INTERVIEW WITH
Michael Whan LPGA Excusive!!
Blue Diamond Launch Feature
Great Thai Courses
THAI GOLF NEWS / ISSUE Seven
FREE COPY
ISSUE 07
CONTENTS 7 Editorial
14 6
EDITOR’S LETTER
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GOLF NEWS... Yani: Tops the rankings on LPGA
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ADVERTORIAL Thaniya Plaza: Golf Shopping Mall
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INTERVIEW Mike Whan: Commissioner of the LPGA
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COURSE REPORT: BLUE DIAMOND Dr. Prachin Eamlumnow: Dream comes to life
21 MORE Thai courses Served with a smile! Golf in the kingdom Green Fee Survey
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GOLF HAHAHA!!! Just a few more golf jokes...
34 TEE OFFers... Golf in Paradise Package, A great new 19th watering hole!
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ISSUE SEven
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Senior Writer Mark Hall info@thaigolf-news.com
ART & PRODUCTION Veritas Graphics: Publisher Jim Fowler jim@veritasgraphics.com Managing Editor Dean Outerson dean@veritasgraphics.com Designer / Layout Dew Piyaman dew@veritasgraphics.com
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Editor Mike Bridge editor@thaigolf-news.com Tel: +66(0) 83 198 6700
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THAI GOLF NEWS
EDITOR’S LETTER
ISSUE 07
Editors letter..... It’s that time of the year when we sit glued to the TV set to enjoy four great days of golf. I mean of course April 7th-10th when The Masters at Augusta in Georgia holds the 2011 edition. Obviously there are some great golf moments in the year’s calendar, including the British Open and the Race Dubai, however it’s hard to beat the atmosphere created by the Masters. This year if you catch the buzz of the Masters, you can now get your own fix by going to the Royal Gems Golf City, right here in Bangkok. Their back nine is a complete replica of the last nine at Augusta...Amen Corner and all!
Mike Bridge Editor of Thai Golf News editor@thaigolf-news.com
After seeing the stars on TV, many of them will soon be heading our way, when the 2011 version of the Maybank Malaysian Open kicks off at the wonderful Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club, affectionally know as the KLGCC. This year will be the tournament’s 50th Anniversary, and the sponsors have put their money where their mouth is, as Martin Kaymer, Rory McIlroy, Louis Oosthuizen and Charl Schwartzel will all be there heading the field. Definitely a stellar field, so perhaps now is the time to call Air Asia for a quick trip to KL! Here at Thai Golf News we have made our own bit of history, as we have survived our first year. Yes, considering the problems that we have all faced here in Thailand over the past 12 months, that is quite an achievement. We have had great support from many people in the local golfing community and look forward to a successful second year. In this current issue, we are delighted to be the first magazine to announce another great Thai golf course on the drawing board, as the Blue Diamond Golf Club announces plans to open a Championship course early in 2012. Read our exclusive interview with the proud owner and avid golfer Dr Prachin Eamlumnow.
COVER PHOTO SUPPLIED BY Colin
Many of you, especially the large number of tourists, read TGN, need fore regular information about where and how to enjoy a round of golf in Thailand. In each issue will now report on several great golfing experiences, rather than one detailed course report. This month we talk about Siam Country Club, Lotus Valley and Vintage Golf Club, all great courses. Also check out the Golfasian green fee survey....apparently our fees here in Thailand offer extremely good value. We are often asked where you can pick up a regular copy of TGN. Well of course we do deliver the magazine to over 200 outlets including golf clubs, driving ranges, hotels, golf retailers and pubs. However starting in April we will be arranging to mail individual copies every month to subscribers. If you are interested to get your personal copy delivered, then just drop me a line at editor@thaigolf-news.com and we will send out the application form. Enjoy your golf, especially now that summer promotions have started.
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FEATURES: • LOCAL AND INTERNATIONAL NEWS • GOLF TOURISM • THAI COURSES • INTERVIEWS • GOLF JOKES • TEE OFFERS 6
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ISSUE SEVEN
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GOLF NEWS... Asian Tour attracts major stars The Asian Tour, with record prize money and extra events for 2011, is flourishing thanks to their alliance with the European Tour.
Yani tops the rankings on LPGA Women’s tour
Now that the world’s top players are Europeans occupying the top four positions, Asian fans, players and sponsors are all benefitting. The Maybank Malaysian Open, celebrating it’s 50th anniversary, has just announced that World Number one Martin Kaymer, will be joining Rory McIlroy, Louis Oosthuizen and Charl Schwartzel at the KLGCC in Kuala Lumpur on April 14th-17th. Maybe more unusual is World Number 2 Lee Westwood’s decision to headline the inaugural Indonesian Masters event at the Royal Jakarta Golf Club on April 21st-24th, despite the first prize of US$118,875 being unlikely to even cover his travel costs. Maybe both number one and number two players are planning to enter the Ballantines Championship at Blackstone Resort in Seoul on April 28th – May 1st, as the prize money is a massive US$ 2.2million.
