Golf from Tropical Golf Group
Tuesday, Oct. 4, Khao Kheow – Stableford
Those who play here regularly know this is a quality course, and also a really difficult one. The test today was the C & A nines and in fine weather we teed off and looked forward to another good day out.
The fairways were great, if a little soft and the ball occasionally picked up a little mud, but the rough was really difficult and once you were in it you had to give it the greatest respect. The greens also played well, perhaps a little slow due to some damp in them but still more than reasonable.
We zoomed around until the 12th hole where we came up behind ‘drive you mad’ 5-ball, and as per last month they did not let us through. It really is sad when this happens. I think enough said.
Round over it was back to BJ’s and into the results. In the A Flight, 0 to 18, the winner was Werner Schwartz with 38 points on count back over Tommy Marshall in second and in third was John Pierrel with 37 points on count back over Gerd Riedler.
In the B Flight the winner was Dick Warberg with 37 points ahead of a count back on 34 points that saw Patrice Poussier in second and Derek Brook third.
Near Pins: Gerd Riedler, Patrick Poussier, Landis Brooks, Jim Ferris.
Friday, Oct. 7, Silky Oak – Stableford
Silky Oak is becoming a regular stop on the Tropical Golfers tour – is there any course with better scenery in the area? Arriving at the big facility, check-in was smooth and most golfers spent some time on the putting green before the long ride out to the first tee. And what a first tee it is! Ok folks, it’s not really a long carry, but for the first swing of the day it can be unnerving, and a few balls were put into retirement in front of a crowd. Look to buy them at the pro shop next time out!
Silky Oak was in good condition – the fairways excellent and greens well covered, but a few complained the greens were a bit bumpy, probably from coring a couple months back. The weather, which started out hot, turned mild and was the best we’ve had for a long time. Despite all the water holes, Silky is famous for generating good scores, and today was no exception.
In first place Landis Brooks showed everyone he hasn’t lost his touch after an extended trip to England by earning 40 points off his enviable 8-handicap. John Pierrel (H/cap 16) was a point back with 39, and Dick Warberg (20) kept up his recent good form with 38 points, and deserving to win the count-back over Brian Parish with a 70-foot birdie putt on 18.
Near Pins: Anders Pedersen, Barry Elphick, Peter Bailey, Landis Brooks, Don Carmody.
