LIFESTYLE MOMENTS Banyan Thailand, Hua Hin Newsletter: 01/ 2014

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Tyrone Andrews
6 years ago
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com 5TH YEAR ANNIVERSARY TOP THAI COURSE CELEBRATES 5TH

SECTION CENTARA WORLD MASTER CHAMPIONSHIP GREEN KEEPER S

1 LIFESTYLE MOMENTS Banyan Thailand, Hua Hin Newsletter: 01/ TH YEAR ANNIVERSARY TOP THAI COURSE CELEBRATES 5TH ANNIVERSARY MESSAGE FROM MANAGEMENT GOLF SECTION RESORT SECTION CENTARA WORLD MASTER CHAMPIONSHIP GREEN KEEPER S WHISPER CHANDON & OYSTER S CELEBRATE SONGKRAN AT BANYAN PRIVILEGED GOLF MEMBERSHIP AVAILABLE Resort Residences Golf

MESSAGE FROM MANAGEMENT by Bruce Hancock Director Business Development Our 5 th Banyan Golf Anniversary was certainly a highlight for the beginning of 2014, a wonderful attendance and great memories

2 MESSAGE FROM MANAGEMENT by Bruce Hancock Director Business Development Our 5 th Banyan Golf Anniversary was certainly a highlight for the beginning of 2014, a wonderful attendance and great memories that will take us forward towards our 10 th year. Yes the political situation in Thailand has had an impact but fortunately we were able to push forward and sustain business and now the emergency ban has lifted, we are back into positive mode. Hua Hin has certainly become alive especially after it was labeled as Asia and Australasia's 2014 Golf Destination of the Year. We are constantly focused on marketing Banyan as complete lifestyle experience hence our resort and golf packages where customers can have the choice of relaxing in the resort environment or playing golf or a combination of both. In addition to the resort and golf experience to further enhance this we are currently creating plans for our wellness offering including spa, fitness and golf conditioning so you will be hearing more details on this in Currently we are offering relaxing and therapeutic treatments in our Spa with our team of professional therapists and have recently introduced a unique massage ideal for golfers. Due to our recent corporate training offering (Creative Corporate Training CCT) this has attracted a number of interested groups and we look forward to giving them the outcomes they are looking for, professional training, relaxed surroundings, and meeting rooms conducive to productivity. We are currently working on plans for further residential developments so once again these will be communicated over the next few months, a very exciting project we feel that will be accepted exceptional well by potential customers. We are now selling land plots to interested customers who would like to build their dream Villa in the style of Banyan. If you would like to know more on this opportunity please contact Rob Pijper rob@banyanthailand.com From the management team at Banyan we wish you all the success in your own endeavors and look forward to you experiencing the Banyan charm, lifestyle coupled with harmony.

GOLF SECTION by Stacey Walton, Director of Golf & Resort Operations I begin with the Masters this weekend that will be played in both Augusta National and right here at our very own Banyan Golf Club

Can our defending Champion Steve Brighton take the heat and find the magic that brought him glory last year?

I will announce the details of this tournament soon to our members and guests. We will also be offering exciting World Cup prizes with a scratch and win competition in the F&B outlets for every THB.

It s going to be a busy June indeed as I was informed by Mark Siegel Managing Director of Golf Asian from 15-21 June 2014 for the Centara World Masters Golf Championship has been a sellout with over

