The Pattaya Golf Society (IPGC) at the Elephant Bar
The Pattaya Golf Society visited Pattaya CC on Monday, 12th May, to play a stableford event and on arrival they found an empty course with a finely presented front nine but a back nine with slow, bobbly and irregularly sanded putting areas. Since undergoing a remake two years ago the back nine greens have been more than a little disappointing and the extra use last low season when the front nine was closed did not help at all. What should have been a course reborn is instead a course still in extensive care. Shame!
For the record, David Thomas and Mr Len shared third place with 36 points each, both leaving putts on the back nine, whilst Craig Thomas secured second place with 37 points. The winner was Mike King with 38 points and his score was the best return he has had in his time with the group.
There were no birdie ‘2’s and the Booby Bevy went to Willie Barbour for attempting to play with an injured shoulder and indeed parring 75% of the holes he completed. Brave effort Willie.
Front man Flynn
After a couple of weeks on courses with variable conditions, the Pattaya Golf Society travelled to Burapha on Thursday, 15th May to play a stableford competition.
Of the many who turned out more than a few were suffering after the previous day’s “wake” for our dear friend Jean Morel and the amiable Frenchman would indeed have enjoyed watching their efforts from afar.
The picturesque course was in top condition with very true and fair greens. Competition was keen for the front runners and in fourth place were Garry Hookey, Peter Sumner and Murray Edwards, all with 34 points. Sharing second were Larry Ang and Sam McLellan with 35 but the winner was Alan Flynn and his 39 point score reflected the solidarity of his game at the moment.
There were no birdie ‘2’s and the Elephant Bar’s consolation beer was won by Greg McDonald. Mr Len took the Booby Bevy after an excellent start, a moderate middle and a lacklustre end, and showed how and when the inevitable hangover kicked in!
Another Firkin power show
Defying the odds in low season, another large field turned out for the second successive day as the Pattaya Golf Society went to Mountain Shadow to host a stableford event on Friday, 16th May. The course was in fine condition and scores were very close again.
Spice was added by old friend Bob St Aubin, who had rejoined the group for the day in honour of his old mate Jean Morel and he generously sponsored a raft of technicals. Near pins were won by Ken Grimes, Yasuo Suzuki, Chris Smith and David Thomas, the longest putt on number nine went to Akifumi Tate and the slightly built PGS Champion, two handicapper Chris Smith, walked off with the longest drive after pulverising the ball 330 yards off the third tee.
In the competition proper Wichai Tananusorn and Chris Smith shared third place with 36 points each, leaving Sam McLellan in second with 37 points. The winner, a front row forward of a man, was Mike Firkin and 38 “firkin” points was his reward for some powerful hitting and contrasting yet delicate short play.
The ‘2’s pot was shared by Wichai Tananusorn, Ken Grimes, Yasuo Suzuki and Chris Smith. The Elephant Bar consolation beer went to Craig Thomas and the Booby Bevy went to Leigh Abbey, a hero on his previous trip who descended to zero this time!
As there were no birdies on the final hole Bob St Aubin’s final technical was shared by the whole field as the presentation toasted the memory of M. Jean-Yves with a wee dram to end a memorable week.
