PSC golf from Tropical Bert’s & Cafe Kronborg
Tuesday, August 5, Khao Kheow – Stableford
It seems weird to me but there are people out there who say they do not like playing this course. Quite often a couple of our regulars miss the day and I find myself amazed that people who like to play golf can be so misled to believe they do not like it.
Well after a lot of thought I believe it comes down to one of a couple of things: cost, or an inability to play the course. This is a tough layout where every shot you play counts. Play a bad shot and the course will punish you, there are no freebie bad shots here. So you are aware that you play well or will be punished. Some players like to score well every time they play, so no Khao Kheow. And cost, well it can be a little more than some of the lesser courses.
Steve Hamstad & Barry Elphick.
However, on this day we had a full turnout with golfers who wanted to be tested. With a full group at Bert’s it was into transport and away we went. A good drive down there saw us booked in and on the first tee a little early, and then with the test set for the day as the B & C Nines away we went.
The course was a little damp and carts were not allowed on the fairways, but what did I care as this day I hit very few. However, it was soon obvious that the ball was not going to roll very far and was going to pick up mud. With a strong wind also some of the longer holes were going to be a problem, so Khao Kheow on this day really showed its fangs. However, the fairways were well grassed and the greens were in good condition.
Back at Bert’s it was time for the results and the winner in the A Flight, 0 to 17, was Steve Hamstad with 34 points ahead of Alan Sullivan in second with 33, and David Hutchinson in third with 32.
Ted Morris (left) celebrates with Mark West and Andre Van Dyk.
In the B Flight the winner was Barry Elphick with 33 points ahead of Daryl Evans in second on 32 and a count back on 31 points saw Brad Robins take third ahead of George Bailey.
Near Pins: Tom Herrington, Don Carmody, David Hutchinson, Alan Sullivan
Friday, August 8, Pattavia – Stableford
Another Friday and another golf course waited to test each golfer. Once again Tropical Bert’s combined with Cafe Kronborg, and once again the results were successful. Some new friends were made and old friendships rediscovered. Other golf groups should take note, and cooperation of this sort can benefit everyone.
The golf course deserves special mention. Pattavia was formerly called Century Chonburi and is often referred to by that name by long time residents. However, the course and clubhouse are so improved that it’s time to let the old name die. No one is sure what “Pattavia” means, but right now it means a fine course at good value, beautiful fairways, very difficult but true greens, and of course a new clubhouse. Many wonder if the almost off-road drive to get there is worth it. It is.
Back in the clubhouse everyone commented how the tricky greens made approach shots key to good scores. Find yourself uphill and you might be chipping back on the next shot. However Ted Morris (13) didn’t have much trouble, taking first place with a fine 36 points. New PSC Golf Chairman Mark West (13) returning from the Disabled List after two months showed he still has game by claiming second place with 35 points. Welcome back Mark! Andre Van Dyk (15) was third with 34 points, followed by Tom Herrington (14) with 34 and Brian Parish (12) with 32.
Special thanks to Dick Warberg and Dave Richardson for organizing this day.
Near Pins: Daryl Evans, Don Carmody, Brian Parish.
