PSC Golf from The Growling Swan
Monday, June 29, Pattavia – Stableford
Blue sky greeted the 22 Growling Swan starters at Pattavia. We welcomed Garry Barker and the first 3-ball groups headed out early off the white tees.
For those who haven’t played this fine course, it is a Sir Nick Faldo design, lost in the middle of pineapple plantations. That is why this course is not very crowded, even on the weekends. The course is developed on hilly country and well laid out, with some great ‘thinking’ holes. Its signatures are the extremely ‘slick greens’ and, being recently renovated, it is probably the best value for money in the region at 1,050 THB (GF and caddie).
Juggy’s friends at Wangjuntr.
I must mention the caddies: the course has recruited many male caddies and they are very well trained, keen and invaluable in reading the greens undulations. This par 72 course is 6,991 yards from the champ’s tee, and it is still 6,571 yards from the white tees..
The weather was a tad sticky initially, but the reliable breeze helped keep tempers cool for some, as the very slick greens certainly bared their claws. Only Mike Gosden and Alex Field played to their handicaps whilst many were chewing their lips after numerous three putts.
A Flight (0–15)
1st Peter Bailey (15) 35pts
2nd Keith Buchanan (15) 35pts
3rd Kevin Waycott (9) 34 pts
B Flight (16+)
1st Mike Gosden (16) 37pts
2nd Alex Field (18) 36pts
3rd Bent Agerbo (19) 34pts
Near Pins: Keith Buchanan, Alex Field (2), Neil Herd
Long Putts: Kevin Waycott, Sandy Leiper
Tuesday, June 30, Wangjuntr Jungle – Stableford
A great friend of many in Australia and here in Pattaya, Ian ‘Juggy’ Jones’ all time favourite golf course was Wangjuntr. Since Juggy’s untimely passing, when his mates trek over for their bi-annual golfing sojourn, they like to pay homage to Juggy and visit this remarkable facility.
Monday winner Peter Bailey (right) with Garry Barker.
With an extra day added to the Growling Swan golfing schedule, our busload of 8 headed off for the 1½ hour drive. The Highland 18 is out of action for 6 months, but with 3 courses on site, we chose the magnificent Jungle 18. The bluest skies we have seen in Thailand greeted us and the weather was refreshingly temperate.
Wangjuntr Jungle is a great test of skill and the course condition on the day was excellent, with huge undulating greens running at breakneck speed. Built in mountains and rugged terrain with ample water hazards, its signature for this scribe is that every hole is unique and although an extremely tough course, is very pleasurable to play. In addition, at 1,700 THB (GF, caddie and cart) for PSC members it provides excellent value.
1st Kevin Waycott 35pts
2nd Eric Black 30pts
3rd Graham Rice 30pts
Thursday, July 2, Khao Kheow – Stableford
On a sunny Thursday morning 16 golfers departed from The Growling Swan heading to the great course of Khao Kheow, a top rated course to many of our golfers here in Pattaya.
We played A and B Nines in that order and the course was in great condition, as always, not showing any signs that we are in desperate need for rain. The day was steamy with the temperature rising as the day went on. We played off the yellow tees with plenty of run on the fairways and the greens played as they always do here.
Peter Bailey (our winner on the day) played a near perfect front nine, although unfortunately that changed on the back nine as John Anderson started giving him advice.
1st Peter Bailey (15) 38pts
2nd Geri Crilly (28) 33pts
3rd Eric Black (14) 32pts
4th Graham Rice (13) 32pts
Near Pins: A3 Ebrahim, A6 Graham Rice, B3 Graham Rice, B8 Paul Hack
Long Putts: A9 Khan Speechley, B9 Takeshi
Note: For some serious golf with a dash of fun, the Growling Swan welcomes golfers of all persuasions. We generally play on Mondays and Thursdays at any one of the fine courses around Pattaya. Please contact Peter Grey for bookings or any information on 0861 503086.
The Growling Swan also caters to the bowls enthusiasts. Bus transport departs the GS on Wednesdays at 10 AM to play at Cocos on undercover synthetic greens and on Sundays at the same time for open grass bowling at The Retreat. Please contact Paul Rennison on 0843 454005 if you wish to partake. The cost including return bus transport, bowling fees and a hot lunch is less than 400 baht so great value for a day out.
