There was a full field of 120 booked in for the latest PAGS monthly golf tournament at Phoenix Gold on August 30, but following a few withdrawals & no-shows we were left with 114 players, including a small field of 8 ladies.
This month we returned to the Phoenix course, where we played the Lakes & Ocean combination. This was our first opportunity to play the recently refurbished and opened Ocean 9, and I must say the course was in good condition, with the Lakes continuing to improve. Although the weather was hot and humid, there was a light breeze to keep it from being too oppressive, with the groups progressing at a steady pace.
As in most months there is one, or sometimes several outstanding performances for the tournament. This month that mention should probably go to Matthew Sneath (H/cap 14) who took out the A Flight (0–14) net with a day’s best score for the men of 39 points, to go with his 2 technical prizes. A count back to the last 6 holes was required to separate Jeff Wylie (6) & Jim Groves (13) for the minor A flight placings. Jeff getting the nod 13/11, after both signed for 38 points, with 18 on the back 9.
The B Flight, for handicaps 15-20, was tightly contested, with all placegetters separated by only 1 point, Lee Adams (17) going clear on 38 points. After a count back Neil Carter (16) took second spot, edging Ian Walsh (17) into third, 20/18 after both shot 37 points.
Dave Barker (21) was the leader in C flight for handicaps 21+, with 38 points, by a clear 2 points over Lloyd Armstrong (24), with Kenny Chung (23) getting third spot a further point behind on 35 points. Dave also picked up a technical prize with his 1st hole approach shot.
With a smaller than usual field of only 8 ladies this month, it was Chopinette Ciraporn (13) leading the way with a day’s best of 43 points, to go with her approach prize on hole #8. The Low Gross prize went to Jeff Wylie (6) with a score of 76.
This month was the most open for several tournaments, with the prizes well spread around, except for a few notable exceptions.
BBQ King Dave was away on a well deserved holiday but his capable staff, with Darren Low leading the way, kept all attendees well satisfied with their tasty offerings for the night.
We will all look forward to another successful tournament with the next event at Phoenix on 27 September. Contact Shane on 086 372 0084 to ensure your preferred tee time. A reminder to all players & readers, that up to date results & Order of Merits from PAGS tournaments will be posted to www.birdie.in.th, where you can keep all your personal stats & scores, check it out.
