Thailand’s Kiradech Aphibarnrat hopes to break out from a lean spell on the PGA Tour at the Palmetto Championship at Congaree this week and replicate the comeback story scripted recently by LPGA star and close friend, Ariya Jutanugarn.

 

Ariya ended a three-year title drought by winning the Honda LPGA Thailand on home soil last month for her 11^th career victory which has since inspired Kiradech to try and do the same on the PGA TOUR after a difficult past two years dealing with injury, loss of form and the Covid-19 pandemic.

 

Kiradech Aphibarnrat

 

“We’re really close together, and we do talk a lot,” said the 31-year-old Kiradech on Wednesday.

 

“I always believe in her. Even the last two years when she doesn't have any wins and falling from world No. 1, we still believe in each other and I still believe she can win and it was nice to see her do it. I can come back good enough to win on this TOUR. I just need one good week, and she keeps saying every time I came out to play in golf events, like just believe in myself, play what you used to do and do what I used to do, and I'll be fine,” said the 31-year-old Kiradech.

 

Ariya, 25, and sister Moriya, who also plays on the LPGA, live close to Kiradech in Lake Nona, Florida and they often hang out for meals and practice together during their off days in the U.S., and also while at home in Bangkok during the off-season.

 

Tough Times over Past two Years

 

The past two years have been rough for Kiradech since tumbling to the ground while hitting a recovery shot during the 2019 Masters Tournament which led to a partially torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his right knee.

 

He then missed much of 2020 due to the pandemic and just when he thought a tied 11^th finish in Bermuda last November was the light at the end of the tunnel, Kiradech caught Covid-19 which sidelined him for several weeks.

In eight starts in 2021, he has made only one cut and currently ranks 192^nd on the FedExCup points list and in danger of losing his TOUR card.

 

“I've worked so hard – not in the last three weeks, the last whole year. I've been struggling kind of getting my "A" game. I've been trying to work really, really hard to get back on form. I have my coach Mike Walker with me this week and hope everything is going the right way,” said the former Asian No. 1.

 

A holder of four European Tour wins, Kiradech’s last triumph was over three years ago but he has been in the game long enough to know that all it takes is one good week to turn the corner.

 

“I keep missing cuts, not playing my best golf game. I turned pro in 2008 and last two years have been the most difficult two years. This is the first time I've been struggling, especially on the PGA TOUR and it’s the most difficult TOUR to get back in. I'm looking forward to the rest of the season, get back on my form, and even though I'm not in the top 125, I'm looking for a win. 

 

Needs to keep the coveted Tour Card

 

“I'm taking it week to week. I've still got some golf to play and winning a golf event is always the plan.  For me, I just need one good week to get my confidence back. I'm telling you I know how to win golf events,” said Kiradech.

 

Just a few years ago, Kiradech, the first Thai to earn a PGA TOUR card, regularly featured in the world’s top-50 but enters the week in 467^th position. He remains unperturbed and insists his best golf days are still ahead of him.

 

“I couldn't tell how far off I am, but I don't think I'm really far off.  All I need is just one good week, one good day to trust what I'm trying to achieve in the last whole year. If that one day pops up and I can realize what I'm doing is correct, I can just keep going. One thing that I know in myself is I know how to play this game. I just can't get the momentum, get the confidence back as it used to be. Just one good week, and I believe I can come back stronger.”

 

His mother has just flown over to the States this week, so perhaps her support on the course and some home cooking could be the answer.

 

This is the year of the comebacks with Lydia Ko, Alex Ceja, Phil Michilson We all wish him well.

 

Good to see three successful businesses coming together to ride the current storm, and to move forward positively by working together in the future. 

Many of you golfers have been commenting on a recent posting, stating that you can play a round of golf without having to book a caddie. Well Golf in Thailand can now hopefully put the record straight.

 

We have just spoken to Phoenix Gold Golf and Country Club in Pattaya, and their General Manager explained that this was just a one a one-off situation.

 

Phoenix Gold Caddies

 

On the day in question, all their staff were away from the course as everyone was having their first Sinovac vaccine. This included all their caddies, however they still allowed golfers to play on the course but were unable to include a caddie.

 

Second Jab Next Month

 

Phoenix Gold expect every member of staff to receive their second jab in June, but have not decided whether they will need to let golfers play again on that day without a caddie.

 

With growing concerns with rising cases especially in Bangkok, it is reassuring that staff at courses are being vaccinated on masse.

 

Let us know if you know of any other golf clubs that have vaccinated staff on masse? The more clubs that have the majority of staff vacinted has to be encouraging for the future of the international golf industry in Thailand.

 

The other good news is that the club’s current promotion of free carts every day is we understand to continue into June.

 

For more information go to https://www.phoenixgoldgolf.com

Golfasian, Asia’s largest inbound tour operator, is utilising strength in diversity to take Thailand’s golf industry to a higher level.

 

( left to right) Boyd Barker, Michael Moir, Mark Siegel and Chris Watson 

 

The Bangkok-based company has acquired FORE Management Group, a respected organiser of golf events in Thailand. Its formidable track record includes the Thailand Open (an Asian Tour event), the World Corporate Golf Challenge, and the Thailand instalment of the Faldo Series: the only global amateur series for juniors.

