PSC Golf report – Growling Swan – Stableford
Monday, Feb. 1, Pattavia – Stableford
Twenty six punters gathered in Soi Chaiyapoon eager to take advantage of the 1,650 baht green fee, caddy and cart deal on offer at Pattavia.
Climatically it was warm, the course was in good condition and with the usual velodrome type greens being quite slow, it assisted in contributing to good scores.
Two grades today, with scratch to seventeen being the senior one and eighteen plus, the junior. In the A grade, Martin Todd handed in thirty seven points and despite Mark Stapleton’s game sparkling like the duco on a new Ferrari, he was rolled on a count back. Third spot went to J.J. Harney, also on count back from Stu Rifkin, both players finishing with thirty six points.
(L to R) Martin Todd, JJ Harney holding a photo of his new grandson, and Khan Speechley.
B grade saw Khan Speechley score thirty six points, Jim Carlson thirty five, Alex Field thirty four and Pat Kavanagh propped it up with thirty two.
In a display of ineptness not seen since gallstones and coals of fire wreaked havoc on Sodom and Gomorrah, Mike Gosden scored a miserable twenty five points indicating retirement may be imminent.
A Flight (0–17)
1st Martin Todd (10) 37pts
2nd Mark Stapleton (16) 37pts
3rd J.J.Harney (13) 36pts
4th Stu Rifkin (16) 36pts
B Flight (18+)
1st Khan Speechley (19) 36pts
2nd Jim Carlson (20) 35pts
3rd Alex Field (19) 34pts
4th Pat Kavanagh (28) 32pts
Near Pins: Denis Steele, Bill Steinmann, Don Richardson, J.J. Harney.
Long Putts: Martin Todd, Don Richardson.
Thursday, Feb. 4, Mt. Shadow – Stableford
Three buses awaited the 29 players eagerly anticipating the Growling Swan’s visit to Mountain Shadow on Thursday. On the way to the course the serious subject of gimme’s arose. Now, we all know lots of ‘golfers’ play gimme’s (not supposed to in Pattaya), but they are an important part of the game in match play. Most of us are masters of the practice swing and the gimme putt and we should also ensure that ‘it is not a gimme if you’re still away’.
Kev Waycott (left) with Russell Calcutt, Graham Buckingham and Sarah holding D-For.
In perfect conditions we played off the blue tees and although at 6,200 yards it was a little short for some (long for others), the tricky greens sorted out the majority.
Welcome returnee Graham Buckingham has unfortunately been lame of late. We are always aware of the injured golfer and on his return from a long layoff Buckers enjoyed a great day out. The lone soldier to break his handicap, Bucker’s loves his golf! He finds it much easier to get up at 6 a.m. to get ready for golf than at 10 a.m. to clean the condo.
A participant in the recent World Scrabble Championships in Perth, the eloquent Buckers suggests that every time he makes a birdie, he must subsequently make two triple bogeys to restore the fundamental equilibrium of the universe.
Graham Rice squawked his way to another podium finish and Ebrahim and Alex Field calmly claimed another good score. First gamer Paul Jackson also enjoyed a fun day to return a creditable effort.
A Flight (0-19)
1st Kevin Waycott (8) 34pts
2nd Ebrahim (17) 33pts
3rd Alex Field (19) 32pts
4th Graham Rice (13) 30pts
B Flight (20-36)
1st Graham Buckingham (26) 39pts
2nd John Anderson (29) 33pts
3rd Paul Jackson (36) 32pts
4th Kae Dayton (20) 30pts
Near Pins: Kevin Waycott, Piere Cere, John Anderson, Graham Buckingham
Long Putts: Peter Grey
Back at the Growling Swan, Jock paraded charity dog ‘D-For’ who gleefully received significant donations from the happy clan. Please keep in mind that All ‘D-For’ donations this month and next month are going to the families of the caddies who were killed leaving the Pattaya CC after work. The balance to date is over 8,000 baht.
Note: For some serious golf with a liberal dose of fun, the Growling Swan welcomes golfers of all persuasions. We generally play on Mondays and Thursdays at any one of the fine courses around Pattaya. Please contact Peter Grey for bookings or any information on 0861 503086.
The Growling Swan also caters to the bowls enthusiasts. Bus transport departs the GS on Sundays at 10 am 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 less than 400 baht so great value for a day out.
