What is your full name? And age?
Harald Elisson 39 years.
What is your current Job Position?
Managing Director of Black Mountain.
How long have you lived in Hua Hin or been coming to Hua Hin?
I have lived in Hua Hin since 2007.
What did you know about Hua Hin before you moved here?
Not much, I did not know it had perfect weather all year round.
What do you like most about your profession?
Golf is the best industry I know in which to work. The most important and satisfying aspect of being involved in a leading golf club is ensuring that everyone who comes to Black Mountain – members and visitors – have a truly memorable golf and leisure experience. Every day there are new challenges and details to address, so it is important to stay abreast of everything happening at the club and make decisions when they are needed. It is great to see the results of the decisions we make and witness the satisfaction and enjoyment of people who use our facilities. It is also very satisfying to have been able to help build a community at Black Mountain, one that many people utilize as their second home. Black Mountain is more than a golf club – it is a place where people live and participate in a wide range of activities (as well as golf) and have a sense of belonging. Seeing Black Mountain grow from nothing into such a diverse and popular community has been extremely satisfying.
What do you like the least about your profession?
There is nothing I don’t like. It is the most satisfying profession I know. I wouldn’t want to do anything else.
What do you like most about Hua Hin?
Hua Hin is Thailand’s most attractive and interesting travel destination. There is everything here that anyone would want: great weather, a wonderful environment, excellent beaches, a large choice of dining options, entertainment and history. Being the holiday destination of the Thai Royal Family for the past 90 years makes Hua Hin a very special place. I don’t know anywhere else in Thailand, or in Asia, that has what Hua Hin offers. It has retained its culture and character without becoming too commercialized. And of course it is going to get better and better in the future, with new infrastructure, improved shopping facilities, a new international school at Black Mountain and much more. Hua Hin is not only growing, but it is doing so in a good way. The climate is unbeatable, great all year round. We have not lost a full day to rain at Black Mountain since the course opened in 2007.
What is your favorite local restaurant? Why?
Black Mountain’s clubhouse restaurant is one of the best in Hua Hin. There is also the Black Mountain Gourmet restaurant in Hua Hin itself, which offers a wonderful, fine dining experience, and a Prime Steak House – a restaurant with a great atmosphere, in an excellent location and serving great quality food at good prices.
What do you like to do in your free time? Why?
Family, Golf, Travel.
What would you recommend to new-comers to do in Hua Hin? Why?
I would recommend they see and do everything the town and surrounding area offers. There is a real diversity of sporting, leisure and historic attractions as well as wonderful scenery. So I would say go and explore it all; get to know everything about Hua Hin, and tell your family and friends to come here. In the years I have been in the area I have noticed how Hua Hin has become everyone’s favorite destination and how people keep returning for golf, beaches, sightseeing and many other activities.