IPGC Pattaya Golf Society at The Links Bar
Monday 5th October saw the Pattaya Golf Society take five groups to Bangpra for a stableford competition. As we made our way to the first tee, we were greeted by the sight of a large, near-black cloud, looking like it was going to release its game-ending contents at any moment. But being the optimists that golfers are, we teed off regardless. Amazingly, we stayed dry throughout, even walking up the 18th in bright sunshine. TIT!
The course had received a lot of water in recent days, meaning carts were not permitted on fairways, a ruling that brought in our preferred-lies policy. Even so, the fairways were well presented, as were the greens. With the wetness ever-present, this course played tough. Any ball not on the fairway was in wet grass; always harder to get club on ball. Perhaps this counted for the modest scores, along with the course playing longer than normal.
Jon Batty.
Four players shared third spot with 29 points; yes, you read that right, 29 points made the podium. Equally surprised to be receiving a return, albeit a modest one, were Jon Batty (H/cap 7), Masa Takano (8), Gary Bolger (15) and Leigh Abbey (22). Just the one shot ahead in sole second place was an equally surprised David Thomas (9).
Out on his own, by a healthy margin of 3 shots, was the day’s deserving winner Alan Flynn (11). Alan’s score of 33 points was testament to a good round, given how tough the course played. Well done, mate.
There was just the one ‘2’, on the second hole and achieved by the day’s winner, Alan Flynn – a profitable day indeed.
For the second time in a row, Jim Ferris won the non-winner’s beer draw, whilst the booby bevy had no shortage of candidates as circumstances contrived to cause much anguish. But there was one stand-out winner; and he didn’t even play. On his way to the course, this golfer had the misfortune of having his otherwise reliable car breakdown. Many phone calls later, he and his clubs managed to get to a closer course, hoping for a game, but to no avail. Later that day, with his car having been towed back to Pattaya, he was told the likely cost of repairs. The cost of playing golf in Pattaya has increased over the years, but having to foot an unexpected bill of 50,000 baht to cover transport is a bit steep. Commiserations, Wichai.
Batty best by huge margin
Unlike recent days, Wednesday 7 October dawned bright and sunny, and that was how it stayed as the PGS arrived at Mt. Shadow for a stableford competition. Our six groups teed off on time from the blue tees, with the two-flight split being set at 17 and under.
With the fairways not yet having a full coverage of grass, as evidenced by the many sand divots, we decided preferred lies was justified. Bunkers were reasonable and the putting surfaces, as is normal here, were good.
There were two ‘2’s, both in B Flight as Jeff Hunt picked up his first ‘2’ in competition by holing a downhill 15-footer at the 5th, while Jim Firkin achieved his on 15.
Scenic Phoenix Gold golf course was the venue for the society’s outing on Friday.
Scoring between the two flights was markedly different. In B Flight 30 stableford points was enough to secure third place, which went to Andrew Humphrey (H/cap 26). Just one point ahead was Jeff Hunt (26), playing his last game this trip, and the recently returned Orawan Meeraka (23), having her first game back with us for some time; their 31 points being enough to share the winner’s spoils.
A Flight saw David Thomas (9) come in third with 34 points, two shots behind runner-up Wichai Tananusorn (8) on 36. Today’s A Flight winner, Jon Batty, had a round to remember. This 7-marker made the turn in 2-over gross giving him 20 points for the nine. He then produced a series of quality iron shots that enabled him to complete the back nine in two-under gross par; which earned him 23 more stablefords for a superb total of 43 and a gross score of 72. Jon’s feat of playing the course in par was a first for the competitive Englishman. Congratulations on a magnificent round of golf, Jon.
Masa Takana was today’s lucky beer draw winner. The booby bevy went to mine host, Russell Exley, for having near to the worst round of the day and in doing so allegedly adding significantly to playing partner Andy’s third-place winnings, turning what was a modest return into something somewhat more significant.
PGS takes over in Silky Oak scramble
On Thursday, 8th October Green Valley threw open its doors to the major Pattaya golf groups and the PGS entered four scramble teams which swelled the entry list to 31 teams in the promotional event for the revamped Silky Oak course. As usual the lads represented the group with panache and no small amount of skill.
Taking third place was the team of Mr Len, Stu Thompson, Alex Sala and Khun Wichai Tananusorn, with net 55, a mere 0.4 shots behind the winning team of Russell Exley, Masa Takano, Andy Humphrey and Leigh Abbey (54.6).
Campbell’s kingdom at Phoenix
A busy week for the Pattaya Golf Society ended with a visit to Phoenix on Friday, 9th October. The four groups left the Links in Soi Buakhao in heavy rain and a decision to compete was delayed for thirty minutes before the first group stepped up to the Mountain first tee a mere five minutes late. Light drizzle followed them for three holes and then the skies slowly cleared leaving a course in fine condition despite the assault by the rain gods.
Following some excellent results this week at Mountain Shadow and Silky Oak the scores were again good, with Larry Slattery finding his feet after his recent return and producing a steady 36 points for third place. Fellow Irishman Dave Lehane recorded 38 points for second and Tony Campbell overcame his woes at Silky Oak the previous day (wonderful stuff alcohol!) with an inspired forty points to take an excellent win.
Birdie ‘2’s were recorded by Dave Lehane and John Tallett on the Ocean fifth.
Back at the Links the presentation again saw Jim Ferris successful in the non winners’ beer draw whilst Andy Humphrey’s otherwise fine day was marked with the Booby Bevy after his temerity to keep Mr Len awake on the short return minibus journey.
