The Pattaya Links Golf Society
Monday, June 12, Treasure Hill – Stableford
1st Jacob Cummings (7) 34pts
2nd Selwyn Yates (15) 32pts
Many believe this course is just too difficult. Is it an urban myth? It really does not seem any tougher than say a Khao Kheow or a Pattana, but there are not many golfers can play to handicap here. Of course there are exceptions, and a good golfer having a good day can do it.
Today was not the day. Our lowest handicapper was the only one to get close as Jacob Cummings, h/cap 7, scored a creditable 34 points to take the honours. Selwyn Yates made a valiant attempt and ended up with 32 points and second place. The remainder, apart from Toby Glass who did not play in the comp, had scores not worth mentioning.
It seems the biggest talking point after the game, and the best excuse for low scores, was the hole placements. It was suggested that these had not been changed for some days, with the consequence being the grass growing up around the rim and forming a defensive barrier. The only way to beat that was to attack and hit the back of the hole. It took some bravery to ‘have a go’ as if you missed it was two shots back.
It always makes one wonder why this course is not teeming with golfers. At the price of 1150 baht G/F, caddy, and cart it’s one of the best deals around.
Wednesday, June 14, Burapha – Stableford
A Flight
1st Selwyn Yates (15) 43pts
2nd Mogens Melander (16) 39pts
B Flight
1st Greg Perfrement (23) 38pts
2nd Barry Elphick (23) 32pts
Today we had a rare late morning start at Burapha on the sumptuous A and B combination, with two flights divided at eighteen and under. The course was in fine condition with well grassed fairways and quick and consistent greens.
Humidity was high as the group set off and it came as no surprise when a heavy storm interrupted play after about twelve holes, leaving greens temporarily flooded. Yet within half an hour they were back to their best. How do they do it?
The scores were good with Barry Elphick taking second in B flight with 32 points while the winner Greg Perfrement shot a fine 38 points before his return to Australia.
In the top flight, Mogens Melander was staggered when his 39 points only gave him second place, the result of a spectacular round by Selwyn Yates whose 43 points was by far the best of the day.
The non-winners’ consolation prizes went to Paul Bray for his best front total of 20 points and David Hewson after his back nine of 19.
Friday, June 16, St. Andrews – Stableford
A Flight
1st Tommy Marshall (10) 41pts
2nd Bob Watson (6) 40pts
3rd Jacob Cummings (6) 37pts
B Flight
1st Jayson Schembri (19) 34pts
2nd Masaaki Sugaya (19) 32pts
3rd Alan Walker (22) 31pts
St. Andrews 2000 is not a place for the faint hearted, the short of breath, or the high handicap golfer. As well presented as it is, and compulsory carts were allowed on the fairways sometimes, there is still a lot of uphill and downhill walking. Just to tire us more, today was very warm with little breeze.
This is a course where the very good golfers can shine and today the first group out consisted of 4 very good golfers who supplied the first three placegetters in A flight and a best 9 winner.
Upon the first checking of scorecards, there he was again, Bob Watson scoring well with 40 points off a handicap of 6. But this time his playing partner Tommy Marshall pipped him at the post after presenting a scorecard of 41 points off his exaggerated handicap of 10. The consistent Jacob Cummings, in only his third game this trip, rounded out the A flight podium on 37 points.
Jayson Schembri, a sometime visitor to Links, topped the B flight with 34 points while Masaaki Sugaya took second spot with 32. Veteran Alan Walker filled third spot on 31 points and his look of amazement at hearing the news was worth a photo.
The best front nine for non-winners came from Selwyn Yates with 23 points while Mogens Melander took the back nine prize with 20.
The Green Jacket looked comfortable on Tommy, while we needed to wait a minute or two for the wearer of the “wig”, Mike Wilsher, to get the hair straight and the make-up on for the photo op.
