PSC Golf from The Golf Club
Reality has finally hit, and we are well and truly ensconced into the rainy season. Mabprachan Lake, over on the darkside, is finally getting water levels near to where they should be and most course water hazards are now pretty full as well. This rainfall was desperately needed, but next time not all at once please.
Monday, Sept. 28, Green Valley (white tees) – Stableford
1st Phil Lawrence (10) 37pts
2nd Kevin Hamilton (15) 35pts
3rd Phil Smedley (10) 34pts
Capt. Phil (left) with Sept. Monthly Medal winner John McHugh.
Our comp at Green Valley on Monday saw our fearless Captain Phil sneak on that podium with just 34 points, and that was a shot back from last month’s medal winner Kev Hamilton. But it was another Phil, also an Aussie and also playing off 10, that took top prize here today. Goodonya Phil Lawrence, who should be homeward bound by the time you read this, so see you next time mate!
Tuesday, Sept. 29, Phoenix (white tees) – Monthly Medal
1st John McHugh (14) net 69
2nd Rod Black (15) net 70
T3rd Robbie Taylor (13) net 72
T3rd Peter Rogers (21) net 72
T3rd Al Marumoto (10) net 72
I think everyone agrees that it is great to have Phoenix back on board and with free carts on Tuesday’s it makes for quite the bargain. A few clouds were about but the forecast looked good so off we went with our 24 lads on board to tackle the Mountain and Ocean links for the Monthly Medal.
It was a bit of a disappointment to find both practice putting greens closed for renovations. I guess this is something we will have to deal with as they go ahead with these course improvements that in time should make this track one of the best around. I hear the Lake nine is right on schedule and will be open at the end of the year, so that certainly is some good news. It’s like that motorway sign “Temporary Inconvenience, Permanent Improvement”.
A trio stood on the smallest step of a crowded podium as Robbie Taylor, Peter Rogers and Al Marumoto all turned in respectable cards of net 72 for joint third place. Al is already heading back to Hawaii, so see you in a few months buddy!
The next step higher found Rod Black on his own with a net 70 for sole second place, just one shot out. Best score today went to TGC partner John McHugh who, after 8 years of trying, finally bagged his first Monthly Medal and Antigua golf shirt!
Johnny has come so close so many times that he actually does deserve this win. After 2 weeks of grueling golf in Scotland where he turned in many cards over 90, a handicap of 14 was his number for this outing. After a mediocre first nine, McHugh bounced back with a couple of “as seen on T.V.” style birdies to dominate the receptive back nine. On in two on the par-5, 18th hole, McHugh just missed his eagle putt for an easy tap in birdie to finish the day. It must be nice to get back home and not have to play in 30 mph wind conditions. Good goin’ partner… and thanks for that bell ringin’ back at The Club!
Thursday, Oct. 1, Khao Kheow B & A (yellow tees) – Stableford
(Scores after 11 holes)
1st Dave Ferris (22) 21pts
2nd Phil Smedley (10) 21pts
It was a small turnout for golf this morning as The Club was under dark skies and a continuous drizzle. It was looking like a bad start to October. We went out nevertheless and got 11 holes in before we had to abandon play. Both Dave and Phil were obviously on the way to shattering the course record, and it is such a shame to see them denied this glory. Maybe next time boys!
Friday, Oct. 2, Siam Plantation A & C (white tees) – Stableford
1st Michael McCluskey (23) 43pts
2nd Bill Meader (9) 39pts
3rd Peter Thomas (18) 34pts
The Sugar Cane and Tapioca links were assigned to us today as the long awaited contest at Plantation got underway. Our 5 tee times were full, and thanks to the generosity of our Siam Members who are loyal supporters of TGC, we were gifted with their 2,300 baht discount vouchers to play this superb golf course. Condition of the course was perfect from tee to green. Plantation probably has the best drainage of any course in Pattaya but even that was not required on this clear and fairly cool day.
Mike McCluskey, Bill Meader and Peter Thomas at Plantation.
The term “Millionaires Golf” is widely used and abused in Pattaya, but on this occasion it was absolutely true. We had excellent caddies, great weather and an amazing golf course in front of us that those back home would be craving for.
New homeowner Peter Thomas took third spot today with a dandy 34 on the card. Peter just closed on his first property in Pattaya, so we expect to be seeing more of him once the three flying ducks get put up on the wall and the daffs get planted in the back garden.
One would assume that carding a fine 39-pointer out here at Plantation would easily be enough to top the leaderboard. Unfortunately, that would be the wrong assumption as it turned out for Bill Meader. Shooting a 39 here is a great score and I for one would have cashed in my chips, but sorry Bill, it was not meant to be.
It was instead the day for Michael McCluskey who had his best round in Pattaya, as a stunning 43 quashed all other cards to bring home the bacon this Friday. Well played Mike, looks like that handicap will drop into the teens before you know it.
Note: The Golf Club is located on Soi LK Metro. Just call 085 434 3377 or see our websi te www.golfclubpattaya.com and for more information mail us: [email protected] and see updates at www.facebook.com/golfclubpattaya… all handicaps welcome!