The Captain’s Cup: 2-3 April 2011 The first Bangkok Wanderers Golf Club’s ‘Major’ of 2011, The Captain’s Cup, is to be staged at Springfield Royal Country Club on Saturday/Sunday 2/3 April 2011, teeing off on ‘A’ and ‘B’ courses at 11:00 am on Saturday, and 08:00 am on Sunday. This classic 20-year-old Jack Nicklaus course is situated off the main Hua Hin Highway. The costs are Baht 1,750 + Baht 250 caddy fee per day. Golf carts are also available at Baht 750. This is one of the BWGC’s three “Majors” of the year, and as such, demand for places is always high. The maximum field will be 56 players, and the sign-up list will be closed once we reach this number. The closing date for entries for this event will be Wednesday 30 March 2011. For more information contact the Wanders at www.bkkbwgc.com. www.thaigolf-news.com
Yani Tseng from Taiwan captured four tournaments including her recent win at the Honda LPGA Open down in Pattaya at the Siam Country Club. She also won the Taifong Ladies Open on the LPGA of Taiwan Tour, then the ISPS Handa Women’s Australian Open and ANZ RACV Ladies Open on the Australian Ladies Professional Golf Tour (ALPGT).
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Yani Tseng
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Jiyai Shin
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Na Yeon Choi
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Suzann Pettersen
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Cristie Kerr
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Ai Miyazato
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I.K. Kim
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Michelle Wie
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Inbee Park
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Karrie Webb
Also in February, she finished third at the HSBC Women’s Champions in Singapore. A star to watch in the future.
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GOLF NEWS... New Clubhouse at Bangsai opens
I had the tantalising situation of playing just one hole recently at the Bangsai Country Club in Ayutthaya when one of the biggest thunderstorms put paid to our round. I actually went there to interview one of the owners and well-known golf course designer Pirapon Namatra. An interesting Thai designer, so watch out for his interview in next month’s TGN. He explained that he has just added an extra 9 holes, giving golfers the chance of playing some real fun holes including one green offering three flags!!! With their new first class club house and massive locker room now in operation, plus green fees starting from only Baht450 mid week, Bangsai is definitely worth a visit. Better value still, if four of you can share the taxi fare! Tel 661643 9121.
Asian Tour Coveted Badge Royal Selangor, the official trophy supplier of the Asian Tour, unveiled the Tour’s official identification badge which will now be the pride for all Asian Tour members, giving them instant recognition and access at all Asian Tour events. Rising young Thai talent, Namchok Tantipokhakul, who narrowly missed out on his maiden title at the seasonending Black Mountain Masters last year, is among the first to receive his badge and hopes that it will motivate him to play well in the new season ahead. “I like the design and it also identifies me as a key member of the Asian Tour which is always an honour. I hope to continue my good form and win my first title this season,” said the 23-year-old.
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Golf storm...... A storm bringing with it 50 mph gusts toppled two TV towers, uprooted 17 young palm trees and sent the monster scoreboard at the 18th hole crashing to the ground in Thursday’s first round of the WGC-Cadillac Championship at Doral’s Blue Monster in Miami. And then, after being softened up by the storm, Doral’s pride and joy took another pounding from the stellar field that included the vast majority of the world’s finest professional golfers. Hunter Mahan, who was at 7-under after 11 holes and leading the field by two when darkness ended the storm-delayed first round, showed no mercy as he ripped into the for-once defenceless course. “I guess with that storm, it brought some tranquility to the golf course,” said Mahan, who didn’t miss a green and never come close to a bogey. “Because there was just no wind (after the storm had passed), there was nothing out there.” By “nothing”, Mahan meant a course with no teeth and except for a still-struggling Tiger Woods and his group, a good many took advantage of the benign conditions. Nick Watney eventually went on to win his first WGC event.
