PSC golf from The Outback Golf Bar
Monday, June 17, Burapha – Stableford
The 25 golfers who came to Burapha today to play the C and D courses hit off early in fine weather, there were a few showers during the round but it remained mainly fine with a light cool breeze.
Most of us may have thought we were playing in the US Open, as the fairways were narrow and the rough brutal; but having said that the course was in great condition. John Cunningham’s 39pts looks and is pretty good on paper playing off 6 but could have easily been a whole lot more if he could have putted. Steve Mann is at last finding his golfing legs, taking second with 35 from Paul Bourke (34) and Bob Finley, who headed a list of five players all on 33.
Greg Hill (left) with Ian Hart.
Tim Knight, the most prolific podium striker in the ‘Race2Bkk’ series, with 33 podium visits this year, made a welcome return to form to win Div B with 37pts from Mark Allen (33) and Ivan Plunkett 31; fourth place went to Steve Blazsanyik, also with 31.
There were three ‘2’s from Bob Finley & Greg Hill (D2) and Stephen Blazsanyik (D8).
Div A (0-17)
1st John Cunningham (6) 39pts
2nd Stephen Mann (12) 35pts
3rd Paul Bourke (8) 34pts
4th Bob Finley (13) 33pts
Div B (18+)
1st Tim Knight (23) 37pts
2nd Mark Allen (18) 33pts
3rd Ivan Plunkett (24) 31pts
4th Stephen Blazsanyik (18) 31pts
Tuesday, June 18, Phoenix – Stableford
It’s a pity that Phoenix’s reputation has been marred in the past as many Outbacker still shun playing this venue, so only 6 Outbackers played the Ocean & the Lakes today. The Sports Day rate is well worth it and the course in great nick, with a very reasonable pace of play (around 4 hours) considering the course was relatively busy and no groups jumped in at the turn.
The climate was also perfect for playing golf with a gentle breeze and an overcast sky and all in all we had a great time with our two three-balls.
A friend of mine with whom I was playing, asked me what was the difficulty level of the course; I said medium due to the generous fairways – but unfortunately he found nearly all the water and lost lots of balls but hey, there is always the next time, however I did recommend he gave St. Andrews a miss for the time-being.
Steve Poznanski got the only ‘2’ on O5.
1st Stephen Mann (12) 33pts
2nd Suzi Lawton (20) 31pts
Wednesday, June 19, Siam Plantation – Stableford
13 players went to Siam Plantation to play the Tapioca (B) and Pineapple (C) nines. The day was overcast and very windy which made for very pleasant conditions for golf but some of the holes were long and tough into the wind. As ever, the course was in great condition and even though the greens had been lightly sanded they were still a pleasure to putt on.
The scores continue to be good and if you don’t break par you are not in the frame for the prizes. Andy Butts got it all together at last to win the day with 38pts from Doug Campbell (also on 38) who is back playing with us again after a few weeks off, even though his group played somewhat earlier than the main group. Bobby Driggs was third with 37 from John O’Keefe on 35, and welcome back to Mitch Black.
There were two ‘2’s from Bobby Driggs & Andy Butterworth.
1st Andy Butterworth (12) 38pts
2nd Doug Campbell (12) 38pts
3rd Bobby Driggs (13) 37pts
4th John O’Keefe (14) 35pts
Wednesday, June 19, Pattana – Stableford
It’s been a while since we’ve played here; as there seems to be a certain reluctance to head up the 331 but today traffic wise it was fine for a change, going through Amata City.
There were 9 of us, playing in three 3-balls on the A & C loops from the forward tees. The greens on A had recently been sanded so they were slow and bumpy but this didn’t seem to deter a few of our players from putting well. Otherwise the course was in good condition and was very enjoyable to play.
It was nice to see a couple of long time Outbackers, Chad and Pottsy, playing with us rather than at their usual venue, Pattaya Country Club, which is in a sorry state right now, so I hope they enjoyed their day at Pattana.
The Sugarman topped the day with a fine 38 from Steve Durey (37) and Waldo (36).
There were no ‘2’s.
1st Sugar Ray Handford (16) 38pts
2nd Steve Durey (17) 37pts
3rd Stephen Blazsanyik (18) 36pts
Friday, June 21, St. Andrews – Stableford
There were 22 Outbackers today playing at St Andrews due to Green Valley having yet another competition and as we are here again (St. A) next Friday, we have decided to postpone the Monthly Medal until the following Friday (July 5th), when we are scheduled to return to Green Valley.
The course was in good condition although the greens were still suffering from the recent coring and sanding making it tough for the old putter. We had a slight drizzle during our round but not enough to make anybody run to a watering hole.
Some good scores particularly from Bernie Stafford who won Div A with 39pts playing off 12 and also from the runner-up with the same score, Jack Butler, who elected to play off 12, as he felt his official PSC handicap of 14 was too generous, well played the pair of you. They (Bernie & Jack) were seven shots clear of third placed Paul Bourke (32) who beat Mitch Black on count back.
The same excellent 39pts won Div B, scored by Greg Hill, with Ian Hart (welcome back) in second on 38 and Stefan Hoge taking third with 37.
There were three ‘2’s from Martin Crichton & Suzi Lawton (10th) and Paul Bourke (17th).
Div A (0-15)
1st Bernie Stafford (15) 39pts
2nd Jack Butler (12) 39pts
3rd Paul Bourke (8) 32pts
Div B (16+)
1st Greg Hill (18) 39pts
2nd Ian Hart (18) 38pts
3rd Stefan Hoge (16) 37pts
Note: The Outback Golf Bar is situated about 6km from Sukhumvit Road along Soi Siam Country. Call Jack on 081 578 1956.
