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Phuket Ready to Host Singha Laguna Phuket Open 2018 This May

Phuket Province and Laguna Golf Phuket golf course have been selected as the premier venues to host All Thailand Golf Tour 2018’s “Singha Laguna Phuket Open” – a professional golf competition organised by Sports Management Group (SMG) with Singha Corporation as founding sponsor and Asia’s premier destination resort, Laguna Phuket, a title sponsor.

Aiming to expand “All Thailand Golf Tour” to Thailand’s leading tourism destination and promote Phuket Province as a sports tourism hub, Singha Laguna Phuket Open 2018 will be held during Thursday 10 – Sunday 13 May 2018 at Laguna Golf Phuket as a co-sanctioned golf event with Asian Development Tour (ADT). It will see the top professional players vying for more than 2 million baht prize fund. First tee time starts at 7am daily. Spectators welcome. Entry is free.

From left: Mr Virat Patee, Director of the Sports Authority Thailand’s Phuket office; Mr Jakraphong “Jay” Thongyai, Commissioner, All Thailand Golf Tour; Ms. Kanokkritika Kritwuttikorn, Director of Tourism Authority of Thailand, Phuket Office; Mr Suang Chantra-Urai, Manager, Sports Promotion Department, Singha Corporation; Mr. Norraphat Plodthong, Governor of Phuket; Mr Ravi Chandran, Managing Director, Laguna Phuket; Mr. Stuart Reading, Senior Vice President – Property Development, Laguna Resorts & Hotels PLC.; Mr Paul Wilson, Group Golf Director, Laguna Golf and Ms. Sirawee Waloh, Director of Phuket Provincial Office of Tourism and Sports.

IMPRESSIVE PRIZE ANNOUNCED
On Wednesday 18 April 2018, Laguna Phuket held a press conference to announce its official hosting of the Singha Laguna Phuket Open 2018. The conference was addressed by Mr. Norraphat Plodthong, Governor of Phuket; Mr Jakraphong “Jay” Thongyai, Commissioner, All Thailand Golf Tour; Mr Suang Chantra-Urai, Manager, Sports Promotion Department, Singha Corporation; Mr Ravi Chandran, Managing Director, Laguna Phuket (official hotel partner and title sponsor); Mr Paul Wilson, Group Golf Director representing Laguna Golf Phuket (official venue) and Ms. Kanokkritika Kritwuttikorn, Director of Tourism Authority of Thailand, Phuket Office.

“We are expecting many Thailand’s leading golf pros to compete in the Singha Laguna Phuket Open 2018 featuring 2 million baht prize fund,” said Mr Jakraphong “Jay” Thongyai, commissioner of All Thailand Golf Tour. “I’d like to encourage all golf enthusiasts to come cheer for the esteemed golf pros.”

Also up for grab is the hole-in-one prize of USD 12,000 Angsana Vacation Club membership that entitles the winner to exotic locales with contemporary Angsana resorts, trendy Cassia hotel residence concept and romantic Banyan Tree resorts in some of the most exciting destinations.

THE HOSTS ARE READY. SPECTATORS WELCOME.
“There will also be several homegrown golfers playing in the tournament, emphasising Laguna Golf Phuket and Asian Development Tour’s shared commitment of developing the game in Asia and inspiring junior golfers,” said Mr Paul Wilson, group golf director, representing award-winning Laguna Golf Phuket.

“With the world-class golf course and facilities, excellent condition and Asian hospitality along with our newly upgraded PGA-branded Laguna Golf Academy, we are all geared to welcoming the professional golfers of the Singha Laguna Phuket Open,” he concluded.

Mr. Norraphat Plodthong, governor of Phuket said “being the venue host of many national and international sporting events, Phuket Province sees great potential in becoming a regional sports hub in the very near future. We hope the Singha Laguna Phuket Open will become another annual event to heighten Phuket’s status as a leading sports tourism destination.”

Ms. Kanokkritika Kritwuttikorn, director of Tourism Authority of Thailand, Phuket Office, added “spectators are welcome at the Open with free entry, and while in Phuket you can also enjoy a wide variety of attractions on and off the golf course.”

