Travellers Rest Golf Group
Tuesday, May 2, Burapha – Stableford
1st Neil Wilkinson (13) 41pts
2nd John Baxter (17) 38pts
3rd Richard Talbot (17) 37pts
As a result of the extended bank holiday weekend, highlighted by the excellent rugby 10’s competition at Horseshoe Point, the week started with a Tuesday visit to Burapha golf course for the TRGG.
Of all of the Pattaya golf courses, Burapha currently has the reputation of giving all golfers the best opportunity of achieving a good score. This day was no exception with eight of the thirteen golfers scoring 35 points or more.
The battle for 3rd place was an epic with Talbot’s stronger back 6 being just enough to see off the bitter and twisted Ted Senior and Freddie Starbeck. The 37 points scored by the scribe was not enough for second place however as John Baxter hit 38 points.
However for John this was definitely “a game of two halves”. Starting like the bullet train the ‘Baxter Express’ scored 24 points on the front 9, but sadly this momentum could not be maintained as his train came off the rails as he only scored 14 points on the back 9.
This gave a massive opportunity to Neil Wilkinson and the “silent assassin” is currently in no mood not to look a gift horse in the mouth. His 41 points scored insured that this quiet Australian (there is one?) achieved his fourth victory in his last 11 rounds of golf.
Wednesday, May 3, Bangpra – Stableford
1st Richard Talbot (17) 32pts
2nd Freddy Starbeck 15) 30pts
3rd John O’Donoghue (19) 29pts
Wednesday saw the TRGG visiting Bangpra golf course for the first time since September. Famed for those thieving little monkeys (the hairy things not our own Scousers) the course provides a true test and it is always advisable to come armed with a good supply of balls.
The scores on these course are never particularly high as there are many hazards, it is quite long and there isn’t a par-3 under 178 yards.
With this in mind it was of no surprise that John O’Donoghue’s score of 29 points was good enough for 3rd place and this was a welcome return to form for the ex-Australian train driver. With the Baxter Express falling from the rails the previous day it was good to see John once again picking up steam to finish on the platform for the first time in his last 13 rounds of golf.
Freddy Starbeck had a poor front 9 but this man is never beaten and a strong finish resulted in 30 points and second place.
However the winning score of 32 came from yours truly. This has been the 3rd win in the last six rounds from the man who has swallowed a thesaurus, and all from achieving 32 points on each occasion.
Thursday, May 4, Silky Oak – Stableford
1st Jack Mooney (21) 41pts
2nd Freddy Starbeck (15) 38pts
3rd Paul Ripin (23) 36pts
Thursday’s visit saw a welcome return to high scoring as the group visited Silky Oak golf course. Paul Ripin’s score of 36 points was a noble effort and good enough for 3rd place but this was never going to be enough to take the top prize at this venue.
Freddy Starbeck started like a man possessed as he scored 22 points on the front 9. The back 9 saw Freddie brought back to reality though as he couldn’t match his blistering start and his final score of 38 points was only good enough for second place.
The winning round of 41 points came from Jack Mooney to give him his first win in 40 rounds. What perseverance from the great man, and there is nothing that brightens up the Travellers Rest more each morning, than the sight of Jack’s beaming smile welcoming all and sundry into the bar.
Friday, May 5, Eastern Star – Stableford
1st Freddy Starbeck (15) 34pts
2nd Tohihiro Aoki (23) 33pts
3rd Richard Talbot (17) 31pts
Friday saw a welcome return to Eastern Star for the first time since mid-August. Such a long break for a wonderful course but maybe the reason for the group’s absence would become apparent as this day’s event unfolded.
Playing straight at Eastern Star is vital as most holes are guarded both by water on one side and OB areas on the other. The 31 points from myself was only good enough for 3rd place and the 33 points scored by Toshihiro Aoki, although competitive, could only take second place. The gentleman’s hairdresser from Japan wasn’t quite a cut above the rest.
The man who won the day by a close shave was the nearly man Freddy Starbeck. With two runners up positions during the week the frustration was clearly getting to the effervescent Viking who decided to revert to form and simply shout at everyone. This tactic worked and his 34 points were good enough to shake the monkey off his back for his first victory in 14 rounds.
The decision to re visit Eastern was of course in the hands of boss Derek Thorogood. This decision may now be reviewed after his round of 12 points, and his partner Billy Allan better get his golf shoes ready for the next time Eastern Star is on the calendar.
Saturday, May 6, Pattavia – Stableford
On Saturday the golf group visited Pattavia golf course. Great weather greeted the players and they found the course in a wonderful condition. The greens were lightning fast but true, and this set the players a challenging but fair test of their golfing skills.
John O’Donoghue continued with his improved form and his score of 32 points was good enough to secure third place. David Deira always scores well at this course and his 36 points insured that this was his second runners up position in his last two visits here.
However the day was won by Jim Sykes whose 7 over par 41 points resulted in victory by a comfortable margin. This was only Jim’s thirteenth outing with the TRGG yet his 4th victory and for a man from the north of England one expects that he is more than delighted with his positive returns. They do like a bit of value for money from those parts!
