross valuing my opinion, should I be questioning the ability of the 30th best golfer in the world? This in turn can create a negative.
Wednesday 7th April: 24 hours to go. I took a saunter
Having experimented with this over the last 5 years, I’ve settled for
around the back 9 just to refresh the memory one last
24 THAI GOLF NEWS / ISSUE TWO
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time. Today there was to be no practice
against us making the cut. However this
over to the States, for the Quail Hollow
round, as Ross was playing in the par 3 didn’t dampen our spirits, we had a job to
Championship (eventually won by Britain’s
tournament with Nick Faldo and Ross’s close
Rory McIlroy) and The Players at Sawgrass.
do and a strong belief we could still feature in
pal Ian Poulter. I got substituted for Ross’s the tournament. Especially with the support sponsor Abdullah Al Naboodah from Dubai,
of Genworth’s Peter Barret, who loyally, After which we can look forward to our
who very kindly gave me the afternoon off,
attempted to create a Mexican wave to
return to European soil for the first time since
as he caddied for Ross.
the left of the 14th tee box. However, once
last October! Our home event at Wentworth
again the putter failed to behave, and it was holds many good memories and having Thursday 8th April: Time for action. Now I
apparent any challenge for the 2010 Mas-
undergone a facelift, the new look West
could finely dissect our round, but I’m not
ters had been lost on the greens.
course could provide an ideal setting for a
going too. In a nutshell we shot 77, taking
victory on UK soil.
thirty-six strokes with the putter alone. So the missed cut at the Masters concluded Although there was a glimmer of hope on
our eventful five weeks In the US. Although
the 17th, as 20ft birdie putt found the hole,
I did manage to fly back with a few Masters
Fingers crossed! Adam Marrow.
this left us both feeling understandably souvenirs! disappointed. As I write my blog to you all in Thailand, Friday 9th April: Ok, the odds were stacked
WWW.THAIGOLFNEWS.COM
it’s time to set our focuses on our next trip
25 THAI GOLF NEWS / ISSUE TWO
OVERSEA GOLF DESTINATION
CAMBODIA...where golf meets culture! Running at 7,327 yards, the course threads through a number of natural lakes, tricky bunkers, tree lined fairways and closely manicured greens. I played with Jack Hedges their new English manager, who is a good 3 handicapper. On paper it looks like the course is surrounded by lakes, but actually there are a number of very PHOKEETHRA GOLF & SPA RESORT
generous fairways. In fact hole number 1 offers you a easy start to the course, with the only hazard, a huge old tree right in the middle of the
As a seasoned traveller, it has been a long time since I have had the thrill of visiting a completely new destination. In this case the destination was Cambodia.
fairway at 218 yards. I particularly liked hole 9, 353 yds dog leg right from the blue tee. Water to the left, with a small stream running across the fairway at 214 yards, with a massive 200 yard serpent shaped bunker running on the right up to the green alongside the
The purpose of my trip was to check out the golf facilities, as Cambodia is slowing becoming know not only for its culture, but also as an up and coming golf destination. However like most of us, my pre-conceived thoughts of Cambodia, were of those harrowing photos in the worlds press of the turmoil back in the 70’s. Therefore I arrived with a certain amount of concern, but within minutes of checking into to the Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra Golf & Spa Resort, at Siem
club house. Course management and club selection are vital at Phokeethra, and there are several holes like The 16th where you have the choice of going to two fairways. Choose left and you have a smaller landing area but a clearer view of the green, or choose the larger right hand fairway, but then you have to battle the bunkers guarding the green.
Reap the magic of the place began to take over. Cambodia is starting to attract a lot of overseas golfers, with several top quality courses around Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. I decided to check out the later, and so after one of the best breakfast spreads I have seen for a long-time, it was off on the 15 minute drive to my first stop the Phokeethra Country Club Angkor Wat, run by Sofitel. Phokeetra derives from the Sanskrit words Bhogi, the powerful Phya Naga serpent spirit, and within its grounds is the ancient ‘Roulh’ bridge dating back to the Khmer empire in the 11th century. There’s a bit of culture for you! The course designers, V Golf Design Co. Ltd., have therefore cleverly incorporated a number of lengthy bunkers in the shape of serpents on several holes.
