Jomtien Golf with the IPGC
Monday, Oct. 26, Chiang Mai Highlands – Stableford
A field of 28 players made our annual trip to Chiang Mai to play an individual stableford competition over the three days. The equal cut for the week was 2-16 and 17+ with 14 players in each division.
On the first day at Chiang Mai Highlands the highest score in was the 39 points from Pete Sumner, who won division 1 ahead of Martin Grimoldby in second on 38 while Terry Madsen took third with 37.
Martin Grimoldby (centre) with Paul Smith (left) and Pete Sumner.
Colin James topped division 2 with 36 points, one point up on Mark Armstrong who edged Don Head on count back for second place.
Near pins went to Martin Grimoldby, John Pegram and Dennis Scougall (2).
There were an amazing five ‘2’s in division 1 with Martin Grimoldby, Paul Renall, Dennis Scougall and Chris Voller (2) sharing the pot. Colin James slotted the only birdie ‘2’ in the second flight.
Wednesday, Oct. 28, Royal Chiang Mai – Stableford
The second day of the comp and it was another blistering hot day with hardly any breeze at all. The greens here today were very bumpy and the bunkers were not up to normal standards but it was still an enjoyable day.
We teed off 30 minutes ahead of schedule and the best score of the day came in division 1 from Martin Grimoldby with 37 points. There were three scores of 35 fighting for second, which Nik Evans snatched ahead of Pete Sumner in third while Iain Usher was the unfortunate one to miss out.
Larry Gibb won the division 2 comp, beating Don Head 12/11 on the back six after they both came in with 32 points each, and John Hughes was third with 29.
Near were claimed by (Div 1) Martin Grimoldby, Paul Renall, Pete Sumner and Chris Voller, and Div 2) Don Head, Dave Lehane and John Tallett. John Pegram birdied the 17th and Pete Sumner the 3rd and to split the ‘2’s pot in division 1 and Marty Aronson, on the 6th, and Don Head, the 11th, did likewise in division 2.
Friday, Oct. 30, Mae Jo – Stableford
Our final round of the week and it was almost identical weather condition to the previous two rounds, i.e. very hot and humid. There were some tough pin placements out there today and the greens were very slick and in fantastic condition. This was the best course we played this week with brilliant caddies as well.
The previous day five groups had played at Gassan Khuntan, a new course just redesigned with some spectacular scenery and in good condition. And with a green fee off 1,000 baht including caddy and buggy this is also a course not to be missed on a golfing trip here.
Chris Voller bounced back today to win division 1 with 33 points while Paul Smith came in second place on 32 and Martin Grimoldby took third with 31.
Colin James headed the division 2 standings on 32 points, Bob Poole was second one point behind and Gerry Cooke claimed third after beating Andy Oz and John Tallett on count back.
Near today went to (Div 1) Martin Grimoldby (2), Shaun McGrady and Paul Smith, and (Div 2) Larry Gibb, John Hughes, Andy Oz and Annamarie Usher.
There was only one ‘2’ recorded in each division, by Paul Smith in the top flight and Andy Oz in division 2.
The Giant Panda tour winner over the three days was Martin Grimoldby with 106 points, seven clear of Paul Smith and Pete Sumner in second and third respectively while Don Head was fourth on 95 and Terry Madsen fifth with 93.
It was a very enjoyable week and all who took part are looking forward to next October’s trip back here to Chiang Mai.
