Thai Golf News - Issue 23 - November 2013 by Thai Golf News

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEWS…

Kiradech Aphibarnrat COURSE REPORTS…

• Naraihill GC • Panya Indra GC Report:

What to tip your Caddie?

THAI GOLF / ISSUE Twenty three

FREE COPY

CONTENTS

Editorial Editor editor@thaigolf-news.com

6 EDITOR’S LETTER 9

GOLF NEWS... 17 year old Star of the Future Grabs Title

Interview Kiradech Aphipbarnrat

Destination report: NARAI HILL Golf Club

Destination report: PANYA INDRA Golf Club

22 ADVERTORIAL Grand Prix official open 26

Hua Hin Aim for the coconut

Behind the Scenes Green Valley bangkok

Phuket news

Golf Jokes

Pattaya NEWS

ISSUE 23

Design Dew Piyaman dewangelo@gmail.com Advertising Thailand editor@thaigolf-news.com International Kim Waddoup kim@aigroup.ru

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

Magazine Website

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

Supported by

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EDITOR’S LETTER

ISSUE 23

Editors Letter After four years running Thai Golf News it is satisfying that people in the industry comment favourably about the magazine. We must be doing something right. TV commentators, club managers, tourists and even professional golfers like to read Thai Golf News which is great. We maybe not the most technically minded magazine but for those who like a quick up date on what’s happening helped by loads of pictures, it seems we are an easy and enjoyable read. As you will see in our Rickie Fowler interview he wanted to come to Thailand because good friend Bubba Watson said it is a fun week. Rickie saw our magazine and grabbed a copy to read in the car back to his hotel during his recent trip to KL, as he wanted to find out why we all love to play golf in the land of the smiles. As we get near to the end of the year, it is interesting to see that Thailand is still able to compete on the worlds stage when it comes to attracting golf vacationers. Hua Hin has just been named “Best Golf Destination Asia and Australasia” by over 1,000 golf tour operators all members of IGATO. OK the recent political demos may not be great PR for the country as a whole, but golfers are a tough crowd and a large demonstration is unlikely to stop them teeing off at the wonderful Black Mountain in Hua Hin or Leam Chabang in Pattaya. On a personal note I helped Golfing World film a destination report on Pattaya which you can see on You tube under Golfing World Pattaya. In this issue we cover course reports on a country course (Naraihill) and a city course (Panya Indra), we have an exclusive interview with rising Thai star Kiradech Aphipbarnrat, we preview the Thailand Golf Championship and have brought back our golf jokes page again. COVER PICTURE SUPPLIED by Mike Bridge

Enjoy your golf in the land of the smiles and don’t forget to visit www.thaigolf-news.com for regular up to the minute news, special offers and our popular course reports.

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FEATURES: • LOCAL AND INTERNATIONAL NEWS • GOLF TOURISM • THAI COURSES • INTERVIEWS • WHERE TO STAY • Golf Society Info 6

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GOLF NEWS... Hua Hin Named 2014 Golf Destination of the Year Award for Asia & Australia by IAGTO Hua Hin, Thailand has been voted as 2014’s Golf Destination of the Year for Asia & Australia in the prestigious annual awards held by the global golf tourism organization, IAGTO (International Association of golf Tour Operators).

Rickie Fowler Reads Thai Golf News…

The announcement at the IAGTO Awards Gala Dinner on the final day of the International Golf Travel Market, the golf tourism industry’s annual global trade show, at the historic Tarragona Place De Tores, Tarragona, Costa Daurada, Spain recognised winning golf destinations around the world including Hua Hin – the western region of Thailand where golfers can enjoy golf all year round at eleven world class golf courses, each with a unique design. The accolade has been warmly welcomed by the golf and tourism industry in Hua Hin and Thailand.

We met Rickie at the KLGCC where he was a star attraction at the CIMB Classic.

Tanes Petsuwan, Executive Director of Europe, Africa and Middle East Region Department, Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), said: “This award not only recognises Hua Hin as the Best Destination of the Year but also as a paradise for golfers from all over the world.”

TGN: Did Bubba Watson or Hunter Mayhan persuade you to enter the Thailand Golf Championship?

“With various world-class golf courses, Hua Hin is being recognised as one of Thailand’s premier golf destination,” said Suvit Reanroongruan, Chairman of Hua Hin/Cha-Am Golf Association. “Having hosted the Asian Tour in 2010 and the Royal Trophy in 2011, both at Black Mountain, Hua Hin is becoming increasingly popular for golf.” Hua Hin Town’s Lord Mayor, Nopporn Vuttikul, added: “Not only does it have the finest courses, but Hua Hin also leaves a lasting impression on tourists for its beautiful beaches, seaside hotels and spa resorts, historical sites and memorials, Royal Palace, art and crafts centres, and national parks. Hua Hin is also where their Majesties, the King and Queen of Thailand, reside for most of the year.” Hua Hin’s courses comprise: • Black Mountain • Kaeng Krachan Country Club & Resort • Palm Hills Golf Club & Residence • Royal Hua Hin Golf Course • Sawang Resort & Golf Club •S ea Pine Golf Course (Royal Thai Army SportsCentre Suanson Pradipat) • Springfield Royal Country Club • The Banyan Golf Golf Club • The Eagle Millford Golf Club • The Imperial Lakeview Resort & Golf Club • The Majestic Creek Golf & Resort 8

