PATTAYA, Thailand – The normally free-scoring Greenwood Course proved to be a different beast on Monday, February 24, as heavy overnight rain and a stiff breeze created tough scoring conditions. A field of 37 Bunker Boys golfers turned out, a sizable number considering the high season is winding down.
While many struggled, Richard Baldotto produced a remarkable round, carding a stunning net 66 to take top honours. His impressive performance left fellow competitors asking, “Where did that come from?” Perhaps he picked up some inspiration from the ladies at Siam over the weekend. Baldotto marked the occasion in traditional fashion, generously ringing the bell back at the bar.
A tight battle ensued for the remaining places, with three players locked on net 71 and separated by countback. Germans Hubert Stiefenhofer and Uwe Jurgensen completed the leaderboard, finishing fifth and sixth, respectively. All near pins were claimed, with Jimmy Carr, Hubert Stiefenhofer, Steve Downes, and Michael Brett showcasing their accuracy.
However, the day was not without its frustrations. One group had to contend with a particularly slow walker, whose pace caused significant delays. While some walkers can keep up with those in carts, as a general rule, they should be placed in the last group, which unfortunately was not the case on this occasion.
Results: 1st Richard Baldotto (29) Net 65. 2nd Sam Reid (11) Net 71. 3rd Michael Brett (18) Net 71. 4th Robby Watts (13) Net 71. 5th Hubert Stiefenhofer (16) Net 72. 6th Uwe Jurgensen (30) Net 74. Near pins: Jimmy Carr, Hubert Stiefenhofer, Steve Downes, & Michael Brett
Wednesday, February 26, saw players travel to Bangpakong Riverside, only to endure a marathon five-hour round. Placed behind a notoriously slow Thai five-ball, frustration reigned among those who dislike slow play. As a reminder, those heading to this venue should specify “Riverside” in their navigation systems, as some players arrived late after mistakenly setting their course for Bangpakong Golf Club.
Despite the sluggish pace, the course was in pristine condition, with well-manicured bunkers, lush fairways, and smooth greens conducive to high scores. Topping the leaderboard was Derek Riordan, who produced an exceptional 43 points to claim victory. Billy Shepley, rediscovering his form, finished second with 42 points, a score that would typically secure top spot. A trio of players on 39 points battled it out for the remaining places, with countback determining the final rankings.
Steve Durey made a surprise return to the “Bunker” and claimed two near pins, while Jimmy Carr and Brett Chan rounded out the pin winners.
Results: 1st Derek Riordan (25) 43 points. 2nd Billy Shepley (8) 42 points
3rd Paul McDonald (20) 39 points. 4th Willy Gourdin (10) 39 points
5th Michael Brett (17) 39 points. Near pins: Steve Durey x2, Jimmy Carr, & Brett Chan.
With one game remaining, all eyes turned to the race for Golfer of the Month, where Keith Norman’s lead was under threat.
Friday, February 28, saw an unusual start at Bangpra Golf Course, as a last-minute player resulted in an impromptu five-ball. However, the marshal soon intervened, enforcing a split into a three-ball and a two-ball – a decision that seemed inconsistent, given the next group was a Thai five-ball.
As expected, Bangpra was in fine condition, with its resident monkey population in full force. Scoring was generally moderate, but Mike Milland stood out, delivering a stellar 38-point performance to claim victory. Roger Tuohy, despite the earlier disruption, posted 35 points for second place. Further countbacks determined the remaining leaderboard spots, with Les Cobban taking third ahead of Alan Sullivan, while Danny Miller edged out Richard Baldotto for fifth.
Despite missing the final two rounds, Keith Norman held on to claim the Golfer of the Month title for February, with none of the chasing pack able to mount a successful challenge. A fond farewell was bid to Keith and Neil Jones, with hopes of their return later in the year.
1st Mike Milland (18) 38 points. 2nd Roger Tuohy (13) 35 points. 3rd Les Cobban (10) 34 points. 4th Alan Sullivan (15) 34 points. 5th Danny Miller (11) 33 points. 6th Richard Baldotto (27) 33 points. Near pins: Les Cobban, Alan Sullivan, Roger Tuohy, & Roland Davison.
