Hua Hin Golf Gossip

[heartofmidlothian]

Had a look around Milford today. We used to play there quite a bit when Bangkok Golf Club was running it. Can't remember how long ago that was but has to be about 10 years ago. Sad to see how run down the place is looking because it really does have a lot of good holes and as I walked around it I imagined how pleasant a course it could be if it had Black Mountain or Banyan quality conditioning. The place was deserted and I wondered - what is the point of running a golf course if you have no intention of spending the money on maintenance. How do they survive? When Black Mountain and then Banyan opened, and they raised the bar on golf course maintenance in this area, I really thought that the other courses would see the importance in spending the money on good greenkeepers, quality machines and all the required fertilisers and sprays. I have to say that this hasn't happened. Lakeview has never been worse, Majestic (they are now making an effort) has been awful the last few years, Sea Pines are obviously not maintaining their greens anywhere near the level of Banyan across the road. Springfield has been okay the last few years but they haven't invested in the more modern grasses, new machines or an experienced head greenkeeper. No coincidence that Black Mountain and Banyan have good machines and 2 of the best green keepers in Thailand. Of course it is a matter of opinion, but I believe that the best layouts in this area are Lakeview A and B, Majestic and Springfield A and B - I know some will disagree but most will agree. Black Mountain and Banyan are 2 of the highest ranked courses in Thailand, which shows the importance of being well maintained, and they can both get away with charging over 3000 baht for green fee and caddie, in the high season. It seems like the owners of some of these courses just don't understand the importance of spending the money on maintenance - it costs a lot and your head greenkeeper is the most important person at a golf course, and the good ones don't come cheap. It is a no brainer though, that if your layout is good and your maintenance is excellent, then plenty of people will want to play your course and want to be a member of it. Recently watched the Thai Open at Suwan. They changed their greens a couple of years ago, to a new variety of bermuda, and it has worked beautifully. Best greens and fairways that I have ever seen in Thailand, not only this year but last year as well. I hope they pay their head green keeper really well, because if I was the owner of a golf course, I would want to hire him.
The golf situation here really fascinates me, having seen it change over the last 18 years, and it has been great for the area to have Black Mountain and then Banyan come along and in particular Black Mountain bringing 3 big golf events, and I'm sure more to come. Banyan really needs to have some sort of event on live TV - it is the best but most expensive form of promotion. I really feel that more low cost golf is needed in this area to satisfy the desire. Courses that are shorter, easier and cheaper to maintain, that have simple, functional clubhouses (and less staff). You can still have them beautifully maintained, but I for one don't give a damn about a fancy clubhouse or a grand entrance with servants running around constantly taking your bag off you (putting it somewhere that you can't find it). Would be really nice to have a restaurant where you can get Thai priced food, instead of having to drive down the road to get something to eat. Years ago I was told that you can't make money out of golf, but that is rubbish. You can make a lot of money out of golf if you do it right. I would like to see more debate about what golfers, in Hua Hin, like and don't like and what they want and don't want.

[JW]

I agree on the best layouts you mention, Banyan is growing on me the more I play it.

[heartofmidlothian]

Noticed on the European Tour schedule for 2013, that the 10th to 13th Jan date, has the Volvo Champions event and the venue is to be announced. That is the same date that Black Mountain are trying to have an event! Would make sense for a Swedish golf course and a Swedish car manufacturer to get together! Pretty sure that is what they are trying for, but we will just have to wait and see. Would be great for Hua Hin, to have an event like that, on live tv all over the world. Let's hope it happens.

[skip111]

just finished playing golf in Hua Hin , 7 games in 8 days ( no rest for the wicked ) and had a fantastic time . My number 1 choice would be Black Mountain, it is still having work done around the course but it is in great nick, 2nd choice would be Sea Pines , its on the beach has some fantastis holes and when the wind blows the 16th, 17th and 18th are up there with the toughest holes i have ever played and the caddy.s were fantastic. Banyan is in great nick but not as hard as BM and SP but still a very enjoyable day with fantastic food and beer afterwards. Royal Hua Hin is not worth playing, save your money and time , maybe go shoping instead.Palm Hills is not much better even though i won on that day still needs a bit of TLC , Spring Field is ok but lacks something not sure what and the greens were slow ERRRRR too many 3 putts ... The new par 3 at BM is good fun , we played 18 but 9 is ample it was a bit like ground hog day, if you love golf ,food and cold beer get to Hua Hin , now im off to ask the misses if i can go next year ....see ya

[heartofmidlothian]

Great to see someone else posting on this "Golf gossip"! Thanks skip111. Sounds like you enjoyed yourself with the golf festival rates. Yes, I agree that Black Mountain and Banyan are miles ahead in the course maintenance. Just wish the others would match them!

