ASEAN NOW Golf

 

 

 

 

Yesterday, across the UK, golf courses were allowed to re-open, and Facebook was awash with happy hackers out on the fairways again.

 

Our photo shows Dr Smiddy having the first shot at Reading GC. For the past months he has been working in intensive care with Covid 19 patients.

 

Meanwhile over the past twelve months, apart from perhaps a few isolated cases, our 260 courses across Thailand remained open for play.

 

Naturally, the Thai government gave strict guidelines to the club staff on how to operate during the pandemic and overall, it seemed to work.

 

Wearing a mask around the clubhouse was the norm, and it seemed sensible in the heat, that we were able to actually play 18 holes without wearing a mask.

 

Lucky Us

 

We expats who have remained here in Thailand, have I believed been incredibly lucky, as we have missed the stress and anxiety that went with the Covid 19 pandemic back in Europe. 

 

Friends back in the UK have told me it has been a tough haul coping with three full lockdowns, and handling many of their friends and family passing away too.

 

Here in Thailand there are mixed thoughts on how the government controlled what could have been a profoundly serious pandemic. 

 

Travel Industry Sacrificed

 

By shutting the door, overall, they kept out the Covid, but at a massive financial cost. 

 

The hospitality industry, so vital to the country’s GDP, was sacrificed in return for Thailand becoming one of the world’s safest Covid countries.

 

Back to golf. Apart from many of us experiencing millionaires golf with quieter fairways, the last 12 months have also seen a great improvement on the general playing conditions. 

 

One GM told us, that in the past 20 years they had never had time to close a course for vital maintenance.

 

Most 18-hole golf clubs just managed to get by with patch up jobs around the course. However, now with less golfers around most courses in the past few months have been given some desperately needed Tender Loving Care.

 

So, while UK golfers jump for joy and are at last getting their birdies and bogies, here in Thailand we are experiencing some low playing rates and can also enjoy courses in tip top condition.

 

 

 

 

 

 

New Bangkok venue leads expansion into Southeast Asia 

 

TG SEA Development Pte Ltd, an authorized developer of global entertainment leader Topgolf Entertainment Group, announced today plans to bring the Topgolf experience to Bangkok within the second quarter of 2022. 

 

The first Topgolf entertainment complex in Southeast Asia will open adjacent to the popular Megabangna shopping centre, southeast of downtown Bangkok. 

 

The new Topgolf Megacity venue is projected to employ more than 400 people.  The three-floor entertainment complex covers more than 47,000 square meters (29 rai), which is the size of almost seven football fields, and will include 98 outdoor hitting bays with comfortable seating for up to 600 players at any time. The complex also boasts multiple bars and restaurants, large event rooms, and much more. Guests can enjoy a variety of high-quality food and beverage options: from American classics to Thai cuisine. Top grade, locally sourced ingredients are handpicked by the chef. 

 

Customers can currently enjoy the Topgolf experience in five countries: United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Mexico and United Arab Emirates (Dubai).

 

“Introducing the iconic Topgolf experience to our first destination in Southeast Asia builds on the brand’s momentum as we create unforgettable moments for golfers and non-golfers alike. Over 20 million guests from across the world visit the nearly 70 Topgolf venues every year; from Las Vegas to the Australian Gold Coast, and from Miami to Dubai. We are confident that the social Topgolf experience will soon also be loved by the people of Thailand,” said Andrew Nathan, Managing Director, TG SEA Development Pte Ltd.

 

 

Tim Boda, Head of Operations, Topgolf Thailand, added: “Whether you are a golf expert or completely new to the game, we all love a good time out. Families and kids will enjoy the various games, while ball tracing and analytics technology enhance the experience and help players perfect their game. Also, our broad range of meeting options provides companies with a new way to meet, connect and celebrate.”

"It is always exciting to introduce our unique Topgolf experience to new communities, and we're especially thrilled to partner with TG SEA to bring Topgolf to the people of Thailand,” said Steve Lane, Topgolf Vice President International Strategy and Franchise Management. “This is an important milestone on our global expansion journey and we look forward to future growth across Southeast Asia.”

 

“We are truly excited to welcome Topgolf to Megacity. Topgolf will most certainly complement the current offerings at Megabangna and strengthen Megacity which reinforces our core identity as the Great Meeting Place that welcomes customers from across the entire Bangkok metropolitan area. Every year, we welcome more than 50 million customers. We see the many opportunities for Topgolf to reach its goals and become an instant crowd favorite at Megacity. We are confident that Topgolf will offer a new fantastic experience to our customers and become a key partner with us in making the Great Meeting Place for everyone,” said Paphitchaya Suwandee, Chief Executive Officer, Megabangna shopping centre and Megacity.