Mr Fowler

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Rickie Fowler: Yeah, Bubba definitely had a lot of good things to say about it. He loved spending time over there, though the course was great and generally had a fun week there. He definitely influenced my decision to come over, and it’s nice to go and know some of your friends will be playing there too. It’s a great field this year and they have a lot of good players so looking forward to getting over there to Thailand. TGN: Have you ever been to Thailand? Rickie: No this will be the first time. It one of the cool things about what I do for a living. I get to travel around and see different countries all over the world and get to play golf while I am doing it too. I am pretty excited to seeing Thailand. TGN: Henrik Stenson has just joined the list of top players for the 2013 Championship at Amata Springs. It’s a tough course with unforgiving rough, have you done any research on the course yet? Rickie: I haven’t done any research. All I know about it is what I heard from Bubba. I know Charl Swatzel played well there and won last year, so we will wait to we get there and try to figure it out for ourselves. Of course Rickie was happy to get his free copy of Thai Golf News so he can check out what’s happening in the land of smiles! www.thaigolf-news.com

GOLF NEWS... 17 year old Star of the Future Grabs Title

Thailand amateur starlet Sherman Santiwiwatthanaphong celebrated her 17th birthday and won her first major title the PTT Global Chemical Thailand Ladies Open trophy. She became only the third amateur to triumph in what is the 26th edition of this prestigious tournament after cultivating a fine four-under-par 68 on the Plantation Course at Siam Country Club. Her three-round total of three-under-par 213 saw her win by one shot from her compatriots and playing partners Pornanong Phatlum, the US LPGA Tour star, and Ornnicha Kosunthea, also an amateur. Pornanong, who won this event in 2008, and Ornnicha both shot 69 with the latter just missing a six-foot par putt on 18 to force a play-off. Earlier this year Sherman claimed the Thailand Ladies Amateur Championship and with her victory today she has thrust herself into the spotlight as one of the hottest properties in women’s golf in the region. Said Sherman: “I really never imagined I would win this week. I am so proud at the way I handled the pressure.” The princess of Thai golf Pornanong also had a chance to make a play-off just missing a 12 foot birdie putt on the last. She was bidding to become the first Thai to win the title twice. Her consolation was claiming the US$26,250 winners’ cheque. Pornanong continues to make a name for herself on the US LPGA Tour - she is presently in 28th place on the Money List having earned nearly half a million US dollars. It was definitely a week that showed the strength of women’s golf in The Kingdom as 11 amateurs were among those who made the cut for the final round. With the Thai men doing well Thailand is looking stronger every month to possibly grab a medal when golf becomes part of the next Summer Olympics. www.thaigolf-news.com

MUANG KAEW JOINS GOLF CITIZEN NETWORK

One of Thailand’s foremost golf facilities, Muang Kaew Golf, is the latest club to join the rapidly expanding number of clubs signing up with the region’s fastest growing online reservations network. Muang Kaew Golf, “The Golfing Oasis in Bangkok” has published tee-times at attractive rates on www.golfcitizen.com and these are available to all members of GOLF CITIZEN. The course at Muang Kaew, which is located just 20 minutes from downtown Bangkok, is a perfectly maintained and highly rated layout catering to all levels of golfer. 18 holes in a parkland setting are overlooked by a stunning clubhouse and matched only by the superb facilities on offer. A well-stocked Pro Shop indicates the high level of golf service on offer, which extends to massage services and plush locker rooms. Muang Kaew is also well known for its accommodation where guests can choose from one, two or three bedroom apartments overlooking the swimming pool. The list of Thailand clubs already in partnership with GOLF CITIZEN is impressive and includes Santiburi Sanmui Country Club, Royal Hills Golf Resort in KhaoYai as well as Banyan Golf Club and Imperial Lakeview in Hua Hin. Muang Kaew Golf, however, becomes the first Bangkok club to opt in, no doubt enhancing the GOLF CITIZEN product and value. Mohamed Juma Buamaim, CEO of GOLF CITIZEN is delighted with Muang Kaew Golf’s decision to join GOLF CITIZEN; “The addition of Muang Kaew to our list of partner clubs marks an important step in our development” he commented, “Muang Kaew is one of the most prestigious clubs in Asia and we are very pleased to welcome them to our network. We look forward to working alongside the Muang Kaew management for the overall benefit of golf”.. Tee-times at Muang Kaew Golf and the other GOLF CITIZEN courses, are available through www.golfcitizen. com. Registration on GOLF CITIZEN is free to golfers worldwide making the easy-to-use online reservation system the perfect solution for tee-time bookings. ISSUE twenty three

