Bunker Boys at The Bowling Green
Monday, January 30, Khao Kheow C & B – Stableford
The large field of golfers arrived at Khao Kheow to find that the management had introduced the “buggies only on paths” rule, following overnight rain. Consequently we decided to play “preferred lies” for the first time in several weeks. This rule always seems to create confusion and controversy, especially at Khao Kheow, where it’s often difficult to differentiate the fairways from the first cut. Fortunately today there were no major disagreements and the round progressed smoothly.
The best round of the day was produced by Lee Butler with a great score of 41 points to win the A flight. Neil Griffin continued his new found form to win the B flight with 38 points. JJ Harney also continued his consistent form to come third in the A flight and fourth overall, thereby securing enough points to take the January Golfer of the Month title – well done JJ.
Reg Smart – back on the podium at Lotus Valley.
A Flight
1st Lee Butler (15) 41pts
2nd Colin Greig (12) 39pts
3rd JJ Harney (12) 37pts
B Flight
1st Neil Griffin (28) 38pts
2nd Eddy Kelly (17) 36pts
3rd Barry Murnin (17) 35pts
Near Pins: Eric Keo, Eddie Kelly, Geoff Cox and Mike Corner
Wednesday,February 1,Pattana A & B – Stableford
On arrival at Pattana we were surprised to find the management requesting 200 baht more for the green fee than the price given to us when we booked the course. Only when we threatened to walk away was the issue resolved, and we were able to tee off on schedule. Pattana is not everyone’s favourite course, and certainly there are some very long and difficult holes, but overall the impression was favourable.
Colin Greig continued his fine run of form (surely his handicap must come down soon) and also took 2 near pin prizes. Geoff Hart lost out on second place to Barry Murnin on a count back, following a disastrous blob on the 18th hole, but the blow was softened by also taking the other two near pins.
1st Colin Greig (13) 38pts
2nd Barry Murnin (17) 34pts
3rd Geoff Hart (23) 34pts
4th Geoff Parker (17) 33pts
Near Pins: 2 each for Colin Greig and Geoff Hart.
Friday, February 3, Lotus Valley – Stableford
We had a disappointing turnout today for our first ever visit to the Lotus Valley course. Admittedly the journey is much longer than our normal trips around Pattaya, and is a little more expensive (especially for those using carts), but the condition of the course is top class, and most of those that made the journey thought it worthwhile – but not a trip that we’ll make every month.
The fairways here were superb, probably only comparable to those at Siam C.C., and the greens were receptive and true, but the main feature of the course is that water is in play on 17 of the 18 holes! Fortunately no one kept count of the total number of balls lost, but one golfer (who shall remain nameless) admitted to losing eight!
Reg Smart produced his best score for quite some time, but lost on a count back to Tore Eliason, who turned in a great score of 23 points on the back nine.
1st Tore Eliason (15) 36pts
2nd Reg Smart (27) 36pts
3rd Geoff Parker (17) 35pts
Near Pins: Alan Freeman, Geoff Parker and Reg Smart.
Note: The (delayed) annual Bunker Boys championship will be played over 2 days on the 13th and 15th February at Crystal Bay and Mountain Shadow courses.
Following the recent demise of the Bunker Bar, the Bunker Boys now play out of the Bowling Green on Soi X-Zyte between Pattaya 3rd Road and Soi Buakhaow. We play three times per week on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, so if you enjoy a fun day out and a friendly but competitive golf competition why come and join us.
We meet at the Bowling Green at 9 a.m. and new players with valid handicaps are always welcome. For more information call Dave on 087 1469978, email [email protected].
