The Pattaya Golf Society (IPGC) at Rabbi’s Elephant Bar
On Monday, 26th March the Pattaya Golf Society visited Plutaluang to play a stableford competition on the East and South nines. It was the first time this combination had been assigned to the group since an abandoned attempt at a competition some four years ago in the midst of a vicious thunderstorm. So, optimism was high at the thoughts of what the day might hold for the field. The course was well turned out but the greens were vintage Plutaluang, running at 6.5 on the stimp.
On an empty track in third place came Dave Wilkinson with 32 points, representing his best round for a month or two, whilst in second place was “Rocketman” Rick Schramm, playing his final round this trip and he finished on a credible 34 points. The day’s best score was recorded by Jesper Hansen, his 40 points being his best return with the group. It was also the twelfth forty point plus return with the group so far this year. Now that the Eurocrat has sorted out his game he can turn his thoughts to the lesser problem of solving the crisis in Greece!
There were no birdie ‘2’s and the Booby Bevy went at last to Rick Schramm for no other reason than to wish him God speed!
Barton & Page tops at Lakeside
The Pattaya Golf Society travelled again to Royal Lakeside on Wednesday, 28th March to make another assessment of the extensive changes the club has made to the hitherto benign course in an effort to toughen up the challenge. An apricot “white house”, additional lateral bunkers, additional intrusive water hazards, raised and tiered greens, a “tarted-up” clubhouse – all were there to greet the two flights with the cut at sixteen and under. Putting is the key to success now and a reliance on caddies for advice is hasty as they too have to re-learn the lines.
In the top flight Phil “PJ” Mitchell posted one of his better rounds, peppered with good luck, to record 32 points to share second place with Chris Smith who shot the best gross of the day, 77. The flight winner was again Jesper Hansen who took the win with 36 points.
In the second flight James Smith produced another competent round to finish third with 32 points and the flight win was shared by Ken Page and Vic Barton with 38 points apiece.
The Booby Bevy went to an out of sorts Gary Bolger who managed only thirteen points, three of which came on the final hole. Gone are the days when it took a four under round to find a place in the frame at Royal Lakeside and in some ways this is a good thing. Let’s hope it’s not money wasted.
Page Two
The Pattaya Golf Society chose its favourite course, Bangpra for the final PGS March competition on Friday 30th and found a quality course in excellent condition but with all the white tees placed on the blue tee boxes. The day was destined to be a long one!
Fairways were well grassed and the greens were at their legendary best. A moderate sized field saw only one flight and in third place was the only lady in the field, Wan Meeraka, her game holding up well with a result of 32 points. Racing out of the traps was Mr Len with eighteen points recorded after just seven holes but thereafter the consistency of his drive deserted him and he finished with 33 points in second place. The winner was Ken Page, his second success in as many outings and his 34 points was a fine result in the conditions.
With the shortest par three at over 182 yards there were no birdie ‘2’s and the Booby Bevy was sacrificed in favour of a congratulatory cold beer for Pat Murphy as he had the honour of starting the one thousandth round with PGS this year.
Bangpra did not disappoint and the group will certainly enjoy the hospitality of the club for a long time yet as the low season rate is once again very favourable.
