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T
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Contents Club
June 2011 CLUB COMPETITIONS
20 26 30
Rama VII Trophy Thais Edge Out Americans in a Cliffhanger Contest!
32
Phya Srivikorn Cup Vevika Waves Victory Flag in the Contest of Flags
RSGC vs. RBSC Interport Match RBSC Golfers Make Malaysia Trip Memorable by Winning Erawan Cup RSC vs. RBSC Interport Match RSC Golfers Tame RBSC Team on the Challenging Templer Park Golf Course
20
ELITE PROFILE
38
Dr. Tonphong Kaewkongka Khun Jittakarn Chandraviroj TARGET GOLF
42
TARGET GOLF MY WAY Khun Thavorn’s Way of Overcoming Challenges ‘n’ Hazards at RBSC Course GOLF TIPS
26 CLUB NEWS
30
45 46
32
RBSC Team Wins Queen Sirikit Breast Cancer Centre Benefit Tournament 2011 The Right Way to Practice on Grass IN THE NEWS
48 50
3rd Queen’s Cup to Tee Off at Samui on 16 June Pro Nueng vows to ‘take the cup home’ once more
54
The Transition Move It is difficult but not impossible
Bangkok Welcomes Asia’s First Dean & DeLuca Wine Café GOLF TIPS
GOLF QUIZ
42
54
78
Win Albatross, Eagle and Birdie Prizes
Contents Lifestyle
June 2011 TRAVEL
57 58 62 63 64
The Is‘land’ of White Sandy Beaches..... Gentle Ocean Breezes and Much More! Go Flolida Golfing Spectacular Golf in the Sunshine State Investments for the Skin Golfer’s Treats Accessories for the avid Golfer SPA
66
A Temple of Relaxation and Rejuvenation LUXSA Spa @ Hansar Bangkok Hotel WHEELS
69
Volkswagen Passat CC elegant, spacious and stylish
PUBLISHER/CEO P.M. Kalai kalai@elitegolfmagazine.com Mobile: +668-1823-4883 MANAGING EDITOR Simon Nathan simon@elitegolfmagazine.com Mobile: +668-9896-2900 ASSISTANT TO EDITOR Sarinya Perumal EDITORIAL STAFF Sunanta Boonpok editorial_desk@elitegolfmagazine.com SPECIAL CORRESPONDENTS Deborah Myskow (Los Angeles) Nat Yogachandra (New York) ART DIRECTOR Sahawach Kularbthip sahawach@elitegolfmagazine.com PHOTOGRAPHY EDITOR Amorn Amponpitayanant PRODUCTION MANAGER Suwicha Sriratham MARKETING MANAGER Nawinta Tangnimitsakul COMMUNICATIONS CONSULTANT Saknarong Jitpornsup saknarong@elitegolfmagazine.com Mobile: +668-9922-5265 GENERAL MANAGER Maliny Khor maliny@elitegolfmagazine.com Mobile: +668-6371-7782
GADGET OF THE MONTH
72
Watch + 100s of Satellite TV Channels LIVE In Your Car! DINING
74 77 80 82
A Memorable Culinary Journey Spiced with Tangy Mexican ‘Cousin’ of Fiery Thai ‘Som Tum’! HEALTH Enjoy motherhood, beat the baby blues MONEY MATTERS Creating Investment Opportunities with “Ayudhya Fund Management” Don’t Put All Eggs in One Basket
ADVISOR J.R. Jackson jackson@elitegolfmagazine.com Elite is the official monthly golf magazine of the Royal Bangkok Sports Club published on behalf of the Sports Club by: KI PERUMAL CORPORATION CO., LTD. 731 PM Tower 21st Floor Asoke-Dindaeng Road Dindaeng, Bangkok 10400 Tel: +662-642-9918 | Fax: +662-642-9917 E-mail: info@elitegolfmagazine.com COLOUR SEPARATION AND PRINTING Thaiunion Graphic Co., Ltd.
Dr. Rattachat Mongkolnavin (Vice Captain)
Khun Surin Banyatpiyaphod (Vice Captain)
Khun Chawalit Chanarat (Captain)
Khun Poomhatai Svetasobhana
Khun Anut Chatikavanij
Mr. Garrick Law
Khun Lerdpol Bhakdibhumi
Khun Palit Mahadumrongkul
Khun Sudhisak Bamrungtrakun
Khun Vichai Srisakulyanon
Mrs. Fuyumi Watanabe (Vice Captain)
Khun Niraporn Wongsommat
Khun Narumol Mulligan (Captain)
Khun Sasitorn Chokwatana
Khun Supitr Jivamongkol (Vice Captain)
Khun Boonsiri Foorungsriroj
Khun Sunun Mahasandana
Captain’s Address
DearMembers, First of all I would like to congratulate the Thai team for winning the Rama VII Trophy. I would like to report that our trip to Kuala Lumpur was very enjoyable. The courses were beautiful and in perfect condition. The weather was not hot and there was only one brief shower that did not disrupt the game. Most of all, our hosts were extremely hospitable and everyone looks forward to visiting them again next year. You can read about the details of the Interport matches in this issue of Elite. In July, we will be travelling to Singapore and Johor Bahru to play the Interport matches with Singapore Island Country Club (SICC) and the Johor Golf and Country Club ( JGCC). The poster has been posted on the notice board and I would urge those who are interested to sign up early as Singapore is one of our most popular destinations. Moreover, letting the organiser have your names early may possibly get you a cheaper fare by taking the advantage of discounts and promotions. By the time you read this, the coring works on the greens will have been completed. Your patience is rewarded with RBSC’s having some of the best greens around the country, with the balls landing softly and the green surface running truly fast. The preparation has been timed perfectly for our Hongladarom Match-play Competition. For the next several weekends, participants will have the opportunity to test their skills and endurance. The success will depend on their good team effort and comradeship. The rainy season is now upon us. Please be sensible when playing golf during the rain and be cautious when walking on the slippery grass and smooth surfaces. Our course is quite safe with the lightning rods around the course but nothing is foolproof and members are advised to seek a safe shelter as soon as the silence warning is sounded. Please be aware that lightning usually appears before the rain. If you wait until it rains, you could be too late.
Yours sincerely, Chawalit Chanarat RBSC Golf Captain
Golf Committee 2010-2011
VICE CAPTAINS Dr. Rattachat Mongkolnavin Khun Surin Banyatpiyaphod CONVENORS
CAPTAIN Khun Chawalit Chanarat
HANDICAPS & RULES Dr. Rattachat Mongkolnavin
14
GREENS & FAIRWAYS Khun Surin Banyatpiyaphod
INTERPORT/ INTRAPORT MATCHES Khun Palit Mahadumrongkul
FINANCE, GOLF DRIVING RANGE & PRO SHOP CADDIES Khun Anut Chatikavanij Khun Poomhatai Svetasobhana PUBLICITY Mr. Garrick Law
ENTERTAINMENT Khun Sudhisak Bamrungtrakun
COMPETITIONS Khun Lerdpol Bhakdibhumi
JUNIOR PROGRAMME Khun Vichai Srisakulyanon
June 2011
Captain’s Corner
Dear Lady Golfers Wednesday 25th May was scheduled for Phya Srivikorn Cup. We received sad news a few days before that Khun Chalermphan Srivikorn passed away…. The Ladies Golf Section would like to extend our condolences to the Srivikorn family. He will be missed by all of those who were lucky enough to have met him. Khun Chalermphan’s son, Khun Chaiyut, graciously came to our party after the tournament to present trophies to Winner Khun Vevika Chotiros and Runner up Khun Rujirapron Lamsam. The next tournament is the Chairman’s Cup, which is set on Friday 17th June. It will be a stroke play competition. Each lady will be playing ¾ of their handicap with a maximum handicap of 20. Hope you have signed up to compete as everyone always has a chance to win! Also these Hole-in-One prizes are still intact: La Sourire ostrich leather handbag for Hole #1, Nokia mobile phone for # 4, Callaway golf shoes for #8, Beauty Gems diamond ring for Hole #11 and Callaway driver for #13. On tournament days, I usually get a question or two about handicap. So I’d like to take this opportunity to clarify it. A player’s handicap is intended to show a player’s potential, not her average score, as is the common belief. Statistically, 30% of the time, a golfer will shoot level to or lower than her handicap and will play over her handicap the rest of the time. In the system we’re in, each person’s 10 best scores from the past 12 months will be used to calculate their handicap. So it is important to turn in your score from each round to get a true reflection of your potential. Be proud of yourself when you can lower your handicap. What’s the point of playing a sport if you don’t challenge yourself?
Narumol Mulligan Ladies’ Golf Captain
Ladies’Golf
SUB-COMMITTEE 2010-2011 CAPTAIN Khun Narumol Mulligan
VICE CAPTAIN Mrs. Fuyumi Watanabe (Handicapper & Competitions)
HON. SECRETARY Khun Niraporn Wongsommat
VICE CAPTAIN Khun Supitr Jivamongkol (Honorary Treasurer)
COMPETITIONS & ACTIVITIES Khun Sasitorn Chokwatana
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June 2011
PUBLICITY Khun Boonsiri Foorungsriroj
ACTIVITIES Khun Sunun Mahasandana
RBSC Elite Golf
Golf Fixtures in 2011 JANUARY Sat Sat Wed Sat Sat
8 16 19-21 22 29-30
: : : : :
FEBRUARY Sat Thu Sat Sun
5, 12, 13, 19 : 10, 15, 17, 22, 24 : 26 : 27 :
MARCH Sat Fri Sat Sun
12-13 18 26 27
: : : :
APRIL Fri
22
: : : :
JUNE
Sat 4, 5, 11, 18, 19 Fri 17
JULY
: : : :
Asavapati Trophy HM The Queen’s Birthday Cup (Ladies Golf) Pibulsonggram Cup Home Intraport Match - RBSC vs RTAF (at RBSC) (afternoon)
: : : :
RBSC vs RTN (at RBSC) (morning) Pol Gen Chamras Cup (Ladies Golf) H.E. Nakasone Trophy (Stableford) Captain’s Prize
: : : :
Mixed Team Competition Sweet Sixty Tournament Captain’s Prizes (Ladies Golf) Away Interport Match - RBSC vs HKGC (at HKGC) (afternoon)
: : : :
Ladies’ Foursome &AGM (Ladies Golf) Annual Golf Round-up Annual General Meeting & Annual Golf Night Home Interport Match - RBSC vs JGCC (at RBSC) (afternoon)
: H.M. The King’s Birthday Cup & RBSC Cup : Home Interport Match - RBSC vs RSC (at RBSC) (afternoon)
7, 13, 14 9-10 20 27
SEPTEMBER Sat 10 Fri 16 Sat 17 Sat 24-25
OCTOBER
Fri 11 Sat 12-13 Fri 18 Sat 26
DECEMBER
Sat Sat
3-4 17
: Hongladarom Cup : Chairman’s Cup (Ladies Golf) St. Amory Cup Away Intraport Match - RBSC vs EGAT (at EGAT) (morning) Gerson Cup (Ladies Golf) Away Interport Match - RBSC vs JGCC (at JGCC) (morning) Away Interport Match - RBSC vs SICC (at SICC) (afternoon) Away Interport Match - RBSC vs SICC (at SICC) (morning) Asavapati Trophy (Qualifying Round-Stroke Play)
NOVEMBER
Navy Invitational Golf Cup (at Plutaluang Golf Course) Away Interport Match - RBSC vs RSC (at RSC) Rama VII Trophy Phya Srivikorn Cup (Ladies Golf)
: : : : : : :
AUGUST
Sat 8-9 Sat 15 Fri 21 Sat 29
Team Championship Prince Chula Chakrabongse Cup (Ladies Golf) Home Interport Match - RBSC vs RSGC (at RBSC) (afternoon) Home Interport Match - RBSC vs RSGC (at RBSC) (morning)
: Mom Kobkaew Cup (Ladies Golf)
Sat 7-8 Fri 13-15 Sat 21 Wed 25
Sun Tue Sat Sat
Club Championship/Senior Club Championship & RBSC Chairman’s Cup HM Queen Rambhai Barni Cup (Ladies Golf) Home Interport Match - RBSC vs SICC (at RBSC) (afternoon) Home Interport Match - RBSC vs SICC (at RBSC) (morning)
MAY
Sat 2-3 Sat 9 Wed 13 Fri 22 Sat 23 Sun 24 Sat 30-31
Home Interport Match - RBSC vs HKGC (at RBSC) (afternoon) FAMILY DAY (Course closed afternoon) Club Champion and RBSC Cup(Ladies Golf) H.E. Pote Sarasin Trophy/Super & Great Senior Club Championship/Senior Club Champion ship & RBSC Chairman’s Cup
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June 2011
Club Competitions
Rama VII Trophy
Thais Edge Out Americans in a Cliffhanger Contest!
T
he Thai Team edged out their nearest rivals Team USA by just 2 points and lifted the prestigious Rama VII Trophy in a cliffhanger contest played at the Royal Bangkok Sports Club on 21 May. The coveted trophy was instituted in 1926 under the patronage of King Rama VII to foster friendly relationship between Thai and expatriate golfing members of the sports club. The friendly yet intensive competition is played every year by four teams – Thai Team, UK Team, USA Team and International Team (rest of the world). This year’s quadrangular contest was played in Stableford format as usual with full handicap (max. 18). Each team was represented by eight players chosen for their affability,
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June 2011
charisma and etiquette rather than their golfing skills. The teams were led by their captains Khun Surin Banyatpiyaphod (Thai), Mr. Eric Hudson (UK), Mr. Michael Allan (USA) and Mr. Suvir Sachdev (International). The Thai Team included Dr. Somphob Intaraprasong, Khun Vichai Srisakulyanon, Khun Sudhisak Bamrungtrakun, Dr. Suriya Chakkaphak, Dr. Chokchai Kasemphaibulsuk, Khun Saeng Meenijacin and Khun Vudhi Lenbury, while Mr. Keith Brooks, Mr. John Davidson, Mr. Ian Stewart, Mr. Brian Brook, Mr. John Lenaghan, Mr. Dale Lawrence and Mr. Ian McLean represented the UK Team.
Thai Team Captain Khun Surin Banyatpiyaphod, UK Team Captain The USA Team was made up of Mr. Robert Mr. Eric Hudson, International Team Captain Mr. Suvir Sachdev Fitts, Mr. Barry Shea, Mr. Jonathan Sill, and USA Team Captain Mr. Michael Allan Mr.Thomas Hilboldt, Mr. Travis White, Mr. Robert Kay and Khun Somboon Mahaphon. The International Team comprised Khun Pracha Sivasiamphai, Mr. Akshay Gandhi, Mr. Michael Baxter, Khun Philippe Suthimai, Khun Shivek Sivasiamphai, Mr. Nilkesh Choksi and Mr. Haiko Emanuel. It was a close contest between the Thais and their American counterparts. Eventually Thais emerged as the winners with 247 points, followed by the USA Team (245 points). Last year’s champions – the International Team – trailed 5 points behind the winners, while the UK Team settled for 233 points. Taking part in the presentation ceremony and luncheon organised in honour of the tournament players, RBSC Golf Captain Chawalit Chanarat said Rama VII Trophy was an extraordinary trophy that assumed prominence in view of its history and is as important as H.M. the King’s Cup. He congratulated Khun Surin, Mr. Eric, Mr. Michael and Mr. Suvir for staging a valiant fight and making it a very close contest.
