Jomtien Golf with the IPGC
Monday, Sept. 12, Lanna Golf and Sports Club – Stableford
This was our first visit for Jomtien Golf here in Chiang Mai and the majority of the golfers and partners their inaugural trip; some left on the overnight coach on the Friday, a couple by car and the rest on the 1 hour flight departing at 10.00am on the Saturday.
There was an individual competition on each of the three days for two divisions, plus the ‘2’s and nearest the pins and an overall three day combined stableford contest for the winner of the Giant Panda Tour.
Jomtien golfers on tour in Chiang Mai.
Just 25 minutes down the road from our hotel was our first course, literally set in the city centre. Only three tees to choose from and the middle range, white of course, was 6,794 yards so a fun day would be had by all.
Neville Scurrell had the best return of the day with 35 points in division 1; Bob Poole was second on 32 and Billy Hewitt took third with 31.
Lee Casey won division 2 with 33 points, beating Terry Redding by two points, and playing off the whites with three shots added to her handicap, the Burapha caddie Miss Kung was third with 30 points.
On the 220 yard par three 4th hole there was nobody on the green in either division but on the shorter 17th, 170yds, Chris Voller and Marty Aronson got nearest the pins.
David Phillips in division 2 birdied the par three 8th for the only ‘2’ today, so a rollover in division 1 to Royal Chiang Mai.
While the golfers were playing, all the girls were out shopping at the many markets or sampling the local food.
Wednesday, Sept. 14, Royal Chiang Mai – Stableford
It is the rainy season here at the moment, with torrential downpours every day, normally late afternoon, and we were informed this does not clear up until early November and the dry season lasts only through to mid April.
Overall winner Neville Scurrell with his partner Ya Ya and the new addition to the family.
The fairways were very sodden today so ‘pick, clean and place’ was selected for the rest of the week. There were many embedded balls lost today on the fairways and this reflected in the scores.
The course was 6,389 yards off the white tees today and the highest scores in were 31 points from the inform Neville Scurrell, who beat countback Burnie 16/15 on the back nine, while Chris Voller took third with 28, in division 2 Andy Oz also won with 31, beating Terry Redding by 2 points and Lee Casey by 3.
Only two near pins today, coming from Chris Voller on the 3rd and Bob Poole in division 2 on the 17th. There were no ‘2’s in either division so rollovers to our last game on Friday.
Friday, Sept. 16, Chiang Mai Highlands – Stableford
Voted one of the best three courses in Thailand and in the top ten of the Asia courses, we arrived to find it almost deserted. We were all very lucky with the weather today and we all enjoyed a rain free round with slightly soggy conditions on the front nine. The cut today was 6-19 in division 1 and 20+ in division 2.
The best score of the week came in from Harry Vincenzi with 39 points to win division 1, while playing off 15, Neville Scurrell shot a gross 1 over par on the back nine to come in second with 38 points and Chris Voller took third on 36.
A different story in division 2 with Terry Redding in podium position with 34 points, Lee Casey in second one point behind, and Andy Oz finishing third.
Billy Hewitt and Chris Voller shared the rollover ‘2’ pot in division 1 while ‘Mr. no car’, Andy Baber, birdied the 14th for the division 2 pot.
Yet again only two near pins today, both in division 2, one for Marty Aronson and the other for Bob Poole.
This was the best course we played all week and everyone enjoyed it, and according to everyone’s remarks afterwards it is almost up to Black Mountain standards.
After three rounds of golf this week the presentation took place at the Raming Lodge Spa Hotel where the majority of us stayed and the staff made us most welcome, especially Jenny, guest service agent based on reception. We could definitely recommend this accommodation to anyone planning a visit.
The overall winners of the week were: Miss Kung finishing 6th with 84 points, Andy Oz in 5th with the same score but a better count back, Chris Voller took 4th on 92, Lee Casey lost out to Terry Redding on a 34/33 count back for second after both scored 94 points, but the winner with 104 points to take The Giant Panda tour trophy (cuddly toy) was Neville Scurrell. Well done Neville!
