We took the mid morning Air Asia flight to Bangkok. Shahrul and Haji Amir were on the same flight. Datuk Iskandar left earlier on Malaysia Airlines. When we arrived at Bangkok Airport, Datuk Iskandar was already waiting for us.
As usual, without wasting any time, we made our way to Krungthep Kreetha Golf Club, located quite near to the airport. We did not even stop for lunch. Boy! We must be one heck of crazy golfers!
KRUNGTHEP KREETHA GC
The fivesome in a flight
Syed Bakri, an official with the Malaysian Embassy joined us for golf. In Thailand, up to 6 golfers can play in 1 flight. We were joined by caddies too old to be called caddies. In fact, one of us remarked that our caddies were grandmas having at least 14 grand kids. Most of them were Muslims.
The golf course was just average but well maintained. As with other Bangkok’s courses, the topography was flat with a lot of water fringing the fairways. I was taken aback by the steep fees charged by an average course. The green fees plus buggies and caddies came to BHT2,500 (about RM250). For that kind of money I would expect a more reputable course.
Shahrul at a par-3 with an island green
By the time we reached hole 18, it was getting dark. There were 3 flights waiting to tee off at that hole. We decided to finish our round by teeing off at hole 9. At least we made it in time before it became too dark.
CILI PADI RESTAURANT
We had our dinner at Cili Padi Restaurant in Silom. It was opened for business 6 months ago. It is run by an acquaintance of Datuk Iskandar, Sabri. The foods were lavishly prepared for our arrival. It was far too much for us to handle dspite having missed lunch. They were hot & spicy and above excellence. I would recommend the place anytime. Its telephone number is 026342839.
ALL SEASONS SATHORN BANGKOK
We checked into our hotel, All Season Sathorn Bangkok (http://www.allseasons-sathorn.com/). It is located in the embassy row next to the Malaysian Embassy. It is a bit out of Bangkok’s shopping districts or entertainment centres. It is what Shahrul called “ the Air Asia Hotel”. It did not even provide coffee making facilities usually made available for a hotel of that price range (about BHT1,800).
Anyway, I had a good night sleep. Must be the extra heavy meals!
CHUAN CHUEN GOLF CLUB
The Foursome on Second Day. Syed could not make it.
We left our hotel very early. We skipped breakfast as it was not ready yet and we wanted to avoid Bangkok’s infamous rush hour traffic. We got out of the city with ease but spent one and a half hour searching for the golf course. Our driver was lost and we were losing precious time. We wanted to continue playing another 18 holes at Pinehurst after Chuan Chuen. After going around and around for what seemed like an eternity, we finally made it to Chuan Chuen.
The closest that we came to Augusta
Chuan Chuen (http://www.golfcoursethailand.com/) is typical of Bangkok’s golf courses with flat terrain and waters fringing the fairways and in play at most holes. This 6747 yard course was just another average course for me. It was a pity to travel so far and played at just an average course. At least here the caddies were younger than yesterday’s course!
Shahrul approaching the Club House
We finished our round behind schedule and decided to skip Pinehurst. We had lunch at a Muslim restaurant in Silom. The cat fish salad was extremely delicious and a must try.
PRATUNAM DISTRICT
After a short rest and a nap, we decided to go look for a place for Thai traditional massage. It was during the evening rush hour. The taxis were reluctant to take us into the city. We managed to hail a taxi that promised to take us to a good place for massage. It was another let down. He drove us to several places which were not up to our expectation. Every time after we paid him, we had to climb back into his cab to look for another place. He must have enjoyed taking us to the wrong places and getting paid for it. Finally, I decided to go to Pratunam area where I knew one good place for massage. The place is located along the shopping area of Pratunam near to Pratunam Park Hotel and Baiyoke Hotel. I normally stayed in the area during my earlier Bangkok trips. It was a good 2 hour massage.
It was a late dinner for us hosted by Cili Padi Restaurant’s owner, Sabri. I learned that Sabri was a musician linked to a famous band in the 60s. He and family ran the restaurant.
After dinner we took a walk around the night bazaar along the streets in Silom. It was typical of any night bazaar scene in Thailand with cheap imitation stuffs paraded along the sidewalks. I bought myself a Bangkok Hard Rock Café t-shirt to replace my old worn shirt. We had ice cream at Haagen-Dazs before taking a cab back to our hotel.
THE ROYAL GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB
The final day at a beautiful course
This was our last golfing day in Bangkok and the Royal GC was the best of the 3 golf courses that we played. The course was beautifully landscaped despite the flat terrain. Even the caddies were wonderful. At last!
Syed at a par-5 hole
Shahrul Getting Out of the Water. He made It!
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