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GOLF NEWS... Tour Operators Experience a Golf Obstacle Course Major golf tour specialists recently played a round of golf at one of Thailand’s golfing gems the unique Wangjuntr Golf Park near Rayong. Mark Siegel CEO at GolfAsian joined Callum Mackie Managing Director at Solar Golf Travel and colleagues to experience the park’s Highland Course. Leaving behind the Park’s more traditional Valley course below, they were transported by truck on a 10 minute trip up to the club house of their Highland 18 holes. The Highland is not only an unusual course with two sets of greens per hole, but also with numerous animals, from Deer to Ostrich, it makes it feel you are playing around in a safari park. Both tour operators agreed that the course offers a very different golf experience in some of Thailand’s most beautiful and peaceful countryside. Mark Siegel could not keep his faithful camera in his pocket for long, as there were so many spectacular aspects of fairways and greens to capture for his popular blogs. Everyone enjoyed the view from Highland’s hole No14 465yard tee box down to the island green in the valley below, except for Callum Mackie who was forced to make the last few yards to the tee box by pushing his caddy and cart up the final few yards! Battery exhaustion!!! Only 90 minutes from Bangkok or Pattaya, both operators agreed that they were sure many of their clients would like the opportunity of conquering this golfing obstacle one day! Pattaya featured twice recently on Golfing World TV when they flew a crew from the UK to cover the Amazing Thailand Singha Caddie Championship taking place at Siam Plantation. Afterwards they filmed Burapha, St Andrew’s 2000, Wangjuntr and night golf at Laem Chabang. It was broadcast around the world to over 300 million viewers and can be viewed on Golfing World Pattaya on You Tube.

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Blue Diamond Golf and Watersports Club Co.,Ltd.

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Here is our exclusive interview with Kiradech Aphibarnrat at the KLGCC in Malaysia. When you are about to tee off with a certain Phil Mickelson and Nick Watney, 2014 does not get much better for young Thai superstar Kiradech Aphibarnrat. We caught up with the globetrotting 24 year old as he was preparing to play four rounds in the US$8Million CIMB Classic in Kuala Lumpur. Four days later it did get even better for him, as Nick Watney finished 35th , Phil Mickelson 19th while Kiradech finished 3rd to win US406,000 and won numerous new fans around the world. It takes his season’s tally in Asia to approximately US$1.1 million. He said he would play in several Asian Tour events to ensure he wraps up his first Asian Tour Order of Merit crown although he’s miles ahead of second-placed Hend. Due to his top-10 finish, the burly Thai will be exempted for the McGlardey Classic on the PGA TOUR in a fortnight although he is also slated to compete in Turkey. He is also eligible to earn Special Temporary Membership on the PGA TOUR if he can collect 278 FedExCup points which will allow him unlimited sponsor’s exemptions for the 2013/2014 season. Thai Golf News: After these big wins in 2013, can youstill remember the very first tournament you actually won? Kiradech: Yes I won a junior event at the Royal Golf Club in Bangkok when I was about 13 years old. It meant a lot to me because before I just received some trophies for third or second places, but I had never actually won anything. When I was standing on the stage, it made me think that one day I could get to the top. TGN: Well you have won a big event now. How did winning the Maybank Malaysian Open affect you and your schedule? Kiradech: It actually changed my life! After that win I focused on my world ranking, so if I can get into the top 50 in the world I can jump to the PGA Tour. That is still my goal for this year.

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(Currently he is 84 but is likely to jump up the list after the CIMB Classic.) TGN: Did you find that some people found it hard to prenounce your name when you played on the PGA and European tour? Kiradech: Yes it was tough. When I played the PGA Championship, they did have a tough time saying my last name which is quite long, so I could hear the called me “The rat”, which has now become my nick name. I like it and am proud they now have given me this name. TGN: As a European Tour regular, did you sometimes struggle to cope with the weather? Kiradech: Yes we have not played much in the rain and cold weather before, which was quite a challenge for me. I still struggle but am slowly getting used to it. TGN: Your third place at the CIMB Classic virtually assures you of the Asian Tours Order of Merit Crown You must be relieved? Kiradech: “I’m very proud of the way I played at the KLGCC, my lucky course! My goal was the top five or top 10, so I’m happy enough finishing 3rd. I had a lot of family here with me, my mom, my dad, my sister, auntie and a lot of golf fans supported me really well. It feels like home, Malaysia. I love it,” TGN: Due to your top-10 finish, you are exempted for the McGlardey Classic on the PGA TOUR in a fortnight although you

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A future Star

TGN: Who normally travels with you on the road? Kiradech: I have my caddie and manager and sometimes my girlfriend, but she is at the moment studying for her masters in the UK so she may join us later. TGN: Who is the most exciting player you have ever played with so far? Kiradech: I have played with John Daly over the last two years in Hong Kong and at Amata Springs. He was my hero and here in Asia they sometime call me “The John Daly of Asia”. He is a nice guy and I was very excited to actual play with him. TGN: You are a star already and now we have the Jutangarn sisters making a name for themselves and Thai golf on the LPGA tour. Do you ever get to meet them? Kiradech: I had a chance to play with them a couple of times and we practiced at Amata Springs together recently. I think Ariya has a great future and is certainly to be the next Thai star, maybe a top 10 in the world. TGN: One day you might be playing with her in the Olympics?

are also slated to compete in Turkey. I understand that you would be also eligible to earn Special Temporary Membership on the PGA TOUR if you can collect 278 Fed ExCup points which will allow you unlimited sponsor’s exemptions for the 2013/2014 season. Will your schedule now change?