 

Golfasian has also forged a strategic partnership with FENIX XCell, one of the region’s most creative names in golf apparel.

 

“Together the companies will create the strongest brands in the Asia golf industry, particularly related to golf travel, golf events, and golf apparel,” commented Mark Siegel, the founder and chairman of Golfasian. 

 

 

Mark Siegel, Chairman of Golfasian......one of the few golfers to score a hole in one at Dalat Palace. 

 

“The new status will facilitate additional vertical integration and allow the companies to offer a broader range of products and services for golfers and international partners.”

 

Fore and Fenix will also gain from the international exposure at https://www.golfasian.com

 

Since its founding in 2016, FORE Management Group has established itself as the go-to firm in Thailand for professionally run, fun golf tournaments — organising over 70 events per year.

 

Its acquisition will allow Golfasian to utilise its logistic expertise at a packed roster of events including corporate days, charity tournaments, and open events for domestic and visiting golfers at some of Thailand's most premium clubs.

 

“FORE Management Group is delighted to become the event arm of Golfasian,” said Chris Watson, the co-founder of FORE Management Group who will now become Chief Commercial Officer at Golfasian.

 

"Golfasian already has an exemplary reputation worldwide thanks to its status as the region's biggest tour operator. The new arrangement strengthens its position domestically and provides numerous synergies. It's exciting."

 

Strength in Numbers

 

The pandemic has been devastating for the golf tourism industry in Thailand. But while most companies are in survival mode, Golfasian is utilizing strength in numbers to ensure that it emerges intact and enhanced from the global crisis.

 

"We believe that we are the strongest Thailand-originated brands in the industry," says Michael Moir, the founder of FENIX XCell. "These have been very uncertain times, but by joining together we can show potential partners that we offer foresight, vision, and stability."

 

Golfasian has helped cement Thailand’s reputation as a must-visit destination for golf since its establishment back in 1997.

 

 Utilizing expert knowledge of the game and the region itself, it prides itself on being the first choice for golfers embarking on a dream vacation to the Kingdom and other thrilling golf destinations in Southeast Asia.

 

With international travel severely restricted, clubs have been forced to rely on domestic clients since early 2020.

 

But with Thailand’s government proceeding with a mass vaccination program for its population, there is growing confidence that international visitors will be able to return to the Kingdom’s fairways sooner rather than later.

 

With that in mind, Golfasian believes that diversifying its services can help Thailand build momentum with a domestic audience and also swiftly regain its status as a bucket-list destination for golf travelers.

 

"Thailand's reputation as a golf destination was as bright as it has ever been before the pandemic," said Boyd Barker, Golfasian Chief Operating Officer. "We can't wait to showcase the country to visiting golfers again while growing the domestic golf market through compelling events."

 

The cost of playing golf in Vietnam varies, as during Covid there are many promotions on offer.

According to online rates, the average cost of golf in Vietnam ranges from $70 to $150 and depends on location and time of the week.

That said, Ba Na Hills website rate is quoted at US$135 for weekday and US$178 for weekends, and that includes green fee, caddie, and cart.

Ba Na Hills Danang

 

Greg Norman’s KN Golf Lings near Nha Trang is quoting US$60 for Weekdays and US$90 for weekends.

BRG Kings Island in the cooler North quotes US$80 and US$115, while Long Than Golf Club just north of HCMC quote US$60 and US$90.

Naturally, you will need to possibly add tax onto these prices, plus tips for caddies and local transport too.

As we live in these changing times it is worth checking with the golf course websites in advance to check that they are actually open for business, and maybe they have a summer promotion rate.

Sometimes tour operators can get an inclusive rate including ground transport, and preferential tee times as well.

 

Many golfers have already viewed our new forum SE Asia Golf Directory on thaivisa since it went live at the end of May and nearly 50,000 views have been made so far.

 

After the success of Thaivisa’s Golf in Thailand forum, thavisa.com announced it was launching a brand-new forum called Golf in SE Asia.

 

You can check it out at https://forum.thaivisa.com/forum/285-golf-in-southeast-asia

 

Golfers are encouraged to post their own comments or perhaps a short review with photos of any course that they may have recently visited. That way these directories can become a useful source of information for everyone.

 

Golf in Thailand, even during the pandemic, averaged over 108,000 views a month, making it the No.1 source for golfers checking out Thailand.

 

Thaivisa has now become the top website for general information on Thailand for foreigners with over 6 million views per month.

 

Golf is Big Business.

 

International Golf Vacations is a huge industry across South East of Asia, and many golfers like to book two or even three centre holidays.

 

Ba Na Hills Danang Vietnam 

 

Naturally it is difficult to book trips at the moment due to Covid 19  restrictions, however with certain borders due to re-open for tourists over the next few months, we wanted to have as much online information as possible.

 

Mike Bridge thaivisa’s Golf Editor said, “We have researched what we believe to be the most attractive courses to appeal to golf vacationers. These include clubs in Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, and Vietnam.

 

Ria Bintan's  Ocean Course Indonesia

 

Viewers will find a general overview of each country, a short description of each golf course plus contact and website details.

 

“I am sure viewers from around the globe will have their own comments or favorites to add, and we welcome reviews from individual golfers as well,” added Bridge.

 

The directories do not include prices, as these can change seasonally. However, golfers will be able to check out the latest rates, by just going to their preferred club’s website.

