A great turnout of 132 players, including 19 ladies, made the journey October 31 to the Phoenix course, where we played the Lakes & Ocean combination for the tournament sponsored by The New Nordic Group. The weather was perfect for golf, there was a steady breeze to keep it interesting, with the groups progressing at a steady pace, after a couple of tardy players early.
We played from the white tee markers today and while some were forward, there were others playing their full length. The course was the same challenge for all and good scores were not easy to make, save for a few golfers who save their best for the PAGS.
Low Gross winner.
The past few months has seen outstanding performances for the tournament Low Gross, and while Per Werngren (H/cap 10) was a little off those scores, his 78 was the best of this day, while also picking up the technical prize on Ocean 3. His score also got him second place on count-back in the A Flight (0–14) after there were several players grouped on 40 points. Anders Norberg (14) led the way with his 22 point back-9 and 15 last 6 holes to relegate Per, who had 13 on the last 6, while Ian Parry (13) picked up third with a back-9 of 21, to edge the other contenders, Wanlop, John and Montri.
The B flight, for handicaps 15-20, was tightly contested, with all placegetters each separated by a solitary point. Mikael Andersson (19) with an equal day’s best score of 42 points led the field home, with Chris Davisson (19) one back with 41, while Neil Fidele (19) shot a creditable 40 for the bronze position.
The C flight required a count-back to settle the winner, with Robert Baird (29) edging out Peo Lindmark (29) 24/20 on the back-9, after both players recorded a solid 41 points. Birger Karlson (29) was alone in recording 39 points to pick up the last spot on the podium.
The Ladies clear winner on 42 points was Nongnuch Jantamaneenkul (14) to go with her Long Drive on Ocean 8 and the approach on Ocean 1, while Bunsong Brown (28) was a strong second with a fine 41 points.
Honorable mentions for 2-time technical winners go out to Jerry Sweetham, both long drives in the 65+ division, Wanlop for his 2 approaches, Wilawan May for a long putt and an approach and Jeff Wylie for an approach and long drive.
Dave was at it again at the prize presentation and his capable staff on the BBQ kept the large number of attendees well satisfied with their tasty selection of tucker supplied by KPK Foods. The next tournament is on Tuesday 28 November at Phoenix. Contact Shane on 086 372 0084 or through Birdie at www.birdie.in.th to ensure your preferred tee time.
