With no threat of rain in the Pattaya area, Friday August 1st started with cloudy skies as 104 golfers made their way to the Burapha Golf & Resort for the 16th Anniversary Jackalope Open. Registration opened at 10:00 a.m. and after checking in, collecting their anniversary shirt, Jackalope key chain and Jackalope beer cooler, most of the players headed for their favorite spot – the Caesar table for the Canadian breakfast specialty.
Those not brave enough to tackle a Caesar hunted down Woody and his band of 50-50 ticket sellers for the much wanted raffle tickets. By 11:30 everyone headed out to the golf course ready for the shotgun start. Much anticipation hung in the air as individuals prepared their minds towards a good round; of course some of the golfers were thinking when they would see the first “refreshment” cart.
2014 champion Rodney Williams (right) receives the Jackalope trophy from Dale Drader.
With an unusual number of “no shows” this year, one determined to play was Greg Cummins, who after been given 3 sets of wrong directions finally made it to the course at 1 p.m. He quickly registered and ran off to join the rest of his team.
At 12:00 the shotgun was fired and the golfers were off and the field slowly moved around the B & D courses. While out on the course, the golfers were treated to the Blue Moose Sports Bar & Grill pork sandwiches delivered by a fleet of “refreshment carts” and driven by the hard working volunteers.
John Emmerson (right) – winner of Division 1.
With no rain, cool temperatures and not too many hold-ups encountered, the first groups arrived back at the club house in less than five hours. The golfers were treated to a splendid buffet provided by the Burapha staff while they waited for their scorecards to be checked and tabulated by John Emmerson and his team.
With the stalwart Mark Gorda and his world famous Jackalope Jacket out of the country, Lewis “Woody” Underwood stepped in to conduct the award presentations. Woody led off with an introduction of past and present Jackalope committee members and an account of the Jesters and Jackalope partnership, outlining how over 4,400,000 baht has been raised over the past 6 years, which includes funds to cover all the medical costs for two children, Tewid and Fey, living with HIV and severe disabilities.
Capt. Dumrong (right) – winner of Division 2.
It was then time to get into the prize presentations and this began with the technical awards. The Long drive winners were Richard Holt – B5, Danny Larsen – D6, Danny Williams – B9, Penny Snyder – Ladies, Neil Sandilands – Rabbits.
Near pin awards were captured by John Emmerson, Tom Thompson, Chris Harkins, Nuan Russell and Wade Oldenberg on B3; by Simon Philbrook, Russell White, Rodney Russell, Suwanna Kerjaleon and Rob Kennedy on B8; Lumpy Russell, Goort Gelten, Markku Tynell, Tai Kanchana and Joe St. Laurent on D2; and Simon Philbrook, Joe Zonca and Bang Durant on D8.
Bobby Taylor (right) – winner of Division 3.
John Emmerson was the Division 1 winner with a fine 39 points to finish ahead of Lumpy Russell on 37, but Lumpy had the consolation of taking the overall Low Gross award.
The second division honors went to Capt. Dumrong and his sparkling round of 43 points, four clear of Bill Thompson in second and Joe Zonca in third.
Division 3 was topped by Bobby Taylor with an equally fine 43 points while Matt Millar finished second on 39 and Chris Harkins third on 37.
Jeeranan Duncan meanwhile was the winners of the Ladies flight with an even-par 36 points, three up on runner-up Oyjai Wilanan, and Joe St. Laurent won the coveted Rabbits division with 28 points, edging Mark Westendorf on count back.
Then it was time to announce the 2014 Canadian Jackalope Champion, and this was Rodney Williams with a cracking 43 points.
Jeeranan Duncan – winner of Ladies flight.
Finally the much anticipated 50-50 draw prizes were picked with the winners, Mark Westendorf and JB receiving half of the total of 242,000.00 baht collected on the day thanks to the aggressive ticket selling by Woody Underwood, Matt Millar and their whole selling team – both young and old – who sold in excess of 4,500 raffle tickets. Sticky and JB generously donated a very sizeable amount back into the charity.
Joe St. Laurent (right) – Rabbits champion 2014.
The final prize awarded for the day was the Jack Levy – MLG Longest Holed Putt Challenge on hole D9 with the winner Jeeranan Duncan receiving 10,000 baht and the Jackalope Charity receiving 10,000 also.
Thanks go to all the staff at Burapha Golf & Resort for their excellent service provided on the day.
Tournament organizers would also like to thank the following businesses and individuals who either donated their time and staff or helped to raise an outstanding amount in excess of 350,000 for the 2014 charity fund:– Ann & Dale Drader, Baltex Industries, Bill Freeman, Bobby Clark, Bobby Taylor, Clayton (Elwood) Taylor, Jacob (Jake) Taylor, Café Kronberg, Chris Harkins, Jack Levy, Jesters M.C., Joe Ernst, Just Burgers & Staff Children’s Beach Party, Ken Cooke, Kennedy Consulting Thailand Ltd., Little Britain Merchants, Malcolm Clare, Mark Gorda, Matt Millar, Michael O’Halloran, Neil Sandilands, Nova Group & Jameson’s The Irish Pub, Pattaya Mail, Pattaya Sports Club, Paul Ovens, Ray Lepard, Rich Man Poor Man Guest House, Rich Man Poor Man Staff collection box, Rich Wibrow, Sense Of Siam Int., Stephan Hoge, Tahitian Queen, Tai Kanchana Christmas shoe sales, The Beaver Bar, The Golf Club – Brad Sproxton, The Haven – Steven Beard, The Kerr Family (Jason, Mamo, Muffy & Ty), The Links – Russell Exley, Wade Oldenberg, Wayne Ogonoski.
Low gross for the day was won by Lumpy Russell (right).
Thanks also goes to a number of individuals who have pledged support to this year’s tournament, but due to work or other commitments were unable to be here: Donnie Barker, Mike Peters, Rick Moren, Todd Moren, JD Loveladdy, Lorne Stoley, The Lion Pup – Simon, Glen Fiala, JD Crowley, Andy Evans, Rob Kennedy, Kelly Fecho.
Mark Westendorf and JB all smiles as they get their hands on some 50/50 loot.
Great appreciation goes to all the individuals who helped out at the registration and scoring, the Blue Moose staff for the sandwich snacks, the Caesar table “All Star Mixers”, the 50-50 ticket sellers, and all the cart drivers who kept the golfers well stocked with their favorite “refreshments”. It is the effort of all these volunteers that contribute to making the Jackalope Open one of the premier tournaments in the area.
The Jackalope is not just about golf, it is also about giving back to the local community. On this its 16th year, The Canadian Jackalope Open will again be joining with the Jesters Care For Kids charity drive to help provide much needed assistance to the poor or disadvantaged children in the area. For more information, go to website: http://jackalopeopen.org.
Jeeranan Duncan receives the 10,000 baht MLG Longest Putt prize from Jack Levy.
Time for a cheeky refreshment before the off.
Scenic Burapha was presented in magnificent condition for the Jackalope tournament.
A confident trio awaits the Noon shotgun start.
The registration desk – a hive of activity.
Another tee-shot flies straight and true.
A show of strength on the practice green – but it’s on the course that counts.
Pattaya Mail Media Group was a proud sponsor of the 2014 Jackalope Open.
Thumbs up for another great Jackalope tournament.
Colorful attire was the order of the day.
Dazzling smiles on the fairways.
