Travellers Rest Golf Group
This was the week when the TRGG faithful headed off to play their annual tour event over at Hua Hin.
Firstly I should own up and admit that I was not in attendance myself and I have not had the chance to speak to anyone who was, as they didn’t arrive back until late on Saturday night or in some cases maybe even on Sunday. I can therefore only go by the posted results but even these throw up some interesting questions.
My first query would be – are all the golf courses in Hua Hin easier than the courses around Pattaya? The winning scores each day were incredible, the lowest being 38pts and on most days were 40+. The second query would be why, with roughly the same numbers playing each day, there were two division/flights on most days but not on Tuesday at Banyan Golf Club when there was only one. It also appears that the split at Majestic Creek went somewhat awry as both divisions contained 16 handicappers. Perhaps alcohol was playing a part in the proceedings by the time Friday came along.
Anyway I am sure everyone had a great time and will be saving up to go again this time next year.
Monday, Sept. 5, Imperial Lake View – Stableford
The week’s race to become King of the Mountains for a week started on Monday at Imperial Lake View (A and B courses). In Division 1 Billy Ostle got off to a flying start by amassing 40pts, which was only just good enough to take the lead as he was followed home by Michael Prideaux and Neil Bramley, both recording 39pts.
In Division 2 Carmen Hurdon produced the best score of the day, 42pts, which shot her to the top of the first hillock. J. Hegg and Tim Dalton needed a count back to determine who took second after they both finished with 32pts each, ten full shots behind the leader.
Div. 1 (0-15)
1st Billy Ostle (11) 40pts
2nd Michael Prideaux (10) 39pts
3rd Neil Bramley (8) 39pts
Div. 2 (16+)
1st Carmen Hurdon (18) 42pts
2nd J. Hegg (18) 32pts
3rd Tim Dalton (20) 32pts
Tuesday, Sept. 6, Banyan, G.C. – Stableford
On Tuesday it was over to play Banyan Golf Club and as already mentioned only one division on the day. King of the heap on the day was Mr. J. Hegg and apologies for not knowing his first name. He shot an excellent 42pts to take first place and there was a right dust up for second and third, with Tim Dalton getting the nod over Jim Cooper when they both finished on 38pts. Knowing Jim as I do, he then probably gave Tim a second nod also known as a Glasgow Kiss.
1st J. Hegg (15) 42pts
2nd Tim Dalton (20) 38pts
3rd Jim Cooper (16) 38pts
Thursday, Sept. 8, Springfield – Stableford
With the tour party having a day off on Wednesday, the battle recommenced on Thursday at Springfield (A and B courses). In Division 1 Mike Sanders came to the party and shot an incredible 43pts, some feat for a 6-handicapper. Graham Hurdon, also paying off six, came home with 41pts and probably couldn’t believe he only took second place. Even third placed Bill Reid was probably in a state of shock when he discovered his 40pts left him as an also-ran.
In Division 2 Tim Dalton found that his 41pts made him belle of the ball. Mike Calaz finished in second on 38 and John O’Donoghue took third with 35.
Div.1 (0-15)
1st Mike Sanders (6) 43pts
2nd Graham Hurdon (6) 41pts
3rd Bill Reid (13) 40pts
Div.2 (16+)
1st Tim Dalton (19) 41pts
2nd Mike Calaz (18) 38pts
3rd John O’Donoghue (17) 35pts
Friday, Sept. 9, Majestic Creek – Stableford
It was the turn of Majestic Creek (A and B courses) on Friday and it was here that if you were a 16-handicapper things got confusing as you probably were left uncertain whether you were in Division 1 or Division 2. Never mind, unless your name was David Booth it probably didn’t matter. David (a 16 handicapper) was relegated to Division 2 whereas Carmen Hurdon, also a 16 handicapper, found herself in Division 1. David with his 44pts would of course have won Division 1 on the day instead of winning Division 2 as the records show. Confused, yes well you are not the only one.
In Division 1 Graham Hurdon once again showed what a good golfer he is by running up another good score. His 38pts was just a point better than his other half Carmen could muster. Stewart Booth took third place.
In Division 2 the rather unlucky David Booth shot the best score of the day which left him standing on top of the mound. A little lower down came Steve Dunstan on 35pts and a little lower still came Phil Semmens on 33.
Div. 1 (0-16)
1st Graham Hurdon (5) 38pts
2nd Carmen Hurdon (16) 37pts
3rd Stewart Booth (9) 36pts
Div. 2 (16+)
1st David Booth (16) 44 pts
2nd Steve Dunstan (25) 35 pts
3rd Phil Semmens (22) 33 pts
Saturday, Sept. 10, Black Mountain – Stableford
The tour drew to a close at Black Mountain Golf Club on Saturday. In Division 1 Billy Ostle finished the week as he began it, on top of the pile. He had a three shot lead over second placed Bill Reid, with Graham Hurdon a further three shots back in third place.
In Division 2 it was that lady again Carmen Hurdon who showed all the men the way home. Her 40pts was easily the best score on the day and Michael Maguire on 35 and Jim Cooper on 32 could but wave her goodbye as she disappeared off over the hill.
Div. 1 (0-15)
1st Billy Ostle (10) 38pts
2nd Bill Reid (12) 35pts
3rd Graham Hurdon (5) 32pts
Div. 2 (16+)
Carmen Hurdon (16) 40pts
Michael Maguire (23) 35pts
Jim Cooper (16) 34pts
The King of the Mountain actually turned out to be Queen of the Mountain as Carmen Hurdon made mincemeat of all the men. Only husband Graham got anywhere near her winning points total. So it just goes to prove that history does repeat itself as the family Hurdon cleaned up last year as well. Many congratulations to Carmen and Graham.
Good luck to all you golfers for the coming week and if you would like to play a round of golf with the TRGG, please phone Derek Thorogood on 080 673 3118 or pop into the Valentines Guest House Restaurant and Bar in Soi Lengkee and add your name to the weekly lists which are posted on the notice board.
