Thai Golf News Issue 9 by Thai Golf News

INTERVIEW WITH

KIRADECH APHIBARNRAT Course Report

PANYA INDRA BANGKOK Photo Feature

WHO’S GOLF BAG? THAI GOLF NEWS / ISSUE Nine

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CONTENTS 7

ISSUE 09

21 30 Editorial

ART & PRODUCTION

EDITOR’S LETTER

GOLF NEWS... Glory Rory Hallelujah…..

INTERVIEW KIRADECH APHIBARNRAT

COURSE REPORT: Panya Indra Ticks all the boxes

ADVERTORIAL: PATTAYA Golf Breaks…. For The Price Of A Bangkok Dinner!

PHOTO FEATURE Their bags!!!

COURSE REPORT: Krabi The ideal destination for all the golf widows!

GOLF HAHAHA!!! Just a few more golf jokes...

TEE OFFers... Win 5 PowerCore Braclets, Siem Riep for golf and culture!, Pete Dye classic near Chonburi, Baht1,999 all in!

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Editor Mike Bridge editor@thaigolf-news.com Tel: +66(0) 83 198 6700 Senior Writer Mark Hall info@thaigolf-news.com Design and Layout: Dew Piyaman dewangelo@gmail.com Tel: +66(0) 89 144 7837

Printing: Grand Prix International Co Ltd Tel: +66 (0) 2 522 1731-8 ADVERTISING Thailand: Grand Prix International Co Ltd Surasek Saengphachareonsup Surasek_gpi@hotmail.com +66 (0) 25223227 International: Mike Bridge +66 (0) 831 986 700 editor@thaigolf-news.com Russia: Kim Waddoup kim@aigroup.ru PUBLISHER Grand Prix International Co Ltd 4/299 Moo 5, Soi Ladplakhao 66 Ladplakhao Road Anusawari, Bangkhen Bangkok 10220 Thailand Tel: +66 (0) 2 522 1731 -8 Managing Editor

Thanyalak Padungmueang

Magazine Website

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Thailand Golf Destinations

A new TV series to be transmitted here in Thailand on the TAN Network on True Vision, and Overseas. Interested in being a series or episode sponsor? Contact: Shannon Kalayanamitr shannon@iconicmediagroup.tv Tel: +6681.905.9868

THAI GOLF NEWS

ISSUE 09

EDITOR’S LETTER Editors letter….

Once again the focus of golf last month has been miles away with the US Open taking place outside Washington at Bethesda. The late night live coverage is playing hell with my jet lag without even flying! The Congressional Country Club looked like quite a tough golf course, but even all the pros were impressed by Rory’s eagles and birdies. Rumour has it that Thailand is in fact set to hold its own major co sanctioned event with a whopping top prize of over US$7.5Million in the next couple of years. Malaysia has its CIMB Classic organized by the USPGA, Singapore the Barclays Open with the European and Asian Tours and they also organize major tournaments in Shanghai, South Korea and Hong Kong. So what about Thailand? Remember Thailand is home to over 280 courses and is a very popular destination for golf vacationers? It’s about time we hosted a big tournament… certainly the players can’t wait to come here….even Martin Kaymer told me recently ‘I have never played in Thailand. I would love to come….just send me an invitation.’

EDITOR WITH ASIAN TOUR PRESIDENT

Meanwhile it’s a great time to play a round of golf here, with the special low season rates and various golf festivals taking place. OK we are getting a lot of rain this year compared with 2010, but if you are lucky you can miss most of the downpours, the courses have excellent drainage and playing is slightly cooler too. We actually managed 18 holes at the Lakewood Golf Club on a recent Saturday in less than 4 hours, by starting at 12.30 when most of the early risers were back in the club house.

B o P hlo i, K a n c h a n a b u r i

“This is my dream,

My family,

Panya Indra is our course report this month, a very popular Bangkok course with wonderful holes and very pretty caddies as well. Our interview is with Kiradech Aphibarnrat, the possible future Thai number 1. Check out the new PowerCore bracelets that have been so popular over in the States, and we also recommend a few BKK watering holes for your après golf evenings.

My friends”

COVER PICTURE SUPLLIED BY ASIAN TOUR

More late nights to follow with the British Open coming along. Oh well enjoy playing or

Dr.Prachin Eamlumnow watching!

REGULAR

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

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GOLF NEWS... Glory Rory Hallelujah….. Asian Tour Announce The K.J. Choi Invitational Golf Tournament Korean golf star K.J. Choi recently announced that he will host his own tournament, The K.J. Choi Invitational from October 20-23, 2011 at the world renowned Sky72 Golf Club in Incheon, South Korea

I am sure his second place at the Maybank Malaysia Open in April was the start of his great comeback. What a star performance. A worthy US Open Champion. Two up for little old Northern Ireland!

Fresh from victory at The Players Championship 2011 – where he became the first Asian to win what is known as golf’s fifth major, Choi is now part of a very exclusive fraternity in the world of golf that includes such elite names as Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer and Tiger Woods as the proud host of his very own golf tournament. Choi, The K.J. Choi Foundation, the Asian Tour, the Korean Tour (KGT) and Asian Tour Media jointly announced the inaugural K.J. Choi Invitational

golf tournament and prize money for the event will be at US$750,000, instantly making the event one of the most prestigious on both the Asian Tour and the Korean Tour. However, the true purpose for the event is not for commercial gain or to put up one of the highest prize purses, but to gather attention to the K.J. Choi Foundation, which supports under-privileged children throughout the world. Choi said, “This is a very exciting day for me. The K.J. Choi Foundation is very important to me and this tournament will be a very special way to raise funds and the profile of many of the causes we support.” Asian Tour Executive Chairman Kyi Hla Han said: “As one of our most distinguished Asian Tour honorary members, Choi has become truly successful on the international scene and we are thrilled that he is leading this terrific initiative to create a new tournament on the Asian Tour and Korean Golf Tour as a way giving back to the game of golf. “We are also delighted to be working closely with the Korean Golf Tour to develop and promote the game in Korea and Asia where our focus will remain firmly on creating world class tournament to ensure that great players in the mould of K.J. Choi would be discovered. “I am convinced that the K.J. Choi Invitational will enjoy a successful launch and grow into a major international tournament that will leave a lasting legacy.”