SPECIAL HOTEL RATES AVAILABLE THROUGHOUT THE OPEN. BEST TIME TO EXPLORE LAGUNA PHUKET.
Mr. Ravi Chandran, managing director of Laguna Phuket, said “as Asia’s premier destination resort, this partnership resonates our development from an integrated resort to a preferred lifestyle destination for vacations and keynote events including the annual Laguna Phuket Triathlon and the Marathon. Many guests have made Laguna Phuket their permanent home.”

“As you can see we have got many great facilities here at Laguna Phuket such as our golf course and many other facilities all in the safe and secure environment very well located next to the beaches and close to airport,” concurred Mr. Stuart Reading, Senior Vice President – Property Development of Laguna Resorts & Hotels PLC.,

“For people looking to make Laguna Phuket home or vacation home, we have something for everybody with prices ranging from 5 million to THB 100 million baht, so you can find a place that matches your lifestyle. From affordable Cassia and Dhawa, our newest brand, to Laguna Park, upscale Angsana Oceanview and the luxurious Banyan Tree Grand Residences. Unit owners will also enjoy access to facilities here at Laguna Phuket and Sanctuary Club’s discount and privileges worldwide. All of these extensive programmes are unique, so owning a piece of Laguna Phuket comes with incomparable benefits and experiences.”

The press conference was held in the warm and relaxing atmosphere of Laguna Lifestyle Hub where guests and visitors can stop by to learn more about Laguna Phuket; the resorts, all the facilities, its history as well as to explore opportunities to own the resort’s residential and investment property development projects and call “Laguna Phuket” home.

From now till end of Singha Laguna Phuket Open, all Laguna Phuket resorts – Angsana Laguna Phuket, Angsana Villas Resort Phuket, Banyan Tree Phuket, Cassia Phuket, Dusit Thani Laguna Phuket, Laguna Holiday Club Phuket Resort and Outrigger Laguna Phuket Beach Resort; are offering special discounted room rates. For more details, visit www.lagunagolf.com/phuket and www.lagunaphuket.com

For more about All Thailand Golf Tour and Singha Laguna Phuket Open, visit www.allthailandgolftour.com

Phuketindex team by — April 19, 2018 in Features 0
Laguna Phuket host and sponsor of 2018 Asian Development Tour event

Laguna Phuket has become the joint title sponsor of an All Thailand Golf Tour professional event to be held on the award-winning course in May.

The 2018 Singha Laguna Phuket Open, a repeat of last year’s highly successful inaugural event, will be held from 9-13 May as a co-sanctioned Asian Development Tour event with Laguna Golf Phuket and Singha Corporation as headline sponsors.

The top five players will be eligible to compete in selected Asian Tour tournaments.

While a repeat of the 2017 event’s exceptional scoring – including a 59 by Sutijet Kooratanapisan – is less likely due to toughening of the layout, low scores and plenty of excitement are anticipated on the popular course within the Laguna Phuket resort.

Asian Tour chief operating officer Cho Minn Thant (left), All Thailand Golf Tour commissioner Jakraphong Thongyai (centre) and Laguna Golf assistant vice president/group golf director Paul Wilson (right) with the Singha Laguna Phuket Open 2018 trophy.

The THB 2 million prizemoney event is one of 10 on the All Thailand Golf Tour (ATGT) calendar in 2018 and one of 23 Asian Development Tour tournaments.

This year is the 20th anniversary of the ATGT, which has fostered many of Thailand’s best players, such as Kiradech Aphibarnrat, currently ranked 40 in the world, to become international stars.

Laguna Golf Phuket’s assistant vice president and group golf director, Paul Wilson, says feedback from last year’s tournament resulted in course enhancements, including the removal of some bunkers and the addition of new tee boxes. Fairways are being narrowed and rough enhanced for the 2018 tournament.

“There was an immediate increase in domestic and regional visitors to the course and resort following the 2017 tournament, aided by live TV coverage in Thailand and highlights packages aired in 19 other countries.”

Laguna Golf Phuket is a drawcard for golf visitors to Phuket from Thailand and around the world. It has twice been awarded the mantle of Thailand’s best golf course and in 2016 was named Asia’s best golf course at the World Golf Awards in Portugal.

All Thailand Golf Tour commissioner, Jakraphong Thongyai, says the Singha Laguna Phuket Open offers another opportunity for young professional and amateur golfers to test their skills against peers on a highly attractive, risk-and-reward course.