 

In addition to the new directories of over 150 courses, thaivisa will also post the latest SE Asia golf news to keep golfers up to date.

 

Philippines Boost

 

Seems the Philippines directory has seen a jump in views since Yuka Saso won the US Women’s Open, the first Filipino to win a major.

 

Anvaya Cove Philippines 

 

The new forum will enable local destinations, travel agents, tourist boards and individual courses to book upgraded packages packages, plus banners, advertorials and to post special offers and events throughout the year.

 

Print media globally is on the decline, therefore with thaivisa.com’s large audience, these forums are seen as a huge boost for the Asia golf industry.

 

Contact: [email protected]

 

what is the full name of this club?

Black Mountain Golf Club joined Asian Tour Destinations – the exclusive network of golf clubs with direct ties to the Asian Tour – in August last year and the Asian Tour felt it an opportune time to catch up with Harald Elisson, their General Manager, to find out how things are at Hua Hin’s preeminent golfing venue.

 

Q. Harald, it has been a difficult 2020 and 2021 for everyone in the golf industry. How have things been at Black Mountain Golf Club?

 

Yes, it has been a challenging time but we are weathering the storm well. I am delighted to say, as we speak, even though some things are closed during another period of restrictions, the golf course, driving range and restaurant are open – no alcohol sales allowed, of course.

 

Obviously, we are dependent on tourism, but international visitors are practically non-existent at-the-moment. Normally we would welcome visitors from Scandinavia, the UK, Germany and Switzerland but nobody wants to go through quarantine if they are on vacation.

 

November to March would normally be our busiest period, but the numbers were drastically down last year.

 

However, on a more positive note we have been very encouraged by the relatively high traffic of visitors from Bangkok at the weekends – domestic tourism during the pandemic has been surprisingly good.

 

And, despite everything, we have been able to sell real estate as people are still moving here.

 

 

Harald Elisson, General Manager, Black Mountain Golf Club

 

Q. Black Mountain is a wonderful golfing oasis. Can you run through everything you have on site and explain the concept behind the project.

 

Everything here is under the Black Mountain umbrella. It’s all one golf community and obviously the heart of the whole project is the golf course.

 

 

We have a wealth of real estate –with condominiums and houses – which continue to grow; we keep building more and selling more. As I said before, even now in the pandemic we keep getting new owners for houses and condos with people moving here, and we keep building new ones as well.

 

Most of the condos are now sold. We have 76 condos and about 100 houses (60 residential and 40 resort villas which operate as a hotel): the condos are two or three bedrooms, while the villas are two to four bedrooms, so there are quite big variety of sizes.

 

And, of course, we have so many facilities: the water park is probably the main one and there is also a sports area with tennis and volleyball courts. Guests staying on site have preferential treatment for all facilities.

 

Q. How does one become a member of the golf club?

 

A key part of the whole concept here is that golf membership comes with the real estate – all of which overlooks the golf course. The concept is that we only sell memberships to property owners; everyone who is a member lives on site. This has been the plan from the beginning, and it has been very successful. We wanted to create a special and unique atmosphere for the members.

 

 

Q. Where do your residents come from?

 

In the beginning, as this is a Swedish investment, it was very heavily influenced by Swedish buyers but over the years it has diversified.

 

It is now mostly Europeans, Americans and Australians and of course some from Asia. It is very much a mix, but I would say 40% are Scandinavians.

 

Early on most were buying as a second home but now people are living here on a more permanent basis. We have an international school on site – not owned by Black Mountain  but it is located here: so that is a big thing and means a lot of families have moved here. The school is from early years up to secondary.

 

Q. Last year you became part of the Asian Tour Destinations network. The Tour is excited to have you on board. What is Black Mountain hoping to achieve with this tie up?

 

Well, let me start by saying that we have been close to Asian Tour going back to when we started the project over a decade ago.

 

And, of course, we have hosted many Asian Tour events but by becoming part of Asian Tour Destinations we hope to further grow the relationship through brand association, cross marketing and more importantly furthering ties with the other golf clubs who are part of the network.

 

And we are already seeing some early benefits of this association – even though it has been difficult to move forward with many things because of the pandemic.

 

The practice facilities are very popular here, they are in very good shape all year round, so we have already seen some Asian Tour members here practicing and we look forward to welcoming more.

Their presence is great for our residents; it helps elevate the overall atmosphere on site, unlike few other golfing properties.

 

Q. On that note, you have a number of high-profile professionals associated with Black Mountain. Who are they and what is the relationship?

 

I am delighted to say that all the professionals are actually residents at Black Mountain.

Thongchai Jaidee and Jazz Janewattananond – both former Asian Tour number ones – and other Asian Tour winners Berry Henson and Simon Yates own property here, as do Johan Edfors and Rikard Karlberg – both winners on the European Tour.

 

As with the Asian Tour members practising here, having this calibre of professionals live and play in and around the community is a wonderful feature.

 

Q. As you mentioned earlier, your venue is synonymous with hosting world-class tournaments. What has been the objective behind this, and will we see more Asian Tour events there in the future, when conditions permit?

 

We knew in the beginning we wanted to stage Tour events, and that came to fruition very quickly when we hosted the Black Mountain Masters in 2009 and 2010, when Johan (Edfors) and Tetsuji (Hiratsuka) won respectively.

