Thai Golf News No.12

FREE COPYTHAI GOLF NEWS / ISSUE Twelve

INTERVIEW WITHAsiAn Tour ExEcuTivE chAirmAn

DESTINATION REPORTPATTAyA & rAyong

REPORT ONThE 2nd ThAi cAddy chAmPionshiP

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Twinpalms PhuketPhuket’s Most Exciting & Stylish Contemporary Resort

106/46 Moo 3, Surin Beach Road, Cherng Talay, Phuket 83110, Thailandt +66 (0) 76 316500, f +66 (0) 76 316599

e [email protected] w twinpalms-phuket.com

ExpEriEncE phukEt at its bEst

TP-Ad_216x302-2011.indd 1 8/26/11 5:21 PM

The 2nd Best Course in All of Asia Pacific (2010 & 2011)

(as voted by the readers of Asian Golf Monthly Magazine)

Has been also most fortunate in NOT being

affected by the disastrous flood.

We are both very fortunate and very thankful!Our course remains open and in very good condition!

Owned & Managed by The Peninsula Hotels

www.ThaiCountryClub.com

e-mail: [email protected] tel: +66 38 570 234

6 EdiTor’s LETTEr

7 goLF nEWs... Pattaya Wins Major Travel Destination Award

12 inTErviEW ASIAN TOuR’S ExEcuTIVE cHAIRMAN... KyI HIA HAN

15 coursE rEPorT: Eastern Star & Pattana club and Resort

19 covEr sTory The 2011 caddy championship Finals

22 AdvErToriAL BLuE DIAMOND - A new Golf Holiday spot is coming to life…

27&28 rEgionAL nEWs Phuket & Pattaya

30 BEhind ThE scEnEs The Siam country club Plantation

33 TEE oFFers... •HotNewAddition •GOLFINASCENICMOUNTAINVALLEY…

CONTENTS ISSUE 12

© All materials in this magazine is the copyright of International Golf Publication.

Supported by

4 •THAIGOLFNEWS•ISSuE TWELVE www.thaigolf-news.com

Editorial Editor Mike Bridge [email protected] Tel: +66(0) 83 198 6700 Senior Writer Mark Hall [email protected]

ART & Design and Layout:PRODucTION Dew Piyaman [email protected] 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 [email protected] +66 (0) 25223227

International: Mike Bridge +66 (0) 831 986 700 [email protected]

Russia: Kim Waddoup [email protected]

PuBLISHER Grand Prix International co Ltd 4/299 Moo 5, Soi Ladplakhao 66 Ladplakhao Road Anusawari, Bangkhen Bangkok 10220 Thailand Tel: +66 (0) 2 522 1731 -8

MANAGING EDITOR Thanyalak Padungmueang

Magazine Website www.thaigolf-news.com

12

22

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)160-0140www.bluedaimondgolf.com

“This is my dream,

My family,My friends”

Dr.Prachin Eamlumnow

actual picture : 2 march 2011Grand Opening 8 March 2012

Bo Phloi, Kanchanaburi

ISSuE NINE•THAIGOLFNEWS•www.thaigolf-news.com

• LOCAL AND INTERNATIONAL NEWS

• GOLF TOURISM

• THAI COURSES

• INTERVIEWS

• GOLF JOKES

• TEE OFFERS

REGULARFEATURES:

FREE COPYTHAI GOLF NEWS / ISSUE Twelve

INTERVIEW WITHAsiAn Tour ExEcuTivE chAirmAn

DESTINATION REPORTPATTAyA & rAyong

REPORT ONThE 2nd ThAi cAddy chAmPionshiP

COVER PICTURE SUPLIED BY Mike Bridge

THAI GOLF NEWSEDITOR’S LETTER


ISSUE 12

Editors letter….

It’s been a difficult few months for Thailand, and in particular for those intrepid green keepers, who have for most of the time kept their courses open and in playable state, during the floods.

With all the rumours going around, it has been difficult to find out if certain clubs were closed or if the surrounding access roads were closed. In the past few weeks most main roads have re opened, and the majority of courses affected have re opened for business.

OK the rain did affect a number of courses up to mid October, when you would have been better off wearing Wellington Boots around the course. I remember on a few occasions my ball was also disappearing on the soggy fairways, literally down into mud!

You know when it’s too wet to play golf in Thailand, only when your cart capsizes and your caddie is wearing her bikini! It certainly helps if the course you are playing has been built with good drainage.

Certainly there are a few courses around Bangkok’s flat landscape that manage to cope and the hillier clubs in Hua Hin, Pattaya and Phuket seem to drain faster as well.

Having recently played at Thai Country Club, Thana City and Riverdale, it is great to report that all three courses were in superb condition. With fewer players during the floods, and the recent sunny weather, expect most of the 260 courses around Thailand to be in tip top condition.

This month we spent some time down in Pattaya and Rayong checking out some courses for you there. Pattaya recently won the Golf Destination 2012 for Asia and Australia voted by 400 IAGTO tour operators, which was the first time that a region rather than a country had won this prestigious award.

TGN has always supported those wonderful Thai Caddies, and so in this issue we went down to the Siam Country Club to cover The Thai Caddie Championship 2011.

Also check out our reports from Phuket and Pattaya and find out why the Asian Tour is finishing off its year with an exciting new tournament right here in Thailand.

Finally just a reminder to you all that we receive on a regular basis a number of discounted green fees and hotel accommodation to offer to you our readers. Therefore if you are interested in saving some money (who isn’t!) and would like to receive our monthly newsletter, then just drop me an email quoting ‘newsletter’ to [email protected]

Mike Bridge


GOLF NEWS...

