IPGC Pattaya Golf Society at The Links Bar
1st Jon Batty (9) 39pts
2nd Tomas Nilsson (12) 38pts
3rd Stuart Thompson (18) 37pts
Last time we played here was just two weeks ago, also on the B & C nines. That day saw some complain about the lack of grass on the newly upgraded B nine fairways. Not today. Monday 8 June saw these fairways back to their normal high standard. In fact the whole course was a delight to play and even the rain kept itself to just a light drizzle as we enjoyed cooler temperatures for a welcome change.
Pattavia – one of the best value for money courses in the area.
Just three groups today as we await the return of many regulars. Stableford from the yellow tees was today’s challenge and all three prize-getters broke net-par, with the constantly recovering Aussie Stuart Thompson proving his net-73 here, just two weeks ago, was no fluke by posting 37 points for third place. Just one ahead was big-hitting Swede Tomas Nilsson with a well-played 38 point round but today’s winner, and three points better than net par, was Englishman Jon Batty whose 39 points suggest he is back in form.
Back at the Links, Mr Len drew the name of David Thomas as recipient of today’s lucky beer draw while the booby bevy went to Gary Bolger for the bad luck that transpired on the 9th – having his ball taken by the group in front. With no knowledge as to where it had come to rest, he went back to the tee to play his third. Having stood on this tee previously, with 17 points already banked, it clearly affected him as the remaining 10 holes yielded just 8 stableford points.
Jon doubles up
Another hot day dawned on Wednesday, 10th June as the Pattaya Golf Society travelled to Bangpra to play a stableford competition on the well prepared course. The under-achieving rain gods have produced a dry course and the levels of the on-course ponds and reservoirs have never been seen as low. Fairways have held up remarkably well and the greens were of their usual Bangpra consistency and pace. Good scoring at Bangpra is always a challenge and the group did well to achieve an average of nearly 32 points each.
John Mason’s imminent departure saw him generously sponsor near pins on the eighth and twelfth holes and these were won by Andrew Purdie and Jon Batty.
In the main event Tony Campbell and Russell Exley tied for third place with 34 points each and Aussie Leigh Abbey celebrated his final round this trip with a second placed level par finish. The day’s winner was Jon Batty, echoing his Monday performance with another fine sub-par round of 37 points.
There were no birdie ‘2’s and the consolation beer went to non-winner Mr Len while Larry Gibb’s nineteen-twelve split was good enough for the Booby Bevy as he conceded a back nine to match his front nine would have given him victory.
Bangpra is always a stern test of golf and this time the PGS found some golfers to match.
Toby breaks the ceiling
1st Toby Glass (23) 40pts
2nd Stuart Thompson (18) 37pts
3rd Huw Phillips (13) 34pts
Friday, June 12, the Pattaya Golf Society returned to Pattavia after an absence of some months, to find the course beautifully prepared. From immaculate tee-boxes and well-grassed fairways, to fast but evenly-paced greens, this course was a delight to play. Well maintained bunkers with compact sand and well-kept surrounds make these sand-traps the best this writer has encountered in Thailand. At 550 baht green-fee, this course represents excellent value-for-money.
Our modest turn-out of just three groups teed-off on time and in good weather, but with rain clouds threatening. There were two ‘2’s, coming from Stuart Thompson on the 4th and Orawan Meeraka on the 13th, which meant a reduction in the podium payout.
Playing his first round since his return this week, Welshman Huw Phillips compiled a credible 34 points for third place. Three shots better was the ever-improving Stuart Thompson with a one-under par round of 37, but three shots better again, and also playing his first round since a break away, Aussie Toby Glass compiled an excellent 4-under 40 pointer, after blistering the first nine with 24 points. There will be more to come from Toby as he seeks to lower his recently acquired handicap. An ESR is imminent.
Back at the Links, Mr Len drew the name David Thomas as the lucky beer recipient, whilst the booby bevy went to him that played the most golf – well done Evan.
A most enjoyable day out on a golf course whose presentation is markedly better than many we play currently. And congratulations to our three podium placers, especially to winner Toby Glass, well played.
