PSC Golf from the Tropical Golf Group
Tuesday, August 7, Khao Kheow – Stableford
This course, no matter which nines one plays, is well laid out with plenty of water, bunkers, waste areas, and narrow landing areas and is a true test for all players. We were scheduled for the “A” and “B” nines this day, not the longest of the possible combinations but the most difficult per the ratings.
All registered we were soon teeing it up off the yellow tees on “A-1” with a light breeze at our backs. As we made our way around we found the course in fine condition even though a lot of low season maintenance is ongoing. Some tees are being re-sodded and some areas of fairways have been aerated to encourage growth but with the greens in great condition the course is fine to play and appears to be headed for first class condition by the upcoming high season.
Over the years it seems rare we have a winner beating their handicap at Khao Kheow. This day definitely confirmed that trend with John Davis carding a fine 37 points off his course handicap of 12 to take the top spot. Following John on the podium were Gordon Clegg (25) and Brian Parish (12), both with 35 points, and Mick Coghlan (22) with 33 points.
Honorable mentions went to Dick Warberg and John Pierrel for their “Best Nines” efforts.
Friday, August 10, Treasure Hill – Stableford
It’s August, low season, people traveling, possibility of rain, so we gathered up the remaining troops and headed for Treasure Hill. With their great “All-In” rate and generally well presented, challenging layout, the “Hill” is well worth a monthly visit.
Arriving to a near empty parking lot, all were quickly checked in and headed to the first tee under cloudy skies. Carts allowed on fairways so it was to be a day of “play it as it lies” and hope the rain stayed away.
The course was, while pretty damp from irrigation, in fine shape with the fairways and rough in good nick, although a cut a bit too short for some. A bit off the fairways with a bit more grass under the ball was perfect. The greens were running at a decent pace but a few holes had tricky pin placements where the putts were breaking more than a foot as the ball approached the hole just to keep thing interesting.
The last time we played here was Dick’s Birthday Bash Rainbow and more than once players were wishing they could head on up to the red tee for a few holes.
With the weather cooperating fully the groups were around in good time and soon on the way back to BJ’s for the presentation. With the smaller group this day there were just four places on the podium for any recognition. Taking the top step, seemingly a regular occurrence recently, was Mick Coghlan playing to his course handicap of 22 with 36 points. Mick was followed by Steve Truelove (7) turning in 34 points and John Davis (12) and Andre Van Dyk (16) both with 32.
