PSC golf from The Golf Club
Monday, Dec. 19, Green Valley (white tees) – Stableford
1st Tom Balch (27) 41pts
2nd Sonny 40pts
3rd Brian Wilkinson (15) 38pts
The day was fresh and cool (by Pattaya standards anyway) and we set off with 2 van loads of golfers to our regular Monday venue of Green Valley. The course was in great condition save for 2 temporary tee boxes, so there were no excuses allowed for not shooting your handicap, but not many did. The wind played havoc with many of the players.
Tommy Balch was in fine form by any standards and turning the big 70 a couple of weeks ago may have given him the incentive needed to grab the top spot this week. The great thing about this game is that we are all able to compete on a level playing field and with all ages, and only the game of golf allows this.
Marlene Prudden and Kevin Moraghan – winners on the Kabinburi road trip.
The story of the day was the driving of Mark Reid. Not on the course, but behind the wheel! This being the first time in 30 years Mark has driven a “stick shift” as the Colonials put it, or a “manual” transmission, there was a trace of apprehension in the air as we drove off from the club. We were all prepared to bellow out “grind it til ya find it” but there was no need for our standard lines of abuse as Mark, or “Robbie” as he is know on the Soi Dao Karaoke circuit, did a perfect job of guiding our pristine new Toyota Commuter through Pattaya’s worst lanes and down the old 36 to the course. Fine job mate and thanks again.
Wednesday, Dec. 21, Treasure Hill (yellow tees) – Stableford
1st Chris Parr (18) 38pts
2nd Warren Holland (25) 32pts
It was par for the course for Chris today as he bettered the field by 6 strokes. The affable Englishman kept it in the fairway all day and avoided the trouble that Treasure Hill is famous for.
Nat, Koi, Raju and Ying wish you all a Happy New Year!
The crocodile course is a favourite of The Golf Club these days as the grounds crew have really gotten their act together and have the course in lovely condition. It has always been a difficult layout but it is also one of the most interesting in the Pattaya area.
Friday, Dec. 23, Century Chonburi (white tees) – Stableford
1st Steve Ellison (17) 37pts
2nd Dave Shelton 35pts
3rd Marlene Prudden 33pts
Yes, you read it right, Century Chonburi. Now I know that many avid readers probably have not played here in ages or not even been out here at all. Just finding the place takes some doing and the roads in are bumpy and winding. That said, one must remember the high season green fees here are a jaw dropping 200 baht. Two Hundred Baht, let’s see…that translates to 6 bucks and sixty cents US or 4 quid Sterling. That is amazing for a Sir Nick Faldo designed course.
Century Chonburi – a bargain!
We had a great day out and part of it was the expectation that it would be a fun day of golf with a ‘lift, clean and place’ proviso which was the correct policy on this course. Don’t expect too much of this track as the maintenance crew is doing all they can with the budget they have. They are doing a great job under difficult conditions. In fact, the back nine was really good, an extremely enjoyable layout in decent shape that proved a good finish. All the bunkers were groomed properly and played fair. The greens were also in very good nick but the saucering made them a tough read for putts from the outside.
Steve Ellison finally had a good day off the tee and the driver took him to the top of the podium with 37 points on a course never played before. Likewise for Dave Shelton who was just off the pace with 35 and a gaggle of golfers on 33 with the count back won by the ageless Marlene Prudden with 21 points on the back. She beat Vancouverite Courtney Bailey and hubby Brian Prudden for 3rd place.
Facilities here are very basic with 5 showers (20 baht for towel & soap) tiny lockers (bring your own lock) no food on the course etc. but it sure would be interesting to see Century Chonburi with 30 million baht pumped into her! 18 out of 20 of our golfers had a great day out and would come back, so get out there and see for yourself before you make any decisions.
Thanks for a great 2011!
The staff and partners of The Golf club would like to thank you all for your support over the past 12 months and wish you and your family a happy and healthy year ahead of us in 2012. Happy New Year!
With Bob, Jez, Lee and Lou up at Mt. Everest, we forgot to get our write-up in on time but would now like to report that our Kabinburi road trip the previous week was won by Brian & Marlene Prudden on the first day and Kevin Moraghan & Marlene Prudden on the second day. Marlene is getting more press time than Paris Hilton these days. Well played girl! A full report on the Everest expedition will be coming soon so watch this space!
Note: The Golf Club is located on Soi LK Metro and we play on Monday, Wednesday and Friday so come join us for a fun day out. Just call 085 434 3377 or see website www.golfclubpattaya.com and for more information mail: [email protected].
