It’s been only four years since the Centara World Masters inaugural event and in that time it has quickly gained traction, with regular golfers and casual players, to become Asia’s one of biggest and most enjoyed tournaments.
For one week in June, golfers from more than 25 nationalities will converge on Thailand’s royal city of Hua Hin for a week of fun, entertainment and, of course, some terrific golf. With testimonials like “It was the best week of my life” and “We just love coming back here. The caddies are wonderful. The organisation is brilliant.” – the event is on track to be a sell out again in 2018.
Top-notch courses such as Black Mountain and Banyan, have seen Hua Hin voted Asia’s Best Golf Destination at the World Golf Awards and, along with the Jack Nicklaus signature Royal Springfield and the A / B composite course at Imperial Lake View, these two striking courses will play host to this year’s Championship.
This is a huge turnaround, as Mark Siegel, managing director of Golfasian explained: “Severe drought over the past couple of years had really impacted these two courses that were dependent on mother nature for watering. It’s amazing how lush both the courses are now that they have regular water supply.
"Last time I inspected Lake View the fairways had major cracks down the middle of them and we had to play ‘tee-up’ at Springfield. Now these courses have the lushest fairways and your ball sits up perfect. The transformation in course conditioning is amazing and I just know golfers will really enjoy playing these courses.”
The caddies proudly wear a bib sporting golfers' names and country flags – just like at the Masters. Add to that the new pipeline and irrigation system which guarantees a bountiful water supply to all the region's courses to keep them putt-perfect.
The Centara Hotel & Resort Hua Hin is the tournament host hotel and, given its beach front location and nightly social events (with drinks included), it's no surprise the hotel is already 90% sold out. The tournament is a collaboration between Australian based Go Golfing and Thailand based Golfasian.
Go Golfing pioneered World Masters tournaments 23 years ago in Australia and now take more than 13,000 golfers each year to 24 countries for their tournaments and hosted group golf tours. Golfasian have forged an enviable reputation as the company for golfers travelling to Thailand, Vietnam and other parts of Asia.
“Every moment spent during the Centara World Masters, whether you are a golfer or not, has wow factor.”
- Pare Manihera-Duncan, Centara World Masters participant.
The event has grown into Thailand’s richest and, as long as you are over 35, you can tee it up at the Masters, and be in with a shot on up to US$30,000 in prizes and lucky draws.
There are 15 tournament divisions based on age and handicap. Playing with golfers your own age and standard is one of the event’s great traditions Whether you come on your own, or with a party of friends, make sure you don’t miss out on this incredible golfing pilgrimage.
The fifth annual Centara World Masters Golf Championship returns to Hua Hin, Thailand, from 10 to 16 June 2018. For complete event information and to book, visit www.thailandworldmasters.com
