PSC Golf from The Billabong Golf Bar
Monday, Oct. 5, Siam Waterside – Stableford
There we were, standing on the balcony overlooking the course which was an absolute picture, a covering of emerald green grass stretching as far as the eye could see. There was water along and across the fairways, water underfoot from the recent rains and water overhead, thankfully, not the deluge we expected. What an appropriate name for a golf course – Waterside.
Up and running for two years now and improving all the time, you can see that when this course has matured it will be spectacular. It’s not particularly long but is still very challenging as you have a good chance of finding water or a bunker on every hole. The 9th is a particularly tough par four circling around the lake with water from tee to green.
Jim Smith with Jason Gale, Aaron Smith & Lumpy Russell.
18 Billabong golfers made the trip today but only 4 played to their handicap or better. Questions were asked of Lumpy Russell and his band of four who enjoyed themselves with Sangsom and whatever and came in first, second, third and last! Lumpy took third with 39 points but still cannot explain how Jim Smith was edged into second on 40 points, beaten on count back by Aaron Smith. The fourth member of the group, Jason Gale, blamed Lumpy for everything as did his caddie.
Strangely, on near perfect greens, there was only one ‘2’ recorded and that went to Jeff Gale.
Wednesday, Oct. 7, Green Valley – Stableford
There is always something to look forward to when visiting Green Valley and this week was no exception. Many of the bunkers are receiving a facelift, something we all need in our maturing years, and all the greens had been heavily scarified. There were a few complaints and admittedly this did not make for a perfect day’s golf for they (the greens) were a little slow and bumpy, but these things must be done and if the recent rains continue they will be back to their best in no time.
Som, Dan & Nu celebrate their success on Wednesday.
A hot, sultry day descended upon us for the first few holes but a gentle breeze was very welcome later in the day. Some areas of the fairways were very wet and did not provide any run on the ball, making the course play to its full yardage. Add to that the fact that the greens were not at their best and it was not a surprise to find that only 4 golfers played to their handicap or better.
The ladies were all beautifully turned out, all wearing pink and white clothing which seemed to inspire some good scores with Miss Nu coming in with 36 points. Miss Som claimed second place on the podium with 38 points but Miss Dan was smiling all afternoon, showing a clean pair of heals with a solid 39.
Friday’s top three: Andy Hancock, Karen Craigie & Graham Gibson.
Only one male golfer bettered his handicap and that was John Mills, no not the actor, with 37 points which was so much better than the three golfers on 34 points. Bob Finlay lost out in fourth place but Capt. Bob had a better back nine to finish third and Auk Engelkes had the best back nine having 2 birdies on the way home to finish second overall.
Capt. Bob overcame his disappointment of finishing third by having the only ‘2’ on the day.
Friday, Oct. 9, Phoenix – Stableford
On a very rainy morning we left the bar for Phoenix Gold Golf course thinking we would be lucky to be able to play. There were a few that didn’t brave the elements but after a coffee or two the rain eased up to just a light shower and it was decided to play under winter rules. It proved to be a wise choice as after about 5 holes the rain disappeared and it turned into a great day for golf.
With a depleted field of 17 everybody finished but some of the scores weren’t the best and one golfer, playing in the new soft sole shoes, couldn’t keep his feet from slipping.
The prizes went down to third place which was taken by the lovely Karen Craigie with 36 points, beating Capt Bob on a count back. Second spot went to Graham Gibson with 37 points also on a count back as he was edged out of first place by his good mate Andy Hancock on the same score.
There was only one ‘2’ recorded and for the second time running it was Bob Philp who did the deed.