Pattaya, the popular Thailand resort, has just been named Golf Destination of the Year 2012 for Australia and Asia.

The Mayor of the City of Pattaya, along with representatives from several of the regions golf clubs, accepted their award last month in Turkey on the final night of the International Golf Travel Market.

The nominees for 2012 included Malaysia, New Zealand, Vietnam plus Thailand’s Hua Hin, Pattaya and Phuket regions.

This prestigious award was voted for by over 400 global tour operator members of the International Association of Golf Tour Operators (IAGTO).

Previous winners included Malaysia and Thailand, but this is the first time that an actual region has won this award. Spain, the United States and Thailand are currently the big three international golf destinations, with Turkey and Portugal among developing countries that were rapidly increasing their golf tourism sectors.

The Mayor of Pattaya City, Itthiphol Kunplome accepting the award said, ‘Pattaya is already well known as a resort destination, however I hope that by winning this award, it will help give the destination a higher profile, and through increased marketing budgets, elevate Pattaya as a top international golf destination.‘

Peter Walton President and Chief Executive of IGATO, said,’ The main reasons why they won this award, were that our members found that Pattaya offered quality golf courses, good management, great service, value for money, and most importantly, that the local agents and tourist board were particularly supportive both to our members and of course their clients.’

Mike Mesommonta, spokesman for the Eastern Seaboard Golf Management Association added,’ this award is a huge endorsement for all our members, who have worked very hard to create some top class golf courses in the region. Our courses attract thousands of foreign visitors and several major International Tournaments every year, including the Thailand Open, the Pattaya Open and the Honda LPGA Open. We are lucky to be able to offer fine weather all year round, keeping our courses in perfect playing conditions 365 days every year, and perhaps are best secret weapon are the wonderful smiling caddies!’

According to recent reports the Thai golf industry has like many other industries been affected by the dramatic floods across Thailand.

Over thirty courses were apparently closed, either due to surrounding road closures or from flooded greens and fairways.

Courses in Pathumthani, Nakorn Nayok, Chachoengsao, Ayutthaya and Bangkok felt the brunt of the closures, including Ayutthaya Golf Club, Bangkok Golf Club, Summit Pinehurst and Chuan Chuen Golf Clubs.

As the waters are now receding, most are now open for business again. Naturally those courses which were not affected directly by flooding, but had suffered by surrounding access roads being closed, have used the time to catch up on vital course maintenance.

In fact it would be fair to say, with the recent sunny weather, courses such as Thai Country Club, Riverdale, Thana City and Royal Hills are all in first class condition.

Courses in Hua Hin and Pattaya have not been directly affected by the floods, however with the drop in overseas visitors, most clubs have reported a drop in players.

Certainly for the next few months, with the cooler weather and less tourists around, this will be the perfect opportunity for local and expat golfers to benefit from quieter courses and some excellent golf stay and play packages.

Our advice is to contact the course before setting out, as they will be able to advice golfers on the best route to take with a few diversions still operating.

ISSuE TWELVE•THAIGOLFNEWS• 7www.thaigolf-news.com

WATERLOGGED THAI COURSES…PATTAyA WINS MAjOR TRAvEL DESTINATION AWARD.

GOLF NEWS...


European Tour Golf Professional from Belgium Nicolas Colsaerts ranked 17 on the Race to Dubai money list warmed up last month at the Banyan Golf Club, Hua Hin working on his team match play plans in advance of the World Cup at Mission Hills, Hainan Island, China.

His appearance was warmly welcomed by club members and guests of Banyan Golf Club, Hua Hin as he also participated in the monthly golf and wine dinner event on Saturday, 19th November 2011.

Prior to the 5-course wine dinner at The Terrace restaurant, Nicolas, together with his coach Michel Van Meerbeck and caddie Brian Nilsson held a one hour clinic for local juniors at the driving range. Everyone was overwhelmed by the level of enthusiasm and excitement the juniors have for the game of golf and that those present enjoyed the golfing instruction that they received.

During the prize giving dinner Nicolas Colsaerts was interviewed by golf club general Manager, Stacey Walton. Nicolas was asked several questions such as his favorite holes and spoke well about the back 9 and particularly 15 to 18 as the most memorable.

Nicolas also mentioned how he played a driver and 3 wood to the back of the green on the long par 5, hole 12 to make birdie. During the interview, Nicolas touched on the equipment he uses in his golf bag and mentioned that he likes to use a selection of clubs & brands that best suit him as he hasn’t got an exclusive sponsorship to use any particular clubs. So, it’s all down to technique and we all know well that Nicolas is very capable of hitting over 300-yards from the tee.

Monthly events at Banyan Golf Club, Hua Hin have enjoyed much support over the years and they’ve a bumper of social golf and dinners scheduled in December. Stacey Walton comments that there is an event for everyone over the festive season; we’ve got lined up a series of social events from a golf day with BBQ dinner on 10th, our signature wine dinner on 17th, Christmas Champagne Dinner on 24th, Christmas lunch on 25th and New Year’s Party and Gala with live band on 31st. For more information about our festivities please contact [email protected] or call 03 261 6200.

Soi 8 bar is a well known haunt for some of Bangkok’s most interesting Expats off Sukhumvit, and from time to time they actually leave the bar to venture out into the sunlit….to play golf.

Last month they organized a day out at The Royal Lakeside Golf Club along the Bangna Trad expressway.

A good time was had by all, and prizes were handed out back at their own 19th hole, The Soi 8 Bar afterwards. Surprise of the day, Bar Manager Michael had the longest drive….310 yards….draught and wind assisted no doubt!!!

