PSC Golf from The Billabong Golf Bar
Following the charitable contributions made by the Billabong Golf Bar to children with special needs, Bob Philp, accompanied by Noodle Russell, Liab Chaiinson and William Macey attended the official opening of the new centre at the Fr. Ray Foundation on January 28. The ceremony was conducted by H.R.H. Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn and the above mentioned quartet received, in person from the Princess, a plaque and certificate thanking the Billabong for their generosity.
Another charity golf day will be held on June 21 when further donations will be made to children in need.
Monday, Feb. 1, Phoenix – Stableford
Where did January disappear to? February the 1st and we are progressing at a pace to the low season. Who said hooray? Whilst many courses are experiencing problems with certain visitors from overseas, Phoenix seems to have it all under control.
It did not bode well however when we arrived at 8.30 to find the car park was busy with a number of mini buses parked. We need not have worried though for there is never a problem at Phoenix with the starters and there’s never any fear of a five-ball jumping in on the 10th hole. Even the changing room attendants spread the load to avoid everybody standing on top of each other – now that has to be a first.
It was hot standing on the first tee but, to our relief, the clouds emerged as did a brisk breeze to cool things down. Mountain and Lakes were the nines coming under attack from the Billabong regulars and a three-way count back on 35 points was required to determine all three places today, with Rob Smith losing out to Glynn Davies in second place. Lloyd Shuttleworth had only his second win since returning to Thailand, registering 19 point on the back nine.
The par three’s are not easy at Phoenix but one went to Hans Lemstra and the other to Rob Smith with only a 12 inch putt on the Lakes 2nd hole.
Wednesday, Feb. 3, Green Valley – Stableford
Ancient rivalries came to the surface again this week when Wayne Cotterell and John Player could not live with the embarrassment of the Aussies always being the bridesmaids to the New Zealanders, not only in the rugby world cup but, more importantly, in last week’s Billabong Challenge.
The gauntlet was hurled to the floor, once again, challenging Capt. Bob and Lloyd Shuttleworth, 2 lads who hail from the little islands east of Australia, to another match. Back at the Billabong, the smiles said it all. 2 up on the 9th, NZ were confident of winning but this was not to be for the Aussies overwhelmed their opponents winning by 2 holes. Bob and Lloyd proclaimed their opponents were lucky, which was vehemently denied by John and Cottee.
Lloyd took some measure of revenge, winning the individual comp for the second time this week with 39 points and relegating Cottee to second place, one point behind. Keith Allen, using his driver for the first time this trip, had 21 points on the back nine to finish in third, with Bob Findlay taking fourth with 35 points.
In the ladies flight Miss Nu, always there or thereabouts, won on a count back from Miss Da with 35 points for third place and Miss Sa claimed second spot with 36 points, just missing out for top spot to Miss Karn who posted 37.
The greens appeared to be easy today for there were eight ‘2’s, coming from Miss Sa, Miss Phaeng, Lloyd S (2), Kevin H, Noddy, Pat K and William M.
Friday, Feb. 5, Burapha – Stableford
Burapha was in great condition Friday and we played the C and D loops which were a pleasure to play for a change. Both courses were packed to the eyeballs with teams from all over the place. We managed to get away to an early start and were round in just on 4 hours. We had a rather small field today with just 4 groups playing but we just had a good day out.
It was a windy day out there and this was reflected in the scores with the Hong Kong copper Glyn Davies taking the top spot with a mere 34 points. In on second place was Bob Philp with 32 points, taking that prize on a count back over Peter Shaw.
There were four ‘2’s, coming from Lloyd Shuttleworth, Gary Ritchie, Peter Shaw and Bob Philp.
