PSC Golf from The Bunkers Boys
Monday, Dec. 10, Crystal Bay – Stableford
1st Tony Scambler (16) 40pts
2nd Daryl Vernon (24) 38pts
3rd Neil Carter (11) 36pts
4th Gordon Melia (20) 36pts
For some reason, we had a lower than expected turnout of fifteen for today’s round at Crystal Bay. The course was surprisingly damp in parts – overnight rain may have been much heavier in the area than in Pattaya. The day was overcast with temperatures much more benign than in recent days.
Tony Scambler produced the round of the day, chipping in on the last for a birdie to record a score of forty points. Even on this course, which is generally regarded as one of the easier ones in the area, this was a very good score. Second place went to Daryl Vernon on thirty-eight points and he is appearing in the winners’ circle more regularly, so we may soon see a cut in his handicap. Third place with thirty-six points went to Neil Carter, beating Gordon Melia on countback.
Kob Glover and Michael Brett had near pins while Neil Carter took two and now has a substantial lead in the number of near pins for the year.
Life is full of surprises and today was no exception. Back at the M Club after his fine win Tony Scambler rang the bell, could that be a first? Even more surprising John Hughes arrived at the club too late to avail of a free beverage, who would have thought?
Wednesday, Dec. 12, Eastern Star – Stableford
1st Neil Carter (11) 38pts
2nd Tony Robbins (18) 31pts
3rd Michael Brett (13) 30pts
Since our last visit a month ago this course has deteriorated markedly; just about all tee boxes were in shabby condition and greens, which had recently been sanded unevenly, were very variable in speed and made putting a bit of a lottery. Also, the new cart paths which have been completed for some time have yet to have the ground beside them restored.
Another gripe for almost all golfers was the caddies who seemed disinterested and very slow. All in all, it was disappointing to see the course slide backward like this and with the higher than most green fees it no longer represents value for money.
Our numbers were down again today, the lowest high season number we have seen with only eleven showing up to play. This was made worse by the early retirement of Keith Hemmings who succumb to a back strain and retired after three holes.
Scores were very disappointing with only Neil Carter putting up a fight to take first place with a solid thirty-eight points. Seven points adrift Tony Robbins took second place while abysmal putting confined Michael Brett to thirty points in what otherwise could have been a decent score.
Near pins went to Michael Brett and two to Neil Carter.
Friday, Dec. 14, Greenwood A & C – Stableford
1st Les Cobban (8) 35pts
2nd Michael Brett (13) 34pts
3rd Neil Griffin (25) 33pts
4th Keith Hemmings (22) 32pts
Following Wednesday’s round of low scores, there was an expectation of better today but sadly the improvement was only marginal. Given that it normally takes in the area of forty points to win at Greenwood and the course was in good condition, it was a surprise to see such low scores take the winners; circle. One noteworthy factor was the caddies who were of a much higher standard today. A field of eighteen was in attendance.
First place went to Les Cobban with a score of thirty-five off a low handicap of eight while in second was Michael Brett on thirty-four. For much of his round Neil Griffin was on fire and looked like he would sweep all before him, only to fade badly on the back nine. Nevertheless, he took third place with thirty-three and left Keith Hemmings to bring up the rear with thirty-two.
Near pins went to Neil Carter, as usual (five for the week), Peter Allen and Michael Brett. As is usually the case, Peter Allen got his near pin using the driver from the tee. A shot that ran along the ground most of the way up the fairway onto the green and obligingly stopped near the pin was enough for Michael Brett to get his near pin, but the shot of the day went to Neil Griffin. On the par five C 4, Neil hit his shot to the green into the creek in front of the green, the ball hit the wall on the green side of the creek and rebounded all the way back to land at his feet.
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