Kiradech: Maybe. I try to do my best as I expect Thailand will enter the Olympics for golf. I hope to be in the team but do not want to be the captain. Thongchai Jaidee would most likely lead us. Chatting with Phil Mickelson

Kiradech: “Yes I think the schedule will change right now. I earned 163 FedExCup for my Malaysian finish, so if I have my chance to join the PGA tour, even like just one percent, I will try and do it. However on the other tours I have to play in Shanghai, Turkey then the Race to Dubai before heading back for the Thailand Golf Championships in December. I will also focus on my World Ranking. TGN: With success has come a bigger bank balance, so have you gone out and bought anything special? Kiradech: I like to buy watches. Guys like to buy watches or cars so I spent a Baht2million buying some great watches. (Well at least he has no excuse to be late on the tee then!!!) TGN: You travel a lot. How do you cope with jet lag? Kiradech: Last time I flew to Ohio for the Firestone, it took me 3 or 4 days to adjust to the time zone.

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Naraihill Golf Resort & Country Club, Lopburi

If you enjoy a round of golf deep in the country then do check out Naraihill Golf Resort located around 140 km north of Bangkok. It took us three and half hours to drive there from Pattaya and it takes approx. two hours from Bangkok. Most of the route is via express way, so the journey passes quickly. The course was designed in 2006 by Major Veeryot Pethbuasak, who we understand also worked on Suwan in Bangkok and Phokeethra Country Club in Siem Reap. We went there to primarily to cover the 4th qualifying round for this year’s Amazing Thailand Singha Caddy Championship, and having watched 160 caddies coping with the 18 holes then managed to grab a round early next morning ourselves. The course was in very good condition especially for a country track, although the greens (Tifdwarf) were very quick, so putting is the key to getting a reasonable score here. Listen to your caddy about the read, she seemed to know what was going on! There are several raised tee boxes offering exciting driving opportunities down to the fairways below. They have many rare and unusual trees around and sometimes in the middle of the course, plus

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two large lakes, several doglegs, many well placed bunkers and some undulating greens. The distance from the back tees is 7,357 and there are a couple of very long par 4’s that for us average players was a challenge to reach the pin in two. Both holes number 1 and 10 start from raised tees with hole10 going through a tight opening with a small wood each side. Hole 3 is a difficult par 3 over water onto a slopping green, so you might need to use a 3 wood here to reach your target. Hole 5 (558 yards) is a par 5 dog leg right curving around a lake. If you are a long hitter you can take the reward here by going for the small green with your second, otherwise play up left and avoid losing your ball. An interesting feature at Naraihill is that many fairways have a tree right in the middle, but players should be able to hit around or over the trees with little problem. It actually functions as a directional target. The finishing hole is a par 4 is all uphill, with a small creek and then a tricky approach shot over a ravine that still has trees in it to the pin. So, early in your round as you walk past to the 10th tee box, take note of the slope and pin position on 18, you will be glad you did! The clubhouse facilities are very good, with superb scenic views for miles around. Very tasty Thai food and good old fried eggs for breakfast. Locker rooms were also first class for ladies and gents.They can even prebook your Thai or Swedish massage too! The club has over 100 rooms in two fairly new hotel blocks plus 20 two bed villas surrounding a large swimming pool. The owners are planning some golf and music weekends soon so watch this space. Unfortunately there website is not in English but you can at least call ahead to make a booking on 081 8425311 or 02 4026471. http://www.naraihillgolf.com/ Although just too far for a day trip, this course with its resort facilities is a wonderful place to take all the family, while enjoying some first class golf at reasonable rates.

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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 golfer, getting to and from a golf club can be a major time waster in Bangkok, so for me location is important. We 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. 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 we think we 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

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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!

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 and usually is available during the high season from November but check first with the club) We decided however to return for some daytime 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.

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. One word of warning the club allows up to 5 players in a group so don’t expect a quick round here on a weekend. For more information visit www.panyagolf.com

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. 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.

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CIMB Classic The PGA Tour stars were tamed by the treacherous tight fairways and humid conditions at last month’s CIMB Classic in Kuala Lumpur. Kiradech Aphipbarnrat did not let down the Asian crowds as he nearly pulled off a monster win as the first Thai to win a PGA event. He eventually came third to Ryan Moore who beat fellow American Gary Woodland in a playoff held over to Monday. Intense even on practice day! Mr Bradley.

Phil Mickelson KL Tour

2nd hole at the KLGCC

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Advertorial Feature

Superstars Descend on Thailand.

Its at this time of year that we in the Land of Smiles can see close up most of the top golfers pass through, with the Thailand Golf Championship, The Kings Cup and the Honda LPGA Thailand Open all taking place between December and February.