SOI 8 SHOT GUN…

CADDIE OF THE MONTH

Khun Nok caddie no.72 works at Navatanee Golf Course in Bangkok. Although a members club, they are now allowing non member’s access during the week. Khun Nok although only 18 years old, had a good knowledge of the course, and spoke English and a little Japanese too.

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: [email protected]

vOLvO CHINA OPEN CHAMPION NICOLAS COLSAERTS WARMS UP AT BANyAN GOLF CLUB IN HUA HIN

STAYEXCITED.

Holiday Inn Resort Phuket Mai Khao Beach is offering some serious opening rates.

Our packages include accommodation in a Deluxe Garden View Room with daily buffet breakfast

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Magazine: Thai Golf News magazineSize Full page: 216mm (w) x 302mm (h)

The Holiday Inn Resort Phuket Mai Khao Beach officially opened its doors for business last month as the newest international hotel brand along the northwest coast of Phuket. The 246-guestroom, new-build property caters to all types of travelers -- from couples on a romantic getaway to families seeking the perfect holiday, or even professionals on a corporate retreat.

The new resort, with its relaxing environment, offers guests a contemporary design and modern facilities. This includes a beachfront infinity pool, a resort leisure centre and a fitness center fitted with the latest equipment. The hotel also offers a wide range of holistic Thai and western massages and treatments at its signature Tea Tree Spa.

Dining choices at the resort span a wide selection of local specialties and international cuisine in its three restaurants and bars. In-room features include crisp beddings with a choice of soft and firm pillows, a large walk-in rain shower, wired/wireless internet, a spacious balcony/terrace, and more.

“We have gone to great lengths to ensure that the Holiday Inn Resort Phuket Mai Khao Beach hits the sweet spot for a wide range of target customers and we are confident that our efforts will pay off,” said GM Simon Morely.

Conveniently located, the resort is within 15 minutes drive from Phuket International airport, several major golf courses including Blue Canyon, Laguna and Mission Hills, and Splash Jungle, the island’s only recreational water park. It is close to popular attractions like Phang Nga Bay, Sirinath National Park and Phuket Town Shopping Centre.

New Holiday Inn resort open...

True to the Holiday Inn heritage, the resort has a range of family-friendly facilities and services. Its KidSuites® offers privacy for both parents and children, each with separate sleeping areas. The kids’ section of the suite comes with a bunk bed and a play corner that includes a flat screen TV, a DVD player and a game console.

For families with teenagers, the resort offers a Teen Zone with game consoles for youngsters to unwind and entertain themselves. There’s also a Kids Club, with an array of entertaining activities where younger kids can have fun under the watch of professional care takers.

For more information on Holiday Inn Resort Phuket Mai Khao Beach, or for reservations, visit

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10 •THAIGOLFNEWS•ISSuE TWELVE www.thaigolf-news.com Advertorial Feature

ISSuE NINE•THAIGOLFNEWS• 13Advertorial Feature www.thaigolf-news.com

The Thailand Golf Championship will be held at the Amata Springs on December 15th-18th 2011. Rory McIlroy, Lee Westwood, Darren Clark, Charl Scwartzel, Charlie Hoffman and Sergio Garcia are all scheduled to play.

TGN: You have recently announced the Thailand Golf Championship (TGC). When did you first start to plan this event?

KHH: We started planning for this event at the beginning of this year and we’re glad that we’re able to announce this newest event on the Asian Tour in August.

TGN: Will the TGC become a permanent fixture on the Asian Tour Calendar?

KHH: Yes.

TGN: Do you see it as the Asian Tour version of the Fed Ex or the Race to Dubai end of season finale?

KHH: There are no plans to position this event in that way at the moment. Right now, it’s a full field Asian Tour event that will take place at the end of the season and our goal is to make it one of the biggest tournaments in Thailand.

TGN: Why have you restricted the field to 60 players and not enabled more Asian Order of Merit players to contend?

•THAIGOLFNEWS•ISSuE TWELVE www.thaigolf-news.com

Up to now Thailand has been missing out on a major golf tournament to compete with its neighbours for some time. Malaysia has its Maybank Malaysian Open and the CIMB Classic, Singapore it’s Barclay’s Open and South Korea the Ballentines, all attracting the star players. Well all this is about to change now that the Asian Tour has announced that it will be holding their season ending event here in Thailand.

Interview with Asian Tour’s Executive Chairman….Kyi Hia Han.


KHH: There are no restrictions to the field. This is a full field Asian Tour event with at least 90 Asian Tour playing in the starting field.

TGN: How did you select the venue? Did you consider other countries and will future TGC’s be held at the same venue?

KHH: Amata Spring Country Club was selected because they would like to host a big tournament and they were also part of the organizing committee. Yes, it will be held at the same venue in future.

TGN: To have Rory Lee and Darren playing certainly adds to the event. Will you be also inviting any of the US PGA players to attend?

KHH: You’re right that these marquee names will increase the stature of the event. I’m sure a lot of people will be watching especially


since there’ll be no other big tournaments happening around the same time as the Thailand Golf Championship. I would be happy to invite the US PGA players but it will also have to depend on their schedules.

TGN: Regarding exposure has the tie up with IMG created larger viewing figures for all your events this year and has this help increase the prize money offered?

KHH: Yes. Our partnership with IMG will create maximum exposure for this event as it’ll be broadcast live over four days on the Asian Tour’s global television platform which reaches 200 countries and over 850 million homes.

