Travellers Rest Golf Group
With Japan making all the headlines at the Rugby World Cup after their magnificent defeat of South Africa it should not really be a surprise to see their countrymen were inspired to step up to the plate in other sporting fields. This past week two of them managed to win two of the four golfing competitions at the TRGG and one of their neighbours from the Philippines, a lady no less, won one of the other two.
Perhaps the weather played a part as well, as the humidity in the early part of the week was extreme and us Europeans don’t handle humid conditions very well. The heavy air does strange things to a golf ball and most shots to the green require one or two clubs more than usual.
Monday, Sept. 21, Khao Kheow – Stableford
Proceedings got underway on Monday with a trip up to Khao Kheow (B and C courses) and the Family Hurdon roadshow came along as well. Graham and Carmen’s visit to Pattaya this year has been a continuing story of success with wins from both of them on many occasions during the last month. This time it was Carmen, who hails from the Philippines, who overcame the recent cuts to her handicap to take first place with an excellent 38 points. Aussie Bill Reid stepped into second place with 34, which was one shot too good for third placed Derek Thorogood.
(L-R) Bill Reid, Al Marumoto and Toshihiro Aoki.
1st Carmen Hurdon (15) 38pts
2nd Bill Reid (16) 34pts
3rd Derek Thorogood (14) 33pts
Tuesday, Sept. 22, Phoenix – Stableford
On Tuesday it was back to Phoenix (Mountain and Ocean), which on the day resembled playing golf in a sauna bath. When most of the contestants returned to the club house after their round of golf they looked like drowned rats drenched in perspiration, believe me it was very hard work.
Bill Reid took it all in his stride and just got the better of second placed Yasu Takasaka, but only after a count back as they both finished with 39 points each. Big John O’Donoghue continued his good form of late by taking third spot.
1st Bill Reid (16) 39pts
2nd Yasu Takasaka (12) 39pts
3rd John O’Donoghue (19) 35pts
Wednesday, Sept. 23, Eastern Star – Stableford
After two continuous days of hard golf it was perhaps no surprise that the numbers dropped off for the visit to Eastern Star on Wednesday. Al Marumoto found the course to his liking and shot his handicap to finish in the number one position. Billy Allan, who was in the money the previous week, was at it again and this time finished with 31 points which was good enough for second place. Scotsman Alan Murray took third a further point adrift.
1st Al Marumoto (10) 36pts
2nd Billy Allan (14) 31pts
3rd Alan Murray (11) 30pts
Friday, Sept. 25, Pattavia – Stableford
On Friday the golfing week drew to a close with a visit to Pattavia. I played like ten men (nine dead and one dying) and finished last. But others fared better and Toshihiro Aoki, finishing with 37 points, showed that he could cope with those devilish greens and took first place on the day.
John Dean told me he played some of his best golf of the year to finish on 36 points and that was enough to earn him second place. Wednesday’s winner Al Marumoto showed his form was no fluke by taking third spot.
1st Toshihiro Aoki (24) 37pts
2nd John Dean (11) 36pts
3rd Al Marumoto (10) 34pts
Good luck to all you golfers for the coming week and if you would like to play a round of golf with the TRGG, please phone Derek Thorogood on 080 673 3118 or pop into the Ned Kelly Bar in Soi Lengkee and add your name to the weekly lists which are posted on the notice board.