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GOLF NEWS...

Asia Now Contributes Over 50% of the European Tour Prize Money

POWERPLAY GOLF ATTRACTS CROWDS AND GLOBAL TV AUDIENCE Swedish golfer Caroline Hedwall won PowerPlay Golf in dramatic fashion to claim the honour of becoming the first Tour pro in the world to win a PowerPlay Golf event. After a late barrage of six-point PowerPlay birdies, Hedwall triumphed over a star studded field including golfing legend Gary Player, current US Open Champions Graeme McDowell and Paula Creamer, Ryder Cup stars Ian Poulter and Paul Casey and Major Champions John Daly, Ian Woosnam and Helen Alfredsson. Over nine selected holes on Celtic Manor’s Twenty Ten Course, and in front of a large crowd, the early pace setters were American LPGA Tour star Creamer and young French European Tour rookie Victor Dubuisson. When Creamer failed to convert a last-hole PowerPlay birdie, attention turned to Hedwall, who amassed an incredible 18 points on the final three holes with three successive PowerPlay 6-point birdies, including a brave 15-foot putt on the final hole. Hedwall’s compatriot Helen Alfredsson and world number 12 Ian Poulter – who almost eagled the last after driving the green – both came with a late charge, matching Hedwall’s last-hole PowerPlay birdie, but the young Swede prevailed to take the £100,000 first prize. Other competitors also enjoyed their first experience of the new format. Ryder Cup star Paul Casey said “The course was set up very well by PowerPlay Golf. It looks like the girls have given us a good beating today and made better decisions, so fair play to them. This was great fun.” Gary Player loved the emphasis the format places on course management. “Amateur golfers don’t realise how important course management is. Jack and Tiger won Majors with excellent course management and a strong mental game. PowerPlay Golf is going to teach amateur golfers a great deal about when to take a risk and when to shoot for a par.” And current U.S Open Champion Graeme McDowell Tweeted: “Got absolutely spanked by the girls today. Lots of fun and a great concept.” The three-hour tournament was broadcast live to over 30 countries, ensuring that PowerPlay Golf’s new nine-hole format reached a broad audience of golf fans and sports enthusiasts. Working together with international sports marketing giants IMG, PowerPlay Golf will now take its Tour pro series to two further continents – Asia and North America - later in 2011. Both events will once again feature an eclectic twelveperson field of male and female Tour stars of all ages. Web: www.powerplay-golf.com 8

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For the 2011 season, Asia is bringing about €27.30 million and 12 tournaments to the European Tour while Europe will generate about €45 million and 27 tournaments on its own territory, not counting the four Majors and five World Championships (two of them in Asia) that are not part of the Tour but help fill its purse. This means that overall Asia contributes more than half the prize money and almost half the tournaments that Europe generates on its own steam. Since 2009, the European Tour Order of Merit (the annual rankings race for the top golfer) has been rechristened the “Race to Dubai”, offering an additional pool—a bonus for the top points accumulators of the season— of $7.5 million and culminating with the season-ending Dubai World Championship at the Jumeirah Golf Estate.

If you add the prize money from the two World Championships in Asia, that will be another €10 million for the kitty. Not to forget the Royal Trophy, a Ryder Cup-style team contest between Asia and Europe that has been staged in Thailand for the last few years—it could get the sanction of the European Tour from next season. While USA and Europe has discovered, it’s become ever more difficult to find sponsors willing to part with millions of dollars within their continent, therefore tournament directors are turning towards Asia as a region to find multinationals with big marketing budgets. Even the PGA Tour has since managed to tee off in Asia with the $6 million CIMB Asia Pacific Classic in Kuala Lumpur, launched in 2010.

The weather too plays a big factor. Asia is hugely significant for the European Tour in terms of presenting playing opportunities for its own members at times of the year when the weather in Europe is not conducive to staging golfing events. A good example is the Royal Trophy hosted by Thailand at Black Mountain in Hua Hin in early January. Peter Hanson and Johan Edfors not only played in the event but decided to stay on in the warm climate to get in some extra practice before joining the Desert Swing. Rumours are that a major multi dollar tournament is being planned to be held in Thailand in the next two years as well. Mark Siegel CEO at Golfasian, the Asiatour specialists said, ‘Not only will this be great news for the players and the tours involved, but will also highlight why Thailand is viewed as a first class destination for golf vacations. With 280 courses we already attract a number of PGA instructors who like to bring their pupils here during the European winters, to experience some warm weather golf. I am sure a lot more will follow, which will naturally boast Thai tourism.’ www.thaigolf-news.com

New device to help golfers arrives in Thailand We, as humans living in an over-populated, over-polluted world full of chemical additives, synthetic clothing, processed food, and electromagnetic waste, need as many negative ions as possible!

focused and alert. It also reliefs stress, tension and joint pain, and can even provide a longer and deeper sleep.

