The Tropical Golf Group
Tuesday, June 27, Pattana – Stableford
What is there to say about Pattana? Good? How about excellent? A round here is never a bad day, and the facilities are second to none. The design is quite interesting and don’t let the good condition lull you into thinking it’s easy. Assigned the C then the A links, we teed off on time or a bit early, and play was brisk all the way around. Even the weather cooperated, and we stayed dry even though it was clearly raining nearby. Sometimes things just work out your way. Fairways and greens to all!
Brian Parish (c/h 13), the Tropical Golfer who can make a golf course cry “uncle” again topped the leader board today. What can we say? It might generate extra large headlines the next time Brian is not mentioned during the presentation ceremony. Despite some early putting woes Brian still managed to earn 37 points, taking first among twelve golfers this day.
World traveler Andre Van Dyk (17) quickly announced his return by taking second place honors with 35 points. Some might be forgiven for hoping Andre starts another trip soon. Farmer Bob Britton (17) and Landis Brooks (9) completed the curtain calls with 34 points each.
The Best Nine scores for non-winners with 18 points each, were the always competitive Mashi Kaneta (17), and Gordon Clegg (30) showing the “never give up” attitude has merit and keeps things interesting.
Friday, June 30, Greenwood B & C – Medal
The Monthly Mug and Golfer of the Month awards were both up for grabs this day, and fourteen Tropical golfers hoped to bring their A-game and course management skills out to Greenwood. Brian Parish had a commanding GOM lead, and needed to be just conscious to win yet another prize, but mathematically it was possible for a couple others to win. Anyone could win the coveted Monthly Mug, so the tension was high.
Greenwood (B/C) is a good course for stroke play. The scenic layout has wide fairways, well, some of the time, however very raised greens and strategically placed carries over hazards often makes the thoughtful golfer layup rather than the “go for it” approach that Stableford often promotes. Keep the big numbers off your card and you got a chance.
Greens were in excellent condition, and the fairways good though recently scarified. A couple barrels of weed killer would help the “C” course, but overall it was quite nice. With two monthly prizes up for grabs, who would keep their cool and play hot?
Brian Parish came in with a sizable lead in the Golfer of the Month race and basically just needed to complete the round to win yet another title. The golf gods are not that generous however and Brian had a rare off day, yet he still managed to win the prize by a few strokes.
The June Monthly Mug winner was none other than Landis Brooks (c/h 9) who earned yet another trophy with a stunning net 67! Rumor is, with one more mug Landis will open his own bar!
Several people gave their best, and many were quite good. Graham Buckingham (30) finished with a net 69, followed by Takeshi Hakozaki (13) with net 71, Paul Sharples (17) net 72, and Mashi Kaneta net 73.