 

In addition to the Black Mountain Masters we also held the Thailand Classic, King’s Cup, and Royal Trophy here.

 

Essentially, hosting tournaments of this scale has been one of the main ways of marketing this whole project. The live television element is the perfect way to promote our property.

So, tournaments have really helped put us on the map and we have been really happy with the results. Certainly, we intend to host more in the future.

 

 

Johan Edfors of Sweden, defending champion, relaxes at his golf course villa after a practice round for the Black Mountain Masters (Photo by Paul Lakatos/Asian Tour/Asian Tour via Getty Images)

 

We still have 18 green fee vouchers valid for 2021 on Weekdays and Weekend at Rayong Green Valley.

If you would like to make us an offer, then we can mail you the lot. Highest bid by June 14th gets these vouchers!

PGA professional Harold Varner III admitted to Golf.com in a recent interview, that he has always had trouble focusing.

Harold Varner III

 

Most of the time on the golf course it never seemed to matter and growing up he was usually beating everyone anyway. However, things are now different on the PGA Tour, even saving one stroke a tournament is invaluable.

 

Therefore when Varner got the chance to ask Tiger Woods, a player with arguably the greatest mental game ever, how he focuses, Varner listened.

 

He recounted the story while appearing on this week’s GOLF Subpar Podcast with co-hosts Colt Knost and Drew Stoltz.

 

Knost asked Varner: “All the time you’ve spent around Tiger, is there one thing that sticks out, that you’ve taken away from him?”

 

“Yes, so I’ll never forget. I asked him, ‘Hey man, what do you do to focus?'” Varner said.

 

“My dad always talked to me about I need to focus. And [Tiger’s] like, ‘Actually, I hear everything.’ I was like, ‘What?’ And I am thinking, ‘Well, we only got like 20 more feet to walk before everyone is going to be around you.’ He goes, ‘Playing golf is like reading a book with the TV on.’ So, I go home, I get this book out, and I haven’t read a book in forever.”

 

Woods’ reasoning, according to Varner? If you are reading a book and the TV is on and the volume is up, and you can still read and comprehend everything in that book without being distracted, you are essentially drowning out the noise and teaching yourself to focus on one specific thing (the book) while blocking out others (the TV). You know the latter is there, but you are not letting it affect you. Just like focusing on your next golf shot among a frenzy of fans.

 

After trying it at home, Varner understood.

 

“I was like, I get it,” Varner said. “And it made me become more me. I can hear everything. Yeah it was nuts. … I know when it is time for me to do my job and do my thing. I can hear everything. I can relax. But I know what I am trying to achieve. I am not stressing more to try and focus. I hear everything. It is OK. Just go about your day.”

 

Varner has six top-25 finishes on the season, and his best start of the year was his T2 at the RBC Heritage on Hilton Head Island in April.

On 5/29/2021 at 2:01 PM, JAS21 said:

Yes Sir James is open… wife and I also stayed. There is quite a restriction to buggie going on the fairway. You do quite a lot of walking and the fairways are hard and they have let the grass grow to protect.

 

Mountain Creek is also open.
 

Now we are at Panorama and will stay a few days.  The greens are the best that we have found anywhere in Thailand… speed today 9.5. so it said and they were quick.

 

Cost to stay and play for both of us at weekend is 3950thb and during the week is 3250thb. Not quite Sure of the breakdown as the package is cheaper. Condo accommodation is on two levels so quite large and is ok.

 

Unfortunately the swimming pool is not open..

 

Panorama is a good single track country course...I remember rabbits everywhere. 

It was a busy weekend for several Thai golfers on tour.

 

On just his third outing this year due to Covid travel restrictions, Thongchai Jaidee from Thailand finished tied 11 on the PGA Champions Tour’s Principal Charity Classic in Iowa, earning him US$60,000 to move up the money list.

 

He is getting close to the top 72 to make it to the tours end of season playoffs and to retain his card.

 

US Women’s Open Results

 

Ariya Jutanugarn

 

Over in San Francisco, Yuka Saso from the Philippines won the trophy however, Ariya Jutanugarn also a former US Open winner in 2018 finished a creditable T7 at the 2021 US Women’s Open earning herself over US147,265 which will move her up the rankings.

 

Fellow Thais Patty Tavatanakit T26 wonUS$45,819, Winchanee Meechai T30 won US$36,988, Jasmine Suannapura T35 won US$29,074 and Pajaree Annarukarn T62 earnt US$11,545.

 

Many will remain in the area for this week’s LPGA Mediheal Championship at Daly City, and will be joined by several other Thais including Pornanong Phatlum, who missed the cut at the Open.

 

PATTY TAVANAKIT AND ATTYAYA TITIKUL

 

Ladies European Tour

 

Thai teenage super star Atthiya Thitikul who almost beat Ariya at the Honda LPGA Thailand last month has just finished T6 at the Jabra Ladies Open in France earning Euro 5,100.

 

She is now able to play on the LET tour with Covid bubble restrictions for all players and will tee up this weekend at the Scandinavian Mixed Hosted by Henrik and Anika in Gothenburg.

 

Also, Kiradech Aphibarnrat will be in the field at the PGA Tour’s Palmetto Championship this weekend at Congaree in South Carolina.

