Located within the orthopaedic department, "Doctor Golf" will provide comprehensive health services tailored to each golfer's specific needs.

Coordinated by Nanthadej Hiranyasthiti, an orthopaedic surgeon and himself an avid golfer, the clinic's core team revolves around three rehabilitative specialist doctors plus a satellite team of a cardiologist, a nutritionist and four physiotherapists.

Nanthadej stresses that all of these practitioners play golf themselves. "It is very important to speak the same language as the golfers," he said.

No longer a reserve for the professional golfers, the programme focuses on preventing injuries by conducting strength-building exercises, teaching patients the proper way to warm up and even devising nutrition programmes - all with the sole aim of improving the patient's game.

Currently most of the patients are foreigners from the United States, South Korea and Japan.

Thailand is a golf paradise for foreign players, with more than 100 courses all over the country. Entire families can enjoy courses designed by renowned golfers and luxury accommodation and services on the same premises.

Nanthadej pointed out that golf, unlike other sports such as tennis, had a higher age ceiling for players.

"It is not uncommon to see a 60-year-old still playing golf," he said. There is, therefore, potential for a steadier and longer stream of revenue.

Doctor Golf received a warm reception at the Royal Trophy Golf Championship in January, for which Bumrungrad was the official healthcare provider.

With Thailand as a top destination for golfing and quality private healthcare, opportunities abound for the golf clinic.

Ki Nan Tsui

The Nation