TGN: Finally does the Asian Tour plan to add any new events to the 2012 calendar?

KHH: We’re in the midst of finalizing our Tour Schedule for 2012 and we’ll be making an announcement soon.


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Lotus valley Golf Resort Specials



Eastern Star Country Club and Resort is an 18 hole golf course designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr.

Located on Eastern Seaboard in the province of Rayong, it has a country feel although it is located nearby the sea shore.

It has an abundance of plants and over 2,200 coconut palms, but perhaps the most striking memory was the number of Topiary from Cups to animals...even a maze that would fit into any French Chateau.

Oh and yes there is a very welcoming 18 hole golf course that is perhaps a fair challenge for even beginners.

The first hole has a wide fairway down to a green sloping towards a lake on its right. Be careful that you don’t misread the speed of the greens here!!!

The second hole is a long par 4. Important to get over the dog leg here, and to avoid the large FA Cup shaped hedge. Second is up to a raised green again sloping and with bunkers to stay clear of.

The first par 3 is 203 yards up to a green on a plateau. Watch out for the wind here otherwise you could end up in a grassy hollow.

Hole 8 is a reasonable par 5, but half way along the fairway it gets thinner with trees and water to contend with and to avoid.

Star hole is their par 3 number 13 which has elephants (topiary style) and bunkers and a lake to handle. Possible birdie here.

More Topiary than any other golf course in Thailand…

The Eastern Seaboard stretches from Chonburi and Bangpra in the North down to Pattaya and Rayong in the South and includes some of Thailand most

interesting and Challenging Golf Courses.

Siam Country Club, Laem Chabang and Burapha have already featured in earlier issues of Thai Golf News so this month we decided to revisit the area.

Here are two different courses that are both worth a visit.

Eastern Star Country Club and Resort



16 is the hardest on the card at 451 yards. It looks simple, but it is a long par 4 with bunkers ahead to trap you.

Overall a fair challenge and a good course to take beginners who can enjoy a fair game with the more experienced golfer.

Watch out for the unique markers...they are in fact Bird Cages with different colours depending on the distance. A nice touch!

The club house is generous, and they have a number of facilities including sports, a fitness center, large swimming pool and several apartment blocks offering reasonable Stay and Play Packages.




Pattaya…a golfer’s paradise….

Any club that can boast a 27 hole Championship Course plus a major Clubhouse with a Hotel and even a 2,000 seater football stadium has to be worth a visit.

Pattana Golf and Sports Resort only 80 minutes from Central Bangkok and 40 minutes from Pattaya certainly did not disappoint. Their massive Clubhouse, one of the biggest in Thailand hides what is a remarkable golf course.

The 27 holes have been skillfully crafted upon beautiful and natural rolling terrain, providing an enjoyable challenge for golfers of all ability, consisting of three 9-hole courses named Andreas, Brookei, and Calypso.

We actually played Brookei (Course B) and Calypso (Course C) as Andreas was closed for maintenance. The club has a new


GM , Khun Siripol who worked at Black Mountain, and he has already upgraded the B and C courses to a very high standard.

We started off on their signature hole on Course B (B1), the 427-yard Par 4 with the fairway and green stretch into the reservoir, with water on both sides. This is a very tough hole to start your round and some of us ended up deciding to replay it at the end when we had warmed up.

B2 is a beautiful par 5, and one of those holes where you can’t wait to tee off. At 525 yards it weaves itself round the lake on the left with wonderful rolling hills along the fairway up to a raised green.

B3 was fun being an island green so beware of the water here. The next few holes do not have any water hazards but watch out for B6 where I counted six trees dotted around the middle of the fairway.

B9 is a massive 626 yard par 5 ending up with large grass mounds and bunkers protecting the green placed in front of the club house restaurant. Not a place to get stuck in the bunker here!

We all felt that Calypso (course C) was a bit easier to play, but still offered a great challenge.


C3 is a long par 5 with a lot of water on the left. You need to have an accurate drive here otherwise you will find a very wet second shot. The green is small and rolling so try to get close to the pin.

Trees and a stream come into play on C6 the hardest hole in the group, so you should play up with your second shot before making an accurate chip onto the raised green.

We all enjoyed a great meal afterwards in the Club House restaurant that overlooks several holes. It was at least a small consolation to see other golfers tackle the dreaded B1 and we were still talking about the course throughout the rest of the day. A true measure of a very enjoyable experience!

Pattana Golf and Sports Resort

Pattana Golf and Sports Resort

The 2011 Caddy Championship Finals sponsored by TAT and Singha, attracted over 150 players from across Thailand last month at the Siam Country Club.

Several Korean Caddies also took part, and the eventual joint winners were a Thai caddie representing Lam Chabang Golf Club in Pattaya and a young caddie from the Pine Ridge Resort in Kangwon-do in Korea.

The idea of this unique event started back in 2009 when the Directors from Pine Ridge in Korea came to Thailand. They were so impressed by the standards of the Thai caddies that they asked if they could bring over a number of their own caddies for some additional training to Lam Chabang Golf Club in Pattaya.

Twenty Korean Caddies eventually stayed for a week of training, and at the end of their stay they joined in a caddie tournament. That was how the Caddy Championship started.

According to Asian golfing legend Thongchai Jaidee ‘What makes golf in Thailand so special is the variety of courses, the Thai Caddies and their infectious Smile!’


Tourism Authority of Thailand realized this potential and happily agreed to become a title sponsor for the Championship in 2010 along with Singha.

