PSC golf Bunker Boys @ The Ranch
Monday, August 18, Bangpra – Stableford
The mood was subdued over breakfast at The Ranch this morning as we had just received news of the passing of one of our popular and long-time members, Jack Robertson, who died recently at home in Canada. Jack was well known around the Pattaya golfing scene and his jovial demeanour coupled with a dry sense of humour will be remembered and sadly missed in several of the local societies.
Fourteen golfers today for our trip to the popular “monkey course” and when we arrived at the clubhouse it was surprisingly quiet, and we were able to tee off a few minutes early. The course is still in good shape, although the fairways are getting a little dry and the water levels in the lakes are beginning to look low. It was evident from the first hole that the greens were not as quick as they can be here, but they are always tricky and present a tough test every time we play here.
Geoff Parker, Les Burns and Geoff Cox.
The round progressed smoothly and the leading three-ball didn’t catch up to any golfers ahead until the 16th hole. A large storm rumbled nearby as we played the inward nine, but no rain came our way, and the temperature remained relatively cool but humid throughout the round.
Surprisingly for Bangpra it turned out to be a day for the higher handicap golfers and Steve Durey led the way with a creditable 37 points, finishing one point clear of Colin Hammond. Les Burns has found some form recently, but failed to make the podium today and had to be content with recording his first near pin prize of the year to date.
1st Steve Durey (20) 37pts
2nd Colin Hammond (28) 36pts
3rd Peter Habgood (18) 34pts
Near Pins: Colin Greig (2), Mashi Kaneta, and Les Burns.
Wednesday, August 20, Treasure Hill – Rainbow Stableford
It was a smaller group of golfers that set off from The Ranch today, which may have been down to the cloudy skies, or maybe because the Treasure Hill course is one of the most challenging in the area and never takes any prisoners. There was no one around the clubhouse as we checked in and we set off at our leisure with no golfers in sight ahead.
This course lends itself ideally for a rainbow format competition, with some real thought required as to which six holes are best played off the back tees, but it was no surprise to see that almost everyone elected to play the difficult par three 2nd hole from the forward tee.
The rain duly arrived as the first group reached the 6th tee, and everyone was forced to take refuge for around 20 minutes with thunder and lightning circling around close by. A few golfers decided to call it a day, but the lightning soon moved away and the rain reduced to a fine drizzle, so the more determined golfers were able to complete the round. The course stood up to the rain well and was certainly playable, if a little soggy in places.
Geoff Parker was playing in the same group as Thomas Nyborg and had established a comfortable lead after thirteen holes, but a disastrous run which resulted in scoring only three points on the closing five holes, allowed Thomas to sneak up and take first place on a count back. Not surprisingly given the difficult conditions the scores were best forgotten, and those that completed the round genuinely appreciated a warm (for a change) shower back in the clubhouse.
1st Thomas Nyborg (20) 29pts
2nd Geoff Parker (14) 29pts
3rd Raleigh Gosney (17) 26pts
Near Pins: Colin Greig, Dave Hawarth and Thomas Nyborg (2).
Friday, August 22, Greenwood – Medal
Just three groups of golfers today for the medal competition at Greenwood, and we were allocated to play the A and B courses. The weather was bright and sunny on the outward nine but the temperature was unusually high, so it was no surprise when the clouds began to gather as we started back on the inward nine.
The round progressed smoothly until the final group reached the 17th hole when the dark clouds closed in all around and the first bolt of lightning was seen close by. The final two holes were completed in double-quick time, in conditions similar to those in the recent PGA championship when became so dark that it was difficult to see the scorecard. Our luck held out however, and the first drop of rain didn’t fall until the final group of very relieved golfers (and jittery caddies!) reached the car park.
The spectacular weather was matched by an equally spectacular performance from Les Burns, who recorded his first win since September 2012, with a great score of net 69, three shots clear of Geoff Parker in second place. Les also managed to take two of the near pin prizes with the other going to Ken Young, so it was another good day out for the higher handicappers.
1st Les Burns (32) net 69
2nd Geoff Parker (14) net 72
3rd Raleigh Gosney (17) net 76
Near Pins: Ken Young and Les Burns (2).
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 three times per week 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. for breakfast and transportation, and new players are always welcome. 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.