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GOLF NEWS... KBank Credit Card encourages golf society with “Enjoy Your Swing x32”
KBank started the introduction of “Enjoy Your Swing x32” campaign, the privilege for KBank Credit Card Members with more benefits for the second consecutive year, recently at The Vintage Club Golf Course. After the success of “Enjoy Your Swing x3” in the previous year, this time KBank offers more benefits such as special offers of between 10-60% off green fees at more than 100 golf courses in Thailand, also special extra discounts on sport days (Wednesday and Sunday) from 48 golf courses. KBank are also offering 10,000 Baht rewards for holes in one, which can be doubled up for the second time, as well as exclusive prizes for a golf trip in Chiang Mai, Phuket and Kunming at the end of the year for a total of 1,200,000 Baht. The campaign also increases the maximum value of the prizes for the lucky draw winners every two months. Mr. Chatchai Payuhanaveechai, first senior vice president of KBank, stated that in the past year, KBank had given the privileges for golfers who hold KBank Credit Cards, and the feedback about the campaign was very impressive, with 200 million Baht expenses via KBank Credit Cards for golfing. From this number, 50% was spent in the campaign from the approximately 80,000 cardholders who are golfers. Besides, the number of subscribers who are fond of golf is increasing continuously. It indicates that the number of golfers is rising as well and causes the development of this particular segment. Mr. Chatchai said that despite these three exclusive privileges, customers would also get several discounts for golf carts, golf schools, restaurants and accommodations across Thailand. Customers can look for their privileges from Thailand Golf Sourcing Guide 2011, the complete golf courses guidebook with general information and directions for each course. Customers can also visit www.HotGolfClub.com or www.KBankcard.com for more details. 10
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Seeing double!
Michelle Wie and Suzann Pettersen were scheduled to play together last month, and both players turned up in the same outfit during the second round of the HSBC Singapore Women’s Open at the Tenah Merah Golf Club. They apparently found out that they were wearing the same outfits when they met at breakfast at their Singapore hotel. They were going back to change, when they both thought it would be fun to go out in the same outfits. So did their sponsors Nike. I am sure it gave Nike a lot of additional coverage.
Caddie of the Month Khun Chob is a caddie at Thai Country Club in Bangkok. She has worked there for a number of years and also plays golf herself on her days off. She can read the greens like a paperback, and is one of their most popular caddies. 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:
editor@thaigolf-news.com www.thaigolf-news.com
Bangkok’s only Golf Shopping Mall... Thaniya Plaza One of the few Shopping Centres in Asia dedicated just to Golf. Those in the know head down to Sala Daeng to stock up on all their golf equipment and accessories at Thaniya Plaza. Often at lower prices than back home, there are four floors with over 300 shops, restaurants, even a fully equipped Golf Centre. Thaniya Plaza opened 20 years ago, and has become ‘the’ place to buy new and secondhand clubs, clothing, balls and accessories. They also have several outlets offering fitting and re-gripping services too. Open 10.00-22.00 daily. Next to the Sala Deng BTS Sky train.
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Interview with Mike Whan....
Commissioner of the LPGA
TGN: One of your main roles is to provide more tournaments for your players to enter. Has this been a tough job bearing in mind the global recession? MW: Yes it has been a trying time. Before taking this position , I have been on the other side of the fence and have written big cheques as a Sports CEO and as a sponsor, and to wonder if you can make it work and to get a greater return. TGN: Do you think this is one of your future strengths that you have been on both sides of the fence?
TGN: You took over as commissioner of the LPGA and I believe this was your first tournament? MW: I went to the tour championship in Houston in 2009, but not as Commissioner, so yes the Honda LPGA Thailand was my first tournament. I remember I packed long sleeve shirts and ties, and turned up in Pattaya in a suit and nearly lost 13 pounds in a day! So I am learning a little bit, at least how to pack. TGN: The title Commissioner seems quite heavy. What exactly does he do? MW: I in fact say to my staff, I think this title sometimes gets in the way. When I was a CEO before and I could not make a meeting, I would send along my Vice President. Whereas here if a title sponsor or say the PGA want to arrange a meeting with the LPGA Commissioner, it is kind of offensive if he does not show up, which is kind of strange. But at the same time it gives me quite a few perks, however it also limits the number of meetings I can attend. I can’t be in three places at once. At the end of the day we are a team.
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MW: I think it has to be as it is really the only thing I can bring to the party. This is the truth. When I sit across from Channel 7, Honda or HSBC, I know what it feels like to discuss how much money we want to spend over the next three years and is it going to be right for our brand. Will our brand be behind a players face when they are being interviewed. I fully understand how that feels having been there myself. I have also made sure that the players understand this too. We can’t just have a tournament; the tournament has to benefit Honda! TGN: Perhaps compared with the other tours such as the European or PGA, the LPGA maybe has the most glamorous and of course prettiest players. Does this help you when you go looking for sponsors? MW: Well I know what you mean. Put it another way we have a tournament coming up where 67 of the top 80 women in the world are playing. Now anywhere that say the top 67 men were entered, they would be calling it a major. So what helps is when I sit across from a potential sponsor, I can say to them that you don’t need to wait for a major, or the Olympics to come along. When we come along you will have the top players in the world at your first tournament. We will promote the event literally around the world, with players from 28 countries competing and upwards of 30 countries watching on TV.