Khun Vichai Srisakulyanon (Thai), Mr. John Davidson (UK), Mr. Akshay Gandhi (Int’l) and Mr. Barry Shea (USA)
Later, the golf captain presented the Rama VII Trophy to the Thai Team. Special prizes such as Nearest to the Pin and Longest Drive were also given away.
Mr. Dale Lawrence (UK), Mr. Nilkesh Choksi (Int’l), Khun Saeng Meenijacin (Thai) and Mr. Robert Kay (USA)
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June 2011
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Khun Somboon Mahaphon (USA), Mr. Haiko Emanuel (Int’l), Mr. Ian McLean and Khun Vudhi Lenbury (Thai)
Mr. Jonathan Sill (USA), Mr. Ian Stewart (UK), Khun Sudhisak Bamrungtrakun (Thai) and Mr. Michael Baxter (Int’l)
Mr. Travis White (USA), Khun Shivek Sivasiamphai (Int’l), Dr. Chokchai Kasemphaibulsuk (Thai) and Mr. John Lenaghan (UK)
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June 2011
Mr. Keith Brooks (UK), Dr. Somphob Intaraprasong (Thai), Mr. Robert Fitts (USA) and Khun Pracha Sivasiamphai (Int’l)
Mr. Brian Brook (UK), Dr. Suriya Chakkaphak (Thai), Khun Philippe Suthimai (Int’l) and Mr. Thomas Hilboldt (USA)
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June 2011
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RESULT Thai Team (Winners) USA Team International Team UK Team
: : : :
247 245 242 233
points points points points
Nearest to the Pin: Hole # 8
: Mr. Ian Stewart (UK Team)
Hole # 13 : Mr. Shivek Sivasiamphai (International Team) Longest Drive: Hole # 5
: Mr. Eric Hudson (UK Team)
Hole # 9 : Mr. Akshay Gandhi (International Team)
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24
June 2011
Club Competitions
RSGC vs. RBSC Interport Match
RBSC Golfers Make Malaysia Trip Memorable by Winning Erawan Cup
G
olfers of the Royal Bangkok Sports Club (RBSC) have made their trip to Malaysia memorable by winning the Erawan Cup and drawing for the Selandang Cup at an interport match with their long-time friends of the Royal Selangor Golf Club (RSGC) during 14-15 May. The interport match is played every year between the two clubs for the Erawan Cup and the Selandang Cup. In line with the tradition, RSGC Team first visits Bangkok to play the match with RBSC during March. Later, it is RBSC’s turn to play the returning match in Malaysia.
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26
June 2011
Unlike last year, RBSC team clinched the Erawan Cup with a formidable score of 19 points to 5, while drawing with the RSGC golfers for the Selandang Cup with 31 points. For the Erawan Cup, the RBSC team recorded an early 5-3 lead at the end of the first day. They continued their upper hand against the hosts and finished with 19 points against 5. Khun Poomhatai Svetasobhana, Khun Tanut Sirikietsoong, Khun Anut Chatikavanij, Khun Soratat Rojanasoonthon and Khun Sathirut Tandanand contributed 2 points each, while RBSC Golf Vice Captain Dr. Rattachat Mongkolnavin and Khun Thapakorn Sowanna secured a point each. It was a tough match between the two clubs for the Selandang Cup as the hosts secured 17-15 on the first day. However, the RBSC team fought back and gained a 2-point lead on the second day to square the match 31-31. A delicious luncheon was hosted by the RSGC members Sunday afternoon in honour of their counterparts from RBSC. The luncheon was followed by the prize distribution ceremony where special prizes such as Nearest to the Pin and Nearest to the Line were given away.
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June 2011
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28
June 2011
RESULTS ERAWAN CUP Saturday, 14 May : Sunday, 15 May : Total
RBSC Team 05 Pts 14 Pts 19 Pts
RSGC Team 03 Pts 02 Pts 05 Pts
Erawan Cup won by RBSC with 19 Points SELANDANG CUP Saturday, 14 May : Sunday, 15 May : Total
RBSC Team 15 Pts 16 Pts 31 Pts
RSGC Team 17 Pts 14 Pts 31 Pts
Selandang Cup ended in a draw with RBSC and RSC each securing 31 Points
Nearest to the Pin:
SATURDAY, 14 MAY
Hole # 4 : Khun Poomhatai Svetasobhana (RBSC) 08 Ft. 06” Mr. Vincent Teh (RSGC) 13 Ft. 02” Hole # 12 : Khun Veerawatt Subcharoen (RBSC) Mr. S.P. Leong (RSGC)
07 Ft. 07” 14 Ft. 10”
Nearest to the Line: Hole # 6 : Dr. Somphob Intaraprasong (RBSC) Mr. Tariq Kamil (RSGC)
03 Ft. 03” 00 Ft. 08”
Hole # 18 : Khun Somsak Thavikulwat (RBSC) Mr. S.L. Goh (RSGC)
05 Ft. 09” 00 Ft. 10”
Nearest to the Pin:
SUNDAY, 15 MAY
Hole # 4 : Mr. Suvir Sachdev (RBSC) Mr. S.L. Goh (RSGC)
05 Ft. 04” 06 Ft. 02”
Hole # 12 : Khun Piyatat Chudhabuddhi (RBSC) Mr. Tariq Kamil (RSGC)
09 Ft. 04” 10 Ft. 00”
Nearest to the Line: Hole # 6 : Dr. Somphob Intaraprasong (RBSC) Mr. Faidz Raziff (RSGC)
06 Ft. 08” 01 Ft. 00”
Hole # 18 : Khun Pracha Sivasiamphai (RBSC) Mr. Mohd. Anwar Mohd. Nor (RSGC)
02 Ft. 01” 00 Ft. 06”
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June 2011
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Club Competitions
RSC vs. RBSC Interport Match
RSC Golfers Tame RBSC Team on the Challenging Templer Park Golf Course
G
olfers of the Royal Selangor Club (RSC) tamed the visiting members of the Royal Bangkok Sports Club (RBSC) 20-12 points in an interport match at the challenging Templer Park Golf Course in Selangor (Malaysia) on 13 May. Designed by Japan’s renowned golf professional Masashi Jumbo Ozaki, Templer Park Country Club is set in the midst of a natural sanctuary and surrounded by virgin forests with the famous rock climbing site in Selangor, Bukit Takun, rising majestically to the left and breathtaking views of the many lakes.
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June 2011
Clad in white (RBSC) and light green (RSC) polo shirts, the golfers from the two clubs teed off from the designated holes on Friday afternoon. The RBSC team was led by Captain Khun Chawalit Chanarat and Vice Captain Dr. Rattachat Mongkolnavin, while Tunku Tan Sri Imran, Dato’ Harsharan Pal Singh and Dato’ Dr. Mano Sittampalam were among those who represented the RSC contingent. Spread over 1,915 acres of swamp land, Templer Park is regarded as one of the most scenic and challenging courses in Malaysia. With ever-changing scenery from flat terrains to forests, deep valleys to mountains and lakes, the course features a lot of water hazards, craters and bunkers, making play very challenging. Not all visiting golfers can find it easy to conquer the course. As expected, the RBSC golfers managed to secure 12 points, while the more experienced RSC golfers scored 20 points recording an impressive win. Later, a delicious dinner was hosted in honour of the visitors at the clubhouse. Dato’ Harisharan Pal Singh of RSC and RBSC Captain Khun Chawalit Chanarat presented novelty prizes Nearest to the Pin on Holes #8 and #16 as well as the Longest Drive on Holes #5 and #14.
RESULT RSC Team RBSC Team
: 20 Points : 12 Points
Nearest to the Pin: Hole # 8
: Khun Poomhatai Svetasobhana (RBSC) Mr. Sukhdev (RSC)
Hole # 16 : Khun Tanut Sirikietsoong (RBSC) Mr. Hj. Mohd. Yusoff (RSC) Longest Drive: Hole # 5
: Khun Veerawatt Subcharoen (RBSC) Dato’ Harisharan Pal Singh (RSC)
Hole # 14 : Khun Anut Chatikavanij (RBSC) Mr. Simon Chong (RSC)
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June 2011
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Club Competitions
Phya Srivikorn Cup
Vevika Waves Victory Flag in the Contest of Flags
Phya Srivikorn Cup 2011 winner Khun Vevika Chotiros receiving the prize from Khun Chaiyut Srivikorn
O
ne of the seasoned lady golfers of the Royal Bangkok Sports Club (RBSC) Khun Vevika Chotiros waved the victory flag in one-of-a-kind contest of flags played at the Sports Club for the coveted Phya Srivikorn Cup on 25 May. The competition is also known among the RBSC ladies as the Flag Competition where each player is allotted an assigned number of strokes which she will continue to play until the last stroke. Each of the players is given a flag which she will use to mark the spot where her ball finally rests after her final stroke is played.
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June 2011
The lady golfers are allowed to play this flag contest with ž of their handicap, subject to a maximum of 20. Strokes are assigned to each player based on the course par of 66 plus her handicap. The golfer who plays the maximum number of holes within the assigned strokes will be the winner. In case of more than one player finishing at the same number of holes, they will play the next hole and the one whose ball is nearest to the pin wins. Scheduled in the middle of the monsoon season, the threat of cancellation due to downpour always looms large over this unique and most popular competition. It may be recalled that the fun-filled event was cancelled in 2009 as rain played spoilsport.
Ladies’ Golf Captain Khun Narumol Mulligan, Khun Mayuree Phornprapha and Khun Yuvarin Bongsadadt
Fortunately, this year all went well on the competition day. Although it rained intermittently the night before, showers did not continue through to the next morning. As the sun came out shining on Wednesday, several enthusiastic ladies descended on the club house to take part in the flag contest. RBSC lady golfer Khun Vevika Chotiros (8) finished on Hole #19, 3 yards to the Pin and was eventually declared the winner. Khun Rujiraporn Lamsam (15), who pitched her flag 25 yards to the Pin on the same hole (Hole No. 19), managed to clinch the runner-up.
Khun Trisdee Pongtanya, Khun Sumana Na Ranong, Mrs. Fuyumi Watanabe and Khun Netrnapis Tangtrongvattana
Khun Chaiyut Srivikorn presenting the Phya Srivikorn Cup 2011 runner-up prize to Khun Rujiraporn Lamsam Khun Montira Wongtrakun, Khun Rujiraporn Lamsam, Khun Rommanee Wacharasindhu and Khun Vevika Chotiros
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June 2011
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Khun Sudachan Euarchukiatti, Dr. Nadaprapai Sucharitkul, Khun Nualchan Pew-On and Khun Boonsiri Foorungsriroj
Khun Sasitorn Chokwatana, Khun Phornphan Padmasankha, Khun Jetsuda Sitachitt and Khun Porn-Apha Taworntawat
Khun Somsri Lawatanatrakul, Mrs. Margaret Phinsa Sattasiri, Khun Wantanee Osatananda and Khun Chariya Apikul
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June 2011
Khun Tarntip Hatayodom, Khun Sariya Chanpen, Khun Ausanee Sosothikul and Khun Angsumal Jothikasthira
RESULT Winner
: Khun Vevika Chotiros (08) Hole # 19, 03 yards to Pin
Runner-up : Khun Rujiraporn Lamsam (15) Hole # 19, 25 yards to Pin
Khun Busara Tanphiphat, Khun Supitr Jivamongkol (sitting), Khun Nitayada Purananda and Khun Nathinee Paurohitya (standing)
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June 2011
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June 2011
Profile
DR. TONPHONG Kaewkongka (HCP 5)
Who inspired you to take up golf? My dad, Pol. Col. Buncha Kaewkongka, was a keen golfer and two younger brothers to a driving range when I was 11 year-old. himself to fully support me to play the game. It was a very special life. He himself was also a single handicap golfer. What did you learn from playing golf? I learned that one can always strive for perfection. prove no matter how good you are. This also Do you have any memorable moAs a junior golfer, I was once repreto compete at Asia Junior golf course, Taiwan. whom I competed in Asian
he took me and my He had dedicated moment and time in my
There is always a room to imapplies to real life and work. ments in your golfing life? senting Thai National Junior Team pacific golf tournament at Tumsui I led the first round. The people with had become professional golfers Tour and LPGA Tour.
Have you got a hole-in-one? Twice. The first one came at Royal Thai Army old course at No.6, par 3 – 214 yards with no.3 wood and the second one at Royal Bangkok Sport Club Hole number 10 par 3 190 Yards. Have you played a round of golf with any PGA pros? Not the PGA pros but I had many good experiences with LPGA Tour pros when I was part of the Honda LPGA event organised in Thailand. Who is your favorite professional golfer? Please explain why do you like him/her? Rory McIlroy, because he is very talented player at his age and his style is very aggressive, which is interesting to watch. If you get a chance, which pro golfer you would like to play with? Dustin Johnson, because he can drive and hit the ball a long way and I would like to experience that first hand. It is interesting to look at his technique that how one can generate a clubhead speed of more than 130 mph. Have you played golf abroad? Australia, England and Taiwan. I found courses in England to be the most interesting. Which golf course in the world you like the most and why? St. Andrews Old Course because it is the home of golf and many historical events had taken place there. What activities are you interested in other than golf? I enjoy spending time with my family and my first baby boy. I like hanging out with my friends occasionally. I also like to go to the Gym for working out if I have time. Which brands of golf clubs and golf ball do you use? Driver: Titleist 910 D3 9.5 Degree with Project X 6.0 Graphite Shaft (driver), Titleist 906F 15 Degree with Adilla NV Shaft S flex (wood), Titleist 909H 21 degree with Diamana 75 Shaft S flex (hybrid), Titleist 710 Combo form PW to 4 Iron (irons) Titleist Scotty Cameron, Newport 2 35� (putter) and Titleist Pro V1x (ball)
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June 2011
Profile
JITTAKARN
Chandraviroj (HCP 6.8) Who inspired you to take up golf? My Mom and Dad (Khun Kosul Lamsam and Khun Yutti Lamsam) What did you learn from playing golf? Golf is a game of honesty, both to yourself and to your opponent. If you want to get to know someone’s true character, take him/her out for a round of golf and you’ll see what kind of a person he/she really is. Golf teaches you honesty, integrity, patience, etc. Do you have any memorable moments in your golfing life? Getting a hole-in-one..... Finally!!! Have you got a hole-in-one? Once Have you played a round of golf with any PGA pros? The closest I get to play was with Thongchai Jaidee in one of the Pro-Am in Malaysia. Who is your favorite professional golfer? Please explain why do you like him/her? Not anyone in particular. I like Phil Mickleson for his incredible chipping shots and Fred Couples and Ernie Else for their easy swings. If you get a chance, which pro golfer you would like to play with? Fred Couples Have you played golf abroad? Yes. I have played in Perth, Bintan, Hawaii, Indonesia, etc. Which golf course in the world you like the most and why? Nothing in particular. I feel it is not just the golf course that should be considered. To me it’s more like the companion you get to play with. If you enjoy your comrades then you’ll find any course to be beautiful and fun to play. What activities are you interested in other than golf? Photography In your capacity as the President of Thailand Ladies Golf Association, what activities you have planned to steer Thailand Ladies Golf ahead in the year? Our main objective at the moment is to concentrate on developing new breed of young golfers. We have recently hired Pro Virada to lead the developing programmes for the national girls who will be representing Thailand in the 34th Queen Sirikit Cup to be held in Singapore in March 2012. The training programme will consist of practice, fitness, psychology, rules, etiquette and team work. How bright is the future of ladies’ golf in Thailand? Can Thailand produce more professional lady golfers to take part in regional competitions and win laurels for the Kingdom? Yes, but it depends on the proper training, coaching and good support both from the government sectors and private sectors. As you know, golf is an expensive game and requires a lot of time and money for training. The problem is we do not get enough funds from the government to fully support the amateurs. So that means they lack the opportunity to experience the international level of competition. As for private sectors, you cannot advertise your product through the amateurs so they just lack the interest in supporting. If you do not support them at their amateur status, how do you expect them to be at the top of world class? Not everyone will make it there but we need to give them the opportunity. Which brands of golf clubs and golf balls do you use? Superman (Driver), TaylorMade R9 (Irons), TaylorMade Rossa (putter) and Callaway, Titleist and TaylorMade (ball).
