IPGC Pattaya Golf Society at the Links Bar
Monday, July 6, Bangpra – Stableford
On Monday the Pattaya Golf Society took seven groups to play a stableford competition at Bangpra, which was in excellent condition throughout. The weather stayed hot and dry and only a light breeze blew to refresh the golfers and not guide the shot too much.
With two exceptions the day belonged to the Aussies in the field, with only Welshman Huw Phillips and English golfer George Robinson poking sticks into the spokes of the antipodean bandwagon.
The cut was at fourteen and under and in the top flight Huw Phillips posted another fine round of 35 points for third, one behind George Robinson on 36. The winner was new member Matt Timbrell, a six-handicapper with a gross 75 giving him 39 points for the win.
Emerald’s par-5 14th – uphill all the way.
In the second flight new member Kevin Timbrell posted 33 points for third place, with Toby Glass already out of sight in second on 39 points. The winner was Bryan Brown and his 41 points represented his best ever score with the group.
The ‘2’s pot was shared by Matt Timbrell (2), Jon Lay, Mike Dabanovich and David Thomas and the Booby Bevy went to Doug Cairns on his return after a trying day throughout. The non-winners beer draw was won by Graeme Kerr and the presentation saw the new members presented to the group with great hilarity.
Wednesday, July 8, The Emerald (white tees) – Stableford
1st Russell Exley (9) 40pts
2nd Michael Wilkinson (15) 38pts
3rd David Thomas (9) 37pts
4th Kevin Timbrell (20) 35pts
We last played Emerald in January, where we encountered conditions far from ideal. Having received positive vibes over recent times, we decided to return. In place of huge swathes of barren fairway, we encountered lush healthy grass with a carpet-like feel offering perfect lies. In many places where grass growth was absent, we encountered white GUR markings – much more than ever seen previously. The greens had a thick, healthy covering of fine grass that had matted to give a true and consistent putting surface. A little slower than previously, but these greens are in a state where the green-keeper could speed them up at will. Many courses would love to have this much grass on their putting surfaces at this time of year. Finally, the bunkers are well-kept with sand that has been compressed.
The difference in presentation of this course between now and this time last year is marked – and the green-fee is less as well. It was apparent that the Emerald is doing much to win back old customers, and if they maintain the recent good work and keep the green-fee rate to the current 800B, they will succeed.
Our five groups managed six ‘2’s between them; Michael Wilkinson and Russell Exley on the 5th, Kevin Timbrell and David Thomas on the 7th, and Gary Cribbin and Fred Timbrell on 15.
With just the one flight, podium placers were extended to four. New member Kevin Timbrell didn’t take long to make his first podium – his 35 points earning him 4th place. Next was “yesterday’s golfer” David Thomas, who actually managed a sub-par round of 37 points. Today’s winner, mine host Russell Exley, actually blobbed the first before proceeding to play outstanding golf for the remainder of his round. His 40 points, aided by four birdies, was testament to excellent ball-striking.
Back at the Links we welcomed new members Fred, Kevin and Matt Timbrell from Australia. Russell drew Rod Black’s name as the recipient of today’s lucky beer draw, whilst Matt Timbrell, being the only one of the Timbrell clan not to receive a prize, got one after all – the booby bevy.
Friday, July 12, Treasure Hill (white tees) – Stableford
1st Toby Glass (20) 34pts
2nd Stuart Thompson (18) 33pts
3rd David Hobday (18) 31pts
Today the golf course won on two counts. The first was that although going close, our winner’s score of 34 didn’t beat net-par. The second course “win” was their offer of 1050B for green-fee, caddie-fee and cart. The difference between walking and carting was just 150B. With the course in the superb condition it is, this has to be the best value for money offer going – and it goes on until 30 August. We will return!
Off the white tees the course length is 6725 yards, and with many holes having hazards both sides of the fairway this course always plays tough. Today’s decision to play from the whites was based upon the lack of recent rain and the decision proved correct as most fairways offered reasonable run. Fairways were well-presented, as was the sand in bunkers. The putting surfaces all had an excellent covering of grass offering true and consistent putting speeds. This course always gives the impression of being well-maintained and well-run.
Just the one ‘2’ today, and it took something approaching a 40-foot downhiller to somehow make it to the hole before falling in. “Thank Buddha for that” said a thankful Alan Flynn after holing out on the 6th.
With just four groups out today, the podium was limited to three places. New boy David Hobday enjoyed his first podium place with the PGS after a hard-fought 31 points while two points better was a “tiring” Stuart Thompson who managed 33. The still-recuperating Stuart and his tiredness became evident after hitting his tee-shot on the 15th, “I’m struggling to do this now, mate, can’t bring myself to swing through,” he informed those within earshot. His next shot was a 7-wood from 180 yards to within 8 feet. One-putt later he had birdie and four stableford points. Yeah right!
Today’s winner was the ever-improving Toby Glass who, even though he scored 34 points, left more out there than he should have. Toby, only recently returned to the game, can’t improve fast enough according to many; sentiments echoed by Toby himself. Well done mate. You will get there.
Back at the Links, Russell drew out Paul Edgar’s name for the lucky beer draw while the Booby bevy winner was not only forced to endure playing with today’s winner and runner-up, but he did this knowing it was his last round with us this trip. Travel safely Rod Black. Come back soon.
