PSC Golf from the Growling Swan
Monday, April 20, Pattavia – Stableford
We received some very sad news last week that one of our regular players, Marc Henkel, was tragically killed in a motor cycle accident on Pattaya Beach Rd on Saturday, April 18. All at the Growling Swan will miss Marc and our sympathies go out to his family. He was too good a man to go so young!
We didn’t have such a big field on Monday, being the first game after the Songkran break, but with our three groups we tackled the Pattavia layout. We were the only golfers on the course and I have to say it was a shame as it (the course) was in fantastic condition. There was plenty of run on the fairways and the greens, playing as they always do at Pattavia, were very tricky.
The late Marc Henkel (left) with Pierre Cere and Fred Cuypers.
There are also plenty of bunkers in the way at this course, as was found out by my playing partner John Anderson – he would have looked more comfortable with a bucket and spade with all the times he went in!
Welcomes were handed out to Dave Marshall from Australia and farewells to JJ Harney returning to Ireland and of course Marc Henkel.
JJ Harney finished his trip with a very good 40 points for the win, hitting some great drives as he reflected more than once back at the bar. Coming in second (winning on a count back) with 35 points was Mark “The Viper” Stapleton and third went to Ebrahim also with 35.
1st JJ Harney (13) 40pts
2nd Mark Stapleton (19) 35pts
3rd Ebrahim (16) 35pts
Near Pins: Ebrahim (2), Mark Stapleton and Bernie McCart.
Long Putts: Bernie McCart, JJ Harney
Thursday, April 23, Mt. Shadow – Stableford
Two buses were loaded and left the Growling Swan a little earlier than the scheduled 8.30am departure time as all golfers were keen to get away early.
As ANZAC day is on Saturday, April 25, a minutes silence was respectfully made on the first tee to remember not only all who sacrificed life and limb so that we could have a better life, but also to our recently departed friend Marc Henkel, and black arm bands were worn by all golfers as a sign of respect.
The weather was as good as one could hope for at this time of the year, with overcast skies keeping the temperatures cool. We were not bothered by any heavy rain and the few small drops we did feel did not deter anyone, even the golfers who wore spectacles.
As always the greens were tricky and downhill putts were giving the players more palpitations than a cricket umpire reaching for the light meter. The condition of the rest of the course was up to good standards.
Pierre Cere (right) with Dave Marshall.
As do the Growling Swan on every occasion other than monthly Mug Day, the presentations were made at the club house and our host Peter Grey welcomed back Paul Avery from Cairns, NQ, after a long absence, along with Mike Brett and Tony Mathers of Western Australia.
A farewell was made to Dave Marshall, who has played with the Growling Swan a number of times during his short stay in Pattaya. It should be noted that our host was almost in tears when he bade farewell to Dave as the Compass Cap award now becomes visible in his mind’s eye once again!
Pierre Cere handled the course well, considering we played off the blue markers, and his 39 points placed him well clear of the rest of the field. A count back separated John Davis and Mark Stapleton who both played to their handicaps, with John taking second place.
1st Pierre Cere (9) 39pts
2nd John Davis (15) 36pts
3rd Mark Stapleton (19) 36pts
Near Pins: John Davis (2), Pierre Cere, Mike Brett
Long Putts: John Coetzee (2)
Note: The Growling Swan is a friendly golf outlet and caters for and encourages all golfers, young and old, male or female to have a hit on any of our weekly outings. We generally play Mondays and Thursdays at one of the many fine golf courses in and around Pattaya. Please contact Peter Grey if you are interested in playing on 0861 503086.
The GS also caters to the bowls enthusiasts. Bus transport departs the GS on Wednesdays at 10am when they go to Coco’s for undercover, synthetic green bowls and on Sundays at the same time for open, grass bowling at The Retreat. Please contact Paul Rennison on 0843 454005 if you wish to partake. The cost including return bus transport, bowling fees and a hot lunch is about 350 baht, so great value for a day out!