Charl Schwartzel

Bubba Watson

This eason we have perhaps the largest number of golfing superstars ever assembled in Thailand, so grab a ticket and see how these superstars earn their millions! Asia’s flagship professional golf tournament, the Thailand Golf Championship will take place at Amata Spring Country Club in Chonburi, just outside Bangkok on December 12th-15th 2013. Several top 100 ranked golfers have confirmed including defending champion and 2011 Masters champion Charl Schwartzel, 2013 US Open champion Justin Rose, Bubba Watson, winner of the 2013 Masters as well as Spain’s Sergio Garcia, Americans Hunter Mahan, Michael Thompson, D.A Points and Rickie Fowler. The current Race to Dubai leader, Henrik Stenson, who recently claimed both the Tour Championship and FedEx Cup crowns, will also travel to Thailand to challenge for the title.

Henrik Stenson

Joining the international stars are Thailand’s own golfing superstars, veteran Thongchai Jaidee currently enjoying a top ten place on the Race to Dubai standinds and Asia’s John Daly, Kiradech Aphipbarnrat who currently looks like taking the 2013 Order of Merit on the Asian Tour. With a total prize fund of US$1 million, the prestigious Championship aims to help develop professional golf within the region and promote Thailand as an international sports destination and regional event hub. In 2013, the tournament will be broadcasted live to 200 countries and 800 million homes worldwide. Although not up there with the majors this championship attracts more than its fair share of crowd pleasers. Even though it is held at the end of a hard long season, the stars admit they love to compete and at the same time enjoy some end of term fun with the superstar mates in Bangkok and Chonburi. For more information visit www.asiantour.com

Justin Rose

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Grand Prix Golf Club VIP Opening

Celebrations at VIP Opening

After three years of planning and construction, South East Asia’s newest golf course Grand Prix Golf Club, was officially opened on October26th. Creator and owner Dr Prachin Eamlumnow, President and CEO of Grand Prix International Group, was joined at the official opening by Pongsak Ruktapongpisal , Minister of Energy plus CEO’s and General Managers from some of Thailand’s leading motor manufacturers. They included Honda, Toyota, Nissan, BMW, Mercedes Benz, Mitsubishi Motor, Mazda, Isuzu, Yamaha, Hyundai, Thaiyarnyon and, also Kasikorn bank, Viriyah Insurance plus the owner of neighboring golf club Blue Sapphire as well. The Grand Prix Golf Club is an 18 hole championship style course open to members. Dr Prachin who designed the country style course is also the organizer of the successful Bangkok International Motor Show and he has enrolled the help of his many friends in the motor industry to support his latest project. All 18 holes have been sponsored by a number of companies who will enjoy the membership and facilities of Grand Prix Golf Club for executives and their clients all year round. Toyota, Nissan, Honda, BWW, Isuzu, Yamaha Mercedes Benz are a few top brands sponsoring holes, and the funds raised each year will be used to keep the course in first class condition. Membership is now open and the plans are to build a 60 room hotel for guests to enjoy the peaceful countryside and excellent golf facilities.

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The course is around two hours’ drive west of Bangkok and is close by the River Kwai. Several professional golfers including Prayad Markseank, the veteran Asian Tour player, have played the course during the soft opening and are all very impressed. As editor of Thai Golf News I was invited to test the course about 6 months ago and even then the care and detail both on the course and in the incredible clubhouse were incredible. Certainly a great addition to Thailand’s golf courses. For more information please call 087-555-4888 or check out their website www.grandprixgolfclub.com

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Owners Vintage Cars at Grand Prix Golf Club

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The Ten Owners Club No it is not a new golf club, but it will most certainly appeal to local and international golfers. Here is the opportunity to enjoy the millionaire lifestyle at a fraction of the cost. The Ten Owners Club will start with property in Pattaya’s popular Pratumnak Hill area, and there will be a selection of studios to detached houses with pools located near by several golf courses and local marina. The concept known as fractional ownership, is now wildly recognised as a serious alternative to buying a property outright, and it should be considered by anyone who is looking to buy a property as a holiday home or as an investment. Not to be confused with timeshare, where you do not actually own the property, merely the right to use it, with fractional ownership you actually own a share of the property, and will directly benefit from the increase in the value of it. Perhaps the biggest difference is in the price that you pay for the property. Typically a Timeshare property will be sold for around three times its real value. Therefore a US$200,000 condo would be sold for US$600,000 or US$12,000 for a week purchased. At The Ten Owners Club, we would sell the same property for just US$250,000 or US$5,000 for each five weeks that you would own. The other major drawback with Timeshare is that the owners have no control of the ongoing management and maintenance fees and it is not uncommon 24

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to charge more than double what they need to spend to run the property. Each of our Ten Owners Club properties are controlled by the owners, even though we manage it for them. We account for every single cent in terms of income and expenditure and we supply detailed accounts every year. As the name suggests each property is owned by ten people each owning a 10% share and having use of the property for five weeks every year. To be more accurate, it is possible for one owner to buy as many as four shares in one property so the number of owner can vary from between three and ten. www.thaigolf-news.com

We are currently offering a range of studios, one and two bedroom apartments in the luxury boutique Waterpark Residence in the very popular Pratumnak Hill, known as the “Beverly Hills of Pattaya.”

This style of concept has been running successfully for almost thirty years. We realise that most people don’t want to visit the same property or location indefinitely, so in this case the property is actually sold after ten years and the sales proceeds are shared amongst the owners. We are confident that the property will have shown a very significant increase in value during the ten years, so each owner should be making a good profit at this time. In addition to using your property, there is always the option to rent out some of your weeks should you decide not to use them. You can also swap them for a wide range of destinations via our exchange partner who offers hundreds of resorts around the globe.

