Yann Bouillonnec - Perfect Timing

 And so we come back to the game.
Bouillonnec comes from a family of golfers. His father also played off five, while his two brothers both have a two handicap. His sister-in-law is a former French national junior champion.
Bouillonnec says it makes for some pretty interesting family battles, such as the time last year when the clan gathered in France to celebrate the 90th birthday of Bouillonnec’s grandmother – and 20 of them took to the local course for a day’s competition.
“I think the challenge is the key thing with golf. It is a challenging sport and it challenges you as an individual,’’ says Bouillonnec.
Throughout his career in Asia, the Frenchman has been able to test his skills on some of the region’s most picturesque – and demanding – courses. And he has helped establish regular Vacheron Constantin-hosted VIP days for clients and partners.
“It’s always a nice day, a friendly way to spend time with partners and clients,’’ he says. “Golf really has become the social sport of business in China. Whatever your age or your level you can play and you can learn.’’
The Shek O Country Club and Shanghai’s Sheshan International Golf Club, venue for the annual WGC-HSBC Champions tournament, have played host to Vacheron Constantin's corporate days and it’s no surprise to hear that he counts both those courses among his favourites in the region.
“The Hong Kong Golf Club at Fanling is also fantastic and I love playing at Shek O – you have the scenery, the course design and perfect maintenance,’’ he says. “I think for golf Asia in general is a paradise. There are far too many golf courses to try them all and the game is being developed everywhere. Look at Mission Hills and what they are doing, it is incredible.
“It used to be that Phuket’s Blue Canyon was the best course in Asia – and it is still great – but you go to China and there are fantastic courses everywhere.’’
Bouillonnec finishes up by saying he feels fortunate to have been afforded the chance to try more than a few of them at least. And it all goes back to that day in the clubhouse when Bouillonnec decided his future and moved to Hong Kong.
“I’m lucky,’’ he says. “When I look back it was just the right choice at the right time." - MS