The Billabong Bar Golf Society
Monday, Jan. 16, Phoenix Gold – Stableford
Phoenix on a very hot day and the place was absolutely packed. We took the early start offered by the management and it was appreciated by all who took part. One of our visitors from the northern hemisphere felt the heat quite bad but a few bottles of water later he came right.
As there were no carts allowed on the fairways it was decided winter rules would apply and to be fair it really was needed on the Mountain loop, but the Lakes side was quite dry.
We had 5 groups playing and there were some good scores, with John Anderson coming in third with 38 points, Graham Beaumont took second on 39 and in top spot was Rick Culley with a fine effort of 41 points.
There was only one ‘2’, coming from Graham Beaumont on one of the harder par 3s.
Wednesday, Jan. 18, Green Valley – Stableford
We seem to be in the middle of a nonexistent high season, with only those that got up with the sparrows in front of us today, so a gentle 4-hour round was very enjoyable.
Eddie Bielby was observed by his playing partners standing on the edge of the lily pond along the 7th hole trying to extricate his ball. As usual he had his mouth open and complained later that the water in the pond did not taste as good as his favourite tipple.
52 players today and in the ladies competition Miss Nu lost a count back to Miss Poopay on 36 points. Miss Som lost her ball in the water at the second attempt on the 13th but still came good with a score of 39 points.
The scores for the men were generally very steady with many handing in cards with scores between 30 and 36, but it was Peter Le Noury occupying fourth place with 36 points, one behind Jeff North who, despite having 3 blobs on his card, still took the bronze. Tony Oakes started with 3 points in the first 3 holes but recovered to score 38 overall for second place. The star of the day was undoubtedly Lloyd Shuttleworth, playing off his 5 handicap and returning a magnificent 32 gross on the back nine for 23 points and 41 in total to win by a distance. He also had a ‘2’, as did Glyn Davies, Gerard Lambert, Miss Nu and Jeff North (2).
Friday, Jan. 20, Treasure Hill – Rainbow Stableford
Treasure Hill has adopted a novel approach to business by retaining the price they charge in the low season of 1150-baht all in. Looking at the booking sheet, they were fully booked this day but a 4 hour round is still very acceptable at any time. This venue has to be the best value for money around Pattaya and possibly further afield.
The course was in excellent condition and the greens were as slick as any in the area, but if this did not present enough of a challenge then Capt. Bob decided to add to the day’s test by making the format a rainbow stableford competition. The only small criticism about the course is the lack of markers around the water hazards, of which there are many.
Seven groups accepted the challenge today but many fell far short of expectations as confirmed by the fact that fourth place went to Gerard Lambert with only 30 points, just edging out his fellow Frenchman Thierry Petrement on a count back. Bob Philp took third place on 32 points with Graham Beaumont second with 34, however Lloyd Shuttleworth continued his excellent form by taking the plaudits once again with 36 points.
The only ‘2’ went to Gerard Lambert.
