IPGC 2015 Links Challenge
We did it: in excess of 100,000 baht raised for Jesters Care For Kids Charity; thanks to sponsors and golfers who signed up to support the Links Charity Challenge of 2015.
And the Irish also did it, taking the honours in last weekend’s two biggest sporting events; firstly, winning the Charity Challenge on Friday 20 March, and culminating in that thrilling weekend of 6-Nations rugby. Both teams, it has to be said, experienced consecutive triumphs by repeating their winning performance of the previous year.
(Left to right): Repeat winners Tony Pike, Joe McArdle, George Cullen and Shaun Merriman.
Khao Kheow Golf Course played host to this year’s annual fund-raiser for Jesters Care for Kids. The charity scramble involved twenty four-person teams, who teed off in fine and humid weather. The course was in excellent shape, although some thought the green-speed had slowed compared to their last visit. With handicaps set at 12.5% of a team’s aggregate, scoring was expected to be low, and so it proved.
The winning score, an impressive 55.5 by Tony Pike, Joe McArdle, George Cullen and Shaun Merriman was well clear of the joint runner-ups, whose final placing came down to a count back, with the quartet of Keith Emmerson, James Beard, Tom Cody and Steve Johnson, just edging the team of Stephen Beard, Barry Winton, Trevor Schirmer and Steve Mascari for second place.
In addition to the major prizes given to the first three teams, there were prizes up for grabs on every hole; and herein lies an interesting story. The format for defining who got what technical, from the 18 prizes available, was determined by each winner pulling a hidden number from a bag. Prizes ranged in value from a box of Pro V1s right the way up to an impressive 35-inch flat-screen TV. Not surprisingly, one prize was for closest to the pin on A5, an event won by William Bishop with a hole-in-one, no less. So, when William, who was second up, dipped his hand into the bag, what reward would lady luck provide – yes, the TV!
The Links wishes to acknowledge the financial support provided by the following sponsors: Legends and their BBQ girls, Rimtalay Properties, The Golf Club, IPGC, Club Nevada, Tahitian Queen, Jesters MC, Stephen Rowley, Chick N Coop Beer Bar, Pattaya Rent A Car, The Links Hotel, Mike’s Mexican Restaurant, Mike Contoni, VFW, Joe Onheiser, Robert Moses, Kent “Chilly” Willhem, Homer Kemper, James Beard and Rich Man Poor Man.
The first prize was donated by the Thai Country Club; green-fee vouchers giving each of our four winners a free round of golf on that fabulous course – an experience they are sure to enjoy – thank you TCC.
Thanks also to those who sent teams; Stephen Beard from the Haven, Len Jones from the Pattaya Golf Society and Joe McArdle from Tara Court.
The last recognition goes to all the players who competed in this fun day. Your efforts have resulted in over 100,000 baht being raised for Jesters Care for Kids; thank you all for your company and your contributions.
A5 plays host to the perfect shot – well done William.