“It provides another venue for up-and-coming stars of the future. They are all very excited to compete in such an appealing location,” he says.

Asian Tour chief operating officer, Cho Minn Thant, who attended the ATGT 2018 season launch in Bangkok last week, says the addition of Phuket to the Asian Development Tour schedule has been a major boost for players.

“Phuket is an awesome destination. Players love going there, especially as some tournaments are on the outskirts of major centres, whereas Phuket is internationally recognised and highly regarded.

“We also have good memories from the Singha Thailand Open held at the same course in 2009, before it was remodelled. We are again looking forward to some low scoring again this year. It is also great that recreational golfers who play at Laguna Golf Phuket will be able to see how the pros play the course.”

Phuketindex team by — March 9, 2018 in Features 0
Thanyapura Health & Sports Resort was delighted to welcome the Hungarian National Swim Team

Thanyapura was delighted to welcome the Hungarian National Swim Team back on campus from 13 January – 2 February 2018, who were there to continue their rigorous training programme.

The team are currently preparing for the 2018 European Junior Championships, the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo, and the European Swimming Championships. Güttler Károly, Coach for the Hungarian National Swim Team, shared, “This was the first training camp that we had planned for 2018. It is not easy because we do 8 km of swimming training each day, and 1 ½ hours in the gym. It’s 6 ½ hours per day for the athletes, and training efforts are doubled for medalists.”

Boglárka Kapás, 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro Bronze medalist, World Championship Bronze medalist and 6 times European Champion was amongst those returning to train. She shared what motivates her to keep swimming, “I train 16 km per day. It is a lot for me, and sometimes I feel like I don’t want to do it anymore and I don’t want to jump in the water. But I still remember back when I was 5 years old, my dream was to be an Olympic champion and I still hold that dream today. When I feel tired I just remember the reason why I started to swim in the first place, and it always motivates me.”

Kenderesi Tamás, 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro Bronze medalist, 2016 European Aquatics Championships Bronze medalist and 2017 European Short Course Swimming Championships Bronze medalist, was also part of this year’s visiting team. When asked about his expectations for 2020, he replied, “I will focus for each competition and go step by step. Michael Phelps is my role model. He helped me a lot and I’ve watched his videos since I was 10 years old. I have now a chance to swim with him at the Olympics and it is a very special moment for me. I’m also focused on my own goals, and I really want to break the world record at the upcoming Olympic Games.” When asked about his visit to Thanyapura, he shared, “This is my first time visiting. I really like this place and the temperature is very good for swimming. I am not surprised that most Olympics swimmers choose to come and train here.”

Thousands of athletes frequently choose Thanyapura Health & Sports Resort each year, due to its unique combination of world-class facilities and ideal location – especially during the winter months. Its subtropical environment provides little season fluctuation in climate throughout the year. When asked why the Hungarian National Swim Team continues to choose Thanyapura, Coach Károly replied, “The weather is much better than Hungary (during this time of year). Now in Hungary it is snowing and the sky is very dark and grey.”

The team chose Thanyapura as their primary training ground due to its impressive selection of facilities and features. It offers its members, visitors and guests access to a 50m Olympic pool, 25m training pool, 500m running track, fitness centre and integrative health & wellness centre, along with award-winning all-day dining options. When asked about his most recent stay at Thanyapura, Károly replied, “I cannot find anything bad about this place. This is the fourth time that the team has come to stay. We like it so much here.”

Phuketindex team by — February 5, 2018 in Features 0
Thanyapura Health and Sports Resort was the primary training ground for the Swedish Swimming from 3-18 January 2018

Thanyapura Health and Sports Resort was the primary training ground for the Swedish Swimming Federation earlier this month, as the national team visited the facility from 3-18 January 2018.

A number of distinguished athletes were part of the visiting swim team; Michelle Coleman, a 2016 Olympic finalist, EC medalist & WC medalist, and current national record holder for the 50m backstroke, 100m backstroke and 200m backstroke; Sophie Hansson, 2016 Olympic swimmer and EC medalist; Simon Sjodin, 2008 & 2016 Olympic swimmer and EC medalist; Erik Persson, 2016 Olympic swimmer and EC finalist; Sara Junevik, WC for Juniors medalist; Hanna Rosvall, EC for Juniors medalist, Björn Seeliger, EC for Juniors medalist; and Jannah Bronzell, EC for Juniors medalist. The team was accompanied by Coach Carl Jenner, named Coach of the Year in 2016.

