Thursday, May 18, Plutaluang N&W – 4-Man Scramble
The legend continues and gains strength as the years go by. When Ray Rogers went to the ‘great golf course in the sky’, his nephew Gary declared that he would keep the annual golf day going as long as he could, or at least until when Ray would have been 100 years old. That is in two years time.
Fully supported by his friends, this will continue to go forward from strength to strength. Gary was not there on this day, as amongst other things to be done at home in U.S.A. he had to remove the tree from Liberace’s Rolls Royce, but he sent his very best to all his friends, and promised that in two years, when Ray would have turned 100, that it will be a big day – and sadly maybe the last!
The winning 4-ball with organizer Dave Richardson (left).
Dave Richardson continues to be the strength of the ‘organisation’ side, supported by his team, and by the scribe, the ever faithful recorder. The friends of ‘Papa’ Ray and Gary rally round, and many old faces come out of hiding. Particular thanks go to Bjarne and his family from The Cafe Kronberg who provided the buffet food which went down particularly well this year with the hungry golfers, and the absence of the airborne menace of previous years.
Gary is the major sponsor of this event and every year he throws himself into the day by providing his house for the après-golf party, sponsoring the many prizes, and being the ever respectful host. I am certain his Uncle Ray would be most proud of him. From all who take part and fondly remember Ray, our thanks go to Gary for his continuing commitment.
A depleted third placed team pick up their prizes.
Onto the day, and Dave Richardson had slaved away as he usually does to get together a number of groups and zoomed about raising additional bits and pieces to make the day a success. An event such as this does not just happen and Dave was out and about for some time previously. On this day, with towels for all the golfers and fine prizes, Gary and Dave surpassed themselves.
Tournament runners-up with Dave.
So we all turned up at Plutaluang, which offers a great deal at present, and playing off either the North or West nines we had a two-tee start. This 18-hole combination is, as all who play there know, a really difficult test of golf.
The course as such was in very good condition, and while these 18 holes are maybe not the most esthetically pleasing to the eye, there offer a real challenge for your average golfer. I must also say that these days it is very well maintained and the fairways and greens are well manicured and looked after. All commentated on how good the course looked as we drove past it.
The work never stops for the organizers.
The restaurant at Plutaluang is probably the best value of any course in the area. It has inherent advantages in that it is on a military base, but it has to be said the food is usually very good and well priced and the views are exceptional. Well worth a visit. Mind, with the food at Gary’s beckoning most sat and had a beer until the results were in and then a quick drive back.
You can always tell where the house is due to the cars parked all down the road, and through the gates the tables were set out and the beer was flowing. The buffet was laid out and the tables were full of hungry golfers filling up on cold beer and good food.
PSC Charity Chairman William Macey (center) thanks all the golfers.
Then it was time for the presentation and Emcee Dave was soon underway. Firstly he thanked all who helped him, and paid particular attention to Gary who gave up his house for the day and so heavily sponsored the event. Then it was into the golf results. Firstly Dave gave out the technical prizes, reported below and then onto the team winners.
Happy golfers enjoy the moment.
In third place with a net 57.7 were Tom Thompson, John Helm, Kenny Price and Ed Behr. Occupying second spot with a net 57.1 were quartet of Clive Robinson, Loresch, Bob Rasmussen and Herb Pastor. And so to the winners; and with a net 56.9 the champions this year were Larry Deverdenne, Tony Huxtable, Rich Murphy and Tom Yahnke. Well done and a great score!
With the presentations over it was time for Dave’s ‘lucky draws’ and all went home with something. Then the pickup was emptied and all went home till next year. T.T.F.N.
Near Pins: Tony Huxtable (2), William Macey, Mark West
Long Putts: Tony Huxtable, Tom Thompson
Café Kronborg’s Bjarne provided a great spread for the players.
