25 October 2009

Test the Nikon Laser Rangefinder at Ace of Aces 2009!

Ten (10) units of Nikon Laser Rangefinders will be available for loan during the upcoming Golf Malaysia Ace of Aces Championship 2009 on 1st November at Bukit Kemuning Golf & Country Resort in Shah Alam and on 11th November at Impian Golf & Country Club. This will be available on a first come, first served basis.

If you are one of those who have signed up for Ace of Aces 2009, be sure to enquire about this during registration.

See you there!

24 October 2009

Good News for Ace of Aces 2009 Participants!

The Rule Committee has approved the use of distance-measuring devices, such as the Nikon Laser Rangefinder 350G, in the upcoming 2009 Golf Malaysia Ace of Aces Championship.


However, distance-measuring devices that also gauge gradient, wind speed, temperature etc., are not allowed. The player will be in breach of Rule 14-3, and subject to disqualification, regardless of whether any such additional function is actually used.

23 October 2009

Calling All Hole-in-One Golfers

Come Join the Golf Malaysia Ace of Aces Championship!


The euphoria of achieving a hole-in-one can only be rivalled by a tournament specially dedicated to ace makers: Golf Malaysia Ace of Aces Championship!

This unique championship is the world’s only event where the entry requirement is having scored an ace. The first leg of this exciting event will be held on 1 November 2009 at Bukit Kemuning Golf & Country Resort in Kota Kemuning, while the next leg is at Impian Golf & Country Club in Kajang on 11 November 2009. Among the current 15,800 ace golfers registered with Golf Malaysia’s Hole-in-One Club, only 280 will make the field on a first come, first served basis.



The tournament, currently into its 20th year, is played under the Stableford System 36 (Modified) format of competition in four categories. For men, they will fight for the crown in A Division (handicaps 0 to 12), B Division (handicaps 13 to 18) or C Division (handicaps 19 to 24). The fourth category is for the ladies with handicaps 0 to 30.

Bukit Kemuning Golf & Country Resort, the host for the first leg, has taken a major approach in making their facility a haven for golfers. “My team and I are excited to show the Ace of Aces participants how grand our facility is. The greens are rolling smooth and true and in tip top condition,” offers Steven Eng, the club manager.

Coveted trophies, along with attractive prizes such as Nikon Laser Rangefinders, Nature Valley hampers, FusionExcel accessories, luxury time pieces and others, will go to each victorious golfer. And to make sure no one goes home empty-handed, a lucky draw will be conducted, with many delightful prizes awaiting those lucky golfers. All participants can also look forward to an impressive goody bags loaded with ONLY Golf fashionable attire, nutritious Jasmine rice, soothing Eagle muscular balm, energising Proviton, refreshing Shokubutsu body wash, sumptuous Dolmio pasta sauce, healthy Drinho soya milk, tantalising Black ‘99’ Whisky, Sloan’s, Nature Valley crunchy granola bars and many more.

The Golf Malaysia Ace of Aces Championship first began in 1989, with 380 ace achievers participating in three legs. With each passing year, the event kept snowballing with each legs being fully subscribed. This year’s tournament will be even more special, as the use of electronic measuring device such as a handheld rangefinder is allowed for the first time in the competition to measure distances between various points.

“Thanks to modern technology, essential distance to the green can be measured using the basic rangefinders. We will loan ten units of the Nikon Laser Rangefinder 350G to the participants, based on a first come, first served basis and on per flight basis,” says Juliana Cheah, the organiser and CEO of Golf (Malaysia) Publications Sdn Bhd, the company that publishes the renowned Golf Malaysia Magazine.


Among the official sponsors of this year’s edition of Golf Malaysia Ace of Aces Championship are ONLY Golf, Heineken, Nature Valley, SunPlay, FusionExcel, Extended DISC (Malaysia), Black ‘99’ Whisky, Men’s Skin Centres, Svenson Hair Care, MS Golf, Nikon, Isomax and Daisy Springs.


If you would like to participate and be a part of this exciting event, do call Golf Malaysia at 603-7880 5060/13 or fax your entry form to 603-7880 5171. You can also send an e-mail to golfmsia@golfmalaysia.com.my!


About Golf Malaysia’s Hole-in-One Club
Golfers who shoot a hole-in-one in any of the Malaysian or Brunei golf courses are eligible to register with Golf Malaysia’s Hole-in-One Club. Their names, once registered, will appear in Golf Malaysia’s Hole-in-One Roll of Honour, which is the only known systematic list of hole-in-one achievements in Malaysia.

These ace golfers will also receive a bagful of sponsored gifts and a Hole-in-One Certificate to commemorate their achievement. The best part of being a Golf Malaysia’s Hole-in-One Club member is they are also automatically eligible to play in the annual Golf Malaysia Ace of Aces championship.