Photo credit by Jesper Andersson Photography
Photo credit by Jesper Andersson Photography
Photo credit by Jesper Andersson Photography
Photo credit by Jesper Andersson Photography
Photo credit by Jesper Andersson Photography

The team chose Thanyapura for a number of reasons. The trip marked the first time the Swedish National Swim Team had visited the resort, but they had heard many positive things about it; in particular the facilities, the food, and the location. The team is now starting to focus more of their training trips to locations within Far East, in preparation for the 2020 Olympic Games due to take place in Tokyo, Japan. They will be looking to improve their training whilst acclimating in more humid conditions. The team mentioned that it is also a great way get back together and kick off 2018’s training programme – and, afterall, January weather is far warmer in Thailand than back home in Sweden!

Thanyapura’s unique mix of world-class facilities, including a 50m Olympic-sized swimming pool, 500m running track, extensive fitness centre, integrative health & wellness centre and award-winning dining options, and its ideally located position within subtropical northern Phuket, makes it a highly sought after training facility for sportspeople around the world. Athletes that are looking to continue their training during the winter months frequently return and stay at the sports resort, either to acclimate and prepare for upcoming competitions, or simply keep their performance up during the low season.

Phuketindex team by — January 20, 2018 in Features 0
Inaugural Overseas PGA Conference Deemed A Big Success

The PGA Members’ International Conference will return to Thailand in 2018 following the success of the inaugural event held at the stunning Laguna Phuket Resort earlier this month.

The conference brought together PGA Members and delegates from 14 countries to one of Asia’s finest fully integrated resorts and home of the first PGA-branded facility in Thailand.

While there, they heard leading figures from the golf industry sharing their experiences and passing on invaluable advice.

One of the conference highlights was a presentation by Paul Gibbons of MST Golf, who spoke about his diversified career in golf.

PGA Master Professional Paul Burley, senior vice president and global head of golf course management – IMG, impressed delegates with his presentation on golf club management in Asia.

A lively debate about junior development & growing the game.
TrackMan session by Simon Yates at Laguna Golf Academy Phuket.

Junior coaching was also a topic of debate for Junior Golf Alliance’s Neil Plimmer and Michael Dickie, head coach to China’s Olympic golf team who also spoke about training elite players in Asia.

Asian Tour winner and PGA Member Simon Yates delivered an entertaining Trackman clinic and was aided by Thomas Tontapanish, the company’s representative in Southeast Asia.

The conference was also an opportunity for PGA Chief Executive, Robert Maxfield, to outline his vision and plans for the Association.

He said: “I am delighted with the success of our first ever PGA Members’ International Conference hosted at Laguna Phuket, Thailand.

“We had Members attending from 14 different countries which is a reflection of our truly global membership base and was incredibly valuable.

“It was also a fantastic opportunity to listen to those members, hear about the fantastic work they are carrying out within the industry and understand better how we, as their Association, can stay relevant to them into the future.

“We very much look forward to providing further opportunities like these for our Members to support them in their careers.”

Paul Wilson, AVP/Group Golf Director of Laguna Golf, added: “We are thrilled to have gathered PGA Members across the globe at one of the region’s finest resort destinations, to experience the resort service and facilities including our award-winning course and recognised PGA-branded academy. We look forward to hosting the conference again in 2018.”

What the delegates thought of the first PGA Members’ International Conference:

Karl Whitehead, General Manager, The Els Club, Dubai
“It was a great week on every level and I couldn’t be more impressed with the new leadership and vision. Very exciting times ahead. It’s some task and it will take some time, but I’m 100 per cent confident it will be achieved.” 

John Blanch, General Manager, Thai Country Club
“I wanted to thank you for the great job The PGA did in putting on and then running the conference. I have told everyone it was the best thing The PGA has done in my 30 years as a Member – it has reinvigorated many of us older guys and enthused the younger generation.”

