Pattaya Golf Society (IPGC) at Rabbi’s Elephant Bar
The Pattaya Golf Society visited Phoenix for the first time in a while on Boxing Day to play a post-festive stableford competition over the Lakes and Ocean nines, which were in good condition with quick greens.
The party was divided into two flights at nineteen and under and play got away early on the fairly empty course. As a result of the conditions scores were generally good with Gordon Everingham’s 33 points taking third place in the second flight. Above him was Charlie Charalambous with a splendid 37 point return on his first visit this trip. The flight winner was Larry Ang and his good form continued with an excellent forty-one points to take the flight by storm.
In the top flight Dave Cadwallader and Jean Morel both recorded 37 points for a a share of second place whilst Ray Banks provided the round of the day with 42 points off his gross 75. It was an outstanding effort by the nine-handicapper and it even included a scratched hole.
The ‘2’s pot was shared by Peter Masters, Rick Schramm and Joe Niisato and the Booby Bevy went to Gubbi Innvaer for his low score of the day.
The year was ending well for both Ray Banks and Larry Ang and they can look forward with renewed hope to 2012.
Stumped by the Stimp
On Wednesday, 28th December, the Pattaya Golf Society visited beautiful Bangpra to play its monthly medal round on the course which was superbly presented, with greens of a speed seldom seen away from the television, and which really tested the patience and skill of the two flights.
The cut was at fifteen and under and the large field had to endure a wait before teeing off as the course was well populated with festive Japanese tourists. Plenty of time for the practice green then!
In the top flight Paul Bartlett enjoyed his final round this trip with a net 79, his three rounds this visit being a cameo of the good golf he has discovered after many years of trying in LoS. In second place was Swedish lady golfer Helene Lindberg with net 78 but both were a long way behind winner David Milne who once again treated himself to a round of power with a return of net 74.
In the second flight Ronnie Ramsay sat in third place with net 79, a couple behind runner-up Gary Bolger on net 77. The winner was Jean Morel with net 74 who showed that length is not a prerequisite for success at Bangpra, so much as accuracy, touch and feel on the tricky greens.
There were no birdie ‘2’s and the Booby Bevy went to Ray Banks for an uncharacteristic dozen on hole number four, after his career best in Thailand of 42 points only two days previously. Bangpra in this condition needs special skills and the rest of the field will feel more at home on the greens elsewhere as the New Year approaches.
The ‘Boss’ draws the curtain in style
The final competition day of 2011 for the Pattaya Golf Society was played out at Century Chonburi on Friday, 30th December under a cloudless sky and on a course which has been transformed, with newly sanded bunkers and the provision of rakes! Fairways were still dry and hard but the greens showed some tasty pace and consistency. In all truth the four red bills that are exchanged for a round there are astounding value on a public holiday and a prompt start with no delays elsewhere on the course made for a very enjoyable experience indeed.
Liam Slattery, making his competitive debut with the group, surprised himself with 29 points to share third place with the old warhorse Pat Murphy and a couple of points ahead was Dave Cadwallader, continuing his good form this trip. The winner, fittingly perhaps, was Mr Len and his level par round was the perfect way to close a tough year both personally and in golf terms.
There were no birdie ‘2’s and Larry Ang’s “hero-to-zero” performance was duly recognised with the Booby Bevy.
The PGS is extremely grateful for the loyalty and support shown by its members throughout a tough year and looks forward to better times ahead. Thus the curtains were drawn on 2011 with the PGS and as the “Old Man with the Beard” headed for the door the Soi Buakhao group were left to ponder the new. Health, happiness, a firm stroke and a deft touch are certainly on everyone’s wish list.
