ASEAN NOW Golf

Siam Country Club, yearly membership starting from 75,000 baht

 

 

Yearly memberships starting from 75,000 baht: https://siamcountryclub.com/membership/

 

Member's Benefit

 

Weekday: Each member is entitled to bring guests 2groups at “Member’s Guest rate”. The 3rd group is “Extra Guest rate” and the 4th group is “Visitor rate”.

 

Weekend: At the Old Course each member is entitled to bring guests 1group at “Member’s Guest rate”.  The 2nd group is “Extra guest rate” and the 3rd group is “Visitor rate”.

 

At the Plantation, Waterside, Rolling Hills each member is entitled to bring guests 2groups at “Member’s Guest rate”. The 3rd group is “Extra Guest rate”v and the 4th group “Visitor rate”.

 

 

 

For more Information & to purchase a golf membership,

Please contact; Membership Relations Office

 

Tel. 038-909-700

[email protected]

Ariya Jutanugarn and Three Other Thais at Troon 

 

Ariya Jutanugarn, REUTERS, file photo

 

Back In 2016, 20 year old Ariya Jutanugarn made history at the AIG Women’s Open, becoming the first Thai golfer to win a major championship title and inspired a nation. Four years later, Jutanugarn is just as hungry for another major win, and raring to go after spending the Tour’s hiatus back home in Thailand.

 

On her final practice day before the AIG Women’s Open, she spoke to the media

 

“Sometimes when we play lots of golf, we felt like, I want to take a break. You know, for like three, four months more than the offseason, but as soon as I have that much break, I feel like, oh, I want to get back on Tour. I want to get back and play,” said Jutanugarn, who is coming off a T39 finish at last week’s ASI Ladies Scottish Open. 

 

“I felt grateful last week because I felt like actually when I say I want to break, it's not true. I still want to play. I still want to practice, and last week, I feel great. I feel I don't want to be home anymore.”

 

Jutanugarn said she’s focused on her strength and fitness over the last five months, which has only made her more confident in her play and herself. 

 

“I would say I didn't work out much before. I know it's important but sometimes I'm lazy. I felt like play golf, four rounds, golf is enough, and I'm tired enough, so I'm not going to do anything different,” said Jutanugarn. 

 

“But in the last five months, I find myself I feel much better and I want to get fitter and I want to be stronger and I want to see my career in the future like longer, so come back and look at myself, okay, I have to take care of myself and I start to work out, I start to run and start to eat better and actually feel much better.”

 

Jutanugarn said it’s special to be returning to the AIG Women’s Open, and despite no crowds, the set-up continues to have a major-like feel to it. She’s learned a lot about this course through her caddie Pete Godfrey and knows that Royal Troon will be quite the challenge in a few short days. 

“I think the first thing I learn to play on the links is patient. You really need to be patient because especially the weather, you can't control the weather. It can be windy. It can be raining. Anything can happen in one round,” said Jutanugarn.

 

 “So, we never know what's going to happen. Also, you have to do so much shot that it's rarely creative but sometimes you have to hit low, high one, draw, fade. It's just more fun than other course I play.”

 

Ariya’s sister Moriya, Jasmine Suwannapura, and Patty Tavatanakit will all be there this week at Troon representing Thailand.

 

 

 

Tiger Woods' 11-year-old son wins Junior Golf tournament

 

 

Tiger Woods' 11-year-old son Charlie is a chip off the old block when it comes to golf.

 

Woods' son participated in a US Kids Golf-sanctioned event at Hammock Creek Golf Club in Palm City, Florida over the weekend -- and he dominated the competition.

Charlie bested all the boys competing in the age 11 category, shooting three under 33 across nine holes while finishing with three birdies. He beat the second place finisher by 5 strokes.

Woods, 44, was in attendance, and he could be seen in photos shared on social media acting as Charlie's caddy for portions of the event, carrying his bag of clubs between rounds.

This isn't the first time Woods Sr. has been seen pictured caddying for his son. In January, video surfaced of Charlie hitting balls on a practice range ahead of a junior tournament in Florida, with his dad standing behind him. The video, taken from a distance, set social media abuzz.

 

Full story: https://edition.cnn.com/2020/08/17/us/tiger-woods-son-spt-trnd/index.html

 

— CNN

 

 

 

Together is a wonderful place to be. Share happy golf moments with your family and friends with the Nikanti 'Delightful Together' privilege✨

When booking for 16-40 golfers, You can enjoy Nikanti All-Inclusive golf experience at the special rate of THB 3,700 per golfer only, along with additional privileges including private room for dining, and free flow soft drinks.

Rate includes Green fee, Caddie fee, Cart fee, All day meals, Snacks at kiosks and Unlimited Nikanti mineral water.

Celebrate golf with your loved ones and Be Delightful Together !