Matt Hough, GOLFTEC, Hong Kong
“The whole trip from the way it was organised to the seminar content and the attendees themselves more than exceeded my expectations. Thanks for making it such a wonderful trip. I’m sure all the guys that attended will have left feeling a lot more positive having listened to the plans Rob Maxfield has for the future.”

Michael Dickie, Michael International Golf Academy, Shanghai
“I found the event extremely beneficial in meeting fellow industry professionals and hearing what they are doing and how they are developing their businesses. It was an honour and proud moment in my career to present at the conference and one I am appreciative of.” 

Steve Dougan, Director of Golf, Boringdon Park Golf Club
“From a personal perspective The PGA Conference has been great for me on so many levels including the seminars. But also it was such an amazing networking opportunity. I will definitely be spreading the word to friends and colleagues as everyone could benefit from attending future events.”

Paul Wilson, Group Golf Director, Laguna Golf
“As a PGA Member, I left the event excited and motivated for what the future holds for our Association. The PGA can reposition itself at the top of the golf industry, with a combination of Rob Maxfield’s leadership of the management team and the support of us Members.”

Phuketindex team by — November 29, 2017 in Features 0
Spartan Race Thailand by Thanyapura Phuket

10 percent off for Thanyapura’s members!
On September 09, REGISTER NOW!

The Spartan Race is not your everyday running race. Run, climb, push, pull, throw and crawl your way through the 5+ km and 20+ obstacle course.

Use promotional code “SPTHANYAPURA” for a 10 percent discount.

What to Expect
Spartan Race is the world’s best obstacle course race, with over 240 races in 25 countries around the world this year. The inaugural event is held on new and exciting terrain at Siam Country Club, Chonburi. Race through 20+ signature Spartan obstacles across a 5+ km course in the Sprint race.

The Spartan Race is open to adults and children. For kids under 14, register for the Spartan Kids Race (1.5 km).

Location: Siam Country Club, Chonburi
Date: 9 September 2017
Time: 7:00 am – 3:00 pm
Promotional Code: SPTHANYAPURA

Spartan Race Thailand by Thanyapura Phuket

Spartan Race Thailand by Thanyapura Phuket

Spartan Race Thailand by Thanyapura Phuket

Spartan Race Thailand by Thanyapura Phuket

UPCOMING EVENTS
OCTOBER 20th – Tri Dash at Thanyapura
The Warm-Up to the Laguna Phuket Triathlon! REGISTER NOW

OCTOBER 27 – 29th Super Sprint Swim Meet
If you’re a competitive swimmer, you won’t want to miss this! REGISTER NOW

NOVEMBER 25th – Foremost Ironkids 2017
For kids between 6 – 14 years, get moving! REGISTER NOW

Phuketindex team by — July 31, 2017 in Features 0
2018 Laguna Phuket Marathon’s Date Announced

With paramount success of 2017 Laguna Phuket Marathon (LPM) which took place on Saturday 3 and Sunday 4 June 2017, the 2018 edition of this internationally-recognised and Southeast Asia’s leading destination marathon race has been officially announced to once again take place at Asia’s premier destination resort Laguna Phuket.

Phuketindex by — June 8, 2017 in Features 0
Shining Success at Inaugural Singha Phuket Open Hosted by Laguna Golf Phuket

The inaugural Singha Phuket Open, Phuket’s first professional golf tournament co-sanctioned by Asian Development Tour (ADT) and All Thailand Golf Tour (ATGT), climaxed on Sunday 28 May 2017 at Laguna Golf Phuket.

The event, sponsored by Singha Corporation and organised by Sports Management Group (SMG), saw over 300 top male and female international professional players. Vying for over 2 million Baht prize fund, players competed at the award-winning Laguna Golf Phuket course and were welcomed by enthusiastic spectators from around Phuket.

Shining Success at Inaugural Singha Phuket Open Hosted by Laguna Golf Phuket
Chanachok Dejpiratanamongkol awarded Men’s Professional Champion by Singha Corporation Sports Promotion Manager Mr Suang Chantra-Urai (left) and Laguna Golf Phuket AVP/Group Golf Director Mr Paul Wilson (right).
Shining Success at Inaugural Singha Phuket Open Hosted by Laguna Golf Phuket
“Tap” Chanachok Dejpiratanamongkol

23-year-old Thai talent “Tap” Chanachok Dejpiratanamongkol was crowned the Men’s Professional Champion (-27), bagging 300,000 Baht first prize and his second professional win this year. “Thanks to Singha Corporation for supporting the All Thailand Golf Tour. Also thanks to the host Laguna Golf Phuket, despite the rain falling every day, I was very impressed with the conditions of the golf course and the great facilities this week,” said Chanachok.

