PSC Golf Bunker Boys @ The Ranch
Monday, Oct. 27, Pattana B & A – Stableford
Twelve golfers today for our Stableford competition at Pattana, and after some discussion with the starter we managed to persuade him to let us play the recently reopened A course, which we haven’t played for almost a year.
The ground was soft and buggies were confined to the cart paths, so we elected to play winter rules from the shorter yellow tees, but with a course length of 6,480 yards the track still provides a stern test.
Geoff Parker reflects on his third Golfer of the Month title of the year.
Starting on the B nine is always a tough proposition, but it seems like every time we play this course we’re forced to start on what is one of the most daunting opening holes in the area, which once again your scribe managed to “blob” after attempting an overly ambitious second shot which inevitably ended up in the water.
Conditions were dry and sunny until clouds began to gather on the inward nine, but fortunately the storm stayed away and the round was completed in pleasant conditions.
Geoff Cox was the only player to better his handicap on the day and took first place two points clear of Tony Robbins, who is continuing to enjoy his new driver, consistently knocking the ball down the middle of the fairway.
We welcomed back Eddie Kelly today at the start of his annual visit, and he celebrated by taking one of only two near pin prizes which were claimed on the day.
1st Geoff Cox (15) 37pts
2nd Tony Robbins (14) 35pts
3rd Les Hall (26) 32pts
Near Pins: Geoff Cox and Eddie Kelly.
Wednesday, Oct. 29, Greenwood A & C – Stableford
Following persistent rain overnight in Pattaya, we awoke to find heavy grey skies, and the rain began to fall again about one hour before your scribe would normally head off to The Ranch. It was truly a miserable morning and 3rd Road began to accumulate huge puddles of water as two disheveled but determined golfers sat in the bar waiting to see if anyone else would brave the deluge. Eventually we managed to scrape together a four-ball and a quick call to the course established that it wasn’t raining there, so we decided to set off on the long trip up the 331 to see if we could get a game.
Arriving at the course it was no surprise that there were no other gofers there, but the weather was sunny, albeit with dark clouds all around. After a quick cup of coffee, we decided to tee off and the course was in surprisingly good condition with only occasional soft patches on the fairways.
The round progressed smoothly for 12 holes, but then the inevitable rain arrived and we were forced to shelter for 45 minutes, before completing the final six holes on waterlogged fairways, but the greens remained in good condition.
Gerry Cooney took the honours one point clear of Geoff Parker and Tony Robbins who had to be separated on a count back after Tony missed a short putt on the 18th green – pressure indeed!
After the game our hardy group agreed that the day had been enjoyable and worthwhile, especially the caddies who were relieved to get a day’s work!
1st Gerry Cooney (13) 32pts
2nd Geoff Parker (15) 31pts
3rd Tony Robbins (14) 31pts
Friday, Oct. 31, Crystal Bay C & A – Stableford
Our final game of the month saw two contenders left in the competition for the Golfer of the Month title, Geoff Parker leading Tony Robbins by two points, and as per tradition they were paired together in the final group.
This was our first visit to the Crystal Bay course for over 3 months because at that time the greens were in very poor condition, but today the transformation was remarkable and they were as good as any greens we’ve played on in recent weeks.
The weather was bright and sunny, but the fairways were soft from recent downpours, so we elected to play winter rules and set off on the C nine with no golfers ahead of our leading group. The outward nine was completed in good time but unfortunately a group jumped in ahead of us on the 10th tee and slowed the pace down considerably on the inward nine.
Once again a storm rolled in as the first group were playing the 14th hole, and several less hardy golfers decided to seek the shelter of the clubhouse but the majority of the field sat out the deluge for 30 minutes and completed the final holes in very soggy conditions.
Gordon Melia scored 21 points on the outward nine, and although he faltered a little on the soggy final holes (or was it handicap management?) he was still able to accumulate the winning score of 38 points. Geoff Parker took second place with 37 points, and Les Hall claimed his second podium position of the week in third.
Geoff Parker and Tony Robbins had been neck and neck after 12 holes, but Tony came to grief in the water on the par four 13th hole and eventually could only finish in fifth place, which handed Geoff his third monthly title of the year.
After the round it was a pleasure to have a warm shower in the refurbished changing rooms, and everyone agreed that we should reinstate what was formerly one of our favourite courses, back onto the regular schedule.
1st Gordon Melia (17) 38pts
2nd Geoff Parker (15) 37pts
3rd Les Hall (26) 34pts
Near Pins: Keith Norman and Peter Allen (2).
Note: The Bunker Boys are a PSC affiliated golf society, who play out of The Ranch bar on Pattaya 3rd Road (in front of the fire station, and almost opposite the Buffalo Bar). We play on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays and meet at The Ranch at 9 a.m. for breakfast and transportation. New players are always welcome. Contact “Buff” on 086 046 5091 or 080 605 5663 or check website at: www.bunkersociety.com.
