PSC golf from the Bunker Boys @ The Ranch
Monday, April 28, Greenwood B & C – Medal
We previously visited Greenwood at the end of March when we’d seen a dramatic improvement in the condition of the course, which had been very dry in the high season, and today it was immediately obvious that the course had improved even more. The fairways were soft, with the greens running true and considerably quicker than many we have played on recently.
Today was a Sports Day, but the course was quiet and our three groups completed the round without catching up with anyone in front of them, and with the leading group back in the clubhouse in under four hours. All in all, a perfect example of the pleasures of low season golf, with a good course in great condition, a reasonable price and the freedom to play at one’s own pace, although a few players did suffer in the heat.
April Golfer of the Month – Gerry Cooney (left).
Surprisingly it turned out to be great day for the higher handicappers with Thomas Nyborg leading the way after carding a tremendous score of net 64 (off h/cap. 25); we can only hope that PSC come to their senses soon and give him a proper handicap! Roger Mitchell continued his run of good form to take second place ahead of the medal specialist Peter Habgood in third.
Only two near pin prizes were claimed, again both by higher handicappers, one going to Peter Habgood and the other giving newly arrived Ken Davidson a small compensation after a disastrous start (13 over par after 4 holes) had effectively killed off his chances in the medal competition.
1st Thomas Nyborg (25) net 64
2nd Roger Mitchell (24) net 70
3rd Peter Habgood (20) net 72
Wednesday, April 30, Green Valley – Stableford
The clouds were gathering and the weather looked ominous as we assembled for breakfast at The Ranch, but our four groups set off undeterred for the trip to Green Valley. It soon appeared to be a foolhardy decision as we travelled down highway 36 and the storm broke with torrential rain reducing the visibility to almost zero. The road quickly began to flood and there was a three-car shunt at the traffic lights for the turnoff to Green Valley, but all our vehicles arrived safely.
On arrival at the course it was still bucketing down and the old 17th fairway was completely flooded, but we decided to have a coffee and see if the rain would stop, buoyed by the knowledge that this is one of the best draining courses in the area. After a wait of about 45 minutes, the rain had indeed stopped and the course was looking playable, so we bit the bullet and as the first group tee’d off the sun began to break through.
We’d decided to play ‘pick, clean and place’, but the course dried out so quickly that it proved to be unnecessary, and the round was completed in searingly hot conditions without a further drop of rain.
The greens were slow and bumpy, in the process of recovering from recent coring, but nothing could deter Roger Mitchell who came back to the clubhouse with a fantastic score of 43 points. It was Roger’s third win of the month, but his late charge for the Golfer of the Month title came up two points short, leaving Gerry Cooney to take his first title since September 2012.
Only three near pins were claimed, by Geoff Williams, Mashi Kaneta and Peter Habgood.
1st Roger Mitchell (24) 43pts
2nd Geoff Williams (22) 37pts
3rd Mashi Kaneta (12) 36pts
Friday, May 2, Khaow Keow B & A – Stableford
We passed through a shower of rain as we travelled up the 7 motorway, but it was nowhere near as heavy as Wednesday and when we arrived at the course the weather was overcast but dry. The clubhouse was quiet and we were able to tee off at our leisure, but it was immediately apparent that the overcast sky was producing stifling humidity.
The course was in great condition and the round progressed smoothly without any holdups, bringing the leading group back to the clubhouse comfortably in 4 hours. Thomas Nyborg produced his second impressive round of the week, coming home with 38 points, which is always a good score on this demanding track. April’s Golfer of the Month, Gerry Cooney, was as steady as ever, but could only manage second place ahead of Geoff Parker.
Thomas completed a fine day’s golf by taking all four near pin prizes, a feat which has only been achieved by three other golfers in the eleven year history of the Bunker Boys society. His performance on the par three’s consisting of one birdie and three pars, produced thirteen points which is effectively five points below his current (but surely soon to be reduced!) handicap.
1st Thomas Nyborg (22) 38pts
2nd Gerry Cooney (13) 36pts
3rd Geoff Parker (14) 33pts
Note: The Bunker Boys are a PSC affiliated golf society, who play on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Contact “Buff” on 086 046 5091 or 080 605 5663 for all enquiries. You can find all the news, schedules and results on our website at www. bunkersociety.com.
