The latest PAGS monthly tournament on June 27 started off under clear skies, with a light breeze on the Lakes & Ocean combination at Phoenix Gold. A keen field of 108 keen players included just 11 ladies this time after the previous month’s high of nearly 20.
With the fairways & condition of the course having improved considerably over the past few months, the ball was played as it lay. However, with the upcoming Ladies Pro tournament, there were a lot of tees well forward, to protect the tee boxes for the Pros. This resulted in an abundance of high scores, with anything under 40 points not figuring in the prizes.
As with most months, there is generally a standout performer or two on the day. This month Jens Olsson was the clear star of the day with his 74 off the stick to win the Low Gross award and a technical prize while his 40 points was enough for third place in the A Flight.
The Ladies winner was Wan (h/cap 30), with her day’s best Stablefored score of 44 points, with Nantaporn Rukkid a further 2 points behind in second.
C flight, for handicaps 22+, required a count-back for all 3 placings, after Gary Jones (27), Dan Margetts (27) & Kenny Chung (27) all signed for a solid 41 points. Gary just got the best of the trio, with 24 points on the back 9, Dan getting second with his 23, while Kenny had to settle for third after signing for 21 on the back 9.
B flight, 15–21 handicappers, went to Hong Hi Wai (18) with an equal men’s best of 43 points, just a solitary point ahead of Kent Svensson (18). Third spot required a count-back, eventually won by Keith Buchanan (18) over Tom Thompson 22/21 on the back 9 after both signed for 40 points.
It was Martin Kempton (14) leading the way in A flight, 0–14, with his equal men’s best of 43 points. Dennis Paul (14) picked up the silver placing with a strong 42 points, while Low Gross winner Jens Olsson (6) got third on count-back over Larry Immelthun, Pelle Pettersson & Frode Brandt, all with 40 points. All 3 did pick up at least 1 technical in their round so didn’t go home empty handed.
Honourable mentions for multiple technical wins on the day go to Grant Jackson, Jack Grindvold, Pelle Pettersson & Gentry Harrington.
The next PAGS tournament will be held on 26 July. Contact Shane on 086 372 0084 for more details.
