PATTAYA, Thailand – From forty players on Friday to just eighteen on Monday February 17, the Bunker Boys faced logistical challenges due to absent drivers, resorting to alternative transport, including BOLT, to get everyone to Pleasant Valley. Despite the struggle, the players arrived at a course in superb condition, its verdant fairways lush with thick grass, making for an inviting challenge. The early part of the round proceeded under fine conditions, but the back nine brought an unexpected test—a rare rainfall. Though not heavy enough to halt play, it was enough to unsettle some players and lower morale.
Raleigh Gosney, after a stellar 24-point front nine, saw his form collapse in the rain, joining Steve Downes and Hubert Stiefenhofer in struggling through the wet conditions. It was remarkable how quickly the greens softened, with each shot leaving deep pitch marks. Keith Norman, despite an erratic round featuring two birdies and two wipes, secured top honours with 38 points. Kevin LaBar, rebounding from a rough Friday, took second place, showing noticeable improvement. Michael Brett, who had failed to make a putt until the closing holes, managed third. Roger Tuohy played a steady if unspectacular round to claim fourth over Hubert Stiefenhofer. Near pins were won by Raleigh Gosney, Les Cobban, and Mike Milland, who impressively took two.
Results: 1st Keith Norman (20) – 38 points. 2nd Kevin LaBar (13) – 36 points. 3rd Michael Brett (18) – 35 points. 4th Roger Tuohy (13) – 33 points. 5th Hubert Stiefenhofer (16) – 33 points. Near Pins: Raleigh Gosney, Les Cobban, Mike Milland (2)
We welcomed back Mark Stanley after a four-and-a-half-year absence, hoping it won’t be another four years before his next visit. Several regulars, including Steve Evans, Phil Mashiter, and Derek Stephenson, departed, with Alan Howard soon to follow, signalling a potential return to low-season numbers and quicker rounds.
Just as numbers seemed to be dwindling, the Bunker Boys welcomed a fresh influx on February 19, including Aussie regulars Sam Reid and Peter Mac, bringing the field back to thirty. Arriving at Pattavia Golf Course, the group was greeted by an unusually empty course—no golfers in sight. This allowed for an immediate tee-off and a rare, seamless round with no delays, a refreshing change from the usual slow pace. The course itself was surprisingly green, benefiting from recent localized rainfall, making for excellent playing conditions.
The day belonged to high handicappers, with Ian Flannigan posting a sensational 40 points to take first place. Tony Robbins, demonstrating a full recovery from a recent ailment, came just one point short in second. Making a rare appearance, Neil Jones showed strong form with 38 points, a promising sign for Wales ahead of their upcoming rugby match against Ireland. Michael Brett, steady for most of the round, faltered at the last hole but still edged out Hubert Stiefenhofer on countback. Dave Galvin rounded out the leaderboard with 35 points. Near pins went to Billy Shepley, Dave Galvin, Ken Smith, and Danny Miller.
Results: 1st Ian Flannigan (21) – 40 points. 2nd Tony Robbins (27) – 39 points. 3rd Neil Jones (31) – 38 points. 4th Michael Brett (18) – 36 points. 5th Hubert Stiefenhofer (16) – 36 points. 6th Dave Galvin (22) – 35 points. Near Pins: Billy Shepley, Dave Galvin, Ken Smith, Danny Miller.
A drastic shift in numbers saw participation drop to just thirteen on Friday, February 21, likely due to the hefty 2,200 baht all-in fee at Hermes Golf Course. Despite the smaller field, those who played were treated to an immaculately maintained course. However, the day’s biggest challenge came in the form of strong winds, which made scoring difficult and demanded strategic play to keep the ball under control.
Keith Norman continued his strong form, securing his second win of the week with 37 points. His consistent play, combined with steady putting, helped him stay ahead. Ian Flannigan, despite a handicap cut following his earlier win, was just one stroke back in second. Michael Brett, continuing his battle with putting, managed third, but his struggles on the greens left him frustrated once again. Near pins were secured by Dean Nelson, Tony Plummer, Mab Jiwa, and Michael Brett.
Results: 1st Keith Norman (19) – 37 points. 2nd Ian Flannigan (20) – 36 points. 3rd Michael Brett (18) – 34 points. Near Pins: Dean Nelson, Tony Plummer, Mab Jiwa, Michael Brett.
Looking ahead, the Bunker Boys have an exciting schedule with Greenwood up first, followed by Bangpakong Riverside on Wednesday, and Bangpra to close out the month. The golfer of the month title remains wide open, and a strong finish in these final rounds will be crucial in determining the winner. Who will rise to the challenge?