Conditions:
•Tee off on weekday only (Exclude Public Holiday)
•Privilege valid from now until 31 August 2020

 

More info: https://www.facebook.com/NikantiGolfClub/photos/a.479091552223558/1977658772366821/

 

 

 

 

 

 

For golf lovers who missed out on our WOW Delightfully Special Privilege in July, now is your chance ????

 

To satisfy high demand from our guests, Nikanti is happy to extend our WOW Delightfully Special All-Inclusive Offer !

 

For weekday from THB 4,500 to THB 3,800THB

 

For weekend and public holiday from THB 5,500 to THB 4,800

 

This special offer is for advance booking and TEE OFF from now until 31st August 2020 ONLY.

 

Don’t miss out and reserve now!

 

More info: https://www.facebook.com/NikantiGolfClub/photos/a.479091552223558/1983279608471404/

 

 

 

Booking:

 

Email: [email protected]
Phone: 0863-720-084
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PattayaAmateurGolfSeries/

 

 

 

Thai Caddies Compete in Championship

 

 

Even though the pandemic has lost a lot of sporting events, one tournament just had to go ahead in 2020, The Amazing Thailand Caddie Championship.

 

It has still attracted record entries even though the actual number of venues have been reduced, mainly to the Eastern Seaboard and Kao Yai regions.

 

This event has been running for several years and the caddies take it very seriously.

 

The organisers EGA have still booked some great courses in 2020 to hold the preliminary rounds, including Royal Hills, Kabinburi, and this week at Eastern Star.

 

At Eastern Star there were over 180 competitors from Hua Hin, Bangkok and of course around the Eastern Seaboard region. 

 

Although it is a long way to travel, that still did not also stop several Phuket based caddies from competing, having driven all the way from Loch Palm, Red Mountain and Blue Canyon.

 

 

The whole idea was to encourage caddies to take up the game to improve their understanding of the game and rules of golf.

 

Many clubs now encourage caddies to play when their courses are quiet in the late afternoons.

 

As the photos show the caddies also try to out do each other with some very colourful outfits.

 

One caddie from Pattana Golf Resort posed for us, and told us her nick name was Tip. Good name for sure!

 

The grand final will this year be hosted by Laem Chabang on September 28th. Visitors are welcome!

 

 

 

 

This promotion is only applicable for Thais and foreigners living in Thailand

Thai Stars Fly Off to Rejoin Their Tours

 

Jutanugarn sisters with their mother on Thai mother's day

 

The Jutanugarn sisters and Kiradech Aphibarnrat all flew out of Suvarnabhumi airport recently, and will all be back in action for the first time since January, as they tee off this week in the Ladies Scottish Open at the Renaissance Club in Scotland and on the PGA tour in the States.

 

Former world No 1 Ariya and her elder sister Moriya competed in only two tournaments on the LPGA in January: the Gainbridge LPGA at Boca Rio and Diamond Resorts Tournament of Champions. Ariya finished at tied 67th and 26th in both events while Moriya enjoyed better results as she settled at tied sixth and 11th.

 

Kiradech meanwhile had to cope with a knee injury that he had as a result of a difficult at the 2019 Masters at Augusta, so has not played much during this year’s schedule.

 

 

After being stuck in Florida, they all managed to eventually fly back to Bangkok in April, and spent 14 days in quarantine.

 

Since then they had spent most of their time at home in Bangkok due to the COVID-19 break. 

 

They still kept in shape and the three were often seen playing golf at Amata Springs, and several Bangkok courses.

 

Ariya has won 10 LPGA titles including the Ladies Scottish Open in in 2018, her latest victory. Hopefully along with fellow Thai Jasmine Thannapura and old sister Moriya, Ariya will soon appear at the top of the leaderboard. 

 

Kiradech had a final practice day at the Sedgefield Country Club before his first round at the Wyndham Championship, and said he is excited to play my first event in last 4 months.

 

Naturally we should not expect too much from these players after such a long layoff, but it will be good to see them competing again.

 

 

 

Caddies are part of golf here in the kingdom......some will always grumble that they prefer to play solo and those attitudes will never change.

 

The vast majority of locals and expats here in Thailand however enjoy having their greens read and their clubs cleaned, and the golf clubs need their caddies to repair the divots after we have hacked our way round 18 holes.

 

An even big plus, is the fact that surveys show that one of the top reasons golf vactioners prefer Thailand to other golf destinations, is they really like to be pampered by the smiling Thai caddies.

 

It is tough work for them, not just because they have to haul your bag around 18 holes in the heat or during a tropical downpour, but many a day they will wait at the club for a customer, and still they get no money when no one turns up. 

 

 

What’s it like to be a golf caddie in Thailand?