PowerCore bands help, without a doubt. The bands are already a big hit in the States, and they are now available here in Thailand.

The price here in Thailand is Baht 1,200 per band.

Wearing a PowerCore band or bracelet helps to unleash your body’s full potential, by helping enforce your natural synergy. They are designed to fine-tune your body’s natural energy field, increase blood flow, relax muscles, and harmonize natural electro frequencies. Users of PowerCore bands have reported that it increases your balance and strength that it enhanced flexibility and motion, and it provides you with a quicker muscle recovery time, while keeping you feeling better

You can select your own PowerCore band at various outlets including Black Mountain Golf Club in Hua Hin, at all Santiburi Golf Clubs and at Thana City Golf and Sports Club in Bangkok or you can order direct from the suppliers in Thailand, Tri-V International Co., Ltd. Tel : +662-720-1500 Fax +662-720-2775 support@powercoretha.com Check out their website www.powercoretha.com

Users of PowerCore bracelets have reported noticeable: • Increases of Balance & Strength • Enhanced Flexibility & Motion • Quicker Muscle Recovery Time • Better Focus & Alertness • Relief of Stress, Tension & Joint Pain • Longer, Deeper Sleep Exclusive Distributor: Tri-V International Co., Ltd. Tel. 662-720-1500 www.trivinter.com, www.powercoretha.com Find PowerCore at: Santiburi Golf Course ( Samui, Chaing Rai, Huahin, Khon Kaen) Black Mountain Resort and Country Club ( Prachaupkhirikhan ), Thana City Golf and Country club, Krungthep Kreetha Golf Course Etc.

GOLF NEWS... Bangalore may host prestigious Royal Trophy! In what will be a big boost to the golfing community in Bangalore, the city could play host to the prestigious Royal Trophy - a continental team championship between Asia and Europe - in 2013 or 2014 after the organizers conducted a preliminary inspection of the Karnataka Golf Association’s facility recently. Confirming this KGA captain Sumit Rathor said that Lincoln Venancio, the managing director of Hong Kong-based Entertainment Group which owns and promotes the Royal Trophy, was satisfied with the infrastructure at the association following his visit. “The inspection team led by Venancio inspected the facility as well as the venue and I can reveal that they were satisfied with what they saw,” Rathor said. The event, which will see eight-man teams fight it out in the Ryder Cup-inspired event for a trophy donated by the King of Thailand, will be held outside Thailand this year for the first time since its creation in 2006. With the event set to be hosted alternatively by Asia and Europe from 2012, Bangalore could be the first Indian city to bag the honour in the next few years.

Banyan Golf Club Hua Hin recently arranged a golf tournament for the regions hotel management & staff The “Inter Hotel Golf Scramble 2011” proved to be very popular with the hotels, and nine of the area’s leading hotels were represented. The Texas Scramble format of play meant that every player contributed the overall score, as each player on the team had to contribute a minimum of 4 drives. At the Prize-giving cocktail party at Mulligan’s Pub following play, the management team of Banyan Golf Club thanked all participants for attending and for their support over the past few months. Banyan Golf Club General Manager, Stacey Walton commented, “It’s important for the hotel team members to have experienced the facilities & course here at Banyan Golf Club. These people actively promote our products at their respective hotels throughout the year and watch their guests go out & enjoy a round at Banyan on a regular basis. Hopefully today, they have gained better understanding of our golf course and more importantly I hope they had a lot of fun. Congratulations to the winning team”

Banyan Golf Club, Hua Hin – “One of the World’s Top Golf Courses” by ROLEX The first edition took 3-years to complete by the legendary Swiss watchmaker Rolex and golf publisher D’Algue Selection who have produced a unique and independent guide that determines the world’s top 1000 golf courses. Banyan Golf Club, Hua Hin in Thailand is clearly commended in this compilation for it’s all round rating of excellence. ‘’The Rolex World’s Top 1000 Golf Courses’’ is an essential companion that not only recommends the best fairways and golfing experiences, but with listings for points of interest, it gives the discerning golfer everything they need to know before playing the course. Whether it’s planning an international golf trip or simply seeking a great course near home, this is the perfect guide so don’t miss the opportunity to include Banyan Golf Club, Hua Hin on your next golf tour to Thailand. Stacey Walton comments “Europe’s Top 1000 Golf Courses by Rolex has always been the definitive guide for serious golfers and has been in existence since 1995. It is great that they have now taken to the World stage to acknowledge the best and am proud to experience that Banyan Golf Club, Hua Hin has been featured in the first edition. You’ll find the framed certificate in our Mulligan’s Pub on your next visit”.

Caddie of the Month Caddie No 189 works at Laem Chabang International Country Club in Chonburi.

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

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B o P hlo i, K a n c h a n a b u r i “This is my dream,

My family,

My friends” Dr.Prachin Eamlumnow

Grand Opening 8 March 2012

actual picture : 2 march 2011

Blue Diamond Golf and Watersports Club Co.,Ltd.

