PSC Golf from the Pattaya Links Golf Society
Wednesday, Jan. 10, Treasure Hill – Stableford
A Flight
1st Pierre Cere (13) 30pts
2nd Ray Banks (12) 30pts
3rd Laurie McBride (14) 29pts
B Flight
1st John Anderson (29) 36pts
2nd Niall Caven (18) 28pts
3rd Larry Slattery (20) 28pts
Once again we awoke to the surprise of a drizzling overcast morning but we had just one cancellation and two serial no-shows to leave us with 26 starters.
During the first six holes we had some light on again off again sprinkles, until it stopped completely for the rest of the way. Bearing in mind that the course had taken some rain overnight and in the morning, once again Treasure Hill turned it on for us. Even though there were some wet patches here and there, we used ‘lift, clean and place’ and the fairways were in great condition, as were the greens. The front nine greens slowed because of the moisture, but by the time we made the back half they were running nicely for us.
Scores were nothing to write home about, as is very often the case at this course, with only the ‘Treasure Hill specialist’ John Anderson recording 36 points to finish well clear of the rest in “B” flight. Niall Caven scored 28 to finish second, talking it on a count-back from Larry Slattery.
The best the “A” flight could muster was 30 points from Pierre Cere to beat Ray Banks on count-back. Laurie McBride filled third spot with 29 points.
Of the four near pins, only three were claimed, going to Larry Slatterty (No.6), Brian Davidson (no.13), Berndt Motzenbacher (No. 17).
Best nines for non-winners went to Bill Copeland (front, 15pts), and Chris Walsh (back, 16pts).
Looking at the low scoring, we wondered just how low the score would be for the “wig”. It was very low…not telling, but the recipient was a newcomer to Links and Kitae Kim was surprised and had some fun wearing the “wig” for the camera.
Friday, Jan. 12, Bangpra – Stableford
A Flight
1st Colin Smith (13) 36pts
2nd Laurie McBride (14) 30pts
3rd Wayne Peppernell (14) 29pts
B Flight
1st Niall Caven (18) 33pts
2nd Frank McArdle (18) 30pts
3rd Jake O’Neill (18) 29pts
C Flight
1st Ken Hole (21) 35pts
2nd Peter Henshaw (27) 32pts
3rd Brian Davidson (21) 31pts
What a difference some rain makes to grass. There have been the one or two surprise showers about recently and Bangpra has benefitted greatly. Today we found grassed fairways mown to just the right height to allow for easier striking of the ball and looking a treat and the dams were almost full again. Quite a scenic view, if you have time.
The legendary fast greens were in excellent condition, although not as fast as we have known them, but allowed the putt to run smoothly and truly, and you can’t ask for more than that.
This is always a tough course and some good tactical thinking is/should be involved. Of our 37 players, only one managed to play to his handicap.
Welshman Colin Smith, in a return to form, handed in a card with 36 points to win A Flight quite comfortably. Laurie McBride had 30 points for second place and Wayne Peppernell won a controversial count-back for third with his 29 points.
B Flight saw Niall Caven take the honours, in another consistent showing, scoring 33 points. Good Mates Frank McArdle and Jake O’Neill filled the other two places with 30 and 29 points respectively.
Sometime visitor Ken Hole was successful in the C Flight, racking up 35 points and finishing 3 clear of Peter Henshaw’s 32. Brian Davidson was right behind them with his 31 points.
The four near pin awards were won by Rod Stevens (hole 2), Helene Lindberg (8), Peter Wilson (12), Ronnie Ramsey (17).
The best front and back nines for non-winners came from Bill Copeland (front, 19pts) and
Mikael Lindberg (back, 18pts).
