PSC golf from The Billabong Golf Bar
Sunday, June 29, Bonanza G.C. – Stableford
After a leisurely drive up to Pak Chong we booked into the hotel, put the cheese and biscuits in the fridges then it was off to golf. It was a great day for playing weather wise and the course was in fine condition, even though the greens had been renovated recently and were running a little slow.
The scores were good with Sel Wegner getting fourth place with 37 points, just edged out by Wayne Cotterell on the same score. Second spot went to Jim Bell with 38 points and coming in first was Lloyd Shuttleworth with a fine score of 40. There was only one ‘2’, coming from Barry Copestake.
Monday, June 30, Khao Yai G.C. – Stableford
Khao Yai, what can you say, this course would have to be one of the best in Thailand and Jack Nicklaus needs a pat on the back for this one.
With eight groups playing we were off to an early start and all back in the club house in a little over four hours. It had rained like hell overnight and was still raining a little as we left the hotel, however when we got to the course it stopped completely and we played in great conditions.
Auke, Gerry, Phil, Sel and Pottsy in Khao Yai.
It was a bit of a shame one group didn’t look at the colour of the tee’s on the first and moved up to the whites for the other seventeen holes but they took the group behind with them. Playing from the blue tees it gives everyone a chance, and today belonged to anyone getting 40 points or more.
Fifth place overall today went to Chris Dodd on a count back over Auke and Jim Grieve, all on 40 points. Fourth place meanwhile went to Owen Walkley with 41, with Sel Wegner beating him on a count back on the same score. In second place was Graham Beaumont with 42 points but coming out on top Phil Waite with a fine 43 points.
Bill Marsden & Bob Philp.
Nearest the pins today were kindly sponsored by Mal, Fon and Zac Farquharson to the tune of 1000 baht each – a very nice gesture and thank you from all the players. The prizes were won by Owen Walkley, John Player, J.P Maffray and Jeff North.
There were three ‘2’s recorded with Jeff North getting two of them and Wayne Cotterell nabbing the other.
Tuesday, July 1, Rancho Charnvee – Stableford
Day three saw us heading to Rancho Charnvee, a favourite with all the boys. Anyone coming to Khao Yai for a golf trip and not putting this course on the list would be missing out on one of the best in Thailand; it is an absolute pleasure to play.
The course was in magic condition with lightening fast greens and once again we blessed by the weather as the rain held off.
Today was a seeded draw with the worst two day scores going out in front and the best going last. There were nearest the pins again sponsored by Mal and Fon, and they were taken by Ron Gale, Graham Beaumont, Gerry Roche and Mal Farquharson, who took one of his own donations.
There were four ‘2’ on the day from Owen Walkley, Auke, Gerry Roche and once again Mal Farquharson taking the last one.
You don’t often see any scores much above your handicap here but today was a little different with a count back on 37 points between Phil Waite and Pottsy for third place, with Phil just edging it. Second place went to Bob Philp with 40 points but in first was Sel Wegner with a fine lesson in golf for us all on 43 points, now that is a round of golf here for sure.
In the overall three day comp, Bob Philp came fifth with 106 points, fourth went to Auke with 107, third to Jim Bell on 110, second to Phil Waite with 115, and once again the runaway winner was Sel Wegner with 121.
Wednesday, July 2, Green Valley – Stableford
As usual Green Valley was in its normal pristine condition and with only three groups out we were away to an early start. After a very successful trip away the field was a little depleted, four days in a row at golf is too much for this old bag of bones, but there were a few intrepid souls who managed to play another 18.
The scoring was very good with 36 and 37 points getting nowhere. Third place went to J.P. Maffray with 39 points and second to Gerry Roche with 40, but the winning score was 43 points from William Macey, well done mate.
There were three ‘2’s from Kevin Hamilton, William Macey and Wayne Cotterell.
Friday, July 4, Plutaluang – Stableford
The course today was in great condition apart from the greens which were full of a weed that made the ball bounce and thus difficult putting. I think in the near future if something is not done about it, this weed will take over and they will have to redo the greens entirely. In saying that, we will be back as it is a great golf course.
There were quite a few good scores today, with Bill Marsden taking top spot on 39 points and second place going to Bob Philp with 38, that was the sum total of the prizes today.
Note: The Billabong Golf Club is situated just off Siam Country Club Road looking straight down Lake Mabprachan. Call Bob on 082 204 3411 if you are looking for a game.
