PSC golf from The Outback Golf Bar
Monday, May 16, Burapha B & D – Stableford
Once again it was Burapha today and the loops of B and D were played, well at least they were for 19 Outbackers, the other 3 preferred to play A & C, resulting in their disqualification.
Following on from the recent Pro tournament, the course was still in magnificent condition with fast but true greens, making for a good test of golf. Ideal weather with no rain just a little hot in places but all in all the temperature was very pleasant.
From the left: John, Jack, Chad & Geoff sporting their hats, knitted by the caddies, at Pattaya Country Club, Tuesday, May 17.
It was the Captain’s turn to smile today as his short game that has been absent without leave, came home today and he won by a short head, two clear of John Cunningham with 39 points and these two in turn were a distance in front of the next man, Chris Fletcher with 32. The Capt’s caddie got three of the caddy skins and the other was divided up between all four caddies in the group, making the little lady (Bob’s caddie) extremely happy.
Pottsy returned to some form at last with a fine 38 points to take Div B ahead of Ivan Plunkett with 37 and Bob Lindborg on 35.
There were three ‘2’s from Bob Philp, Pottsy & John Cunningham.
Div A (0-14)
1st Bob Philp (9) 41pts
2nd John Cunningham (7) 39pts
3rd Chris Fletcher (12) 32pts
Div B (15+)
1st Campbell Potts (21) 38pts
2nd Ivan Plunkett (20) 37pts
3rd Bob Lindborg (19) 35pts
Tuesday, May 17, Pattaya C.C. – Stableford
Playing golf for many of us is difficult at the best of times but there are certain four-balls that play together that make the game a lot of fun but that much harder.
Wherever John Lawton plays, you just know you’re in for that special experience; add in Chad, Geoff and the General and the amber nectar flows through the entire round. Just how Chad (2nd) managed to score 38 points will never be known but one kind of had a feeling it was going to be his day come hell or high water, as he opened up with three straight pars and nine stableford points.
Jean Morel posted the top score of the day (41pts) off H/’cap 20 who arguably should have played off 17 (IPGC) the differential caused by the stupid anomalies between the two systems here in Pattaya (but we’ve been there before haven’t we?) but either way he still would have won his division. Not your fault Jean and well played mate!
Chris Fletcher took the premier class with his 39 points off of 12, followed home by the resurgent Alan Whittingham (37pts) with Vic Hester (35pts) in third.
There were two ‘2’s from Chad and Vic Hester.
Div A (0-18)
1st Chris Fletcher (12) 39pts
2nd Alan Whittingham (13) 37pts
3rd Vic Hester (14) 35pts
Div B (19+)
1st John Morel (20) 41pts
2nd Barry Chadbourn (19) 38pts
3rd Martin O’ Neill (26) 35pts
Wednesday, May 18, Bangpra – Stableford
Our first visit here since last August proved to be an interesting experience for many of the ‘rain depleted’ field of 17 Outbackers, particularly if one had played Pattaya Country Club, only the day before.
The heavy rain and thunderstorms that had been with us in Pattaya early in the morning had spread their way up the coast and developed into a more persistent rain, but fortunately with no lightning, as we neared the Bangpra course. Some guys had already cancelled and one more pulled out upon our arrival, but those who withdrew today missed what turned out to be an excellent day for golf.
The course was void of players and after waiting around 30 minutes we teed off in light rain which stopped completely after two holes giving way to cool, very pleasant conditions.
The course as ever, had stood up well and even though the carts were still allowed on the fairways, we decided to play “winter rules”, lift clean and place, although it proved to be rarely necessary. The greens were just wicked; horribly quick once past the pin thus making the putt up the hill that much tougher for fear of going past and virtually impossible to play for those who played Pattaya C.C. the day before.
Capt’ Bob & the General were severely mauled by Steve Mann & the Sugarman in a side match, both of them failing to return a score. Alan Mann, Steve’s brother on a visit from Aus, kept it all in the family as he took Div B with the day’s top score of 37 points ahead of Suzi with 34, whose putting improved considerably after the first three holes.
Vic Hester (35pts), playing with the Outback all this week, followed up his third place yesterday, with a first today followed in by the other Mann, Steve on 34.
There were no ‘2’s which wasn’t altogether surprising. We’re back here on Weds June 8 if anybody fancies themselves against this excellent course, just give Capt’ Bob a call.
Div A (0-15)
1st Vic Hester (14) 35pts
2nd Steve Mann (9) 34pts
3rd Murray Hart (12) 32pts
Div B (16+)
1st Alan Mann (22) 37pts
2nd Suzi Lawton (17) 34pts
3rd Campbell Potts (21) 32pts
Friday, May 20, Khao Kheow C & A – Stableford
Twenty Outbackers faced the tough opening par 5 on C at Khao Kheow on what was another day of dismal performances on this ever tricky course. All you have to do is hit the ball straight but the combination of water on one side and OB on the other gets inside one’s head and the swing turns to jelly.
So what was the top score of the day? Just 32! Suzi and Murray managed to crawl to that total; although it deserves a mention that Suzi was playing off two less than her official handicap, to bring her into line with the men. Murray was second on count-back, with our organiser for the day, Steve Mann, taking third on 31.
Nobody was more surprised that Pottsy, to win Div B with 30 points, his second win of the week and he beat home the Sugarman on count-back and Andy Makara in third on 29.
Finally, before anybody spots the two Barry McIntoshes, it is correct; Barry’s son, Barry, joined us for hit and welcome to you mate!
There was a ‘jackpot 2’ today from Suzi Lawton on C3.
Div A (0-15)
1st Suzi Lawton (15) 32pts
2nd Murray Hart (12) 32pts
3rd Steve Mann (9) 31pts
Div B (16+)
1st Campbell Potts (21) 30pts
2nd Sugar Ray Handford (18) 30pts
3rd Andrew Makara (27) 29pts
Note: The Outback Golf Bar is situated about 6km from Sukhumvit Road along Soi Siam Country. All are welcome to come and join us for a beer and a hit. Just call in and put your name down on the list or give Bob a call on 087 941 2474.
