Laguna Phuket's Golf Club celebrates 10th anniversary with new name, management and renovations

Ten years after the first ball was driven off the back nine, marking the completion of the 18-hole course in August 1992, the Laguna Phuket Golf Club has arrived, heralding a new management team and Baht 6.8 million (US$170,000) upgrade.

Effective 1 September 2002, Banyan Tree Golf Club within Laguna Phuket resort will be renamed Laguna Phuket Golf Club. Explained Kamal Chaoui, the Area General Manager for Banyan Tree Phuket, under whose management the golf club will remain, "The name change is to reaffirm the golf course as an integral part of the resort complex and to align it with the Laguna Phuket brand, recognised as one of the most admired leisure companies in Asia. It is a top class facility available to guests staying at any of the five Laguna Phuket hotels, as well as the public."

The Club operations and reciprocal club agreements remain unchanged for hotel guests and golf club members.

12 August saw also the welcoming of the new Golf Manager for Laguna Phuket Golf Club, Mr. Pavat Sirison, who previously held the same position at the Thanont Golf View Club in Bangkok. A golf professional since 1995, he has also worked at the Royal Bangkok Sports Club and Panya Golf Club after graduating from the San Diego Golf Academy.

The 15,000 trees that were planted on what was an abandoned tin mine have now matured and form the backdrop for a majestic rock sculpture with cascading waterfall that now greets golfers on arrival. Commented Course Superintendent Mr. Brad Hole, a Laguna Phuket veteran of seven years "This golf course must be unique in being the only truly environmentally friendly facility. Rather than destroying swathes of pasture or hacking down trees, I've watched this course blossom from devastated wasteland into flourishing fairways shaded by indigenous trees, and lagoons restocked with marine life which attract birds and wildlife."

Mr. Hole is the designer behind the new and dramatic course upgrades. The 9th now presents an exciting second shot onto the new island green. The 18th green has been repositioned closer to the Clubhouse, bringing golfers back to the expanded Banyan Café. Other challenges are, a new 4th hole with more water in play, a much tougher 7th hole as well as a new tee and waterfall on the 17th.

Beyond the 9th and 18th holes is the new driving range with a covered driving area and where a future Golf Academy is being planned.