11 October 2009

Scenic Seaside Golf at Phokeethra Krabi

Text and Photos by Lee Lai Heng

When I stepped onto the tee of the first hole, a vista of lush greenery and sparkling azure sea opened up before my eyes. I closed my eyes for a second, drinking in the fresh breeze from the Andaman Sea that playfully twirled my hair, while the applause of waves when they meet the white sandy beach greeted my ears…Fantabulous: I must be in paradise... :-)


Actually, I was at Phokeethra Golf Krabi, a stunning nine-hole layout located adjacent to the luxurious Sofitel Krabi Phokeethra Golf & Spa Resort. Situated on the edge of the beautiful Klong Muang beach and extending towards the foot of the Naga Head Mountain, Phokeethra Golf Krabi offers not only exciting golf but also breathtaking mountain and sea views. This par-28, 1,367-yard walking course winds its way through lakes and streams as it climbs along a hillside slope, becoming progressively complex and interesting. Along the way, you’ll find lots of water hazards, ambushing bunkers and tough putting surfaces. Although this is a nine-hole challenge, believe me, it really does test your accuracy and skills!



HOLE 1: par-3, 120 yards (white), 113 yards (red)
The opening hole, according to the scorecard, is the easiest with an index rating of 9. From the tee box, it’s a pretty straight journey to the green, but after that you will face a real challenge, as the whole putting surface contains hard-to-read, tricky amounts of break. You will definitely need accuracy here.



HOLE 2: par-3, 89 yards (white), 83 yards (red)
The tee box of Hole 2, the shortest hole of the layout, is the nearest to the beach. If you are also a sea person, like yours truly, you’ll definitely get distracted by the inviting sights and sounds of the Andaman Sea. My advice: forget the sea for a while and concentrate, since wind is a factor here and you will need accurate approach shots, as the crowned green causes ‘fractionally off’ approaches to fall away from their target.



Hole 3: par-3, 135 yards (white), 110 yards (red)
The picturesque Hole 3 presents a formidable test, as a shiny lake sits in front of its charming green. Choose your club wisely on this index-3 hole, as you not only need to carry the water, but also keep the ball on the putting surface. Three bunkers stood at attention, ready to catch those who overshot. Once on the green, however, take some time to admire the view: it’s certainly worth it!



HOLE 4: par-4, 265 yards (white), 245 yards (red)
The longest hole on the course gives you a chance to show off your driving power. Also the second toughest, this dogleg-right challenges you to cross a stream before you can arrive at its elevated green, with the Naga Head Mountain as its backdrop. Do watch out for its gradual elevation, which can make you feel as if you’re putting for the first time.



HOLE 5: par-3, 152 yards (white), 142 yards (red)
After battling Hole 4, you’ll arrive at this beautiful uphill test. Water crosses the front of its fairway, while the lush Naga Head Mountain presents an impressive ‘wall’ on your left. Go straight forth and you should land safely on the green. If you go slightly left, a bunker catches you. If you go slightly right, another bunker awaits! If you’re on and you think you’re safe…well, think again. The contoured and rolling surface of this uphill green requires a large amount of accuracy, guaranteeing you a real putting challenge.

A delightful flight of stone steps will lead you down from the green of Hole 5 to the tee of the sixth.



HOLE 6: par-3, 157 yards (white), 151 yards (red)
Enjoy the view as you descend the stone steps connecting the two holes, but do start planning for carefully evaluated ball placement – you will need that in order to succeed on this downhill hole. A vertical drop of more than twenty feet can trick the eye, so choose your club carefully. And remember to be wary of the three majestic bunkers guarding the green on each of the three sides.



HOLE 7: par 3, 149 yards (white), 132 yards (red)
Before you tee off from the seventh hole, look up and behold the magnificent seaside view before you. Then, with this splendid image still in your mind, swing away and keep up that happy mood. Why? Well, water and bunkers protect half of its green so this is a real ‘risk and reward’ challenge: it’s your gamble! And you should know that the pin is on the right of this green…that makes life more interesting, doesn’t it?



HOLE 8: par-3, 130 yards (white), 120 yards (red)
Bunkers aplenty here on Hole 8! These sandy contraptions and the swaying trees combine to present yet another optical challenge, as your approach shot may seem shorter than it really is.

Once you’re through to Hole 8’s slightly downhill green, you’ll be faced with another interesting putting test. Good putters should have an added advantage here.



HOLE 9: par-3, 170 yards (white), 162 yards (red)
The expression ‘save the best for last’ rings true here. The last hole of the layout, which is also the course’s longest par-3, is branded with an index rating of 1. With the Andaman Sea behind you as you tee off, wind might help carry your shot over the water guarding the right side of the green and the bunker sitting right in front of the green. If you manage to clear these major hazards, don’t get too excited. The complex deck green also ensures a tricky putt if you finish on the wrong level!



