A GROUP of influential golf writers from Australia is set to play on Phuket this week, so the Tourism Authority of Thailand will be hoping for a good break in the rain.
It's always been a matter for debate about whether sailing or golf is the more important sport to Phuket and the region, behind diving.
At this time of the year, golf is clearly the standout, and the TAT is pushing to make a significant impact for tourism to Phuket and Thailand.
Thailand's Thongchai Jaidee managed to score a hole in one at the US Open at the weekend and the TAT will be looking to ace the Aussie market if the golf writers like what they see and play.
They'll be treated to two of Phuket's best courses, playing Red Mountain on Wednesday and Blue Canyon on Thursday. Golf on Phuket is a cut above most options for golfers in Australia, where the average player has to drag his own bag.
On Phuket and almost everywhere in Thailand, with a couple of exceptions, caddies do the carrying. In some cases, scores might improve if they did the playing, too. Phuket's courses are notorious for water hazards of all kinds.
Making the trip from Australia are Brendan Moloney, president of the Australian Golf Writers' Association, Brendan James, editor of Golf Australia magazine; Bernie Pramberg, from the Courier-Mail; Steve Keipert, editor of Golf Digest; Jon Underwood, editor of Golf Vacations magazine; Len Findlay of the West Australian newspaper and freelance Paul Myers, led by Pongsak Kanittanon of the TAT's Sydney office.
After Phuket the group will be heading for Hua Hin and Bangkok. The TAT also has on offer a package called Amazing Thailand Golf Paradise 2010, with substantial discounts to golfers interested in playing both Phuket and Pattaya courses.
Bangkok Travel Club Co packages start at 13,500 baht until August 15.
It's always been a matter for debate about whether sailing or golf is the more important sport to Phuket and the region, behind diving.
At this time of the year, golf is clearly the standout, and the TAT is pushing to make a significant impact for tourism to Phuket and Thailand.
Thailand's Thongchai Jaidee managed to score a hole in one at the US Open at the weekend and the TAT will be looking to ace the Aussie market if the golf writers like what they see and play.
They'll be treated to two of Phuket's best courses, playing Red Mountain on Wednesday and Blue Canyon on Thursday. Golf on Phuket is a cut above most options for golfers in Australia, where the average player has to drag his own bag.
On Phuket and almost everywhere in Thailand, with a couple of exceptions, caddies do the carrying. In some cases, scores might improve if they did the playing, too. Phuket's courses are notorious for water hazards of all kinds.
Making the trip from Australia are Brendan Moloney, president of the Australian Golf Writers' Association, Brendan James, editor of Golf Australia magazine; Bernie Pramberg, from the Courier-Mail; Steve Keipert, editor of Golf Digest; Jon Underwood, editor of Golf Vacations magazine; Len Findlay of the West Australian newspaper and freelance Paul Myers, led by Pongsak Kanittanon of the TAT's Sydney office.
After Phuket the group will be heading for Hua Hin and Bangkok. The TAT also has on offer a package called Amazing Thailand Golf Paradise 2010, with substantial discounts to golfers interested in playing both Phuket and Pattaya courses.
Bangkok Travel Club Co packages start at 13,500 baht until August 15.
I have played golf in Phuket for 20 years, when visiting. I have organized golf trips for large groups, but this is not possible anymore due to the exsorbitant green fees on Phuket.
If the golf courses have too few customers, the Phuket way is to increase the prices, and big surprise, fewer customers. In Hua Hin you can play on nice courses for a reasonable price, i.e. 2500 baht, including caddy. I recommend Phuket does the same, if they want the volume needed to run a golf course.
Posted by Niels Erik Clausen on June 23, 2010 04:44