Phoenix Gold was the venue on Friday, October 19 for the 23rd annual T.Q. Masters golf classic, presented by The Tahitian Queen rock n’ roll bar. For those who don’t know, T.Q. is Pattaya’s oldest go-go bar that opened its doors in 1978 and has been at the same address on Beach Road all these years.
The coveted and traditional Green Jacket in this tournament always goes to the player with the best individual stableford score and this year’s contest was the closest it has ever been.
It had been two years since the T.Q. Masters had been held, out of respect to the passing of His Majesty the late King, and the resumption this year was much anticipated. There were 70 contestants in 3 divisions playing the Ocean and Mountain courses. This even included 18 who make the trip down from Bangkok, with a big thanks to Mark Guthrie and the crew.
There was a very organized send off in the morning and the weather was brilliant. For all the rain and lightning around, the players only had to endure a mere splash for just five minutes. The golf course was in excellent condition and the new putting greens with the white picket fencing looked all pro.
There were loads of volunteers for the day, with Bill, Bernie and Queeny passing out the on-course beers helped by Pom, Bee, Su and Nam who doled out the tournament shirts at check-in with Phil and Woody. They also did a great job churning out those legendary Bloody Caesars at the starting gate.
After the round, everyone headed back to the Tahitian Queen for the BBQ buffet dinner provided by The Golf Club on Soi L.K. Metro. Pork mega-ribs, chicken satay, sliders, chili con carne and the best Buffalo chicken wings in town were happily washed down with happy hour beers from the bar.
TGC’s own Capt. Phil gave the best kind of presentation (short) aided by Mama-san Ead passing out the trophies. As mentioned earlier, this was a very closely contested tournament and amazingly, we had all three division winners turn in cards of 43 stableford points.
Richard Anderson (H/cap 9) won the A Flight on 43 and was five clear of Graham Rudd (9) in second on 38 while Trevor Harvey (10) placed third with 35.
Daniel Tobler (19) topped the B Flight with his 43-pointer, David Dawson (12) was close behind in second on 41 and Ross Schiffren (20) had another fine round for third place with 40 points.
Pierre Zbinden (23) was the third player to notch 43 points and won the C Flight ahead of Brian Reid (28) in second on 40 and Dale Drader (28) third with 35.
The Mountain track was used as the count-back decider and Richard Anderson took the Green Jacket courtesy of his better score on that nine.
Near pins were taken by (A Flight) Steve Snelgrove, Trevor Harvey, Richard Anderson; (B Flight) David Dawson, Daniel Tobler, Paul Ovens; (C Flight) Brian Reid, Nigel Henry, Dale Drader, while the Long-Putt (9th on the Ocean course) sponsored by Jack Levy was measured at 20-foot 8 inches and tagged by our Aussie mate Butch Furneaux.
This drinking tournament with a golfing problem was once again a great success and thanks go out to all who participated and to all sponsors and helpers. You are all invited to the T.Q. Masters 24th edition next year. Can it top 70 players? Let’s give it a try!
