With a new year upon us, and PAGS (Pattaya Amateur Golf Series) tournaments going from strength to strength, it was a full field of 117 players teeing off at Mountain Shadow last month. The weather was on our side, with clear skies and a light breeze, providing some respite from the strong winds that have been buffeting the golf courses of late.
The course was in good condition, with firm fairways giving plenty of roll for the tee shots, while the greens were their usual challenging self, especially on those downhill putts.
Ladies winner Wendy Chetland (center) loads the loot.
With the numerous sponsors there were technical prizes on every hole, as well as 1st, 2nd & 3rd in each of the 3 men’s flights and 1st & 2nd available to the 16 ladies that teed it up on this day.
Stars of the day were surely Kevin Mackinstosh (6) in the men’s, while the ladies standout was Wendy Chetland (25). Kevin secured Low Gross & “A” Flight net winner awards, along with 2 technical prizes, while Wendy picked up 2 technicals to go with her Ladies flight win.
Just being edged by Kevin for the A flight win was Gerd Riedler (8), with a 7/5 result after count back to the last 3 holes was required, while third spot went to Andre Ohlson (8) with 33 ahead on count back of 2 others.
The “B” flight winner was clear cut, with Werner (15) getting the nod on 39 points, ahead of Pierre Bietry (17) & Mashi Kaneka (16), both with 38s; Pierre (19) edging Mashi’s back 9 of 17.
“C” flight winner Randy Flello (21) submitted the day’s best result of 40 points, clearly ahead of runner up Wolfram (18) with 35, while the bronze medal position went to fellow 18 marker Alan Tookey on 34 points.
BBQ king Dave tees off with style.
In second spot, just the solitary point behind Wendy in the Ladies flight was Ning Neal (11) with 34 points, however Ning’s long drive win on the 18th providid some consolation.
With the PAGS tournaments continuing to grow due to Shane’s expanding reputation of providing well run tournaments at reasonable cost, and the free BBQ at Shenanigans gaining plenty of plaudits, it is a great opportunity to catch up with old friends from years past, while making new ones. There was even a small contingent of Ban Chang locals from old friend Keith Hodges’ 19th Hole bar in attendance this time. They were seen indulging in the fine tucker cooked up by Dave from The Sportsman, Jason getting a technical, with Keith also picking up a bonus lucky draw.
The next PAGS tournament is to be held at Royal Lakeside on 26th February at a cost of 1,650 baht inclusive of green & caddy fee, competition & BBQ at Shenanigans Jomtien. It will again be popular, so early registration with Shane on 085 945 9689 is recommended.
