Tuesday, June 2 Phoenix GC 4 person scramble
They say that the older you get the quicker time flies, well here we are again, was it really a year ago that the first charity event took place? This year the Billabong Golf Charity Day was held at the Phoenix Golf and Country Club and once again, with the support of so many people, June 21st was a tremendous success. 128 golfers, playing a four person scramble, turned out to support this eagerly awaited event.
In the months approaching June last year, Bob Philp, Scott Qua and some Billabong regulars caste their eyes away from the rugby, golf and cricket on TV, but still holding on to their cold beers of course, to discuss the possibility of holding a Charity Golf Day. They were inspired by Scott’s daughter Kelly, to raise money which will be donated to various centres that take care of Children With Special Needs. The seed of an idea developed, a casual drink and quiet chat in the bar turned into a huge success last year, raising 550,000 baht to help children that are autistic, have Down syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, or other ailments. Thanks to the support of our sponsors and golfers, a magnificent sum close to 525,000 baht has been raised this year.
Thanks also to the co-operation of Phoenix GC and Nigel Cannon on the registration desk, the whole day ran as smooth as silk, although finding your buggy sitting amongst 127 others was a minor challenge, for this was a shotgun start and they were lined up like an invading army. A brief shower did not dampen the spirits of the protagonists and with the course being in excellent condition there was no surprise the scores were very good. 16 groups were in the frame for a prize but here are the first three groups.
1st. Jack Mosley, Tim Knight, Brian Maddox, Pete Stonebridge. – Net 57.5
2nd The girls from Phoenix: Misses Jeeranan, Bunsong, Prasong, Jubjang. – Net 58.6
3rd. Andy Butterworth, Chris Kerr, Mark Riggall, Keith Allen. – Net 59.0
Back at the Billabong, the clink of glasses and the sound of happy voices echoed around the bar, happy in the knowledge that this was another successful day. Following the presentation, the auction was the next item on the agenda and the generosity of those bidding was a testament to the feelings that those present have for the children who are in need of all the help they can get. 2 golf shirts, signed by the ladies who played at Siam in February, courtesy of LPGA professional Minjee Lee, a Scotty Cameron putter, a flag for the 18th hole at Whistling Straights signed by Jason Day, and many other items, but the star of the show was 4 rides around the Bira circuit in a high octane racing car which went for 20,000 baht.
The arrival of the food was very welcome at this point, an endless supply of refreshments, many tall stories starting with ‘if only’, the evening being helped along with live music in Thai and some golden oldies in English.
Every baht raised today will be donated to Children With Special Needs in the area. Full reports of the donations will appear in the newspapers and the Billabong web but, in the meantime, if you feel that you could make a contribution, regardless of how small, please contact Bob Philp on 08223043411 or William Macey on 0861522754.