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TGN: Certainly maybe more so on your tour, is the emergence of Korean and Japanese players winning. Asia must have a large influence for the future of the LPGA? MW: Well when I took over, we were already a genuine world tour. Right now we can speak to someone who wants to have an event in the US and they want to have benefits in Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand, and I can offer that. It’s a huge plus and separates us not only from the other tours but even other sports. TGN: The tour already visits Asia in the spring and autumn. Do you plan to maybe add any more tournaments over here? MW: Yes I think we plan to add another two events to the 2012 calendar.
MW: Well on this event, out of 60 players, ten are sponsors invitees, so that is a pretty large percentage. In fact, seven Thais entered the LPGA qualifying school this year, so by coming here over the past few years, we have had an impact on the local girls. TGN: What did you do before you joined the LPGA? MW: Well to start with I joined Procter & Gamble, then at age 29 I got into the golf business, first at Wilson Sports Goods and then I ran Adidas Golf. For the last eight years I was CEO of a hockey equipment company, so I have been around sports for the past 20 years. TGN: Do you also play golf?
TGN: Apparently some locally-based pros were saying that they could not afford to enter the prequalifying school to enter your tournament. Do you aim to have more places for Thai players?
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MW: Well I played with Ai Miyazato in a recent Pro Am, and she probably would not agree that I can play golf. However, I am actually a 9 handicap player.
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Te st You r
Golf Swing at the British Club in February
The British Club and Wilding Golf are creating an opportunity to play golf at the club. Lots of competition and prizes For more information please contact Mr. Simon or Anne 16 • THAI GOLF NEWS • ISSUE Six www.thaigolf-news.com
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Dr Prachin Eamlumnow’s dream comes to life! “This is my dream, my world, my family, a home away from home, to spend with my loved ones without stress.”
We all have our dreams and goals in life. Maybe it is to be a success in business, or to be a great family man, or to just enjoy life in general. Dr Prachin Eamlumnow, a Thai national, is about to achieve his final goal, by creating his ultimate golf course. Perhaps best known in South East Asia as a very successful businessman, Dr Prachin Eamlumnow personally created and organised one of Thailand’s most successful and largest exhibitions, The Bangkok International Motor Show. He is also a great family man too, with a wife and two sons who work with him. His other main passion for the past forty years has been his golf, and now he has decided it is time to create his long term dream. To design and build a world-class sports resort here in Thailand. Dr Prachin has been quoted as saying, ‘This is my dream, my world, my family, a home away from home, to spend with my loved ones without stress. ‘
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The project is being officially launched to the public at the Motor Show in March. Thai Golf News managed to catch Dr Prachin before the show opened. TGN: Please tell us about this exciting new project? Dr Prachin: It will be known as The Blue Diamond Golf and Water Sports Club, and is located two hours west of Bangkok in the region called Kanchana Buri, well known for the discovery of the wonderful Blue Sapphire gems. The whole concept is being created on a massive area of over 2,000 rai, with 23 million cubic metres of fresh water. We have included in the master plan a race track, water sports including jet skis, canoeing and sailing, horseback riding, a full scale recreation centre and spa, a five star hotel, luxury private villas, and an international village with condominiums for sale. TGN: Golf is your main passion and at the centre of the project is the Blue Diamond Golf Club. Dr Prachin: Yes it is a stunning 7,261 yard Championship Golf course, with club house, pro shop and restaurant. It has been designed by Prayard Chinaraj, and I have enjoyed adding my own personal touches as well. Together we have tried to create the ultimate par 72 course, with every hole designed to challenge your skills.