4/299 Moo5 Ladplakhao 66, Anusawari, Bangkhen, Bangkok 10220 Fax (66-2)971-7342 Tel. (66-2)971-7340, (66-84)075-4709 Tel./Fax (66-34)603-858, (66-87)160-0140 www.bluedaimondgolf.com

INTERVIEW WITH KIRADECH APHIBARNRAT… Kiradech was born in 1989 and won the Junior World Championship in 2004 before turning pro in 2008. In 2009 he won the Singha Pattaya Open and in February 2011 won his first Asian Tour event in India. Many tip this likeable Thai with the John Daly drive, to eventually jump into the World’s top 50. TGN: You are the only Thai Player this year to have won an international tournament. You must be very pleased? KA: Yes I am very proud of myself to start the year so early by winning the Sail Open in India and it gives me a lot of confidence for 2011. TGN: You came very close at last year’s Asian’s Masters at Black Mountain. The final round was very exciting. KA: Yes it was close to the end. Last year I played alongside some great golfers including KJ Choi and Noh Seung-yul from South Korea, and that has been a tremendous experience and has given me a boost. TGN: Living in Thailand, you must play on a lot of the golf course here. What are some of your favorites? KA: Well I actually spend a lot of time practicing at Amatar Springs, Green Valley and Thai Country Club, and I would like to thank them for their support. It really helps as I need

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to practice as much as possible. I also like the Santiburi course in Chiang Rai as the layout is good and the greens are in top condition. It is also cooler! TGN: You must be pleased that your friend Thongchai Jaidee is now your president of the TPGA. Are you expecting to have more local events? KA: Yes I do think Thongchai will help to create more tournaments and to raise the money for prices as well. I am sure golf for professionals will improve for us Thai golfers. TGN: What about your schedule for 2011? KA: I play on three tours, the Asian, European and Japanese tours. I try to fit in 6-7 weeks in Europe however my best success to date has been in Japan.

Advertorial Feature www.thaigolf-news.com www.thaigolf-news.com

TGN: How about the Asian Tour? KA: Well I have already played several tournaments in KL and in Seoul and will be in Singapore and Hong Kong in November. TGN: Lastly you have lost a lot of weight. Has this helped your game? KA: Yes it is easier to walk the courses and I feel lighter and am stronger. I get into the gym more and my play is improving. I am now averaging 300 yards with my drives too. Seems to be working as Kiradech has already won US$121,749 just on the Asian Tour and is 6th in it’s order of merit.

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Panya Indra ticks all the boxes

What actually makes for a great round of golf? Is it the golf course, the caddies, the locker rooms, the club house restaurant or the club’s actual location? Well being a town bound expat, getting to and from a golf club can be a major time waster in Bangkok, so for me location is important. I also do like to enjoy a drink and some good food before and after our rounds in what is an actual restaurant, rather than eating in a school style dining hall. www.thaigolf-news.com

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Also some Thai caddies literally spend more time looking in their mirrors than looking after their golfer. So a pretty caddie, who can also read the greens and give you all the yardage, is I think vital. Having a shower in some clubhouses is not a pleasant experience, with dirty shower curtains, no soap and weak showers. Clean showers plus saunas and large lockers are necessary, as part of the overall experience. But naturally leaving to last, is my wish for a golf course that is in good condition, which tests your skills while still being fair and has a few ‘Wow’ factor holes to get the adrenaline going. Well I think I have found the course that ticks all these boxes….Panya Indra Golf Club in Bangkok. Situated on Ramindra Road near the well know Safari World, it took us just 35 minutes to drive from central Sukhumvit to this 27 hole course, created by USA designer Ronald Fream in 1989. Arriving up to the vast clubhouse you are met by a bevy of beautiful caddies, eager to look after you. Once you have paid at reception, you have the choice of playing on three 9 hole championship courses, known as the Lagoon Course(A ), Palm Course (B) or the Garden Course (C). They are all interesting and offer you a variety of challenges and visual experiences. Course A is perhaps the hardest with a lot of water, course B seemed to have more bunkers and wider fairways and was the longest, while course C is very beautiful, but has a few tricky holes. Members told us that course A was very popular, but to be honest whatever section you select, you will have a great variety of holes to play. First time we played C + B, as we played their night golf. The lighting was very good however, but beware of mosquitoes and sand ants, as they like humans for supper!!! Night golf here is very popular, and no one seems to be in a great rush, so expect to find golfers sitting eating a full course meal or playing cards on the course…all very relaxed and enormous fun. (n.b. Night golf runs until midnight but is currently closed for the rainy season and will return again I am told in October.)

activity, and selected courses A + C for our round. We started on C course known as the Garden Course, as the starter told us it would be less busy. C1 is a fair par 4 with no serious obstacles apart from a bunker on the left of the fairway. Perhaps the biggest challenge here is teeing off in front of all waiting golfers and caddies! Not a place to fluff it!!! My favorite par 3 follows, with a serious selection of bunkers and giant boulders protecting a large undulating green. Accuracy here is vital as your ball can roll off into the rough.

We decided however to return for some daytime

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C3 is a monster par 5 at 567 yards from the back tee. You need to get in a central position with your drive on the fairway, so that your second shot has a clear view of the green. Better to lay up here unless you are Dustin Johnston, and beware of the tricky slopping green, which tends to invite your ball to roll back down into a small stream. It‘s a very painful, expensive but challenging hole. C4 is stroke index number 1 on the C course, with a raised undulating green surrounded on three sides by water. Actually I managed a 5 here, but needed an ice cream to recover from the experience. C course finishes with a good par 4 up to a green over looked by the vast clubhouse restaurant. It feels like you are on TV! We then drove over to the Lagoon course and started to experience some really tricky challenges. A4 is the longest hole at the club, 572 from the back tee. Not too much water but it seemed that the bunkers came into play a lot here. If you eventually get to the green on this dog left hole, its raised and undulating and has bunkers all around. A6 has what looks like a drive over a lake, then a straight forward second shot onto a large green. It’s deceptive as there is a second water hazard ahead, and so most average players will need to lay up before trying an accurate third onto a tricky green. By the way when we played all the greens were in immaculate condition. We had to miss the last three holes due to a massive rain storm, but my playing partners thoroughly enjoyed the experience. By the way the caddies were great fun, knew their yardage and added to the overall Panya Indra magic. We will return. For more Feature information visit www.panyagolf.com Advertorial www.thaigolf-news.com www.thaigolf-news.com

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Pattaya golf Breaks…. For The Price Of A Bangkok Dinner!

