PSC golf Bunker Boys @ The Bowling Green
Monday, August 6, Phoenix Mountain & Lakes – Stableford
We arrived at Phoenix to find the course surprisingly quiet and teed off as soon as we were ready, a few minutes ahead of schedule. The weather was more reminiscent of high season with clear blue skies, and several players commented that it was the hottest day they could remember for the last few months.
The hottest player on the day was unquestionably William Macey, who carded a back nine score of 21 points, to take the top podium position. Colin Greig also had a good inward nine to snatch second place by a single point ahead of arch rival Barry Murnin.
Gerry Cooney, the ex-champion, is on his way back.
PJ Redmond was a notable absentee today, and it later transpired that his car had been shunted up the rear on his way to the Bowling Green in the morning – bad luck PJ, why does it always happen to you?
1st William Macey (19) 36pts
2nd Colin Greig (8) 35pts
3rd Barry Murnin (15) 34pts
Near pins: Lee Butler, Geoff Parker (2).
Wednesday, August 8, Royal Lakeside – Stableford
Our trip was longer than usual today due to a minor accident on the Chonburi bypass which caused a 5km tailback of traffic. Our delayed start proved to be significant as our four groups teed off behind 7 Korean tourists, who held up the whole course for the remainder of the day.
The front nine was played in a strong wind, and our resident bookmaker predicted that 34 points would be a good score on the day. How wrong he was though, as four players scored 36 points or more, and Barry “the prophet” scored 34 points himself to finish in 7th place!
There’s no stopping Geoff Williams at the moment as he scored 39 points yet again, even off his newly reduced handicap. Gerry Cooney made a welcome return to the podium in second place, narrowly beating Lee Butler on the count back.
Even the near pins were tightly contested today, with Colin Greig putting his tee shot within 4 feet of the hole on the 15th green, only to find he was one inch outside Peter Habgood, playing in the group in front – and watching closely from the 16th tee!
A special mention for our popular senior citizen Reg Smart, who was making a comeback after recent health problems, and had 21 points on the front nine before overstretching himself on a bunker shot and being forced to retire – get well again soon Reg.
1st Geoff Williams (14) 39pts
2nd Gerry Cooney (17) 38pts
3rd Lee Butler (13) 38pts
Near Pins: Lee Butler, John Graham, Gerry Cooney, and Peter Habgood.
Friday, August 10, Greenwood C & B – Stableford
The weather didn’t look very promising as we assembled on the 1st tee during a light shower of rain. However after a 5 minute delay, the rain stopped and the round was completed in near perfect conditions without any further showers until we were heading back down the 331.
Greenwood is not at its best at the moment and today the greens were slow and bumpy, particularly on the B nine. The course plays long from the white tees, and with a healthy breeze throughout the round it was a day for straight hitters.
Gerry Cooney continued his return to form, to easily take the honours ahead of Lee Butler, and Geoff Williams’s winning streak (6 wins and a second place from his last 7 games!) was finally broken as he came in with 33 points to finish 4th.
1st Gerry Cooney (17) 40pts
2nd Lee Butler (13) 37pts
3rd John Graham (10) 34pts
Near pins: Lee Butler and Geoff Williams.
Note: The Bunker Boys are a PSC affiliated golf society who currently 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, call Dave on 087 1469978 or email [email protected]. We meet at the Bowling Green at 9 a.m. for breakfast and transportation, and new players with valid handicaps are always welcome.
The Bunker Boys are now searching for a new home, after being informed that the Bowling Green will close in two months time. If you have any suggestions regarding a suitable bar in Central Pattaya, that would welcome a group of dedicated golfers (and drinkers) year round, we’d be happy to hear from you.
