Another day dawned and golfers descended en masse on the Phoenix Gold course for the May PAGS tournament on May 31. The Lakes & Ocean nines were the allotted combination for the field of 116 keen but apprehensive players, which included a good turnout of 18 ladies. Weather conditions were a little threatening, with just a light breeze, but only 1 light shower came over the course.
Following some heavy overnight rain, the decision was made to have preferred lies through the green, to help avoid the dreaded mud ball. PAGS had negotiated free cart for all players, although the course had a cart path only policy on the day.
Steve Truelove (H/cap 9) was the undoubted star of the day, winning both the Low Gross with a fine 73 and the A Flight net, plus the maximum 2 technical prizes. Steve has been struggling with his game over the past few months so his 44 points was a long awaited return to form.
The Ladies placings were hotly contested, with May Suriye (17) shooting her best score ever to sign for an outstanding 44 points, to go with a technical prize on #6, while Noi Emmerson (22) made a return to form with 41 points.
The lowest winning score of the day was in the C Flight for handicaps 21+, with Robert Baird (30) edging Kenny Chung (26) on count back after both signed for a solid 41 points. Phadungsak Pakaree (28) picked up third spot in C Flight with 40 points.
B Flight, for handicaps 14–20, was another high scoring affair with Lee Adams (20) on 44 points ahead of Anders Ekberg (20) & Myles Knowlson (15), both with 42 points. Anders edged Myles out on count back 22/20, although Myles did also collect a Near Pin on the short Ocean 7.
As mentioned previously, it was Steve Truelove leading the way in A Flight with his spectacular 44 points, while Jens Olsson (7) played well to record 40 points, ahead of Frode Brandt (10) who got the bronze position with 39.
Notable performances on the day were also seen from Todd Doss, Ken Price, Nantaporn Rukkid & Dennis Paul with their 2 technical prizes each, while Mark Johnson wrote his name down on 3 successful technicals, although only collecting the daily maximum of 2 prizes.
Dave’s team were once again doing a sterling job in the tucker department, with plenty of non golfers coming along to enjoy the social atmosphere of the evening. As always, there is only 1 person to blame if you go home hungry from Hemingways Jomtien after a PAGS presentation.
The next PAGS golf event will be held at Phoenix on June 27. Contact Shane on 0863720084 to ensure your preferred tee time.