Lakes course at Laem Chabang

The city pace, humidity, traffic, fumes and everything else that epitomises summer in Bangkok start to take their toll. Now with the weather in Bangkok dropping buckets of water on us at the moment, it is the perfect time to escape at the weekend for some golf in the provinces. Less than 90 minutes away are some of the best golf courses in Thailand, Pattaya was my choice for this weekend break. Having checked out a few websites I came across Solar Golf and Tours, who seemed to have a number of good deals on the best courses. I placed call to Callum Mackie at Solar, and he was back immediately with a proposal. “Get in your car on Friday evening, bring your golf clubs and we will fix you the perfect weekend in Pattaya.” Now, in my experience, the words Pattaya and relaxing weekend are rarely used in the same sentence. “Trust me Mike. This town is not all about go-go bars and night clubs. Pattaya is the golf capital of Asia and I have booked you into the Tara Court with 2 rounds of golf on Saturday and Sunday”. I arrived early Friday evening at Tara Court Suites Hotel which nestles on the exclusive Pratamnuk Hill overlooked by the big Buddha and Admiral Chumporn. I found out later that Callum and his partner, Wi, have been in the business for over seven years looking after golfers from all over the world. They seem to be able to create a great fun style of golfing for all levels. After a sound night’s sleep, we were off to play Burapha Golf Club. Solar Golf looked after us from start to finish, accompanying us to the golf course and even joining us for the round. Don’t expect to win many holes against Wi – she is a very tidy 16 handicapper! 18

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Burapha is a 36 hole resort layout designed by Gary Panks and David Graham. Host of the annual Pattaya Open, it is very playable with generous fairways leading to tight greens. Solar Golf have a great crew of caddies that really add to the fun. Callum and Wi are the pioneers of organising competitions where the caddies play against their visiting golfers. After golf, it was back to Pattaya for a few drinks in O’Garas then Solar Golf took us to a delightful restaurant next to the lighthouse. We consumed great Thai food while watching the sun set over the islands.

Sunday started with a la carte breakfast before we checked out and headed for Laem Chabang. This Jack Nicklaus gem is one of Asia’s top courses winning many accolades. Despite competition from the two Siam Country Club courses, Laem Chabang retains its popularity with visitors and Thai golfers. The undulating landscape and lush vegetation are special features of this 27 hole course. I enjoyed the variety of the holes and each one is well separated from the rest of the course. The feature hole, B 6, is a very tricky par 4 to an ample green protected by a lake. I chose to go for it with my second but I didn’t carry to the green. Another ball for recovery and recycling! Laem Chabang has installed high intensity floodlights on the B course so they offer proper night golf. We played 2 great golf courses and stayed at a top class hotel where the hospitality offered by John and his team makes you feel really special. We saw a different side of Pattaya compared with its notoriety www.thaigolf-news.com

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Burapha Golf Course

for the pleasures of the flesh. It may seem unusual for Thailand residents to use the services of a golf tour operator but Solar Golf is really special. They took away all the hassle of booking and organising our weekend and made sure we were looked after all through our programme. The really big surprise was the price – it cost us less than 8,000 baht each for 2 nights top class hotel accommodation and 2 rounds at championship courses including carts and caddies. Given that a weekend round at Burapha and Laem Chabang would cost the walk in golfer almost 8,000 baht.... I don’t know how they do it. Outstanding value compared with any other golf destination for this level of hospitality. Book this before they change their mind! We headed back to Bangkok as Pattaya converts.

TARA COURT SUITES HOTEL Tara Court Suites Hotel is located on the exclusive Pratamnuk Hill overlooked by the big Buddha and Admiral Chumporn in Pattaya. This is a tranquil location with rooftop and balcony views out to the Gulf of Siam. I was greeted on arrival by John Mckillop – the owner of Tara Court. After a pint of Guinness in the hotel’s bar, we checked in to our studio room, a spacious room elegantly decorated in a modern Thai style with rich linen and all the amenities we need for a comfortable stay including a large refrigerator, kitchenette, dining table and large screen LCD TV. Definitely 5 star quality for a 3 star price. Tara Court has studio rooms, 1 bedroom and 2 bedroom suites. O’Garas Bar and Grill offers international cuisine in an informal manner. Check out their lobster bisque, or the sliced beef with chilli sauce and deep fried sea bass. We rounded this off with a bottle of excellent Jacobs Creek Shiraz and tiramisu. Total cost was a very reasonable 2,160 baht. All prices are net – no service charge or VAT was added to our bill. The bar and restaurant are warmly furnished and the service is friendly and efficient. Sports fans can watch the big matches on any of the 4 large screen TV’s but the volume is turned down to ensure your conversations are not disturbed.

2 night short breaks at the Tara Court • Golfer sharing a studio room including 2 rounds of golf at Burapha and Laem Chabang – 7,900 baht • Golfer sharing studio room including 1 round of golf at Burapha – 4,100 baht • Non-golfer sharing room with golfer – 1,800 baht Single room supplement – 1,800 baht Package includes 2 nights at Tara Court on room only basis, green fees at stated golf courses, cart and caddy fees. Packages are available until 28th October 2011. Transport, hotel extras and caddy tips are not included. Full payment required at time of booking.

