The haze is back! Just like previous years, the haze caused by open burning in Indonesia has hit SG and Malaysia for the past 2 weeks. Worst affected areas are JB, Malacca, Port Klang beside Singapore. At times, the situation at these areas has reached hazardous level where the API index is above 300 points. Although the index is around 100+ in KL region, we could still smells of burning woods and experience poor visibility. Cannot imagine when index passes 300 mark!
To avoid been caught in the unhealthy atmosphere, me, Alex, Khoo and Lim had decided to search for a greener pasture in Hatyai...aiyo just excuses la!
Initially, we had planned for a 4d3n free and easy programme, intend to skip Souther Hills GC since we had played there so many times before. Our plan is to play the 2 new courses in Hatyai namely,
TongThai BanRai GC and KorHong GC and another game at Darulaman GC at Jitra, which is affiliated to KRTU.
Because we are going up on week days and this is not a holiday seasons, we have also decided not to pre-book any hotel but hoping to find a new one to stay in. Eventually, we ended up in New Season hotel, which is our regular accommodation since it was opened many years ago. For the record, we were given a VVIP rates so we are happy for that. Lim also agreed that this is definitely the hotel to stay for future trip as it is close to shopping, food outlets, massage centers and our must stop pub - West Side. The old band at West Side is still belting up songs that you would want to stay until the shop is closed. Incidentally, they have added a young lady singer, with truly powerful voice. For that added attraction, we were there for 2 nights in a row.
Lim and Alex found 2
masseuses (only 2 available) not far from the hotel,
Lim swore that it was the best massage he had ever experienced so
they had them for the next day as well. However they were disappointed that they don't provide other services. Eventually, Lim picked up one ChinaD from the street, obviously ended up a very satisfied customer.
Day 1. 25/6/13.
We left KL at about 5.30am in Lim's pickup, had a good breakfast near the market in Bidor and arrived TongThai BanRai GC just after 1pm local time. BanRai GC is located less than 10 minutes after passing Southern Hills GC. It was previously a 9-holes course but recently added another 9. Although relatively flat, it was quite a good course to play. Can see improvements still being done on the new 9. Club facilities are bare minimum for change and shower.
Day 2. 26/6/13.
 |
| Anything will do during a steaming hot day |
The KorHong GC is located less than 10 min from Tesco Lotus on the right hand side of the main road to Songkla. It is also known as the military course or assault course. Built next to a military camp by the military. The old nines are very closed to the road, mainly cow grass and obviously very flat. So that was our first impression. But the new nines totally blown us away! It was crafted out from the mountain, so the view from the 10th hole was awesome. But as we moved on, more surprises were in store. Some holes are long with narrow fairway that demands long and accurate tee off, especially the last four holes where there is no escape routes but to cross the massive water hazard. All of us did badly on these holes, maybe this is the first time we played here, so I believe we could play better the next time.
Since the courses were built many years ago, there is a certain uniqueness about the layout and the fairways. The old nines were cow grass with matured trees lining the fairways, whilst the new nine laid with tift or bermuda grass. The same goes to BanRai GC. Definitely challenging and a must to come and play again. Maybe Sept when the weather is not that hot as now?
The package at both GC was 350b GF + 220b Caddy. Since KorHong GC is very near to the town, we can see good crowd in the afternoon tee times.
At KorHong GC, we also experience the honesty culture of the Thai golfers. We noticed that there were bags of used golf balls on sale at the rain hut of 10th Tee box, but there is no one manning it except a piece of board that says "100bht for 1 bag" and buyers just dropped the money in a box provided. The same at the shower room, where you drop 20bht and help yourself to a piece of towel.
Day 3. 27/6/13.
On Thursday, we checked out from the hotel at 6 local time, as we had planned to play at Darulaman GC on the way home. Lim suggested we stopped at Danouk for Kei Chap, it was aroy mak mak (very delicious) indeed.
 |
| Kei Chap at Danouk - aroy mak mak |
Upon arrival at Darulaman GC, we were turned away due to a competition. This was however a blessing because not long after we left the club, it started to rain. Our next option to play at Harward had also to be abandoned. Apparently Darulaman GC had undergone some upgrades, so it should be on our next itinerary.
 |
| Dredge buckets at CSGC - reminiscence of the tin mining era |
Finally, we ended up at Clearwater Sanctuary GC. The package (GF + buggy) was RM110 after reciprocal discounts. Although we had to stop play after 2nd hole, but the sky cleared after about 10 min and stayed cloudy throughout. BTW, the course condition has improved a lot, maybe becos of the dry season.
After the game, we head to Tg Tualang for a wonderful dinner. Udang Galah now cost RM105 for size L, RM85 for M and RM75 for S. A big difference from the last time we were there. However, we feel that the price is rather reasonable for a 5-course meals. I was totally surprised that Lim had never heard of the Udang Galah at TT although he was in sales covering PG and Ipoh for many years!
 |
| Juicy Udang Galah at Tanjong Tualang |
After reading so far, have I got your adrenalin pumped up now??
On the way back, we are talking about playing CWSGC in the morning, go to TT for udang galah lunch; then stayed over in Cameron High and play at the GC up there!
Interested? Please sign up now!
