PSC golf from The Growling Swan
Monday, April 29 – Pattana B & C – Stroke
All five groups who took the journey to Pattana Golf Course for the end of month stroke event (Monthly Mug Award) agreed it was well worth the effort as the course was in great shape having had good rain over the past few days, and a nice breeze persisted throughout the day to help alleviate the ever present sunshine heat.
The white tees were playing 6,700 yards and the yellows were 6,300 yards off B and C nines so it was decided, given that the ground was perhaps going to be a tad heavy, that the yellow tees would be a fair test of golf. This proved correct as only two players managed to break par or even.
Paul Hack (right) receives his Monthly Mug from Peter Grey.
There were no complaints from any of the players as the fairways and bunkers were very well presented and the greens, perhaps a little slower than normal, putted true if you picked the right line. The caddies were fun and all in all another great golf outing with a good bunch of blokes.
Having completed our rounds in about 4hrs 25 minutes after our ten o’clock tee-off time, we had a brief lunch and were back at the Growling Swan by 5pm for early presentations by the publican Peter Grey (filling in for Peter Blackburn who is in Oz for a few weeks), which were over by 5.30pm. This pleased a number of players as many had other engagements to go to or were just happy to get home and put their feet up.
Peter started the formalities by first welcoming Chris Bracegirdle (brother of Max) who had his first hit out with us and his brother Geoff who has recently returned to Pattaya for another stint. Farewells were made to the delightful dad and son duo of Pat and Mike Fleetwood who return to the US/Korea. Another farewell was also made to Steady Eddie and good golfer Bill McGarvie who has vowed to be back with us again next year.
Paul Hack was the overall winner and the recipient of the monthly mug with a commendable gross 83 and net 69.
Monthly Mug
1st Paul Hack (14) net 69
A Flight (0-15)
1st Mike Allidi (3) net 71
2nd Bill McGarvie (12) net 73
3rd Takeshi Hakozaki (11) net 73
B Flight (16+)
1st Frank Donnelly (22) net 73
2nd Shane Young (30) net 73
3rd Max Bracegirdle (27) net 76
Near Pins: B3 – Bill McGarvie; B7 – Geoff Bracegirdle; C2 – Stu Rifkin; C7 – Paul Hack
Long Putts: B9 – Pat Fleetwood; C9 – Peter Bye
The winner of the NAGA award, presented to the player posting the worst score of the day, was Dick Brainbridge who took the honour on count back.
Deefa the Dog is a critter who is paraded around after presentations for acceptance of any spare change from the golfers of the day. We were pleased to see (Lets here it for) Ken Bernek turn up at presentations today to pass around Deefa, having had major back surgery ten weeks ago. He says he should be good to start playing again in about another three to four months and we all wish him a speedier recovery.
The monies collected each week are accumulated and disposed of toward worthwhile charities in the Pattaya area through the PSC committee. All donors can be proud that they have over the past few years brought fresh filtered water stations, sports equipment, swim wear and the like for many needy school children in the immediate area.
Note: Growling Swan Golf welcomes golfers of any persuasion – low & high handicappers alike, female golfers and beginners. We generally play Mondays & Thursdays, meeting at The Growling Swan in Soi Chaiyapoon at 8.00 am with transport departing at 8.30 am. For bookings or more information please contact Peter on 080 635 1386 or email to petermalcolmblackburn @gmail.com