 

Following on from last week’s article about how us golfers can get the most out of our caddie experience, we thought we’d give the caddie’s a chance to have their say and dive a little deeper into the whole Thailand caddie experience. We asked a few caddies why they put up with us hackers on a daily basis.

First up, we asked K. Tun of Thana City Golf Course what she enjoys most about being a caddie:

 

“I like to work in the service industry and like to talk to people of all nationalities as it enables me able to learn many languages. Golf is a sport that provides both knowledge and ability and we can develop it by ourselves. Being a caddy is an amazing career, it can develop me in all areas such as communication. It is a service that is very respectable, is a career that helps me to earn money in a short space of time and I don’t have to do all day which means that I have time to go to do more jobs.

 

I like this career very much, I can make golfers smile and help golfers to play with good scores and learn more from golfers about how they play and what they like and enjoy. I can improve every day and I hope that I can become a golfer in the future too”.

 

 

K. Tun, Caddy #195 at Thana City Golf Club

 

Second up is K. Kaew of Green Valley Golf Club, this is what she had to say about why she chose the career of being a golf caddie:

 

“I came in as a caddy as a recommendation from friend. In truth, I didn’'t know much about what a caddy’s job is until I started and learning it for me, was not an easy task. At the beginning I had to be very patient. There were times when I went out of character and struggled to cope with the pressure but for sure I knew I didn't want to quit being a caddy. With my patience and persistence, I never gave up and today I love being a caddy.

 

Read more: https://www.foremanagement.com/blog-news-press/2020/4/9/whats-it-like-to-be-a-golf-caddie-in-thailand

 

 

-- Copyright Fore Management Group

Girlfriend Gets 10% as PGA Championship Winner’s Caddie?

 

 

Collin Morikawa shocked the world by winning a golf major at just age 23 — and he couldn’t have done it without his girlfriend and caddie.

 

Katherine Zhu has always been “proud” of boyfriend Collin Morikawa, long before the 23-year-old won the PGA Championship on Sunday.

 

Last month, fellow golfer Zhu praised Morikawa on social media after he captured the Workday Charity Open and Barracuda Championship titles.

 

“From playing US Amateur in college to winning two PGA Tour events. So, freaking proud of you! I love you @collin_morikawa,” Zhu posted to Instagram.

 

On Sunday, Zhu — who also caddies for Morikawa — celebrated the golfer’s PGA Championship at TPC Harding Park in San Francisco as they posed alongside the Wanamaker Trophy. Morikawa finished with a 13-under par following an epic drive on the 16th hole. 

 

Hope he gave her a great tip!

 

What is also “meant to be” is Morikawa’s romance with Zhu.

 

A Pepperdine University athlete, 24-year-old Zhu is said to have met Morikawa, a UC Berkeley alum, through college golf, and in March, the couple celebrated their third anniversary.

 

 

Earlier this year, Morikawa quipped that Zhu “beats me probably on 70 per cent of our chipping competitions.”

 

“I think that’s what’s great about her is that we’re always competing. I think the PGA Tour is awesome like that. To have her around when we’re in the off weeks, and no one is around. She can always bring a wedge to the course, and we can always do something fun,” he said.

 

In addition to getting playful on the course, Zhu — a self-proclaimed “dog lover” — shares scenic selfies regularly on Instagram, as well as posting her own golfing photos and videos. As for Morikawa, who netted nearly $2 million from Sunday’s win, he continues to be Zhu’s No. 1 fan.

 

 

 

6 Tips to Play Your Best Golf in Thailand with a Caddie

 

 

We have all had our ups and downs on the golf course and whilst most of us used to play back in our home countries without a caddie, in Thailand, it’s part and parcel of the golf package.

 

I am sure you miss the days of being able to carry or push your own bag and take out the club you want, read the greens by yourself, mark your own ball, and have no one to blame but yourself (as it should be) if you miss a putt or shank one into the trees!

 

However, with a caddie it can feel like an easy escape from a bad round and it’s easy to put the blame on someone else. Before you do, hold it right there…what if there’s a number of ways in which you can have the most enjoyable experience on the golf course and play your best golf…with a caddie?

 

Known as Thailand’s “secret weapon”, here is 6 ways to make your caddie and Thai golf experience more enjoyable:

 

1.    First and most importantly, create a rapport with your caddie quickly. Do the basics, ask your caddie her name, tell her you’re going to have fun today, smile and generally have a positive attitude.

 

2.    Put your caddy to the test on the greens straight away. Figure out early on if your Thailand golf caddie is any good at reading greens. Take her to the putting green if you have time and ask her to read a couple of practice puts for you. Accept her early reads and see how she does. If she is not so accurate (and remember, they are human so they can make mistakes) laugh about it and make a mental note to rely more on your own judgment for the rest of the round.

