Massive numbers turn out for 23rd Links Cup

Pattaya Links Golf Society

Wednesday, March 1, Greenwood – Links Cup/Stableford

A Flight

1^st Neil Carter (16) 38pts

2^nd Mark Johnstone (16) 38pts

3^rd Allan Freeman (5) 38pts

4^th Banjo Bannister (15) 37pts

B Flight

1^st Sunny Khanna (18) 38pts

2^nd Soren Hansen (18) 38pts

3^rd Dave Lehane (19) 36pts

4^th Mogens Melander (19) 36pts

C Flight

1^st Michael Pallensen (28) 42pts

2^nd Richard Dobson (27) 39pts

3^rd Richard Hughes (23) 39pts

4^th Jim Ferris (23) 38pts

The 23^rd Links Cup monthly tournament drew a field of 85 keen as mustard golfers last Wednesday.  They came from all around Pattaya, including a large contingent from The Bunker Boys golf society.

It was apparent from the numbers that we needed to have a 2 tee-start, so with the cooperation of the Greenwood management we teed off from A1 and C1.  So well managed was it that the crossover, for our group at least, was seamless and it was like changing nines any other day.

The Links Cup offers a prize on every hole, from near pins to longest first putt, to closest 2^nd shot on par 4s and the Keg of beer from sponsor, TOUCH Agogo.

For the novelty prizes there were 2 flights but because we had such a large number of players, it was decided to split into 3 flights with 4 places in each for the main prizes.

Greenwood Golf course is a pleasure to play, especially those of us who are scared of water.  It seems the course is always in very fine condition, and although a little damp in places, particularly around the greens, it allowed some quite good, but not crazy, scores to be had.

At the presentations later at the Links Bar, Christian gave a ‘thank you’ speech and then Phil took over the microphone to announce the winners.

As something new to Links Bar golf competitions, the best score of the day will get to wear the brand new green jacket.  And today, with a big 42 points on the card it was Michael Pallesen turn to be the first wearer.

Friday, March 3, Khao Kheow – Stableford

It was Phil’s birthday bash today so we played a rainbow stableford with golfers having to tee off from 6 each of yellow, white and reds in any order they wished.  This is where tactics came into play.

As per our Links Cup there were prizes on every hole, some for A Flight, some for B Flight, and some for both.  In addition there were paying slots for 4 places in each of the 3 flights.

Considering the extra large number of players, the whole field moved along at a good pace and even though we were last group there were no major hold-ups.

The condition of the course was excellent and we can only reiterate the reports from most of the other societies that Khao Kheow is (it seems) always in top notch order.

A birthday party needs food, music, and fun and later that night at the Links Bar we had it all.   At the presentations all the prize winners came forward to have their photo taken with Phil and in what has become a tradition at Pattaya Links Golf ( well the 2^nd time anyway), the coveted green jacket was presented to the player with the highest points total for the day.  Amassing an amazing 51 stableford points was Patrick Poussier.

At the other end of the scale was the worst score for the day was Aussie Kev Timbrell, who looked dashing with his new brown hair (low score prize wig) covering his normal grayish colour).

It was then time to mix and catch up, after a successful day, starting with 3 cheers for the birthday boy.