PSC Golf from the Tropical Golf Group
Tuesday, May 17, Pattana – Stableford
I like to think that ‘mad dogs and Englishmen going out in the midday sun’ does not apply to me. But then I do play golf and spend the hottest hours during the week chasing a little white ball. The only consolation is that I play with a lot of other nationalities, like Americans, Aussies and Japanese to name a few, along with the odd Swiss, who you can tell by the great shorts. So it appears not only Englishmen are mad… just a little different.
On this day as we met at BJ’s, the main topic of conversation was not only the heat but whether the course would have grass on it. All the courses in the area have been struggling with the drought and although the thunderstorms of late have unloaded some water, a lot of it seems to have missed the courses most in need of it. So how would Pattana hold up?
Brian Parish (left) and Roger Rees (2nd right) pose with ‘The Boss’ and one of her helpers.
The drive up there was fine, and the course finally has learned how to make the booking in fast and painless, so it was that we were out and ready to go on time. Good job and at least we were to play A & B nines in that order. For those not in the know, B1 can be a bit difficult for your first shot. Indeed, even as my first shot on the second nine it went in the water right. I have to say that luckily there was little water in the lake and I was able to climb down and get to my ball. And that was the start of seven holes and two points. Sometimes getting out of bed when it’s that hot and the brain is frazzled can be a problem. Suffice to say there are some big stones in hazards and clubs are costly.
Back to the front nine though and the course was in fine condition, with grass on the fairways and the greens in great condition. The only problem for me was that I could not find a rest stop and water was in short supply. I am told there is one but you have to look for it. I was heating up a bit as we went along but as we got to the B Nine, apart from my drive in the hazard, the wind got up and thunder was heard.
(L-R) Landis Brooks with Barry Elphick, John Davis and Steve Truelove.
Surprisingly the thunder continued for most of the back nine and as we neared the end we got a few drops of rain, but the heavy downpour moved away to our amazement and I must admit pleasure. We have been rained off at this course more than any other of late. Still, all in all it was a fine day except for the heat got to one or two of us, especially me. They reckon that if you are dehydrated the golf drops off in the last few holes. I agree, except mine went from the 10th. Make sure you drink before you go on the course as when you feel thirsty it is too late.
Back at BJ’s, as the scribe was busy rehydrating himself, we tallied the scores and found we had some good ones and some really terrible ones. The winner with a fine 41 points was Brian Parish, with Roger Rees second on 38, John Davis third with 37 and Landis Brooks taking fourth on 35.
Near Pins: Roger Rees, Landis Brooks, Daryl Evans
Thursday, May 19, Treasure Hill – Stableford
The date above is no misprint, the Tropical Golfers played on Thursday instead of the usual Friday this week due to a Thai holiday when the courses charge increased rates. Sixteen golfers headed out to brave the heat and then have a long weekend.
Treasure Hill has a good special on now with just 250 baht to rent a cart (not share) with their ‘All In’ deal for those looking to take it a bit easier. The course would be classified in good-to-fair condition considering the time of year. The fairways were mostly green but there were enough bare patches too. The greens were generally good.
The layout at Treasure Hill is both interesting and scenic but that #16, par 5, Crocodile hole is tough to par! Back in the clubhouse it seemed the scores were all over the place more than normal, and while the poor performers moped the winners were announced.
On top of the hill was Landis Brooks (H/cap 10) who showed some great course management and posted a stellar 40 points! Next were three 37-pointers with count-back finishes of Barry Elphick (28), John Davis (15) and Steve Truelove (8). What a finish! Good playing guys. Stay hydrated everyone and happy golfing.
Near Pins: Steve Truelove, Graham Buckingham, Dick Warberg, Barry Elphick.