 

Since its inception, Topgolf's foundation has been built on innovation, fun and inclusivity. Topgolf is a game for people of all skill levels. Players can score points by hitting micro-chipped golf balls at giant dartboard-like targets on an outfield. The closer they get their ball to the center or 'bullseye' and the further the distance, the more points earned. Guests can choose from a wide selection of games to add fun to the experience, including Topgolf classic games, fan-favorite Jewel Jam or the recently introduced and popular Angry Birds game.

 

As pioneers of the sports-entertainment industry, Topgolf's track record of creativity and industry leadership has led to the growth of a one-of-a-kind company credited with growing the game of golf through dynamic in-person, virtual and digital experiences. Topgolf announced its partnership with TG SEA earlier this year, which plans to develop additional Topgolf venues throughout Southeast Asia. 

 

For more information, visit https://topgolfthailand.com/ and follow us on Facebook and Instagram. 

my winner is Lee Westwood and runner up Justin Thomas

Bunker Boys Golf Report for week commencing Monday March 22nd

 

Monday, March 22nd

Pattavia

1st Barry Murnin (20) 38 points

2nd Myles Knowlson (10) 36 points

3rd Kevin LeBar (12) 35 points

Near pins Geoff Atwell, Michael Brett, & Geoff Cox X 2.

 

We begin a new week on a sad note with news over the weekend of the passing of Peter Hapgood. Peter was a long-time resident of Thailand, first in Phuket before settling in Pattaya to become one of the longer-serving members of the Bunker Boys. Peter spoke Thai fluently and possessed a little black book which was coveted by many.

 

In his hey-day, Peter was a very decent golfer playing off a single figure handicap, but with advancing years and deteriorating health he became frustrated with the game as he could no longer do some of the things he used to do. This lead him to develop a propensity for throwing clubs, sometimes further than he hit the golf ball. One of his major expenses was in bribing either caddies or ground staff to wade into water hazards to retrieve thrown clubs. He was one of the very few golfers to carry a one-iron in his bag, a club that also saw its fair share of time sailing through the air.  In recent years Peter had to abandon golf following a serious elbow injury.

 

Whilst we mourn his passing we take solace in the knowledge that he enjoyed life to the full and experienced all the delights this wonderful country has to offer, May he Rest in Peace.

 

Pattaya had torrential rain overnight and it looked likely to rain again today at Pattavia, luckily it stayed dry for the entire round. The course benefited greatly from the rain and greened up remarkably quickly, the bunkers however had wet compacted sand in them as a result of being machine raked and proved quite difficult, as always the greens were quick.

 

Once again some very good scores were returned, none better than the thirty-eight points by Barry Murnin who played out of his skin. Myles Knowlson as always was in the mix and took second place with thirty-six. Resident member Kevin LeBar took third on countback from Tony Robbins and Steve Durey. All the near pins were taken with one each to Geoff Atwell and Michael Brett with Geoff Cox taking two. The very generous winner Barry rang the bell.

 

Golfer of Month is very hotly contested with any one of five golfers in a position the take it with a strong finish to the month, who will it be?.

 

Wednesday, March 24th

Treasure Hill

1st Geoff Atwell (23) 34 points

2nd Steve Durey (22) 30 points

Near pins Jay Babin, & Geoff Atwell X 2.

 

A perennial problem for all golf societies locally is the fact that courses refuse to confirm booking details or fees and several times each year golfers are faced with either paying fees in excess of what was agreed to at the time of booking or canceling and making alternate arrangements. This happened today, we had a booking at Vintage at an acceptable all-in fee, but when we confirmed the day prior we found a significant hike in the prices quoted, particularly for those requiring a cart, so left us with no alternative but to cancel and book Treasure Hill instead. The whole sorry episode left a very sour taste with many refusing to play at all resulting in one of our lowest numbers this year, suffice to say we won't be booking Vintage again any time soon.

 

As always Treasure Hill challenges the best with scores usually low as they were today. Geoff Atwell took the honors with thirty-four points, not too bad on this course. Steve Durey, always in the frame of late took second with thirty points.

 

Jay Babin got a near-pin with Geoff Atwell taking two.

