PSC golf Bunker Boys @ The Ranch
Monday, June 3, Phoenix (Mountain & Lakes) – Medal
Dark clouds were gathering as we left Pattaya on the short drive to the Phoenix course, but fortunately we appeared to have chosen the right direction as the clouds were heading the opposite way, and we arrived at the course in bright sunshine. Thunder could be heard in the distance during the round, but no rain came our way and conditions remained very pleasant throughout the day.
There’s a lot of cosmetic work being done around the course before the new owners take over in August, but the fairways and greens are generally in good condition. The only complaint today was that the greens on the recently reopened Lakes nine had not completely recovered from recent coring, and were considerably slower than those on the Mountain nine.
Barry Murnin.
Barry (never accused of being “Mr. Consistency”) Murnin had one of his more spectacular rounds, with four birdies and two 9’s on his card, but still came home the winner with a net 69, four shots clear of second place man, Reg Smart.
1st Barry Murnin (13) net 69
2nd Reg Smart (28) net 73
3rd Lee Butler (17) net 74
Near Pins: Geoff Parker, John Graham and Barry Murnin (2).
Wednesday, June 5, Khao Kheow A & C – Stableford
It wasn’t a day for the fainthearted today as grey skies and persistent rain hung over Pattaya in the morning, and predictably a number of fair weather regulars failed to show up at The Ranch. However there’s always a small group of determined golfers who will set off in any weather, in the knowledge that here in Thailand, the conditions can be totally different just a few kilometers away.
As we drove up the 7 motorway optimism began to fade when we passed though a heavy shower, but once again the golfing gods were smiling on us, and we arrived at Khao Kheow to find the course dry and the car park almost empty. We set off with no others golfers in sight in almost perfect conditions (definitely the coolest day of the year so far) and the course and greens were in great shape.
Geoff Parker and Barry Murnin had a tough battle all day, with Geoff fighting off a late rally from Barry over the closing holes to hang on to the winner’s place.
There wasn’t a drop of rain all day, and after the round all the golfers who turned up agreed it had been a great day’s golf on a great course, and well worth taking the risk of setting off in miserable conditions.
1st Geoff Parker (15) 33pts
2nd Barry Murnin (13) 30pts
Friday, June 7, Crystal Bay – B & C – Stableford
A delayed start today, as we were forced to wait on the first tee for thirty minutes before teeing off behind another local society. As expected, it turned out to be a long day playing behind a large group, and most players were relieved to eventually get back to the clubhouse after a round which took the best part of five hours.
The course was generally in good shape and the weather was fine, so it was reasonable to expect that someone would shoot a high score, but in the event the scoring was very tight.
Barry Murnin, Geoff Parker and Tony Robbins were all playing in the same group and had a dingdong battle all day, eventually arriving on the 18th tee with all three players level on 35 points. Standing on the green, each player had a putt for par but Tony and Geoff both cracked under pressure, Tony managing to three putt from 15 feet, and Geoff missing a three foot putt for par! Barry Murnin also failed to make par but still took the honours, winning on the count back ahead of Geoff.
Following the presentation back at The Ranch there was much discussion over Barry’s newly found good form, which he attributes to slowing down his swing, the purchase of a new driver, and chipping tips from Bernhard Langer on the Golf Channel! Barry was generous enough to keep the beer flowing, as the discussion became more animated, and yours truly is heading out to buy a new driver this weekend in order to try and end the American dominance – but I think I’ll give the Golf Channel tips a miss!
1st Barry Murnin (13) 37pts
2nd Geoff Parker (15) 37pts
3rd Tony Robbins (14) 36pts
Only three near pins were hit, all claimed by Barry Murnin, who narrowly missed out on the chance of becoming only the third player in Bunker Boy’s history to claim all four near pins in a single round.
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 three times per week 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. You can find all the news, schedules and results on our website at www. bunkersociety.com.
