PSC Golf from The Billabong Golf Bar
Monday, Jan. 25, Phoenix – Stableford
The cold weather has permeated to Pattaya which had early morning golfers desperately searching draws and cupboards at home for warmer clothing. Jackets, sweaters and scarves were the order of the day when we arrived at 8.30 at Phoenix. Stories of 6 degrees in Chiang Mai did not help when you’re standing on the tee, the temperature was about 16 degrees but we had a cold, strong wind reducing the temperature even further. George Barrie said it made him feel at home for it was like a typical summer’s day in Scotland.
Whilst we were playing the Mountain and Lake courses, the sweaters eventually came off, the sun showed its face and we had a very pleasant day.
It’s a work in progress but the new and redesigned bunkers on the Lakes course will offer a suitable challenge to all, as will the new 4th, 5th and par-five 6th holes.
The winning Billabong scramble team: Lloyd Shuttleworth, Bill Marsden, Paul Greenaway and Bob Philp.
The weather may account for only one person playing to his handicap and that was John Locke with 36 points, relegating William Macey to second place 1 shot behind after failing to score on the 18th. Noddy Moyle, with 33 points, did the same to Rob Smith in fourth place with 32 points.
The par 3s at Phoenix were all over 165 yards today with the greenkeepers showing a sense of humour by having the pins in difficult positions, hence no ‘2’s recorded.
Wednesday, Jan. 27, Green Valley – Monthly Medal
Six months ago the first tee, which necessitates a carry over the water of about 180 yards, was rebuilt and, for some reason, has not been used since – until today that is. The last Wednesday of the month is the Billabong monthly medal sponsored by Brian Chapman, CEO of Globaleye Financial Consultants and we were welcomed by this testing first drive to start our medal round.
Many fairways resembled a patchwork quilt with chemicals used to destroy the invasion of alien grass, which has subsequently died and has created a pattern of brown and green. Good to see they are making the effort but there is still much to do.
Bragging rights today went to the New Zealand team as did the rugby world cup of course. They were challenged by 2 Australians only to come second – once again.
Everyone has heard the well-known saying, ‘keep up with the group in front not in front of the group behind’ and this certainly applied to one particular group today who had lost more than two holes by the 18th. They really should take a lesson from the ladies.
There was a four-way count back for the minor podium places on net 73 but 2 ladies came out on top, Miss Da in fifth and Miss Noodle in fourth. Jim Bell avoided a count back, being the only person with a net 72 and he took third place while the runner-up slot went to Peter Le Noury with a net 70.
For the second time this week John Locke had a very rewarding day, outstripping all contenders with a great net 68 to win this month’s trophy. He was the man of the moment back at the Billabong, receiving a loud cheer and applause when he rang the bell.
There were three 2s today, John Locke having one as did Peter Le Noury and Capt. Bob.
Friday, Jan. 29, Plutaluang – Scramble
This was our monthly scramble at a packed Plutaluang, playing East and South and we were away a bit early for a just over 4½ hour round. With 15 teams playing it was all go from the start with everything running smoothly.
The course was in great condition and if you could get the putts to drop you were always going to have a day to remember.
Coming in third today was the team of Ramsay Smith, Rick Culley, Dave Bramley and Jason Barnett with a net score of 58.2, being pipped for second place by the quartet of Neil Decker, Rick Hiate, Ed Horrocks and Don Hatchy with 57.4. The runaway winners however were the squad from the Billabong who took the top spot with 55.9. The team consisting of Lloyd Shuttleworth, Bill Marsden, Paul Greenaway and Bob Philp and they recorded 11 birdies in their round and no bogies.
This event is played on the last Friday of the month and all are welcome to participate. It is just a fun day out for all. Give Bob a call on 082 204 3411 if would like to play.