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June 2011
Wellness
H elping You Live Healthier,
An acclaimed specialist in anti-aging, Dr. Tanupol compares the human body to an automobile. “Just as your car needs regular maintenance, your body too requires regular healthcare. If you don’t send your car to the garage for regular overhaul, don’t change the engine oil or rotate tyres periodically, it will breakdown. Same is the case with your body. Like you send your car for servicing, say, every 5,000 km, you need someone to look into your body system as a whole and analyse what you have more than you need, what you lack and what supplements you need to fill the deficiency,” he added.
Happier and Longer!
The Bangkok Royal Life Anti-Aging Center provides six programmes that can help persons achieve longevity by restoring youthfulness, maintaining good health, preventing chronic illness and designing a better lifestyle. The six programmes are:
Bangkok Royal Life Anti-Aging Center Director Dr. Tanupol Virunhagarun
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any of us are aware of the importance of a healthy lifestyle, but not all of us are doing the right things to stay healthy and live longer.
There are those who regard their local pharmacists as their personal physicians. Always ready to offer their ‘free’ advice, they recommend pricey drugs imported from USA, Germany, etc. or suggest their cheap equivalents that have been made locally. There’s no guarantee that a drug bought over the counter will work, except in the case of common ailments, since it’s given based on the symptoms. People who are ignorant of this rely on their ‘home pharmacists’ and waste their valuable time hoping for the illness to subside. But if the situation becomes worse, only then they will rush to the doctor!
Effective treatment requires an understanding of the underlying cause of illness. And of course only a qualified doctor can diagnose the possible causes of a disease and suggest proper treatment. In this regard, it is worthwhile knowing about the Bangkok Royal Life Anti-Aging Center, Bangkok Hospital’s newest facility set up in April 2011 to provide quality preventive and regenerative care for health-conscious people. A decade ago, anti-aging medicine was labeled by some as science fiction. Ten years later, many of the insights of anti-aging pioneers and researchers have become facts. Today, scientists know much more about the deterioration and vulnerability to disease that typifies the aging process. Many of these discoveries can be attributed to the advent of anti-aging medicine, heralding in a new era of innovative healthcare.
• • • • • •
Each patient at the Bangkok Royal Life Anti-Aging Center has a personal physician who is also his/her advisor. Your doctor will create a tailor-made health programme for you aimed at illness prevention and rejuvenation. The physician will analyse biochemical balance in your blood stream and investigate every cell system before identifying your problems and planning your personal rejuvenation programme. “We address every concern of our patients, even in the most private areas of sexual heath, beauty and body weight. Our physicians can help improve your stamina so you can put more into sports activities. Our advanced lab technologies tap into hormones, DNA and RNA and we undertake various genetic tests so as to prevent chronic diseases,” Dr. Tanupol said. At the Bangkok Royal Life Anti-Aging Center, treatment starts from within. Once your body is well balanced and nourished, your skin will become more radiant and supple. Your appearance will improve. You will glow from within. Thus the center helps people extend their lifespan and live gracefully on their own. Life is short enough already, and as far as we know for certain, we only have one life to live. So listen to your body.....prevent disease and live healthier, happier and longer!
According to the Bangkok Royal Life Anti-Aging Center Director Dr. Tanupol Virunhagarun, anti-aging has now become a well-recognised part of medical science concerned with preventing damaged systems and rejuvenating the entire body so as to achieve total wellness and longevity. “Nowadays you don’t want to wait until you become sick. You’d like to see your doctor well in advance to improve the quality of your lifestyle and body functioning so that you can slow down the aging process.” he explained.
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Preventive and Rejuvenation Program Hormones and Sexual Health Anti-aging Sports Medicine Aesthetics and Beauty Vitamins and Micronutrients Weight Loss and Bariatric Medicine
To book an anti-aging program or for more information about the Bangkok Royal Life AntiAging Center, please call Bangkok Hospital’s Call Center at 1719.
June 2011
Target Golf
TARGET G LF MY WAY
Khun Thavorn’s Way of Overcoming Challenges ‘n’ Hazards at RBSC Course Thavorn Arthachinta (nickname ‘Noi’) is a familiar figure among the golfing members of the Royal Bangkok Sports Club. In his 57 years of golfing in USA and Thailand, he has drilled as many as 6 holes-in-one, three of which he achieved at RBSC. Khun Noi studied and practiced as an engineer for 15 years in the US and returned to Bangkok in 1967 to subsequently establish an engineering consultancy firm. Through his company, he rendered professional services for several World Bank financed government projects until retirement. He was the first Thai to be granted two Professional Engineer (P.E.) licences by Arizona State Board of Technical Registration in Civil Engineering (1965) and Structural Engineering (1967). Khun Noi has been playing golf regularly ever since he joined the Sports Club in 1976. A regular patron of the Air Bar during the Club Nights on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, Khun Noi is fondly called by his friends as a golfer who loves to ‘swing’, ‘sing’, and ‘Singh’ (‘Singha’ beer)! By virtue of his engineering background and a determination to overcome the course obstacles, Khun Noi has developed an approach to identify and set up predetermined targets on each fairway of the golf course, a technique he calls ‘target golf’.
I
This article is part of a series being featured by RBSC ELITE under the column Target Golf My Way written by Khun Thavorn. Each article of the series covers three holes of the RBSC course and describes his own ideas on ‘target golf’ – the way he would plan and play each hole using different combination of clubs to best avoid all hazards! Most importantly, to avoid hitting stray golf balls that harm and cause injuries to fellow golfers playing on adjacent fairways!! n the last issue, I took you through the first three holes. Now with the knowledge of the equipment and the course that I play so often, let’s continue the journey.....
HOLE 4
HOLE NO. 4 (202 yds, par 3): As you leave green No.3 approaching the tee box, please be aware of the danger around you. The path of the balls being hit from 18th tee box do travel in front of men’s and pass through ladies’ tee box. So watch for golfers teeing off on 18th and don’t wander into the ball path. Local rules allow them to hit first. Guarding this green are high bunkers with a small opening to run the ball through. Ask yourself first how straight you are to challenge this long, difficult hole that can easily give you a double bogy if you go for the green. The distance marker says 210 yds but here you have to carry the ball in the air 205 yds to the green and stop. No room to run the ball. Wrap around sand trap is behind the green if you go over. Coming back is difficult to stop, the ball rolls off the green or in another trap. If I am 3up with my playing partner at this point, I would go for the green to try to increase my lead for if I lose the hole, I am back to 2 up which is ok. But if we are even, I will play safe, short of the green and hope for a par. Just a small suggestion: As I walk off the 4th green, I peek at a pin position on the nearby 16th green and remember it because I am coming back later during back nine to play the 16th.
REGULAR LADIES
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June 2011
PAR 3 202 YARDS PAR 3 158 YARDS
HOLE NO. 5 (520 yds, par 5): This par 5 is wide open from the tee box. Hazards to look for are a klong on the right and a large pond on the left. Both have taken in so many balls from so many golfers. So be aware of that. No problem using the driver here, it’s a par 5, but if you are not straight, there goes another ball in the water. The fairway slopes both left and right to allow rain water to drain toward the pond and the klong. Your golf ball kicks also in the same direction when it hits the area nearby and rushes into the water.
About 200 yards from the tee box as you walk towards the green, there is a bridge on the right crossing the klong. This is my marker. I pace many times to know that from here to reach the bunker is 210 yds and to clear the bunker is 240 yds .So I pace from here to my first shot. If my ball is near enough I will shoot over the bunker, and be between 140 to100 yds to the green. If not, I will place my ball before the bunker and be about 170 yds from the green. My other markers are sprinkler heads lined along the klong which are 30 paces apart. The one near the sand bunker is 160, the one after is 130 yds and so on. I use this to calculate distance for my third shot. This is my game plan to reach the green. The green slopes first from left to center, then further up, from right to left. Also from the front, you have to putt uphill all the way. This is a fair par 5 to me but watch out for that fairway bunker. Small safety tip: when you reach that fairway bunker, be careful and look to the right, golfers are hitting the ball from the 9th. They may hook the ball toward you !
So we all first hit with a driver. Normally you should not have any problem in placing the ball on the fairway. The wind is always behind you except the winter wind coming from the north that may cause the ball to fade a little. The next shot (2nd shot) is something you have to ‘plan’. Let me tell you why. The fairway bunker guards half of the fairway leaving about 40 yards width to the edge of the klong along the right side. This bunker is perfectly placed at a position where a high percentage of 2nd golf shot goes into.
HOLE 5
REGULAR LADIES
PAR 5 520 YARDS PAR 5 447 YARDS
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June 2011
HOLE NO. 6 (309 yds, par 4): It is good to know that the distance from the edge of the klong to the front part of the green is roughly 100 yards. Wherever the tee off marker is placed, subtract 100 yards from the total yardage and be sure not to hit your ball into the klong. Don’t use your driver. Once your ball is on the fairway, you don’t have to walk back to get measurement from the klong because from the first coconut tree on your left or from the drainage receptacle head in the sunken area by the right edge of the fairway, it is 140 yards to the front lower green. Add 20 more yds if the pin is on upper level.
Remember, there are water hazards up front and bunkers on both sides and behind the green. If you are less than 140 yards to the green, your 7 iron or less can put you on the green. Use the club that you are accurate and comfortable with because the green is long and narrow, with sand traps on both sides. If you are in the sand, aim to the wide part of the narrow green to give room for the ball to stop. Be sure to add 20 more yards if the pin is on the upper level. Don’t shoot over the green. Safety Tip: Be alert when you are on this fairway. There are golf balls coming from both directions, left and right. Best is to cover yourself with a large umbrella!
You may be curious like me to know if we can place the 1st shot on the race track and leave about 75 yds to the green. Well, I did try that a few times. I found out that to hit over the klong with a stronger club, there‘s not enough room on the hard track for the ball to stop. So the ball went over one klong, then into the next one, water.
HOLE 6
REGULAR LADIES
PAR 4 309 YARDS PAR 4 286 YARDS
(See next issue for Holes # 7-9)
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June 2011
Club News
RBSC Team Wins Queen Sirikit Breast Cancer Centre Benefit Tournament 2011
Khun Poomhatai receiving the Royal Challenge Trophy from H.M. the Queen
A
The Queen Sirikit Breast Cancer Centre Benefit Tournament 2011 Winners Khun Tanut Sirikietsoong, Khun Poomhatai Svetasobhana, Khun Veerawatt Subcharoen and Khun Soratat Rojanasoonthon of Royal Bangkok Sports Club
four-member team of ace golfers from the Royal Bangkok Sports Club have won the prestigious Queen Sirikit Breast Cancer Centre Benefit Tournament 2011 organised recently at the Thai Country Club. technology to fight breast cancer. The system can detect breast cancer at a very early stage besides monitoring the progress of the treatment.
The RBSC golfers, who included Golf Committee Convener Khun Poomhatai Svetasobhana, Khun Veerawatt Subcharoen, Khun Soratat Rojanasoonthon and Khun Tanut Sirikietsoong, registered the victory with a net score of 276. The runners-up was Veha team with a net score of 290.
In all, 29 teams consisting of four players each participated in the charity tournament organised in stroke play format. The handicap was decided using the System 36. The net scores of all four players in a team were counted and the winners were adjudged as the team with the combined lowest net score.
In a press release issued on 30 May, Queen Sirikit Breast Cancer Centre Benefit Tournament 2011 (QSBCCBT 2011) Organising Committee Member Khun Wannaporn Viravan said the charity event was organised to raise funds to support the Queen Sirikit Breast Cancer Centre. Proceeds raised from the tournament, including cash of 1,927,000 baht and other forms of contribution valued at 300,000 baht, were presented to the Queen Sirikit Centre for Breast Cancer (QSCBC), King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Thai Red Cross Society to purchase and install Asia’s first dedicated Breast MRI System and the most advanced
Her Majesty the Queen graciously donated the Royal Challenge Trophy. The name of the winning team will be engraved on the trophy that will be kept at Thai Country Club during 2011–2013. All members of the winning team received the replicas which were sponsored by the Thai Country Club, Khun Wannaporn added.
Members of the QSBCCBT 2011 Organising Committee Khun Krisnan Viravan, Khun Sudjit Divari, Khun Suchada Paleewong, Thai Country Club General Manager Mr. T.W. Hughes (standing), Khun Kanchana Charnmanoon, Khun Sribhumi Sukhanetr and Khun Wannaporn Viravan (sitting)
The victorious RBSC team with the Queen Sirikit Breast Cancer Centre Founder and Director Dr. Kris Chatamra (3rd from right) and QSBCCBT 2011 Organising Committee Chairman Khun Sribhumi Sukhanetr
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June 2011
Club News
The Right Way to Practice on Grass Many of us like to practice on the grass range, but as we have very limited space, and a lot of diligent members, we must work together to make the best of it. As you know we have split the grass part of the range into three strips which we rotate, opening one strip while the other two strips recover. The members have cooperated very well and the committee thanks them all. In a further step to optimising the use of the grass part of the range, I have asked Pro Bill to show us how to get the most out of the range while leaving as little impact as possible. Please try this out. You will be amazed the difference it makes to the amount of grass used up. This way you will use about 1/5th of the grass compared to randomly placing balls !
Anut Chatikavanij Convenor – Driving Range RBSC Golf Committee
Try This...It’s Easy and Effective! 1
This is the first shot of my practice. The tee is for marking the spot
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3
See where the divot is relative to the tee? A shot takes about 5 inches of grass
You want to place the next ball just behind the divot like this
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June 2011
4
5
You can see that the second shot only tore out about an inch of grass!
