PSC Golf from The Billabong Golf Bar
Monday, Nov. 9, Phoenix – Stableford
Phoenix is normally in good condition but, today, there were some areas that needed attention. Some of the greens were a little bare of grass but overall the course played well, particularly when you consider the amount of torrential rain that we have had recently, making it difficult for the greens staff.
Unfortunately, there were two slow 4-balls in front of the 22 from the Billabong which meant that the front groups had to wait on every shot. Not too bad but waiting does put a stain on your concentration.
Lumpy Russell, Alistair Gall, Geoff Christie, Dion Lane and Jim Grieve.
A brief heavy shower reminded us of what could follow but, thankfully, the rain gods took pity and waited until we were in the clubhouse to descend upon those still remaining on the course. The rain has delayed the opening of the Lake course so it was Mountain and Ocean today.
Jim Bell and Lumpy Russell traded blow for blow on 36 points each with Lumpy just edging fourth place on count back. 2 other golfers came in with 36 points but Les Easton, with the benefit of 16 points on the last 6 holes, edged out Richard Steadman to finish second. Jim Grieve took top spot on the day with 37 points.
The greens, not being up to the usual standard, defied all attempts to score a 2 although John Locke just missed out with his ball overlapping the cup on the 16th but defying gravity and remaining on the surface.
Friday, Nov. 13, Burapha – Stableford
Playing Burapha on Friday was an experience to say the least. We had 7 groups and were away a little early on a course where the greens displayed varying degrees of pace; some were fast while others were slow and it made for tricky putting.
We didn’t get rained on but it was as close as you could get, with lightning and thunder close by and we just looked on with a little trepidation.
The scores were very good with playing to your handicap only getting you fifth place; Jim Grieve was the recipient of that award with 36 points. Coming fourth all by himself was Lumpy Russell with 37 points and third place went to one of the Kiwi connection, Dion Lane with 38. We then had a count back for first place between Alistair Gall and Geoff Christie, with Geoff just edging it with 18 points and the back nine to Alistair’s 16.
There was only one ‘2’, that coming from Alistair Gall.