19-year-old Yuka Saso won U.S. Women's Open in a playoff against Japan’s Nasa Hataoka at The Olympic Club in San Francisco on Sunday.

 

Yuka Saso winner at 19 years old

 

The two-time Japan LPGA winner also accepted full LPGA membership after the round, which now comes with a five-year exemption for winning a major.  Her winnings and points are official starting with today’s victory.

 

She also pocketed a handy US$1Million and gained 650 valuable Race to the CME Globe points. 

She now becomes the first player from the Philippines – male or female – to win a major. Amazing to think that only three years ago Saso waited in line for Thompson’s autograph at the ANA Inspiration.

 

“My dream was to be World No. 1 and win a U.S. Women’s Open,” said Saso. “But I wasn’t thinking that I would really hold this trophy this week.”

 

Even Rory is Supporting Yuka.

 

Saso knows the name Rory McIlroy. The powerful teen obsessed over McIlory’s swing growing up (and even now) and was pumped to see her hero send out an encouraging note on Instagram before her round.

 

“Rory mentioned me on Instagram, and saying, ‘get that trophy’ and I did,’” she said, “so thank you Rory.” McIlroy later Tweeted that “everyone’s going to be watching Yuka Saso swing videos on YouTube now.”

 

Remarkably, Saso ties Inbee Park as the youngest to win the U.S. Women’s Open at 19 years, 11 months, and 7 days.

 

Nasa Hataoka stormed into the playoff after making birdies on three of the last six holes to shoot 68. Saso birdied the back-to-back par 5s, Nos. 16 and 17, to finished knotted with the Japanese star at 4-under 280.

 

American Jessica Thompson, hot favorite to win the event crashed to a round of 75, which included bogeys on the last two holes, and left her one back.

 

Saso credited her caddie, Lionel Matichuk, for helping to keep her in it mentally after a rough start, saying “there’s many more holes to go.” Then there was the banana she ate after the two-hole playoff that helped settle her stomach before sudden death.

 

Saso has Put the Philippines on the Radar

 

“I don’t know what’s happening in the Philippines right now,” she said, “but I’m just thankful that there’s so many people in the Philippines cheering for me. I do not know how to thank them. They gave me so much energy. I want to say thank you to everyone.”

 

Saso turned professional in 2019 after earning her JLPGA card and started working out of Masashi “Jumbo” Ozaki’s practice facility. She came into this week No. 40 in the Rolex Rankings.

Bianca Pagdanganan, a Philippine rookie on the LPGA and longtime friend of Saso’s, did not qualify for the Women’s Open but came out to watch on Sunday. She was updating friends back home with Instagram videos as her hands shook.

 

Pagdanganan said Saso, who has a Filipina mother and a Japanese father, looks very serious on the course but that she is known for known for her humor – “a lot of dad jokes.”

 

Yoka Saso with her Fans

 

Nearby Daly City has the highest concentration of Filipinos in the United States, and Saso could feel their support as she strode into history. Basketball is the most popular sport back home in the Philippines, Pagdanganan said, and golf remains too expensive for many to pick up.

Even so, she sees Saso’s comeback victory as a great source of inspiration for many young girls.

“She just put the Philippines on the radar,” said Pagdanganan. “It just takes one person.”

2 hours ago, dabhand said:

Rather a condescending write-up of Thongchai's golf record.

 

He competed for many years on the European Tour, winning 8 times, with total prize money of over Euros 13m. So, the potential winners share at $277,500 is hardly 'a big step up' for him.

point taken but he did play for a longtime on the Asian Tour for fairly small purses. 

 

On just his third outing this year due to Covid travel restrictions, Thongchai Jaidee from Thailand leads by one shot going into the second round of the PGA Champions Tour’s Principal Charity Classic.

 

Thongchai Jaidee closed with a birdie on the par-3 ninth for a 7-under 65 and a one-stroke lead Friday’s first round.

 

 

Thongchai, the 51-year-old from Thailand making his fifth senior start, and just third start in 2021, eagled the par-5 15th and had seven birdies and two bogeys at Wakonda Club in Des Moines Iowa.

 

“This golf course very tricky, you have to have a good tee shot and have a good iron and putting very well,” Thongchai said. “I love the golf course. It is very challenging. Everything the condition is perfect. ... this was my first time on golf course this week. Its good thing for me, a golf course you have to think, " said Thongchai after his round.

 

Thongchai had a very late start on Friday and on Saturday will tee off at 11.10pm Thai time along with Americans Dicky Pride and Doug Barron both who are one shot behind and tied T2.

 

The 2021 Principal Charity Classic purse is set for $1.85 million, with the winner's share coming in at $277,500, a big step up from his days on the Asian Tour.

 

In the tours Charles Schwab Cup Money list, Thongchai is currently placed 88 with US$61,865, so a good finish this week could propel him into the lucrative playoffs at the end of the season.

 

 

Bunker Boys Golf Report for week commencing Monday May 31st

 

Monday, May 31st

 

Greenwood A & B

 

1st Geoff Parker (20) 40 points

2nd Tony Robbins (21) 37 points

3rd Paul Smith (2) 36 points

 

Near pins Geoff Parker, Paul Smith, & Michael Brett.

