119 players, including 9 ladies, made the short journey to the Phoenix course on Wednesday, October 21 to play in the latest PAGS monthly golf tournament, the challenge this time being the Mountain & Ocean layouts.
Although the weather was hot & humid, there was a light breeze to keep it from being too oppressive and the groups progressed at a steady pace. Play was off the white tee markers, with some being back and others a little forward, but still the course provided a solid challenge for all. Tee markers were adjusted, as Phoenix was preparing to host the Thailand Ladies Amateur Championships and they were keeping the ladies teeing areas pristine for the tournament.
Jonny Lindberg (centre) was the winner in A Flight.
Most months there is usually one outstanding performance at the PAGS tournament. This time that mention should probably go to a married couple, the Suominens – Olli Pekka (H/cap 9) in the A Flight and Anne Maija (32) in the Ladies. Both figured in the placings in their relevant flights with Olle getting the maximum 2 technicals & Ann also getting a near pin.
Jormi Heinjoki (28) was the only male golfer to break 40 points on the day, leading the C grade, home by a clear 6 points from Roman Lastamet (22) in second and Willem Lasonder (20) getting third.
The B Flight, for handicaps 13-18, was tightly contested, with all placegetters separated by only 1 point. Bjorn Olaf Noren (15) was declared the winner after edging Brian Green (16) on count back, both shooting 38 points each, while in third spot was Staffan Lyrestram (15) with 37 points.
The A Flight (0–12) was another fiercely contested division, with Jonny Lindberg (11) the clear winner on 38 points, while the minor places had to be decided on count back after 4 players all came in with 37 points. Gerd Riedler (8) took the silver after his 20 points on the back-9, with Olli Pekka Suominen (9) getting the bronze after his 19 point back 9.
The Low Gross also required a count back to separate Jack Grinvold & Mike Allidi after both shot a commendable 74 off the stick. Jack won the day this time with his back-9 of 37 to Mike’s 38.
Jack and Mika wait to tee off at Phoenix.
With a field of 9 ladies this month it was Choojai Sawasdee (28) leading the way with a day’s best of 46 points, to go with her long drive prize. She finished ahead of the aforementioned Anne Maija Suominen (32) who shot a more than creditable 41 points.
Special mentions go out to multiple winners in the technical prizes, getting their maximum 2 prizes; among them were Mika Vilkainen & Montri.
BBQ king Dave with his capable staff kept all attendees well satisfied at the prize-giving with their tasty offerings for the night.
The next PAGS event will be held at Pattavia on November 25. Contact Shane on 085 945 9689 to ensure your preferred tee time.
