PSC Golf from Tropical Golf Group
Tuesday, June 16, Green Valley – Stableford
Green Valley was surprisingly quiet when we arrived on Tuesday morning and we got away off the first tee on time with no groups waiting behind.
This is one of those courses where the wind always seems to be against you, but today not only was it windy it was also spitting with rain and this lasted all the way around. The good thing was the drizzle kept the temperatures in check but it also meant we were not allowed to take the carts on the fairways.
The course was in quite good condition and I think the rain did not do it any harm. It was wet in places but the fairway needed a bit of rain and it did not seem to do too much harm to the greens. All in all it was a great day out and a fine walk in the park.
Brian Parish.
Back at BJ’s nice and early we were able to get into the results early and if you did not break your handicap you did not have a great round. The winner with a fine 39 points was Brian Parish ahead of Walter Baechli in second with 38. We then had a three-way count back on 37 points that saw Derek Brook in third, Tom Cotton fourth and Barry Elphick just missing out.
Near Pins: Graham Buckingham, Koji, John Anderson.
Friday, June 19, Crystal Bay (C & A) – Stableford
This US Open Friday, the Tropical Golf group was at Crystal Bay rather than Chambers Bay, which explained the lack of cameras and spectators. Still, for the members playing this day there was no golf tournament more important, and with grit, determination and a coffee buzz, we set off for the day’s venue. The weather was hot (naturally) but not so skin blistering as recent weeks. We hope the worst is over for another year, but probably not.
Playing the C & A courses (why is it always in that order?) the consensus was the greens are in pretty good condition, and the patchwork of different grasses is merging nicely. The fairways are a different matter; some areas were nice, while many others were hardpan or dead grass. Some spot watering would make a huge difference here. However when one figures in the price of just over 1000 baht to walk, including caddy, it ranks as excellent value.
Crystal Bay is a fair test, and there are usually good scores here. Such was the case today and anyone not playing to their handicap was an observer come awards time.
Steve Truelove (left) with Tom Herrington.
Taking first place with an impressive 40 points off his low handicap was Steve Truelove (8). Great golf by any measurement! Second place went to Gerd Riedler (9) winning on count-back over Tom Herrington (16) each with 38 points. Barry Elphick (22), recently a regular on the podium, took fourth place honors on count-back over Alan Sullivan at 36 points. Pity Mike O’Brien and Landis Brooks who also had fine 36 point rounds and left empty handed.
Near Pins: Gerd Riedler, Landis Brooks, Steve Truelove, Alan Sullivan
Note: The Tropical Golf Group generally plays every Tuesday and Friday, meeting at The BJ Holiday Lodge located just off Beach Rd. on Soi 3 for a 0830 departure. Complementary coffee and tea is provided and a “Golfer’s” breakfast is available from 0700. All golfers are welcome so if interested, stop by, check the bulletin board and put you name down.
