PSC golf Bunker Boys @ The Ranch
Monday, August 25, Laem Chabang C & A – Stableford
A disappointing turnout of golfers today for our fourth visit in recent months to the championship course at Laem Chabang. Although the course is more expensive than most of the venues we play (mainly due to the compulsory carts) it’s still reasonable value at this time of year, and we don’t have that many opportunities to play here due to the exorbitant high season prices.
The clouds were gathering as we assembled on the first tee, and the first shower of rain wasn’t long in coming, arriving as the leading group reached the first green, but fortunately only lasted 10 minutes before we were able to continue the round. The skies weren’t clearing though, and the next batch of rain arrived as the leading group reached the sixth green and was considerably heavier than the first, accompanied by heavy thunder and lightning.
Tony Robbins (right) with Thomas Nyborg, Mashi Kaneta and Rab McDonald.
The fairways and greens quickly became flooded and the storm didn’t seem to be going anywhere soon, so the majority of the field decided to call it a day and take up the offer of a nine hole rain check. Four of the diehards decided to sit it out (after all has anybody got a pressing appointment when they’re out for a day’s golf?) and after a little over an hour the rain had stopped and the course became playable again, allowing them to complete the round, albeit in light persistent drizzle.
This was the first occasion this year that we’ve had the competition washed out, but it still wasn’t a complete disaster and the four golfers that completed the round thoroughly enjoyed it.
Wednesday, August 27, Royal Lakeside – Stableford
Thirteen golfers today for our trip to the Royal Lakeside course which always provides a good test of golf. The fairways were in good condition if a little dry, and the greens were excellent and as always challenging. The weather was bright and sunny with a gentle breeze keeping the temperature at an acceptable level, and we basically had the course to ourselves.
Playing from the blue tees at 6,650 yards, several of the par fours play long here, especially into the breeze so it was no surprise that no player managed to play to his handicap on the day. The best performance of the day was from Colin Greig with 35 points who edged first place from Raleigh Gosney on a count back. Geoff Parker took third place one point behind the leaders, and also edging out the unlucky Steve Durey on a count back.
We welcomed two new players today, Paul Allen and Gerry Keys, and Gerry made an instant impact by securing one of the only three near pin prizes on the day.
Tony Robbins had established a healthy lead in the race for the Golfer of the Month title, but a disappointing performance from him today opened the door to three other contenders heading for the final game on Friday.
1st Colin Greig (7) 35pts
2nd Raleigh Gosney (17) 35pts
3rd Geoff Parker (15) 34pts
Near Pins: Gerry Cooney, Geoff Cox and Gerry Keys.
Friday, August 29, Khaow Keow C & B – Stableford
Today was the day for the deciding game in the contest for the Golfer of the Month title and we were allocated to play the C and B nines at Khaow Keow. The four leading contenders, Tony Robbins, Colin Greig (both on 51 points), Geoff Parker and Raleigh Gosney (a couple of points behind) were playing in the same group, and we teed off in cool conditions under an overcast sky.
The fairways were soft following overnight rain and since carts were confined to paths only, we elected to play “pick clean and place” on closely mown areas.
Geoff Parker made a poor start and Raleigh Gosney was struggling a little, so it was soon obvious that the contest was going to be fought out between the two leading contenders with Colin Greig completing the outward nine with 18 points, closely followed by Tony Robbins carding 17 points. Tony came back strongly on the inward nine and when Colin found the water on the difficult par four 7th hole on the B course, the contest was effectively over, with Tony eventually coming home with a back nine score of 20 points.
Tony’s score of 37 points was enough to secure first place on the day and also take the Golfer of the Month title in style, whilst Colin finished in 4th place losing out to Steve Durey on a count back. Geoff Hart made a welcome return to the podium taking second place spot with 35 points, and Les Burns continued his new found success on the par threes taking yet another near pin prize.
1st Tony Robbins (13) 37pts
2nd Geoff Hart (22) 35pts
3rd Steve Durey (20) 33pts
4th Colin Greig (7) 33pts
Near Pins: Colin Greig, Tony Robbins, Steve Durey and Les Burns.
Note: The Bunker Boys are a PSC affiliated golf society who play on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. We meet at The Ranch at 9 a.m. for breakfast and transportation, and new players are always welcome. Contact “Buff” on 086 046 5091 or 080 605 5663 for all enquiries or check website: www. bunkersociety.com.
