IPGC Pattaya Golf Society at the Links Bar
Monday, Oct. 12, Treasure Hill – Stableford
Monday saw the Pattaya Golf Society head up the 331 to play a stableford round at one of our sternest tests, Treasure Hill. Told that the course had seen a lot of recent rain, we decided to play from the yellows – a decision that proved the right one. With plugged lies also promised, preferred lies were implemented.
Our four groups teed off on time at 10:30, on a course nearly deserted. Strange that, because at 1,050 baht green-fee caddie-fee and cart, this course offers excellent value for money; and will do so at least until 30 November.
Masa Takano.
It was very pleasant playing without the threat of rain, as has been the norm of late. Even though the course has had a great deal of rain, conditions were still good. With the course playing long it made scoring hard, as was proved by the fact that just today’s winner achieved a net-par round.
Tied in third place on 32 stableford points were Andrew Purdie (H/cap 8), and Jim Ferris (24). One point ahead was Alan Flynn (11) who managed 33. Today’s winner, by an impressive three-point margin, was Masa Takano (9), with a net-par round of 36 points.
There was just the one ‘2’, scored on the 17th by Alan Flynn and ensuring him a nice return for his day’s efforts.
Back at the Links, the lucky beer draw went to Dave Edwards, whilst a distinct lack of stories or other mishaps worthy of recounting, meant the booby bevy went “unclaimed”.
Wednesday, Oct. 14, Khao Kheow – Stableford
Wednesday saw the Pattaya Golf Society leave Soi Buakhao under clear skies and travel to Khao Kheow to play a stableford round on the C and B nines. The course always loses its gloss in low season and it was no surprise to find fairways patchy and sandy and greens slower than the advice posted showing a speed of 9. However, an empty track beckoned as the first group teed off.
A fretful strong breeze was evident all day and scores were affected by it and also the greens. Third place found both Karl Flood and Dave Edwards share the place with 31 points whilst a strong performance by Jim Ferris helped him into second with 33. The winner, as on Monday, was Masa Takano and his 37 points emphasised the form he is in currently.
There were no birdie ‘2’s and the consolation beers went to Mr Len, John Mason and Mike Firkin. The latter two golfers also generously sponsored near pins and the quality Titleist sleeves went to Dave Edwards (C3), Karl Flood (C8), Masa Takano (B3) and Pete Sumner (B8).
Friday, Oct. 16, The Emerald – Stableford
The PGS took four groups south on Friday to play a stableford competition at the Faldo designed Emerald GC. When we played here in July, 37 points was needed just to come third. Not today, as conditions conspired to keep scores well away from par.
It soon became apparent that this course had suffered from an excess of water in recent days. Signs of erosion showing slips and mud-slides were evident, whilst the lakes were full to overflowing. Deciding on our preferred lies rule didn’t take long.
We seemed to have the course pretty much to ourselves, which was a surprise given it was a Friday. Perhaps it was the ever-present threat of rain keeping the punters away? Whatever the case, we teed off on time at 0945 in fine conditions but very wet underfoot.
The putting surfaces are not as fast as I remember them back when we used to play here regularly. Still, they were consistent, if a little slow. Other than that, the course was in as good a shape as one could reasonably expect, given the rains of recent weeks.
There were no ‘2’s, which would have pleased those on the podium. Perhaps it was the wet rough, perhaps the heavy air and constant threat of rain, whatever the reason, today’s scores were modest indeed. In fourth place, on 30 points was a surprised Richard ‘Banjo’ Bannister (H/cap 15) who was enjoying his first round back with us. One point ahead were our joint second-place getters on 31; Jim Ferris (24) and John Tallett (23). Today’s winner, on 32 stableford points, was Larry Gibb (21).
Interesting to note the performance of the higher markers in the field; they completely dominated the low handicappers. Well done guys. It was tough out there, and clearly you got the job done best.
Back at the Links, Larry Slattery won the lucky beer draw whilst John O’Sullivan picked up the booby bevy for playing what was undoubtedly the most golf.
