PSC Golf from the Billabong Golf Bar
Monday, Jan. 18, Phoenix – Stableford
Nineteen golfers made their merry way to Phoenix GC to find that a few others, quite a few in fact, had the same idea. But the starters at Phoenix are well organized (if only all courses were as efficient) and there was no delay starting the second nine, with us completing 18 holes in less than 4 hours.
We were a little disappointed that we did not play the Lakes course but, perhaps next week. The view is always picturesque looking from the clubhouse but there is an old saying that you should take time to smell the roses. Along the right hand side of the 3rd on the Mountain course are 2 dozen or so trees with the most magnificent yellow flowers forming a beautiful carpet of petals underneath where the flowers had fallen. Just an indication of how good my golf was at this time.
Wednesday’s lady winners: Noodle, Nu and Pin.
Back at the Billabong we discovered that Bill Lutton lost to George Barrie on a count back for third place on 35 points but the talkative Canadian, Gentry Harrington, excelled with 38 points to win the day.
Three 2s today but only 2 recipients as Bill Lutton had a good day to bag a brace and Noddy had the other.
Wednesday, Jan. 20, Green Valley – Stableford
42 golfers today and first impressions when standing near the first tee were that you were looking at a fashion show displaying the latest designs in fashion attire for golfers, with labels showing the designer to be Versace, Ralph Lauren, Adidas, Nike and others. The ladies usually adopt a common colour scheme and this week they were resplendent in black shirts and white shorts/skirts in brilliant co-ordination. The men have a different technique with all the colours of the rainbow on display very often in the same piece of clothing. A truly colourful scene to start the day.
The greens here were, once again, slow and the problem with not being able to reach the hole is to over compensate and you find you have a 6-foot putt back for your par – or worse.
Selwyn, who the previous week re-designed a bunker on the 5th hole, obviously sort wiser counsel, improved his skills and was able to get up and down from bunkers on 2 holes – he said.
Count-backs were the order of the day to separate those at the top, with Auke Engelkes missing out to Geoff Stimpson for third place, both with 35 points in total. Likewise, Gerry Hughes lost out on top spot to Robert Marsh after both players returned 37 points.
In the ladies competition, Miss Nu was back to her best to lead the way with an excellent 38 points, relegating Miss Noodle to second spot on 36 and Miss Som took third with 35 points.
The ‘2’s today were shared between Tony Oaks, Gerry Hughes and Geoff Stimpson, the latter finishing a good day with two.
Friday, Jan. 22,
We turned up with 9 groups today, 2 more than we had reserved and our thanks goes to the staff for getting us all on the course as it was packed to the eye balls with golfers. We had to play as 7 five balls in the end but we got around in about 4½ hours which wasn’t too bad. The course was in fantastic condition with greens that are as fast as any around.
The scoring was very good and there was a 3-way count back for fifth place on 36 points that saw Pat Regan edge out Bob Philp and George Barrie on count back. Allan Bartlett placed fourth with 37 points and Lumpy Russell was third with 38. Another count back was required to ascertain that Peter Stonebridge had won the day over Chris Dodd, both tied at the top with 40 points each.
There were five ‘2’s, coming from Paul Sharples, Noddy Moyle, John Locke, Ray Adam and Bob Philp.