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Here a 10% share in a studio there starts at only Baht 260,000 or a one bedroom apartment for Baht 425,000. These prices include all luxury furniture, fixtures and fittings, legal costs and a payment into the “Sinking Fund” which helps to cover the annual running costs. The Ten Owners Club is being run be A+ Properties, one of Pattaya’s largest real estate agencies. They are currently adding new property all the time, some on or close to a few of Pattaya’s superb golf courses, so if you wish to enjoy some of the excellent golf in this region please contact them for the latest list of properties available. A+ Properties www.apluspattaya.com: +66(0) 38 36 25 25 or +66(0) 826594308 Email: info@apluspattaya.com

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• THAI GOLF •

When the course notes just say aim for the coconut tree, you know you are about to experience a fun round of golf, in this case at Banyan Hua Hin. Many of us seasoned travellers to Thailand have experienced the famous courses such as the Thai Country Club in Bangkok, the Siam Old Course in Pattaya or the Blue Canyon in Phuket. But we all enjoy a new challenge and certainly the Royal seaside town of Hua Hin offers a variety of different style golf courses, to suit all standards. Thailand is on a roll at the moment with both male and female professionals up there on the leader board every month.

If you want to enjoy the oldest course in the country Royal Hua Hin or the championship 18 holes at Black Mountain or Banyan then it is a good time to book your rounds now, before the rest of the world discover this golfing gem.

This month however it is the turn of the Thailand golf industry to receive a worthy pat on the back with the announcement that Hua Hin has been named Best Golf Destination 2013 for Asia and Australasia. The award was voted on by over 1,000 golf tour operators all members of International Association of golf Tour Operators (IAGTO). Golf vacation plays a huge part in Thailand’s booming tourism industry so when this many golf tour specialists vote you their number one region, it is naturally not only a wonderful achievement but also will bring millions of additional business to the region.

Imperial Lakeview

Not only are there some excellent golf clubs, but the city has also opened up several new boutique style and five star hotels adding to the appeal of taking a golf vacation in this Royal Seaside resort. Only two hours’ drive south of Bangkok, many overseas golfers combine a trip to Bangkok with an extra few days in Hua Hin. Pattaya won the same award in 2011 and the benefits are already evident with over 500,000 rounds of golf taken there last year by foreign players. 26

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Banyan

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To Bangkok

4 Sawang Khao Yai Resort & Golf Club

Kaeng Krachan Country Club

Cha Am 3203

Cha-am

3203

Cha Am Beach

Majestic Creek 4

Springfield Royal Country Club

Huai Sai Nuea

The Imperial Lakeview Resort & Golf Club 4

4 Sam Phraya

Palm Hills Golf Resort & Country Club

Hua Hin Airport

4 4

Gulf of Thaialnd

Black Mountain Golf Club

4 3219

Royal Hua Hin

Hin Lek Fai 3218

4 3218

3218

Hua Hin City

3218 3218

Royal Hua HIn Golf Course

Hua Hin Beach

The Majestic Creek Golf & Resort

Nong Kae

Springfield

Thap Tai

Royal Thai Army Sports Center Suan Son Phadiphat 4

The Banyan Golf Club

RMUT

Hua Hin & Cha Am Golf Map 2013 For exact location please contact the individual courses directly

Wang Phong

Khao Noi

Thanarat Camp Golf Course

3325

The Eagle Millford Golf Club 4 Pak Nam Pran

Pran Buri

3168

4 3168

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Pran Buri

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

Behind the scenes at Green Valley Green Valley Country Club is located in some beautiful countryside on Bangna Trad Km.15, only 30 minutes from the center of Bangkok. There are 307 acres of rolling fairways and undulating greens plus well placed lakes and bunkers all designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr which present a challenge to golfers. Perhaps one of the closest courses to the city. Good set up and the staff are very friendly too!.

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ISSUE twenty three

â&#x20AC;˘ THAI GOLF â&#x20AC;˘

Phuket News Hi season is now in full flow and this means a few changes on the golf course. Other than the fact is that it is hot and beautiful blue skies all day! First change that certainly locals will notice is the ball now rolls a little further – not much, but in the low season there is no roll at all, so even the 10 yards we get now is a bonus. The ground is never dry and firm like most countries in summer, but it is certainly firmer under foot than two months ago, so the new spikeless footwear becomes an option for younger modern fashionistas! I personally tend to use a hybrid more in the wetter months but go back to my long irons this time of year. When the courses are very wet, quite often they cannot cut the grass so the rough can get a bit too long for a 4 or 5 iron. The better weather usually means fast greens as well, they are cut more frequently and often a little shorter – so get to the putting green for 20 minutes before you head out. During the day on Phuket it is often very sunny, so sun screen or the popular sleeves should always be used to protect yourself against the sun’s rays and try to avoid late morning early or afternoon tee times as this has you out in the sun during the hottest time of the day. And I do mean HOT. A big difference is the time it takes to play now. The courses are often full and many people that come to Phuket to play are holiday golfers: they play twice a year when on holiday and are not fast (or good). Be patient; enjoy the views and the company, and hopefully the caddies will arrange for you to be let through soon enough.

