The Invitational a concept brought to you by Golf Journeys, started out as a vision to create a truly unique tournament experience and has now wrapped up its latest chapter in Phuket, and wow, what an event it was! Looking back, I remember those early days in 2021—hours spent meeting with sponsors in Sydney, negotiating details, and crafting a format that felt fresh and exclusive. I wanted something that wasn’t about filling seats but about building community, where our 100 competitors could truly connect, play hard, and have a blast without the overwhelm of a massive crowd. Fast forward to now, and that dream is a living, breathing reality.
The atmosphere on even day 1 was electric, here is what some of our competitors had to say during their first round...
The Phuket Invitational’s itinerary is designed to ease everyone in, starting with warm welcomes, personalized transfers, and the next day competitors got to look forward to a two-ball better ball format for the practice round. It’s more than a practice round; it’s a great way to get familiar with the course and shake off any first-day jitters. For singles, we paired them up with a teammate, while couples get to tee off together, setting the stage for the friendly, laid-back vibe we wanted right from the start.
The Lineup of Events: Fun, Fair, and Full of Surprises
Every day offered something special. From personalised transfers (no waiting around at the airport, or after golf, we do things in style with VIP luxury vans) to dedicated club valets and handpicked accommodations at Four Points by Sheraton Phuket, we made sure each detail added a layer of ease and enjoyment to the experience. The welcome ceremony brought everyone together, dressed in team colors, where old friends and new faces met under the Phuket sunset with drinks, a Thai buffet, and live entertainment. By the time the first tee times rolled around, the camaraderie was already in full swing.
Each tournament day was designed with variety and inclusion at its heart. A and B grade golfers had their unique formats, from stableford to stroke play, all geared toward a balanced mix of skill and fun. We even threw in some fun extras, like a novelty award for “second-last” place because, hey, coming in last is easy, but second-last takes a special kind of skill!
Memorable Courses and 19th Hole Celebrations
From Blue Canyon Lakes, Loch Palm to Red Mountain, every course brought its own flavor. Blue Canyon, is always a favourite, with manicured fairways and a fair test of golf. Red Mountain —it’s challenging, scenic, and undulating fairways impressed our players as always. Then, there’s Loch Palm, where rows of towering palms line the fairways, adding a tropical touch to the challenge. And each evening, our 19th Hole was more than a post-game tradition; it was a nightly celebration. From canapés and cocktails to team presentations, the 19th Hole made every win, every laugh, and every new friendship that much sweeter.
Non-Golfers and Unique Experiences
We didn’t forget about our non-golfers, either. Each day had something unique for them, like a Best of Phuket tour, a Thai cooking class, and a visit to the Elephant Sanctuary, where they could immerse themselves in local culture. By the time everyone met back up at night, there was always a new story to share and laughter all around.
The event wrapped up with our Farewell Presentation Dinner at the Akara Grand Ballroom, a night filled with laughs, cheers, awards, and new friendships. It was the perfect send-off, a celebration of not just the sport but the spirit of coming together. As we said our goodbyes, there were smiles all around, not just because of the competition but because of the memories we created together.
And if you’re curious to hear firsthand how our players felt, check out the video testimonials we’ve uploaded. The laughter, camaraderie, and pure joy of the Phuket Invitational are right there in their voices.
Until Next Time…
Thank you to everyone who joined, played, and made this event an unforgettable chapter in our journey. Here’s to new friends, unforgettable rounds, and the newest chapter of the invitational golf week - Jakarta! Whether you’re a single, a couple, or a team, you’ve found your golfing family here, and I can’t wait to welcome you back next year.
To view the results from this years event please head on over to our second website: https://www.theinvitationalgolfweek.com/leaderboard/live
