Thursday, May 10, Plutaluang N&W – Team Scramble
The legend continues and gains strength as the years go by. When ‘Papa’ Ray Rogers went to the ‘great golf course in the sky’, his nephew Gary declared that he will keep it going as long as he can, till at least Ray would have been 100 years old. That is in three years time. Fully supported by his friends this will continue to go forward from strength to strength.
Dave Richardson continues to be the driving force of the organisation side, supported by his team, especially Peter Blackburn, and as usual by the scribe, the ever faithful recorder. The friends of Papa Ray and Gary rally around and many old faces come out of hiding. Particular thanks go to Bjarne and his family from The Cafe Kronborg who provided the buffet food which went down particularly well this year with the hungry golfers and the absence of the airborne menace of previous years.
The winning team: Derek Brook, Mashi Kaneta, Bob Watson and Max Scott with the ‘Admiral’ and Peter Blackburn.
Gary is the major sponsor and every year throws himself into the day by providing his house for the event, sponsoring the many prizes, and being the ever respectful host, and I am certain his uncle Ray would be most proud of him. From all who take part and fondly remember Ray, our thanks to Gary for his continuing commitment.
Onto the day itself and Dave had slaved away, as he usually does, to get together a number of groups and zoomed about raising additional bits and pieces to make the day a success. An event such as this does not just happen and Dave was out and about for some time previous.
Runners-up: Dave Richardson, Peter Blackburn, Mick O’Connor and Mike Alidi.
On this day with shirts for all the golfers and fine prizes, Gary and Dave surpassed themselves. The day started with all turning up at Plutaluang, and a great deal at present, and playing off either the North or West as we had a two Tee start. This 18 holes is, as all who play there know, a really difficult layout. Our group started well with a quick ‘Eagle’ at the par 5 and after 9 holes we were 8 under par, and the question was, ‘is this our day?’
The course as such was in quite good condition, if you like grass that reminds one of a broad leaf pasture. These 18 holes are not the most esthetically pleasing but a real test none the less. I must also say that these days it is very well maintained and the fairways are well manicured and the greens well looked after and run fast and true, even if the ball seems not to want to go in the hole.
Gary Rogers with the golf organizers.
Driving out, my passengers commentated on how good the course looked as we drove past it. On this day the layout was as ‘The Admiral’ wanted it, in fine condition for the day but a real test.
The restaurant at this course is probably the best value of any golfing venue. It has inherent advantages in that it is on a military base, but it has to be said the food is usually very good and well priced and the views are exceptional – worth a visit. Mind, with the food at Gary’s beckoning, most sat and had a beer until the results were in and then a quick drive back.
The third placed team, Ken Berneck, Henry Wong, Bo Cardwell and Mike Winfield, receive their awards from the ‘Admiral’ and Peter Blackburn.
You can always tell where the house is; the cars are parked all down the road, and through the gates the tables are set out and the beer is flowing. The beer this year was not in ‘The Well’ but in coolers on the back of a pickup, and it worked fine. The food was laid out nicely and the beef and pork in particular were especially tasty. The tables were full of hungry golfers filling up on cold beer and good food.
Dave meantime was beavering away on the results but was not missing out on the cold beer and food. Then it was time for the presentation and Emcee Dave was soon underway. Firstly he thanked all who helped him, and paid particular attention to Gary who gave of his house for the day and so heavily sponsored the event. Then it was time to announce the winners.
Dave gave out the technical prizes first, reported below, and then onto the team winners. In third place with net 59.2 was the team of Ken Berneck, Henry Wong, Bo Cardwell and Mike Winfield. In second place with a net 57.8 was the team of Dave Richardson, Peter Blackburn, Mick O’Connor and Mike Alidi.
So to the winners and with a net 56.8 the victors on the day were Derek Brook, Mashi Kaneta, Bob Watson and Max Scott. After nigh on twenty years of trying the ‘Scribe’ finally won and the good start held up. Makes it all seem worth it somehow.
With the presentations over it was time for Dave’s ‘Lucky Draws’ and all went home with something. Then the pickup was emptied and all went home but vowed to return next year. T.T.F.N.
Near Pins: Mike Alidi, Max Scott, Rick Bevington, Owen Lloyd
Long Putts: Dan Wilson, Ray Dell
