PSC golf Bunker Boys @ The Ranch
Monday, May 13, Royal Lakeside – Stableford
A quick phone call was necessary before leaving The Ranch, when we discovered that today was designated as an official holiday for Royal Ploughing Day (not on the PSC calendar). Fortunately the course confirmed our normal price was O.K., although we did receive reports later, that some local courses seized the opportunity to charge weekend rates.
The traffic on the Chonburi by-pass was light and we arrived at the course on time and were able to tee off with an empty course ahead of us. Unfortunately the course wasn’t at its best as all the greens had been recently cored and sanded, so bumpy putts were the order of the day.
Tom Jones – back on the tee after a 3 month layoff.
A thunder storm threatened early in the round but fortunately never reached the course, and the weather conditions were very pleasant throughout the round. Tore Eliassen was suffering a little from the heat, but didn’t let it distract him from his mission, and he came home in first place one point ahead of Geoff Parker. Tony Robbins snatched third place from the resurgent Reg Smart, on a countback after both players finished on 32 points.
1st Tore Eliassen (15) 34pts
2nd Geoff Parker (15) 33pts
3rd Tony Robbins (14) 32pts
Near Pins: Tore Eliassen, John Graham and Reg Smart.
Wednesday, May 15, Bangpra – Stableford
A good turnout today for our visit to the always popular Bangpra course, which is currently in great condition, and is surely one of the most naturally beautiful courses in the area.
The friendly starter urged our three groups to dash off the first tee in order to get away before another local society, who were scheduled behind us, but had arrived early. Unfortunately the haste off the first tee didn’t last long as we found we were behind one of the slowest four-balls it has been our misfortune to encounter. The group was oblivious to the fact that they were steadily losing holes behind the group in front of them, and even our requests to the marshal were ineffective in trying to speed them up.
The slow pace of play combined with the hot weather ground a few players down as we were forced to wait on virtually every shot. Geoff Parker survived an early set back on the third hole, where he played the wrong ball hence incurring a two stroke penalty, and eventually triumphed over playing partner William Macey, sinking a great putt on the 18th green to win by a single point.
We welcomed back Tom Jones today following medical treatment in the U.K., but unfortunately he wasn’t able to make a winning start after his three month layoff – but good to see you back on the course Tom.
1st Geoff Parker (15) 34pts
2nd William Macey (19) 33pts
3rd Ken Davidson (24) 31pts
Near Pins: Steve Durey, Tony Robbins and William Macey.
Friday, May 17, Plutuluang E&S – Stableford
We decided over breakfast at The Ranch that we’d prefer to play the West and North courses today, but when we arrived at the course there was a Navy tournament being held on those nines so we headed off to the East course instead. The course was generally in good shape, although the bunkers have been somewhat neglected, and the greens were running at their normal slow pace.
Once again it was a slow round as we were out behind a six-ball, but the weather was fine with the hint of a breeze coming from the sea, providing a welcome relief from the heat over the last few weeks.
John Graham had another good day, scoring 22 points on the front nine, and coming home 5 points clear of Neil Griffin in second place. Ken Davidson, playing his last game before returning to U.K., took third place, beating Geoff Cox on a count back.
Neil Griffin took two of the near pin prizes and is fast making a reputation as a par three specialist, bringing his total to 4 in his last 3 games (sometimes even without using his driver!)
1st John Graham (12) 38pts
2nd Neil Griffin (23) 33pts
3rd Ken Davidson (24) 32pts
Near Pins: Ken Davidson and Neil Griffin (2).
Note: The Bunker Boys are a PSC affiliated golf society, who now play out of The Ranch bar on Pattaya 3rd Road (in front of the fire station, and almost opposite the Buffalo Bar). We play three times per week on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, so if you enjoy a fun day out, and a friendly but competitive golf competition why not come and join us.
We meet at The Ranch at 9 a.m. for breakfast and transportation, and new players are always welcome. Contact “Buff” on 086 046 5091 or 080 605 5663 for all enquiries. You can find all the news, schedules and results on our website at www.bunkersociety.com.