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27 THAI GOLF NEWS / ISSUE TWO
NICK FALDO’S ANGKOR GOLF RESORT
PHOKEETHRA CLUB HOUSE
The club was one of the first international Opened in 2008, the course was constructed in Siem Reap, particularly on Angkor’s 13th, courses to open in Cambodia and since
on a former paddy field. Rated by the US
a massive 513yd par 5. Also beware of the
2007 has been hosting the Asian Tours
PGA, the fairways are very generous, but
bunker positions on the 14th. I ended up in
this beware of cleverly placed bunkers, and
three of them and basically blew my round!
Cambodian
Open,
which
returns
December.
the subtle undulations on the greens. The grass for you experts is very green I managed to safe face on their signature
The clubhouse which overlooks the 9th
paspallum grass!
hole offers breakfast, lunch and the friendly cocktail.
hole 2nd, a 343yd dog leg to the right over some very tall palm trees. I managed to get
The course was in superb condition when I
to the dog leg and was on the green in two,
played around with Scottish club manager while Adam drove over the trees and the Moving onto for my second game, I played
Adam Robertson, who hails from St Andrews wind blew his ball of course. A win for the
the Angkor Golf Resorts 7,239 yard par
in bonny Scotland.
Englishman!
72 course designed by a certain Mr. Nick Faldo. Whereas the Phokeethra Country We played the back nine first from the blue
The overall golf experience was great, and
Club is steeped in ancient tradition, Angkor tees, so hole 10 introduced me to Faldo’s
you can really take your time as 30 players a
has a different kind of legend, six times
day are normal in these parts.
trickery, running at 403yds with the green
Championship winner Faldo. He has created approached over water and surrounded by a very challenging course, with almost as
bunkers.
many bunkers as the Earth course in Dubai or the Chiang Mai Highlands in Thailand. WWW.THAIGOLFNEWS.COM
Mega sized bunkers seem to be the trend 29 THAI GOLF NEWS / ISSUE TWO
NICK FALDO’S ANGKOR GOLF RESORT
ANGKOR WAT CLUB HOUSE
SIEM REAP SOFITEL SEIM REAP
Siem Reap is roughly a 5–7 hour drive from
However head to the old market area at
Bangkok. The Sofitel can organise a 3 day
night and the city comes to life, with great
COURSE FACTS
golf package for a minimum of four players, restaurants, bars with live bands, massage Sofitel Phokeethra Country Club Angkor including road transfers from Bangkok to
parlours, fish spas and discotheques. Wat. The clubhouse which overlooks the
Siem Riep, 2 nights stay with breakfast, 3
Travelling around is also fun with a tuk tuk,
9th hole offers breakfast, lunch and the
courses of lunch, 2 courses of dinner, one
setting you back just US$10 for half a day.
friendly cocktail. They have Hippo, Srixon
day ticket to Angkor Wat, and one round
The dollar rules in Siem Reap, so no need
and Honma clubs to rent and currently
green fee including caddie and buggy all for
to change into the local currency. For more
a round will cost US$120.00, however if
baht 17,500 per person.
local information check out.
you are staying at Sofitel then the fee is
www.tourismcambodia.com
reduced to US$72.00. Sofitel Phokeethra Country Club Angor Wat, Vithei Charles de
More info regarding this road trip email: pr@sofitelphokeethrakrabi.com or call their
I stayed at the Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra Golf
Gaulle, Khum Svay Dang Kum, Siem Reap,
Bangkok office Tel: +66 (0)2-555-9600.
& Spa Resort, a member of Sofitel’s luxury
Cambodia.
Alternatively Bangkok Airways have several
spa and pool were great, and being a French
brand. The rooms were very generous, the Tel: +855 (0)63964 600
daily flights lasting a quick 60 minutes. Golf managed hotel, the food was naturally www.phokeethragolf.com asian.com the tour operator, also have golf
superb. No wonder the Asian Tour players
packages to Siem Reap and Phnom Penh,
look forward to their visit to the hotel during
Ankor Golf Resort run a number of golf
worth checking out. www.golfasian.com
the Cambodian Open.
packages themselves with several local
Siem Reap is famous for the temples of
The overall experience of playing in Siem
US$25, and they have carts for US$36 for
Angkor Wat. Billed as the 8th wonder of the
Reap was great, and the big bonus is that
two and very friendly professional Khmer
hotels. They hire out King Cobra clubs at
world, it is worth fitting in a round of temples. you can really take your time, as 30 players
caddies.
