A memorial golf competition was held in Khao Kheow Golf Club for Jaa, caddy No. 65 who died in January of this year at the very young age of 26. Sadly in January, she had been bitten by a mosquito from which she contracted dengue fever and died soon afterwards. The competition was confined to caddies from Khao Kheow with 45 caddies taking part, including Derm, caddy No 91, who is Jaa’s mother.
An excellent day was had by all with the caddies teeing off at the early hour of 6.30 am. In a lesson to all golfers including players, playing a medal round, the caddies completed their round in 3 hrs and 30 mins.
Alec Hoare, Joe McArdle, Ou, Joe Peters.
The competition was won by Ou, caddy No 228, while in 2nd place was Juup, caddy No 224, and 3rd Porn, caddy No 260. Ou went round in a gross score of 80 which at Khao Kheow is a really excellent round of golf.
Jaa – Caddy No. 65.
The Jaa Memorial Trophy, which is being held in Khao Kheow, was presented by the family of the late Benny O’Connor. Khao Kheow was Benny’s favorite course and he was also a good and old friend of Jaa, who was an excellent golfer as well as being a first class caddy and a beautiful lady. She was well known for playing golf in all the caddy competitions in the area.
Unfortunately both Jaa and Benny are both dead but now with this competition, which will be held every year in Khao Kheow, neither of them will ever be forgotten.
Apart from the main prizes there were also Near Pins, Long Drive and many spot prizes. Near Pins were claimed by Derm, caddy No 91, Sao, caddy No 181, Ou, caddy No 228, and Juup, caddy No 224. The Long Drive award went to Porn, caddy No 260.
All the participants were very grateful to the sponsors. There is also a special word of thanks due to Khun Suraphol, the manager of Khao Kheow, who organized everything and acted as the Emcee for the day and was generally very supportive.
Following the competition a meal was served in the clubhouse for all the participants, which for most of them was an extra special treat being their first time to be able to eat in the clubhouse.
After the meal and presentations a short speech was made by Alec Hoare thanking everyone who took part and also all the sponsors of the day – Khao Kheow Golf Club, Laem Chabang Golf Club, Green Valley Golf Club, the I.P.G.C., Pattaya Sports Club, The Haven, The Links and Sean Connolly.
Alec then made a presentation of a beautiful framed photo of Jaa to her mother in memory of the occasion.
Next year it is expected that there will be an even greater turnout as all the caddies will be trying to get their names on the beautiful trophy.
Benny O’Connor.
