Jomtien Golf with the IPGC
Monday, March 19, Rayong Green Valley – Stableford
As we walk into the clubhouse the management informs us that all eighteen greens are being sanded at this moment, but there was no mention after a discussion on a reduction in the green fee today. Last year we all remember the par three 16th with a quarter of an in inch of sand and many footprints allover the green, it was impossible to putt. It is decided to carry on as we have not been here for a couple of months and, due to Korean bookings, we will not tee off until after 11.00 a.m. on any course.
After his short trip back to Finland for his medical check Kari Aarnio returns with his OK and cards a 38 for the best score of the day winning division 2 with 38 points. The single French lad Jean Morel is second and two points behind. Miss Chevrolet’s boy, now single so we have been told, as the Burapha caddy has not been seen for many weeks, beat Rudi Schaefer on a 20/17 count back after they both come in with 35 points.
The cut today was 6-16 in division 1 and Kari Kuparinen, playing off 6, wins this division with 36 points. Chris Voller, still off 8, is second one point behind and Ron Miller beats Neville Scurrell on a 19/16 back nine count back after they both come in with 34 points.
Roar Berger with 36 points is top in division 3 with the cut at 21+ in his division. John Williams is second one point behind and Yves Bosset is third on 33.
A rollover from Pattaya Country Club in division 1 in the twos and Kari Kuparinen and Ron Miller split the pot. Bryan Rought in division 2 birdies the 4th to take two rollovers in this division.
Near pins: Div 1. Neville Scurrell, Harry Vincenzi (2) and Chris Voller. Div 2. Mauri Friman, Bryan Rought and Rudi Schaefer.
Everyone’s comment afterwards: the greens were OK and still slick and we are back here in three weeks.
Wednesday, March 21, Crystal Bay – Stableford
We were allocated the B and C courses today but this was changed as we now tee off 30 minutes ahead of schedule on the B with the A course our second nine. There are three divisions for the men with the cut at 5-15, 16-20 and 21+ in division 3. Another warm day here with no breeze and the course was favourable with all.
In the second division Harry Vincenzi is third with 37 points and with 22 on the front nine Jim Connelly is looking forward to a podium position with 39 points but, guess who, Countback Burnie beats him on the back nine 18/17 to take first place after he scores 39 as well.
Three 37’s in division 1 with Fred Land winning on a 19/18/15 back nine count back over Chris Voller and Jason Cole.
Kalevi Wallius wins division 3 with 38. Terry Redding is second three points behind and Mauri Friman beats John Williams 19/17 after they both return scores of 33.
There are an amazing 7 twos today in two divisions, Jason Cole, Ron Miller and Raivo Velsberg in division 1 and John Bassett (2), Mauri Friman and Burnie Sinclair in division 2.
Near pins: Div1. Raivo Velsberg (2) and Chris Voller (2). Div 2. John Basset, Mauri Friman (2) and John Williams.
The numbers are dwindling now over the next two weeks and it is Bon Voyage to John and Selina Williams and Rudi Schaefer.
Friday, March 23, Eastern Star – Stableford
There were ten groups out last night but a couple of cancellations and we are down to nine today. It is an extremely hot day here and the majority of golfers come in exhausted. An overall opinion of the greens since last week, they have improved and we have been told by the management they will get better over the next few weeks.
The fishing boy records the best score of the day winning division 2 with 37 points beating the Irish lad Cully Monks on a 21/19 back nine count back. The organiser is third with a measly 27, 10 points behind.
Jerry McCarthy tops division 1 with 32 beating Frank Kelly on a 20/15 count back. Jon Lay is third with 31.
Before her return to Toulouse Miss Pranne Bosset wins the ladies division with 35 points and also birdies the 13th to make her a happy lady.
Jon Lay is the only winner in the men’s divisions with a two on the 13th as well.
Near pins: Ladies Pranee Bosset (2); Div 1. Jerry McCarthy, Chris Voller and Keith Wooley; Div 2. Roar Berger, Cully Monks, John Sewell and Chris Slota.