A
round
currently
will
cost
This growing city with over 200 hotels, a day is normal in these parts.
US$115.00. Angkor Golf Resort, Kasekam
attracts the culture vultures in their masses,
Village, Sra Nga, Siem Reap, Cambodia.
and yet manages to create an atmosphere of calm and beauty.
Tel: +855 (0) 63 392 288 www.angkor-golf.com
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31 THAI GOLF NEWS / ISSUE TWO
SPORTS MALL
TOURNAMENT WINNERS! President Country Club. Those golfers who are interested, but missed the second round, can still get their applications for the “Sports Mall Golf Tournament 2010” until 23 June. The entry fee for special privilege for M Card holders is Baht 3,000 and other applicants Baht 3,500. All golfers will also receive premiums gifts from XXIO and Cleveland valued more than 4,000 baht, in addition to Falcon Insurance.
The second round of the “Sports Mall Golf Tournament 2010” organized by Sports Mall at The Mall Groups Emporium and Paragon Department Store, was held recently at the Royal Golf and Country Club in Bangkok. The 18-hole is course, considered the longest course in the country. It proved a challenging layout for all golfers, included M Card members and amateur golfers who were keen to test their out their skills against 150 applicants. Winners going through in this round were Jaruwat Rattanavari, Pattana Chaiyamontri, Apirak Yothinruangrong, Banru Sae-Co, Bancha Neesang and Peersak Shotitada.
Apply today at all Sports Mall at The Mall, The Emporium and Paragon Department Store For more information, contact 02-318-4407 on Monday – Friday 9:30 to 18:00. 18 participants will go on to compete at the Hong Kong Golf Club and Discovery Bay Golf Club in Hong Kong and only the 3 winners from flight A,B,C will win the honorary trophy awarded by Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn.
The final showdown tournament will take place on Friday 25 June 2010 at
CLASSIFIEDS TEL: +66(0) 2713 6174 DIRECTOR OF SALES + ASSISTANT SALES MANAGER REQUIRED.
ATTENTION ....THAI GOLF COURSES and HOTELS.
Mission Hills Golf Resort and Spa Phuket, a Jack Nicklaus designed 18 hole golf course, has two vacancies to start immediately in their sales department, based in Phuket. Must have some previous golf industry experience. Thai nationals only. Salary + expenses are negotiable.
Thai Golf News is read by expats and locals keen to play golf and fill your rooms this Summer! Take advantage of our special advertorial packages in our next issue. We will promote your golf course or hotel with a photograph plus 100 words along with your contact details.
Please email your CV to Jittima Choosombat (Jitty) Director jittima.ch@missionhillsphuket.com
Rates from Baht5,000 copy deadline will be June 15th. Contact +66(0) 2713 6174
DO YOU HAVE A GOLF COURSE FOR SALE?
ADVERTISING SALES MANAGER REQUIRED
We have a Korean buyer looking to buy! A former CEO of Samsung in Korea is looking to buy 18 hole golf courses in Bangkok and Pattaya. The budget is between 1 to 1.6 Billion Baht. Interested parties should contact Duangjai Kraus at Engel & Volkers in Bangkok.
We are launching a new TV Golf Show to be on air in the autumn and require an experience sales manager immediately. Contact: Mike Bridge Tel: +66(0) 831 986 700
Tel: +66(0) 2712 5828
32 THAI GOLF NEWS / ISSUE TWO
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YOUNG GUNS
TO THE RESCUE! RORY MCILROY
Before Tiger Woods left the Quail Hollow course after missing the cut last month, he joked, “At least I get the weekend to watch and see how it’s done, how real players play golf.” And boy was there plenty to see on that Sunday in April. Both Rory McIlroy from Northern Ireland and Ryo Ishikawa from Japan, who are a combined age of 38 (Rory is 20, Ryo is 18), made the headlines by breaking some records, on two different continents.
CHINNARAT PHADUNGSIL
Before Tiger Woods left the Quail Hollow course after missing the cut last month, he joked, “At least I get the weekend to watch and see how it’s done, how real players play golf.”