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Advertorial Feature
TGN: Your course’s signature hole will be hole number 5. Do you expect it to really live up to its title? Dr Prachin: Yes, it is a tricky par 5, and unusually it offers the player a choice of two fairways, with a high level green surrounded by water at the end. Players will need to watch out for the multilevelled undulating green, where you can end up with 3-4 frustrating putts. However, I am sure the low handicappers could reach the green in two so watch out for a few eagles here. Its 557 yards of pure magic with a spectacular view of the entire course! TGN: You have obviously played on a lot of courses during your own long golfing career. Do you have any particular favourites here in Thailand? Dr Prachin; I admire Blue Canyon’s course down in Phuket and one of the newer courses in Thailand, the Riverdale Golf Course in Bangkok. TGN: You recently played with Michelle Wie in the pro am at Siam Country Club. Did you out manage to outdrive her? Dr Prachin: No unfortunately not, but it was great fun to play a round with Michelle. I have also played with Thongchai Jaidee and some of the top Korean pros, so hopefully the experience will improve my current handicap of 22. TGN: When do you plan to open Blue Diamond? Dr Prachin: We plan to be ready around March 2012, and my aim is also to host one of the major tours at Blue Diamond in the future. We want to become known as a true Championship course. TGN: You are encouraging people to own their own piece of Blue Diamond. Who will be living here? Dr Prachin: Blue Diamond will have a combination of private plots of land beside the lakes, where owners can create their own homes. In addition, we are creating an international village with luxury condominiums overlooking the 16th hole. Prices for these will start from around 4 million baht and will include a 20 year membership to the golf club. TGN: Do you believe, now that most of the landscaping is complete, that your dream of creating your ultimate course is on track? Dr Prachin: Yes, I think we have. If you look at the classic courses, they all have elements such as water features and mountains. Well we have all these elements together on one course. Perhaps what is the most outstanding aspect at Blue Diamond, will be to just stand on the highest point of the course during sunset, and to look across at the fairways and the undulating greens, with the mist and the mountains in the background. It is truly a breathtaking experience, which I hope many golfers in years to come will appreciate our own piece of golf heaven! Advertorial Feature
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Thai Courses..... served with a smile! With over 280 courses across Thailand, we golfers are literally spoilt for choice. Everyone likes to play on some great or challenging courses, so every month we have selected a few that we think are rather special. Siam Country Club, Pattaya.tel; +66 (0)38 909700. www.siamcountryclub.com The club boosts two 18 hole Championship courses, the newer Plantation Course and perhaps the more famous ‘Old Course’. The Old Course is a real classic by any standards, and home for the past two years of the Honda LPGA Thailand Open, this year won by Yani Tseng, the World Number One. Siam Country Club, 18th Hole
Everything works like clockwork here, as you are called onto the first tee and set off on your adventure. Hole 1 is a par 5, 543 yards from the Blue elevated tee, providing a breath-taking view of this great starting hole. When I was last there in February, the course was in great shape, with wonderful fairways and immaculate greens. A real golfer’s dream! Stroke index one is a sneaky par 4, hole number 11. You tee off by a beautiful lake, to a well bunkered landing area, with little room for error. The small green is also guarded by two bunkers, so all shots here have to be spot on. Other challenging holes are the uphill 422 yard ninth and the 18th, with a very tricky green with cunning undulations and bunkers to capture your ball. Only 15 minutes from Pattaya and 75 minutes via motorway from Bangkok, the club is well worth a visit. You will need to book in advance and in the summer they are often closed on Mondays. Green fees are currently Baht2,750 weekdays and Baht3,300 at the weekend.
Siam Country Club, 8th Hole
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The Ultimate Golf Weekend!
We all like to get away with our golfing buddies for a bit of bonding, and to spend a few days taking on a new challenge at a new golf course away from our regular club.
steam room, pool table, state-of-the-art sound system, and full time staff to cook any dish from full breakfasts to sumptuous BBQ’s.
Certainly, short golfing trips with the guys have been very popular for the British for a number of years, as they escape the winter to experience the Spanish and Portuguese golf clubs.
The company also can offer villas, sleeping up to twelve golfers at a time.
Foursomesasia, an enterprising new travel company based in Koh Samui, have now come up with a luxury Thai version for us Asia-based golfers. Their exclusive bachelor golf holidays are using six of the top villas on the island. They literally take care of everything, from travel and accommodation to tee times and transfers. All you need to do is to make sure your handicap is in good shape! St Andrews, the villa shown here, has five rooms overlooking the island, all with plasma TV’s, ensuite bathrooms and showers, a massive infinity pool, wet bar,
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Their weekend inclusive golfing breaks leave Bangkok Friday afternoon; you can get in a round of golf on Saturday and Sunday before heading home late on Sunday. They include return flights from Bangkok, full catering, all your drinks, plus two rounds of golf at Santiburi Golf Club. To add to your enjoyment before and after your round, the trip includes your own personal hostess on call 24/7. Their beautiful hostesses are all handpicked and can even accompany you to the golf course, to help you improve your swing!
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Foursomesasia have a number of luxury villas which can sleep up to twelve golfers at a time either near the sea or offering seclusion and spectacular views up in the hills. They can also arrange midweek and weekly packages and flights from other Asian or overseas airports too. If you enjoy your golf, like to stay in a first class private villa with infinity pool, and appreciate 5 star service all the way, then our golf vacations are definitely for you and your colleagues. Rates depend on the number
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of golfers attending, and the final flight requirements. Even if it does not improve your handicap, you’ll definitely enjoy being pampered like a true Ryder Cup star!
