IPGC Pattaya Golf Society at the Links Bar
February finished on a high note for the Pattaya Golf Society as the group visited an excellent Crystal Bay to play a stableford competition on Monday, 29th, in two flights cut at sixteen, The weather was sublime and the course in fine trim and good scores were on the agenda.
A full course saw slow progress made but the strong breeze kept the golfers comfortable as they went about their task. In the top flight three golfers shared second place with a surprising 32 points each. They were Masa Takano, Peter Wilson and Paul Hubbard and Masa also enjoyed a share of the ‘2’s pot, with Kevin McConnell for his efforts on A8. Kevin’s triumph came on B4. The flight winner was John Chelo with 33 points.
Wichai Tananusorn (left) collects a rare Booby Bevy from Mr. Len.
The second flight was a more exciting affair with Mr Len returning to the field with 35 points for third place and Larry Slattery enjoying a level par 36 points return. The plaudits all went to the jovial Jersey giant, “Big” Phil Mitchell, whose round was his best for a long time with the group. Forty points was a splendid return for a golfer who has threatened a round like this for a week or two.
Crystal Bay at present is in excellent condition and for golfers wanting the experience of a true “resort” type course there is no better option locally than Crystal Bay. Go on, spoil yourself!
Tight again at Khao Kheow
The Pattaya Golf Society visited the fine course at Khao Kheow on Wednesday, 2nd March to play a stableford event on the B and C nines which were in excellent condition, with quick greens and well grassed fairways. The day was hot and the constant breeze of Monday was missing, leaving a few red faces and some tired limbs.
Scores were very close and the competition in both flights was keen. The cut came at 11.7 and there were some golfers in the second flight who have not had the pleasure of such a lowly position for a while. But the course was there to be played regardless of status.
In the second flight there were no birdie ‘2’s and lady golfer Yarida Kabinpong showed her skill for the first time this trip with 34 points for fourth place. Sharing runner-up place with 35 points was a brace of Welshmen, Mr Len and Huw Phillips. The winner was accomplished Canadian golfer Kevin McConnell with 36 points.
In the top flight Pete Dunsmore managed a birdie ‘2’ on the signature B8 hole and saw Pete Sumner and Brian Beaupre share third place with 34 points as he enjoyed second with 37 points. The winner was newly renewed member Alan Thomas with an excellent 38 points off his five handicap, giving him the best gross of the day as well.
Peter Wilson enjoyed a rare Booby Bevy after a low front nine 0f 11 points was balanced by a sub par 19 on the back. A slow starter Peter!
Ferris fares best at Emerald
Currently The Emerald course is in fine condition and the Pattaya Golf Society visited there on Friday, 4th March to play a stableford event with a moderately sized field.
The excellent consistency of the greens allowed five golfers to achieve birdie ‘2’s and a small remittance went to Seil Pete, Brian Tully, Masa Takano, Larry Slattery and Jim Ferris.
The leaderboard had Larry Slattery and Mr Len sharing third place with 34 points, with Seil Pete holding down second with 35, which also represented the best gross of the day, 79 shots. The winner was Jim Ferris, so consistent these days, and his 37 points was yet another sub-par round on his CV. Well done Jim and one suspects there are still more rounds like this lurking somewhere in your golf bag.
The presentation saw a rare Booby Bevy go to Wichai Tananusorn, taking time off from his farming exertions in Chiang Mai. His low score showed the impact of his new lifestyle on his golf, but as a consolation his strawberries are certainly something to behold!
