PSC golf Bunker Boys @ The Ranch
Monday, June 9, Royal Lakeside – Stableford
Only 9 players for our trip to Royal Lakeside, however it did include Big Barry Murnin just back from the States, welcome back.
This is one of the best courses we play but the journey deters a few and it’s certainly a tough test from the blue tees. The course was in excellent condition; the greens although lightly sanded, ran very true and fast enough and also the bunkers have now settled in and are very fair. The course was almost empty and our first three-ball went round in 3 hours.
Thomas Nyborg (center) receives the Golfer of the Month trophy for May.
It was always going to be a challenge and the strong wind made the longer par 4’s even more daunting than usual. Tony Robbins started off strongly, but the wheels fell off at the turn and his 27pts put him firmly in last place. Geoff (Once in a Blue Moon) Cox with 20pts on the front nine set a fierce pace and despite a strong effort from the persistently consistent Gerry Cooney, Geoff won comfortably with 36pts. Gerry came second with 33pts and Shaun Murphy a close third with 32. All the winners came from the last group.
Play of the day was provided by Steve Durey who went thru the green on the par-three 15th, bladed his chip almost into the drinks station and then sank a 70yd pitch for a routine par!
Only three near pins were claimed, by Geoff Cox, Mike Lloyd and Tony Robbins.
1st Geoff Cox (15) 36pts
2nd Gerry Cooney (13) 33pts
3rd Sean Murphy (15) 32pts
Wednesday, June 11, Pleasant Valley – Stableford
Following calls from Mashi to tell me how bad the sanded greens were at Bangpakong, we made a late switch to Pleasant Valley. It nearly backfired on us as we started on the back nine and after the first hole found 3 groups waiting on the 11th tee behind a holidaying 6-ball (they were having great fun, I counted 30 putts on one hole and they were picking up when close!!). A quick visit to the clubhouse brought out the marshall who let us all through over 2 holes, and we then sailed along finishing in 3.5 hours. As we finished, the 6-ball were putting out on their 11th hole.
The course continues to mature; the fairways were excellent but the bunkers still need attention and the greens were very mixed, which made judging the speed of putts interesting. A few more hazard markers would also be appreciated.
Mike Lloyd (hcp.14) finally made it in his last game before leaving on Friday, his 35pts beating Tony Robbins (hcp.14) also 35 on the count back.
Only three near pins were claimed, by Paul Carey, Tony Robbins and Colin Greig.
1st Mike Lloyd (15) 35pts
2nd Tony Robbins (14) 35pts
3rd Sean Murphy (15) 31pts
Friday, June 13, Pattavia – Stableford
We’re now really into the low season and only 7 golfers made the very worthwhile trip to Pattavia. The course (greens, fairways, tees and bunkers) was in excellent condition and the rough was really rough. The greens were also fast and very tricky, especially if you made the mistake of getting above the hole. All in all the course is tremendous value at THB 550 green fee.
Everybody really enjoyed it except Peter Habgood, whose club went further than his ball off the first tee and after a few holes of many putts he declared his total hatred of the course and vowed never to return. Then with a further 13 holes to play he topped his next tee shot only to have his caddie pick up his ball and suggest he try again. As you can imagine, he was somewhat peeved.
Meanwhile the rest of us enjoyed the game. PJ Redmond and Tony Robbins both went out with 19 points, closely followed by Dave Keats with 17. Tony’s good form continued on the back nine with 20 points followed by Dave with 18. PJ faded and wasn’t helped by falling backwards and disappearing from sight into a drainage ditch on the 14th hole, fortunately the caddie went to his rescue and both emerged unscathed and grinning.
The par three’s are tough here and today only one near pin was hit, so Sean Murphy scooped the pool.
1st Tony Robbins (14) 39pts
2nd Dave Keats (32) 35pts
3rd PJ Redmond (29) 32pts
Note: The Bunker Boys are a PSC affiliated golf society, who now play out of The Ranch bar on Pattaya 3rd Road (in front of the fire station, and almost opposite the Buffalo Bar). We play on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, so if you enjoy a fun day out, and a friendly but competitive golf competition why not come and join us. We meet at The Ranch at 9 a.m. and new players are always welcome.
Contact “Buff” on 086 046 5091 or 080 605 5663 for all enquiries or check website: www.bunkersociety.com.
