PSC Golf from the Tropical Golf Group
Tuesday, Feb. 23, Bangpra – Stableford
The group met a bit later and left for a 12 o’clock tee off on Tuesday. At that time of the day the roads were quite good, so we were still at the course a bit early. One good point is that the book in at this time is quick and easy and so all the players were on the first tee in good time.
The course is a bit dry at this time of the year, and the ponds a bit short of water, however hit the ball down the middle and you could find grass, but a bit off line and the ground was dry. The greens also were a little hard and we all know what dry greens at Bangpra means, really fast, and as such they proved a bit tricky.
Landis Brooks (left) receives the Golfer of the Month award from Lek (2nd left), as John Davis and visitor Anna look on.
We played well into the second nine before the monkeys showed themselves. In fact there was only a couple of holes to go and they did not cause too much trouble, although one did get into my cart for a few seconds. The biggest problem we had was that three groups were slipped in in front of us at half way, so whilst it was always going to be late when we finished, it became much later still.
Back at home base we were quickly into the results. In the A Flight, 0 to 18, the winner was Bob Watson with 37 points ahead of Ted Morris on second with 35. We then had a count back on 32 points that saw Landis Brooks in third, John Davis in fourth and Mashi just missing out.
In the B Flight the winner was Paul Weatherly with 41 points, a fine round and one that has been coming for some time. We then had a count back on 37 points that saw Dick Warberg in second and Barry Oats in third. In fourth was Tom McDowell with 35 points.
Near Pins: Tommy Marshall, Bob Watson, Keitchi Kasami, Jim Ferris
Long Putts: John Hackett, Derek Brook, Don Carmody
Friday, Feb 26, Crystal Bay – Medal
It was an extra special Friday for the Tropical golfers! Once in a while the coveted Monthly Mug and Golfer of the Month fall on the same day and there was a lot at stake. Anyone can win the Monthly Mug during medal play and several golfers also had a chance to win the BJ’s sponsored Golfer of the Month. Twenty-two hopefuls showed up at BJ’s Holiday Lodge to check the GOM standings, and gaze hopefully at the lovely Mug on display. Several players had the chance to win both!
The venue was Crystal Bay, a good choice for stroke play as the course is forgiving but not boring, and several holes require pre-shot strategy. The B-course is now open and we were favored to play that nine, along with the more familiar C-course. Crystal Bay is in overall good condition, and represents excellent value.
Paul Weatherly (left) with Bob Watson.
The scores came in and everyone met back at BJ’s to await the announcements. Amazingly the same person had the best round of the day to win the Monthly Mug, and also won Golfer of the Month! A big toast to Landis Brooks. Landis has been on the podium regularly lately, and when you’re hot you’re hot. Landis is a twice Monthly Mug winner and back-back GOM.
Landis (h’cap 7) won with a net 69, then came John Davis (13) with net 70, Tom Herrington (14) net 71, followed by the Brian’s, Gabe (17) and Parish (12) both with net 72.
Special thanks to Lek and Bill Jones and the staff of BJ’s Holiday Lodge on Soi 3 for sponsoring the Golfer of the Month award. Without them there would be no GOM award, and everyone appreciates it.
Near Pins: John Anderson, Maurice Roberts, Landis Brooks, Richard Kubicki.
Long Putt: Tom Herrington.