Please don’t put the ball on the front end of the divot…
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7
…as you will end up taking another 5 inches of grass
And don’t just place the ball randomly
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When you have run out of room, you can start a new line like this
Keep working your way back in a straight line
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if you use this method, this is what it looks like after hitting 40 balls…
which looks a lot better than just randomly placing the balls!
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June 2011
In The News
3 rd Queen’s Cup to Tee Off at Samui on 16 June
C
Pro Nueng vows to ‘take the cup home’ once more
ome June…Koh Samui thrusts into limelight once again as if all flights are flying to Samui and all roads on the island are leading to Santiburi Samui Country Club. The reason: the most coveted and prestigious Queen’s Cup Bangkok Airways-SAT Samui Golf Tournament.
and Asia, aims to boost Thailand tourism while promoting Koh Samui as a premier destination in the region for golf and leisure. Addressing mediapersons at Santiburi Samui Country Club on 1 June, Bangkok Airways President Capt. Puttipong PrasarttongOsoth said: “We are extremely delighted to organise this exciting tournament for the third consecutive year in honour of our beloved Queen Sirikit. We have always strived to take Thai golf to international level. The tournament is expected to draw several golf fans to Samui stimulating the island’s tourism sector.
Bangkok Airways, the principal organiser of the Asian Tour event, has announced the third edition of the tourney titled Queen’s Cup Bangkok Airways-SAT Samui Golf Tournament 2011 scheduled to take place at the challenging Santiburi Samui Country Club, Koh Samui (Surat Thani province) from 16 to 19 June.
Bangkok Airways Corporate Communications Vice President and the Tournament Committee Chairperson M.L. Nandhika Varavarn observed that the previous year’s event was well received and was followed immensely from golf lovers around the region. The tournament paved the way for Samui to secure a prominent position in the regional tourism map. “The tournament’s Pro-Am will be held on 15 June to give an exclusive chance to local ama-
The USD 300,000 (approximately 10 million Baht) tournament is organised by Bangkok Airways in collaboration with the Sports Authority of Thailand, Thailand PGA and Asian Tour every year in honour of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit. The Pro-Am Tournament of the Queen’s Cup will be held on 15 June. The event, which attracts a huge number of golf enthusiasts from all over Thailand
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June 2011
Queen’s Cup 2009 Winner Chinnarat Phadungsil (file photo)
Queen’s Cup 2010 Winner Tetsuji Hiratsuka (file photo)
teur golfers to compete with Asia’s top pros. The last two rounds of the tournament will be telecast live on True Sport 4 and rerun on ESPN. Along with the prize money, the winner of the tournament will also receive air tickets worth 100,000 baht sponsored by Bangkok Airways,” she added.
The Queen’s Cup is sponsored by Bangkok Airways, Sports Authority of Thailand, Santiburi Samui Country Club and co-sponsored by Bangkok Hospital Group, Airbus, BCLN, PTT, Samui Property Fund, Bangkok Bank, Thailand PGA, Bangkok Insurance, Sabre, Arecap and Hertz.
Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT) Deputy Governor for Professional Sports and Privileges Khun Peera Fongdavirat noted that Queen’s Cup Bangkok Airways-SAT Samui Golf Tournament is one of the major golf tournaments, which aims to take Thai golfers to the next level. This is an excellent chance for Thais to compete side by side with the world’s top pros who attend the event.
The media partners for the event are The Nation, Bangkok Shuho, RBSC ELITE magazine and True Vision and the official hotels include Santiburi Resort, Four Seasons Resort, Samui Palm Beach Resort, Chaba Resort, Amarin Victoria, KC Resort and Mercure Samui Buri Resort. THE COURSE The spectacular Santiburi Samui Country Club golf course traverses a mountain range and coconut plantation, offering greater vistas and fabulous sea views than any other golf course in Thailand. Designed with ‘minimum disruption and maximum harmony’ as the theme, the course was literally painted into the rolling hillside with natural waterfalls winding through jungle settings, coconut plantations and rock outcroppings.
Speaking on the occasion, Chinnarat (‘Pro Nueng’) Phadungsil, who had won the inaugural Queen’s Cup in 2009 with a superb 16-under par 268, vowed to perform better than the last year’s tourney. In 2010 Pro Nueng tied for 6th while Tetsuji Hiratsuka of Japan lifted the Queen’s Cup with 11-under par 273. “I love to take home the Queen’s Cup once again. I will try my best to make my dream come true,” Pro Nueng said.
Dotted with innumerable hazards and challenges, the course is dubbed by the industry media as ‘Samui Beast’! Each hole has its own character, beauty and challenges. The picturesque Santiburi Samui is one of the must-play golf courses in Asia where every round played will bring in a unique and memorable experience.
Professional Golf Association of Thailand Vice President & Secretary General Khun Suang Chantra-Urai, Santiburi Samui Country Club General Manager Derek McKenzie and Koh Samui Mayor Khun Ramnate Chaikwang also spoke at the press conference. The current year’s tournament will see the participation of Asia’s leading golfers including Bangkok Airways Open 2008 winner Thavorn Wiratchant, Queen’s Cup winners Chinnarat Phadungsil (2009) and Tetsuji Hiratsuka (2010), Royal Bangkok Sports Club member and Mercuries Taiwan Masters 2010 winner Pariya Junhasavasdikul as well as other tournament winners such as Lin Wen-Tang, Anirban Lahiri, Kiradech Aphibarnrat, Udorn Duangdecha, Siddikur, Mardan Mamat, Prayad Marksaeng.
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June 2011
F
Bangkok Welcomes Asia’s First Dean & DeLuca Wine Café
ollowing strong popularity of its daytime café menu, Dean & DeLuca launched Asia’s first wine café featuring exclusive food and wines at Maha Nakhon Pavilion on Saturday, 28 May. Imported cheeses, hams, seafood and tapas sit alongside the best wines sourced from Napa Valley California, creating the perfect evening ambiance and epicurean experience. The Dean & DeLuca Wine Café is located adjacent to the existing café service counters and commences service from 6 pm every evening. Customers are encouraged to approach the counters to choose from a wide array of exclusive dishes, including hot tapas, cold tapas, exclusive cured meats, cheeses and seafood sourced from all over the world. Dean & DeLuca staff can also provide expert product knowledge on the dishes produced on site by the wine café’s Head Chef Timber Suwannakoot.
Addressing newspersons on the eve of the wine café opening, Dean & DeLuca Operations General Manager Mr. John Barton said the wine café, which is the first of its kind in Asia, was inspired by the tapas culture of Barcelona (Spain) where people select and serve food items themselves in a casual atmosphere. “Customers can dress up or dress down as they wish. They are free to eat all night while enjoying exotic wines in an extremely informal ambience. Dean & DeLuca takes the privilege of introducing this totally new concept in Bangkok,” Mr. Barton added.
Dean & DeLuca’s Director of Wines Ms. Kerrin Laz arrived in Bangkok from the USA specifically to help launch the menu and wine selection. All wines available at the wine café are exclusive and have been handpicked by Ms. Kerrin to represent the best of the best that Dean & DeLuca has to offer.
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June 2011
As only the second Dean & DeLuca Wife Café worldwide, Chef Timber explained, “the success of the day menu has given us proof that Thai people are very appreciative of quality food and new tastes. Featuring exquisite wine and food pairings never seen before in Bangkok, our new evening menu will now appeal to people looking for great food and a relaxed night out.” Dean & DeLuca’s Commercial Manager Mr. Mark Cawley said the highlight of the menu is 5J Iberico Ham from Spain, the best ham in the world from Iberico Pata Negro Pig, which is rated 5 star due to Cinco Jotas production and unique ageing process. Customers will have the opportunity to try Dean & DeLuca’s famous in-house White Sturgeon Caviar, Fois Gras and Prosciutto di Parma, the only parma ham cured with sea salt, as well as some of the world’s finest cheeses. Dean & DeLuca’s Director of Wines Ms. Kerrin Laz, Pace Development Co., Ltd, the promoter of Dean & DeLuca Wine Café Bangkok, Chief Marketing Officer Khun Kipsan Oslo Beck were among those present at the press conference. Dean & DeLuca’s proprietary wines include J Schram Brut 2003 (a blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir), Rudd Oakville Estate Proprietary Red 2006 (Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot) and Cliff Lede Poetry Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 (Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdoc, Merlot, Malbec and Cabernet Franc). The wines are available by the bottle or glass and are served using an Enomatic® system that incorporates the latest technology in wine serving. Besides, the café’s wines list also features Barcelona’s most exclusive beer – Estrella Damm Inedit – a unique coupage of barley malt and wheat, flavored with coriander, orange peel and liquorice. Inedit (which literally means ‘never been done before’) is a skillful blend of lager and wheat beer specifically designed by Chef Ferran Adrià of El Bulli, a Michelin 3-star restaurant in Spain, to pair with the most exquisite and challenging foods such as tapas, salads, vinegar-based sauces, asparagus, artichokes, rucula, salmon, tuna and patty cheese. Inedit apparently is the only beer in the world that is served in a white wine glass and kept in an ice bucket after serving.
The wine café is open daily from 6 pm to midnight. Guests can enjoy live music on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.
For more information, please call 02 234 1434.
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June 2011
In The News
Acushnet Company to be acquired by Group led by FILA Korea and Mirae Asset Private Equity
World’s leading Golf Business being bought for US$1.225 Billion Acushnet Thailand, the Thai arm of the world’s leading golf equipment company, has announced that Acushnet’s parent company, Fortune Brands Inc. had signed a definitive agreement for the sale of the company to a group led by Fila Korea, Ltd., the owner of the Fila brand globally, and Mirae Asset Private Equity, the largest private equity firm in Korea.
Established in Italy in 1911, Fila is a leading sport and leisure footwear and apparel brand that is distributed worldwide. The group, led by Fila Korea and Mirae, also includes the National Pension Service of Korea, the fourth largest pension fund in the world, and Korea Development Bank, Korea’s largest government-owned bank.
According to the statement, Acushnet Company is one of the largest golf equipment companies in the world with annual sales of more than $1.2 billion in 2010. Its premium brands include Titleist, the #1 ball in golf and a leader in high performance golf clubs, and FootJoy, the #1 shoe, glove and performance outerwear brand in golf.
“The acquisition of Acushnet transforms our platform with a stable of premier world class brands,” said Gene Yoon, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Fila Korea, Ltd. “We are equally excited to embrace Acushnet’s exceptional management team led by Wally Uihlein. With our extensive knowledge and reach in Asia, we believe that the Acushnet brands have incredible new opportunities for growth in the emerging markets in Asia.”
“The Acushnet Company has long been the trusted steward of two of golf ’s most revered and iconic brands, and has perpetuated the longest running records of golf equipment success in the game,” said Wally Uihlein, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Acushnet Company. “The Fila Korea and Mirae Group understands and appreciates our golf industry leadership, passionate associates, and unique and enduring culture. Together, with our new owners, our team is looking forward to strengthening and building upon the global success of the Titleist and FootJoy brands.”
“We are very impressed with what Acushnet management and employees have accomplished so far,” said JH Ryu, CEO, Mirae Asset Private Equity. “We will fully support the company to remain focused on its core golf expertise and continue driving the growth of the industry.” “Titleist and FootJoy are powerful global golf brands,” said Uihlein. “The fact that Asia Pacific represents over 30% of the world’s total golf equipment spending, and that South Korean golfers are among the most passionate and organised in the game, is testament to the significant investment in the Acushnet Company by the Fila Korea and Mirae group. They recognise the strength of the brands and opportunities for growth particularly in golf ’s emerging regions.”
After the acquisition, Acushnet will remain as a standalone company through separate operation from Fila Korea, with its worldwide headquarters remaining in Fairhaven, Mass., and led by Uihlein and Acushnet’s current management team.
The sale is subject to certain closing conditions, including regulatory approvals, and the transaction is expected to close this summer, the release added.
The Acushnet Company has a history of successful growth and evolution. The Golf Division was founded in 1932, with the first Titleist golf ball brought to market in 1935. Fortune Brands acquired the Acushnet Company in 1976, and Acushnet acquired FootJoy in 1985. Acushnet’s net sales in 1975 were $51 million and with the combined strength of both brands have grown more than twenty-fold over the past thirty-five years.
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June 2011
World-Class Performance by Pro V1x Loyalist Poulter and Titleist Brand Ambassador Hoey
Lead 5-win week for Titleist golf ball players around the world!
Determined and undaunted down the stretch, a pair of Titleist Pro V1x players swept the weekend’s top honors on the European Tour in May to lead a five-win week for Titleist golf ball players around the world.
Five of Poulter’s six matches went to the 18th hole or beyond, including his quarterfinal match against Pro V1x loyalist Lee Westwood (1 up) and semifinal match against another Pro V1x loyalist Nicolas Colsaerts (19th hole).
At the Volvo World Match Play Championship in Spain, Pro V1x loyalist Ian Poulter concluded a hard-fought, marathon week with a 2-and-1 victory over fellow Englishman and Pro V1x loyalist Luke Donald.
Titleist was the overwhelming golf ball of choice at the limitedfield event with 13 players, more than three times the nearest competitor. In the 18-hole final, Poulter converted a 40-foot putt for birdie on the par-3 12th hole, kicking off a three-birdie, five-hole stretch that would decide the match against Donald, the 2011 WGC-Accenture Match Play champ.
At the Madeira Islands Open in Portugal, Titleist Brand Ambassador Michael Hoey made just two bogeys over his final 40 holes to earn his second career European Tour title.
Titleist Brand Ambassador Michael Hoey’s final round in Portugal was both the steadiest and most successful. He made 15 pars, two birdies and just one bogey at Porto Santo Golf, to finish at 10-under 278 (72-68-67-71) and claim the two-shot victory.
According to a press release issued by Acushnet Thailand, the Thai arm of the world’s leading golf equipment manufacturer - Acushnet Company, Titleist golf ball players so far this year have combined for 54 victories across the worldwide professional tours, nearly five times the nearest competitor with 11. A total of 6,811 players have teed up a Titleist golf ball in competition this season, more than six times the nearest competitor with 1,094 and more than all other golf balls combined.
Trusting Titleist equipment from tee-to-green, Hoey finished third in Greens in Regulation (72%). Pro V1x loyalists Federico Colombo, Jose-Filipe Lima and Lloyd Saltman all tied for 4th at 6-under 282. A total of 111 players at the event trusted Titleist golf balls, more than five times the nearest competitor with 19 and more than al competitors combined.
ON EUROPEAN TOUR: Already regarded as one of the world’s most daunting match-play competitors, Poulter successfully navigated 108 holes at Spain’s Finca Cortesin GC to earn his 15th career victory and return to the top 15 in the Official World Golf Ranking.
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June 2011
Golf Tips
BETTER GOLF WITH BILL
The Transition Move
It is difficult but not impossible
Bill Hutton, who turned professional in 1983, is a ‘Class A’ member of the Professional Golfers’ Association of USA. He has been the Director of Junior Golf at the Royal Bangkok Sports Club for the last 10 years. Formerly, he was the Head Pro at the Winsan Golf Club (now known as Legacy Golf Club). Bill appeared on Kong Fak Nak Golf, a programme telecast every midnight on TV Channel 3 for over eight years. He gave more than 1,500 golf tips through the programme during 1997-2005.