 

Friday, March 26th

Khao Kheow A & B

1st Steve Durey (22) 38 points

2nd Geoff Cox (18) 33 points

3rd Michael Brett (15) 32 points

Near pins  Jimmy Carr, Tony Robbins, & Roger Awad X 2

 

With many away or otherwise occupied we had a low number again today with a field of only ten. The course was nice as always but the round was very slow as there were a couple of groups in front of us who were in what appeared to be a very lethargic mood. As is usually the case some manage slow play better than others and don't let frustration get the better of them.

 

Steve Durey who has been in sparkling form lately took first place with thirty-eight points, he should have all but wrapped up golfer of the month by now. Geoff Cox got second place with thirty-three and Michael Brett brought up the rear with thirty-two. Roger Awad got two near pins, Jimmy Carr and Tony Robbins got one each.

 

Two groups head up to Kabin Buri next week to participate in the Ally Ellison scholarship fundraiser, we look forward to seeing our groups perform to the best of their ability.

 

Vale Peter Hapgood

 

Barry Murnin big winner at Pattavia

 

 

The Masters returns to the Augusta National golf course from April 8th -11th with a massive purse of US$11,500,000.

 

It will be good to see the course in all its splendour of the spring shrubs and the greens will be a lot tougher than last November.

 

So, who is going to grab the famous green jacket this year?

 

Obviously, Tiger will be sitting this one out, however can Justin, Dustin, John or Patrick, all players currently on top of their game, bring their A game to the tournament.

 

My vote goes for Lee Westwood, who has been playing exceptional golf for a veteran recently. And who would not enjoy seeing him take this prestigious major…. he has to be the emotional winner.

 

Anyway, let us see you post your winning prediction and your runner up here, and whoever gets it spot on will win a fantastic Fenix polo shirt.

 

Good luck and enjoy a few late nights or early mornings catching the live action.

 

 

 

Ria Bintan Golf Club

27 holes Designer: Gary Player.

The Ocean course cuts through the jungle where monkeys and small deer roam. There are also seaside holes here, and its par 5 7th was voted the best in Asia. The Forest nine holes is set on sprawling grounds with avenues of tress and serene lake views. The various bunkers and fairways will make your game both challenging and rewarding. The Ocean course opened in 1998, followed by the Forrest course in 2000.

 

Address:  Jl. Perigi Raja, Lagoi North Bintan, Sebong Lagoi, Tlk. Sebong, Kabupaten Bintan, Kepulauan Riau 29152, Indonesia

Phone: +62 770 692839

Website: http://www.riabintan.com/

 

 

Laguna Golf Bintan

18 holes Designer: Greg Norman.

Set on 60 acres on the shore of the straits of Singapore, this course was brought up to modern standards by Paul Jensen in 2016. Sea views, lagoons, strategically placed bunkers, and undulations make this a fun course for all levels.

Opened in 1998.

 

Address: Jalan Teluk Berembang Laguna Bintan Resort Lagoi 29155 Bintan Resort, Sebong Lagoi, Tlk. Sebong, Kabupaten Bintan, Kepulauan Riau 29155, Indonesia

Phone: +62 852-8392-5060

Website: https://www.lagunagolfbintan.com/

 

 

Bintan Lagoon Golf Club

36 holes Designer: Jack Nicklaus / Ian Baker Finch.

50 minutes from Singapore, via the Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal, this club has two championship courses, Seaview designed by Jack that plays along the South China sea with spectacular views, while Ian’s Woodlands course plays through a rainforest. Opened in 1996.

 

Address: Address:  Jl. Indera Segara Site A12, Sebong Lagoi, Tlk. Sebong, Kabupaten Bintan, Kepulauan Riau 29155, Indonesia

Phone: +62 770 691388

Website: https://www.bintanlagoon.com/

 

New Kuta Golf Course,  Bali

18 holes Designer: Ronald Fream.

Open in 2007. Located at Pecatu area near Dreamland Beach. It is an incredibly challenging and spectacular course, with some holes near the cliffs with the surfing beaches below. 20 minutes from Bali Airport.

 

Address: alan Raya Uluwatu,, Kawasan Pecatu Indah Resort Pecatu, Jimbaran, Kec. Kuta Sel., Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361, Indonesia

Phone: +62 361 8481333

Website https://www.newkutagolf.co.id/

 

 

Handara Golf & Resort Bali

18 holes Designer: Peter Thompson and Michael Wolvridge.

Open in 1974 and set in lush highland and nestled in the crater of a volcano in the mountains 1,142 metres above sea level, this is a Thompson masterpiece. The long journey is worth it. 2 hrs. from Nusa Dua and 1 hour from Ubud.

