PSC golf Bunker Boys @ The Ranch
Monday, Nov. 5, Bangpra – Stableford
A full complement of 28 players turned out for the visit to the popular Bangpra (monkey) course. Demonstrating his usual efficiency, the starter got us off on time from the 10th tee, and the round progressed smoothly with no significant holdups. The course was in great shape and the greens were slightly slower than they can be, but still way too fast for some of the new arrivals from the European winter.
We welcomed back the young Irish rising star, Patrick Kelly (handicap +3) and family members, as well as several other familiar faces making their annual golf pilgrimage to Pattaya.
Tom Jones celebrates his return to Pattaya.
Bernie Stevens continued his good form to take the overall honours on the day, but there was a veritable plethora of players on 33 and 34 points, giving Buff a headache to sort out the count backs in both divisions.
A brief shower of rain towards the end of the round caught the last 3 groups over the finishing holes, but generally an excellent day was enjoyed by all. Today’s special mention goes to Jack Robertson who recorded his best score since returning to Pattaya, and also claimed his first near pin prize of the year.
A Flight
1st Neil Hurst (13) 34pts
2nd Neil Jones (13) 34pts
3rd Patrick Kelly (+3) 34pts
B Flight
1st Bernie Stevens (18) 36pts
2nd Peter Habgood (17) 33pts
3rd Paul Edgar (18) 33pts
Near Pins: Jack Robertson, Eddie Graham, William Macey and Patrick Kelly.
Wednesday, Nov. 7, Bangpakong – Stableford
The longer trip than usual down the motorway seems to deter a few less dedicated golfers, but those that made the journey found the course in excellent condition as we have come to expect here. The weather was almost perfect – although a few new arrivals complained that it was too hot!
We welcomed back Mike Corner today for the start of his winter golf season, but he was one of those that found the change in temperature difficult to cope with and will need a few more games to acclimatize. The greens had been lightly sanded and hence were a little slower than normal, but the ball rolled true and the conditions were set for some good scores.
Keith Norman produced a superb performance in his fourth game back, to record an impressive score of 42 points and claim the top podium spot by three clear points. The par 3’s are always difficult here, and with two of them over 200 yards, there were some excellent shots made to claim all four near pin prizes.
1st Keith Norman (12) 42pts
2nd Kermit the Frog (5) 39pts
3rd Geoff Parker (12) 39pts
4th Paul Smith (5) 38pts
Near Pins: Keith Norman, Eddie Graham, Paul Smith and Geoff Parker.
Friday, Nov. 9, Mountain Shadow – Stableford
Today’s rearranged fixture at Mountain Shadow was effectively a practice round for the upcoming John Preddy Memorial Charity tournament, which will be held here on 23rd November.
There were more new arrivals today as we welcomed back Mike Lloyd, Phil Moore, and Tom Jones together with a few new faces. The large contingent of golfers took advantage of the opportunity to get familiar with the tricky greens and the round was played in near perfect weather, with the course in great condition.
Paul Smith has seen his handicap rise from 1 up to 5 in recent weeks, but he rediscovered some of his previous form to win the A flight and secure the top podium position on the day.
Neil Griffin took the honours in the B flight narrowly beating Mike Corner on the count back. Reg Smart narrowly missed out on 3rd position to PJ also on a count back, but had the consolation of taking a near pin prize – well done Reg and it’s good to see you getting some form back.
A Flight
1st Paul Smith (5) 37pts
2nd Eddie Graham (10) 35pts
3rd Gordon Melia (17) 35pts
B Flight
1st Neil Griffin (28) 36pts
2nd Mike Corner (19) 36pts
3rd PJ Redmond (23) 32pts
Near Pins: Eddie Kelly, Reg Smart and Paul Smith(2).
Note: The Bunker Boys are a PSC affiliated golf society, who now play out of The Ranch bar on Pattaya 3rd Road (in front of the fire station, and almost opposite the Buffalo Bar). We play three times per week on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, so if you enjoy a fun day out, and a friendly but competitive golf competition why not come and join us.
We meet at The Ranch at 9 a.m. for breakfast and transportation, and new players are always welcome. Contact Buff on 086 046 5091 or 080 605 5663 for all enquiries. You can find all the news, schedules and results on our website at www.bunkersociety.com.
John Preddy Charity Golf Tournament
The annual John Preddy Charity Golf Tournament will be held on Friday 23rd November 2012, at Mountain Shadow G.C. This year’s tournament has received many new sponsors and all proceeds will be donated to the Anti-Human Trafficking and Child Abuse Centre (A.T.T.C.) in Nongprue.
With the help of our new sponsors, there’ll be great trophies, prizes, food and a lucky draw. We’re hoping that this year’s tournament will reunite many old members of the Bunker Boys, and the team event will be particularly keenly contested, including teams from different bars and societies from all over Pattaya.
Entry Fee 1,700 Baht per player, contact Buff at the address above for more details and registration. There are only a couple of tee times still available so please don’t leave your booking to the last minute.
