The Billabong Golf Bar Khao Yai Tour
Sunday, June 7, Khao Yai G.C. – Stableford
Day one of the Billabong golf tour to Khao Yai saw us leave the bar at 7am for the journey north, some in cars and the rest in a mini-van. Arriving at Khao Yai Golf Course it was away to an early start on fairways that were like carpets but greens that were very hairy and slow, in fact they were in the worst condition we have encountered in all the times we have played here. I think a very bad shortage of water would have something to do with that.
The scores were fantastic as usual with 38 points only managing to get fourth place, that being taken by Peter Hynard. Third spot went to Lloyd Shuttleworth with 40 points, second to Karen Craigie on 41 points but five points better in first place was Bill Marsden with a magnificent 46-point return, the second time he has scored the number on this course but last time he was beaten into second by a 49 point score.
There was only one ‘2’, coming from Kevin Waycott.
Monday, June 8, Rancho Charnvee – Stableford
Day two saw us take on Rancho Charnvee and what a golf course this is, with facilities second to none.
With six groups playing we were off to an early start with 3 groups off the first tee and 3 off the 10th. There was rain hanging around but it didn’t eventuate until later in the day, which just goes to show it does help to keep up with the group in front as the last two groups that started on the back nine got drowned.
Khao Yai golfers: Bill, Peter, Aiden, Paul, Lloyd and Barry.
The course was in magnificent condition as always with the greens being very tricky and so different from Sunday. There are some beautiful holes here and the scenery is spectacular, with the mountains all around you and everything in perfect condition.
The scores were very good also with a 4-way count back on 37 points and taking fourth place on that score was Kim Payne. In third was Gentry Harrington with 38 and second place went to Paul Hack on 39, losing out on a count back to the day’s winner Greig Ritchie, also 39.
Tuesday, June 9, Lam Lukka – Stableford
The last venue of the tour was Lam Lukka, on our way home from Khao Yai. Whilst only a few of us had played this course before it came highly recommended and it stood up well to the challenge. We will be back here again next trip, maybe the Billabong will make it a monthly trip it was that good.
The course itself was in fantastic condition and very challenging, with water on every hole, which makes for good thinking golf. The drinks were a bit pricey at 100 baht per beer but I guess you don’t have to drink do you!
Once again the day was settled by count backs, with Paul hack being beaten on a count back for third place by his good mate Jim Bell, both on 36 points. Second spot went to Kevin Waycott with 37 points also being beaten on a count back by Bill Peach in first.
Lloyd Shuttleworth and Barry Copestake scored the only ‘2’s today.
The overall standings showed Paul Hack coming out on top with a 3-day total of 111 points. He was followed up the podium steps by Karen Craigie (109), Kevin Waycott (106) and Peter Hynard (104).
Thank you to all the golfers who came away. I hope you all had a great time and we will do it again.