Auggaphol Brickshawana from TAT explained,’ We agreed to support this Championship from the beginning and currently we are also encouraging more and more golf courses to enable their caddies to play golf too. These Championships give us another channel to promote Thailand at overseas events and especially to promote golf as a niche market in Thailand.’

Caddies Playing with Caddies…


Regional rounds were held at several top golf courses around Thailand with the winners all qualifying for the 2011 Finals held in Pattaya. A total of 150 competitors representing 33 Thai Golf Clubs played in the final round at The Siam Country Club on the Old Course, home to the Thailand LPGA Open.

Prasertchai Phornprapha Managing Director at the Club said ‘We like to encourage our staff and caddies to play golf, and about 20% of all of caddies take advantage to play a free round on Mondays, when the course is closed for maintenance. I am very proud that a total of seven of our caddies are competing in the final of the Championship. We take a lot of time to fine tune everything from the course to the club house to offer our members and guests a 5 star service, and our caddies are extremely well trained in all aspects of reading the greens, giving the yardage to looking after their players.’

Over 150 of the Siam Country Club’s own caddies wearing their famous blue and yellow outfits helped the competitors playing in this Championship by giving their local knowledge of the Old Course and its undulating greens to the visiting players.

Organiser Kullatorn Meesommont who is also the Marketing Manager at Burapha Golf Club in Pattaya was delighted that the event has been so successful. ‘It is a great experience for many of these hard working caddies to play on such a first class course under Tournament conditions.

Apart from the tee boxes with their advertising boards, it feels like a real Championship with all their friends and family out there cheering them own. We estimated that there were over 1,500 spectators around the course this year, maybe more than at some of the professional events!’The Championship ended with a Gala Dinner for all the players and their supporters. Everyone went away with a variety of prizes ranging from golf sets to golf bags and accessories.

As a golf journalist I have covered everything from the Dubai Championships to the Maybank Malaysian Open. However these caddies really liked the competitive nature of these Championships and were desperate to win for themselves and for their golf course. And boy do they know how to enjoy themselves afterwards at the Gala Dinner!

Certainly there is now a lot of media attention for this unique event, and next year the Thai organizers plan to make this into a truly International Championship event by inviting caddies from other Asean countries including Malaysia, China, Indonesia and Korea to participate alongside their own Caddy stars!



Many experts have said that a round of Golf can take up a lot of time compared with other sports.

So finding a course that is nearby the centre of Bangkok is one way to reduce the time. Another idea is to play 9 and not the full 18 holes.

Thana City Golf and Sports Club ticks all these boxes, as they offer a truly memorable golfing experience so close to Bangkok, that it is less than 30 minutes from downtown Bangkok and only 15 minutes from Airport.

The course was designed by Greg Norman, who recently came over to play a Charity Golf Tournament there. Over the past couple of years, the Club has been spending some serious money upgrading the course and have also rebuilt their large club house, which now has some of the best facilities for golfers in the city.

TC Hot Deal: Every Friday “Good Morning TC” 9 holes golf 600 Baht T-Off 6.00 - 8.00 a.m. * Remark: caddy must be booked in advance to get caddy fee of 150 Baht if not golfer who walk - in or with no caddy reservation will need to pay caddy ticket 250 Baht

TC Happy Day Happy HourT-Off 6.00-8.00 900 Baht 18 holes, every Friday * Remark: this offer is only for some specify date, for more information please call Pro Shop 083-304-4433, 083-304-4455

The course is currently in excellent condition and is a fair challenge for beginners to those back tee professionals. www.thanacitygolf.com

ISSuE EIGHT•THAIGOLFNEWS• 21www.thaigolf-news.com

A very Central Golf Club…

22 •THAIGOLFNEWS•ISSuE NINE www.thaigolf-news.com Advertorial Feature ISSuE NINE•THAIGOLFNEWS• 23Advertorial Feature www.thaigolf-news.com

The Blue Diamond Resort will be unique in Thailand, as it will include numerous activities including water sports, horse riding, nature trails, fishing, golf and even a race track. The resort has a massive fresh water lake surrounded by mountains and is also close by the River Kwai, one of the most popular tourist’s attractions in Thailand.

Located in the beautiful province of Kanchanburi, Blue Diamond is the brainchild of Dr Prachin Eamlumnow, President of the Grand Prix Group.

Well know as the organizer of the Bangkok International Motor Show, Dr Prachin is an avid collector of cars and motor bikes and in his free time his other passion has been his rounds of golf with his friends. Therefore the centre piece at Blue Diamond, not surprising, will be the Grand Prix Golf Club, an 18 hole golf course. When we play a golf with our friends, it is often forgotten how much planning and hard work actually goes into to creating a great golfing experience. Apart from the actual environment, there is the condition of the fairways and greens, the supporting team of caddies, grounds staff and of course the facilities at the club to consider. Naturally all this can add to a great round of golf. Dr Prachin loves his golf and has personally added his own touches to create a Championship course worthy to challenge all players, in a wonderful part of the countryside. Here in Thailand golfers are spoilt for choice with over 260 courses across the Kingdom, and there is naturally a lot of competition amongst these clubs to attract players. Certainly with the global recession affecting the golf industry Worldwide and it is now unlikely that there will be a large number of new courses to join the 260 already opened.


A new Golf Holiday spot is coming to life…Only two hours West of Bangkok, there is a major new resort being developed called Blue Diamond.

22 •THAIGOLFNEWS•ISSuE NINE www.thaigolf-news.com Advertorial Feature ISSuE NINE•THAIGOLFNEWS• 23Advertorial Feature www.thaigolf-news.com

Thailand however is still very much a popular golf vacation destination, and we will still see a few special courses emerge including the new Grand Prix Golf Club.

