PSC Golf from The Billabong Golf Bar
Monday, Nov. 2, Phoenix – Stableford
With seven groups playing today we got away a little earlier than our normal playing time of 9.30. Phoenix Golf course is in great condition at the moment with greens that run fast and true, they were having a bit of trouble with them but the problem has been solved.
The day was fine with just enough cloud cover to make the golf enjoyable. The scores were fantastic with 38 points only good enough to give fourth place to Wes Rado, but he made up for it by recording the only ‘2’ of the day. Third place went to Lenny Bantleman with a fine 40 points, him being beaten on a count back by Matt Timbrell playing off his 5 handicap and shooting 73 off the stick. Martin Ditchburn was the winner with an excellent 42 points and as it was his first game back from work it made it all the better.
Wednesday, Nov. 4, Green Valley – Stableford
So this is the high season? The green fees have increased in anticipation of a busy 4 months or so but if it was not for the cars used by the 40 golfers from the Billabong, the car park here would have appeared empty today.
Jimmy Grieve, Arab and Paul.
There are a couple of comments worth making about Green Valley at the moment: the greens have still not totally recovered from the severe scarifying they received about 1 month ago and the flags are too often in the same part of the green, particularly the 17th which always seems to be on the top part of the green.
Perfect conditions greeted the Billabong crew with a gentle breeze and good grass coverage on the fairways following some recent heavy rain.
The ladies, teeing off first, always set a good pace (if only the men would play at the same speed) and the chasing groups completed their 18 holes in less than 4 hours. The scores were not particularly good today with only 2 players playing to their handicap.
Miss Pin had 33 points to finish third while the consistent Miss Nu finished with 35 points only to be beaten by newcomer, Miss Khan, with 36.
Gary Ritchie, not playing at his best off a 6 handicap, had 32 points losing on the back 6 to Bob Philp. Another count back was required to separate Auke Engelkes and Peter Bird on 34 points each; Peter getting the edge for second place on the back nine. Playing 4 or 5 times per week at the moment, J.P. Maffray, outshone everyone today with 37 points to take the top prize.
Only one ‘2’ today and that went to Jim Bryan.
Nu, Khan and Som.
There was excitement after the game when a snake dropped from a tree on the seat behind Wayne Cotterell. Unperturbed, he said that he gripped the huge serpent by the throat and saved everyone from this monster. Strangely, not everyone agreed with his interpretation of events.
Friday, Nov. 6, Burapha – Stableford
We had 8 groups playing today with one 5-ball at the back. We got away to an early start and were all on the course by 10 a.m. in beautiful weather for golf. The course was in magnificent condition, the greens were exceptionally fast and true as an arrow.
The scores were fantastic with those on 37 down not even getting a mention in dispatches. The prizes went down to fifth place, that spot going to Kevin Waycott on 38 points while fourth went to Bob Philp with his best round in months and 39 points. Third place was taken by Dan Hogan on 40 points, him being beaten on a count back by Arab with 23 on the back nine. Jimmy Grieve took the top prize today with a fine 41 points.
There were four ‘2’s coming from the birthday boy Paul Greenaway, Kev Waycott, Pat Kavanagh and Jimmy Little.
Note: The Billabong is situated just off Siam Country Club Road looking straight down Lake Mabprachan. Give Bob a call on 082 204 3411 if you are looking for a game, and don’t forget ladies we have a woman’s tournament every Wednesday at Green Valley, all are welcome.
