PSC golf from The Outback Golf Bar
Monday, May 20, Burapha – Stableford
Twenty-four Outbackers were pleased to be back on A & B at last, after the disappointment over the condition of the greens on C & D the previous week.
Paul Rodgers’ golf continues to improve as he took the premier division with 38pts from Jon Haugen (37pts), who we welcome back after an absence of almost exactly one year. Jon brought with him his lady, Esara, who also so played well to take third place in Div B with 32pts.
Greg Hill won Div B with 35 from Andy Makara in second with 33.
There were two ‘2’s, both on the 12th (B3) from Lee Grace and Steve Plant.
Div A (0-15)
1st Paul Rodgers (14) 38pts
2nd Jon Haugen (9) 37pts
3rd John Cunningham (7) 37pts
Div B (16+)
1st Greg Hill (18) 35pts
2nd Andy Makara (27) 33pts
3rd Esara Duangsti (36) 32pts
Wednesday, May 22, Khao Kheow – Stableford
Not a bad turnout for the time of year, with three groups (12 players), at Khao Kheow today. Suzi, once again demonstrated her like for this course, winning by three with 37pts from John O’Keefe (34), Joe Mooneyham (32) and Andy Makara on 31. Remember also, that Suzi is playing off a handicap which is 2 shots below her actual PSC handicap, to even up the odds; so you guys out there had better pull up your socks.
Wednesday players at Pattaya Country Club: (from left standing) Eddie O’Neill, John White, Joe Tynan, Jinjo O’Neill, Pottsy, Nigel Cannon, Chad, Jack, Turnip, (and seated) Dave Earthrowl, Colonel Bob, John Aylott, Craig & Geoff Moodie.
Finally, welcome to Kim Danboise, first day out with the Outback.
John O’Keefe got the only ‘2’.
1st Suzi Lawton (17) 37pts
2nd John O’Keefe (16) 34pts
3rd Joe Mooneyham (15) 32pts
4th Andy Makara (27) 31pts
Wednesday, May 22, Pattaya C.C. – Stableford
Last year Pattaya Country Club closed the back 9 holes for seven months for substantial refurbishment. The Outback, who had supported PCC for a number of years, decided that when the course returned to 18 holes that the work on the back 9 was not of the quality expected and would have been difficult to take tourists to such a course so did not include it on its schedule. Work is still continuing on this back 9, including replacing all the sand in the bunkers, but there is still a long way to go.
Friday’s B Div winner Kathy Doody with husband Geoff.
In March this year the front was closed and all holes from tee to green were dug up to be re-laid. The notice says that the full 18 holes should be open at the end of the year – this seems a little ambitious! Work has started on the entrance and some piling for a new clubhouse also looks as though it is about to start but the rig has done nothing for a week – but the piles are there!
There are a few Outbackers who are members of PCC who continue to play the course with only one 9 – from white tees then blue tees. On most days they are the only players since the rates asked are not in line with the conditions on offer – including carts on paths only!
On this day, Wednesday, May 22, those members were joined by General Jack, this being a special day since it was to be John White’s last game before he returned to Ireland for a few months. John arrived with a goody bag for all – fruit and balls and off went the 14 players marshalled by the Wednesday organiser Pottsy, a.k.a. Campbell Potts.
There were 2 flights, 0 to 22 and 23+ and John Aylott headed the premier flight with an even par 36 points to finish ahead of Bob Pearce (35pts) and General Jack on 32.
‘B’ Flight’s Joe Tynan recorded the top score of the day, 38 points off his 34 handicap, to take top honours in that division while John White (35pts) took second and Geoff Moodie (31pts) third.
Following the game it was drinks all round provided by John with lots friendly banter. The staff at PCC are still a friendly crew, which must be difficult with so few players.
Friday, May 24, Green Valley – Stableford
31 players at Green Valley, fantastic for a holiday, but it’s somewhat disappointing that the management will give the Outback no concession at all and want to charge the full holiday rate for non-members, hiking the rate up by 450 baht, which includes the full rate for a cart; unlike other courses which we play regularly, which charge us the same rate, whether holiday or not. But we will keep working on it!
The course was reported to be in great ‘nick’, as reflected by the amazing scores, even though the greens may have been a little slow. Imagine four players all scoring 37pts in Div A and not one of them making the podium, and also in Div B where there were three players on 36pts and they didn’t make it (the podium) either.
Top score of the day came from Kathy Doody with 41pts to win Div B; she also collected two of the three ‘2’s. Kathy beat Keith Allen, who was second with 39pts on a count back from Jimmy Little, with the “Old Man” Geoff Doody back in fourth on 38.
Paul Bourke filled the top spot in Div B with 40, ahead of John Cunningham on 39, who beat John Stafford on count back. John would have to be a little disappointed to finish third after making a mess of the last four holes, with four one pointers.
There were three ‘2’s; one by the winner of Div A, Paul Bourke on the 4th and two from the winner of Div B, Kathy Doody on the 12th & 16th.
Div A (0-17)
1st Paul Bourke (10) 40pts
2nd John Cunningham (7) 39pts
3rd John Stafford (17) 39pts
4th Bob St. Aubin (13) 38pts
Div B (18+)
1st Kathy Doody (18) 41pts
2nd Keith Allen (18) 39pts
3rd Jimmy Little (19) 39pts
4th Geoff Doody (24) 38pts
Note: The Outback Golf Bar is situated about 6km from Sukhumvit Road along Soi Siam Country. Call Jack on 081 578 1956.