PSC Golf from The Golf Club Sports Bar & Grill
Monday, August 1, Rayong Green Valley – Stableford
1st Don Bland (4) 41 pts
2nd John Emmerson (9) 39 pts (cb)
3rd Dan Avon (14) 39 pts
4th Noel Pittard (4) 37 pts
Our regular Monday fixture was populated with 18 of Pattaya’s finest clubbers, which for low season was a decent turnout. The skies above were “fontoc boy-boy” as the locals say and by the time we got to the course it had turned out beautiful. Right now, Green Valley is in tip-top shape so there should be no excuses for not shooting well here.
The Australians were out here in full force and being the tough competitors they are, we were in for a battle royal as Noel, Don, Steve and resident Sugar Ray were our mates representing the Southern Hemisphere.
Don Bland.
As it turned out, Don Bland was anything but and turned in his card with a big 41 circled at the top. Well played Don – and also good luck to you and Noel up in Siam Reap as well.
John Emmerson beat Don Avon on count back with 39 as Noel Pittard just missed out with his 37, good but not quite enough Noel!
Wednesday, August 3, Phoenix – Stableford
1st Peter Fagerlund (23) 40 pts
2nd Chris Parr (19) 35 pts
3rd Roger Verville (12) 33 pts
It is so nice to hop over to a course in less than 30 minutes and that is one huge benefit of Phoenix. After the recent rains and wind the course was a little leafy but the greens-keeping staff were out taking care of the carnage. The heat was a factor today and my fellow walkers were starting to question the decision to go cartless on the day. We survived, but next time a buggy would be in order for sure.
Scandie visitor Peter Fagerlund was sensible and took the cart option and maybe it helped him to score the 40 points to be our winner on the day. Peter is a big lad and his game should improve quickly with a few lessons, so watch out!
Chris Parr is a regular visitor to Pattaya from upcountry and a recent addition to The Golf Club gang and we are glad to have Chris on board. Chris was kind enough to get in a round of drinks before heading out to the airport. We quickly headed back to The Golf Club for our Wednesday Steak Night and a few bevvies, of course.
Friday, August 5, Treasure Hill – Stableford
1st Steve Grant (9) 35 pts
2nd Henry O’Brien (19) 32 pts
3rd David Shelton (7) 27 pts
After last month’s PSC Monthly Medal here we just had to come back. Apparently the Saha Group recently bought the course and we observed a great deal of work being done by several dozen staff. There are lots of new but mature tree plantings, improved or new cart paths and decorative features as well being attended to. The only thing I would attack straight away is the 18th green. Get your approach shot close to the pin and it won’t be an issue! I am sure this repair is on their agenda, so be patient, it will be worth the wait.
There is great camaraderie on a trip like this one to Soi Dao.
The course was designed by Yoshikazu Kato who also designed the legendary Blue Canyon in Phuket and Kabinburi Sport Club where we will be on our road trip in early September. Treasure Hill is a great track and if you have not played here you really should put it on your list.
You can’t make many mistakes on this course and expect to win, and Steve Grant did little wrong on the day. The greens proved faster than they looked but not a problem for Mr. Grant.
Someone who shall go unmentioned took a choked down driver on the 215yd 2nd par 3 and stuck it to 8 feet, then sunk the birdie putt only to find out we did not have a 2’s comp on the day. No, it wasn’t Seamless this time, he was up at Soi Dao.
We returned Friday afternoon to The Golf Club in a mere 40 minutes door-to-door, well worth the trip and good luck to Treasure Hill in their improvements to this great course.
August 2 – 4, Soi Dao Highlands Road Trip
It was a busy week for The Golf Club as in addition to our Pattaya schedule, we also ventured out once again to Soi Dao for the monthly road trip. Teacher Jez was the main instigator for this outing and had to get another trip in before school starts. It turned out to be a good idea.
Timing is everything and after loads of rain last week, the ground was moist and springy but not a drop touched a head on the trip as the clouds lifted to a beautiful week in the mountains. The hills were so alive you could almost hear Julie Andrews!
There is great camaraderie on a trip like this and everyone pitches in with wine and cheese, nibbles for après golf, and a few litres of quality spirits.
It was so good to see Papa Mikey Craighead back with us to show Soi Dao rookie Dale Shier the lay of the land on this Dennis Griffiths (Phoenix, Thai C.C.) designed layout. Soi Dao is a special place and this trip was very special for Roger Kohler and Bob Newell as they glided along over the three day tour with some of their best golf seen recently to demolish the competition. Well played lads!
Tour Tip: Soi Dao Highlands has a low season special of 2,200 baht for a single golfer that includes 2 days unlimited golf green fees from check-in and 1 night hotel room with breakfast, a great deal at a great course.
Thanks to all for participating in this week’s fixtures, and don’t forget to check us out on facebook/golfclubpattaya for updates, musings, and scandals in general.
The Golf Club is located on Soi LK Metro, off Soi Buakhao and Soi Diana junction. We can be reached on 085 434 3377 or [email protected] and our is www.golfclubpattaya.com.
