IPGC Pattaya Golf Society at The Links Bar
The Pattaya Golf Society visited Greenwood on Monday, 14th March to play a stableford competition from the white tees on the B and A nines. The course was well prepared but fairways were a little damp in places and greens were a little slow. However the excellent deal, for which we must all thank nearby Treasure Hill for encouraging, more than made up for the inconvenience of the odd three putts.
Generally scores were tight with one exceptional round as Barry Wellings scored 34 points for third place, with Chris Norman going a couple of shots better to finish second with 37. The winner, Murray Edwards, has waited for this round of 41 points for more than thirty five outings since his last under par round. His golf was solid and consistent, his driving was accurate and he handled the greens well to take the victory.
Pleasant Valley Golf & Country Club.
Paul Smith scooped the ‘2’s pot with a fine effort on A6. Amongst the few returning members Billy Hill’s round was acknowledged as worthy of the Booby Bevy and everyone agreed the day had been a fine way to start another golfing week on the Eastern Seaboard.
Aussie double top at testing Treasure Hill
The Pattaya Golf Society travelled up Highway 331 on Wednesday 16th March to play a stableford event at Treasure Hill, which was in fine condition yet baring its fangs in its usual menacing way. The two flights were designated as White and Yellow, with the cut at seventeen and under and a tough contest was in prospect for the group.
The atmosphere on the first tee resembled a waiting room at a prostrate clinic but the anaesthetic provided by a very generous Karl Flood in the form of five technical prizes in honour of St. Patrick’s Day gave the golfers something else to focus on.
Both flights recorded scores in line with the PGS history of the course over twelve years, with a lack of a sub-par score but in the Yellow flight Rod Stevens and Murray Edwards shared third place with 30 points, with John Tallett occupying second with 32 and Aussie Kevin Timbrell taking the win with 33 points.
The White flight saw Dave Moriarty take third place with 30 points and Masa Takano hold down second with 32 points. The winner was Australian regular Greg Gawron with 33 points.
There were no birdie ‘2’s and the technicals were won by Masa, Dave Moriarty, Larry Slattery, Seil Pete and Chris Norman. The Booby Bevy went to Norwegian golfer Svenn Lund for his unbalanced 16-10 split figures.
Treasure Hill is always a challenge and the PGS is always up for the test, and will continue to visit there for its monthly masochism check throughout the year.
Mason’s master class
Pleasant Valley was a late inclusion on the PGS schedule when The Links Challenge was postponed on Friday, 18th March. The course gave a warm welcome to the group and was in fine condition with greens a little pacier than usual. It’s design on the back nine puts the emphasis on accuracy and from the blue tees poses a challenge most golfers relish.
The single flight saw Dave Moriarty, Kevin Timbrell and Jim Ferris share third place with 33 points each and organiser Mr Len took second place with another consistent 34 points.
The day however belonged to long time member John Mason. Since his ace at Emerald almost exactly five years ago – what, he hasn’t told you about it yet? – his game has run the cycle of potential to frustration. This day’s round however was to be a career best performance of 45 points. It was helped by his length and accuracy throughout meaning he could relax without the need for chipping around the green. Armed with this new confidence he produced a remarkable display which matches the best round with the group this year and one the Warrington wizard will recall over a few beers with regularity in the future.
Elsewhere there were birdie ‘2’s from Kevin Timbrell on the eighth and Billy Hill and John Mason on the seventeenth.
It had been a pleasant end to the week and for John Mason a memorable one.
