Jomtien Golf with the IPGC
Monday, December 26, Pattana – Stableford
After two days of the Christmas frolics we expected a few cancellations and no-shows this morning but this was kept to a minimum; there were 32 names on the board on Friday and in the end we fielded 26 out today.
Our last two visits here the wind had been moderate but today a strong wind was coming from all directions so we decided to play off the yellow tees. Division 1 was 7-20 and 21 plus in the second and we were allocated the B and C courses, which proved to be a good test of golf for the first drive for everybody.
Playing off 14, the best returned score of the day was in division 1 with Keith Wooley winning with 38 points. Jerry Macarthy took second; beating Mauri Friman on a remarkable 22/19 back nine count back after they both finished 1 point behind Keith.
Three players in division 2 all returned with 36 points and after being cut by two shots last week and now playing off 26, Paul Chabot beat Willy Van Heetvelde on an 11/8 back six count back after they both scored 19 points on the back nine, and Pepo Frick, who scored 22 on the front nine, lost out with 14 on the back nine.
Near pins went to Michael Healey, Max Wilson, Keith Wooley, Chris Voller, Mauri Friman, Bryan Priestley, Rudi Schaefer and Dave Thompson.
In division 1 there were no ‘2’s but in the second flight with two rollovers Mauri Friman birdied the third on the B course and Bryan Priestley the second on the C course to win the maximum pot each.
Wednesday, December 28, Greenwood – Stableford
We arrived 30 minutes ahead of our schedule and we teed off straight away, but this proved a problem after playing nine holes on the A course as there were three groups still on the B course waiting to start their round, so we had a small hold-up but this caused no real problems.
It was a quiet period now with the festive season up and running are there were only 8 four-balls out today.
Playing off the white tees with the cut in 3 divisions of 7-15, 16-20 and 21 plus, the best returned score was 38 points in division 3 by Willy Van Heetveld while Paul Chabot beat Mark Armstrong on a 17/14 back nine count back after they both came in with 33 points.
Mike Missler won division 1 with 35 points and Dennis Scougal beat Matti Pihlajisto on a 15/14 back nine count back for second after they both returned scores of 31.
Dave Thompson’s 35 topped division 2 scoring, with Bryan Rought beating the newly returned Sheffield lad, Howard Stanley, on a 17/13 back nine count back.
Near pins were claimed by John Chambers, Martin Macateer, Mark Armstrong, Mauri Friman and Dave Thompson.
There were no ‘2’s today.
Friday, December 30, Eastern Star – Stableford
Our largest turnout of the week with 46 players, the ladies had a field of 6 out and the normal three divisions for the men with the cut exactly the same as Wednesday.
Still in form after winning with 35 points at Greenwood, Mike Missler took top podium position in division 1 with 38 points. Chris Voller was second 5 points behind and Barney Sheedey beat Bill Bertram on a 18/15 count back after they both scored 32 points.
Harry Riley, back in form, won division 2 with 37 points, Darryl Blair was second on 33 and Jerry McArthy claimed third with 31.
The Oz boy Chris Reed took out division 3 with 36 points, Willy Van Heetvelde came second on 33 and Bryan Priestley was in third with 32.
In the ladies competition two scores came in to contention for first prize, but Toi Blair edged Jill Stanley on a 20/14 back nine count back after they both scored 34 points.
Near pins went to Verana Suhr, Mike Missler, Mark Prytz (2), Volkner Suhr, Bruce Gardner, Gel Lodge, Chris Reed and Harry Riley.
Standing on the 14th tee there were loud screams coming off the 13th as Mike Missler’s shot finished three inches short of the hole that would have cost him an arm and a leg, but he still sank the only ‘2’ in division 1, while Yuza Reginiussen birdied the 6th for the first ladies ‘2’ for some time. Well done Yuza!
Note: Jomtien Golf Kanchanaburi trip has been organised for the week of 12 February for a three round competition.