 

Address: Desa Singaraja-Denpasar Pancasari Sukasada, Pancasari, Kec. Buleleng, Kabupaten Buleleng, Bali 81161, Indonesia

Phone: +62 362 3422646

Website: https://www.handaragolfresort.com/

 

 

Bukit Pandawa Golf & Country Club, Bali

18 holes Designer: JMP Golf Design

Features spectacular views of the Indian Ocean. This is an 18-hole executive par 3 golf course measuring 2,178 yds. 10 mins from Nusa Dua.

 

Address: Jl. Gunung Payung Banjar Panti Giri No.8, Kutuh, Kec. Kuta Sel., Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361, Indonesia

Phone: +62 811-3811-2828

Website: http://bukitpandawagolf.com/

 

Bali National Golf Club

18 holes Designer: Nelson Haworth.

Open in 2013, the outward nine holes plays up through hills with lush jungle fauna, while the back nine plays through coconut trees and lakes. Probably the best course on the island. 30 minutes from the airport.

 

Address: Kawasan Wisata Nusa Dua Lot S 5, Benoa, Kec. Kuta Sel., Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80363, Indonesia

Phone: +62 361 771791

Website: https://balinational.com/

 

 

 

Bali Beach Golf Course

9 holes Designer: Rajakulasingham.

Open in 1972, the 9 holes are set amongst mature trees, lakes and earth mounding and will challenge golfers of all levels. 15kms from the airport.

 

Address: Kompleks Inna Grand Bali Beach Hotel, Jl. Hang Tuah No.58, Sanur Kaja, Kec. Denpasar Sel., Kota Denpasar, Bali 80226, Indonesia

Phone: +62 361 287733

Website: https://www.balibeachgolfcourse.com/

 

 

Apart from great sunsets and surfing Bali is one of Asia’s best golf destinations.

 

New Kuta Golf Club

 

Playing golf in Bali can be both calming and exhilarating. The lush tropical scenery turns every step on the golf course into pure magic.

 

Mother Nature with a little help of some top professional golf course designers, has created the perfect backdrop for you to explore and enjoy your game here.

 

Bali National 

 

It is all here from playing alongside stunning rice fields, dramatic cliffs, even inside the crater of a volcano!

 

Each golf course in Bali has its own unique charm and challenges but all are of international standard and welcome players of all skill levels to compete and have fun.

 

Golf on Bintan Island

 

Although Bintan Island or Negeri Segantang Lada is an island in the Riau Archipelago of Indonesia, ironically it is Singapore, that is the closest major city.

 

It is only a 45-50 minute trip by ferry across the Singapore Strait to the Bintan Resorts and golf clubs.

 

Ria Bintan Golf Club Ocean Course 

 

There are currently five independently owned and operated beach resorts, four Bintan golf courses by famous designers Gary Player, Jack Nicklaus, Greg Norman and Ian Baker-Finch.

 

Most travellers to Bintan Resorts arrive at Bandar Bentan Telani at the western tip of the Bintan Resorts from Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal in Singapore.

 

We welcome your reviews and comments plus photos of any of these courses you have visited recenctly, as it enables your fellow golfers to get the latest information. 

 

We will be adding additional courses in the rest of Indonesia shortly including Jakarta.

 

If you wish to add a missing course or to make a comment please email us at [email protected]

 

 

 

 

A new Faldo Design golf course at Thanh Lanh Golf Club near Hanoi, Vietnam, is expected to be complete by summer 2021. 

 

The layout has nine holes set on a lake peninsula with views out to the surrounding mountains. 

 

“This is a special site and presents us with an opportunity to create a memorable, world-class golf course,” said Faldo. “In addition to nine lakeside holes, our design features spectacular mountain and lake views from all 18 holes.” 

 

Faldo Design has incorporated natural streams and contour to create interest and variety in shot making. And while the course can stretch to more than 7,000 yards, the design team has incorporated five sets of tees and generous width to make sure the course is playable for golfers of all abilities. 

 

“From the start of design to the completion of construction we have looked to be creative and innovative on this project,” said Andrew Haggar, lead architect at Faldo Design. “Establishing returning nines that both play out and back, and which share in the beauty of the lakeside, really set the foundation for maximising the site’s surrounding assets. 

 

“The closing stretch, I think quite fittingly, encompasses much of what we’ve tried to achieve by returning players along the shoreline of the lake to the new clubhouse with a magnificent mountain backdrop. This place certainly has memorability and once visited players will definitely want to return.” 

