Sometime in May 2015, a few members suggested we made a trip to Chiangmai again since the last one was done more than 2 years ago. Air tickets were booked for 5 members on 14th May during the promo period for travelling in Jan 2016 as we wish to enjoy the cool weather during this time of the year. Later another 3 friends joined to make up the perfect 8 for 2 flights, although David can only arrived in the afternoon due to other commitment.
Day 1. 18th Jan 2016 - Maejo Golf Resort & Spa.
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| Francis with old friend Khun Payon (L) |
Since our rooms were not ready, we had to leave our luggage in the hotel store room and proceed to Maejo, which is about an hour drive away.
Our tee-off time is set at 12.00. Although the course condition is reasonably well maintained, none of us had a good game; possibly because we don't have enough sleep since we had to get up about 3.00 in the morning. Also the green speed must be around 12.0, it is not uncommon to end up with triple bogey if your ball end up on the wrong side of the green!
Day 2. 19th Jan 2016 - Gold Canyon Golf & Resort.
When we arrived at the golf course before our tee off time at 8am, it was cold outside. I guess the temperature must be around 15C. Because there was still a group of Korean golfers at the tee box, we were asked to tee off from t-box 7 instead. It was freezing when I rode the buggy from tee box 1 to 7, especially when my buggy did not have a wind shield.
Guess what, this is not the end of it.
Our first flight had finished hole 7 and one of us had also teed off. Then, a Korean golfer from hole 6 came over to ask if we could let them pass. Initially, we agreed but then when we were told that they were a group of 2 flights, we politely said no. Few minutes later, one of our caddy received a phone call from the Marshall telling us to start the game from tee box 1, which is now cleared (guess the Korean must have called the club.) Reluctantly, we agreed and proceed to gather our front flight to follow. To our surprise, when we arrived at the tee box, we were told to wait again because there was another Korean flight there. Obviously preference were given to Korean players. At this point, we could no longer hold up our anger, so there were loud & angry exchange of conversation between our members and the Marshall. Seeing that the Marshall was not able to resolve the situation, Dennes barged up to the club house and demanded to see the Club Manager, who did came down to meet us. He was apologetic and just keep saying "sorry, sorry", probably cannot converse well in English. Finally, he offered to compensate lunch for all.
This was an unpleasant incident that we had never experience before. Lesson learned...avoid golf tour during year-end from Nov-Jan, which is a peak season for overseas golfers, especially the Korean and Japanese golfers who like to travel to the warmer countries during their winter season. Worst of all, most of them had little understanding of golf etiquette.
Although the course was in good playing condition, none played well presumably affected by the morning incident.
Day 3. 20th Jan 2016 - Summit Green Valley GC.
Our tee off time was scheduled at 12.30 noon. Unlike the previous 2 days, the weather was rather hot. The course just average, I felt that the fairway were cut way too short. So the irons could easily dig too deep resulting a 'changkul' shot that produced a shorter than expected distance.
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| A coin operated toilet in the market |
Day 4. 21st Jan 2016 - Royal Chiangmai GC.
This course had matured a lot since I last played more than 5 years ago. The fruit trees has grown a lot more taller, but unfortunately this was not a fruit season so no chance to savor the longan or mango that were planted abundance on the course. RCGC is still a very challenging course, though most water are not in play but there are plenty of sand bunkers, with deep front lips, guarding the fairways and around the greens. As long as you can avoid going into these deep bunkers, a fairly good scores can be achieved. |
| waiting for food at a teow chew restaurant beside the hotel |
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| after a dozen beer, more beer at an open air food trucks |
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| very clean & nice atmosphere surrounded by beer, coffee & snack trucks |
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| David serenading the blues away |
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| a singer on top of the Chang Beer van |
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| thumbs up for this place |
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| cheers to good time |
Dining out for street food....
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| Famous pork leg rice prepared by the sexy lady boss |
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| we came for pork leg rice? |
This time we chose to stay at CH hotel, which is an old 3* hotel with reasonably big room that comes with a long bath. Though the fittings are old and worn out, it is located immediately behind Anusan nite market, which is opened every night. The hotel is also centrally placed with massage centers ,karaoke, 7/11, bars etc within walking distance. Some of the facilities we looked forward to after 18 holes on the golf course.
There are a few relatively new hotels nearby, but one could expect these hotels with smaller room and basic amenities.
Summary...
| ChiangMai Golf Tour, 18-22 Jan 2016 | ||||
| Total expenses approx: | ||||
| per pax | RM | thai bht | avg Exc Rate | |
| Air Ticket: | 400-600 | |||
| Golf Package: | 2021 | 16500 | 0 .1225 | |
| Caddy tips x 4 | 147 | 1200 | ||
| Meals +Misc | 214 | 1750 | (incl tips to driver) | |
| Golf package includes all ( transport, hotel + golf packages) | ||||
