TEH DEVIOUS GREEN AT AUGUSTA

The course was the real winner. Brandt Snedeker who played along side Trevor Immelman can't stand the strong gust. Snedeker made seven boogies, finished his final round at 77. Even Immelman struggled to stay ahead after making 3 over. Masters at Augusta is all about putting. A slow tap can still move your ball more than three feet if it misses the hole. Or even roll down the rough and eventually get wet.
Even on the day, Tiger Woods knew he can only wear the green jacket if Immelman fumbled all the way. Still he managed to stay second on the leaderboard. When Tiger was trailing in any championship, some commentators remarked that " finally there is some human in Tiger ". You cant expect Woods to win all the majors. But the expectation for him to win is always strong whenever you see Tiger on the course.

CHALLENGING BUT INTERESTING TO PLAY AT EMARALDA

About 45 minutes from Jakarta City Centre, Emaralda Golf Course offers undulating fairways, with breathtaking landscape of unique line up of matured palm trees. Tee off around 8 am and it takes you to a totally different landscape. It is a good therapy for those who are always stuck in the mad traffic jam. Avoid the mad rush and leave Jakarta before 7 am or else you might not enjoy your game latter.
Most caddies are very familiar with the green making your putting easier. Green fee, plus buggy and caddy will cost you Rp400,000. Nasi goreng (fried rice) for breakfast at the golf terrace is actually not a good idea but it is popular among golfers. Toast and half boil eggs gives you a good start. Some start complaining after a few holes as nasi goreng slow down your swing or it's just a lame excuse.
After missing your par, stop at one of the half way hut, and get a fresh coconut drink. Pak Marno is ready to serve you and at the same time gives a short commentary on your swing, " Bagus Pak pukulannya ."( Good swing Sir )
Course designed by the Arnold Palmer. Great to get the chance to play here. Love to come back.

PLAY CONSERVATIVELY AT NILAI SPRING GOLF - NEGRI SEMBILAN, MALAYSIA.

It looks quite easy, but for the first timer, take your time before teeing off . I prefer playing conservatively at this three nines course. I thought after getting a par at par 3 6th, Mango Nine,it will be smooth sailing, but my over confidence took me to many sand traps. The rough is a bit tough. Trying to hit from the slope is another impossible task sometimes.
You could play a round of golf here before catching a flight as it is 20 minutes away from either LCCT or KLIA.
You can always walk in, green fees for weekdays is RM55 and RM110 for weekeneds, and buggies are charged at RM40. The food is lovely, the caddies are quite helpful but seek second opinion when putting.Phone +6068508888,Fax +6068503388

TEE OFF WITH THE LEGEND- SURABAYA

The fairways , the greens are breathtaking. Despite of boogies and double boogies, we loved the strolling along the almost natural streams, creating tough hazards but lovely landscape. The legend , Jack Niklaus himself designed the course, creating 18 challenging holes. Forget your score card , just enjoy the lush greenery around you. Watching Jack play and playing his designed course are two different experiences. The green fee is slightly over USD100, and you get the world class mountain resort ambience. For decades the vicinity of this Mount Welirang, near Malang has been a fosert reserve and Jack has intelligently built the course without even disturbing the natural beauty of this place.

JIMBARAN SUNSET DINNER -BALI

Be there by 6.40 and you won't miss the lovely sunset at the Jimbaran beach, near Kuta, Bali. The three piece band is trying hard to play Stevie Wonder's song amidst the pounding sound of the waves, ploughing through the hard sand. Pick your garoupa form the tank and try the fried kangkung with shrimp paste . For USD50 you get a spread of grilled sea food for two. Romance in the air, most couple spent hours on the beach, for a quite,romantic evening. Try the banana drink and pick your grilled corn sold the peddlars pushing their carts along the beach.

LET YOUR HAIR LOOSE IN BALI

Once you put your feet in Bali, your mood suddenly change. Its the atmosphere around you. Whether you are in for business meeting or presenting paper at a convention, your mind is walking away to look for either a golf course nearby or savouring the freshness of seafood overlooking the beach at Jimbaran. Ya, the meeting was on scheduled, everyone agreed what should be in the plan for 2008. The mission statement was even more ambitious, the time line was strict and we promised to achieve the goals.
Stayed in Sanur Paradise Plaza, 30 minutes away from the the airport, great ambience, lovely welcoming drink. Its quite hot in December . Drinking hole is just across the road form the hotel, for nasi padang lover, Nat Rabu restaurant is five minutes away by taxi. Shuttle service is OK, sometimes a bit slow, but thats the way how they take things in Bali. Anyway get things cool and steady. Make sure ask for a good aircond van.