PSC Golf from The Billabong Golf Bar
Wednesday, June 10, St. Andrews – Stableford
With Green Valley taken over by a police golf tournament, we were offered St. Andrews today, which always proves to be a reasonable alternative. The heat descended upon us like a hot blanket but having a buggy is a great help when it is this hot.
The poor caddies are suffering more than most at the moment, not just because of the heat, but most of them only have demands for their services three, sometimes, four days per week which does little for their financial situation, especially those that have family responsibilities.
Rosco Langoulant, Steve Balfour and Bob Newell.
Many of the Billabong diehards were sleeping off three day’s strenuous activities in Khao Yai, but 22 golfers still turned up to test their skills on this difficult golf layout. St. Andrews is always a beautiful course to play but the greens today were a little slower than usual, which appeared to have had an effect on the overall scores.
We only had two scores better than handicap, but what a contrast – the biggest imaginable. Simon Spalding, a visitor from Sydney and playing off scratch, scored a brilliant 38 points while second place went to Auke Engelkes. Bob Newell won a count back for third on 33 points from Chaten Patel.
Accompanied by many shouts of excitement, the ladies winner, Lott Philp, playing off 40, scored an amazing 40 points for her first visit to the winner’s enclosure. “Just one of those days,” she said nonchalantly. Saipin Woollett scored a very creditable 34 points to finish second, winning on a count back from (Ms Sa) Nichawan Khiaophuang.
With the greens being a little unreliable, there were no ‘2’s.
Friday, June 12, Phoenix – Stableford
Phoenix was the challenge for Friday in very hot conditions. The course is in grand condition and with a little rain it will be certainly one of the best courses to play on. Having had a tour of the new layout from general manager, the changes being made will knock your socks off!
With 6 groups playing today we got off on time and were all away in the blistering heat, one of the walkers that played in the scribe’s group looked like he had been swimming by the time he had walked 3 holes.
The scores were surprising as there were only two players who beat handicap, the rest were also-rans to say the least. Taking fourth spot on a 3-way count back was Rosco Langoulant with 33 points while Lumpy Russell was third with 35. Second place went to Bob Newell with 38 points and taking top spot was Steve Balfour with a fine 40 point total.
There were no ‘2’s recorded.
Note: The Billabong is situated just off Siam Country Club Road looking straight down Lake Mabprachan, Call Bob on 082 204 3411 if you are looking for a game.
