Secret Men’s Business tee off in Thailand!

Some of the boys still standing!

They call themselves Secret Men’s Business (SMB) for a reason – what happens at SMB usually stays at SMB. But when this band of brothers packed their golf bags and set off for Thailand for some time out from Singapore – mixing rounds of golf with a few beers among mates – they decided to bend the rules and spill a few secrets.

Bags packed and passports ready, participants jetted in from Indonesia, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand for the SMB Masters in Hua Hin for the five days of fairways, friendship, and fun.

ANZA member Don Northey shares his take on the trip below – though something tells us we’re only getting part of the story!

Day 1: Teeing off in chaos
Our Secret Men’s Business tour week kicked off with an early flight to Bangkok, followed by a 3.5-hour bus ride to Hua Hin. The warm-up upon arrival was a three-hole mini comp that quickly descended into comic chaos as 20 players, 20 caddies, and a two-ball Ambrose format created what can only be described as a “dog’s breakfast.” After two holes, the bottom 10 players were eliminated, and the rest battled on – though no one seemed to care who actually won.

Day 2: Game on – ish
The official 72-hole Strokeplay Handicap event began at Pineapple Golf Resort, with two days there before heading to Black Mountain. Some players struggled to make it to the first tee after a spirited first night. Morale was soon restored at the compulsory dinner at Prime Steakhouse where steaks, stories, and a few questionable toasts flowed freely.

Proof that golf can be very stressful

Day 3: Wobbly swings & some wins
By day three, hangovers were par for the course. We made it to the tee, though some eyes were apparently still in bed. Each day’s best net score earned a medal, while the worst score was “rewarded” with a fabulous clown wig (which is also mandatory attire for five first-timers on tour). At night, nine golfers found their way to Fisherman’s Wharf. One did not.

Day 4: Photo ops at Black Mountain
The final ywo days at Black Mountain beckoned, and we donned our matching 2025 SMB Masters shirts for the official photo. Nineteen men made the cut. One didn’t. Rumour has it Rickie “Bobby” Bower was busy engaging in some extra-curricular negotiations with his caddie, i.e, allegedly taking lessons from DJT.

Day 5: The final showdown
The last 18 holes saw Rick leading narrowly over trip organiser and all-round legend Sir Wade “Stretch” Bhati. Tension was high coming down the last. The spectators had no idea of the scores, but watched the last putts on the green with anticipation. Rick’s first putt flew past the hole; when it finally dropped, the celebration was seismic – a victory dance worthy of Shane Lowry himself. After more than ten attempts, Rickie Bobby claimed the SMB Masters title by one shot. His grin said it all.

All the gang together!

As the week wrapped up, 14 weary golfers headed home while six stayed on in Hua Hin. What they got up to? Well, that would be telling …