Jomtien Golf with the IPGC
Monday, Oct. 8, Pattana – Stableford
We are now in the height of the rainy season and after a deluge overnight here in Jomtien and it still raining heavily in the morning, we had 14 cancellations by phone before our scheduled departure. A quick phone call to the course however confirmed it was open and we set off with still enough in the group to form 2 divisions
We were allocated the B and C courses upon arrival and it was very gloomy in the as we made our way around and by the 14th tee we had a delay of 30 minutes as a storm broke overhead, while one group misunderstood the Marshall’s instructions regarding safety while there is lightning and they returned to the clubhouse.
Kari Aarnio, Chuck Anderson and Rod Howett.
So with 4 non returns we were down to 1 division in the end and in his last game but one with us before his return trip back to work in China, the Bristol boy, Bob Poole won the day with 36 points. Colin James took second two points behind and Jerry Sweetnam beat Ted Morris on a 19/17 back nine count back for third after they both came in with 33 points.
A birdie ‘2’ in both divisions today from Ted Morris in division 1 and William Chang in division 2 left them happy while the Scottish boy has returned for six months with his toys – welcome back Dennis Scougal (The telephone box will be busy in the next few days!)
Wednesday, Oct. 10, Phoenix – Stableford
We had a booking at Bangpakong today but with the weather situation as it is it may have caused mayhem regarding numbers and transport so we cancelled on Monday afternoon and switched to Phoenix at the last minute.
The forecast was still unpredictable but we managed to get out 6 groups today and at reception we were told we would be playing the Lakes and Ocean nines. However, once we went down to the Marshall’s hut we were switched to the Mountain and Lake course.
The cut today was 8-16 in division 1 and 17 plus in division 2 and Bob Poole won the second tier with 39 points, five ahead of Gordon Everingham in second with Karri Aarnio taking third with 33. Russell Gilroy, playing of 12, topped the premier flight with 37 points, while Sid Cowley was second with 34 after beating Chris Voller on a 19/17 back nine count back, both with scores of 34.
Near pins today went to Gary Ashley, Dennis Scougall, Don Head, Joe Kubon and Jean Morel.
No ‘2’ recorded so a rollover in both divisions to Green Valley on Monday.
Friday, Oct. 12, Eastern Star – Stableford
The same old story all week, heavy overnight rain and a few cancellations in the morning, but we end up with 25 out today in 2 divisions with the cut coming at 16 and below for the top flight. The course was a bit sodden in places but the crazy part is they had let carts onto the fairway the previous day and there were heavy tyre ruts on the approaches to all the greens.
Marty Rock won division 1 with 37 points, a remarkable score in these tough conditions. Nick John took second place five back on 32 after beating Chuck Andersson on a 19/16 back nine count back, while Karl Flood lost out on a podium spot with just 14 on the back nine.
Frank Kelly led division 2 home with 34 points and the ‘darkside’ boy Andy Baber beat Rodney Howett on a 15/13 count back for the runner-up place after they both came in with 29 points.
The first three groups finished their rounds with no rain but the remainder had a 30 minute delay for a passing shower, however all the cards (with the exception of one, no names mentioned) were returned.
Near pins were won today by Mikael Andersson, Grant Cadell, Karl Flood, Jon Lay, Andy Baber, Glyn Evans and Glen King.
Karl Flood birdied the 3rd hole to take the ‘2’s pot in division 1, while Andy Baber, Frank Kelly and Glen King shared the division 2 purse with birdies on the 3rd, 13th and 17th respectively.
The return leg of the 12 a-side matchplay against the Backyard Boys has been postponed until the 23rd November at Emerald owing to the condition of the course and their chance to recruit a few more players after their 8½ – 3½ defeat in the first round.
It’s Chiang Mai next week and everyone is looking forward to the trip.
