PSC Golf from The Billabong Golf Bar
Monday, June 6, Phoenix – Stableford
There is one thing of which you can be certain when playing at Phoenix at the moment and that is you will play Mountain and Lakes nines, for the Ocean is still closed for renovation. Originally closed to update the course to host the King’s Trophy in July, this has now been switched to Lakes and it will be interesting to hear the professionals’ comments on the new layout as there are some strong opinions from those that play it. Of course the difficulty of the Lakes nine depends, to a large extent, on where they put the pins – the greenkeepers can be pretty cruel sometimes.
The huge storm on Sunday evening was good for the layout, reduced the temperature a little but the hot sun ensured that the humidity was beyond the debilitating. Of the 26 playing today, four were neck and neck with 34 points to take third, with Brad Sproxton having 18 on the back nine and beating off the challenge of the others as Mal Farquharson finished in fourth. Graham, (I don’t feel well) Beaumont had a great day, coming home with 41 points but a count back was again needed to separate him from the eventual winner Nail Herd. Only one 2 was recorded and that went to Alan beck.
Back at the Billabong occasional player with our society Brad Sproxton not only donated his winnings but also made a significant donation to the upcoming Billabong Charity Day on June 21. The funds will be donated to a cause close to his heart – Children With Special Needs. If you can put together a team to enter this competition please ring Bob Philp on 082 204 3411 – there are still some places available but be quick.
Wednesday, June 8, Silky Oak – Stableford
It was the PSC monthly at Green Valley today and the Billabong were switched to Silky Oak, which is so different to St. Andrews and Green Valley and is always fun to play with its variable mixture of holes, particularly 2 of the par threes which give every impression of being easy. But don’t be fooled for one is beyond your vision at the top of a steep hill with access resembling the Great Wall of China and the other appears so short that you feel you can throw the ball near the pin from the tee, but not everything is as it appears and many do not record their anticipated par.
Following the recent rain, the grass on the fairways invariably provided a good lie and most of the 36 players benefitted with a good score. 37 points did not come into the reckoning in the men’s division and there were three on 38 points but Ted Gardner had the better back nine to take third place ahead of Freddie Starbeck.
J.P. Maffray was a little despondent on the 1st tee and stated that he was not playing well but beware the desperate golfer for he came home with 40 points only to be well beaten by Bent Larson who recorded his best ever score with 45 points to take the plaudits.
Miss Noodle lost out to Miss Yen who both had 36 points but Miss Eng romped home in the ladies flight with 39 points.
There were five 2s today, coming from Miss Orn, Tony Oakes, George Barrie, Wayne Cotterell and Robert Marsh.
Note: The Billabong monthly scramble will be held June 24 at Plutaluang.