3 GOLF SECTION by Stacey Walton, Director of Golf & Resort Operations I begin with the Masters this weekend that will be played in both Augusta National and right here at our very own Banyan Golf Club in Hua Hin on Sunday, 13 th April Who will be awarded the infamous green jacket on Sunday? Can our defending Champion Steve Brighton take the heat and find the magic that brought him glory last year? Football fans will be looking forward to the World Cup from June 13 th onwards and we are planning a Pairs Match play series at Banyan Golf Club, Hua Hin. I will announce the details of this tournament soon to our members and guests. We will also be offering exciting World Cup prizes with a scratch and win competition in the F&B outlets for every THB. 500 you spend in the outlets you receive a World Cup scratch card which will reveal prizes for free green fees, sleeves of balls, bottles of wine. It s going to be a busy June indeed as I was informed by Mark Siegel Managing Director of Golf Asian from June 2014 for the Centara World Masters Golf Championship has been a sellout with over 550 players already signed up. The Resort is fully booked over this 7-day period and there are 3 days of golf fully booked at the Banyan Golf Club. I ve been asked by our team and members what my pick for the Masters will be this year, so I went on the odds with a few outsiders for a chance at the Masters with Henrik Stenson 33/1 Stephan Gallacher 200/1, Victor Dubuisson 100/1, Miguel Jimenez 200/1, Sergio Garcia 20/1. I ll be happy if any of these come through at the weekend. Stuart and John are also in the pool so when you see them ask who they have picked this year! It s also at this time of the year when we have to plan for some heavy duty maintenance on the golf course and Stuart will be notifying you all with the dates in which we have to conduct the work on the fairways and greens with minimal disturbance to our members and guests. Finally, we are celebrating the Thai New Year with Songkran this weekend so we d like to wish you a Sawadee Pee Mai to all our team, members and guests! So, you see I have chosen all European tour players hoping for a win in the USA before the forthcoming Ryder Cup at Gleneagles September 2014 when we will also be announcing shortly the team captains for the Banyan Rider Cup Banyan Golf Club, Hua Hin will be exhibiting at the Thailand Golf Expo at Queen Srikit Centre from May 2014 selling special green fees and resort packages at reduced rates. It s the largest golf show in Bangkok with golf courses from all over the country, as well as a range of retail and golf equipment for sale at rock bottom prices. Well worth the visit if you are looking for a bargain. JIMMY BARNES PRESENTING HIS PLATINUM ALBUM AWARD TO BANYAN GOLF CLUB MANAGEMENT Australian music legend Jimmy Barnes presenting his Platinum album award for his 2009 album The Rhythm and Blues to the management team of Banyan Golf Club Hua Hin. Jimmy commented that he was giving A Number 1 album for the Number 1 Golf Club

RESORT SECTION by Melissa Tan, Resort Manager Banyan resort attended the 3rd Asia Golf Tourism Convention (AGTC) at Mission Hills Haikou on Hainan Island, China.

tour operators and tourist boards. Suppliers had the opportunity to introduce themselves to all buyers during 2 hours of speed meeting at the beginning of the first business day.

4 RESORT SECTION by Melissa Tan, Resort Manager Banyan resort attended the 3rd Asia Golf Tourism Convention (AGTC) at Mission Hills Haikou on Hainan Island, China. It was certainly a productive conference as we had the opportunity to meet other delegates from 33 countries with a number of meetings between golf operators, resorts, golf clubs, hotels, inbound tour operators and tourist boards. Suppliers had the opportunity to introduce themselves to all buyers during 2 hours of speed meeting at the beginning of the first business day. This is then followed by 9.5 hours of meetings over two days where golf resorts, golf clubs, hotels and other suppliers can have up to 38 appointments of 15 minutes with golf tour operators from 35 countries. We made many strong connections and can certainly see Banyan has a very strong interest for the Asian market wanting to visit Hua Hin. We have the opportunity to capitalize on the needs of our customers by giving them quality service with hospitality coupled with award winning golf experience. Back at the Banyan Resort we have a number of exciting events coming up over the next 3 months, currently preparing for this weekend's Songkran, followed by our oyster and Chandon highlight for the month of May as well as many other wonderful surprises throughout the year. I do hope you make time to experience our Banyan hospitality and we look forward to making sure your stay is a wonderful memory. Songkran is the Thai New Year and there are rites and rituals that people participate in as part of the New Year blessings and Buddhist merit-making, one of these is the splashing of water. Water runs deep in the Thai New Year traditions, both as a symbol of cleansing and as a symbol of renewal. Sprinkling scented water from silver bowls on a Buddha image is a ritual practiced by all Thai people. Experience Thai Traditional activities, various Thai signature street food and cultural performances from the North. on Sunday 13 th April, 2014 Morning Thai Traditional Activities: 8.30 am The pouring of scented water on a Buddha image for the New Year blessing. Meeting at the resort lobby 9.30 am Offering food and gift sets to the 19 monks, each set can be purchased for THB Celebration Evening: From 7.00 p.m enjoy delicious Thai street food dinner on the lawn in front of Lemongrass Restaurant in a fun fair atmosphere with games, Thai traditional performances, fire show, live music and much more. Entrance fee at THB 200 per person including a complimentary glass of Singha Draft beer to wet the inside, other food and drinks can be purchased during the evening. Please contact booking@banyanthailand.com for more detail.

