163 players, including 16 ladies, made the short journey on Wednesday Feb. 22 to the Phoenix Gold golf course, where they played the Lakes & Ocean combination in the latest PAGS monthly event. Although the weather was warm, there was a steady breeze to keep it from being too oppressive, with the groups progressing at a steady pace.
Play was from the white tee markers, with some being well forward, but still the course was the same challenge for all, although the integrity of the course may have been lessened for handicapping purposes.
As with most months, there is usually one or sometimes several outstanding performances for the tournament. This month special mentions should go to the ladies winner & the runner up, who also won a technical prize each. Jeeranan Duncan (H/cap 18) scored an equal day’s best of 43 points to lead the way, to go with her Long Putt on 11, while Samorn Tanamsri (18) signed for 40 points to go with the ladies Long Drive prize.
If you didn’t score 42points as a minimum in the C flight (handicaps 20+) you were not in the prizes. John Hughes (20) led the way home after edging Kjell Ahlund (28) on count back to the last 6 holes 15/13, after both signed for 43 points, with John also getting the technical on Lakes #6. Kevin Johnson (21) hit the minimum 42 points for placings in this flight to get third spot.
The B flight, for handicaps 14-19, was tightly contested with all place-getters separated by only 1 point. Butch Porter (15) was the clear winner on 43 points, while second and third had to be decided on count back. Manny Deftereos (16) and John Anderson (17) both recorded 42 points with the count back being decided on the last 6 holes, 16/14, Manny getting the better of John to supplement his Long Drive on #9.
The A flight (0–13) kept up the tight decisions for the day although the scores were not as high as in the other flights. Lennart Larsson (13) scored 40 points, with a back 9 of 22, to beat Michel Delatraz (12) for top spot, after Michel recorded 19 on the back 9. 3 players signed for 39 points, before Charles Marquez (11) was declared the third place-getter on count back. Steve Truelove & Bob Edwards were the unsuccessful participants, but both compensated with a technical prize success.
Low Gross for the day went to Kevin MackIntosh with his 76, on count back over the last 6 holes from Mark Johnson.
Special mention goes out to Philippe Chalot, holing his 2nd shot on the par 4 Lakes #8 to win the technical prize, and record a 2 for 6 points on his card. There were multiple winners in the technical prizes and getting the maximum 2 prizes was Warren Wood.
Dave was absent from the BBQ this time, but Darren together with his capable staff, kept all attendees well satisfied with their tasty offerings for the night.
The next PAGS tournament is scheduled for March 29, again at Phoenix.