 

Design decisions have been driven by sustainable practices and have included “a planting programme to support an ongoing thriving environment” and cut and fill earthmoving to eliminate waste during the course’s construction. 

 

 

 

 

Bunker Boys Golf Report for week commencing Monday March 15th

 

Monday, March 15th

Pattana A & B

1st Michael Brett (15) 38 points

2nd Geoff Atwell (24) 37 points

3rd Geoff Parker (18) 37 points

Near pins Myles Knowlson, Barry Murnin, & Michael Brett X 2.

 

A bright sunny but very hot day for our monthly visit to Pattana.  The course was in superb condition, and with very few players around no delays. Many expressed delight at the new scorecards, for years this course has had the worst scorecards of any course anywhere. There is one issue that irritates many players, the drinks station at the back of the clubhouse closes at 3.00 pm or so it's supposed to, many times it's earlier. On a hot day like today, most are gasping for a drink but cannot get any service. This is a major issue for a course that does so much right.

 

Back to low numbers with several locals delinquent today, so a field of only eleven. Scoring was decent off the yellow tees with most acquitting themselves well. After two weeks of low scores, Michael Brett took top spot today with thirty-eight points. The two Geoffs, Parker and Atwell had to be separated by countback with Atwell taking it. Several others were not much further back. All the near pins were taken with Myles Knowlson and Barry Murnin taking one each, Michael Brett got two.

 

Wednesday, March 17th

Burapha C & D.

1st Paul Smith (4) 40 points

2nd Mark On (10) 38 points

3rd Jimmy Carr (17) 36 points

4th Geoff Atwell (24) 34 points

Near pins Geoff Atwell, Tony Robbins, & Steve Durey X 2.

 

As the twelve hundred baht all-in fee continues The Bunker Boys made another visit to Burapha this time playing the C & D nines. A decent field of sixteen was good given several of our residents are traveling in different parts of the country. What a difference between both nines, the C course was surprisingly wet underfoot with no run whatsoever on the fairways. The greens were deceptively slow and in need of mowing. By contrast, the D nine was bone dry and the greens much quicker.

 

Some very good scores registered today, none better than the forty points returned by Paul Smith in a round littered with birdies and one eagle, super golf by any standard. Not far behind Mark On took second place with a well-compiled thirty-eight points. Jimmy Carr made a welcome return to the winners circle today with thirty-six points, his first decent round for some time, will he now continue as usual with a run of good scores?. Geoff Atwell rounded out the winner's list in fourth place with thirty-four points. All the near pins were taken with one each to Tony Robbins and Geoff Atwell with Steve Durey taking two. Shot of the day went to Tony Robbins who hit the pin with his tee shot on a par-three with the ball finishing hovering on the edge of the hole, it could not be any closer and not go in.

 

Friday, March 19th

Pattaya Country Club

1st Steve Durey (23) 39 points

2nd Tony Robbins (18 ) 34 points

3rd Michael Brett (15) 34 points

Near pins, Myles Knowlson, Bob Innes, Geoff Cox, & Steve Durey.

 

Today we were scheduled to play Royal Lakeside but we had so few willing to travel the distance or pay the rates, particularly those requiring carts that we canceled and booked Pattaya Country Club instead where we were able to secure an all-in deal of one thousand and eighty baht. This course is in just about as good condition as any other we play, the returfed fairways have now bedded in and are superb. As the course is playing host to a tournament this weekend it was competition-ready and at its best.

 

We had one exceptional score today where Steve Durey amassed thirty-nine points, twenty-four on the front nine. The day is fast approaching when Steve will have to play off a handicap more befitting his ability. Michael Brett was in a good position to take the lead after sixteen holes but faltered on the last two and lost second place to Tony Robbins on countback. All the near pins were taken going to Steve Durey, Bob Innes, Geoff Cox, and Myles Knowlson.

 

Paul Smith, winner at Burapha

 

Michael Brett winner at Pattana

 

Thaivisa Golf catches up with Burapha Golf Course Manager Mike to hear how the course has fared during COVID-19, special offers for over 60s and his predictions for the Thai golf scene post pandemic.

 

 

Try a new game together with fellow Privilege Club members!

Banyan offers a free introduction to golf for all Privilege Club members during an Open Day & Clinic at Banyan Golf Club on Sunday 20 March.

Or, just interest in another Great Night Out with the Privilege Club? Join the evening program including dinner-party with BBQ buffet and live music.

For more information and registration, please visit our website: https://bit.ly/3emzf6A