PSC Golf from The Growling Swan
Monday, March 9, Treasure Hill – Stableford
Treasure Hill was today’s challenge as our field of 27 arose to a very humid morning in Pattaya. We notice in the local mail golf reports, most players who take on this great course usually struggle to record good scores and to a man, we were determined to fare better on this challenge. But with the humidity in Chonburi cranking up daily, today’s outing proved to be a tough test for us all.
As with our recent visits, the course was presented in fabulous condition and the greens were true paced on every hole. The caddies were loads of fun and efficient. Of course, there were numerous hard-luck stories also. Mark Henkel showed he can airmail the golf ball but he sometimes puts the wrong zip-code on it.
(L-R) Kevin Waycott, Bob Akapita and Eric Black
Bob Akapita and Kev Waycott returned to some semblance of form for a win in their respective grades. Count backs were required to sort the chasing pack; Eric Black snookered Martin Todd whilst Dobbsie pipped Michael Catillon.
A Flight
1st Kevin Waycott (10) 36pts
2nd Eric Black (16) 31pts
3rd Martin Todd (8) 31pts
B Flight
1st Bob Akapita (20) 35pts
2nd Jerry Dobbs (22) 29pts
3rd Michael Catillon (19) 29pts
Near Pins: #2 Rita Zoebelli (Lucky Draw), #6 & #13 Frank Riley, #17 Biarne Kjar
Long Putts: #9 Mark Henkel, #18 Eric Black
Thursday, March 12, Crystal Bay – Stableford
Three buses left the Growling Swan with forecasted fair weather and once again the clairvoyant bureau was spot on. The format for the day was stableford and locker room chatter prior to hit off included one psychic (Mark Stapleton) to prophesise he was going to win today….a very game prediction for this course!
(L-R) Mike Gosden, Mike Wilkes and Henry Wszola.
The course was busy, however we managed to hit off the white tees (6,450 yards) a little earlier than our 10 a.m. start time, using the C and A nines.
With a nice steady morning and afternoon breeze and many well-stocked refreshment huts every three holes or so to keep the players sustained, the first group finished their round in four hours and ten minutes.
The presentation of the course was very good; the greens true and in fine condition and from all reports the caddies were a bunch of fun and keen to look after the interests of their visitors and their golf course too. Divots were filled and bunkers raked, unlike some recent courses we have played where the caddies take little interest in either of the aforementioned.
Our local radio golfing reporter/DJ Mike Gosden (aka Coach, Hunter, LSFB) managed to string together a fairly impressive round given he was jet lagged, having just returned from a cricket reunion in Oz. His 39 points outplayed Stu Rifkin’s 38 and Alain Taddei’s 36, which earned him the day’s title and A Grade winner.
B Grade was won by Henry (Harry) Wszola who was delighted to win his first game ever with The Growling Swan and a tally of 36 points. He was closely followed by Alan (Colonel) Sanders on 35 points and psycho… sorry psychic Mark Stapleton shimmering into 3rd spot with 34.
The Compass Cap award, presented to the person with the lowest score of the day went to the affable Mike Wilkes (Bear) who graciously accepted it and generously donated to Deefa the Charity Dog, as did many others. A fine was issued to Harry (I know Thai) who presented himself in the dining room of the golf club after showering, resplendent in a singlet! A reminder to all golfers that golf club rules in Thailand request a shirt be worn in the club house and standard golf etiquette and PSC rules dictate the same.
A Flight (0–18)
1st Mike Gosden (15) 39pts
2nd Stu Rifkin (18) 38pts
3rd Alain Taddei (18) 36pts
B Flight (19-36)
1st Henry Wszola (36) 36pts
2nd Alan Sanders (26) 35pts
3rd Mark Stapleton (19) 34pts
Near Pins: C4 – Graham Rice, C7 – Mike Gosden, A5 – Eric Black, A8 – Alan Sanders
Long Putts: C9 – Stu Rifkin, A9 – Russel Calcutt
Note: The Growling Swan is a friendly PSC Golf outlet and welcomes all lovers of golf to join in and have a fun day out with us. We generally play Mondays and Thursdays with buses mostly departing at 8.30 am. Please contact Peter Grey on 0861 503086 if you are interested in a game.
The Growling Swan also caters to the lawn bowling enthusiasts. Bus transport leaves the Swan at 10.00 am to play at Coco’s under cover synthetic lawn bowls on Wednesdays and at the Retreat Lawn Bowls Club with grass greens on Sundays also departing at 10.00 am. The cost including bus transport, green fees and hot lunch is approx 350 baht, so great value for a day out. Please contact Paul Rennison on 0843 454005 if you would like to come along.
