PSC Golf from The Billabong Golf Bar
Monday, May 11, The Emerald – Stableford
We were playing Emerald today for the first time in ages. The course was in great condition apart from the greens which were very slow and sandy and this reflected in the scores that were very ordinary to say the least.
Taking first place on a count back over his wife was Wayne Cotterell with 31 points, pushing Eng, his lovely wife into second. I bet there was no dinner for you that night Cottee.
The highlight of the day came from John Anderson who had a deuce on the 15th hole and followed that up with another on the 16th, putting his second shot into the hole for an eagle, good shot mate!
Wednesday, May 13, Green Valley – Stableford
The forecast said ‘70% chance of rain’ and for once they were correct, well at least around the Green Valley area. We were driving towards dark, stormy clouds and the rain started just as we approached the course and, accompanied by thunder and lightning, it grew in intensity and lasted for nearly an hour. But with just a hint that the rain was less than torrential Capt. Bob had the 18 Billabong crew up and running to brave the elements.
(From left) Kevin Wild with Eng & Wayne Cotterell.
We did not have to wait long to cease and after 2 or 3 holes it became a perfect day for golf. But this perfect day was not reflected in the scores as the best of the day was Gentry Harrington’s even par 36 points, closely followed by Wayne Cotterell with 35, who beat Sugar Ray on count back. Bill Marsden, in only his second game in nearly 3 months having spent time in his native New Zealand, came in fourth place with a creditable 34 points.
Despite the rain, the greens were still in near perfect condition but, with many stories of near misses, there were no ‘2’s.
Although the members of Billabong have many complaints about the layout set-up here, we must mention that Green Valley are always doing something to improve the condition of the course and, at the moment, are re-laying and repairing many of the tees.
Friday, May 15, Phoenix – Stableford
Phoenix, on a busy day, this just shows how good this course really is. I think there were no less than five of the golf societies here today but all managed to get around in approx. 4 hours. A big ‘thank you’ goes to the course management and staff for their organization of all the playing groups.
The course was in grand condition with fairways like carpets and the scribe will have to go back there again very soon to visit the one or two bunkers that he missed today.
It was a good turnout today with five groups playing and had near perfect conditions with just a little threat of a storm that never eventuated.
The big winners today were once again the Cotterell clan with Wayne Cotterell coming in third with 39 points, Kevin Wild recording 40 points for second and Eng Cotterell going one better with 41 to take top spot on the podium.
There were three ‘2’s, coming from Andrew Scaiffe, Terry O’Connor and Kevin Wild.
Note: The Billabong is situated just off Siam Country Club Road looking straight down Lake Mabprachan. Give Bob a call on 082 204 3411 if you are looking for a game.
