Travellers Rest Golf Group
Although this high season in Pattaya is not completely done and dusted I got the distinct impression this past week that it has now peaked and the numbers of tourists are dropping. Certainly the numbers playing golf have noticeably decreased and although there may be a late surge sometime this month, everything has an end of season feel about it.
Monday, Feb. 29, Pattana – Stableford
It was the last day of February and the TRGG headed off to play Pattana (B and C courses). The winner of Division 2 was our old friend Thomas Knudsen and to my knowledge he only ever wins golf competitions in a leap year, or roughly once every four years so well done Thomas.
Thomas Knudsen.
In Division 1 it was another Thomas showing all the others the way home. Nick Thomas continued his good form of late and crept over the line to win by a nose from Alan Gibb, but only after a count back. Robert Bjorkqvist took third place.
In Division 2, as already reported, it was Thomas Knudsen who obviously thought it was a blue moon shining over Pattaya the night before because he woke up and played out of his skin. He recorded an excellent 41 points to take first place, about as common an event as Liverpool winning the Premier League, but I digress. John Flannery finished in second place four shots behind, which was still a commendable effort on a tricky course. Reg Glass received another mention in dispatches for finishing third.
Div.1 (0-13)
1st Nick Thomas (10) 35pts
2nd Alan Gibb (8) 35pts
3rd Robert Bjorkqvist (13) 32pts
Div.2 (14+)
1st Thomas Knudsen (31) 41pts
2nd John Flannery (15) 37pts
3rd Reg Glass (17) 32pts
Tuesday, March 1, Burapha – Stableford
On Tuesday it was once again the turn of Burapha (C and D courses) to play host to the TRGG. Big Robert Bjorkqvist, fresh from his third place the day before, set the course alight and was the only player to better his handicap, finishing with 38 points. It was two players from my four-ball who filled the minor podium places, wily old Jack Mooney having another good day to take second and the ever reliable Roger Wilkinson in third.
Robert Bjorkqvist.
1st Robert Bjorkqvist (13) 38pts
2nd Jack Mooney (21) 35pts
3rd Roger Wilkinson (14) 34pts
Wednesday, March 2, Silky Oak – Stableford
It was off to Silky Oaks on Wednesday, a course we don’t play too often and one with a memorable 87-yard par three that few actually manage to par, let alone birdie.
On the day all the first three shot 40 points or more, which should probably call for a steward’s enquiry but I shall refrain from querying the handicap system once again and put it down to some brilliant play by the three in question.
Billy Allan, who has been suffering with his game of late, came up smelling of roses today to win the competition with 41 points. Ged Higgins finished second after just getting the better of Gary Blackborne on a count back.
1st Billy Allan (18) 41pts
2nd Ged Higgins (20) 40pts
3rd Gary Blackborne (8) 40pts
Thursday, March 3, Green Valley – Stableford
Thursday meant it was time for our weekly trip over to Green Valley and it was once again the Thomas clan who walked off with all the plaudits, with Alan Thomas showing his usual consistency to head the leaderboard with a fine 38 points.
Joe Stranks, who is also a pretty consistent player (sorry, forget the word pretty he is just consistent), finished second and John Flannery again finished in the places, taking third spot.
1st Alan Thomas (6) 38pts
2nd Joe Stranks (12) 34pts
3rd John Flannery (15) 34pts
Friday, March 4, Bangpra – Stableford
The TRGG rounded off the week by paying a rare trip to Bangpra on Friday, and from looking at the final scores it would seem it was playing very difficult.
Noel Larkin.
Noel Larkin probably surprised himself by walking away with first place on just 32 points. Alan Gibbs and Michael Maguire fought it out for second and third places, both finishing with 31 points but Alan edging the count back.
1st Noel Larkin (18) 32pts
2nd Alan Gibb (9) 31pts
3rd Michael Maguire (22) 31pts
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 Valentines Guest House (Restaurant and Bar) in Soi Lengkee and add your name to the weekly lists which are posted on the notice board.
