The Billabong Golf Bar
Monday, Feb. 11, Crystal Bay – Stableford
Crystal Bay was the venue today, playing A and B loop’s we got away a little late as there was a bit of conjecture over what time we were meant to be there, Anyway it was quite a quick round of just over four hours.
It was welcome today to Dave and Liz Collier and their friend David Parnell from the Old Dart, great to see Kev Wild back from work also.
The course was in good condition as usual but sadly the facilities are getting worse. The scores were really good with four players beating handicap and most of the rest of the scores in the 30s. As there were no ‘2’s again today all the loot went in prizes.
Brian Maddox, Dave Collier and Liz Collier.
Coming in fifth on a count back over Capt. Bob was Dick Mohns with 36 points. Fourth after losing on a count back to Brian Maddox was the old master Bob Pearce with 37 points and it was a battle with the bride for first and second as Dave beat Liz Collier, both scoring 38 points.
Wednesday, Feb. 13, Green Valley – Stableford
It was the usual trip down 36 to Green Valley today. The weather was a bit overcast but no rain and the course looked a bit wet and we were told no carts on the fairways, so winter rules were to apply it was too late to change it after the first two groups had gone out, but it wasn’t really needed.
There were some great scores today with almost every player in the 30 plus bracket and there were seven ‘2’s, obviously the par three’s are easy here! Lloyd Shuttleworth had a day to remember as every bad shot he hit bounced off something and finished up in the middle of the fairway, although he still managed to lose his bet with Capt. Bob and Noodle Russell.
John Locke and Bob Philp.
The course was in great condition and we were away early as there were a few no shows. Firstly the ‘2’s pot and Richard Holmes, Kev Wild (his first ever birdie), Larry Woodley, JJ Harney, Stan Stoker, Jim O’Neill and Arch Armstrong split the pot.
In the comp proper, coming in first with 39 points was Dick Mohns ahead of Capt. Bob in second with 38 (24 of them on the back nine) while in third was Jim Bell with 37. Before he left the bar Jim said, “If I’m in the frame give the prize to Father Ray’s box,” thanks Jim. Fourth sport went to Paul Montgomery with 36 points and coming in fifth on a count back over Ives Phillibert was Noodle Russell with 35.
Friday, Feb. 15, Eastern Star – Stablerford
Eastern Star, what can I say! We were greeted with “You book for Saturday?” – “no sweetheart today”, so after some shuffling around we got off at about 10 minutes later than our booked time. No problems but some of the greens were in were in terrible condition, all sand and patches everywhere that the staff had tried to fix-up as best they could. Anyway the rest of the course was in grand shape.
With 5 groups everything went well and we got around in four hours. There were no ‘2’s once again and Kev Wild was heard to remark, “I get a two at Green Valley Wednesday and so did 6 other players and today none at all. I should have saved it for today.”
After celebrating Fiona’s Greig Ritchie’s daughter’s birthday the previous night at the Hard Rock Hotel it was tough work out there for a few players. Greig Ritchie’s playing partner had to get a taxi back to his hotel after 6 holes, hope you feel better soon Frank.
The scores were not too bad, but John Locke took the honours on a count back over Capt. Bob, both on 38 points, but John’s 24 on the back nine was too good to be beaten. Coming in third place was Dave Payne with 34 points and his mate Davo a.k.a. Michael Davidson was fourth with 33. It was the old master again coming in fifth with 32 points. All in all it was a good day out.
Note: If you would like a game at the Billabong Golf Club turn left just before the arch heading to Siam Country Club Old Course and look for the bar 200 yards on your left, or call Bob on 082 204 3411.
