PSC Golf from The Tropical Golf Group
Tuesday, March 10, Crystal Bay – Stableford
We are getting back to reality in the numbers we normally get at this time of the year, but even so we had 7 groups meet at BJ’s for the trip to Crystal Bay. The trip there is a short one and we were soon booked in had a surprise when we walked through the restaurant to find that a new flooring had been put down. The place now looks modern and smart. Well done Crystal Bay.
Onto the course where we were to play the C & A Nines and the first thing I noticed was the wind; I really do not know why it is always so windy here, probably because it is near the sea. The course itself was O.K., if a bit wet in places and dry in others. The greens were as normal, multi-coloured and not that good.
Mike O’Brien and Dave Cooper with one of BJ Holiday Lodge’s finest.
Back at the ‘ranch’ it was time to get into the results. In the A Flight, 0 to 20, the winner was Mike O’Brien with 40 points. Mike is having a really good run at present and his new irons seem to have helped. In second was John Davis with 38 points ahead of Walter Baechli with 37 in third and in fourth was Doug Maiko with 36. Good scores by all.
In the B Flight the winner with the best score of the day was Dave Cooper on 41 points. Taking second was George King with 36 ahead of Barry Elphick in third with 35 and in fourth was Tom McDowell with 34 points.
Near Pins: Dave Cooper, Kenny Chung, Barry Elphick, MOB
Friday, March 13, Wangjuntr (Valley) – Stableford
Friday the 13th, so just what would be in store for the group this day as we got ready to head out on the longer than usual trip to Wangjuntr? The Valley course had been selected for the day as one can walk here and we generally have more walkers that cart drivers.
Gerd Riedler (left) with Landis Brooks.
After a swift check-in we were off Valley No. 1 playing the “Right” greens. First surprise came early as the “Right” green on the 1st was closed, so it was a quick left turn, over the water to the “Left” green. Never mind, we just hoped the caddies knew which greens were open as we winded through the Eucalyptus and rubber forests.
It was an interesting layout, with the fairways and greens in good condition, however, the greens keeper must have woken up and said, “Let’s put the holes in the most diabolical spots we can find”. The majority of the pin locations were on small shelves, close to the edges, with severe slopes running off, some into bunkers or water hazards. But then, what were we to expect on a Friday the 13th.
Reaching the 10th hole we found a couple of deer lounging around the green. Interesting but soon it seemed we were playing in a game reserve as deer were seemingly everywhere. The organizers did forget that there are three of the par 3’s on this nine, so an extra near pins flag had to be devised and set out. After the tough walk and the final hike up the long stairway to the showers, most were wondering if anyone had managed to play to their handicap.
Back at BJ’s by 5:30 we realized that playing the Valley course does have the advantage of not having the extra Wangjuntr “Travel Time” from the clubhouse to the 1st Tee and back that the Highlands and Jungle courses have. So, with some digging into a late lunch and a thirst quenching beverage, the scores were tabulated and it was soon announced that one Gerd Riedler had tamed the monster this day with a fantastic 41 points off his 11 handicap for his first win with the Tropical Golf group. Congrats Gerd, great round with those pin positions.
With only one flight today, Landis Brooks (9) took second with a fine 36 points, followed by Jim Ferris (21), 35 points, and Nigel Perry (27) on 32.
Near Pins: Landis Brooks, Tom McDowell, Andre Van Dyk, Nigel Perry, Mike O’Brien.