This 18 hole Championship Course has already taken over three years to construct and has many elevations, a massive lake, numerous bunkers and natural hazards, and even a mountain range providing a dramatic background at sunset. All 18 holes have now been grassed, the club house is under construction and will be ready for the official opening, scheduled for March 2012. Blue Diamond Resort will be managed by the Grand Prix Group, responsible for organizing the Bangkok International Motor Show. The 33rd show, which will open from March 26th to April 8th 2012, is one of the largest public exhibitions held in Thailand. The Grand Prix Group also publishes and prints a number of leading Motor magazines, owns a race track near Pattaya, and has its own TV network.

To coincide with the opening of the 2012 Bangkok International Motor Show, VIP’s and members of the World’s Press covering the show, will be invited to visit the Blue Diamond Resort, and to participate in a round of golf at the Grand Prix Golf Club next March.

Dr Prachin loves to play golf with his friends and soon he will be able to invite them all to play at his own club, The Grand Prix Golf Club in Kanchanburi next year. Already those who have been fortunate to actually play a few holes have been very impressed, and expect the ‘Grand Prix’ as it is becoming affectingly called, to become a strong contender as a top ten golf course in Asia.

The Blue Diamond Resort will also have a number of luxury villas and condominiums for sale, and is destined to become an all year round destination for a relaxing place for a family holiday in one of the most beautiful regions in Thailand.

ISSuE TWELVE•THAIGOLFNEWS• 23Advertorial Feature www.thaigolf-news.com

24 •THAIGOLFNEWS•ISSuE TWELVE www.thaigolf-news.com Advertorial FeatureFind 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.

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R I V E R DA L E G O L F A N D C O U N T R Y C L U B



After much positive feedback from our Phuket destination report last month, we at Thai Golf News have decided to dedicate a page to the tropical island each month. We will keep you up to date on all things golf and any other great deals and events we hear about from Phuket.

Phuket is of course famous for its beaches and most of the great tourist beaches are along west coast. Divided into 5 areas there are the southern beaches around Rawai, moving north next is Kata and Karon, then Patong the main beach, the middle beaches are Kamala, Surin and Bang Tao then the northern beaches of Nai Yang and Mai Khao beaches.

Each month we will concentrate on a different beach location and what it has to offer.

Starting at the south and moving north we come to Rawai. Whilst Rawai itself is not a sunbathing / swimming beach it is a great place to catch a long tail or speed boat to one of the many islands just of shore and the fabulous Nai Harn beach is just five minutes drive away. Rated by many as the best beach on the island it is a stunning bay that is home to the Royal Phuket Yacht Club – one of Phuket’s best sea views.

The southern part of Phuket around Rawai and Nai Harn area has a real village feel to it. With a real community spirit locals are often found sharing a laugh and a

drink at such fine establishments such as V Lounge at Da Vinci’s and East 88 at Serenity Resort and Residence’s with its great poolside bar and sea views. With the best sunset view point on Phuket being from Promthep Cape it is not just the in-the-know locals eating and drinking at the Promthep Cape Restaurant. Come meal time and you are again spoilt for choice. DaVinci Restaurant and Pizzeria is busy every night of the week with locals and holiday makers enjoying some of Phuket’s best Italian cuisine including fabulous pizza’s with an excellent wine selection to match. A little further along the road back towards Chalong you’ll find Friendship Beach Resort, Vijitt Resort and the more casual Anchor Inn. These are all favorites with local expats and tourists for lunch, dinner or drinks after A day out on the turquoise water surrounding Phuket.

Golf in the area is twenty minutes away at the new Phunaka Golf course. A 9 hole par 30 course that has Phuket’s best practice facilities. Whilst this course is not manicured to the same level as Phuket’s championship courses, it is very challenging and hard to play to your handicap. The par 3’s are short and tight with well placed water and hazards whilst the three par 4’s are long and require two good shots to get on. Two great reasons to visit Phunaka are the fabulous short game practice area and the fact it is the only flood lit golf course in Phuket.

Destination Phuket...

Serenity Resort

Phunka Golf CoursePhunka Golf CoursePhunka Golf Course

ISSuE TWELVE•THAIGOLFNEWS• 27Advertorial Feature www.thaigolf-news.com

18 year old wins Chonburi Golf Festival

Chatphet Bangphet an 18 year old student at Burapha University, Bangsaen, won the final of the Chonburi Golf Festival at St Andrews 2000 last month. His winning score of 72 gross was good enough to lift the trophy and win an all expenses paid trip to Santiburi Golf Resort in Chiang Rai. Chatphet will be joined on the trip by other lucky winners from the two courses that hosted the final – St Andrews 2000 and Eastern Star.

The Chonburi Golf Festival is the biggest golf event for amateur players in the Eastern Seaboard golf region. The qualifiers ran from May to October at 17 golf courses – all members of the East Coast Golf Courses Management Association (EGA). Each month, 408 golfers battled for just 68 places in the grand final. Mike Meesommont of EGA declared that this was the largest tournament that EGA has run and promised that the 2012 event will be even bigger and better.

Know your pro – Neville Hammond

“Tell us about your golf career?”

I turned professional in my home town of Potchefstroom, South Africa when I was 21, and then I played on the South African Tour which most people know as the Sunshine Tour. Best finish on tour was 11th place. I spent 12 years as resident professional at Royal Johannesburg GC, Port Elizabeth GC and East London GC combining teaching with playing tournaments. I then moved to Thailand in 2004 to teach in Pattaya and play All Thailand Tour events now that foreigners are eligible.

