I am very happy to hear news about golf course development despite the COVID-19. Architect Gil Hanse will open the full 18 at Ballyshear Golf Links, a remarkable hole-by-hole homage to The Lido Club, in August 2021.
Hanse harnessed the early 19thcentury sensibilities (see ‘Golden Age of Golf Design’).
He said:
“The design of Ballyshear Golf Links is based on the principles and philosophies espoused by two giants of vintage course architecture, Macdonald and Raynor, who made their marks by replicating in America specific golf holes from classic Scottish links: The Redan at North Berwick, for example. The Alps hole at Prestwick…
These holes represent our inspiration and aspiration at Ban Rakat — just as they inspired Macdonald and Raynor at hallowed grounds such as The National Golf Links of America, Chicago Golf Club, and specifically Lido Golf Club.”
Since my last post about the Ballyshear Golf Links, there were some changes regarding how many people can have full-membership in the Ban Rakat Club: 400 (instead of 300).
Phase 1 of the clubhouse (designed by world-renowned architect Kengo Kuma) at Ban Rakat Club is also scheduled for completion in August 2021.
Gil Hanse says
“Ballyshear Golf Links is going to be so different from anything that exists there today, it’s going to be fascinating to see how the course is received.
It could be a landmark project for the country – and it could be that people don’t get it or like it all! I could be fairly polarizing, which is fine so long as the owner is happy and the club thrives.
Thailand economy vs Ballyshear Golf Links’ success
I don’t want to spoil the joy and happiness of the investors, however, Thailand’s GDP growth projections is -7.3% + sharp decline in international tourist arrivals, and a plunge in private investment levels (Source: Deloitte).
The Thailand Board of Investment predicts only a 3.6% GDP growth in 2021.
The Thai economy will recover – best case scenario – in 2022 if everything is going well with the vaccine development.
ING says
“This brings the cumulative current account surplus in the first eight months of 2020 to $12.9 billion, which is down from $24 billion in the same period last year.”
I hope despite all these unpleasant facts Ban Rakat Club will be able to find 400 full-members.