 

Read more: https://www.foremanagement.com/blog-news-press/2020/4/2/6-tips-to-play-your-best-golf-in-thailand-with-a-caddie

 

 

 

-- Copyright Fore Management Group

 

 

Mike Bridge, Thaivisa’s resident golf expert, brings you details on some not to be missed offers from Khao Kheow Country Club in Sri Racha, Chonburi

Have you played at Khao Khaew? If so, leave a review here.

 

Thai Caddies Suffering from Lack of Golfers

By Mike Bridge

 

 

With the start of this year’s Amazing Thailand Caddie Championships, many top caddies are competing at various courses, to reach this year’s grand final in September at Laem Chabang.

 

Normally this annual event is held all across the country, however this year the tour has been reduced to just a few rounds.

Since the start of the Covid 19, many golf clubs in Thailand have seen their income dramatically reduced.

 

This has also had a knock-on effect with the club’s caddies, many who are now struggling to make ends meet.

 

25,000- 30,000 Thai Caddies

 

With over 250 golf courses across Thailand, it is estimated that there are approximately 25,000- 30,000 mostly female caddies in the industry.

 

According to Thai superstar Thongchai Jaidee, “He believes caddies are the secret weapon, which is why so many golf vacationers have loved to come to Thailand in the past.

 

I personally remember when I first came on a golfing holiday in the 90’s, trying to explain to the receptionist at Red Mountain, that I probably was not up to scratch to actually need a caddie…. but was told that was the norm. 

 

Well as a tourist, having a pretty Thai caddie for me was a new experience, which made our round even more memorable, and actually improved my game.

 

Sure, local expats often comment on why caddies are compulsory, especially as those with shrinking pensions, need to look after their spending. 

 

That said, golf tourism has always played a major part in attracting large numbers of foreigners with overseas currency, partly due to the number of excellent courses and also because of the smiling Thai Caddies.

 

Families Effected

 

Meanwhile whole families rely on their local golf club for employment, including maintenance staff, receptionists, F& B staff and of course caddies.

 

Having played a few rounds recently, many of the caddies working around the Chonburi region, have said they are lucky if they get three customers a week. 

 

With no actual salary, they just get a percentage of the caddie fee and any tips given by the golfer. That can mean they are lucky if they see THB2,000 a week.

 

That is not enough to make ends meet, which means many experienced caddies are being forced to look elsewhere to earn a living.

 

Recently there have been reports of golf clubs closing with up to 300 caddies losing their jobs overnight. No job is safe anymore.

 

It takes golf clubs up to a month to train a caddie, and therefore it will be very difficult in the future for clubs to find locals willing to join them as a caddie.

 

I can hear some of you says great, now I can play a round without a caddie!

 

But surely a bigger percentage of us, will still want to book a caddie. Not only to read the greens or to clean our clubs, but to also enjoy the camaraderie too.

 

Certainly, from survey’s taken by travel agents in the past, their customers love to book Thai caddies.

 

The golf clubs, travel companies and the Tourism Authority of Thailand are all keeping fingers crossed that eventually the 500,000 golf vacationers will return in 2021, but it maybe just too late for many of these Thai Caddies.

 

 

 

Jomtien Golf @ Fraser’s Sports Bar

 

We are a fun and friendly society that meets three times a week on Monday, Wednesday and Friday to play competitive Golf.

The competition fee for each of our games varies between 200 and 250 Baht according to the day’s format. We run a two divisional stableford competition with 1st, 2nd and 3rd prizes in each division, nearest the pin on all par threes for both divisions and we also give prizes in the 2’s competition for both divisions.

All tee times are Monday and Wednesday 09:30am and Friday 09:15am unless specified on the schedule board. Fraser's will open at 7:00am on golf days and we normally leave between 7:45am and 8:15am according to which course we play.

Please sign up on the notice board in the golf section at Fraser's and tick the T box if you require transport; there will be a month’s booking sheets on the board.

Our presentations takes place at Fraser's normally around 6:30pm, when the prizes for the day are presented to the winners; however, if you cannot attend for any unforeseen circumstances your prize will be retained for you until your next visit.

Please ring GLYN on 0868375464 for any further information or cancellations. Glyn will always be in Fraser's bar the night before any game at around 5:00 pm to organize the next day’s team placing and transport plans. If you don’t know him just ask behind the bar.

We welcome all players, including ladies, who either have an IPGC or a current handicap certificate from their home country, or you will need to put three cards in for a current handicap.

As part of the service at Fraser's we offer golf club storage underneath our terrace area at no charge. We also offer a golfers breakfast for 120baht which includes coffee or tea.

 

 

This golf festival has been up and running for a few years and has been a great success. Courses get more business and it keeps their caddies earning too during what is known as the low season. Maybe with the TAT's input the same could happen in other regions too.