Bookings subject to availability and prices are subject to confirmation at time of booking. Short golf breaks in Pattaya can be booked by calling Solar Golf on 0836 18449 or 0896 252415. Email sales@solargolf.co.uk or visit www.solargolf.com

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TC Tuesdays Crazy Golf Down at the revamped Thana City Golf & Sports Club, they seem to have created quite a stir with their new TC Crazy Tuesday’s golf day. Thana City Golf & Sports Club together with the 2 main sponsors www.thai golfnetwork.com and San Miguel, have arranged a full afternoon’s golf followed by a fabulous BBQ out on the terrace with live entertainment. Add some beautiful hostesses to record the birdie contests where the prize offered from Thana City is at Par 3 hole 3 whoever gets birdie receive free green fee voucher for your group and to serve you some great food and drinks, their Crazy Tuesday’s is a fun way to pass away a midweek afternoon at this Greg Norman designed golf course only 40minutes from the centre of Bangkok. It is getting very busy, so they suggest you book well in advance. TC card members pay Baht1,200, if not the normal rate is Baht 1,800 Baht or why not book with www.thaigolfnetwork.com 7 days in advance and pay only Baht1,000. (all the rate exc. caddies, carts). 20

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Their bags!!!

Michell Wei’s Putter cover

And you thought your bag was heavy. www.thaigolf-news.com

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Blue Diamond announces golf course name!

Golf Course Villa

One of the largest resorts being created in Thailand is the new Blue Diamond resort in Kanchanaburi. The brainchild of the CEO of the Grand Prix Group, organizers of the ‘Bangkok International Motor Show’, it will cover over 2,000 rai and includes water sports, horse riding, real estate and a 5 star golf course, to be called The Grand Prix Golf Club. As you can see from these sketches no expense is being spared as the CEO of the group Dr Prachin has insisted that every aspect of the golf club must be first class all the way. The golf course has been designed around the hills and lakes of Bo Phloi created by the gems industry and has the back drop of the hills in the distance. The new modern style club house with its huge glass windows will allow the beauty of the area to be viewed from several angles. Keeping with the same minimalistic style, all the golf course drink and food stations will be themed with the open views in mind. Another important element of the resort is the real estate component, offering eco friendly villas to be built using the latest environmentally friendly materials.

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The villas in many cases will be customized to suit the individual owners and will take advantage of their exceptional surroundings in this peaceful oasis two hours west of Bangkok. The Constructors, Inzentive, will be creating the actual construction modules at their Thai factory and then the modules will be taken to Blue Diamond to be built. The whole process from start to finish means that a fully finished luxury customized villa can be completed with a minimal amount of construction in just four months. Grand Prix Golf Club is due to open on March 8th 2012, but already the word is that they are creating what will become one of the top courses in Thailand if not in Asia.

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Advertorial Feature

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Krabi the ideal destination for all the golf widows!

How many times do we say to our non playing wife’s or partners, let’s go on a golf holiday? Of course they dutifully oblige, knowing full well that they will be left in some awful hotel, while we all go out and enjoy the golf. However if you were to say let’s all go down to Krabi, the idea of a few days basking by the beautiful seas or island hopping will definitely appeal. Krabi is one of the secret wonders of the World, with film set beaches, incredible cliffs bursting out of the sea and wonderful laid back fish restaurants to tickle your taste buds. The hotels are also first class with the Sofitel at Krabi being one such establishment ideal for your vacation. Of course there are numerous 5 star establishments dotted along this coast, however knowing how the addiction is hard to drop; the actual full title of this luxury hotel is a bit of a giveaway, Sofitel Krabi Phokeethra Golf & Spa Resort. Apart from having possibly the biggest swimming pool in Thailand if not in Asia (7,000m3) it also has a very useful nine hole golf course right next to the hotel. OK there is only one par 4 but the majority of the 24

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par threes offer tricky approach shots. Definitely a place to practice some accurate short game shots. If you actually dig deeper, Krabi actually has a couple of 18 hole courses including the Pakasai Country Club near Amphor Nua Klong www.pakasaicountryclub.com owned by the Electricity company plus Sri Trang near Trang. OK they may not be up to championship standards but the cool breeze from the sea makes it a very pleasant experience. Back at the Sofitel they have a sumptuous spa, a health club with steam, sauna and gym plus an excellent number of restaurants. The breakfast is particularly impressive and of course every member of staff has that infectious Krabi smile. Perhaps the best place though to unwind is by the pool bar with a fresh coconut rum cocktail. Please add to your golf destinations. One tip though, try to avoid flying with Air Asia, as they seem to think that our golf bags are humans and charge through the roof. Baht750 each one way!!! Thai Airways did not charge any excess, so Go Thai. For full info on Sofitel’s golf and spa check out www.phokeethragolf.com www.thaigolf-news.com

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Enjoy a world-class golfing experience in Siem Reap while staying at the luxurious five-star Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra Golf & Spa Resort, near Cambodia s timeless and magnificent Angkor Wat.

Bars…bars and more fun in BKK… A game of golf is a great way to meet friends and colleagues, with 4-5 hours spent in the beautiful Thai countryside. If you all had some great scores and plan to continue into the night, here are few favorite haunts in and around central Bangkok, to visit. OSKAR. Sukhumvit soi 11.