To find out more about the Foursomesasia bachelor golf holidays, telephone +66 (0) 87 111 5450 or check out their website www.foursomesasia.com
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Siam Country Club, Men grooming Siam Country Club, Map
Siam Country Club, 4th Hole
Lotus Valley Golf Resort, Chachoengsao tel;+66(0)38835555 www.lotusvalley.co.th Lotus Valley Golf Resort is located east of Bangkok; approximately 50 minutes from Suvanabhumi International Airport. Formerly the World Trade Golf and Sports Club, Lotus Valley Golf Resort is one of only a handful of Gary Player designed golf courses in Asia. The famous South African created a good balance of golf challenge while using modern golf course construction methods and quality. The golf course has two conventional loops of nine holes adding up to a championship length of 6,955 yards from the tips and a par 72. Every hole represents its own individual challenge and affords both an easy path to the green for par or a more risky route for a birdie chance. Water comes into play on every hole to some degree or another. True to Player’s style and in leaning towards the traditional Scottish design, close cut fairways and fringes feature around the greens.
Lotus Valley, 18th Hole
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Lotus Valley, Valley Lobby Lotus
The modern club house features a large airy lobby and entrance area, a well-stocked pro shop, and locker rooms featuring Japanese baths; a wonderful way to unwind after play. A nice touch of Lotus Valley Golf Resort is the cashless policy. Each golfer gets a day passport when they register that can be used to charge drinks and snacks on the course and purchase items in the club house. Bills are settled after your round and when you check out, which adds a classy touch found only in the finest golf resorts.
Lotus Valley Lotus Valley, Japanese Hot Bath
The Vintage Club, Samutprakarn, near Bangkok, tel; +66(0)2 70738205 www.vintagegolfthai.com Conveniently located just off the extensive Expressway network, the Vintage Club can be reached by car in less than 30 minutes from the centre of Bangkok.
The Vintage Club, Club House
This golf club is perhaps one of Bangkok’s lesserknown layouts, so much so that many players are pleasantly surprised by this course. Vintage was designed by renowned US golf architect Arthur Hills, one of his only Asian creations. The course also retains many of the natural surroundings, like marshes with reeds and multicoloured bougainvillea plants. It tends to give the golfer the feeling that he is in the Thai countryside,
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The Vintage Club, 2nd Hole
The Vintage Club, 18th Hole
rather than at a championship course on the outskirts of Bangkok. The club has hosted several major tournaments including the Thailand Ladies Open. Vintage Golf has some thrilling golf holes including the Par 3 2nd, Par 5 10th and Par 4 13th, all of which will have you writing down a high score if you lose concentration or hit a bad shot. The course is almost always in excellent playing condition, and the fairways are firmer than most other area courses allowing for good run out of well stuck drives. The Vintage Club, Lobby
There is a fairly large club house designed in an Elizabethan style, with a large restaurant, locker rooms, and steam room, jacuzzi and massage suite. Less publicity makes for readily available tee times at Vintage, and fast play without delays, especially on weekdays when the course is quiter.
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Thailand Ahead As Best Value Among Leading Golf Destinations Golf is often known as a rich man’s sport. Apart from the equipment, membership of a golf course is not only a status symbol, but it can also become a very expensive hobby too. However, one of the most competitive areas to golf is in fact South East Asia’s Thailand. According to a recent survey conducted by Asian golf vacation specialists Golfasian, Thailand has some of the most competitive golf rates for visitors across Asia and the Middle East. The average round of golf was 29% lower in Thailand than a similar number of clubs surveyed across six different countries. The survey compared the midweek high season visitor rates. The most expensive golf course was US$271.00 at the Emirates Club’s Majlis course, home to the Dubai Desert Classic. At the other end of the scale, the lowest rate was US$111.00 at Bangkok’s Muang Kaew Golf Club, and that rate even included a free massage!
‘We knew from the feedback we were getting from our regular customers, that golf here was very reasonable. However we were very surprised that our survey showed that there really was such a large difference between Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Dubai or Bali.’ For example, a round of golf at Black Mountain Golf Club in Thailand’s Hua Hin, who recently hosted both the Asian Tour Masters and the prestigious Royal Trophy, was only US$130.00. This compares with another Asian Tour venue, Sentosa Golf Club in Singapore, where they charge US$238.00 a round, but without a caddie. Siegel explained, ‘For our survey to be fair, we compared rates with similar top championship courses in Thailand and abroad. Many of the courses selected have held international golf championships, and all offer a first class golfing experience.’
