PSC Golf Bunker Boys at The Ranch
Monday, Feb. 1, Bangpra – Stableford
Twenty-seven players made it to Bangpra where the course was found to be in good shape, with the exception of the bunkers (see later) and the front nine greens that had been lightly sanded, but it wasn’t an issue. The very dry spell has resulted in the rough getting very dry and hard and it really paid to keep the ball on the fairways – but easier said than done.
Alan Freeman handled conditions the best and ran out winner in A Division with 37 points, one ahead of Les Cobban in second while Tony Robbins had to settle for third place two back.
B Division found life more difficult, with Les Halls 35 points beating Mike Corner by one and Ken Davidson’s 31 taking third.
Once again the groundstaff had prepared the course well and the bunkers obviously started the day in excellent shape but the players and caddies were not repairing the bunkers when they played out of them. The bunker in front of the 9th hole, which receives a lot of traffic, looked like a football game had been played in it.
This is a disturbing trend and was the same at Khao Kheow last week. It is the responsibility of all players and caddies to repair bunkers after use so it is fair for all succeeding players
A Div. (0-16.8)
1st Alan Freeman (5) 37pts
2nd Les Cobban (8) 36pts
3rd Tony Robbins (15) 35pts
B Div. (16.9 – 36)
1st Les Hall (22) 35pts
2nd Mike Corner (19) 34pts
3rd Ken Davidson (24) 31pts
Near Pins: Tony Robbins, Peter Mannion, Les Cobban, Les Hall.
Wednesday, Feb. 3, Royal Lakeside – Stableford
Royal Lakeside is a beautiful track and was in excellent condition for our game on Wednesday.
The podium positions were decided on count back today with Tom McDowell taking the top spot ahead of Jimmy Carr and Colin Greig, all tied on 33 points overall.
1st Tom McDowell (20) 33pts
2nd Jimmy Carr (17) 33pts
3rd Colin Greig (10) 33pts
Near Pins: Les Cobban, Colin Greig, Peter Kelly, Neil Jones.
Friday, Feb. 5, Crystal Bay B & A – Medal
On a lovely cool day eight groups of golfers traveled to that perennial favorite Crystal Bay where we had the opportunity to play on the B track after almost a year. This nine was in magnificent condition with greens so fast that it took a while to get familiar with the speed. They were however smooth and true so no one had any complaints.
The medal format proved to be very slow and resulted in a 5 hour plus game and at times there were 3 four-balls waiting on the par threes. One of the caddies, who said she had been working there for twenty three years, put on a mime of Tony Scrambler lining up a put which had us in stitches while we waited.
Tony Robbins won the A flight with a net 71, matched by Eddie Kelly in the B flight. This was Eddie’s last game before heading home so it was an appropriate send off for this popular player.
A Flight
1st Tony Robbins (15) net 71
2nd Alan Freeman (5) net 72
3rd Peter Mannion (9) net 72
B Flight
1st Eddie Kelly (20) net 71 net
2nd Jimmy Carr (17) net 74
3rd Neil Carter (18) net 74
Near Pins: Alan Freeman, Colin Greig, Gerry Cooney.
Note: The Bunker Boys play on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Contact Buff on 086 046 5091 or 080 605 5663 for more information and scheduling.