THAILAND S BEST WEEK OF GOLF & FUN CENTARA WORLD MASTERS GOLF CHAMPIONSHIP 15-21 June, 2014 - Hua Hin, Thailand www.thailandworldmasters.

Registrations from USA, Canada, South Africa, Germany, Sweden, India, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Philippines confirms the event's international appeal.

5 THAILAND S BEST WEEK OF GOLF & FUN CENTARA WORLD MASTERS GOLF CHAMPIONSHIP June, Hua Hin, Thailand Billed as Asia s biggest and richest tournament for club golfers, more than 250 golfers have already registered for the Centara World Masters to be hosted in Thailand from June Registrations from USA, Canada, South Africa, Germany, Sweden, India, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Philippines confirms the event's international appeal. The Centara World Masters is open to male and female golfers aged 35+ and the 15 Championship divisions guarantee flights with golfers of a similar age and handicap. Major sponsors including TaylorMade, Coke, Chang and Thai Airways guarantees there will be a minimum US$50,000 in prizes to be won. Around 600 golfers are expected to compete. Black Mountain, Banyan, Majestic Creek and Imperial Lakeview will host the four round stableford tournament. A grade golfers can also compete for the best gross / stroke event. The Centara World Masters gives every - day golfers the opportunity to play in a world class tournament with all of the trappings of a major professional tournament. The tournament will also feature spectacular welcome and presentation dinners with top class entertainment at Centara Grand Beachfront Resort. Complimentary beverages are provided on-course and at the nightly 19th Hole party venue. Starting at just US$1,140 the all inclusive 6 night / 4 round event package with loads of extras represents exceptional value. Hua Hin in Thailand, was recently voted the #1 Golf Destination in Asia at the IAGTO awards in Spain. World class golf resorts with their ever smiling and well trained caddies, a beach resort setting with old-world charm and modern luxuries, cuisine that indulges the senses, great value shopping and markets, and sea breezes making it more comfortable than humid Asian destinations, makes Hua Hin a natural winner.

TOP THAI COURSE CELEBRATES 5TH ANNIVERSARY In just five years Banyan Golf Club in Hua Hin Thailand has won both international awards and many friends to become one of the top courses in Asia.

6 TOP THAI COURSE CELEBRATES 5TH ANNIVERSARY In just five years Banyan Golf Club in Hua Hin Thailand has won both international awards and many friends to become one of the top courses in Asia. The list of VIP s who took part in the club s 5th Anniversary tournament in February showed the club s ability to attract golfers, celebrities and politicians to this popular Hua Hin club. The governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand, Thawatchai Arunyik, spoke to the 200 guests after playing in the 5th anniversary tournament, and praised the management for creating a superb golfing experience, which he said was a credit to Thailand s golfing experience. The event raised more than THB600,000 (USD20,000) for the Bright Dawn Foundation, which provides health care and educational support to disadvantaged school children in the Hua Hin area.

Namatra added, The owner didn t want us to touch any of the trees so we left them alone too.

Perhaps one of the highlights is driving along to the course and seeing the magnificent club house overlooking the front

Designed by famed architect Smith Obayawat, Principal Clubhouse architect (OBA) who has also created several iconic

With 200 members and a large regular customer base of golfers from western Europe, South East Asia and Australia, Banyan

blend of a challenging 8 holes across some beautiful countryside.