[SunandFun]

Noticed on the European Tour schedule for 2013, that the 10th to 13th Jan date, has the Volvo Champions event and the venue is to be announced. That is the same date that Black Mountain are trying to have an event! Would make sense for a Swedish golf course and a Swedish car manufacturer to get together! Pretty sure that is what they are trying for, but we will just have to wait and see. Would be great for Hua Hin, to have an event like that, on live tv all over the world. Let's hope it happens.

This could be a conflict with Asian Tour Qualifying School. Would really take too many courses out of play. But I agree, I would love to see a big event in Hua Hin.

[heartofmidlothian]

Yes, sunandfun, it would be great to see a big event at Black Mountain. The Royal Trophy was great when it was here.
Springfield B and C are closed from 14th to 26th Jan, so Black Mountain would be open then. I know how desperate Black Mountain are to have a European Tour event and they won't care if the Tour School is on at a similar time.
Volvo will have to make an announcement on their Champions Tournament soon. Fingers crossed.

[sateeb]

Noticed on the European Tour schedule for 2013, that the 10th to 13th Jan date, has the Volvo Champions event and the venue is to be announced. That is the same date that Black Mountain are trying to have an event! Would make sense for a Swedish golf course and a Swedish car manufacturer to get together! Pretty sure that is what they are trying for, but we will just have to wait and see. Would be great for Hua Hin, to have an event like that, on live tv all over the world. Let's hope it happens.

Apparently not..............

Jan 10 Jan 13
Volvo Golf Champions
Durban Country Club,Durban,South Africa

Copied from the 2013 schedule

[lomuamart]

OK. This is a rant about Black Mountain and their transport/minibus service.
I don't have a car and normally get to the courses in a friend's car.
So, earlier, I called Black Mountain and asked about their minibus service. I stated that I lived here. I also made it clear that I wasn't a tourist and staying at The Hilton but I can make my own way there.
Two services - 6.55am and 9.55am. They told me the first time "it's free". OK, that's good and I'll call back to confirm.
So, just called back to confirm the 6.55am and guess what? I'm a sub-human. They won't even entertain the idea of collecting me as I'm not a guest of the Hilton. "Get a taxi".
If you're looking at this, Mr Black Mountain, just remember that I play at your course once a month. I'm not a millionaire and occasionally need some help to get to the course.
A taxi, I will get, but the member of staff in the pro shop was just plain rude to me.
I know this is a rant, but I've very rarely ever been spoken to like that anywhere in the world.
She could have said "yes we'll get you but we'll charge whatever - 500-700THB" I'd have been happy with that and would have got my taxi for 400 THB.
At least I'd have had an option then and wouldn't have been told that I'm second class.

[sateeb]

Wouldn't it be better to have a "rant" at the Course Manager...If you have a valid complaint, make one.

You are not gonna change any belligerent staff members attitude unless you address it at source.

[heartofmidlothian]

Yes, I agree with sateeb. You are a customer and should not be spoken to in a rude manner. Whenever you call any pro shop, you should always ask the name of the staff. Have heard many people talk about the pro shop staff there being rude recently. Go for it Lomu - you are a big bloke! Go scare them!

[lomuamart]

Fair comments and I am not belittling the course. It was just a rude member of staff.
I didn't ask for her name because that could have led to other things and I didn't get the chance as she put the phone down on me.
I was genuinely shocked.
I may well bring it up with the Course Manager if I can find a way to be reasonably diplomatic about it.
Otherwise, I'll just put it down to a bad hair day.
However, as a customer, I really don't think that I or anyone deserves to be spoken to like that.
My wife has suggested that I hitchhike!!

[migrant]

I'd mention it to the manager. As a business owner I am always appreciative if someone tells me of a problem.

Even if it's of a "Oh, I thought you should know" nature and not a rant

[lomuamart]

OK.
A word in the Course Manager's ear probably won't go amiss.
The last thing I want is for anyone to lose their job despite what was said to me.
Chok dii!!

[valrhona]

I always ride a motorbike to go to golf clubs. Sling the bag over your shoulder and rest it on the seat. Cheap, quick and easy peasy...

Certainly worth a conversation to the manager and perhaps get a clearer take on the transport situation since it seems you got different versions. Then you can slip in how you were dismissed somewhat briskly.

Had some good rounds at Sea Pines a little while ago. Considering it's 800Baht during the festival vs double that for BM and Banyan. I think it's now my favorite summer course.

Agree that Royal Hua Hin is a waste of time and money. The maintenance is shocking... Palm Hills is one of the most boring and unremarkable course I've ever played. Springfield is ok but nothing special and a bit far from the town.