Thrilling Golf and exotic spices = Thailand

Thailand is one great golfing destination.  There are just so many golf courses located throughout Thailand.  From Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, Hua Hin and other provinces. 

It is no wonder that this month (Feb 17-20) the Siam Country Club in Pattaya will play host to the LPGA  Honda 2011.  Expected crowd-pullers  are Paula “Pink Panther” Creamer and Michelle Wie plus other top Asian players are expected to bring lots of excitement to this beach city.

Then there is Thailand’s golfing pride - Thongchai Jaidee. A former para trooper in the Thai army, Thongchai didn’t start playing golf until he was 16 by tying the discarded head of a 5-iron to a bamboo stick. Now Tongchai holds the record for the most career victories and most career earnings on the Asian tour.  Just last November I followed Thongchai’s flight with Phil Mickelson  and Matteo Manassero in Singapore and admired how cool he was amidst all the pressure.  Tongchai was recently quoted as saying that “Asian golfers will buzz around golf's leaderboards in 2011 and can be expected to make a serious assault on the majors”. (SINGAPORE Jan 31 Reuters).

So while Thailand is a haven for golf because of its superb courses and luxurious clubhouses there is also much more to see and experience other than golf.  There is that vibe and character in Thailand that makes it such a great destination. Thai food for one! The aroma from kaffir, lime and lemon grass in their famous fiery Tom Yum soup is just heavenly. Walking through the streets of Bangkok and looking at all the appetizing street food  being offered is an adventure in itself.

So if you plan to watch the LPGA Honda 2011 this month, stay a few more days to savor the sights and experience all that is magical in Thailand.