 

The last game of May was played at Greenwood on the A & B nines in bright sunshine. A few clouds rolled overhead during the day but it never looked like rain.

 

The course was in nice condition, fairways were recently mown and the bunkers were just about the best of any course we played recently. The greens however were in need of mowing and much too slow for most people's liking.

 

The recent trend of good scores continued again today with Geoff Parker back to his best taking first place with a well compiled forty points, surely now he will get a touch to his handicap which is well above where it ought to be for a player of his ability. In a rich vein of form recently Tony Robbins took second place with thirty-seven points, one ahead of Paul Smith on thirty-six, it's very hard to get above thirty-six off a handicap of two particularly as Paul had an uncharacteristically bad day with the putter. Three near pins went to Geoff Parker, Paul Smith, and Michael Brett, all in the same group, the only one to miss out was Jimmy Carr.

 

As always on the last game of the month, it was time to find the golfer of the month. In the first week, Jimmy Carr posted a forty-pointer and looked like he might go on with it, alas that was his best score. Throughout the month Michael Brett played steady if unspectacular golf to go into the last week with a reasonable lead. Some very good scores from Kob Glover, Geoff Parker, and the fast charging Tony Robbin meant that everything tightened up going into the last day. As it turned out Michael had a Barry Crocker, not helped by a cut in his handicap on the last day and didn't add to his score while Tony looked to have it all wrapped up only to falter on the closing holes scoring only one point on the last two holes to gift it to Michael by the narrowest of margins making it the first back to back of the year.

 

Wednesday, June 2nd

 

Pattaya Country Club

 

1st Geoff Atwell (21) 42 points

2nd Tony Robbins (21) 39 points

3rd Dave Ashman (26) 38 points

 

Near pins Paul Smith, Bob Paine, & Michael Brett.

 

The first game of a new month was at Pattaya Country Club on an extremely hot humid day. The skies were bright and clear at the start of play with little prospect of rain, however by the closing holes thunder and lightning were in the air and the rain not far away. Luckily it stayed away long enough for us to complete the round.

 

A field of twelve enjoyed the course which was in superb condition, no complaints about greens or bunkers today, even the caddies were generally top quality. The fees are however edging up to the high side with an all-in fee of thirteen hundred and eighty baht, more than any other course on our roster during this COVID period.

 

More of the same as the high scoring of recent weeks continued again today, in the last six games there was only one winning score under forty points and that was a thirty-nine, good scoring indeed. Today Geoff Atwell blew everybody away with a magnificent forty-two points despite wiping one hole, very solid golf, it seemed like he couldn't miss a put from any distance. Once again Tony Robbins was in the frame with a solid thirty-nine points in second place, his last three scores were thirty-seven, thirty-nine, and forty points so his handicap should soon be far more realistic. Dave Ashman rounding out the winner's list with thirty-eight points. It should be noted that all three in the winner's circle had a handicap above twenty, food for thought as recently the winner's circle has been dominated by the high handicap golfers. Three near pins were taken going to Bob Paine, Paul Smith, and Michael Brett.

 

Friday, June 4th

 

Pattana A & B ( Yellow Tees)

 

1st Geoff Cox (18) 42 points

2nd Paul Smith (2) 41 points

3rd Tony Robbins (20) 38 points

 

Near pins Steve Durey, Geoff Cox, & Les Cobban X 2.

 

A field of thirteen for the last game of the week at Pattana where we were allocated the A & B nines. The course was in fine condition but yet again the greens were a major disappointment, very slow and bumpy and in need of mowing. On several greens, there were small tufts of grass that stood up above the rest of the green making any ball that struck them deviate offline, a simple remedy would simply be to mow the greens properly. An all-in fee of eleven hundred baht meant that we have two games on this month's roster at Pattana, hopefully, the greens will be in better condition for our last game of the month as Pattana is a favorite course of many of the group.

 

Thunder and lightning were never far away and looked like they might interfere with the game, luckily both and rain stayed away and we completed the round dry.

 

The remarkable run of high scores continued again today.  Paul Smith shot three under the card which was only good enough to take second place. In one of his rare appearances, Geoff Cox excelled with forty-two points to take first place. Tony Robbins was in the mix again for the third time this week with thirty-eight points to take third place, that was consecutive rounds of thirty-seven, thirty-eight, and thirty-nine points and forty points, very consistent indeed. Les Cobban looked like he was going to take all the near pins today, but managed to hang on to two with the others going to Steve Durey and Geoff Cox.

 

Michael Brett, May golfer of the month.

 

Geoff Atwell, forty-two points at Pattaya Country Club.

 

Geoff Cox, forty-two points at Pattaya.

 

 

IMG managed Garden City Golf Club, is once again nominated for Cambodia's best golf course by the World Golf Awards.

 

Winner of the award in 2018 and 2019, Garden City is widely recognized as the premium golf experience in Cambodia, and provides a challenging and enjoyable test of golf on its parkland style layout.
 
With strategically placed bunkers, water hazards and large undulating greens the golf course is always in superb condition. The resort features an excellent hotel located adjacent to the golf course, making it the perfect stay and play venue.

 

You can vote here: https://worldgolfawards.com/award/cambodia-best-golf-course/2021
 

As I am a regular patient at two Pattaya hospitals, and am over 70 years old with one kidney, I should be on the vulerable list.