Shining Success at Inaugural Singha Phuket Open Hosted by Laguna Golf Phuket
Laguna Golf Phuket member “First” receiving the trophy and stay & play voucher from Mr Ravi Chandran, Managing Director of Laguna Phuket
Shining Success at Inaugural Singha Phuket Open Hosted by Laguna Golf Phuket
“First” Kittiphong Phaichuncharoensu

Laguna Golf Phuket member – 16-year-old “First” Kittiphong Phaichuncharoensu was honoured as the Amateur Champion (-6) and received an invitation to play Queens Cup on the Asian Tour in two weeks’ time.

Another young Laguna Golf Phuket member “Golf” Pawat Prachoomsrisakul produced the “shot of the tournament” with a fabulous Hole-In-One during his third round on Saturday.

The event also witnessed a magnificent final round 59 (-11) by Sutijet Kooratanapisan on Sunday, enabling him to climb the leaderboard and finish in 3rd place.
All Tournament Champions received an exclusive “Stay & Play” package worth over 90,000 Baht sponsored by Banyan Tree Phuket, Laguna Golf Phuket and Banyan Tree Spa, in addition to the trophy and prize money.

Live coverage during the final rounds on Saturday and Sunday was broadcast by True Visions around Thailand to over 2 million households, with recorded highlights shown across Asia via television and social media.

Shining Success at Inaugural Singha Phuket Open Hosted by Laguna Golf Phuket
Ms Claire Chiang, Co-founder/SVP of Banyan Tree Holdings receiving an appreciation plaque from Mr Jittisak Tamprasert Asian Tour Director of Rules & Competitions

Mr Paul Wilson, Laguna Golf Phuket AVP/Group Golf Director enthused, “As a part of Laguna Phuket’s 30th anniversary year-long celebration, we are very honoured to be host venue for this high-profile international golf tournament. Despite the unsettled weather conditions, our golf course provided a wonderful stage for these top international golfers. All Thailand Golf Tour shares our philosophy of developing golfers in Thailand, it was particularly heartening for me to see some of our homegrown players competing well this week.”

Laguna Golf Phuket’s next golf event will be the 2nd Phuket Hospitality Charity Challenge on Friday 23 June 2017, aimed at welcoming golfing hospitality professionals while raising funds for local charity.

For more information, visit www.lagunagolf.com/phuket or contact +66 (0) 7627 0991 / golf@lagunaphuket.com.

Shining Success at Inaugural Singha Phuket Open Hosted by Laguna Golf Phuket

Phuketindex team by — May 31, 2017 in Features 0
Young Triathletes Compete at the 5th Thanyapura Superkidz Triathlon

PHUKET, THAILAND – A total of 85 children ages 4-15 swam, biked and ran to the finish line at Thanyapura Health & Sports Resort, one of the leading training destinations for aspiring triathletes and Ironman champions. The triathlon began at Thanyapura’s Olympic-sized 50-metre pool, continued with a bike ride and a run to the athletics track and grandstand.

The kids raced in individual and relay teams in four categories. Top winners in the overall age categories won a customised race suit.

Young Triathletes Compete at the 5th Thanyapura Superkidz Triathlon

“The race was good. It was really hot and tough. It ended with the wind, so it was good. The cycling was really tough because of the rolling hills. My long term goal is to qualify for the Youth Olympic Games next year in Argentina. If I can, I’ll definitely join the next race,” said Russell Liew Yuan Wei of Malaysia, 1st place male finisher (0:38:15) in the Senior 13-15 age category.

“It was difficult and also my first time. The hardest thing today was to swim, I felt as if I kept on sinking. Cycling and running were easier,” said Pinthira Thumthitikul of Thailand, 1st place female finisher (1:14:01) in the Senior 13-15 age category.

