PSC Golf from the Billabong Golf Bar
Sunday, Oct. 19, Khao Yai C.C. – Stableford
This course is a must for anyone travelling to this area; loved by all who play here and today was no exception. This is a Jack Nicklaus design with scenery to match any course in the country.
There were five groups playing and we were off to an early start by the friendly staff. Near the pin’s were again sponsored by Fon and Mal Farquharson and of course Zac their little boy.
Some of the boys at Sir James Golf Resort & Country Club.
The course was in magnificent condition as always with fast greens and fairways hard to match anywhere. It was a great day out with some banter on the first tee and some friendly wagers about who would get the better score. It usually takes somewhere in the 40 points plus to get in the money here but today the course had some say in the matter and there was only one player who scored better than 40.
Mal Farquharson had the best score of the day, 41 points, to win from second placed Wayne Cotterell and Bob Philp third, both with 39. Fourth place went to Wayne Harman with 38 points.
There was one ‘2’ recorded, by Mike Gosdon.
Monday, Oct. 20, Sir James G.C. – Stableford
Sir James Golf Resort today, and with only two players out of five groups having played here before everyone was flying blind. What a beautiful golf course! The staff and caddies were fantastic, and the course was truly great. I won’t mention price, suffice to say the value would put many courses in the Pattaya area to shame.
We played off the yellow tee blocks which were about 6,200 yards and some of the holes were a real challenge, par fours at 420 yards plus. Cottee managed an eagle and Capt Bob, who has had all there is to have at golf managed an albatross, albeit with his second ball as he hit his second shot straight left, took a drop then with a certain amount of anger proceeded to hit a 220 yard three wood into the hole for a birdie!
There were two more ‘2’s today, from Doc Vale and George Barrie. There were no near pins however as the Capt forgot them.
George Barrie, playing off his 28 handicap, took line honours today with 37 points. Second place went to William Macey with 36 on a count back over Owen Walkley on the same score and fourth place was claimed by Sel Wegner on a three-way count back over Cottee and Richaaard Steadman, all on 35 points.
Tuesday, Oct. 21, Rancho Charnvee – Stableford
This course is a must to play if you are going anywhere near Khao Yai, but the green-keeper who put the pins in for this day must have had a fight with his wife before he came to work, they were in brutal positions.
With the amount of rain they had the day before it was not surprising the carts were on the path only but on the second nine the marshall came and told us we could go on the fairways so that made it a little easier for some of the guys.
This being the decisive day for the overall prizes, some went about it with aplomb while others like Sel, who got a little carried away with the red wine the night before, didn’t fare so well.
In fourth place was Bob Philp on 33 points while going one point better in third was Greig Ritchie. Wayne Harman grabbed second with 36 points and Owen Walkley took top spot with a very tidy 38.
In the 3-day overall standings, Owen Walkley came out on top with 108 points, two ahead of Bob Philp in second and Wayne Harman took third with 105. Sel Wegner took the last podium place with 101.
The near pins today were taken by George Barrie, Greig Ritchie, Owen Walkley and Bill Trainer.
All in all it was a great trip away and all enjoyed the courses.
Wednesday, Oct. 22, Green Valley – Stableford
Green Valley was in its usual condition, fairways fantastic but the greens were not as slippery as they normally are.
With only five groups playing, as the teams that went to Khao Yai were having a rest day, it was a pleasure to see George Gamble, Merv Chakley and Tom Hand back for a game. We also had good mate Bob Van Mol over from Vietnam for a holiday and some golf.
There were no ‘2’s today so all the prizes went to best scores. Taking fourth place was the aforementioned Bob Van Mol with 34 points off his six handicap. Third went to Neil Harvey with 36 points, being beaten by George Barrie on count back over the last six holes, and first spot was taken by Bob Finley with 37 points.
Friday, Oct. 24, The Emerald – Stableford
The course was in good condition with the greens nice and quick and with six groups playing we got off to a good start and never got wet as we played.
Emerald isn’t a course that coughs up ‘2’s easily and today was no exception as there were none. This meant that the prizes went to 5th place and this spot was taken by Owen Walkley with 32 points. Coming in fourth was Brian Maddox with 33 points, third place went to Gareth Gill with 34, second to Wayne Cotterell with 35 and taking the top spot and having a great day out was Richard Steadman with a great 39 points.
Note: The Billabong is situated just off Siam Country Club Road looking straight down Lake Mabprachan. Give Bob a call on 082 204 3411 if you are looking for a game.