7 Namatra added, The owner didn t want us to touch any of the trees so we left them alone too. All but one, the big Banyan tree that was in the middle of the 10th fairway which we moved about 50m to the left. Perhaps one of the highlights is driving along to the course and seeing the magnificent club house overlooking the front nine holes. Designed by famed architect Smith Obayawat, Principal Clubhouse architect (OBA) who has also created several iconic projects including the So Sofitel and K Village in Bangkok and the Thai Consulate in Guangzhou. With 200 members and a large regular customer base of golfers from western Europe, South East Asia and Australia, Banyan has recorded more than 150,000 rounds since opening in early 2009, the year it was named as best new course in Asia Pacific. Golf course architect Pirapon Namatra and Smith Obayawat, Principal Clubhouse architect (OBA) have achieved the perfect blend of a challenging 8 holes across some beautiful countryside. Pirapon Namatra and his company Golf East have built and renovated over thirty courses, including the Banyan, Singha Park and the Santiburi courses plus renovations including Blue Canyon and Alpine. Namatra said I am currently building the new Waterside golf course at Siam Country Club in Pattaya, however I have many fond memories of creating Banyan which we actually complete in just 18 months. It s a beautiful piece of land, and I think the final product is proof of that.

Our Thai style clubhouse has been awarded several international awards, including winning Best Clubhouse in Asia Pacific

The location is beautiful and the weather is always nice in Hua Hin, and thanks to the owners they allowed me to exercise

The Dutch based owners are continually looking at ways to improve the golf club and their 75 villa Banyan Resort.

Monthly, and has continued to collect a number of awards annually.

8 Our Thai style clubhouse has been awarded several international awards, including winning Best Clubhouse in Asia Pacific for two consecutive years, which were very gratifying. The location is beautiful and the weather is always nice in Hua Hin, and thanks to the owners they allowed me to exercise my imagination, said Obayawat. Perhaps one of the highlights is driving along to the course and seeing the magnificent club house overlooking the front nine holes. Designed by famed architect Smith Obayawat, Principal Clubhouse architect (OBA) who has also created several iconic projects including the So Sofitel and K Village in Bangkok and the Thai Consulate in Guangzhou. Our Thai style clubhouse has been awarded several international awards, including winning Best Clubhouse in Asia Pacific for two consecutive years, which were very gratifying. The location is beautiful and the weather is always nice in Hua Hin, and thanks to the owners they allowed me to exercise my imagination, said Obayawat. The Dutch based owners are continually looking at ways to improve the golf club and their 75 villa Banyan Resort. But perhaps the biggest success has been the dedicated behind the scenes work headed by General Manager Stacey Walton and Stuart Daly Director of Operations. After just 12 months of opening the club was recognized as the Best New Course in Asia Pacific in 2010 by Asian Golf Monthly, and has continued to collect a number of awards annually. General Manager Walton said, The demand for golf in Hua Hin is still growing and our long term plan, using land we own adjacent to the current course, would be to eventually create a sister course with the same natural feel of the Banyan, but a bit different in character.

CHANDON & OYSTER S Indulge in the finest oyster delicacies, fresh from the ocean with the perfect match, CHANDON Sparkling Wine as our highlight of the month on Friday, 9 th May 2014 at 7.30-9.30 p.m., Splash Pool Bar THB 1,990.

mixologist (DIY cocktail concept is to bring Chandon bottle to cocktail bar to create your own cocktails recipe with Chandon professional mixologist.

9 CHANDON & OYSTER S Indulge in the finest oyster delicacies, fresh from the ocean with the perfect match, CHANDON Sparkling Wine as our highlight of the month on Friday, 9 th May 2014 at p.m., Splash Pool Bar THB 1,990.- per person with an exclusive bottle CHANDON per person, selection of seafood on ice, enjoy music & DJ entertainment; Pop Dance, R&B, 60 s & 70 s and a complimentary DIY cocktails by CHANDON mixologist (DIY cocktail concept is to bring Chandon bottle to cocktail bar to create your own cocktails recipe with Chandon professional mixologist.) Splash Pool Bar PRIVILEGED GOLF MEMBERSHIP AVAILABLE There is much more to offer than 18-holes of award winning golf at Banyan Golf Club. There are many reasons why joining Hua Hin s premium golf club will benefit you. Banyan Golf Club, Hua Hin is offering a one time opportunity to join as a club member. The golf club is part of an integrated residential and resort suitable for families where members can enjoy preferred room rates, a range of leisure facilities and discounted dining privileges in all the food and beverage outlets. BEST COURSE IN THAILAND (1 st Runner up), 2012 BEST CLUB HOUSE IN ASIA PACIFIC, 2012 Joining fees start from THB. 250,000 for a 10-year overseas membership and applications for a full 10-year, 15-year, lifetime, corporate and corporate plus membership is also available. Please contact membership@banyanthailand.com or ask in the Pro Shop for further details.

