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Golf may seem to some people a very sedentary sport... not so.
If you wish to keep fit, have a good time and have fun, then play
a game of golf in the Gulf of Thailand.
The entrance to the Banyan Tree Resort, in the seclusion of Laguna
Phuket is a joy... the golf on offer even better. The entrance to
one of the many restaurants is also the gateway to the 18-hole course.
The action begins at 6.30am, so you better get an early night.
The beauty of this course is not difficult to explain... the health-giving
properties equally so. Banyan Tree, as well as the other resorts
in the Laguna area, is built on the site of old tin mines. These
lagoons, some 40-metres deep have provided the landscape for one
of the world's most beautiful five-star golfing destinations. The
actual course is relatively non exerting... although guests say
that it is one of the most challeging and pleasurable here in Asia.
The Banyan Tree Resort is widely recognised as one of the forerunners
of golf in Phuket. The idyllic setting, combined with the Banyan
Trees' facilities make for a perfect way to enjoy your holiday in
the sun.
The 18-hole course does not give you aerobic exercise (unless your
heart rate exceed 120 per minute for a while) but it gives you the
opportunity to take in the scenery and walk between eight and 10
kilometres! For one-and-a-half hours, walking in this tropical climate,
you will burn off 500 calories! That's the same as one hour of reasonably
fast jogging!
If this sounds tiring, don't panic... the Banyan Tree course is
the only one on the island that has a “drinks buggy” travelling
around all day. There are also three “watering holes” situated at
certain points.
One of the most attractive aspects of golf is that people of all
ages can play together. For visitors to the island who maybe older,
golf is a superb way to enjoy the surroundings, take in the scenery
and get fit. “Golf is particularly recommended for people suffering
from poor circulation and osteoporosis”, explains Brad Hole of the
Banyan Tree course.
The course itself is designed in an environmentally friendly way
and the flora and flora on display is second to few. The playing
surface is also so flat that there is no problem with water and
it's easy to play in the rain. In the high season, the 240 caddies
(all local Thai ladies) ensure that your round is easy on the body
and the solar umbrellas (available to rent) reduce the temperature
by five degrees.
Golf also teaches children social skills and a sense of self-responsibility
and self-motivation. It is an activity which can be enjoyed by all
the family without worry. In the last five years, Banyan Tree has
planted 5,000 trees, earning an Environmental Award from American
Express.
Enjoy a walk around a golf course on your holiday to Phuket
. . . keep fit, learn a thing or two and have fun! Banyan
Tree Phuket, 33, M00 4, Srisoonthorn Rd: Tel: (66 76)
324 374, fax (66 76) 324 375, or E-mail: banyantree@lagunaphuket.com
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