PSC golf from Tropical Bert’s
Tuesday, May 27, Laem Chabang – Stableford
We keep meaning to include this course in our list for the month and now we are in the low season we just wait for a Sports Day and then off we go. Many players still prefer not to play here however due to the compulsory golf cart policy.
On this day we were informed the test was to be the A & B Nines, this to me is the best test as the C Nine seems a bit of an add on and a bit out of the way, besides the drive on C1 can be quite scary. Talking of scary, we were soon onto A1 and that is a very well known opening shot and one that you can lose your ball on.
Dick Warberg (left) presents the MBMG Group Golfer of the Month award to Brian Gabe.
On the first nine the course was in good condition but with the recent rain the greens were very slow and the first green had been sanded so was even slower. The humidity was also as bad as I can remember and we literally dripping with sweat. Fortunately a thunderstorm came along to cool the place down a bit and after a short 30 minute rain delay we were back on our way.
Landis Brooks – winner at Laem Chabang.
Round over and back at Bert’s it was soon time for the results. The winner with a fine 38 points was Landis Brooks ahead of a count back on 35 points that saw Brian Gabe in second and Mark West in third. Then another count back on 34 points saw Ian Smith in fourth and Maurice Roberts take fifth.
It was also time for the MBMG Group Golfer of the Month award to be presented and with his second place today, the winner was announced as Brian Gabe. Well done Brian!
Near Pins: Barry Oats, Brian Gabe, Max Scott, Paul Sharples
Friday, May 27, Crystal Bay – Stableford
It has to be said that when Crystal Bay is put on the schedule, I am always there and so it has been for many years. Although this course is a little faded these days it is a course that is not too taxing and is scenically very pleasing.
We had a good turnout at Bert’s in the morning and arriving at the course we were soon onto the first tee. The test for the day was to be the C & A Nines in that order – I always think the toughest nine is C so it is important to get a good start here. After a big push out right on the first my ball was not found and on the next a pull into a hazard saw me with just the start you do not want; time to get to work, even if the wind did get stronger.
The walk around here is quite easy as it is essentially a flat course, the fairways are well defined and there is only a little water. It has got a little less well groomed over the last few years and I can remember when this was, to me, one of the best courses around. It is still worth a visit but it is a little worn now. The main problems seem to be the greens that are multi coloured where different grasses seem to grow and make putting most difficult. Still, it is a great way to pass a few hours, despite the fact it is so hot at present.
Daryl Evans and Maurice Roberts with one of Bert’s finest.
Round over it was a quick bite to eat and back to Bert’s for the results. The winner on the day Was Daryl Evans with a fine 40 points ahead of Maurice Roberts in second with 39. We then had a count back on 37 points that saw the scribe Derek Brook in third and Landis Brooks in fourth. Then it was time for a couple of cold ones. T.T.F.N.
Near Pins: Maurice Roberts, Ian Smith, Landis Brook, Barry Oats