A large field of 118 golfers assembled at Eastern Star Country Club & Resort on the morning of Saturday, August 18 to take part in this month’s third qualifying leg of the 2012 Chairman’s Cup. The tournament, now in its ninth year, consists of 5 qualifying rounds held at monthly intervals up until October, when the final playoff round will be held and which offers up some great prizes for the winners, including a top prize of a golfing trip to Cambodia.
The Eastern Star course is rapidly improving following recent work by the greenkeepers and was presented in fine condition for this August event; with nicely grassed fairways and extremely slick greens that made putting a game not for those with a nervous disposition. The players were also blessed today with a steady, cooling breeze which took the edge off the baking afternoon heat.
Prizes winners accept their trophies from Pravit Rossawatsuk, Asst. GM of Eastern Star Country Club & Resort, standing 2nd left.
A large turnout by the expat golfing fraternity to join the local Thai golfers proved that the format of this competition in increasing in popularity and offers a great day out at a very reasonable cost.
The large field was split into five separate divisions with the handicap splits coming at 0-8, 9-12, 13-16, 17-20 & 21-24. Scoring was calculated using the 36 system with a maximum handicap allowance of 24. As well as the divisional awards there were also prizes to be contested for near pins, plus long and straight drives.
Thai players dominated the winners’ enclosure on the day with Prakarn Sapphadung taking out the A flight with a fine net 71 for 27 points off his 6 handicap. B Flight honors went to Ronnachai Palasaan (11) with a net 73 (22pts) followed in by Suwan Thipthinkorn and Somkuan Thongruang with 18 and 16 points respectively.
Divisional winners on the podium.
There was a tight finish in the C Flight, with Chalor defeating Satien Pathumsri on count back after they both came in with 16 points each, while Surasak Charoenrat took third just one point adrift.
Scores got progressively worse for the higher handicap golfers as the fast greens took their toll. In the D Flight, top spot went to Paisan Klaiwong (17) on 12 points to finish well clear of Somboon and Viroj, who placed second and third respectively.
Finally, in E Flight, the winner was Kiatpong with a net 71 who finished 2 points up on Nithichote Kaewkhamsaen and Panithan.
Near pin prizes were claimed by Orawan Charuruangpaisan, Lasse Laks, Theerapong Kaewwongsa and Mike Bridge while long drive awards went to Ronnachai Palasarn and Orawan Charuruangpaisan. Finally there were 2 prizes for straightest drives which C Flight winner Chalor took on the 4th hole and Nithichote Kaewkhamsaen claimed on the 11th.
Following the golf, the players assembled in the clubhouse for the prize-giving ceremony followed by a fabulous buffet with free flow whiskey and soft drinks and accompanied by the dulcet tones of a Thai female singer duo.
The final two rounds of the 2012 Eastern Star Chairman’s Cup will take place on Saturday, Sept. 8, and Saturday Oct. 6 with places still available for players wishing to take part. The cost of entry is just 1,500 baht and includes green fee, caddy fee and the prize-giving buffet including free flow drinks. Golfers who pay in advance can enjoy unlimited practice rounds at a green fee cost of just 500 baht on weekdays and 700 baht at weekends.
For more information call 086 377 6744, 084 883 8280 or email chairmanscup@ easternstargolfcourse.com.
A technical award winner receives his prize.
Players get stuck into the delicious buffet.
The Pattaya Mail team pose for a photo.
Sinking a putt on the 18th.