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A major downside to high season is there are virtually no deals for cheap green fees on offer. No Sports days, no discounts and as Phuket is the most expensive place to play golf in Thailand, this is a little disappointing. However, there are a number of societies that are more active in high season, a number of competitions/charity days are held and are often a good deal compared to rack rate green fees. Also check out www. thailandgolfers.com for year round discounted green fees. We hear Blue Canyon’s Lakes course and Red Mountain are in particularly good condition and the cool island green on Loch Palm (hole Number 4) has been completely re designed by Jon Morrow and is now open for you to try your luck. So get out and play, now the great weather is here, and enjoy what Phuket has to offer …….Hit ‘em long, hit ‘em straight. Old Hole No. 4 at Loch Palm

Jon Morrow’s Redesign of Hole 4

Tipping Your Caddy In fact many will happily help and advice you and all with a big Thai smile...well it is known as the Land of the Smiles. Many caddies are encouraged by their golf clubs to actually play golf in their spare time, so have a better understanding of the rules of the game. They even have their own annual golf tournament known as the Amazing Thailand Singha Caddy Championship. www. caddychampionship.com

I remember the first time I arrived in Thailand, we were nearing the end of our round of golf and all of us did not know really how much are delightful caddies were expecting us to tip them. Nobody had pre-warned us when we checked in!!! So here are a few tips on what to do. You are actual very fortunate here in Thailand, as virtually all golf courses have professionally trained caddies to assist golfers of all standards. Back home, the only time most of us will see a caddy is on TV watching a PGA tournament. It is normally compulsory to book a caddy as part of the golf package including green fee, golf cart and caddy, although some courses do allow walking. Thai caddies are in the majority female from Northern Thailand, or in some cases from Cambodia as well. This is their full time job, which they enjoy and take very seriously. In fact it is not unusual to find both mothers and daughters carrying your bag.

On arrival at the golf club, you or your tour operator will pay for the green fee, possibly a golf cart and the compulsory caddie fee at reception or in the pros shop. At most clubs a percentage of this fee is passed onto your caddie. However caddies do rely on their tips as a main part of the salary as this is their full time employment. It is therefore customary at the end of your round to tip them for their hard work. We recommend anything from Baht300-500 (US$10-17) is acceptable, for looking after you for 18 holes. But naturally some golfers like to give a bit more, especially if they have enjoyed their round, had a low score or even maybe a hole in one! Tipping is not compulsory so as they say ‘It is up to you.” We hope this information is helpful and we wish you an enjoyable round of golf.

They will have a good knowledge of their course, being able to provide golfers with the accurate yardage along the fairways and will be able to read those tricky undulating greens like a paperback novel. They will also assist in selecting your clubs, cleaning them, and will drive the golf cart or pull your golf trolley. It is a courtesy to offer them a cold drink, especially on hot days, and often in return they will happily fan you to cool you down as you wait at the tee boxes. Don’t be intimidated by your caddy, as I am sure she has seen a lot worse before you came along. www.thaigolf-news.com

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Golf Society Directory THE SPORTSMAN PUB www.sportsmanpub.com The Sportsman Pub Golf Society in Pattaya holds a golf challenge every Wednesday, a great day out for all, no matter what your golfing level. They meet early, usually at The Sportsman and transportation is arranged to and from the course. The event is informal and always enjoyable. The Londoners Golf Club. www.londonergolfclub-bkk.com This Bangkok Club belongs to members, who seek to play competitive golf in an amicable environment, yet, “By the Book”. They are a non-profitable, golfing society, where good golfing fun is the number one objective of their events and a good score runs a close second. We are called The Londoner Golf Club as tangible recognition of the wonderful sponsorship, which we receive from our spiritual home, The Londoner Brew Pub, where throughout the year, they enjoy many evenings. The Pattaya Sports Club www.pattayasports.org Perhaps one of the biggest and busiest sports clubs in the country, their golf section is extremely popular and you will find a useful list of all the local golf clubs and societies on their website along with a schedule of forth coming tournaments. The Hua Hin Golf Society www.huahingolfsociety.com This golf society is based in Hua Hin, Prachuabkirikhan, Thailand. They are a private members only society and play twice weekly, Tuesdays & Fridays, at one of the local golf courses. Members can enroll for the twice weekly competitions at Berny’s Inn. Members are welcome to bring their friends to the Society’s games as their guests.