This is the “Transition” move. As I have just begun to raise my arms up (3/4 backswing)...you can see my weight is already shifted on to my left leg.
Take the club away from the ball like this. The shaft should be parallel to your toe line.
Here you should “cock” your wrists and make a 90 degree angle between your left arm and the shaft.
I will make another attempt to explain how we can attain the proper pre-impact position. So you begin to move the clubhead away from the ball and start your backswing. Everything is going fine. You are going slow, using your shoulders not your wrists. The lower body is staying stable. The shaft is parallel to the ground with the toe of the clubhead pointing up.....Good.
This move is critical. This is where you need to let your shoulders move “vertically”. Look at the red roof in the background. Notice my right shoulder has dropped straight down. So have my arms. Now I can strike at the ball from an inside path.
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This is WRONG! Here my shoulders are moving back out towards the ball in a horizontal direction. Again take note of my right shoulder in relation to the red roof. No shoulder drop! This leads to an outside to inside club path.
Now you begin to cock your wrists, being sure not to bend your left arm. The weight is moving nicely on to the inside of your right knee. Your shoulders continue to turn as your arms begin to rise higher in the air....... That was the easy part!
Here is another photo of the proper “Dropping” of my arms into the pre-impact position. Look at how my right shoulder goes down. Look where the clubhead is. This is a great position.
This is WRONG! The shoulders are unwinding horizontally. Look closely at where the right shoulder is. And see where the club head is. Expect to see a slice from this swing.
You see I’ve stuck a stick in the ground. All you want to do on the downswing is drop the club head “inside” the stick as I am doing here!
The sequence of moves that come next are undoubtedly the most important to get right. It will determine whether you will hit it long and straight.....or hit another wicked slice into the trees. It is important for you to understand that your weight will begin to shift back to
Now you can go ahead and turn your shoulders “Horizontally” again as you see me doing. Practice turning your shoulders as I have demonstrated in these 4 photos to get some power and consistency in your swing. This is a good drill. Place a stick (or a golf club) across your shoulders like here.
Now turn your shoulders “Horizontally” like this.
This is the important part! Drop your right shoulder down as if they are moving “Vertically” like you see here.
your left side...BEFORE...your arms and clubhead have gotten all the way to the top of the backswing. So as your club has gotten to a three quarters point of your backswing, then you start to turn your hips to the left and drop your arms down. This is the transition move.
A second important thing to understand is that your shoulders don’t go horizontal on the backswing and then horizontal again on the downswing. Doing this, your arms will start first on the downswing. Your weight will move towards your toes and an outside to inside swing path will follow. That is how you hit a slice. Instead, your shoulders must go horizontal (backswing)...vertical (transition)... horizontal (downswing). You must have the right shoulder go down briefly as you shift your weight from your right leg onto your left leg. Try to feel both your arms are ‘dropping down’ or ‘falling’ but don’t force them down. This move is necessary to allow the clubhead to strike the ball from the inside and swing out and down the target line.
So once you’ve learned to “Drop” your club head down into THIS position.......
......you’ll be able to strike the golf ball from an “inside” path like you see here. Now watch your golf ball sail long and straight!
Practice moving your arms and club in a ‘clockwise’ direction as you go back and come down and through. Don’t forget to move the hips first as you shift your weight on to your left side. Now go to the range and start practising!
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June 2011
The Dream Is‘land’ of White Sandy Beaches..... Gentle Ocean Breezes and Much More! Fly to Koh Samui with Bangkok Airways – Asia’s Boutique Airline
K
oh Samui or ‘Dream Island’ is an ideal holiday destination located just an hour away by flight from Bangkok where beautiful white sandy beaches, gentle ocean breezes, pristine turquoise waters, lush tropical gardens await international tourists and domestic holiday-makers alike.
Samui Shooting Range Test your shooting skills with pistols and machine guns at Samui Shooting Range that’s located on the Main Road close to Chaweng. Go Kart There are three types of go karts to choose from that can be found at Bo Phut. It’s nothing but fun!
Hailed by travel media as the ‘dream island’, Koh Samui has undergone significant transformation sine 1970 as a hideaway of European backpackers to become an international tourist paradise as it is today. Tourists from all parts of the world visit this easy going paradise that’s surrounded by more than sixty other islands, some small and inhabited and some large such as Koh Phangan and Koh Tao (divers island). Other popular destinations include Koh Nang Yuan (next to Koh Tao) and the Angthong National Marine Park, located between Koh Samui and the mainland of Surat Thani.
Bungy Jump This adrenaline pumping activity is found at Chaweng, rather close to Reggae Pub and the Chaweng Lake. Buffalo Fighting A couple of arenas are located around the island which is a local tradition with a long history. Butterfly Garden Here you will see amazing butterflies and other tropical insects. The garden is located in the Southeast at Leam Set.
Most beaches on the island have white sand and are fringed with coconut palms. Chaweng beach located on the coast of Koh Samui is the most popular beach on the island. It offers the big choice of accommodation, restaurants, water sports and night life. Lamai beach located on the southeast of Koh Samui is the second most popular beach on the Island. Bophut beach and Maenam beach located in the north of Koh Samui are also worth visiting.
Magic Garden It is located in the center of Samui. Many interesting sculptures made of cement. HOW TO GET THERE There are many airports in picturesque exotic locations around the world, but Samui airport holds the crown as the most beautiful and the best designed boutique airport in tune with its gorgeous natural surroundings.
By virtue of smooth, white sandy beaches and pleasant atmosphere, the island prospers as the most sought after romantic hideout for couples. Accommodation in the island ranges from simple hotel rooms to spacious bungalows and from luxurious villas to five-star hotel suites – some of the finest in Southeast Asia.
Located at the northern part of the island near Bo Phut Beach, Samui Airport is owned and operated by Bangkok Airways. You can enjoy a wide selection of snacks, hot and cold beverages, internet & WIFI services and magazines complimentary to all passengers at the boutique lounges in the airport.
Fly from Bangkok to Koh Samui with Bangkok Airways – Asia’s boutique airline – that operates several flights between the ‘Dream Island’ and the capital.
THINGS TO DO Diving Koh Samui, Koh Tan and Koh Tao have many excellent diving sites. There are many schools which provide professional training in diving. Visitors can unleash a lot of fun with snorkeling and wave diving. Equipment can be bought at many diving shops on Koh Samui and Koh Tao.
For reservation or more information, please call Bangkok Airways Call Centre on 1771 or visit www.bangkokair.com.
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GO Florida Golfing Spectacular Golf in the Sunshine State 1. Marriott, Sawgrass Golf Resort & Spa: It is the second largest golfing destination in the U.S., providing access to eight championship courses in the area. The resort might be most famously known though for its exclusive access to the Players Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass, a renowned PGA Tour spot that is the annual host to THE PLAYERS Championship. The resort is a combination of worlds within a world. Moss-draped oaks, sweet-smelling magnolias, warm sunshine and balmy breezes that waft across the beaches, a diversity of wildlife, pools and golf courses - the famed TPC Sawgrass and Dye’s Valley Courses - to make the Marriott Sawgrass Resort and Spa a veritable paradise on the outer reaches of Greater Jacksonville. It’s right up there, folks.
and 17th holes at The Champion - considered by many as the toughest three hole stretch in golf. 3. Doral Golf Resort and Spa: It is the home of the World Golf Championship. The Blue Monster is only one of five championship golf courses at Doral Golf Resort, the latest of which, the Jim McLean Signature Course, opened in 2010. Add The Great White, a Greg Norman desert layout, and you have what is, perhaps, the quintessential golf travel destination. The resort was founded by real estate pioneer, Alfred Kaskel in 1962, with the name “Doral” coming from an amalgamation of the first names of Kaskel and his wife, Dorris. No trip to Doral would be quite complete without a golfing tune-up and The Jim McLean Golf School is just the place to get it done. Jim employs a team of world-class, professional instructors so you know you’ll be taught by people who’ve made a living from the game: some have done much better than that.
2. PGA National Resort & Spa: Delivering a championship experience. PGA National Resort & Spa offers the highest quality golf experience and is a mecca for players and fans alike. Host of the Honda Classic an official PGA TOUR event, PGA National has a distinguished history of tournament play - including the 1983 Ryder Cup, the 1987 PGA Championship, and nearly two decades of PGA Seniors’ Championships. Test your skills on five spectacular, tournament-ready courses designed by Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, Tom Fazio and George Fazio, and Karl Litten. A diverse array of layouts awaits, from the “emerald” greens at The Squire to the forgiving fairways of The Haig, to The Palmer’s undulation and eye catching ground cochina hazards. And of course a golf vacation at PGA National is not complete without a trip through The “Bear Trap” - the legendary 15th, 16th,
4. Hammock Beach Resort: This world-class destination resort and private club is situated on 2.4 miles of spectacular beach frontage and boasts all the amenities one could possibly imagine. Highlights include luxury accommodations, world-class dining, a full-service luxury spa, tennis courts, miles of beach, and a water park and, of course, its two magnificent championship golf courses: The Conservatory Course and The Ocean Course. All of this makes the Hammock Beach Resort an obvious choice, not only for a golf getaway, but for a family vacation, honeymoon, or corporate convention. This is one of those places that will never get built again. The course sits next to the ocean and provides great views with plenty of wind. The Resort and Club is full service with many units having views of the course and ocean.
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F
Forof 12 the months of the the golfing enthusiast will find or 12 months year, theyear, golfing enthusiast will thecourses golf courses Florida open open and challenging. Florida find the golf in in Florida and challenging. is, without doubt, the number one golf destination in the Florida is, States. without doubt, theof number golfthere are United From one end the state toone the other destination in the United States. From of for theusstate literally hundreds of golf resortsone and end courses to choose from.are There are morehundreds than 1,000 courses to the other, there literally of golfavailable resortscatering and to every level of player. courses for us to choose from. There are more than 1,000 courses available catering to every level of player. But for the readers of ELITE, we have developed our own list of golf resorts in Florida, featuring some of the finest golf courses in the state, if not the world. Enjoy!
5. World Golf Village: Not only one of the best in Florida, it’s also one of the world’s most popular golf vacation destinations. You can play two unique championship golf courses, including King & Bear – the only course ever co-designed by Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus – and Slammer & Squire, designed with input and inspiration from legends Slammin’ Sammy Snead and Gene “The Squire” Sarazen. Enjoy amenities like chilled apples on the first and tenth holes, complimentary range balls, and Global Positioning Systems (GPS) in every cart. You can also improve your game with personalized lessons from the pros at PGA Tour Golf Academy. And experience the one-andonly World Golf Hall Of Fame, providing an intriguing look at the legends and legacy of golf’s greatest players. 6. Saddlebrook Resort: Surrounded by two of Florida’s most picturesque and playable golf courses, is home to the Saddlebrook Golf Academy and Saddlebrook Preparatory School. With every golf service and amenity that you could need, Saddlebrook is the ideal golf resort for corporate group getaways and Florida golf vacations for families and friends. Each of the Saddlebrook golf courses was designed by golf legend Arnold Palmer, incorporating wilderness areas full of cypress, pines, palms and wildlife with rolling fairways and well maintained greens. His namesake course features Tif-Eagle greens, and open, undulating well-guarded greens accented with many lakes, streams and ponds. The Saddlebrook course, with Tif-Dwarf greens, is much tighter and flatter, with narrow treelined fairways and water on most holes.
Doral Golf Resort and Spa La Cantera Resort, San Antonio Marriott, Sawgrass Golf Resort & Spa
Thanks to our convenient design, the first tees of both courses and the 10th tee of the Saddlebrook course are located at the center of the resort, adjacent to meeting and guest rooms, restaurants and shops. 7. The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes: It is a unique destination, upscale and opulent, that offers a extraordinary level of service unique to the brand. With a luxury 584room, an 18-hole Greg Norman designed championship golf course featuring the Golf Caddie-Concierge Program, San River Walk as well as Antonio a 40,000-square-foot spa and extensive meeting facilities, Grande Lakes is not only ideal for a golf getaway, it’s also a great family destination and an ideal venue for corporate outings. Guests at both hotels have access to all the facilities at the resort. Set within the pristine Headwaters of the Florida Everglades and surrounded by magnificent pines, palmettos, and live oaks, this distinguished Orlando golf resort offers a luxury experience unlike any other in the area.
Hammock Beach Resort
Saddlebrook Resort
Reunion Tower
PGA National Resort & Spa
World Golf Village
The Alamo Dinosaur Valley State Park
Books Every Golfer Should Read How I Play Golf by Tiger Woods: In How I Play Golf Woods reveals the many facets of his game and offers a plethora of tips and advice aimed at all levels of play. Unlike most golf guides, and perhaps somewhat surprising from a player best known for his long game, How I Play Golf begins with the short game-putting, chipping, and pitching--before moving onto swing mechanics and hitting off the tee. The Michelle Wie Way by John Andrisani: Michelle Wie, who qualified for the LPGA at age 12, has golfers everywhere wondering how to get more power off the tee. Her successful swing allows her to hit the ball far down the fairway with astonishing control. Discover the keys to mastering Wie’s power swing, accompanied by detailed, step-by-step photographs from Yasuhiro Tanabe. Golf, Naked by Greg Rowley: Whether you’re a beginner or have been golfing for years, Golf, Naked is packed with tips, tales, tricks of the trade, and lessons for life that will help you master the complete game-the 99 percent that no one talks about. What’s a Golfer To Do? By Ron Kapriske and the editors of Golf Digest: Whether you are trying to rid yourself of a wicked slice, have trouble getting out of sand traps, or get the yips as you’re putting out, What’s a Golfer to Do? has the answers. Filled with useful pointers, why-didn’t-I-think-of that tips, and a great dose of humor. Walking with Friends by D.J. Gregory and Steve Eubanks: D.J. Gregory, a 32-year old with cerebral palsy, describes his year of traveling with the PGA Tour and walking every course. This experience has been the fulfillment of a lifelong dream as well as a source of inspiration for others. Little Red Book by Harvey Penick: Little Red Book is THE golf instruction book. It’s a boiled-down version of the vast golf knowledge of one of the greatest golf teachers the game has ever known. This is billed as the best selling sports book of all time. Golfweek’s 101 Winning Golf Tips by John Andrisni: Whether you’re a beginner about to take up the game or a seasoned veteran, you’re looking for ways to improve your game, lower your score, and have more fun on the links. If you are a duffer looking to break 100 for the first time, or a scratch golfer looking to cut one more stroke from your card, this book will really help. Around the World in 80 Rounds by David Wood: At 47, David Wood sold everything he owned and set out to fulfill every golfer’s dream: For one year, he traveled the world and played golf in the most exotic locales, and lived to tell the tale! He met fascinating characters along the way and faced dire situations such as bouts of food poisoning, getting booted out of the Ukraine by armed guards, and muddling through language challenges. Golf is Not a Game of Perfect by Dr. Bob Rotella: The mental game is such an important part of golf that is simply overlooked by a vast majority of amateur players. In Golf is Not a Game of Perfect, Dr. Bob Rotella gives us a window into the mental game of golf. You’ll learn how to quiet your mind and develop the kind of mental attitude needed to maximize scoring. Dave Pelz’s Short Game Bible by Dave Pelz: The author is widely recognized as one of the top short game teachers in the world. In fact, he has chosen to limit his teaching to golf from 100 yards and in. His Short Game Bible covers every aspect of the game within 100 yards (except for putting).