“This event had great turnout because there were many athletes, especially with more Thai kids competing with international children. The swimming pool and cycling route were safe and beautiful. I’m inviting everyone to get involved in the next kids’ triathlon – IronKids in November,” said Ekkarat “Ricky” Phantip, Head Coach of Triathlon at Thanyapura.

Thai youth from grassroots triathlon club “Born Free to Run” also participated as they propelled themselves to the top three places in their age categories. Coach Ricky started the group. It offers free training for local Phuket youngsters and helps them to become future running athletes.

First started in 2013, the Superkidz triathlon continues to attract young triathletes from different nationalities. Thanyapura runs the Triathlon Junior Development Program (JDP) for kids ages 6 – 15 to prepare future champions for the ITU Triathlon circuit. The program runs from 24 April – 16 June 2017. For more information, please email sports@thanyapura.com or visit thanyapura.com/events.

The next major youth multi-sport event, IronKids, will take place on 25 November 2017.

Young Triathletes Compete at the 5th Thanyapura Superkidz Triathlon
Result

Young Triathletes Compete at the 5th Thanyapura Superkidz Triathlon

Young Triathletes Compete at the 5th Thanyapura Superkidz Triathlon
Tri-tots (ages 4-6): Karaket Ellis (1st), Renee Liew Li Ni (2nd),
Stirling Franklin (1st), Sirinut Toomsap (2nd), Liam Gouriou (3rd)
Young Triathletes Compete at the 5th Thanyapura Superkidz Triathlon
Senior (ages 13-15): Russell Liew Yuan Wei (1st), Randall Liew Yuan Zhi (2nd), Sarachai Hapol (3rd), Pinthira Thumthitikul (1st), Daicylaine Alipio (2nd)
Phuketindex team by — April 24, 2017 in Features 1
Laguna Golf Phuket Signs Branding Agreement with the PGA

The 1st PGA Golf Academy in Southeast Asia

The PGA has reached an agreement with Laguna Golf Phuket, Thailand, to brand its new state-of-the-art golf academy. The new Laguna Golf Academy, Phuket, will become part of the PGA family of branded facilities joining a group that includes The Belfry in England and Gleneagles in Scotland. The new PGA academy will be the Association’s first in Southeast Asia based in Thailand, and one of the 11 PGA-branded facilities around the world. It complements the award-winning Laguna Golf Phuket’s 18-hole par 71 golf course, extensive practice and coaching facilities.

Laguna Golf Phuket Signs Branding Agreement with the PGA

Laguna Golf Phuket Signs Branding Agreement with the PGA

Laguna Golf Phuket Signs Branding Agreement with the PGA

The new purpose-built Laguna Golf Academy Phuket was launched in 2016, one year after the golf course was fully redesigned, firstly winning ‘Best Renovated Golf Course in Asia’ at the Asian Golf Awards 2015. More recently it has been named ‘Thailand’s Best Golf Course’ back-to-back at the World Golf Awards 2015 and 2016.

Laguna Phuket is Thailand’s first fully integrated destination resort that, besides top-class golf facilities, comprises luxurious hotels, villas, spas and restaurants such as Banyan Tree Phuket and Angsana Laguna Phuket. Laguna Golf also boasts six-time major winner Sir Nick Faldo as an official brand ambassador.

Laguna Golf Phuket Signs Branding Agreement with the PGA
Paul Wilson, Laguna Golf Assistant Vice President and Group Golf Director.

More than 30 PGA Professionals are employed in Thailand, including Paul Wilson, Laguna Golf Assistant Vice President and Group Golf Director.

He said: “We are thrilled to become part of The PGA family and enhance our new Laguna Golf Academy Phuket with this PGA branding.

“We have made considerable investment in the overall golfing facilities in Laguna Phuket over the last few years. Since reopening our 18-hole golf course in January 2015, we have received wonderful feedback and won several industry awards.

“One of our key business objectives has been to enhance golf instruction within Laguna Golf. Developing this new relationship with The PGA will enable us to offer the very best in service standards and golf instruction techniques to our members and guests.”

Laguna Golf Phuket Signs Branding Agreement with the PGA
Robert Maxfield, the Association’s deputy chief executive

Robert Maxfield, the Association’s deputy chief executive, added: “The PGA is delighted to announce the start of a new relationship with Laguna Phuket.