Zoomhackers Club www.zoomhackers.blogspot.com A new golf society has been formed in Chiang Mai and will be known as the “Zoom Hackers”. The name has been derived from their sponsors the Zoom Bar, which is located near the entrance to the Thai Boxing Complex towards the bottom end of Loi Kroh Road, close to the Centara Duangtawan Hotel. The society’s aim is to play golf at least twice a week. On Monday mornings at 7-30am and Friday mornings at 7-30am also at Mae Jo Golf Club. Chiengmai Gymkhana Sports Club www.chiengmaigymkhana.com This club was originally founded in 1898 by a group of local teak loggers and British expatriates. Today, over 100 years on, they are proud to be not only the oldest sports club in Thailand and one of the oldest in Asia, but a part of Chieng Mai’s heritage. The club has an international membership and is managed by a mix of Thais and expats from around the world. The Phuket Slags www.phuketslags.com Members meet every Saturday afternoon at Laguna Phuket Golf Club, in Phuket, Thailand. Tee times are normally from 1pm. The weekly competition is Single Stableford normally held at Laguna Phuket Golf Course

Phuket Expats Golf Society (PEGS) www.expatgolf.com They play monthly medal and stableford competitions, and occasionally competitions of other formats are held at courses in and around Phuket, which are held on the last Thursday of every month. Winners of the competitions and runners-up receive a prize and trophy at the post tournament meeting and buffet. The Society is run on an entirely non-profitmaking basis, and is run by a non-paid committee, who offer their time and care for free. An additional benefit to members is that the society attempts to organise special rates with the courses on Phuket.

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Golf Jokes GOLF AND WHAT IT ALL MEANS Golf can best be defined as an endless series of tragedies obscured by the occasional miracle, followed by a good bottle of beer. If you find you do not mind playing golf in the rain, the snow, even during a hurricane, here’s a valuable tip: your life is in trouble. A ‘gimme’ can best be defined as an agreement between two golfers... neither of whom can putt very well. An interesting thing about golf is that no matter how badly you play, it is always possible to get worse. Golf is the only sport where the most feared opponent is you. Golf is like marriage: If you take yourself too seriously it won’t work, and both are expensive. The best wood in most amateurs’ bags is the pencil.

A man was addressing the ball when an announcement came over the loudspeaker: “Will the gentleman on hole number one please not hit from the Ladies’ tee box.” The man backs away, a little distracted, then approaches his ball again. As he does, the same announcement comes over the loud-speaker: “Will the gentleman on hole number one please not hit from the Ladies’ tee box.” The man is getting irritated now, and after backing away from his shot - approaches his ball one more time. This time the announcement came: “We really need the gentleman on hole number one to move off of the Ladies’ tee box!” To which the man turns around and yells: “And I really need the announcer to shut up and let me play my second shot!”

Guy gets to a long par 3 over water. A voice from above says, “Hit the new Titleist Pro V.” The guy tees up the Titleist and takes a practice swing. The voice comes back, “Never mind, hit a range ball.”

Here is an actual sign at a golf club in Scotland, UK 1. B ACK STRAIGHT, KNEES BENT, FEET SHOULDER WIDTH APART. 2. FORM A LOOSE GRIP. 3. KEEP YOUR HEAD DOWN! 4. AVOID A QUICK BACK SWING. 5. STAY OUT OF THE WATER. 6. TRY NOT TO HIT ANYONE. 7. I F YOU ARE TAKING TOO LONG, LET OTHERS GO AHEAD OF YOU.

AAA Gotta Go Cart Golf carrier

Poults where the horse

8. D ON’T STAND DIRECTLY IN FRONT OF OTHERS. 9. Q UIET PLEASE...WHILE OTHERS ARE PREPARING. 10. DON’T TAKE EXTRA STROKES. WELL DONE... NOW, FLUSH THE URINAL, WASH YOUR HANDS AND GO OUTSIDE, AND TEE OFF.

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For further information please contact Captain "Noi" (Thai and English) +66 (0)87 912 5755 or (English) Kevin Burton +66 (0)80 097 1190

Pattaya Update These past few weeks have been busy for the 23 golf courses in the region, as several rush to complete renovations and course upgrades in time for the busy high season ahead. Silky Oaks part of the vast St Andrews 2000 golf resort, have recently reopened 18 of their 36 holes and makes a welcome addition to the number of available tracks for both locals and tourists alike. Waterside Golf Club being designed by IMG, the third course owned by the Siam Country Club group, is now likely to miss out on the high season. We now understand they expect it to be ready for a soft opening in May next year. Meanwhile Pheonix Golf Club will complete their nine hole up grade on their Ocean Course shortly, allowing players the opportunity of combining the three nine hole courses there. Let’s hope the new owners sort out their Members policies and on course voucher system soon to the benefit of all, as it is still a very good course close to the city.

Coming up soon is the Thailand Golf Championship (see preview on page 21 ) and next February the top 50 women golfers will descend on the Siam Old Course for the 2014 version of the Honda Thailand LPGA . Enjoy your golf and remember Pattaya is now a top golf destination, so some clubs are already quite busy during December and January the peak vacaction months. Worth perhaps checking out some of the country courses which are not always full of Koreans and tourists....Eastern Star, The Emerald, Plutaluang Navy Course, Silky Oaks, Greenwood and Wangjuntr Golf Park, all offer reasonable rates and should be able to give you a reasonable tee time as well. The Emerald

Local golf tour operator Solar Golf completed the running of their popular Ryder Cup for the twelve consecutive year, with the Americans beating the Europeans by a narrow margin. Held at St Andrews and Burapha golf clubs, and a few bars across town, everyone entered into the spirit and the competition followed the same format as its big brother! Ryder Cup Eastern Star

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Thailand

Khao Yai / North-Eastern

Thailand

Golf