“Who are your golfing heroes?”

A bit predictable – Jack Nicklaus and Seve. Ernie is the best South African of the modern era – a great guy who has time to speak to everybody.

“What’s in the bag?”

Titleist 905R driver, 906 F2 3 wood, 19 degree 585 hybrid, Titleist AP2 forged irons 2 – PW, 52, 56 and 60 degree Vokey wedges and a 21 year old Wilson putter – same design that won Nick Faldo the Masters! I always play ProV1 balls.

“Highlights of your teaching career?”

Must be the 2001 South African Open. Six of my former students were placed in the top 10!

“How would you describe your teaching method?”

Every individual has different skill and physical abilities. I try to help them use what they’ve got and adapt these to the basics of a golf swing.

Pattaya in the news...

Neville Hammond


“What are your golfing goals?”

I am like a fine wine improving with age. I play about 12 events a year in Thailand but my ambition is to qualify for the European Seniors Tour and play their Asian events.

Neville is based at TPR Golf Academy, Greenways Driving Range, Sukhumvit Road, Pattaya. www.tprgolfacademy.com

Winners at Festival

Packed Pub

Packed during the recent Rugby World Cup and now during the footie season , one drinking hole that is perhaps more busy than usual is the Australian Pub and BBQ also on Soi 11. Aussis love their Rugby and here you can wash down your Crocodile Steak with a number of beers including of course Fosters. Big Screens and a live band after the matches all add up to a good atmosphere. They have been known to have the golf channel on here too. www.theaustralianbangkok.com

Fish and Chips…

If you were brought up in the UK, you will know that the two most popular dishes are Curry or fish. After a night at the pub, you either head over for a Chicken Tikka or down to the Fish and Chip Shop where they wrap it up in a copy of the local newspaper.

Well if you fancy the same in Bangkok, then you can now head for Soi 11 Sukhumvit where they have just open a New Zealand version of a ‘Fish and Chip’ Restaurant called Snapper. You can sit there and order your fish battered or bread crumbed washed down with beers or wine or get the newspaper wrapped takeaway. This small restaurant is tucked away down the popular Soi Chaiot near Cheap Charlies. Tel: 02 651 1098

Bars, Pubs, Restaurants…


30 •THAIGOLFNEWS•ISSuE NINE www.thaigolf-news.com Advertorial Feature ISSuE NINE•THAIGOLFNEWS• 31Advertorial Feature www.thaigolf-news.com30 •THAIGOLFNEWS•ISSuE NINE www.thaigolf-news.com

A good golf course is not only the actual layout and typography of the course, but it also needs to run smoothly as well. This does not happen overnight, and they need a lot of dedicated staff working behind the scenes to achieve this standard.

The Siam Country Club Plantation in Pattaya has a great reputation for offering a five star service, so we caught up with Kriangkrai Wajitra, their Golf Operations Manager, to find out how they keep up their high standards.

Plantation is a relatively new golf course, which opened in 2008, however it has already hosted the Honda LPGA in 2009. What do you think makes this course so special?

Every day is a different golf experience here, as the course offers very different conditions especially with rainy or windy conditions. No two days are the same, which means golfers need to adapt every time they play our 27 holes, to that day’s conditions.

As Golf Operations Manager, you have the responsibility of running a tight ship. Where did you yourself learn the tricks of the trade, before joining Plantation?

Well I spent a couple of years training at the San Diego Golf Academy in the States, and then I took up the role as Golf Operations Manager at Amata Springs before moving here a year ago.

So describe to us what is a typical day for you here?

The first thing I have to do is to check up on the golf course before we open every day. I need to check out the all pin placements and the tee off areas, to see if it is fair or not for the golfers. Also I go and check out that the caddies have arrived for work and that all the team, from starters to pro shop staff are ready for the day’s operation. Maybe after a big storm, I go out at 6am and check for any damage and to make sure the 177 bunkers we have around the course are in good condition and that there are not any branches that may have fallen down.

Being a relatively new course, have you got very good drainage?

Yes it means that within 15 minutes of a major downpour we can get the players back on the course. That is very important to be able to say that we can guarantee

Behind the Scenes


KRIANGKRAI WAJITRA - GOLF OPERATIONS MANAGER

SOMKVAL MUNGKUNG – PRO SHOP SUPERVISOR

30 •THAIGOLFNEWS•ISSuE NINE www.thaigolf-news.com Advertorial Feature ISSuE NINE•THAIGOLFNEWS• 31Advertorial Feature www.thaigolf-news.com30 •THAIGOLFNEWS•ISSuE NINE www.thaigolf-news.com

such a fast recovery time. (Editors note: We were caught in one of Thailand’s big thunder storms during our round here, and were able to get back onto the course with ten minutes. Remarkable!!)

Do you also spend a lot of time training your caddies?

Yes if someone has never been a caddie before, we take around six weeks to train them. I like to interview them first, and then we have about 3-4 staff who will train them. This includes learning about the rules of golf, how to drive a golf cart, what is a tee placement, about the yardage of the course and also how to be a good caddie. One of our caddies recently was a winner at the Thai Caddie Championship held at our sister Course The Siam Country’s Old Course, which with over 150 players was quite an achievement!

What is your own golf handicap?

I am a single handicap player.

And finally what are your future goals?

We still have a lot of improvements to make. I would like to continue to improve all our services and to make our caddies the best in the country, and of course to make Plantation one of the top golf courses in the World!


