PSC Golf from The Growling Swan
Monday, July 20, Pattavia – Stableford
Two buses were loaded and left the Growling Swan a little earlier than the scheduled 8.30 am departure time and all golfers were keen as mustard to start whacking away like madmen. On arrival at the course there was some confusion as to pricing due to the fact that 1,650 baht could purchase golf fees, caddy and cart but for “100 baht LESS”, one could also receive options a cooler bag with a choice of drinks and some food. Those who bothered to take advantage of this great special offer were duly rewarded with a cheaper and thirst quenching round of golf!
The weather was as good as one could hope for at this time of the year, with overcast skies keeping the temperatures cool and sun cream savings were happily made.
Kevin Waycott with Sarah and Deefa the Dog.
This course, despite the longer than normal travel journey, is an enjoyable experience and has become a favorite to many who appreciate the vast improvements made to the layout and of course the new club facilities. Additionally, the staff were very courteous, helpful and friendly.
The condition of the course was up to very good standards and as usual the greens were true but quite tricky! Three putts were not uncommon and was probably the main denominator of the mostly over par scores.
Sal Brizzi had little trouble working out how to putt on these greens, later saying “one just has to be positive to commit to the line and not think about missing and running 3 or 6 foot past”. His comments proved right as he posted 38 points and took the winner’s podium spot.
Mike Gosden, despite being unwell, took out second place along with two nearest pins and a longest putt. Stu Rifkin, who couldn’t manage the greens and had seven three-putts, took third spot on a count back from the always effervescent Takeshi Hakozaki. Fifth place was snapped up by happy Ebrahim who beat Martin Todd and Paul Sharples, also on a count back.
1st Sal Brizzi (6) 38pts
2nd Mike Gosden (14) 35pts
3rd Stuart Rifkin (16) 34pts
4th Takeshi Hakozaki (12) 34pts
5th Ebrahim (14) 33pts
Near Pins: 4th Mike Gosden, 8th Takeshi Hakozaki, 13th Mike Gosden, 17th Alex Field.
Long Putts: 9th Mike Gosden, 18th Martin Todd
Thursday, July 23, Greenwood – Stableford
Twenty players eagerly anticipated the Growling Swan’s visit to the popular Greenwood GC. At last month’s visit here the greens had been cut too short and were in poor condition but it seems that the maintenance staff have worked tirelessly and although some greens were still very bumpy, the majority putted truly and were vastly improved.
(L to R) Paul Sharples, Sal Brizzi and Martin Todd nursing Deefa.
We played A & B nines, off the yellow tees and although at 6,000 yards, a little short for some, the tricky par 5’s sorted many out.
It was quite obvious early on that Allain Taddai was in for a torrid day. Whilst eagerly practicing his chipping at the back of the 1st tee he inadvertently ‘skinned’ his ball into a dense garden hedge and was unable to retrieve it. After much embarrassment and cajoling from the throng, Allain skulked to the tee box with his confidence at an all-time low.
It was also clear the weather was to be perfect after Stu Rifkin had a 100 THB pre-game wager with his caddie. Stu was sure it was going to rain!
On course, Khan Speechley and Martin Todd got off to flyers, with Khan enjoying a 23 point front nine and Martin one-putting the first 5 holes. Gordon Clegg and Mark Stapleton continued with their recent form to snap up podium finishes, however, it was Kevin Waycott who emerged through the purple haze to outlast the unlucky Graham Rice by way of an elongated count back.
1st Kevin Waycott (9) 39pts
2nd Graham Rice (13) 39pts
3rd Gordon Clegg (30) 38pts
4th Mark Stapleton (18) 37pts
5th Martin Todd (11) 36pts
Near Pins: A6 Stuart Rifkin, B2 Gordon Clegg & Ebrahim (dead heat), B5 Kevin Waycott
Long Putt: 9 & 18 Martin Todd
Note: The GS is a “friendly” golf outlet and caters for and encourages all golfers, young and old, male or female to have a hit on any of our weekly outings. We generally play Mondays and Thursdays at one of the many fine golf courses in and around Pattaya. Please contact Peter Grey if you are interested in playing on 0861 503086
The Growling Swan also caters to the bowls enthusiasts. Bus transport departs the GS on Wednesdays at 10 AM when they go to Coco’s for undercover, synthetic green bowls and on Sundays at the same time for open, grass bowling at The Retreat. Please contact Paul Rennison on 0843 454005 if you wish to partake. The cost including return bus transport, bowling fees and a hot lunch is about 350 baht, so great value for a day out!