“The exceptional golf facilities that now form The PGA academy provide an integral part of a high-class international resort of a quality that is synonymous with The PGA brand and our Members.”

As part of the ongoing relationship, the Laguna Phuket resort will host the first overseas PGA Members’ event.

This will take place from the 5-8 November 2017 and The PGA who is based at The Belfry will seek to engage the 1,500 PGA Members currently operating in 81 overseas countries, offering them an educational opportunity and an ability to network and share their experiences.

Phuketindex team by — March 31, 2017 in Features 0
Thanyapura Health & Sports Resort and Sports Camps Australia to Host Interschool Sports Games and Sporting Programmes

PHUKET, THAILAND – Thanyapura Health & Sports Resort has partnered with Sports Camp Australia (SCA) to organise interschool games and sporting programmes from 2017 – onward. Nearly 20,000 parents, students, supporters and coaches from Australasia are expected to participate, generating over 40,000 room nights for Phuket. Fifty per cent of the room nights will be spread out among other resorts in the area.

Thanyapura Health & Sports Resort and Sports Camps Australia to Host Interschool Sports Games and Sporting Programmes
From left: Mrs. Siwaporn Chuasawat, Phuket Vice-Governor, Philipp Graf von Hardenberg,
Thanyapura President and CEO, James Mak, Chairman of Sports Camp Australia and
Mrs. Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul, Minister of Tourism and Sports at the signing ceremony

Students from across the Asian region will compete and participate across various sports in the Phuket over the coming years. The sports include athletics, football, basketball, baseball, swimming, tennis and other sports.

“Thanyapura is committed to turning Thailand into a regional sports hub for the international community. We partnered up with Sports Camp Australia to advance Phuket’s sports tourism economy with the influx of parents, children and coaches from the regional sporting community,” said Philipp Graf von Hardenberg, President and CEO of Thanyapura Health & Sports Resort.
“Sports Camp Australia is delighted to work with Thanyapura in developing Phuket as a sports hub and destination – for upcoming athletes across the region in addition to tourism. The participants will learn from highly accomplished coaches and experience Thanyapura’s world-class facilities, which continue to be an exceptional training centre for athletes of all levels,” said James Mak, Chairman of Sports Camp Australia.

“The government of Phuket is proud to support local partners in driving sports tourism to Phuket. Thanyapura has consistently put on successful sporting events that drive thousands of athletes to Phuket,” said Mrs. Siwaporn Chuasawat, Phuket Vice-Governor.

Thanyapura Health & Sports Resort and Sports Camps Australia to Host Interschool Sports Games and Sporting Programmes
Mrs.Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul, Minister of Tourism and Sports

“Sports Camp Australia chooses Phuket as a destination for the international school sporting community, after many years of holding competitions throughout the Asia Pacific and Australian regions. This not only benefits the visitors who descend to Phuket for the sports programmes, but encourages our nation to compete in sporting events,” said Mrs. Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul, Minister of Tourism and Sports.

Sports Camp Australia partners with the best coaches across the region and in Thailand in running sports programmes. SCA’s goal is to “shape lifelong enjoyment of high quality sports education and skill enhancement.” The Sydney-based company coordinates the most successful sporting programmes across Asia. The new partnership with Thanyapura expands their presence in Asia, specifically, Thailand. The first programme is scheduled for June – August 2017 and features swimming, tennis and football.

Thanyapura Health & Sports Resort and Sports Camps Australia to Host Interschool Sports Games and Sporting Programmes

Thanyapura Health & Sports Resort, a well-being hub for sports and health enthusiasts, offers a unique concept with sporting events and training camps for all athletes. Facilities feature the 50m and 25m swimming pools and quiet road for cyclists.

Thanyapura is a sport, fitness, health and educational haven. There is the high-quality sports hotel, award-winning organic restaurants, a mind centre, specialised and holistic medical centre and an international school. Thanyapura’s health and wellness centre is the hub of innovative medical facilities and services such as yoga, spa, mind training, physiotherapy, weight loss and much more. In January 2017, the 37-room Garden Wing launched a new concept, welcoming guests with holistic offerings of leading a healthy lifestyle and a balanced mind.

Phuketindex team by — March 28, 2017 in Features 0