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GOLFERS SKIN: The sweat resistant - water resistant - UVA/UVB - broad spectrum SPF30+ sunscreen that’s been specifically designed with golfers in mind. GOLFERS SKIN is a sunscreen that feels great when you put it on. The light texture and non greasy feel of this sunscreen, won’t sweat or run into your eyes and most importantly will not interfere with your grip when you’re lining up your shot.
Piz Buin In Sun Radiant Face Cream SPF 50+: A powerful mineral complex revitalizes your skin, whilst active hydrators prevent your skin from drying out. Specially developed with dermatologists for the delicate face and neck area. Helioplex™ technology provides photostable UVA/UVB broadspectrum protection while Vitamin E helps neutralize free radicals which cause premature skin ageing. Non comedogenic. Sweat and water-resistant.
Investments for the Skin Nivea Hydrating Solar Mousse - SPF20: Nivea sun hydrating solar mousse spf 20 is a light, refreshing mousse spray that protects against uva and uvb rays. Provides protection against sunburn and premature ageing of the skin. Formulated with an ultra high balanced uva and uvb spf20 protection system, the mousse is very water resistant and minimizes the risk of uv induced allergies.
L’OREAL SOLAR EXPERTISE HIGH PROTECTION LOTION SPF 60: Solar Expertise Matte Fluid is designed to use on the face, chest and hands with the extremely light and non greasy texture. Matte Fluid is just that, this product contains mattifying agents to leave your skin non shiny. Also it protects you against harmful UVA and UVB rays. It helps to protect the skin against the harmful effects of the sun, which includes premature ageing. This product will also help to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and will help to prevent brown spots, according to the manufacturer. Aloe Up Zinc and Aloe Sunscreen: Provides total Broad Spectrum sunscreen for sun-sensitive areas such as lips, cheeks and nose. Unique formula combines Zinc oxide with Aloe oil. Wipes off easily. Zinc Oxide provides protection for especially sun-sensitive areas. This product is often used by golfers, surfers and people spending time in high glare elements. The colour is visible on your skin where it works by ‘scattering’ the sunrays. Goes on smoothly and easily removable.
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GOLFER’S TREATS
1
1.TaylorMade R11 Driver: The R11 driver incorporates TaylorMade’s Movable Weight Technology (to promote a desired bias or trajectory changes), plus its Flight Control Technology (to change loft and face angle). The R11 driver adds another tech, what TaylorMade calls its Adjustable Sole Plate. The combination of the three adjustability technologies gives the TaylorMade R11 driver owner up to 48 combinations of loft, face angle and draw/fade bias to play with. And, according to the company, those options can produce up to 100 yards difference in side-to-side trajectory depending on the golfer’s chosen settings.
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2 2. Cleveland Launcher TL310 Driver: Golfers looking to gain a few more yards from their drives have a weighty matter to consider. In this case, perhaps it is a lack of weight that matters. Cleveland’s Launcher Ultralite line of drivers, features lightweight components that add up to very light drivers. Cleveland’s Launcher line of drivers has had more facelifts and the Ultralite iteration presents a no-nonsense, results-oriented group of drivers.
3. Boccieri Heavy Driver and Heavy Wood: The Heavy Driver from Boccieri Golf bucks the lightweight trend. The Heavy Driver and Heavy Wood (fairway woods) are part of the Control Series line by Boccieri. The Heavy Driver has a total weight of 375 grams, but only 208 grams of that are in the clubhead. The club’s total weight goes up because of a 50-gram backweight placed in the butt end of the shaft. But because that extra weight is at the top of the shaft, the Heavy Driver’s swingweight remains fairly low.
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4. Callaway RAZR Hawk Driver: Callaway Golf calls its new RAZR line the company’s “most premium technology offerings.” The line - which debuts with drivers and fairway woods - makes use of the company’s recently unveiled Forged Composite material, and boasts a clubhead design that targets aerodynamic efficiency. Both the crown and sole on the RAZR Hawk standard and Tour model drivers are comprised of the Forged Composite material which is lighter, less dense, but stronger. It was developed in conjuction with automaker Lamborghini.
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5. Nike VR Pro Driver: The new Nike VR Pro driver is the latest addition to the premium VR line. This driver has a pear shaped Tour-driven head designed with direct input from Nike athletes. The pear shape allows for more weight at the optimal center of gravity (CG) locations and delivers a hotter launch with optimal spin for the game’s best players. The VR Pro driver features a new Variable Compression Channel, which increases speed at impact in more spots on the clubface. This Compression Channel extends the entire length of the face and delivers greater distance on draws, stingers, high cuts, fades or straight shots. With the extended length of the Compression Channel and with the variation in the thickness in specific locations, it allows players to garner more ball speed which translates to greater distance.
Accessories for the avid Golfer Stuburt Helium Tour Golf Shoes White/Black: The shoe features a specially-engineered TPU (thermo plastic urethane) outsole, which boasts a unique combination stud pattern – three cleats in the heel and a new five-pattern in the forefoot, provides maximum stability and traction for the golf swing. Flex grooves for improved flexibility and walking comfort. Full bootie dri-back waterproof membrane with moisture control. Stuburt, founded in 1870, says the new Helium Tour shoe is the most technologically advanced they have ever produced following input from tour professionals.
Galvin Green Arissa Gore-Tex Waterproof Jacket: A waterproof full zip jacket in GORE-TEX Paclite Shell fabric which is ultralight and extremely breathable. This feminine cut, single-colour jacket with a subtle design is equipped with two front pockets, rain channels in the sleeve-ends, and adjustable bottom edge.
Sun Mountain Micro Cart: The Speed Cart is one of the most revolutionary products in golf. It changed how golfers transport their bags around the course. There are distinct advantages to the MicroCart design. Its small folded footprint and its light weight make the cart easy to get in and out of your vehicle. Due to the patented four-wheel design, the cart has a low center of gravity which results in superior stability on the course. Adidas Adi Pure Z: It features hand-finished leather throughout, including the lining, which provides a rich look and feel. Advanced THiNTech low-profile technology brings the golfer closer to the ground for improved stability. The shoes include the exclusive THiNTech cleat which delivers exceptional grip in all conditions and 10-Spike configuration. The adiPURE Z is available in three colors: white, black, and redwood.
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Nike Golf Dri-Fit Tour Perforated Cap: This 2011 Nike Golf Dri-Fit Tour Perforated Cap stylish Nike Golf Cap will compliment any outfit. Dri-FIT fabric to wick sweat away and help keep you dry and comfortable. Features back keyhole with adjustable VELCRO brand fastener.
Ben Sayers X-Lite Ladies Golf Trolley Bag: Features a fantastic lightweight slimline design, great for transporting and storing in a locker. It has 6 spacious pockets including large expandable clothing pocket, soft lined valuables pocket, insulated drinks pocket and accessories pockets. Includes a rain hood, carry strap and grab handle.
Adidas Sunglasses a154: Sporty, durable Adidas Sunglasses. Ultra-light sport and casual eyewear. Wrap-around lenses offer an all-round field of vision and great protection against sun, dust and wind. Sandbaggers Golf Shoes for Women: Sanbaggers’ newest golf shoes & golf sandals are softer, lighter, and more comfortable than ever—not to mention they’re better looking. With new styles in fashion colors, Sandbaggers are sure to make a lasting impression. For one thing, they can be worn on and OFF the golf course and are extremely coollooking and a real attention-getter, especially in the clubhouse.
SkyCaddie SG3.5: The SkyCaddie SG3.5 gives you an eagle’s eye view of the hole to provide critical distances you need to play confidently and shoot lower scores. All the information you need is presented clearly on a brilliant color display, powered by 3 AAA batteries. For the ultimate in convenience and reliability, the SkyCaddie SGX can store up to 30,000 pre-loaded, ground-verified course maps making it ready-to-play out of the box with Basic Green information. The SGX boasts a durable, sleek design with a large 3-inch easy-to-read, transflective TFT-LCD screen that provides brilliant color images even in the brightest sunlight.
Oakley Women’s Miss Conduct Sunglasses: Incredibly lightweight, these rimless sunglasses feature a Three-Point Fit that keeps the sleek one piece lens in precise alignment while the O MATTER stems are stress and impact resistant for durability and comfort. Featuring PLUTONITE lenses that filter out 100% of damaging UVA / UVB / UVC and blue light up to 400nm, the Oakley Miss Conduct Sunglasses for women will protect you from the elements while keeping you in chic athletic style.
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Spa
A Temple
of Relaxation and Rejuvenation LUXSA Spa @ Hansar Bangkok Hotel
LUXSA Spa, a facility of the Hansar Hotel on Rajdamri Road, can be dubbed as a temple of relaxation and rejuvenation where you can pamper yourself in utmost luxury and privacy while experiencing therapists revitalising your body, mind and soul with massage techniques and spa treatments uniquely tailored to suit your needs based on the ancient Thai healing methods. The word ‘LUXSA’ comes from Sanskrit language and translates to “Healing – health through water”. This philosophy, together with the ancient Thai healing techniques based on the four body elements of earth, water, air and fire, forms the basis of the concept at LUXSA Spa.
Fire Element Substances that have heat are of the fire element. Warm/hot qualities of the body include body temperature, circulatory system and metabolism. Imbalance of the fire element primarily manifests as disease of the fire element organs, the heart and circulatory system.
Earth, water, air and fire are regarded as the foundation of the whole body in Thai medicine and healing. The constant interaction of the four elements provides the impetus for the physical life to exist and prosper. It is of vital importance, therefore, to keep the four elements balanced throughout life. During the normal course of one’s life, the elements go in and out of balance in a continuously changing state of health or disease.
LUXSA Spa incorporates this balancing of the four elements of life in its logo as well as its extensive menu of holistic treatments aimed at stimulating metabolism, relieving mental and physical fatigue, reducing stress and tension and stabilising the nervous system and ensures that every person who is treated at the spa goes out with a perfectly balanced body, mind and soul.
Earth Element Substances that are solid can be said to have the qualities of the earth element. Solid qualities of the body that are of the earth element include skin, muscle, tendon, bone, viscera, fat, and other solid organs. Imbalance of the earth element will manifest as symptoms of the organs associated with the Earth element. Some examples would be: skin disease, bone disease, tumors, and other ‘solid’ disorders.
Located on the 10th floor of Hansar Hotel, LUXSA Spa has eight treatment suites, including a LUXSA Spa Suite with Jacuzzi and bath shower surrounded by tropical garden, two Private Spa Suites with double massage bed, two Private Spa Suites (single) and two Thai Massage Rooms (single). The spa offers a wide array of treatments such as soothing aromatherapy with pure Thai essential oils, spices and aromas, traditional Thai massage, scrubs, body wraps and facials using the pure Thai products.
Water Element Substances that are liquid are of the water element. Liquid qualities of the body that are of the water element include blood, eyes, phlegm, saliva, lymph, urine, semen, and other liquids of the body. Imbalances of the water element would translate to complications in the organs associated with the water element such as blood abnormalities, eye disorders, renal disease, bladder or urinary tract infection or stones in the kidneys, and any disease manifesting in abnormal urine or other liquid discharge. Air Element Substances that have movement are of the air element. Moving qualities of the body include respiration, digestion, excretion, motion of the limbs and joints, sexuality and aging. Imbalance of the air element would manifest as disorder of the organs associated with the air element such as pneumonia, cough, mucous congestion, tuberculosis, bronchitis, other respiratory infections, fainting, dizziness, and arthritis. The air element is considered to be the most important element in promoting mobility, strength, longevity, and vigour.
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June 2011
35% Special Discount
For RBSC & RBSC Polo Club Members
Thai essential oils are available in four blends that are named after the four elements – earth, water, air and fire. Upon eliciting information about health issues, likes and dislikes of the guest through a detailed questionnaire, the spa manager recommends the blend and the therapy that are best suited to the guest.
Speaking to RBSC ELITE, Hansar Bangkok Hotel Manager Khun Jeerasak Loturit said: “Members of the adjacent Royal Bangkok Sports Club and RBSC Polo Club can avail of a very special 35% discount on any services available at LUXSA Spa. Just show your membership card to avail of this exclusive offer.”
With Biodroga® Golden Caviar Uplifting Treatment, guests can savour moments of pure luxury as they can pamper their complexion with precious caviar extract in its purest, concentrated form and enjoy fine, smooth and radiant skin. The spa also has a salon that provides foot and hand care with lavish pedicure and manicure options, hair treatments and waxing. The signature massages offered at LUXSA Spa are the Eastern Blend, Luxsa, Power Trip and Stimulator. Among the signature packages according to Asst. Spa Manager Khun Sujitra Noikor (Ying), the Eastern Blend is a very popular oil massage that combines traditional Thai massage techniques. “The therapist uses her palms, thumbs and/or elbows to apply pressure on various points to relieve sore and tired muscles and to unblock and improve blood circulation. Eastern Blend is recommended for guests who are very tired,” explains Khun Sujitra. The queen of all is the Luxsa Massage that aims to balance your elements. Oil is applied to your skin for healing. The therapy touch all your senses as it stimulates metabolism, relieves fatigue, reduces stress, balances the nervous system and restores energy and flexibility to your body, promoting a sense of well-being. The Romantic Healing is a 2.30-hr package which includes Floral foot bath, Luxsa signature massage, Herbal steam and Relaxing, romantic floral milky bath. Another popular package is The Balancing Energy. With the treatment time of 3.10 hours, it includes Floral foot bath, Herbal steam/Essential steam, Choice of body scrub/wrap, Aromatic oil massage, Romantic floral bath and Luxsa facial treatment.
LUXSA Spa is open from 10.00 am to10.00 pm daily. Advance booking is highly recommended since not only in-house guests (guests of Hansar Bangkok hotel and residents of Hansar Rajdamri condominium) but customers from several nearby hotels and condominiums queue up to receive the most-sought-after signature spa treatments available exclusively at LUXSA Spa. So please do not walk in if you want to avoid any disappointment. Just call (+66) 2 209 1234/5 a day before to book the treatment of your choice or send an e-mail to: luxsaspamanager@hansarbangkok.com. For more information, please visit http://www.hansarbangkok.com.
From now until 30 July, LUXSA Spa is offering ‘Buy 1, Get 1 Free’ special promotion on its signature massages between 9.00 and 16.00 hrs every day. Further, guests can also enjoy a 60-min Luxsa Oil or Facial Massage for just 1,200++ baht against the standard rate of 2,500.-++ baht.
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Wheels
Volkswagen passat cc elegant, spacious and stylish
Impressive. individual and inspirational
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he interior of the Passat CC has all the comfort of a full-blown four-seater, but from the outside the Passat CC has the typically dynamic styling of a coupÊ. The advantages of this crossover concept are obvious: you don’t have to choose between ample comfort and sportily elegant design. It simultaneously fulfills all expectations.
