PSC Golf with Bunker Boys @ The Ranch
Monday, September 15, Pleasant Valley G.C. – Stableford
We haven’t played at Pleasant Valley for a few months, and it’s fair to say it isn’t the most popular venue with several members. But with the current green fee at 650 baht (with the PSC voucher) we decided it was worthwhile to pay another visit.
The morning was overcast but fine, and unsurprisingly it was a smaller turnout of golfers that assembled at The Ranch, but we set off in good spirits. The course was empty when we arrived, but we were fortunate to get away before a group of Thai golfers who eventually ended the round several holes behind our final group.
Colin Greig receives the KPK voucher from The Ranch girls.
There had been heavy rain overnight, and buggies were confined to the cart paths so we elected to play pick, clean and place on the fairways, which proved to be a wise decision. Apart from a few pools of standing water the fairways were in good condition and the greens were also in good shape, if a little bobbly in places.
The leading group didn’t encounter any other golfers ahead of them throughout the round and were back in the clubhouse in double-quick time. We played from the blue tees and several of the par 4’s play very long when there’s almost no run on the fairways, but generally the scores were good, with Colin Greig taking first place on 36 points, one point ahead of Geoff Parker and Dave Ashman who had to be separated on a count back for second place.
The general consensus after the round was that the course is in good condition and offers better value for money than several other local venues at the moment, and was well worth the visit.
1st Colin Greig (hcp. 7) 36 points
2nd Geoff Parker (hcp. 15) 35 points
3rd Dave Ashman (hcp. 15) 35 points
Near Pins: Colin Greig, Dave Ashman, Geoff Parker, and Steve Durey.
Wednesday, September 17, Burapha G.C. (A and B courses) – Stableford
Burapha has understandably been a popular venue for local golfers with the current low season rates, and when we arrived at the car park, it once again appeared to be busy. However, when we assembled on the first tee, we were able to tee off a few minutes early with no other golfers in sight ahead of us.
We normally play the A and B courses here off the blue tees (6,733 yards), but today we decided to play off the shorter white tees (6,218 yards), in deference to passionate requests made by some of the higher handicap golfers.
The sky was overcast and the fairways and greens were in excellent condition, so everything looked perfect for another great day’s golf.
The first few holes were completed smoothly until the leading group caught up with a group of Korean golfers on the 4th hole, and they appeared to be oblivious to anyone behind them, as they took an eternity to putt out on each hole. Fortunately, the Korean golfers disappeared after the 9th hole (otherwise we wouldn’t have finished before dark!) and the inward nine was completely clear, so we were still able to complete the round in four hours.
Peter Habgood had made a habit of winning our medal competitions earlier in the year, but his golf has been in the doldrums recently, so it was a welcome surprise to see him come romping home six points clear of the field, securing his first win in four months (maybe that was why he wanted to play off the shorter tees).
Ken Young and Geoff Parker had to be separated on a count back for second place, with Geoff this time being the unlucky golfer to miss out. The highlight of Ken’s round was on the tricky par three 8th hole on the B nine, when crafty use of his driver on this 155 yard hole (a ploy which we’re sure he learned from his mate Neil Griffin), put his ball within four feet of the pin, only to see him miss the birdie putt.
1st Peter Habgood (hcp. 19) 38 points
2nd Ken Young (hcp. 26) 32 points
3rd Geoff Parker (hcp. 15) 32 points
Near Pins: Colin Greig, John Graham, Ken Young and Peter Habgood.
Friday, August 19, Plutaluang (Navy) G.C. (East and South courses) – Stableford – Sponsored by KPK Foods
When we arrived at the Navy course today the clubhouse was heaving with golfers and caddies, as preparations for a Navy tournament were underway. The tournament was scheduled for the West and North courses so we were allocated to play the East and South nines which we haven’t played for quite some time.
We teed off on schedule in bright, sunny conditions, but it was soon obvious that the pace of play was going to be slow, as our first group arrived at the 2nd tee to find two groups already waiting there. The outward nine was played at a snail’s pace but fortunately the groups ahead disappeared after nine holes and we were able to complete the inward nine in good time.
The lack of familiarity with the course or the grainy greens might account for the disappointing scores on the day, which ended with Colin Greig and Geoff Cox being tied on 33 points, with Colin being awarded first place on the count back. Dave Ashman took third place with 31 points and no other golfer broke the thirty point barrier, so maybe we’d better start playing these two nines more often.
Resident Scotsman and pro-unionist, Colin Greig, was presented with the KPK Foods voucher back at The Ranch and generously bought a round of beers to celebrate the results of the Scottish referendum.
1st Colin Greig (hcp. 7) 33 points
2nd Geoff Cox (hcp. 14) 33 points
3rd Dave Ashman (hcp. 15) 31 points
Only 3 near pins were claimed: Colin Greig, Geoff Cox and John Graham,
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 http://www.bunkersociety.com.
