Pattaya Links Golf Society
Monday, April 24, Greenwood – Stableford
1st Huw Philips (14) 40pts
2nd John Anderson (27) 40pts
3rd Maurice Roberts (15) 39pts
Greenwood Golf Course is always presented in great condition, and today the A and B courses lived up to that reputation. Fairways were well grassed, but cut to allow good run of the ball. The greens appeared to have been cored and sanded recently and had settled quite nicely, allowing for good roll without being overly fast.
The weather was kind, except for our last two 4 balls and the first couple of groups were already in the restaurant when the heavens opened. The storm was more ferocious than it seemed from our vantage point and we learned later of damage to trees and some nearby markets. Whew! We got away with that one.
We are still in low season mode, although some golfers are drifting back to town. After withdrawals and a ‘no-show’ we had 14 starters, so only one flight, and two near pins.
40 points was the top mark today, and this was achieved by both the consistent Huw Philips, and John Anderson, who shot his best score in quite some time. Huw took the honours and the Green Jacket via the count back with 22 points on the back-nine. More often than not 39 points would win, but Maurice Roberts had to be content with third place in only his second game back since a layoff.
Near Pins were won by Brian Talbot and Jorn Finnerup.
Normally we don’t disclose the score of the “wig” winner, but Jim Norkett managed an acceptable 28 points. You would think you’re safe enough, but no, this was the lowest. Recently somebody was first with 27 points. You never know!
Wednesday, April 26, St. Andrews 2000 – Stableford
1st Christian Boysen (8) 38pts
2nd Mark Johnstone (15) 37pts
3rd Huw Philips (14) 35pts
St. Andrews is not an easy golf course and, in fact the board next to the green fees desk suggests not suitable for higher than 18-handicap. That suggestion fell on deaf ears as exactly half of our eighteen starters were higher than 18 and some, in fact, acquitted themselves well.
A couple of weeks ago, whilst in a cart heading for Silky Oak, my caddy pointed to a couple of greens on the St. Andrews course making me aware of the heavy sanding. I thought by this time they would have settled, however some players reported some still sandy and bumpy. These jobs must be done but it is a little unfortunate to be playing here on those days. Fairways were in good order, but as with most courses, starting to find some dry patches.
We are well aware of how hot it is currently and being out on a golf course does nothing to change that, but we are crazy enough to go and test ourselves. The regular walkers were probably quite happy to have compulsory carts. One player told me he attempted walking early on, but very quickly discovered a lot of hills to climb.
New Satita has appeared regularly in our reports as the winner recently. Today a complete reversal occurred and New was the proud wearer of the “Wig” for the lowest (undisclosed) score of the day. Her partner Christian Boysen topped the leaderboard with a fine 38 points, thereby donning the Green Jacket for the first time. Mark Johnstone, in a rare appearance at Links, placed second with a very good 37 points, and Mr. Consistent, Huw Philips, won a count back to take third spot on 35.
Two near pins again today went to Phil Davies and visitor, Alison Cloy.
