The last Wednesday of the month rolled around, with a good turnout of 126 players, which included 12 Ladies, for the 3rd PAGS Tournament of 2017. The Lakes & Ocean combination at Phoenix Gold was the test for the day. The course condition overall continues to improve, and despite a heavy downpour, with associated electrical activity, after an hour or so the course was in good, playable condition.
The outstanding players of the day were Todd Doss, who picked up the Low Gross with 73, to go with his maximum 2 technical prizes, while Graham Beaumont & David Lohman figured in their flight prizes with a technical to boot. Jason Barnett, Steve Truelove & Magnus Svantesson picked up their maximum of 2 technical prizes. The opportunity for technical prizes is an attraction of the PAGS tournaments, with prizes on each hole, several holes offering 2, and more prizes across flights, genders & age groups.
Rob Kelly (H/cap 10) was this month’s A flight winner with a respectable score of 41 points, ahead of Dennis Steele (14) with 39, as he edged David Lohman (14) into 3rd after a count-back went to the last 6 holes, Dennis winning 12/11.
Martin Kempton (15) won the B flight, for handicaps 15–19, with 41 points, after his back-9 of 25 relegated Jari Laakonen (17) with his back-9 of 22. Graham Beaumont (15) got 3rd spot, no count-back required, with a solid 40 points.
The C flight (20+) winner required no count-backs this month with Dave Belton (20) the clear winner with a day’s best of 46 points, while Kevin Johnson (22) beat Sami Sarajarvi (21) on count-back 22/17 on the back-9 after both signed for a creditable 42 points each.
The Ladies winner was clear cut, albeit with a smaller contingent turning out this month. The winner was Nantaporn Rukkid (13) who scored an outstanding 44 points, proving that her recent practice is paying dividends. Well done Nat!
The prize presentation at Hemingways Jomtien, continued its high standard, as golfers, family & friends got together to support all the prize winners of the day, while enjoying the abundance of tucker served up by Dave & his crew.
This next PAGS tournament will be held at Phoenix Gold on Tuesday 25th April.