Opened in March this year, Oskar is a bar and restaurant with a sense of style. It is owned by several clever French guys, and they have created a place where you can go for just a glass of wine or beer, or a five star cocktail. The food is superb and you can order anything from pizzas to baguettes, great salads or salmon and lamb skewers. Their Happy Endings…(deserts naturally!!!)) are also hard to resist. Resident DJ and a happy group of staff have made this outlet, next to Bed Supper Club, the hip place to be seen. Open daily from 5.30pm until late. TITANIUM. Sukhumvit soi 22. A small disco bar on two levels, it has a multiple quality offerings to differentiate it within Bangkok’s nightlife. Its Vodka Room offers Bangkok’s widest selection of infused and premium brand vodkas. But for us the star attractions are their live bands…Unicorn an all girl band who play there most nights and the Big Boy Band who can really handle a great version of Pink Floyd’s “One brick in the wall.’ The ideal catalyst for a great party. Open until around 2pm.

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Q BAR. 34 Sukhumvit Soi 11, Klongtoey, Bangkok. Q Bar has been around for a number of years, but still is one of Indochina’s premier nightspots - incorporating two bars, a spacious terrace and a small dance floor. With bar staff this gorgeous, an inane grin will appear on your face like a hopeless teenager when they take your order. But don’t flatter yourself - they’re professionals dedicated to the art of the cocktail. Perhaps if you prefer a quieter drink surrounded by beautiful women, then head for their upstairs terrace. Here you are likely to bump into the owners, Andrew and David, both avid golfers! INSOMNIA. Sukhumvit Soi 12 (between Times Square & Soi 12). This huge disco shares many similarities with its sister club Insomnia Pattaya. Open last winter it boasts an incredible visual set up and amazing lighting, with giant projection screens and an earth thumping sound system. It is certainly not the place to go if you want to sit back with a beer and have a quiet chat. This place is open late so maybe a good disco to end your night.

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Sports Mall Golf Tournament 2011 If you missed the first two rounds of the Sports Mall Golf Tournament 2011, which were held in March at Lakewood Golf and Country Club or in May at the Cascata Golf and Country Club, there is still time to enter the third round to be played on July 21st 2011 at Thana City. The top winners will go into the grand finale to be played in Beijing China in September 2011. Apply now at Sports Mall, The Mall (all branches except Ramkamhang ), Emporium and Paragon. Entry fee is 3,000 THB for M-Card Member and 3,500 THB for General Public and you get free Golf premium from Callaway, Srixon, and Nike Golf. For a chance to fly off to China apply now.

Behind the scenes We define a good golf club first by the actual variety of holes on the course. However if the team running the course are not up to scratch, everything seems to fall apart. These three ladies are an example why the behind the scenes staff are so vital in adding to the smooth running of their respective clubs. Methaporn Suwannakoot… Marketing Officer. I started work at Khao Kheow Country Club and then moved in 2007 to Laem Chabank International Country Club. When I started here I joined as a marketing executive, but recently I was promoted to PR Executive. I am very proud of our 27 hole course near Pattaya, which was designed by Jack Nicklaus. We actually have three courses, Mountain, Valley and Lake plus night golf. Nicklaus recommends Laem Chabang every year in his calendar. We have over 70% overseas players, partly because of our prices and service is good, and we are located near an industrial park. Also our caddies speak several languages and we make our guests want to return again, again and again. And they do! I try to promote the course all over the world and have introduced social media such as Face book and on our website, and I am also dealing now with the international press. Every day I have to work and handle all the functions, seminars and PR work and I am here six days a week. In between I also try to learn to play golf at our driving range. Over 500 people are now on my face book fan page, and many come up to see me when they arrive at the club. They also take a picture and place it on my face book wall.

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Wassana Imchuen Starter My first job was as a starter at Lakeview Golf Course and then I moved to be the starter at Banyan Golf Club in Hua Hin. Here everyone calls me by my nickname Noi. When the customer arrives I greet all the customers and ask them how many people are going to play. I need to get everyone to hole one on time, otherwise the whole schedule can be slow. Sometimes I need to go to Mulligan’s our bar, or to the restaurant to find the players. It is up to me to make sure everything starts if possible on time. Sometimes if you are late I have to swop tee times. In one day we can have 200 people, so I have to start work early at 6am until 3pm. Wibulluk (Lek) Chulakasyena Golf Operations Manager I started work at Thai Country Club in 2003 (about 10 years) my first job was as Starter & Marshal. I was promoted to Golf Operations Manager in October 2010. I manage the Golf Operation’s department which includes the starter, marshal, staging, looking after 240 Caddies and Golf Cart fleet. I interview all new caddies, and explain that they have to be able to work in the sun and that it is a heavy job and that they have to be able to meet and be happy with many different people. Our caddies are then trained and are well known to be good at reading the greens. Most of the caddies are able to speak in English and basic Japanese. I have been playing golf for 7 years but not so good. My real hobby is reading, and I like animal and romantic books. 30

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Golf hahaha!!! Golf Jokes The Perfect Shot The Golf Match

A guy stood over his tee shot for what seemed an eternity; looking up, looking down, measuring the distance, figuring the wind direction and speed and driving his partner nuts.

Stevie Wonder and Tiger Woods are in a bar. Woods turns to Wonder and says: How is the singing career going?” Stevie Wonder replies: “Not too bad! How’s the golf?”

Finally his exasperated partner says, “What’s taking so long? Hit the blasted ball.” The guy answers, “My wife is up there watching me from the clubhouse. I want to make this a perfect shot.” “Forget it, you don’t stand a chance of hitting her from here.”