Mark Siegel founder of Golfasian and President of Golf in the Kingdom said,
Red Mountain Golf Club in Phuket
Emirates Club’s Majlis Course
Yas Link’s Clubhouse
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Thai Country Club in Bangkok Yas Link’s, Abu Dhabi
‘Apart from the cost of actually playing 18 holes on some great courses, another plus factor for golfers holidaying in Thailand, is that the cost of lodging, transportation and food and beverages is also lower,’ said Siegel. Staying in the well-known Hilton Phuket Arcadia Resort starts from US$130.00, whereas starting rates at the Hilton Kuala Lumpur are US$177.00. The Marriott Hua Hin Resort and Spa charges US$157.00 while the Singapore Marriot has their best rate at US$335.00. For more information on Thailand’s thriving golf courses and selected resorts, see www.golfinakingdom.com
Chiang Mai Highlands
Golf in the Kingdom promotes the Thailand golf experience, and features the leading Thai championship golf clubs and top hotels and resorts....basically the cream of the crop. Banyan Club, Hua Hin
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Loch Palm Golf Club, Phuket
Golfasian Asian and Middle East Golf Club Fees Survey The following information was taken from all the clubs’ own websites during February 2011. Fees shown include 18 holes at weekday rates up to and including April 2011, a golf cart and caddie where supplied. It does not include golf club rentals or caddie tips. Thailand Green fee Caddie fee Cart Total US$ 1. Siam Country Club, Pattaya, Old Course 92 10 22 124 2. Thai Country Club, Bangkok 120 10 26 156 3. Loch Palm, Phuket 123 10 23 156 4. Red Mountain, Phuket 183 10 23 216 5. Muang Kaew, Bangkok 83 8 20 111 6. Chiang Mai Highlands, Chiang Mai 93 8 20 121 7. Riverdale, Bangkok 83 10 23 116 8. Banyan Golf Club , Hua Hin 120 incl incl 120 9. Black Mountain, Hua Hin 100 10 20 130 Average cost = US$139.00 per round. n.b. Banyan’s fee’s are inclusive of green fee, caddie fee and golf cart.
Asia and the Middle East 1. KLGCC, Malaysia 127 17 13 157 2. Nirwana Golf Club, Bali 181 incl incl 181 3. Sentosa , Singapore(Serapong course) 296 incl incl 296 4. Saujana Golf Club, Malaysia 105 16 31 152 5. Angkor Golf Club, Cambodia 115 12 28 155 6. Emirates, Dubai UAE, (Majlis course) 271 - incl 271 7. Montgomerie Links, Vietnam 61 20 30 111 8. Yas Links, Abu Dhabi UAE 163 - incl 163 9. HK Golf Club, Hong Kong (Fanling) 230 36 31 297 Average cost = US$198.00 per round. n.b. 2 and 3 rates are inclusive, while both UAE courses did not feature caddies. Conclusion: An average weekday round of golf played in Thailand works out to be 29.8% cheaper than playing in the above mentioned golf clubs in Asia and the Middle East. Of course there are cheaper rounds to be found, however if you want to play on a first class course, then the clubs selected meet that criteria. © Golfasian February 2011
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Sports Mall Asian Golf Equipment Show of 2011,
April 4-30 ,2011 at Emporium and Paragon
• Venue: Fashion Hall,1F @ Emporium on Apr 4 -10, New Arrival 2011 Sale up to 20% • Venue: E -Space,3F @ Emporium on Apr 14-20, Golf Apparel Sale up to 60% • Venue: G olf Zone (walk way) 3F @ Emporium on Apr 4-30, New Arrival and regular item sale up to 40% • Venue: Sports Mall 2F @ Paragon on Apr 4-30, New Arrival 2011and all Golf equipment and apparel Sale up to 60%
Golf hahaha!!! Hazard Warning The Montana State Department of Fish and Wildlife is advising golfers to take extra precautions and be on the alert for bears while playing National Forests golf courses.
Golf Study
They advise golfers to wear noise-producing devices such as little bells on their clothing to alert, but not startle the bears unexpectedly. They also advise you to carry pepper spray in case of an encounter with a bear. It is also a good idea to watch for signs of bear activity. Golfers should be able to recognize the difference between black bear and grizzly bear droppings on the golf course. Black bear droppings are smaller and contain berries and possibly squirrel fur. Grizzly bear droppings have bells in them and smell like pepper spray.
Priorities
What’s In A Lie...? Bob, a 70-year-old, extremely wealthy widower, shows up at the country club with a breathtakingly beautiful and very sexy 25 yearold blonde. She hangs onto Bob’s arm and listens intently to his every word. His buddies at the club are all aghast. At the very first chance, they corner him and ask, “Bob, how did you get the trophy girlfriend?” Bob replies, “Girlfriend? She’s my wife!” They’re amazed, but continue to ask, “So, how did you persuade her to marry you?” “I lied about my age”, Bob replies. “What, did you tell her you were only 50?” Bob smiles and says, “No, I told her I was 90.” www.thaigolf-news.com
That means, on average, golfers get about 41 miles to the gallon. Kind of makes you proud. Almost feel like a hybrid...
