PSC Golf from the Tropical Golf Group
Tuesday, Feb. 10, Crystal Bay – Stableford
This is a course that all the players like as it is a fair test of golf for all. On the day we were to play the C & A nines in that order and we were also blessed with a strong wind. Not fun playing in the wind but it seems an ever present here at some times of the year. The fairways on the course were in reasonable condition but the rough was tough and greens left a lot to be desired.
Back at BJ’s it was soon time for the results and it was obvious that we had a big different in the scores between the two flights. In the B Flight (18+), the winner was Dick Warberg with 34 points ahead of a count back on 33 that saw Giampaolo Di Grandis in second and Barry Elphick in third. Taking fourth spot with 32 points was Graham Buckingham.
Richard Kubicki (right) and Brian Parish (left) with one of BJ Holiday Lodge’s finest.
In the A Flight the scores were excellent and we had a count back on 40 points that saw Richard Kubicki in first and Brian Parish second. Occupying third was Andre Van Dyk with 39 points on a count back over Bob Watson in fourth. Bob deserved to be fourth as he only shot a ‘Gross 72’. It’s a tough school but still a great round by Bob.
Near Pins: Barry Elphick, Colm Mullen, Dave Nicholson, Bob Watson
Long Putts: Mick Coghlan, Brian Parish
Friday, Feb. 13, Wangjuntr Highlands – Stableford
This Friday was a special one as the Tropical Golf Group took the long but well worth it trip to Wanjuntr Golf Resort. During the ride out two thoughts were on our minds … what course would we play, since there was some confusion on the booking, and why is there an unpronounced “tr” at the end of the name? Upon arrival we were pleasantly surprised to learn we were to play the Highlands course as that is what most of the players were hoping for.
For anyone who has never played this course the advice is simple: Do it. The scenery, wildlife, and head scratching holes make the extra travel time worth it. This is not just another golf course, and first time visitors are often shocked to find their ball in a bunker or even pond in the middle of the green. Talk about careful approach shots!
Landis Brooks (left) gives Friday winner Tom Herrington the hard stare.
Overall the course condition was good today, and 10 minutes of light rain didn’t slow down play but instead kept things cool. It was one of those days some didn’t want to end. The Highlands course is as difficult as it is unique, and there is no trying to predict scores. The ride home went fast because there is always much to discuss about the course to keep conversation lively.
Back at BJ’s the results were announced. Beating the competition by a comfortable margin and the only one to break handicap was Tom Herrington (16) who somehow came in with a fine 37 points. Great score on this course Tom. Second place went to Landis Brooks (9) with a fine 33 points off his low handicap. Doug Maiko (14) took third with 31. Mark West (15) finished the prizes with 30 points.
Near Pins: Paul Weatherly (2), Ted Morris, Martin Thomas.
