Shanek,

Yes, $AUD100 is a bit steep to pay for a round in Thailand when you are only paying $350 a year for full membership. Don't get that in Melbourne. My fees are almost $3000 and because I'm so busy I find it hard to get in two games a month. Figure out the cost of a round Shanek!

I once played in the Mildura Classic many years ago (circa 1985). First Day at Mildura CC, the temperature was 42C; second day at Riverside, temperature was 43; third day at Coomealla and the temperature was 44.

Needless to say Shanek, I've never considered playing in the event again. I don't know how you good folk up there can withstand those temperatures week after week during the summer months.

And yes, Hua Hin is a golfing mecca. Did you by any chance play the Springfield CC or the quaint Hua Hin Golf Club, the oldest golf club in Thailand and one of the oldest in South East Asia?

One other thing: About five years ago I played Thaniya Golf City on the outskirts of Bangkok. Stinking hot as usual and every piece of my golf attire was wringing wet with perspiration at the conclusion of the round.

I had a shower and a change of cloths. As I walked out to pay my caddy a big tip because she was so bloody good (she saved me about eight shots with her knowledge), she grabbed the bag of golf attire from my hand and put it on my golf bag. "I look good after", she giggled.

I went upstairs and had a long, long, long lunch with copious tankards of beer to wash down the food.

When I got out to the taxi waiting for me about three hours later, there were my golf clubs, perfectly cleaned and shining, my golf shoes looking like brand new, my bag washed down and polished, and my golf attire neatly folded in a plastic bag. She had washed, dried and ironed the clothing whilst I was getting half sozzled upstairs.

I have never forgotten that and I gave her another big tip as well. She certainly deserved it.