However although my DR at one hosptial assusered me that all their patients would be treated asasp, two days ago they had not even started a list!!!!

 

AirAsia Group CEO Tony Fernandes has reaffirmed confidence in a strong comeback for AirAsia and regional airlines this year, driven by vaccine rollout and robust pent up travel demand.

His confidence is encouraging news for the Asian golf industry, that relies on airlines like Air Asia to fly golf vacationers throughout the year.

Fernandes, who received his first vaccination Tuesday in Malaysia, commented: “Vaccines are working, and you only need to look to countries with significant progress in Covid-19 vaccination, such as the US, the UK and Israel, where there is a clear correlation between significantly less daily cases and vaccination programmes being rolled out as fast as possible.”

CEO Tony Fernandes

 

“Vaccines being rolled out and strong demand will fuel a V-shaped recovery in coming months. According to IATA, there will be a rapid recovery in domestic air travel set to be above 2019 by 2022 with the Asia Pacific leading the way.”

This view is shared in a recent report by Rothschild and Co, which concludes that travel sentiment is improving on vaccine efforts and, combined with pent up demand, will fuel a strong rebound in key domestic markets in Asia-Pacific by the second half of 2021. It highlights that web traffic for major airlines and broader travel websites indicate a surge in

 

“I received my vaccine today (Tuesday), and my Allstars in all of our key markets are either already vaccinated or are registering to get theirs as soon as possible. Importantly, in all of the major markets, we operate in, vaccination rollouts are on track to have the majority of the population vaccinated towards the end of the year, which is a great sign of things to come for the AirAsia Group.”

“In Malaysia, although we see a new wave, we see this as short term pain for long term gain. Things will get better, and this is already proven in countries where vaccination progress is highest.”

Although ASEAN countries are already in the early stages of vaccination, many country authorities are committed to meeting their targets of inoculating the majority of their citizens by the end of the year.

“Travel bubbles will also support a fast rebound in the travel industry as countries deliver high vaccination rates and gain control of the virus. Global infectious disease experts are even predicting coronavirus may be treated as a simple cold in the future.”

He concluded: “I’m confident AirAsia will recover faster than many of our competitors, as more than 50% of our business is domestic leisure, which is going to pick up before regional or business travel. Low-cost domestic short-haul will likely rebound by the third quarter of 2021, and international could reach pre-Covid-19 levels by the end of 2022. With the increased introduction and adoption of a digital travel passport and vaccine passport, travel will also be made easier and safer amid the current situation.”

 

FLC Samson Golf Links is a spectacular tribute to the extraordinary links golf courses that you might find dotted along the coastlines of the British Isles.

 

Located along a beautiful 2.4km stretch of beach in Thanh Hoa province, the 18-hole course was designed and built by two world-class companies Nicklaus Design, one of the world’s leading and most respected golf course design companies, and global-leader in golf course construction management, Flagstick Golf Course Construction Management Company.

 

Playing to a total of 7,200 yards, FLC Samson Golf Links provides 18 superb holes, the unique layout of the holes, different kinds of the greens, stunning undulating fairways. The course will test the abilities of golfers of all skill levels from many positions on the links course. The Golf Course is currently the longest coastline golf course in Vietnam.

 

 

Seven Thais are in the field at The Olympic Club in San Francisco which will host the world’s best female golfers as they compete at this week’s U.S. Women’s Open.

 

The field of 156 players will battle for a $5.5 million purse, the largest purse in women’s golf history, and one player will earn the coveted title of U.S. Women’s Open champion.

 

Pornanong Phatlum, who earned her place in a qualifier event last month, will be the first player in the field to tee off at 21.00hrs Thai time.

 

Ariya Juntanuagarn who is coming back in form will tee off 21.55hrs, but the most popular grouping will be Patty Tavatanakit, Lexi Thompson and Brooke Henderson who tee off 04.13hrs.

 

Other Thais in the field this week are Jasmine Suwannapura, Moriya Jutanugarn, Pajaree Ananarukam and Wichanee Meechai.

 

At the 2020 U.S. Women’s Open, A Lim Kim won her first major championship, becoming the seventh player since 2005 to earn her first LPGA Tour victory in the U.S. Women’s Open.

 

Kim, who earned LPGA Tour Membership thanks to her victory, is in San Francisco to defend her title, along with 12 other past U.S. Women’s Open champions – Na Yeon Choi (2012), In Gee Chun (2015), Paula Creamer (2010), Eun Hee Ji (2009), Ariya Jutanugarn (2018), Cristie Kerr (2007), Brittany Lang (2016), Jeongeun Lee6 (2019), Inbee Park (2008, 2013), Sung Hyun Park (2017), So Yeon Ryu (2011) and Michelle Wie West (2014). The field also includes all 11 LPGA Tour winners in 2021, including last week’s champion Ally Ewing. 

 

Apparently according to Jessica Korda, “There's no first cut out here. The rough is high. Greens are really small. So, yeah, it is going to be a difficult test,”

 

Coverage is due from Thursday 3rd to Sunday 6th June 2021.

 

CHAMPIONSHIP FORMAT

156 players; 72 holes, stroke play, cut to top 60 and ties after 36 holes.