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June 2011
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luxury car that blurs the lines between style, performance, and prestige. With the functionality of a sedan and the style of a coupe, Passat CC exudes confidence and has a roomy, well-appointed cabin upholstered in Napa leather, with dark tints on the side and rear windows. Supportive but firm front seats are electrically adjustable in about a dozen directions, plus four-way lumbar adjust and three memory presets for different drivers, and the Napa leather can be ordered in three different colors. The leather seats are figure hugging and give great levels of support, while the steering wheel is multi-adjustable. For rear seat passengers, legroom is generous. The cabin of the Passat CC comes closer to the Phaeton luxury saloon than Passat, with good quality plastics and soft-touch materials used throughout. Volkswagen has paid exquisite attention to detail and it feels incredibly durable. Uncluttered, clear and unfussy – the elegantly understated interior of the new Passat is a place where you can express yourself. High-quality materials, meticulously finished, and the clear layout of the instruments create an atmosphere that gives you the freedom to do just that. The four frameless doors give the Passat CC an extremely elegant look. The typical coupé lines not only look dynamic but also have another significant advantage: there is not a single surface where the wind can gain a hold. Below the window line there is a further stylish design element in the form of a muscular and pronounced shoulder line, known as the tornado line.
Commanding, Charismatic and Cultured
All the details in the interior are elegantly coordinated. Fine inlays in “Chrome” serve as a linking element, as do the optional trim inserts in “Brushed Aluminium.” There is also a selection of high-quality interior trim packages in real wood, such as “Walnut” and “Vavona,” which are particularly effective in the pleasant ambient lighting. Everything, however, contributes to a single outcome: dynamic elegance. Along with the driver and front passenger, both rear seat passengers have their own air vents and can likewise hit a small button to activate the individually heated elements in the cushions, which is a nice touch.
The trunk is massive: a carpeted cave that extends deep into the car with 532 liters of space. Volkswagen also includes a full-sized spare wheel into the package and the boot can be remotely opened via a one-touch system on the key chain, as can all four windows. Most Passat CC’s will spend a lot of time on the motorway and this is where it feels most at home, with long-legged cruising ability and excellent levels of refinement. On the twisty stuff, the Volkswagen is surefooted with plenty of grip, and decent feedback from the steering. There’s real a sense of stability about the way the Passat CC sits on the road - it feels very planted and things like the 8 airbags and broad range of driving aids like stability control and the optional collision detection system reinforce this feeling of integrity.
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olkswagen has a reputation for outstanding interiors, and the Passat CC gives credence to that. Everything you touch has a quality feel. The seats are not only gorgeous to look at, but they offer great support, adjustability, and hold you tight when you crank it up. Gauges and displays are crystal clear, and it only takes a moment to situate yourself in the car and go. At night, the center console is bathed in a soft, amber light, highlighting the alloy trim.
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Gadget of the month
Watch + 100s of Satellite TV Channels LIVE in Your Car!
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- By Jarupat Sukontawat aven’t you wished for some entertainment in your car while going on long drives? Perhaps, you wanted to watch your favorite Golf channel on the way back home from work, or simply liked to enjoy a funny movie while your chauffeur drove you to a golf course? Thanks to modern age technology, all such dreams have now come true!
The latest buzz word in digital technology is ‘satellite TV’. This technology is not limited to just your home. It has moved to planes, trains and cars. Today, satellite TV has revolutionized the way TV programming is viewed around the world. Satellite TV in your car works on the same principle that is does in your home. A satellite dish that works as an antenna catches signals from orbiting satellites and transmits them to your TV. Satellite TVs offer high quality pictures, smooth and uninterrupted programming, and a huge range of channels to choose from. An evolved form of wireless TV, satellite TV in your car is a big step towards mobile entertainment.
catch up on the latest world news and stock markets. Satellite TV is an excellent solution for events such as tailgate parties! Now in Bangkok or anywhere in Thailand, you can watch and enjoy all your favourite TV programmes in the comfort of your car while you are being driven, be it at a snail’s pace or at a maximum speed - as high as 300 km per hour! The innovative satellite system that makes this dream come true providing an altogether new dimension to in-car entertainment is SATVIEW!
Though watching TV as you drive can be a difficult proposition, not to mention that it is dangerous and considered illegal, your car’s passengers can benefit from it. If you have young kids, satellite TV in your car will definitely earn you brownie points with them. After all, kids love to watch their favorite cartoons and sports on TV, whether at home or anywhere else.
Car or van, (golf) cart or coach, home or beach, boat or yacht, wherever you are and whenever you want, you can never be away from knowing what’s happening around the world with SATVIEW satellite TV system. News or sports, movies or soaps, shares or commodities, music or documentaries, education or adventure, whatever your favourite TV channels are, they are all at your finger tips and by just pressing your remote you can enjoy them 24/7!
These days, many parents are on the lookout for alternative forms of entertainment in order to make sure their kids aren’t bored on long road trips. Also, many others would give anything to watch their favorite soaps or programs while traveling. If you are driven around, having a satellite TV in your car will not just give you the freedom to view your favorite sports programs, but also help you
The Satview system features a pancake-shaped antenna that snaps on to the roof rack of your car with TV screens fitted inside. The
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innovative system, which is manufactured in Korea and distributed in Thailand by Sunrise Intertrade Co., Ltd, allows us to watch Satellite TV on the go even at high speeds in crystal clear quality without any disturbance and the number of channels is simply mind-boggling! Sunrise Intertrade has teamed up with True Visions and DTV, thanks to which one can watch as many as 250 TV channels depending on the package/s subscribed to. The Satview antenna is not only sleek and stylish but very easy to install and dismantle. Unlike other antennas which are bulky, large and ugly, Satview antenna enhances the aesthetics of the vehicle. It comes with a powerful magnet that holds on to the roof of the car without affecting it in anyway. When not in use or your vehicle is being left at a parking space for a longer time, all you need to do is just raise the antenna and keep it inside the car. Similarly, if you want to use the gadget at home or any remote location just remove the cable from the antenna on the roof and install it in just ten minutes without any hassle.
Following its partnership with DTV, the company also developed an exclusive STB that can be installed in the car easily providing full options to customers. Further, it also has designed a special 2-in-1 STB making it possible to watch both DTV channels without paying any subscription and True Visions channels using True Visions Smart Card.
Satview antennas are available all over the Kingdom and almost every car audio and car accessories shop carries Satview product line, the most popular models being SV-SAT888 (for vehicles) and SV-SAT05H (for home). The system comes with a one year warranty. Both SV-SAT888 and SV-SAT05H models are developed with the latest technology and probably are the smallest antennas in the world as of today. Satview antennas are far ahead of competition in innovation, design and style and enjoy a large sales and distribution network.
Driving in Bangkok has become tedious and tiresome with the city acquiring notoriety for massive and frequent traffic jams. But the experience is not painful and boring any anymore, courtesy: Satview! Whenever your vehicle comes to a dead halt and there’s no chance even to tailgate, you can turn on the TV so that you and your fellow passengers can not only beat the boredom but avoid the risk of falling asleep. After all, how many CDs/DVDs you can carry in your dashboard or how many times you watch the same, old stuff?
Bolstering the strategic partnership with Satview, True Visions has developed a special Set top box (STB) for vehicles and is offering special promotions on Gold, Platinum and a-la-carte packages exclusively for Satview owners. Satview comes with a dedicated backend system for support.
So, get a Satview today to stay awake and keep your sleepiness at bay! For further information about Satview products, please call 022593914, send an e-mail to info@satview.asia or visit the company website http://www.satview.asia.
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June 2011
Dining
A Memorable Culinary Journey Spiced with Tangy Mexican ‘Cousin’ of Fiery Thai
‘Som Tum’!
Los Cabos California Mexican Grill
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- By Simon Nathan
f papaya is to ‘Som Tum’, then avocado is to..............? Wondering what the tropical fruit of papaya and the traditional Thai salad, which is notorious the world over for its pungency and piquance, have to do with the Mexican fruit? Can’t immediately fill up the blank? Don’t scratch your head.....Just read on. At first look, the query may appear like a puzzle or a sort of brainteaser posed at a competitive examination! But it isn’t that hard to find the answer. Just pay a visit to Los Cabos California Mexican Grill, tucked away off the vibrant Sukhumvit Road, or ask anyone who has tasted the restaurant’s most famous and highly sought after starter - Guacamole. Guacamole (‘guac’ in short) is an avocado-based dip that originated in Mexico made by the Aztecs as early as in the 16th Century. It is traditionally prepared by mashing onion, garlic, tomato, Serrano/Jalapeño chile (Mexican chili), cilantro, salt, lime/lemon juice and other seasonings as well as ripe avocados with a molcajete (pre-Hispanic mortar and pestle made of volcanic rock).
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The success secret of this amazing dish lies in its preparation. The dish should be handmade with the help of molcajete which method is a must if one were to obtain a perfectly balanced blend of all the ingredients and flavours. The prominence of molcajete is evident from the fact that the pre-Hispanic kitchen tool is sold in every Mexican street market. However, there are not many Mexican food joints in Bangkok that serve tangy, sublime and ‘real’ Mexican guacamole. There are kitchens that use electric blenders instead of the mortar and pestle and those self-proclaimed Mexican restaurants that draw the ire of foodies with stale and discoloured guacamole. It is a pity they don’t even know that avocado discolors quickly on contact with air!
Mr. Robb was involved in a number of operations throughout California and major markets in the United States and has been responsible for opening restaurant chains in over 25 locations. In Thailand, he has opened six restaurants throughout the country under two successful concepts, Tequila Reef and Great American Rib Company where he is locally well known for his signature Mesquit Smoked Pork Ribs.
Crunching on a freshly made, avocado-rich guac is often considered as a healthy way to start your lunch or dinner. Avocado – the amazing Mexican fruit – contains a host of vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients that help your teeth and bones stay strong and healthy besides benefitting your overall health and metabolism.
Speaking to RBSC ELITE, Mr. Robb said: “We set up Los Cabos as we wanted to bring our shared experience of enjoying lip smacking Mexican cuisine with sizzling cocktails on the beaches of Baha Mexico to Thailand. Los Cabos is a place where guests can experience truly authentic Mexican food and drinks in a fun, energetic and authentic environment. The members of Royal Bangkok Sports Club and RBSC Polo Club are welcome to show their membership cards to avail of a special 10% discount on food.”
Commence your memorable culinary tour of the Cal-Mex cuisine at Los Cabos with a creamy heap of freshest guacamole handmade with imported Hass avocados and served with tortilla chips that are thick, substantial and perfectly fried to give supreme crunchiness. Los Cabos is one of the very few restaurants in Bangkok which delights its guests with this amazing made-toorder entrée that is served in a mortar resembling a ‘khrok’ used by Thai people to prepare hot and spicy, trademark ‘Som Tum’.
So now you know that if papaya is to ‘Som Tum’, then avocado is to................... ‘guacamole’. The tangy Mexican cousin of the fiery Thai salad is one of the many not-to-be-issed dishes served at Los Cabos. To complement its delicious Mexican favorites, Los Cabos offers a variety of cocktails from the handcrafted classic margarita to a variety of specialty drinks and the original Mexican beer Corona.
Los Cabos California Mexican Grill is a friendly and inviting neighbourhood Mexican Grill and Bar set up in a beautiful old Thai house in a quiet neighbourhood in Sukhumvit Soi 14. Recently opened by very experienced operators from California, Los Cabos offers a California approach to Mexican and Baha cuisine. The menu offers the basic nachos, tacos, enchiladas, burritos, fajitas and combo plates as well as its signature dishes such as Grilled Ahi Tuna and Mesquite-wood Smoked Pork Ribs, Monster River Prawns and Grilled Filet Mignon.
Those who are a bit more adventurous can choose one of the many ‘shooters’, hand made to order that are sure to jump start their fun! To make the most of your visit, start your evening early to enjoy special prices during the happy hours from 4 to 7 pm. To book your table at Los Cabos, just call 02 653 3900 or shoot an e-mail to info@loscabosbangkok.com. For more information, visit their website: www.loscabosbangkok.com.
Just dip your tortilla in the guac, put it in your mouth, close your eyes and start chewing it. Don’t be surprised if the very next moment you feel you are walking in the streets of Mexico! Continue the feast with the Grilled Quesdilla available with chicken, corn, chili & white cheddar with salsa fresca and Grilled Asparagus, Mushroom & Corn – House smoked tomato & jalapeño vinaigrette with shrimp, Rocking Baja Style Lobster and Starving Surfer Combo. Top off the meal with the king of all dishes – Mesquit-Smoked Pork Ribs. Los Cabos is the brainchild of two seasoned restaurateurs - Mr. Howard Cummins and Mr. Robb Vaughn. Mr. Cummins has an extensive experience in operating Mexican restaurants throughout California and the United States, while San Diegan Mr. Vaughn is an experienced chef and restaurant operator with more than 25 years in the U.S. market and over 8 years of experience in Thailand.
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Promotion
Crispy Nachos…Tangy Salsas…Sizzling Meats…And Much More…
Mexico is just Minutes Away!
Mexico is just minutes away! Yes, there is a place at a stone’s throw from BTS Asoke Station or MRT Sukhumvit Station where can you feast on crispy nachos, soft tacos, tangy salsas, sizzling meats and many more authentic Mexican delicacies in a beachside setting! It is called Los Cabos – the Mexican Restaurant situated in Sukhumvit Soi 14. Los Cabos’ owners Robb Vaughn and Howard Cummins who had shared the experience of enjoying cocktails on the beaches of Baha Mexico have brought to Thailand their love for the fabulous cuisine, tantalising drinks and the exhilarating atmosphere of Mexico. “Mi casa est su casa” (our home is your home) is truly an attitude Robb and Howard hold dear.
Answer the below question to win Complimentary Dining Voucher Valued at THB 1,000.-
Los Cabos is an exotic place specifically created for guests to experience truly authentic Mexican food and drinks in an enchanting and fun-filled beachside environment. Just answer a simple question to avail of a complimentary dining voucher valued at THB 1,000.- with which you can sample some of the not-to-be-missed Mexican delicacies at Los Cabos Mexican Restaurant, Sukhumvit Soi 14, Bangkok.
What is another name of the Mexican entrée Guacamole? 1) Camole
2) Moli
3) Guac
4) Acamole
The senders of the first 7 correct responses each will receive the complimentary dining voucher. Your Response: Your Name: Tel No. / E-mail ID: So, write your response in the space provided above and submit your entry to the starters at the Club House or send it by e-mail to editorial_desk@elitegolfmagazine.com before Monday, 20 June 2011.
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Health
Enjoy motherhood, beat the baby blues
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new mother can’t help but marvel at all her body has endured in the past nine months. Now that the pregnancy is (finally) over, she has been rewarded with a living, breathing wonder - and a new title: Mom. Coming to terms with her new role, while learning how to care for her baby and at the same time take care of her family can be overwhelming for any woman. Just like about everything else in her life, a woman’s body faces significant changes in the weeks and months following her baby’s birth. During this period her body will heal from childbirth, rebuild its strength and begin to regain its pre-pregnancy shape. A number of women who have given birth can have many associated problems called baby blues. Delivering a baby in itself is a very difficult process for the mother. After that, to take care of the baby in the immediate period can be very stressful for many.
