Bunker Boys Golf Society
Monday, Jan. 16, Pattavia (white tees) – Stableford
A Flight (0-17.3)
1st Stuart Tinkler (14) 34pts
2nd Neil Carter (14) 32pts
3rd Mashi Kaneta (16) 32pts
B Flight (17.4+)
1st Gerry Cooney (18) 40pts
2nd John Hughes (20) 32pts
3rd Richard Baldatto (22) 29pts
Near Pins: Andy Brady, Tony Scrambler, Les Hall, Gerry Cooney.
Following the travails of the previous week, the Bunker Boys were hoping the golfing gods would look more kindly on them this time. Twenty-three golfers made their way to the Pattavia course and arrived to be greeted by clear blue skies, light wind, and a course in excellent condition.
Play got underway on time and proceeded to the finish without any of the types of delays experienced earlier this month. Despite the good conditions, many players found the going tough, particularly the testing greens which most players found beyond their ability and this was reflected in the very average scores returned.
One player soared above the rest as Gerry Cooney continued on from his fine thirty-seven at Emerald the previous Friday to record the best score of the day with a very well compiled forty points in the B flight. No doubt he will receive a serious haircut from the handicapper and find himself back in A flight where he belongs. Richard Baldotto, who has been identified as one to watch, found himself in the winners’ circle today in third place with a very modest twenty-nine points.
In the A flight, Stuart Tinkler, licking his wounds from losing two near pins, was able to console himself by taking first place with a modest thirty-four points.
Of note today was the number of trainee caddies on the course who did their best with the limited knowledge they had. Whilst being very polite and pleasant on the course they were unable to be of much assistance on the greens, which goes to emphasise the value of a good caddie, particularly on a course such as Pattavia with such testing greens.
Wednesday, Jan. 18, Pleasant Valley (blue tees) – Stableford
1st Jim Payne (35) 38pts
2nd Michael Brett (17) 36pts
3rd Andy Brady (17) 34pts
Near Pins: Michael Brett, Tony Berry, Neil Carter.
Today sixteen players made the trip up Highway 7 to a course bathed in bright sunlight and with a light breeze blowing. Play commenced ahead of time and proceeded to conclusion without any delays or hold-ups.
The course was in fine condition, but the greens were found to be very slow compared to courses we have played recently and many players just couldn’t handle them. Shot of the day was courtesy of Eddie Kelly who through some divine intervention managed to skip his drive off the water and onto the fringe of the island green, seems it pays to be a good catholic.
Honours for the day went to the seldom seen Jim Payne with a well compiled thirty-eight points. Two back was Michael Brett and a further two back on thirty-four came the mercurial Andy Brady.
It’s good to see both Jim Payne and Tony Berry back on the course again after recent medical challenges.
Just a note to management that the very slippery tiles in the men’s change room shower area need attention before someone gets hurt.
Friday, Jan. 20, Khao Kheow (yellow tees) Stableford
A Flight (0-17.3)
1st Colin Greig (9) 35pts
2nd Andy Brady (17) 35pts
3rd Stuart Tinkler (14) 35pts
B Flight (17.4+)
1st Jimmy Carr (18) 35pts
2nd Les Hall (21) 35pts
3rd PJ Redman (27) 33pts
Near Pins: Stuart Tinkler, Andy Brady, Ken Davidson, Mashi Kaneta.
Twenty-three players made the trip to Khao Kheow for today’s round. As always the course was in very good condition, however, a very stiff breeze made an already challenging course even more difficult. Play got underway ahead of our scheduled tee off time and the round was completed without any holdups within four hours, a very welcome change from the previous Friday.
Having teased a few players with the prospect of a “Golfer of the Month” award, Colin Greig decided to increase his lead at the head of the pack and won the A flight with 35pts, beating fellow Scott, Andy Brady into second place on count back. The departing Stuart Tinkler had to satisfy himself with third place, also on count back, and also bagged his customary near pin.
In the B flight, Jimmy Carr made a long-awaited return to form with yet another 35pts, followed by Les Hall on you guessed it 35. PJ Redmond, playing his first game of the year, was third on 33. It must be some kind of club record to have five of the six winners and place-getters all on 35pts.
