PSC Golf Bunker Boys @ The Ranch
Monday, Nov. 10, Pattavia – Stableford
It seemed like high season had suddenly arrived as 22 golfers turned up at The Ranch, meaning that we would have two divisions for the first time since mid-April. There had been no rain for the previous two days and the sun was shining brightly this morning, so hopefully we can also look forward to the end of the rainy season.
There was no question of needing to use winter rules today as the fairways were in excellent condition, but one of my playing partners was heard to comment that they’re starting to look a little dry and could probably do with a quick downpour! The greens were considerably faster than when we last played here a few weeks ago, and the severe slopes on several of the holes quickly caught out the unsuspecting players.
Eddie Kelly (right) with brother Peter.
Recently arrived veteran Tony Scambler took the honours in the “A” Fight with 39 points, three points clear of Mike Johns and Keith Hemmings who had to be separated on a count back. The star performance of the day however, came from amiable Aussie golfer Les Burns, who chalked up his second overall win of the year so far with a great score of 40 points, also taking the honours in the “B” Flight in the process. Tore Eliassen, who had won the Poppy Day tournament the previous Friday, continued his newly found good form scoring 38 points to take second place ahead of Mike Corner, with Keith Hemmings being the unlucky player to miss out, losing on a count back.
A Flight
1st Tony Scambler (10) 39pts
2nd Mike Johns (17) 36pts
3rd Keith Hemmings (17) 36pts
B Flight
1st Les Burns (31) 40pts
2nd Tore Eliassen (20) 38pts
3rd Mike Corner (19) 33pts
Near Pins: Keith Hemmings, Keith Norman, Geoff Williams and Peter Allen.
Wednesday, Nov. 12, Bangphra – Stableford
It was certainly confirmed that the high season had arrived today as thirty players turned up at The Ranch for our Stableford competition at the monkey course. It’s always this time of the year when we start welcoming back the annual visitors for their winter golf season, and we set off down the 7 motorway in good spirits.
Once again the sun was shining brightly and although the car park was busy, there was no delay and we teed off on schedule from the 10th tee. It was soon evident that the mowers had been unable to reach the rough for several days, and certain areas were truly penal as several players found out to their cost.
It’s usually the tricky greens which sort out the men from the boys here, but today it was more a question of who could stay out of the rough, and it was regular visitor Eddy Kelly who emerged victorious on the day, and he was also the only player to play to his handicap.
The cut was set at 16.9 and Geoff Parker won the “A” Flight on a count back ahead of John Graham, both with a modest score of 32 points. Gordon Melia continued his run of steady form to take second place in the “B” Flight with 35 points, but the majority of the players returned scores that they would rather forget.
We don’t have a wooden spoon award, but one regular player (hcp.19) returned a horrendous score of 13 points, but we’ll withhold his name to save his embarrassment (he probably spent most of the round in the rough).
Surprisingly it was a day when your scribe didn’t see a single monkey on the course, but our group did have close encounters with four sizeable monitor lizards, all part of an enjoyable day’s golf on one of the most attractive (and challenging) courses in the area.
A Flight
1st Geoff Parker (15) 32pts
2nd John Graham (11) 32pts
3rd Geoff Cox (14) 30pts
B Flight
1st Eddie Kelly (20) 36pts
2nd Gordon Melia (17) 35pts
3rd Steve Durey (20) 32pts
Near Pins: Keith Hemmings, Keith Norman, Geoff Williams and Peter Allen.
Friday, Nov. 14, Mt. Shadow – Stableford
Another good turnout today for our competition at Mountain Shadow and when we arrived at the course it appeared to be busy, but we were still able to tee off on schedule. We were following another local society, but the pace of play was reasonable and the round progressed smoothly.
Playing from the blue tees this course is still shorter than most other local courses that we play, but the greens are always tricky, and it always presents a stern test. The condition of the fairways and greens was good and a marked improvement over many that we have played over the past several (wet) weeks.
As is normally the case here the lower handicappers produced the best scores with Mike Johns taking first place in the A flight, beating Geoff Parker on a count back, with Thomas Nyborg taking the third spot. Gordon Melia continued his good run of form to win the honours in the B flight, one point clear of Eddie Kelly, who was playing his final game before returning to Ireland for a winter break. Ken Davidson took third place in only his second game back, and is obviously gearing up for next week’s Memorial tournament in which he was narrowly beaten into second place last year.
A Flight
1st Mike Johns (17) 39pts
2nd Geoff Parker (15) 39pts
3rd Thomas Nyborg (17) 37pts
B Flight
1st Gordon Melia (17) 34pts
2nd Eddie Kelly (20) 33pts
3rd Ken Davidson (21) 32pts
Near Pins: Gordon Melia, Les Burns, Mike Corner and Mike Johns.
Note: The PSC affiliated Bunker Boys play out of The Ranch bar on Pattaya 3rd Road (in front of the fire station, and almost opposite the Buffalo Bar). We play on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, so if you enjoy a fun day out, and a friendly but competitive golf competition why not come and join us. We meet at The Ranch at 9 a.m. for breakfast and transportation, and new players are always welcome. Contact “Buff” on 086 046 5091 or 080 605 5663 or check website: www.bunkersociety.com.
