Once again beautiful weather prevailed Friday, August 5, with overcast skies keeping down the heat for the 18th Annual Jackalope Open played at Burapha Golf and Country Club.
Jason Manley shot one of the best rounds of his life, scoring 44 points to be crowned the winner of the 18th Annual Jackalope Open.
Over 85 golfers teed it up for the “fun” charity event, and most impressively the first group made it back to the clubhouse in just 3 hours, 45 minutes. The average time for all groups was an equally impressive 4 hours.
The turnout was somewhat less than expected, most likely in part due to the economy and the low price of oil and gas. However, those that did take part were able to collect their anniversary golf shirt, which this year paid homage to the loss of good friend and fellow Canadian Wayne Ogonoski. Sadly, Wayne passed away this year. He was always a big part of the Jackalope, keeping scores at the tournament, as well as running the charity’s website and always being on hand to help the needy when funds and goods were distributed.
Along with the golf shirt, golfers were given quality Jackalope towels donated by Retox Game On and emblazoned with “Jackalope Open 2016 The Fun Tournament 18th Anniversary” and the distinctive Jackalope logo. Entrants could also pick up tees, stickers and ball markers after the 10 a.m. registration, on their way to the Caesar table.
After the traditional noon shotgun start, on course refreshments were handled by JD Crowley on A4 and Blue Moose on B7, plus four liquid refreshment carts that circulated throughout the course.
Once back inside the clubhouse, hungry golfers were treated to a delicious buffet provided by the Burapha staff while they waited for their scorecard to be checked and tabulated by John Emmerson and his team.
Once the technical prizes were announced and presented there was one final prize to be awarded, the Jack Levy – Macallan Insurance Broker Longest Putt Challenge on hole B9. This welcome addition to the charity event features a 20,000 baht prize, with 10,000 baht going to the winner and 10,000 baht to the Jackalope charity. Joe Sullivan sunk the longest first putt, earning 10,000 baht, of which he gave back 5,000 baht to charity.
After the flight winners were announced and trophies handed out, the excitement built throughout the raffle, leading up to the 50/50 draw which this year featured a pot of 180,000 baht, with 90,000 going to the winner. The lucky winner was none other than birthday boy Mark Gorda, who immediately donated his 90,000 baht winnings straight back into the charity coffers. Well done Mark!
In all, early estimates showed the amount raised during the event would be enough to ensure the Jackalope Open would once again be able to donate 400,000 baht to the Jesters Care for Kids charity drive.
Special mention goes to the Global Top Group who donated 50,000 baht towards the Jackalope/Camillian Centre. Thank you.
Thanks go to Mike (the manager of the golf course) and all the staff at Burapha Golf & Resort for their excellent service provided on the day. Thanks also to the following businesses and individuals who either donated their time and staff or helped to raise an outstanding amount for the 2016 charity fund: John Kennedy, Colin Mearns, Retox Bar, Macallan Insurance, Jack Levy, TQ, Jesters, Pattaya Sports Club, The Haven Hotel, Indian By Nature, JD Crowley, Blue Moose, Pie Guy, The Clubhouse Jomtien, Q Car Rentals, Pattaya Mail, Rick Moren, Todd Moren, Mike Peters, Stacey O’Toole, Joe and Glenna Ernst, Ryan Woods, Wayne and Anthony Stennes, Alan Vick, Danny Omlund, John Thowsen, Mike O’halloran, Pen and Neil Sandilands, Paul Erb, John Emmerson, Wade Oldenburg, Rob Kennedy, Murray and Mamo Kerr, Doug Campbell, Glenn Unflat, Glen Fiala, Pattaya Pickle, Mark Robbins and Chris Oxley, Bill Freeman, Pinky, Stewart and Randy ‘The Beer Cart Bunch’, and a host of other helpers too numerous to mention.
Overall Winner
Jason Manley 44pts
Division 1
1st Charles Murray 40pts
2nd Rob Barnes 39pts
3rd Neil Skilton 38pts
Division 2
1st Fred Birch 39pts
2nd Darren Stanto 37pts
3rd Dave Dairah 36pts
Division 3
1st Bennie Hansen 38pts
2nd Bernie Morris 36pts
3rd Mike Lovell 35pts
Ladies
1st Noodle Russell
2nd Pigawan Vincent
Rabbits
1st Joe St Laurent
2nd Chris Balislie
3rd Paal Imhof
Technical prize winners
Joe Sullivan – long putt on #9
Near Pin A3: Ladies: Rong Carungay; Rabbits Julian Arawec; Div 3 Chris Harkins; Div 2 Paal Imhof; Div 1 Simon Philbrook.
Near Pin A6: Ladies Oyjai Wilanan; Rabbits No Winner; Dive 3 Mike Lowell; Div 2 Barry the Bookie; Div 1 Bob Newell.
Near Pin B3: Ladies Noodle Russell; Rabbits No winner; Div 3 Bernie Morris; Div 2 Lumpy Russell; Div 1 JB Russell.
Near Pin B8: Ladies Noodle Russell; Rabbits No winner; Div 1 No winner; Div 2 Darren Stanton; Div 3 Andreas Greenacher
Long Drive: Rabbits Rob Kennedy; Div 3 Joe Sullivan; Div 2 Peter Thomas; Dive 1 Tyson Dunlop.
Andy Evan Memorial Best Sportsmanship Award
Bob “Scar” Taylor.