WANTANEE KAYANKIT - STARTER

KOBKAEW PUNPRAPAS – MARKETING MANAGER

KANOKWAN SUKITAWAM – CADDIE 061

A-Z OF GOLF…

‘Golf is a game that needlessly prolongs the lives of

some of our most useless citizens.’ If you watch a

game, it’s fun. If you play it, it’s recreation. If you

work at it, it’s golf.’ Bob Hope. Each week we will

try to run through our own A-Z dictionary of golf…

this week we kick off with A-G.

A

Albatross Another name for a double eagle, a score of three under par on a hole. The most famousalbatross in golf’s history was recorded by Gene Sarazen on the fifteenth hole at Augusta National Golf Club during the 1935 Masters Tournament. A term generally not used by the amateur golfer.

B

Banana Ball 1. An especially curvaceous slice. A ball that starts to the right and continues to curve right until it nearly lands behind the golfer who hit it. This shot is one reason why the wordfore is heard on the golf course nearly as often as more notorious four-letter words. 2. Formal dance at an exclusive WASP country club.

C

Chilli dip An improperly executed chip shot in which the club hits the ground before hitting the ball, usually resulting in a shot that rolls just a few inches. This is one shot you have in common with Jack Nicklaus because everyone who has ever played golf has done it. You’ve just done it a little more frequently than Jack.

D

Dogleg - A hole with a 90° angle between the tee and the green. One with a pockmarked tee area, unkempt fairways or a patchy green is a “dogear.” One on which large amounts of casual water regularly accumulate is a “dog paddle.” One with an elevated tee and green and a sunken, treacherous approach is a “dog dish.” And a course on which holes like these predominate is, simply, a “dog.

E

Elephant burial ground Collective term for the huge mounds found on the greens of certain golf courses. Where good scores often go to die.

F

Fade - 1. (Right-handed golfers) A shot that curves from left to right. 2. (Left-handed golfers) A shot that curves from right to left.

G

Gimme - A conceded putt, shortened from the phrase “Give it to me.” Gimmes are the centre of many golfing controversies, especially among the ranks of amateurs who are always looking for an opponent to concede a putt, even if their ball is off the green.


TEE OFFersSend your club offers to: [email protected]

Royal Hills Golf Resort and Spa located in Nakorn Nayok province, is just 90km from Bangkok. A great 18 hole Championship course along with a massive swimming pool and spa awaits. Their 230 room 4 star hotel overlooks the course. From now until February 29th they have their ‘Stay and Play’ packages from baht1,150 per person for 18 holes of exciting golf plus one night in a twin room, or during the weekend or only Baht1,750. No problems with the roads and I hear the courses is in immaculate condition too.

Up until December 15th there is still time to take advantage of some great stay and play Extreme Golf packages at Chiang Mai Highlands. Starting from just Baht7,990 for two this rate includes free airport transfers, breakfast and two rounds of golf staying 2 days and one night in the clubs resort. If you want to bring the family the rate is still only Baht12,990. www.chiangmaihighlands.com

If you fancy a round at one of Bangkok’s best, then there is still time to register for the Fenix TAT Corporate Classic 2011 taking place at the Alpine Golf Club in Bangkok on December 19th. Cost is Baht3,500 and includes green fee, caddie, cart and lunch and dinner plus a Fenix shirt and Umbrella. Tel;02577 6730 or email [email protected]

GOLF IN A SCENIC MOUNTAIN vALLEy…

Aloft Bangkok - Sukhumvit 11 is a bold, fresh, and fun new hotel which

opened its doors on December 1st 2011.

For the traveler open to possibilities, Aloft Bangkok - Sukhumvit 11 is a fresh, fun, forward-thinking alternative. Breeze into a hotel that offers more than a comfy bed, and a friendly smile, and enjoy a whole new travel experience.

You will be able to sip a drink, read the paper, or work on your laptop in their re:mix(SM) lounge or w xyz(SM) bar, where lighting and music will change throughout the day to set the perfect mood.

Part of the Starwood Group this trendy new addition to Bangkok’s hotel scene is located opposite two of the city’s top nite spots, the Bed Supper Club and Oskar the French owned bistro and bar.

The good news is they plan to install a top of the range golf simulator before the yearend for all you golf addicts. Watch out for soft opening rates. www.starwoodhotels.com/alofthotels

HOT NEW ADDITION…

ExTREME GOLF…


CHECK IN FOR PRE CHRISTMAS TOURNAMENT.

34 •THAIGOLFNEWS•ISSuE NINE www.thaigolf-news.com

Play in Pattaya

0836 184449 www.solargolf.com

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 expresswayTel: +66 (0) 32 709222 www.springfieldresort.com

Weekday Baht2,500 Weekend Baht3,500Located approx 2 hours outside Bangkok near Bangnamprieo Chachoengsao.

Tel: +66(0)38 835-555 www.lotusvalley.co.th

Rancho Charnvee Country Club Weekday Baht1,500 Weekend Baht2,600Located 2 hours drive North East of Bangkok in Khao Yai National Park.

Tel;+66 (0) 8 8375 4466 www.ranchcharnveegolf.com

•THAIGOLFNEWS•ISSuE TWELVE www.thaigolf-news.com

Golf Classified

Oskar is a bar, bistro and restaurant with live DJ, pizzas, salads, burgers, skewers, plus a large selection of superb wine and the best cocktails in

town! Located nearby Bed Supper Club on Soi Sukhumvit 11. Tel: t:+66 2 255 3377 www.oskar-bistro.com

34 •THAIGOLFNEWS•ISSuE NINE www.thaigolf-news.com

Documents

Thai Golf News No.12