Pictured: The two 15km race winners, Luke Jarrod McKenzie and Beth McKenzie, with (from left): Suparat Thannuy, Marketing Manager, Thanyapura Health & Sports Resort; Panchan Noimeecharoen, Assistant Marketing Communication & PR, Phuket Marriott Resort & Spa, Nai Yang Beach; and Yotaka Jantaranukulkit, PR Coordinator, Phuket Marriott Resort & Spa, Nai Yang Beach.
This year we bring FIFA World Cup 2018 Live Stream from Luzhniki stadium to Loy Krathong Bar to make sure you won’t miss a single match during your vacation. A cozy vibe in Angsana Laguna Phuket to watch the game with your friends or family, featuring a big projector screen and a special tapas board with your choice of beverages is really an unbeatable combination.
Open Daily 10.00 am until late from 14 June -15 July 2018.
Celebrating FIFA World Cup 2018 with Special Menus at Thanyapura Booster Deli & Cafe during 12pm – 10pm!
Contact Thanyapura Health & Sports Resort
Telephone: +66 7633 6000
Email: info@thanyapura.com
Website: www.thanyapura.com
Thanyapura’s scholarship swimmer, 23 years old Niranjan ‘Niru’ Mukund, broke the Asian record at the 2018 World Para Swimming World Series “Internationale Deutsche Meisterschaften Swimming Berlin”, in Germany yesterday (June 7). He finished his 200 m backstroke within 03:16:01, which has made him the newest holder of Asia’s record in this category.
Mukund was born with spina bifida and clubbed feet. As a result, he has muscles weakness in his legs and has undergone 16 surgeries. The swimmer, from Bangalore, India, started his swimming journey in 2003 at the Jayanagar Swimming Pool following his doctor’s advice that he should do sports, such as horse riding and swimming, to strengthen his legs.
From a hobby to get healthier and stronger, swimming has become his routine and career. He swims six hours and does two hours of gym work and conditioning each day because he believes that “Dedication, determination and hard work are the keys to success.”
His strong commitment has built him a path to the world leagues. He won 10 medals in 10 events at the 2015 IWAS World Junior Games in Stadskanaal, The Netherlands, and claimed bronze in the 4x100m medley relay at the 2014 Asian Para Games in Incheon, South Korea. He was named the 2016 Sportsman of the Year by the Sports Writers Association of Bangalore [SWAB] in India. In 2016, he received the Ekalavya Award from the state of Karnataka in India, in recognition of his performances in Para swimming and was also awarded the National Award for Best Para Sportsperson of the Year in 2015 by the Government of India.
Lately, he received a scholarship from Thanyapura Health & Sports Resort, where he met his mentor, Miguel Lopez Alvarado, Head Coach of the aquatics academy, who has gained more than 20 years of experience as a swimming coach at elite level, steering able-bodied and disabled swimmers to great heights.
Miguel’s career is expansive. He has trained Olympians and Paralympians, but at heart it is his pure love for the sport that motivates him each day; a motivation that he passes on his swimmers.
Mukund also set his goal to compete at the 2020 Paralympic Games in Tokyo.
Laguna Phuket, the Thailand tourist island’s only fully integrated resort, has revealed plans for the upcoming Singha Laguna Phuket Open to become, eventually, as internationally well-known and inclusive as its acclaimed annual triathlon and marathon events.
Although only in its second iteration this year, the All Thailand Golf Tour event – to be held from May 10-13 – is guaranteed a wide following in Thailand and South East Asia through television coverage.
But Laguna Phuket’s managing director, Ravi Chandran, and assistant vice president and director of golf, Paul Wilson, have bigger long-range plans. In particular, they want to develop the professional tournament into a week-long celebration of golf that involves amateur players of all levels and abilities.
This will mean extending the current program of a pro-am on the Wednesday before the tournament and a “play like the pros” round on the day after its conclusion to a range of individual and team golf events for amateurs, spread over a week.
“The Laguna Phuket triathlon, which this year celebrated 25 years, and the marathon, being held in June for the 13th year, are highly-recognised events that attract thousands of participants and spectators from around the world,” Ravi Chandran explains.
“They have helped make Phuket an international sporting hub, with Laguna Phuket as the centrepiece. We believe the Singha Laguna Phuket Open can become equally well-known among golfers and be the third mantle in the island’s and resort’s sporting calendar.
“Many people remember the 2009 Thailand Open held at Laguna Phuket. Last year we successfully recaptured the interest from that event and this year, as Phuket’s only professional golf tournament, we aim to build on it further. The relationship with Singha as joint title sponsor is an excellent fit and we hope this also extends long into the future.”
Paul Wilson says the golf tournament can be expanded in coming years to include individual amateur and team events, similar to those organised around the triathlon and marathon.
“There are numerous short-distance, team and other activities associated with the triathlon and marathon,” he explains. “The full distance of both events attracts elite contestants and serious competitors from all over the world. But there are other shorter and less intense variations for people of all ages and abilities and we believe the golf tournament can be extended in a similar way.”
He says last year’s tournament resulted in increased tee-time bookings among locals and golfers from Thailand and the region and he expects the 2018 event will produce a similar uplift.
“The professional tournament is definitely raising our profile,” he adds. “We believe we can capitalise on this growing interest in many ways, both around the time of the event and at other times during the year.”
The 2018 Singha Laguna Phuket Open, with a THB2 million prize pool, will have a full field of 156 qualified professional and amateur male participants. As a joint-sanctioned Asian Development Tour event, it provides a pathway for aspiring golfers to develop their careers regionally and internationally.
For more information about the Singha Laguna Phuket Open, visit:
Laguna Golf Phuket: www.lagunagolf.com/phuket
All Thailand Golf Tour: www.allthailandgolftour.com
Asian Development Tour: www.asiandevelopmenttour.com
Asian Tour: www.asiantour.com
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.
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
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.
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.”
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.”
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.
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.
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.
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.”
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
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
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.
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