 

 

Phang-Nga, Thailand, 1 June 2021: Aquella Golf & Country Club, a luxurious golf course overlooking the Andaman coastline, that will deliver impeccable conditioning and service to members and guests is set to welcome its first guests. Aquella is being developed on 1,075-rai within the Thai Muang district, Phang-Nga province. Featuring lavish pool villas, an 18-hole championship golf course and clubhouse boasting first class integrated leisure facilities. Future development phases will see a 5star resort hotel and condominiums, along with other integrated residential leisure facilities that will make Aquella the place to live and leisure in the region, all affording incredible vistas of the pristine Thai Muang beachfront and turquoise Andaman Sea that stretches 2.5km along the property.

 

Aquella Golf & Country Club is par-72, 7,000+ yard course, that will showcase championship standard conditioning year-round. Without doubt, heaven-on-earth for golfers wishing to experience the best, unique challenges await our members, residents and guests, including charming bunker edges decorated with antique railway sleepers, mesmerising bamboo tunnels and the stunning shoreline of the Andaman Sea as you play along signature hole, Par 3 hole 11. The course was designed by renowned architects Pacific Coast Design, famed for some of the finest layouts in Australia and Asia. Aquella is also graced by an outstandingly elegant clubhouse that allows you to sit back and relax in sumptuous comfort.

 

 

The innovative inspiration of world-leading architects, Paradise Designs, the clubhouse is a blend of authentic wood and modern styling, finished to the highest of standards thus ensuring all are captivated by the warmth of the Aquella welcome and offerings. Adorned by a rich variety of blooms and plants, the landscape offers the pleasant and cozy atmosphere of a luxurious country club for golfers and guests to relax and rejuvenate during and after a round or a meal in the restaurant.

 

Furthermore, Aquella boasts a fully equipped driving range with 20 undercover bays and grass tee, a fun and challenging mini golf course, again crafted by Pacific Coast Design. Within the clubhouse you will have the opportunity to work on your fitness in the state-of-the-art Gymnasium, pamper yourself in the luxurious Spa, enjoy casual and fine dining at the Approach restaurant, all of which overlook the golf course. Aquella also caters for banquets on a purpose-built function lawn and VIP meetings within high-tech conference facilities.

 

 

The Aquella development is a collaboration between two leading Hong Kong development companies – Pacific Century Premium Developments (PCPD) and the Lan Kwai Fong Group (LKF). Aquella Golf & Country Club is managed and operated by Absolute Golf Services (AGS), a leading golf course management and consultancy company in Asia. Every round of golf at Aquella will offer guests a unique experience on and off the course, whilst listening to the soothing sound of waves and enjoying the cooling Andaman Sea breezes. The course will open for preview play in July 2021.

 

***************************

 

Aquella Golf and Country Club

157/12 Moo 9, Limdul Road, Thai Muang (644.61 km) Amphoe Thai Muang, Phang Nga, Thailand 82120

Website: www.aquella.com

 

Shanshan Feng watches a tee shot at Shadow Creek on Saturday. Credits: GETTY IMAGES

 

LPGA pro Shanshan Feng conceded her consolation match in the inaugural Bank of Hope LPGA Match Play on Sunday at Shadow Creek in Las Vegas, citing a need to rest for an upcoming major and giving up more than $23,000 in the process.

 

Feng was one of four who made it to Sunday’s final day, but when she lost her morning semifinals match to Sophia Papov (1 up) she elected not to stick around for her consolation match against Ariya Jutanugarn.

 

Feng said she had played 41 holes in one day and she was exhausted.

 

“Next week is the U.S. Women’s Open,” Feng said, according to tweet from the LPGA’s media account. “I just want to be well-rested and protect myself.”

 

With Feng conceding the match, Jutanugarn pocketed $102,942.38 for third place, and Feng took $79,633.97 for fourth. It is a difference of $23,308.41.

 

The first playing of the Bank of Hope LPGA Match Play has followed the same format the PGA Tour uses for the World Golf Championships Match Play. A field of 64 plays one match each on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. The top 16 advance to the weekend where, for those who keep winning, a player would have two matches per day.

 

 

Feng played bonus golf on Saturday, too. Her Round of 16 match went 22 holes, and her quarterfinals match that afternoon went 19 holes.

 

The desert climate has not helped players. Las Vegas temps have peaked in the mid to high 90s all week.

 

Ally Ewing, who would go on to beat Papov 2 and 1 in the finals to win, talked about mental fatigue and called her energy level “pretty low” as she spoke to the media after her semifinals match on Sunday.

 

“Yeah, let’s just say it’s really hot,” she said. “I’m going through my shoes because I’m sweating, and I’ve never had my feet this taped up just from all the elevation, side-hill walks, uphill walks, hot temperatures, 36-hole days. That is not something we do very often on the LPGA. It is just a little bit different of a grind this week. But certainly, when you signed up for the week you said, Hey, if I can play all those holes then it’s going to be well worth it.”

 

The LPGA heads from Las Vegas to San Francisco, as the U.S. Women’s Open, the second major of the year, begins on Thursday at The Olympic Club.

 

Here the players will not have to put up with such high temperatures as the average expected next Thursday in San Francisco is 17 c.

 

Feng, 31, has won 10 times in her LPGA career, including one major, the Women’s PGA Championship in 2012.