The Billabong Bar Golf Group
Monday, April 8, Eastern Star – Stableford
We travelled to Eastern Star today and after not having played there for a couple of months it was a pleasant surprise to see the course in such grand condition. Apart from the 13th green, which was still a bit under the weather, the rest were great to putt on.
The scribe can still manage to lose balls though as it is one tough golf course. Most Trent Jones courses give you bail out areas but not here – OB right, water left – it’s very difficult when you can’t guarantee a straight shot.
Don Wilson (left) with Greig Ritchie.
Anyway, everyone had a good day out even though the scores were ordinary to say the least. On a four way count-back, all on 31 points, in fifth place and getting a special prize kindly donated by Eric ‘Judge’ Black (a sleeve of Pro V1s) was Stu Bank. Fourth place went to Brian ‘Doc’ Vale, third to Bob Pearce, and second to Wayne Harman. On the top step of the podium was Eric ‘Judge’ Black with 33 points.
Once again there were no ‘2’s so all the loot went into the prizes.
Wednesday, April 10, Green Valley – Stableford
Our normal trip down 36 to Green Valley turned into a detour to St. Andrews because of a tournament on at the former course – very nice indeed as we haven’t played at St. Andrews for a long time. The course was in great shape with lightening fast greens and plenty of grass on the fairways. It was a pleasure to play here.
With only a small group we got away on time and had an enjoyable day out. There was one player who took the course apart and he was head and shoulders above the rest of the field. Greig Ritchie with 39 points was that player and he could have scored even better if some of the short putts he should have got had dropped. Anyway, he was the winner by 6 shots over Owen Walkley on 33 points in second, while Bob Finley was third with 32 points.
Again there were no ‘2’s recorded on the day.
Friday, April 12, Pattana – Stableford
For a change we went to Pattana for a game, what a course and what great condition for the special Songkran price of 1,500 baht all inclusive! Even though the rain threatened it didn’t eventuate and we all got round in 4 hours or less. The leading team of Greig Ritchie, Jeff North, Helmut and Don Wilson got around in 3 hours flat after being called through by a group on the tenth tee.
(Left to right): Bob Pearce, Doc Ward, Eric ‘the Judge’ Black, Wayne Harman and Stu Banks.
Playing from the white tees it was a bit long for some of us as there were some holes you couldn’t make the green in 3, let alone 2 shots! But Greig Ritchie backed up his win on Wednesday with a fine 34 points here today to take the honours over Jeff North and Bob Pearce respectively, both on 33.
There was only one ‘2’ today, coming from Don Wilson.
Note: If you are looking for a game with a friendly bunch of golfers, give Bob a call on 082 204 3411 or call into the bar just off Siam Country Club Road, looking straight down Lake Mabprachan.
