PSC Golf Bunker Boys @ The Ranch
Monday, Oct. 20, Pattavia G.C. – Stableford
It was a bright sunny morning but a disappointingly small group of golfers turned out for our competition at Pattavia, and it was destined to be a lonely day because when we arrived at the course we found that we were the only golfers there! Why no one should choose to play this course is a mystery, because it offers good value for money and the fairways and greens were in excellent condition, although the greens were slower than they can be, which many might consider a bonus.
Gordon Melia.
The round progressed smoothly until the leading group reached the 7th hole when a sudden storm blew in and halted play for about 15 minutes forcing us to shelter under the trees. We resumed again after the rain stopped and one of the features of this course is how remarkably quickly the greens drain following heavy rain.
The storm returned once again as the leading group putted out on the 15th green, but this time it was much heavier, forcing us to wait for an hour in the drinks station (which unfortunately was closed due to the lack of customers). Two golfers decided enough was enough and returned to the safety of the clubhouse as the lightning crashed around, but the remainder of the field sat out the storm and completed the final three holes with the fairways very soggy but the greens still almost unaffected.
Gordon Melia produced the best performance of the day, playing in the first game of his annual visit and took the top podium position with 37 points. Peter Allen took second place ahead of Geoff Parker, winning the count back over the last six holes.
1st Gordon Melia (17) 37pts
2nd Peter Allen (36) 34pts
3rd Geoff Parker (15) 34pts
Near Pins: Geoff Parker and Gordon Melia.
Wednesday, Oct. 22, Eastern Star – Stableford
It was another bright, sunny morning as we teed off at Eastern Star with an apparently clear course ahead of us. The fairways were much improved from our previous visit almost four months previously, but the greens continue to be slow and problematic, as they have been for many a year.
The round progressed smoothly until we started the inward nine, when the storm clouds began to gather and the distant sound of thunder could be heard. At first it appeared that he storm might pass us by, but as the leading group played the twelfth hole, the heavens opened and we were forced to take shelter for half an hour as we caught the edge of it. Fortunately, the greens were relatively unaffected by the deluge (they couldn’t get any slower!) and the remainder of the round was completed in benign conditions.
It turned out to be a day when the higher handicappers rose to the top with Les Hall recording his first win of the year scoring 33 points. Gerry Keys took second place, one point clear of the quickly improving Peter Allen, and the lower handicappers recorded scores that are probably best forgotten.
1st Les Hall (25) 33pts
2nd Gerry Keys (27) 32pts
3rd Peter Allen (36) 31pts
Near Pins: Les Hall and Peter Habgood.
Friday, Oct. 24, Treasure Hill – Stableford
Twelve golfers today for our Stableford competition at Treasure Hill and although the course was quiet, a five-ball was teeing off as we approached the first tee and proceeded to hold up the leading group throughout the round.
When we played this course last month it had been in great condition, but it soon became apparent that several greens have suffered badly over the last few weeks and look in danger of being lost if action isn’t taken soon.
Geoff Parker had an indifferent front nine, but he recovered on the back nine, scoring twenty one points, which was sufficient to secure first place. Terry Hamilton was playing in the first game of his visit and experienced a similar round to Geoff, but could only manage 20 points on the inward nine, taking second place one point clear of Tore Eliassen.
The weather throughout the round was bright and sunny, and in contrast to recent days there was no threat from passing thunder storms which made a pleasant change, which was appreciated by all.
1st Geoff Parker (15) 35pts
2nd Terry Hamilton (19) 34pts
3rd Tore Eliassen (19) 33pts
Near Pins: Geoff Parker, Tore Eliassen and Gordon Melia (2).
Note: The Bunker Boys are a PSC affiliated golf society, who now play out of The Ranch bar on Pattaya 3rd Road (in front of the fire station, and almost opposite the Buffalo Bar). We play ek on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, so if you enjoy a fun day out, and a friendly but competitive golf competition why not come and join us. We meet at The Ranch at 9 a.m. for breakfast and transportation, and new players are always welcome.
Contact “Buff” on 086 046 5091 or 080 605 5663 for all enquiries or check website: www.bunkersociety.com.
