PSC Golf from the Tropical Golf Group
Tuesday, August 16, Pattana – Stableford
I knew it was going to be a good day out when I got an email asking me which two nines we wanted to play, as Pattana had said we could play any two. This was a difficult decision as all are very playable, however as I said I did not mind as long as I did not have to tee off on B1, we ended up playing C1 and A1 in that order. For those who do not know, B1 is a difficult driving hole and has water both sides. Most of us do not mind playing it on the second nine, but as a first drive it sets up that worry of slice or hook.
Arriving at the course we were greeted by a very nice reception outside a welcome to Tropical Golf on the notice board. These little things make your day and all agreed it was a nice thought.
After a quick change it was out to the first tee, that was C1, and we were soon away. The first thing that was noticed was that the wind was very strong, and it always seemed we were playing into it.
The C nine was not in bad condition, but I suspect it is the least used nine of the three, and as it had rained of late the fairways were still a bit slow and the greens seemed hairy and tardy also.
The A nine was in fine condition with the greens seemingly faster and the fairways well grassed. However the wind continued to blow and it was a very tired group of golfers who finished their round and returned to what I believe is the best clubhouse around.
We were back in Pattaya nice and early and were soon into the results. In the A Flight, 0 to 18, the winner was Gerd Riedler with a fine 39 points ahead of Tom Herrington in second with 36 points and Yurie Murakamie in third with 34.
In the B Flight we had a blast from the past as John Sykes returned and shot a fine, nay really good 43 points for top spot. Tom was only saying he had not played much in the last few years, so well played. In second was Barry Elphick with 35 points and in third was John Vincent with 34.
Near Pins: Brian Parish, Doug Maiko, Yurie Murakamie, Barry Elphick.
Long Putts: John Anderson, Yurie Murakamie.
Friday August 19, Mt. Shadow – Stableford
Things would get downright comical this week as the group headed out to the difficult Mountain Shadow course. As usual the group filled up at BJ’s Lodge and loaded into their assigned cars.
Mountain Shadow is one of the most difficult courses in the rotation, so you’d better bring your A-game, and plenty of balls. Course condition was fair-to-good, and the design makes sure the round is never boring. It’s also very scenic.
Due to rain or neglect some of the rough areas were very high, making the course even harder, and resulting in several lost balls just off the fairway. Ouch. The weather cooperated, though at times quite breezy. There were several near record low scores, but a skilled few managed to get through with dignity.
When the counting was done Dick “Mr. Chip-In” Warberg (handicap 22) was on top of the mountain with 36 points. Gotta love those 5 point holes! Next came Barry Elphick (28) with a fine 35 points. After that there were two Toms tied at 34 points, with Tom Herrington (18) having the edge on count back over Tommy Marshall (7). You don’t want to know the rest of the scores.
Note: From now on Tropical Golf will have the monthly medal mug on the last golf day of the month, whichever day it falls on.
Near Pins: Kenny Chung, John Pierrel, Barry Elphick.
