PSC Golf from The Growling Swan
Monday, June 15, Khao Kheow – Stableford
Monday brought 16 golfers at the ready for the Growling Swan’s outing to Khao Kheow, a favourite of many golfers in Pattaya.
We played A & B nines in that order and the course was in good nick, considering the heavy rain in Pattaya overnight. Most found the going quite tough, particularly off the yellow tees with minimal run on the fairways, although this was not the case for Sal Brizzi, our low marker. Sal turned the corner at level par and continued on his merry way to shake off a persistent Peter McDonald.
Today’s scores were generally low and Graham Rice and Freddy Starbeck took advantage to glean a podium finish, just edging out the evergreen Ebrahim.
(Left to right) Peter McDonald, Deefa the Dog and Sal Brizzi, with Rocky Lawson taking a sneak peek.
Rocky Lawson had difficulty timing his putts whilst his playing partners were talking, but he must understand that sledging is compulsory, especially from his riff raff playing partners. It is also rude to putt whilst your group is talking!
1st Sal Brizzi (5) 37pts
2nd Peter McDonald (16) 34pts
3rd Graham Rice (13) 32 pts
4th Freddy Starbeck (14) 29 pts
Near Pins: A3 -Graham Rice, A6 – Sal Brizzi, B8 – Graham Rice
Long Putts: A9 – Rocky Lawson, B9 – Mike Gosden
Thursday, June 18, Pattaya C.C. – Stableford
With a few cancellations after the overnight rain, Thursday’s expectations were high as 16 diehards gathered for the Growling Swan’s outing to Pattaya Country Club. High expectations indeed, because at our last visit the facilities and services had proven to be outstanding, and once again they didn’t disappoint.
The recent heavy downpours have reinvigorated the course and it is presenting extremely well. The management team must be complimented and the level of service provided at Pattaya C.C. continues to rule in the region.
The weather was refreshingly overcast and the rain stayed away thanks to Peter Grey, who spent a small fortune purchasing a wet weather bag cover at the Pro Shop.
Fred Starbeck scored a hard fought victory over Mark Stapleton and Kevin Waycott. Dave Fletcher battled hard to snare a podium finish.
1st Fred Starbeck (14) 38pts
2nd Mark Stapleton (19) 37pts
3rd Kevin Waycott (10) 37pts
4th Dave Fletcher (22) 32pts
Near Pins: Fred Starbeck (2), Kevin Waycott, Rocky Lawson.
Long Putts: Kevin Waycott, Peter McDonald
Golf outlets in Pattaya are ever reliant on a combination of positive proprietors, helpers and faithful patrons. The Growling Swan has enjoyed, for the past month, the company of the 3 amigos (Peter McDonald, Rocky Lawson and Rob Cross). I say 3 amigos, but they were more like ‘The Good, the Bad and the Ugly’ or ‘The 3 Stooges’….. nuck, nuck! These 3 ripping blokes were farewelled heartily and bode Bon Voyage.
Note: For some serious golf with a dash of fun, The Growling Swan welcomes golfers of all persuasions. We generally play on Mondays and Thursdays at any one of the fine courses around Pattaya. Please contact Peter Grey for bookings or any information on 0861 503086.
The Growling Swan also caters to the bowls enthusiasts. Bus transport departs the GS on Wednesdays at 10 AM to play at Cocos on undercover synthetic greens and on Sundays at the same time for open grass bowling at The Retreat. Please contact Paul Rennison on 0843 454005 if you wish to partake. The cost including return bus transport, bowling fees and a hot lunch is less than 400 baht so great value for a day out.