And the Bottom Line is...
Play this relatively short layout once and I’ll bet you’ll return to the resort with a shake of the head, a smile across your face and a burning desire to replay it. Even writing this review made this writer want to hop on a plane and fly to Krabi right away, just for another go on this course! :-P

A magnificent view of the Sofitel Krabi Golf & Spa Resort from the green of the 9th

06 October 2009

Clubs Demo (Titleist & Cobra)

The entire range of Titleist and Cobra clubs can be tested during demo events, to be held across Malaysia at the following dates and venues:


EAST MALAYSIA
1st to 4th Oct - Likas Driving Range, KK @ 10.00 am to 10.00 pm

NORTHERN

8th to 11th Oct - Royal Perak Driving Range @ 10.00 am to 9.00 pm

CENTRAL
13th Oct - Sunway Driving Range @ 6.00 pm - 9.00 pm
15th Oct - Bukit Jalil Driving Range @ 5.30 pm - 8.30 pm

SOUTHERN
20th Oct - Permas Jaya @ 5.30 pm - 8.30 pm
21st Oct - Starhill GCC @ 5.00 pm - 8.00 pm
22nd Oct - Impian Emas Driving Range @ 5.00 pm - 7.00 pm

EAST COAST
21st Oct - KDRP, Rantau Petronas @ 5.00 pm - 7.00 pm
22nd Oct - Royal Kuantan GCC @ 6.00 pm - 8.00 pm
27th Oct - KT Golf Resort @ 5.30 pm - 8.30 pm

See you there!

01 October 2009

Sofitel Krabi: Pearl of the Andaman Sea

Text and Photos by Lee Lai Heng

If you are looking for a serene, relaxing stay at a seaside resort with your family for the upcoming year-end holiday, yes, complete with a golf course to relieve that golfing itch of yours, then Sofitel Krabi Phokeethra Golf & Spa Resort in Krabi, Thailand, should be at the top of your list.

Tucked away along the relatively quiet Klong Muang Beach, which is only a short distance from the bustling Ao Nang Beach, the lavish Sofitel Krabi exudes opulence and warmth with ease. Its 276 luxurious rooms, most with a large balcony affording stunning views of the limestone islands Krabi is so famous for, have natural wooden teak floors and adorned with lush exotic Thai furnishings. And everywhere you go, the friendly and helpful Sofitel staff greet you with ‘Sawadee ka’ and a pleasant smile.

This elegant resort certainly has everything you’d ever want for a tranquil holiday: great rooms, excellent service, exciting seaside golf and a relaxing ambience.




Views of the inviting room, in which posh and simplicity blended tastefully for a luxurious, exotic Thai feel



Breathtaking views of the sparkling Andaman Sea right from your balcony



Looking for some oceanic adventures? Make your way to the Hong Islands or venture further to Phi Phi Islands for an exquisite snorkelling experience or an invigorating kayak ride, or simply take a refreshing walk on the beach with soft, fine white sand.



A return trip to Hong Islands on this delightful private Sofitel speed boat is complimentary for all resort guests :-)



Take a dip in this fantastic pool that boasts 7,000 square metres of swimming space. Yup, it is the largest swimming pool in the Kingdom of Thailand!



For a variety of cocktails, juices and refreshments while chilling out at the marvellous pool, just swim up to the Koh Poda pool bar.



Do stop by the Sala Thai for some awesome views of the resort and its outstanding swimming pool.



The Maya Restaurant offers not only a wide variety of mouth-watering contemporary and international cuisine, but also friendly staff with great smiles!



Delight in scrumptious gastronomic offerings from all over the Kingdom at the White Lotus, complete with a plush Thai ambience.



A soothing spa or a traditional Thai massage at Le Spa is the perfect way to end your day.



Need to answer an urgent business e-mail or send an important proposal in the middle of your holidays? No worries, the Business Centre boasts broadband connectivity plus other office necessities, such as photocopying, printing and fax facilities.



Don’t forget to head over to the Health Club for a workout at the Sofitel Gym, after which you can immerse in rejuvenating sessions at the steam and sauna rooms in the club. You can also catch complimentary yoga, pilates, fitball and tai qi classes here on a daily basis.



The charming Hemingway Club is Sofitel’s concept library: a place to enjoy a good book, a game of Scrabble and, yup, exclusive Cuban Cigars, premium whisky, cognac or brandy.



Life is certainly magnifique at Sofitel Krabi!



P/S: A peek at the Sofitel Krabi Phokeethra Golf Course will be coming soon, so do watch this space! For reservations at the resort, e-mail to rsvn@sofitelphokeethrakrabi.com or call +66 75 627800 for more information.