GREEN KEEPER S WHISPER by Stuart Daly, Golf Club EAM & Minachai Srichanya Golf Course Superintendent In the recent week, I attended the Sustainable Turfgrass Management in Asia Seminar in Pattaya

10 GREEN KEEPER S WHISPER by Stuart Daly, Golf Club EAM & Minachai Srichanya Golf Course Superintendent In the recent week, I attended the Sustainable Turfgrass Management in Asia Seminar in Pattaya together with Khun Minachai & his assistant Khun Narong. A lot of emphasis at the seminar was given over to the properties & cultivation practices of Zoysia grasses. There are 11 sub species of Zoysia Grasses, all native to the South East Asia region, and each have slightly different properties, but in general, all are very drought tolerant, very saline tolerant & very shade tolerant. Zoysia Grasses are also very resistant to pests & diseases. The fact that these grasses grow wild in this part of the world without any treatment at all, will quantify all of the above. We are very fortunate to have the majority of our Golf Course covered by Zoysia Matrella (Fairways & Rough) & Khun Minachai & his team manage this grass very differently to the grass on the Tees (Paspalum) and Greens (Bermuda grass). Over the coming weeks, we will be conducting our annual aerifying & topdressing of the Greens, Tee boxes & Fairways. Whilst there is no way to avoid this necessary work, we have learned lot about the needs of the Zoysia and have formulated a system of verti-draining, coring & cleaning our fairways, so that they will return to playable conditions within hours of being worked on. Of course, we will try to case as little disruption to play as possible, and may vary the start holes from 1 to 10 more frequently during this period, so rest assured that we plan this work so that we can complete it as quickly as possible without compromising on the quality of work done. The benefits of this work (from a grass point of view) are too many to list, but it all strengthen the health & playing surface quality of the course. Please know that this is an extremely busy and stressful time for Khun Minachai and all the GCM team, but their single purpose is to ensure that the golf course returns to the best conditions as fast a possible so that we can all enjoy our beautiful course at its best. We thank you for your understanding & support toward the team working hard to benefit you.

CHINESE NEW YEAR CELEBRATION Banyan The Resort,

Chinese show called the "Lucky Lion Dance" as a

The evening was held at our award winning

a variety of drinks to compliment the taste.

Designer Blue Lotus Hua Hin I enjoyed my work very

Hua Hin Banyan Golf Club fees like a part of my

11 CHINESE NEW YEAR CELEBRATION Banyan The Resort, Hua Hin recently organized Chinese New Year 2014 to welcome the year of the horse. The celebration commenced with a traditional Chinese show called the "Lucky Lion Dance" as a blessing to welcome all our guests. The evening was held at our award winning Lemongrass Restaurant with a delicious specialty from our Executive Chef Khun Wat. He created a beautiful assortment of Dim Sums and a variety of drinks to compliment the taste. WORKING AT BANYAN Asanai Hempetch Graphic Art Designer Blue Lotus Hua Hin I enjoyed my work very much, the creative opportunity and the fact I learn something new every day. Pongsak Chomthongtet Marshall Banyan Golf Club, Hua Hin Banyan Golf Club fees like a part of my family. I enjoy the work so much. Winai Mamuangkon Sous Chef Banyan The Resort, Hua Hin This is my 6th year working at Banyan. I love the work and the people.

OneLifestyle Golf and Resort Destination in Thailand Banyan is a premium resort with an 18- hole championship golf course www.banyanthailand.

12 Experience one of the most talked about golf courses in Asia. An award winning golf resort in the Royal town of Hua Hin awaits you. BEST COURSE IN THAILAND, 2 ND RUNNER UP BEST CLUB HOUSE IN ASIA PACIFIC, WINNER BEST PRO SHOP IN ASIA PACIFIC, TOP 10 Banyan is your Number OneLifestyle Golf and Resort Destination in Thailand Banyan is a premium resort with an 18- hole championship golf course Resort booking@banyanthailand.com facebook.com/banyantheresorthuahin +66 (0) Golf reservations@banyanthailand.com facebook.com/banyangolfclubhuahin +66 (0)

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