Jack Nicklaus
Golf is not and has never has been a fair game. I think I fail just a bit less than everyone else.
The harder you work, the luckier you get.
The counsellor asks them what the problem is and the wife goes into a rage, listing every problem they had in the last 15 years they’ve been married, and she goes on and on and on.
The husband says “I can bring her in Monday and Friday’s, but on Wednesday’s, I play golf!”
Another study found golfers drink, on average, 22 gallons of alcohol a year.
Gary Player
A husband and wife go to a counsellor after 15 years of marriage.
Finally the counsellor gets up, goes around the desk, embraces the woman, and kisses her passionately. The woman shuts up and sits quietly in a daze. The counsellor turns to the husband and says “That is what your wife needs at least 3 times a week, can you do that“?
A recent study found the average golfer walks about 900 miles a year.
Bob Hope
Golf is a game that needlessly prolongs the lives of some of our most useless citizens. If you watch a game, it’s fun. If you play it, it’s recreation. If you work at it, it’s golf.
Dumb!!!!
Jack Nicklaus whilst competing in a tournament and trying to keep his focus and concentration was asked an insane question by a reporter following the match he had just played. “Wow, you really know your way round the course Jack...What’s the secret?” “The holes are numbered.” replied Jack calmly.
Golf Slang.... A ‘James Joyce’ or a ‘Book of Poetry’: an impossible read (used for putts) “This goddamn putt’s a real Book of Poetry.” An ‘Osama Bin Laden’: going from one bunker to another “I bet you 10 bucks that Bob pulls a Bin Laden from that sand trap.” An ‘O.J. Simpson’: getting away with one “Nice shot, OJ. Right off the trees and back into the fairway.” A ‘Paris Hilton’: spoiled; wasted a good opportunity “After bombing my drive I proceeded to Paris Hilton my approach shot.” A ‘Danny DeVito’: an ugly little five footer “I’ve got a Danny DeVito left to save double.” A ‘Beyonce’ : a bit chunky, but still on the dance floor “Stellar Beyonce, there Ricky. But I think you’re on the front edge of the green.” ISSUE SEVEN
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TEE OFFers
Send your club offers to: editor@thaigolf-news.com
Golf in Paradise Package Indulge in the lush villas at Banyan Tree Phuket, enjoy unlimited golf at the Laguna Phuket Golf Course, located just a short stroll from your villa’s door, and rejuvenate with complimentary spa treatments at the award-winning Banyan Tree Spa.
A great new 19th watering hole!
Validity Period: Valid until 31st May 2011 For a minimum of 4 consecutive nights’ stay, enjoy the following special benefits: • Roundtrip airport transfers from Phuket International Airport • Complimentary daily breakfast for 2 persons for the one-bedroom villa or for 4 persons for the twobedroom villa • Unlimited golf at Laguna Phuket Golf course (green fees only) for 2 persons per villa per stay (Equipment rental, nominal caddy fee and tip not included) • One complimentary 90-minute spa session at Banyan Tree Spa for 2 persons per villa per stay • Complimentary fruit daily, in villa • 20% discount at Banyan Tree Phuket restaurants and bars (not applicable for mini-bar, Destination Dining, happy-hour or any other special promotions For details of this package visit www.lagunaphuketgolf.com
Golf and wine dinner in Hua Hin On Saturday, 26th March 2011 the Banyan Golf Club is the place to be. They are organising an afternoon golf tournament from 12.30 p.m around their magnificent 18 holes, followed by a 5-course wine dinner at The Terrace Restaurant. You get all this for only Baht 3,950 for the golf & dinner. Non-players are welcome and dinner is only Baht 2,100.
It’s one of those places that you say to yourself, ‘It’s just what I have been looking for in Bangkok!’ Oskars is a bar that also serves first class food. Located on the busy Soi 11 on Sukhumvit, and also next door to the infamous Bed Supper club, Oskar’s is the brainchild of three French guys, who have added their Gallic charm in creating a really great place to escape from the normal girlie bars and all that Thai cuisine. Currently open seven nights a week, they have the best cocktails around, good beer and delicious food. Try the goat cheese salad and their chocolate mousse. Good prices that will not break the bank, and by the look of the clientele, will quickly become the ‘in’ place in town. Take this copy of TGN with you and they will be happy to offer you a FREE glass of their excellent French wine.
Please contact Banyan Golf Club, Hua Hin on 032-616-200 or reservations@banyanthailand.com Bookings are recommended. 34
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