NOH SEUNG YUL
Before the leaders teed off at Quail Hollow, Ishikawa fired a 12-under 58 to win The Crowns for his seventh title on the Japan Tour. On his way to overcoming a six-shot deficit, he made twelve birdies and six pars to take home the trophy by five strokes. Ishikawa’s 58 is the lowest score across all the major tours in the world. He broke the Japan Tour record of 59 set by Masahiro Kuramoto, which is shared by Al Geiberger, Chip Beck and David Duval on the PGA Tour. On the ladies side, Annika Sorenstam has also shot a 59. Not to be out down, twelve hours later, McIlroy shot a final round 62, to break the course record at Quail Hollow, and win by four shots over Masters champion Phil Mickelson. With the win already in the bag, he made a fantastic 43-foot birdie putt on the last hole. Let’s not forget the likes of young Mr. Noh from South Korea winning this year’s Malaysian Maybank Open, Matteo Manassero the Italian teenager making the cut at the Masters and up and coming 21 year old Thai Golf Chinnarat Phadungsil, the youngest winner on the Asian Tour. Maybe it’s time for the likes of Mr. Woods, Mr. Mickelson and Mr. Els to start looking over their shoulders. The golf tours of the world have no need to worry where to find the future stars of the game now. They have already arrived!!!
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33 THAI GOLF NEWS / ISSUE TWO
TEE OFFers
Send your club offers to theeditor@thaigolfnews.com
THE ROYAL GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB
ST MELLION’S NICKLAUS
The Royal Golf & Country Club have special rates for this month. Their early bird before 09.00hrs from Monday to Friday is just Baht1,000 for a green fee or on any Tuesday the green fee and club car is Baht1,500. If you prefer a round on Sunday before 07.00hrs green fee and club car is Baht1,800 or after 12.30hrs it’s Baht1,500. If you fancy walking then its only Baht1,200. Check out www.royalgolfclubs.com
If you are planning a trip to England soon, then St Mellion’s Nicklaus Signature Course in the West Country near Plymouth is the place to head for a great golf break. On the Nicklaus course with its towering trees, valleys and gentle brooks, it is easy to lose yourself in the mythical beauty of the lush Cornish landscape, and even easier to lose your golf ball in the thick rough. For behind this beauty lies the beast. With its relatively small greens and tight fairways, this course provides a truly challenging round of golf. The resorts onsite 80 bedroom hotel has 2 night summer breaks starting from 267 sterling including three rounds of golf. Check them out at www.stmelliongolfbreaks.com
TEE OFF IN STYLE WITH ANDARA RESORT & VILLAS Located on Millionaires Mile Phuket, the newly opened Andara Resort and Villas comprises of lavish residential suites and pool villas overlooking the Andaman Sea. The resort is currently offering a golf getaway package to include a night in a luxuruois pool villa, all transfers, breakfast plus a round at one of Phuket’s
leading
courses
from
Baht18,400 per person. Check them out at www.andaraphucket.com
LAM LUK KA COUNTRY CLUB Summer rates are now on offer. If you want to experience one of Bangkok’s golfing gems, try not to miss a round on their fabulous East or West courses with wide fairways, water hazourds, deep
bunkers
and
manicured
greens. Take advantage of their summer rates. Around of golf after 11.10am on a weekend will cost Baht1,700 or on Tuesdays and Wednesdays just Baht700. Cart and caddie extra. For booking and club details check out www.lamlukkagolf.net 34 THAI GOLF NEWS / ISSUE TWO
SINGHA CORPORATE CHALLENGE 2010 There will be five qualifying rounds at Muang Kaew Golf Course and four qualifying rounds at Chiangmai Highlands starting in June until October. The style of the event is to offer the opportunity to compete with a friend or colleague as a team of two in a professionally organized golf event. The qualifying rounds start on June the 20th and on the 17th July, 22nd August or the 19th September at Chiang Mai. The Muang Kaew qualifying rounds are held on the 22nd June, 20th July, 19th August, 14th September and the 5th of October – teams can attempt to qualify as often as they wish. The cost is 2,500 THB for a team of two and includes the green fee for the day, gifts from our supporters, a buffet and prize giving after play. If you get to the final, your team is invited back FREE of CHARGE, excepting the caddie fee, and a chance to win a golfing trip of a lifetime to an exotic destination! Teams can enter on line at www.muangkaewgolf.com or www.chiangmaihighlands.com WWW.THAIGOLFNEWS.COM