Travellers Rest Golf Group
Monday, April 17, Pleasant Valley – Stableford
1st Ted Senior (17) 42pts
2nd Billy Allen (19) 42pts
3rd Ken Aihara (05) 37pts
On Monday the Pattaya area resembled the lull before the storm as everyone waited expectantly for the Songkran finale. This was definitely reflected in the numbers as only 5 golfers made the trip to Pleasant Valley.
The lack of golfers however did not affect the quality of the golf played. Ken Aihara shot a fine gross score of 4 over par but his 37 points were only good enough for 3rd place. It was maybe quite fitting that the day should belong to an epic battle between two TRGG stalwarts, Ted Senior and Billy Allan.
Billy Allan’s score of 42 points would on the majority of occasions have been good enough to take top spot but today Pleasant Valley was clearly being kind to all, and Ted Senior is a man who makes the most of any opportunity on offer to him. With a fine back-9 Ted just did enough to win the day on count back.
This was Ted’s 12th visit to the podium in his last 16 rounds of golf but after he suddenly contracted selective memory syndrome. He somehow forgot about his recent successes as he argued passionately (in vain) with Billy not to cut him.
Thursday, April 20, Silky Oak – Stableford
1st Donald Doyle (14) 38pts
2nd Jimmy Cooper (15) 34pts
3rd Jack Mooney (20) 34pts
The day after Songkran saw a visit to Silky Oak, and with the whole golf complex very quiet it was clear that the Songkran hangover was alive and kicking.
Jack Mooney is one of the elder statesmen of the TRGG with both wisdom and experience being valuable qualities of his, and he certainly used this to his benefit over the festive period and his 34 points were good enough to take 3rd spot.
Jim Cooper is a man who never leaves his house without a towel draped over his shoulder. In the past he has forgotten to bring his golf clubs but he never forgets to bring his towel. As a Scotsman Jim loves the New Year but his celebration for 2017 was so excessive it had affected his recent form. His second place on this occasion was his first visit to the podium in the last 16 rounds he played.
Victory for the day went to ‘Dinga’ Donald Doyle with a fine round of 38 points. DDD, as he is known to his friends, was the only man to perform above his handicap and comfortably walked away with the day’s top prize.
Friday, April 21, Pattana – Stableford
1st Richard Talbot (17) 32pts
2nd Derek Thorogood (16) 32pts
3rd Freddie Starbeck (15) 30pts
Friday saw the golf group visiting Pattana where few of the golfers got to grips with the front-9 with the majority of the players scoring more heavily on the inward half. The one exception was Freddie Starbeck who took a large lead into the turn but sadly for him he fell apart and his 30 points were only good enough for 3rd spot.
The group was delighted to welcome back Derek Thorogood after his recent travels to certain remote parts of Thailand. The rest seemed to have done him the world of good and his 32 points were good enough to give him 2nd spot. This could have been even better for “da boss” as he missed a simple tap in on the final hole.
One man’s misfortune is another man’s opportunity and this opened the door for the man with the pen who managed to squeeze past Derek and take the day’s top prize as a result of a stronger back-9. On the last 2 visits to Pattana victory has gone to the course specialist, the pen pusher, and one only hopes that the management come to their senses and have this fine course visited on a weekly basis
Saturday, April 22, Greenwood – Stableford
1st Paul Beck (09) 36pts
2nd Chris Playforth (11) 33pts
3rd Dave Mitchell (27) 32pts
The reduced week of golf at the TRGG ended on Saturday with a visit to Greenwood. Dave Mitchell’s 32 points were good enough to take 3rd spot, whilst Chris Playforth went one better and his 33 points secured second position. However, the day’s winning score came from a guest competitor in the form of Paul Beck whose 36 points comfortably took the day’s top prize.
It is always nice to see a guest playing their first game with the group and walking away victorious. It is made even more special if you don’t personally happen to be playing on that particular occasion.
A special mention to all golfers who managed to venture out during Songkran week. An interesting time of year, it perhaps doesn’t give the players the ideal conditions to record their best scores but still, the golf must go on.