Woods replies: “Not too bad, I’ve had some problems with my swing, but I think I’ve got that right now.” Stevie Wonder says: “I always find that when my swing goes wrong, I need to stop playing for a while and not think about it. Then, the next time I play, it seems to be all right. Tiger Woods says: “You play golf?” Stevie Wonder says: “Oh, yes, I’ve been playing for years.” And Woods says: “But, you’re blind. How can you play golf if you’re blind?” Wonder replies: “I get my caddy to stand in the middle of the fairway and call to me. I listen for the sound of his voice and play the ball towards him. Then, when I get to where the ball lands, the caddy moves to the green or farther down the fairway and again I play the ball towards his voice.”

What Is Golf

“But, how do you putt?”, asks Woods.

In Africa some of the native tribes have a custom of beating the ground with clubs and uttering spine chilling cries. Anthropologists call this a form of primitive self-expression. In ASIA we call it golf.

A woman goes to the local newspaper office to see that the obituary for her recently deceased husband is published. The obit editor informs her that there is a charge of 50 cents per word. She pauses, reflects, and then she says, “Well then, let it read, “Fred Brown died.” Amused at the woman’s thrift, the editor tells her that there is a seven-word minimum for all obituaries. She thinks it over and in a few seconds says, “In that case, let it read,”Fred Brown died: golf clubs for sale.”

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Woods asks: “What’s your handicap?” Stevie says, “Well, I’m a scratch golfer.”

Obituary

“Well,” says Stevie, “I get my caddy to lean down in front of the hole and call to me with his head on the ground and I just play the ball towards his voice.”

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Woods, incredulous, says to Stevie: “We’ve got to play a round sometime.” Wonder replies: “Well, people don’t take me seriously, so I only play for money, and never play for less than $10,000 a hole.” Woods thinks about it and says, “OK, I’m game for that, when would you like to play?” Stevie says, “Pick a night!” Whats the difference between a golf ball and a car? Tiger Woods can drive a golf ball 400 yards www.thaigolf-news.com

Golf Classified

Weekday Baht2,300 Weekend Baht3,400 Located at 27km point on Bangna – Trad road, from Bangkok on Bangna – Chonburi expressway. Tel: +66 (0) 2 707 3820-5 www.vintagegolfthai.com

Weekday Baht2,000 weekends Baht2,500 Located in Chonburi province, 109km from Bangkok and 30km from Pattaya. Tel: +66 (0) 38372 700-2 www.buraphagolfthailand.com

Weekday Baht2,500 Weekend Baht3,500 Located approx 2 hours outside Bangkok near Bangnamprieo Chachoengsao. Tel: +66(0)38 835-555 www.lotusvalley.co.th

Sports days on Tuesdays and Thursdays at Baht800 for 18 holes. Located 1 hour from Bangkok on Chonburi expressway Tel: 080 449 2266 www.khaokheowgolf.com

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All week Baht3,500. The club offers 27 holes of top flight gold designed by Jack Nicklaus and Schmidt & Curly Gold Design. Course A is the mountain course. Course B is the lake course. Course C is the valley course. Located in Cha-Am at the 212km turn off on the Bangkok to Hua Hin expressway Tel: +66 (0) 32 709222 www.springfieldresort.com

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TEE OFFers

Send your club offers to: editor@thaigolf-news.com Win 5 PowerCore Braclets PowerCore bracelets are now being worn by a number of top playing professionals who say they have helped improve their overall game dramatically. These phenomenal bracelets have recently been launched here in Thailand. Check out why they are taking the States by storm on Page 9 of this issue. Their Thai distributers Tri-V International have given Thai Golf News five PowerCore bracelets worth Baht1, 200 each to give away to our readers. All you need to do to win your own FREE bracelet is to name one Thai golf course where they stock the PowerCore bracelets? Just email your answer to editor@thaigolf-news.com and remember to include your tel; and mailing address in Thailand. Also mention what size you prefer, small is 6ins, medium is 7inches of large is 8 inches. Good luck!

Siem Riep for golf and culture! Phokeethra Country Club, managed by Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra Golf & Spa Resort in Siem Reap, is offering the latest special packages valid from now till 31st October 2011. Short Golf Break 1 Night accommodation in a superior double room, including breakfast , two Green Frees+ Caddie Buggy at Phokeethra Country Club, Free Transportation to Phokeethra Country Club, and one of the green frees can be exchanged for a Spa treatment , all for USD 290 nett (Single/Double). Weekend on the Fairways 2 Nights accommodation in a superior double room, including breakfast ,two Green Frees+ Caddie Buggy at Phokeethra Country Club, two Green Frees+ Caddie Buggy at Angkor Golf, plus Free Transportation to Phokeethra Country Club and Angkor Golf, and two of the green frees can be exchanged for a Spa treatment, all for USD 685 nett (Single/Double) . For booking and information please contact at phone +855 63 96 46 00 Fax +855 63 96 46 10 or email at H3123-RE@sofitel.com

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Pete Dye classic near Chonburi

Khao Kheow Country Club near Chonburi is one of those course we heard a lot of good reports. 27 holes nearby some great mountain views designed by the master Pete Dye himself. They have sport days on Tuesdays and Thursdays with green fees at only Baht800 a round of 18 holes. Or if you are an early riser check out their weekday rates at Baht1,900 including green fee, caddie and cart for tee off from 06.30-09.30hrs. The club is around 1 hour drive from Bangkok on the Bangkok to Chonburi expressway. TEL 080 4492266 or visit www.khaokheowgolf.com

Baht1,999 all in!

If you are a Thai resident, then head over to the Muang Kaew Golf Club in Bangkok on any Monday and you can play a round on this excellent course for only Baht1,999. This special rate which is valid until October 31st includes your green fee, caddie fee and a set menu too! It is extremely popular so we suggest you call to book a round on TEL: +66(2) 740 2693 or visit www.muangkaewgolf.com

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