PSC Golf from The Golf Club
1st Terry Dyer
2nd Joe Duncan
3rd Walter Baechli
As we have done for the last 10 years, The Golf Club once again had our Songkran escape to the mountains of Khao Yai. We were based in Pak Chong for 5 nights then shifted down the road to Kabinburi for the last two rounds, taking a week-long break from the madness of Pattaya.
We had absolutely beautiful weather, surprisingly, and nights were actually on the cool side as we sipped our glasses of red wine by the pool. Being at the 1,200 foot elevation level you can just about guarantee cooler weather up here, but this time was our best ever. We never had a drop of rain on the courses but had a few close calls as would be expected. The weekly comp was to be any three of your best stableford scores for the Man of the Mountain award.
Bonanza Golf Club was the first port of call on Saturday, as heavy traffic held us up the day before going through Bangkok. Bonanza is in an idyllic setting in the gentle rolling hills and just 30 minutes’ drive away from Pak Chong. We had a great day out on the course and got back to the clubhouse just in time to miss an afternoon downpour.
Next on the agenda was Rancho Charnvee and we were all very impressed by the condition of the course. This is a well groomed track and is as playable as it is visually appealing. It must be nice to have your own personal airfield at your disposal!
Tuesday was our booking at the Khao Yai Golf Club, and if there is one course you must play in Khao Yai, this is it. The back nine here is especially memorable and although a bit scruffy around the edges, the drama of the mountains more than makes up for it. One word of advice… keep away from the red earth here as it is impossible to wash out.
Wednesday was the scheduled travel day down to Kabinburi, staying at the always perfect Serenity Spa & Onsen. We got checked in quickly, dropped off the ladies and headed over to the course in time for our 1:00 tee off.
Kabinburi Sports Club has one of the best grounds-keeping staff in Thailand, and we must sing their praises as once again it was in a perfect state for our final two rounds. This is the longest golf course in Thailand at 8,075 yards but for us, the yellow tees were just fine thank you very much.
We had a good time hooking up with our buddies from The Players’ Lounge as we drank poolside and pondered what the menu choices were to be had that evening. Everything on the menu is just great, but ending with the Chocolate Lava Cake was the best way to finish things off. Our thanks go to Oliver Daniel and his staff for such attention to detail.
The comp was in the final throes and just 5 shots separated Terry Dyer from the jaws of Joe Duncan and Walter Baechli, which is always a good place to be. It was Terry, the rambling Kiwi who prevailed and got the cowboy hat this year, as well as a Steak Night dinner at The Golf Club and possible sponsorships with Titleist and Rolex, if he finds a good agent. Thanks to all who joined up with us and see you on the next road trip.