Dr. Vorachai Chuenchompoonut
The more a woman knows about what to expect, the better prepared she will be to cope with the physical and emotional changes that come post-pregnancy. How a new mother can get her body shape and skin firmness back to normal? A new mother, who is obese or lacks collagen, had too much amniotic fluid or delivered a huge baby may experience abdominal skin laxity. For those women, the doctor may suggest controlling weight before the delivery and recommend abdominal exercises as well as supplements such as Vitamin C and/or anti-oxidant products to stimulate building of collagen. Tummy tuck (minor surgery) may be advised for an obese woman with sagging belly.
So to know more about common problems faced by new mothers and the measures to overcome them with minimal pain and discomfort, RBSC ELITE met Dr. Vorachai Chuenchompoonut, Obstetrics and Gynecologist at the BNH Women’s Health Centre, BNH Hospital. Excerpts from the talk: What is postpartum period and when does it begin and end? The postpartum period begins after the delivery of the baby and ends when the mother’s body has returned as closely as possible to its pre-pregnant state. This period usually lasts six weeks.
When does a new mother need comprehensive health examination? Usually within six weeks after delivery, uterus, ovary, cervix, vagina and other organs get back to normal. That’s the right time to have a health check-up – pelvic examination, checking of the uterus, ovary etc. Also, it is highly recommended to have cervical cancer screening at this stage since it hasn’t been done for almost a year during pregnancy through to delivery.
What are common problems a new mother is facing after delivery and what are the remedies? A new mother may face both emotional and physical problems soon after delivering the baby. The emotional difficulties include anxiety, sadness and remaining quiet for a long time, while the physical problems include vaginal soreness (in case of normal delivery), postnatal vaginal discharge (lochia), urination problems, sore breasts, skin changes, skin laxity, hair loss and more. Normally, pain or discomfort associated with most problems subside within a few days/weeks. Women underwent C section or vaginal birth may also have lower abdominal pain due to contractions of the uterus. If the pain, which resembles menstrual cramps, is severe the doctor may advise the patient to take a painkiller. Some women may have fluid retention (swelling on the legs). If these symptoms are noticed, your doctor will advise you to reduce salt intake and increase eating protein rich food. For those who suffer from constipation, the doctor may recommend eating fibrous food, drinking of lot of water and/or prescribe laxatives to facilitate smoother bowel movement.
What is Liquid-Based Cytology (LBC) screening and how is it better than Pap smear? Until recently, the conventional Pap smear was the only type of screening available to detect cervical cancer. The Pap smear has been associated with inadequate results and a significant false negative rate. However, an innovative method of collecting cervical smear is now available at BNH Hospital and a few other hospitals as an effective alternative. It is called Liquid-Based Cytology (LBC). LBC uses a cervical brush to sample the cervix. The cervical brush is then rinsed or detached into a vial containing a proprietary fixative, which is sent to the cytology laboratory. Thus, LBC is more sensitive and the results are more reliable.
What is postpartum blues and how to overcome it? One of the most common problems experienced by new mothers is postpartum blues. It’s a kind of depression triggered by a sudden drop of hormones. Some women may face this for weeks or months together. Lack of interest in herself and the baby, having difficulty in sleeping and crying all day long without any reason are some common signs. Nearly 30% of women face this problem. So the whole family has to offer their support to the new mother by attending to her needs, helping her to raise the newborn and ensuring that the she has enough rest every day.
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Golf Quiz
Eagle
Albatross
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in three exciting prizes – Albatross, Eagle and Birdie – in this month’s quiz. The Albatross prize is Green Fee worth THB 8,000 for a round of golf during weekdays for a group of 4 players at the Summit Windmill Golf Course, Samuthprakarn, sponsored by Summit Windmill Golf Club Co., Ltd. Gift vouchers, which can be exchanged for a One-Hour Mulberry Hot Tea Oil Massage for a couple Valued at THB 3,000.- sponsored by Mulberry Spa, will be presented to the winner of the Eagle prize, while a colourful Arnold Palmer Golf Shirt sponsored by Primesport Co., Ltd awaits the Birdie prize winner.
Birdie
In case of more than three winning entries, the winners will be selected through a draw of lots. So what are you waiting for? Hurry up!! Please e-mail your answers to editorial_desk@elitegolfmagazine.com by not later than Friday, 24 June 2011 with ‘Golf Quiz – June 2011’ as the ‘subject’ of your mail. Alternatively, you may write your name, contact number or E-mail ID and your answers in the box provided in this page or its photocopy and leave it with the golf starters. So, Best of Luck!
- ELITE Editorial Team
GOLF QUIZ - JUNE 2011 Name: ____________________________________ Tel No. / E-mail ID: ___________________________ Your Answers: Q.1 ____________________________ Q.2 ____________________________
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QUESTIONS Please select the response of your choice to each of the below questions. 1. While practising on grass at the driving range, you have taken a divot with your first swing. Which of the below is the right way to continue your practice? a) Place your ball by the side of the divot and go for the swing b) Place your ball just behind the divot each time you swing c) Place your ball on the front end of the divot each time you swing d) Place your ball randomly or anywhere you like and go for the swing 2. Name the golfer who topped the Asian Tour Order of Merit as of 31 May 2011? a) Siddikur b) Jbe Kruger c) Thongchai Jaidee d) S.S.P. Chowrasia
June 2011
Conditions: a) The Golf Quiz is open for the members of the Royal Bangkok Sports Club, their spouses, children and families only and non-members are not eligible to participate. b) The Albatross prize includes green fee during weekdays only. The picture of Arnold Palmer golf shirt shown as the Birdie prize on the opposite page is only a sample. The colour and design of the shirt may vary depending upon availability. c) W hile sending your entries, you must quote your name and contact phone number or e-mail address. Entries without the accompanying details face the risk of being rejected. d) The winners will be intimated through a telephone call or e-mail, as the case may be, to pick-up their prizes. e) The prizes are non-transferable and cannot be exchanged for cash. f ) To ensure fair and equitable chances of winning the prizes for all, entries submitted by the members, who had already won 3 prizes (same or different prizes) in one calendar year, will be considered as ineligible. The Editorial Desk of Elite reserves the right to reject invalid entries. ANSWERS TO LAST MONTH’S QUIZ 1. Which golf club did RBSC member Mr. Dale Lawrence use to ace RBSC Hole #17 recently? a) 5 iron b) 7 iron c) 5 wood d) 7 wood Ans: c) 5 wood 2. Which of the below golfers have pulled out of The Players Championship held in May due to health problems? a) Jhonattan Vegas b) Henrik Stenson c) Tiger Woods d) Matt Bettencourt Ans: c) Tiger Woods Since there were more than three entries with the correct answers for the last month’s quiz, the following three winners were picked by a draw of lots 1. Albatross prize – Khun Thawee Thaiprasithiporn 2. Eagle prize – Khun Bangornratana Boonritthongchai 3. Birdie prize – Khun Yanyong Leelalumlert Our hearty congratulations to the lucky winners!
Money Matters
Creating Investment Opportunities with
“Ayudhya Fund Management”
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his year, if we gonna think of the most successful asset management companies in Thailand, it may be inevitable to mention the name of “Ayudhya Fund Management Co., Ltd.” (“the Company”) since it has recently won three awards of Morningstar Thailand Fund Awards 2010 and M&W LTF/RMF Fund Awards 2010. These accomplishments were announced in last April for its outstanding investment performances throughout 2010. The three awards are: Morningstar Thailand Fund Awards 2010 • Equity General: AYF Dividend Stock Fund (AYFSDIV) same time, they must ensure that return on investment must be strong and sustainable, not from flashy and unrealistic growth.
M&W LTF/RMF Fund Awards 2010 • LTF: AYF Dividend Stock LTF (AYFLTFDIV) • RMF: AYF Dividend Stock RMF (AYFDIVRMF)
The Company’s investment philosophy is “To provide stable return with lowest volatility or manage to minimize downside risk”. During the past 1-2 years, Thai stock market experienced high level of volatility but the Company’s track record has proven this philosophy to be viable, as equity funds has delivered outstanding return. Should the stock market increases, the Company’s equity funds will deliver comparable or better return than market. Should the stock market decreases, return from the Company’s equity funds would decline slower. This is because the Company’s fund managers will continuously analyze and keep update on market situation. On the other hand, return on our fixed income funds are also at satisfying level.
Winning three out of seven awards from Morningstar Thailand Fund Awards 2010 and M&W LTF/RMF Fund Awards 2010, Mr. Chatrapee Tantixalerm, CEO of the Company, said that “These awards are strong proofs of the great dedication of our team members who have strongly committed to the Company’s mission and investment philosophy in providing enriched and enduring investment for our clients”. In managing both equity and fixed income funds, the Company uses the same approach, that is, all fund managers will invest only in the companies/securities that they are confident in their future. It is the corporate’s policy that prior to making investment decision, the fund managers must rigorously work through investment processes. These procedures include research/study in past and present information, in-depth interview with executives, and making regular company visits. Then, fund managers analyze these key inputs to forecast the future outlook of that company; whether this investment is enduring or not. At the
Today, the Company’s client base is approximately at 57,000 accounts. In 2010, the client base increased almost 18,000 accounts - at highest record. As a result from being able to successfully manage several funds, more clients are increasingly interested in the Company’s funds. However, the Company remains committed to develop and offer extensive investment products/funds with highest and stable return for investors.
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Comprehensive Range of Products/funds At present, the Company offers a comprehensive range of products/funds that address different investment objectives at each risk level, to meet each client’s needs and goals. Investors could apply the asset allocation model to reduce risks while getting better return, to manage their investment portfolio. If a goal is to get higher return than the inflation rate, investors should invest in products with higher return than saving interest rates or invest in government bonds. And within a year or two, the Deposit Protection Agency Act will be fully applied; in 2011, deposits of up to only THB50 million per account per bank are protected and from 2012 onwards, the deposit protection will be scaled back to THB1 million per account per bank. Therefore, investors with savings should start finding new investment strategies for better return opportunities. “I think the Company offers extensive investment products that substantially address client’s needs and goals. At the same time, we can readily introduce new products/ funds to meet market’s demand and at appropriate timing.” Mr. Chatrapee said, “In launching new funds, the Company emphasizes on the fund size; not to be too small. For open-ended funds, the focus is on long-term investment products for clients to invest for longer period. The Company also focuses on the funds based on economic cycle to be an alternative for the investors to choose between short to medium term investment; such as Korean Government Bond Fund or Target Fund. The Company offers the funds that now cover every continent, ranged from investing in Thailand, the United States, Europe, China, Latin America, etc. However, should there be any new and feasible investment opportunities in new areas, the Company will be ready to introduce new investment products and services for the clients to consider. Synergizing with Krungsri to rebrand Ayudhya Fund Management Soon to be launched, the Company prepares to rebrand itself, in line with Krungsri’s policy. By synergizing with Krungsri with new rebranding name to “Krungsri Asset Management Co., Ltd.”, the Company will enhance more competitive edges and leverage Krungsri’s network. Mr. Chatrapee viewed this to be positive and to propel growth in all associated companies. Most importantly, it certainly strengthens the capabilities in providing a complete range of investment products and services, as well as convenience to the bank’s clients.
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Money Matters
Don’t Put All Eggs in One Basket
- By Suthipong Sucharittanonta, CFP
A member of the Royal Bangkok Sports Club, Khun Suthipong Sucharittanonta is a Certified Financial Planning professional with a Master’s degree from USA and a long time experience in Private Banking, Wealth Management and Financial Advisory. He has worked for many financial institutions such as Bangkok Bank Pcl., Asset Plus Securities, Bangkok First Investment & Trust, BFIT Securities, BFIT Asset Management and Finansa Wealth Management. He will share with us his financial experience and some useful tips. For more information about financial planning, please visit the Thai Financial Planning Association website: www.tfpa.or.th or send an email to: ikesuth@hotmail.com
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tart the day with a healthy breakfast, orange juice, toast, soft-boiled eggs, scrambled eggs, ham and cheese omelette, or sunny side up fried egg with sausage, bacon, and tomato...or rice congee with minced pork and soft boiled egg...did you notice that the price has increased? You have to pay more for food and drink.
minimize risk. For example, if you invest in stocks and gold, a stock price of a property company might goes down while the gold price may still goes up. That is because the two assets are not relating directly to each other.
Food price has incresed dramatically within the past six months starting from palm oil and egg. Eggs become more and more expensive nowaday. That is not only affected by inflation caused mainly by rising oil price, but also from the cost raised by middle men because supply is below demand. An egg today costs almost Baht 6 - rising 100 percent from last year in the same period. It is even more expensive in Europe, more than Baht 20 each. So, you can imagine why food price has increased.
How do we diversify the portfolio? Do it by investing in a different set of asset classes such as stocks, bonds, cash, and real estate. The risk of portfolio will be spread across investments that behave differently to one another. Those four asset classes are generally affected by different factors that behave in different ways. Therefore, instead of investing all of your money in one asset class such as stocks, you can diversify your portfolio by putting some money in the government or corporate bonds, some in stocks, some in cash, and some in real estate. The risk on your investment would be minimised automatically. Each investment instrument has different return and risk profile. For example, a bank deposit has a lower risk than stock. If you are looking for a higher return from investment, a high risk is involved. The percentage of each investment depends on risk appetite and time horizon of an investor. For young investors who still have a long time to work and earn money, they can take higher risks than the retirees. Understanding your risk profile is a first step in taking action to diversify your investments. You can do this by consulting with a financial advisor.
If you buy eggs and put them all in one basket or a plastic bag, all eggs will be broken if the basket is dropped accidentally. An egg costs a lot today. If you put eggs separately in two baskets or bags and accidentally drop one, you still have one left. The same goes true in the investing world. “Don’t put all your eggs in one basket,” the saying goes. It means you should not invest all of your money in one asset class because you will have 100 percent risk in that investment. If something goes wrong, you will lose all of that money. For example, if you have Baht 1 million, and put all of them in one bank, all of your money will be gone, if that bank goes bankrupt. Why should we diversify? The basic idea of diversification is to invest in a wide variety of different assets that has low correlation to each other in order to
A diversification tool Mutual fund is the most popular and easiest investing tool to help diversify your investment because each fund invests in a broad array of investment or in different asset classes. An investor will have a broad exposure to a large group of companies within a sector or a various asset classes easily. There are many kinds of mutual funds in the market such as fixed income fund, equity fund, foreign investment fund, retirement mutual fund, and etc. Hold many baskets of eggs to minimise your risk As mentioned earlier, if you accidentally drop one basket of eggs, you still have the other one. Presently, the world market is very volatile. The main factor driving the whole world is the oil price. Therefore, is it time to rearrange your personal investments and diversify them in order to minimise your investment risk? Consult with your financial advisor or financial planning professional for more information.
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June 2011