PSC Pattaya Links Golf Society
Monday Dec. 23 Royal Lakeside Stableford
Royal Lakeside is a little further away than most of our regular venues, so we loaded the buses and got going earlier than advertised.
Upon arrival in the green fee office, each of our forty-one players was given a chance at a free ‘lucky dip’. Well, what a surprise!
Some people won a sleeve of golf balls (me) while others won 800 baht or 500 baht green fee vouchers. Mikael and Helene Lindberg were two of the lucky 800 baht winners, keeping it in the family. Merry Xmas from Royal Lakeside.
Onto the first tee and a short wait for the eleven groups. Then, the next surprise. The starter asked us to take four groups to the tenth tee. Now that was a bonus as everyone finished much earlier than we anticipated.
The day was quite warm with just a hint of breeze and the course was in wonderful condition, but isn’t it always?
The greens were hard and quick, with some finding it difficult to stop the ball on the greens, but the fairway grass lets the ball set up and beg to be hit, not much sign of dryness here.
We usually expect some 40 pointers on this course and were not disappointed.
A flight had newcomer to Links, Travis Unger, turn in exactly 40 points to record his first win.
Dave Stockman, in a rare but welcome visit, scored 36 points to nudge out Warren Wood in a countback for second spot.
We went to fourth and fifth places and here there were five players on 35 points vying for two places. Rich Fearby beat them all for fourth spot and Billy Buchanan took fifth.
John Coetzee gave himself an early Xmas present by scoring 42 points to win the B flight and wear the Green Jacket for the third time.
Eddie Harman, another first timer with us, took second placing with 40 points followed by the ever reliable Stuart Kidd in third spot with 37 points.
For the final two places it was returnee, Ross Luchterland, scoring 34 points to beat Tony Browne on countback.
Near Pins A flight: George Mueller (x2), Colm Lawlor, Dave Stockman.
Near Pins B flight: Ross Luchterland (x2), Eddie Harman, Stuart Kidd.
A Flight (0-16)
1st Place – Travis Unger (11) – 40 pts
2nd Place – Dave Stockman (6) – 36 pts c/back
3rd Place – Warren Wood (4) – 36 pts
4th Place – Richard Fearby (0) – 35 pts c/back
5th Place – Billy Buchanan (14) – 35 pts c/back
B Flight (17+)
1st Place – John Coetzee (23) – 42 pts
2nd Place – Eddie Harman (17) – 40 pts
3rd Place – Stuart Kidd (17) – 37 pts
4th Place – Ross Luchterland (17) – 34 pts c/back
5th Place – Tony Browne (17) – 34 pts
Best Front Nine (non-winners) – Colin Smith – 22 pts c/back
Best Front Nine (non-winners) – Bill Copeland – 19 pts
The would-be winner of the ‘silly hat’ was absent at presentations so Phil asked if anyone wanted to ‘dob’ in a mate. When no-one did, he gave it to Mikael Lindberg for leaving the key in his motor bike, pretty silly.
Gavin McDonald nominated himself for the ‘wig’. After taking a number of golf lessons in the past week, he managed just 14 points, a worthy winner. Blame the instructor.
Xmas Day tomorrow and we are off the Eastern Star.
On behalf of Phil, Maurice, Len, and Links staff, A Merry and safe Xmas to All.
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