Monday, June 2, Green Valley (white tees) – Stableford
1st Henry O’Brien (22) 42pts
2nd Allan Rothwell (8) 37pts
3rd Andy Makara (25) 36pts
Andy Makara joined us again today and shot to his handicap for third place while Allan Rothwell had another consistent round and posted a 37 for second spot and yet another podium position. But it was the legendary Scotsman Henry O’Brien who had his day in the sun as his whopping 42 points easily led the field and enabled him to snatch those handsome man vouchers!
Wednesday, June 4, Wangjuntr Highlands – 2-Man Scramble
1st Allan Rothwell & Peter Rogers (11) net 58
2nd Rusty Barfield & Steve Ellison (8) net 61
Wangjuntra (meaning Moon Palace) is a golfing experience like no other and you really do owe it to yourself to spend the extra time and effort to play here. With a PSC rate of 1,600 baht for green fee, caddy and buggy, it is also great value for money now that we are in the low season.
Ellison, Rothwell, Rogers & Barfield…so close yet so far.
It is just under a 90 minute drive to get here, but well worth it. This is a vast complex, and the owners choose to call this a “Golf & Nature Park” which is a fair description of this resort tucked up in the hills of Rayong province, behind Greenwood.
This is not an easy golf course, and the 2-Man Scramble format was the correct choice of competitions on this frustrating track. There are some golf shots required here that you have never even seen before, shots you have never used before, and imagination that is put to the test like no other. I would rate the condition of the course at 9.5 out of 10, which is quite amazing for a project of this size and location.
Once you get past the pro shop for payments and locker room requirements, you are trucked up the mountain about a mile, going through 2 security gates reminiscent of Jurassic Park. You then change over to a standard golf buggy that your caddy will navigate to the first of many elevated tees. The views are both breathtaking and impressive.
The first hole par-4 offers an indication of things to come, as the straightforward fairway drops off 60 yards down that tempts the long hitters to go for the green. This is exactly what you want for a scramble, and the Barfield-Ellison combo saw Rusty pop his drive out 290 yards to leave a 25 footer for eagle! The “2” did not happen but a birdie for both teams was a great start to the day.
Peter Rogers did his fair share of scoring as his putter was red hot on the front nine and Allan Rothwell had his driver tuned in, and both were an unbeatable combo that ‘ham & egged’ beautifully when required.
Another beautiful vista at Wangjuntr Golf & Nature Park.
The highlight of the day would have to be on the blind shot par-3 15th hole to an elevated green. Rusty Barfield found his ball on the green just 3 inches from the hole in one! He obviously just teed it up in the wrong place.
With some of holes named “Himalaya” and “Beautiful Beast” it is a good indication of the challenges ahead. You are crazy if you do not at least try this golf course. Sure, there are a couple of holes that go to the extreme, but how many courses have you played where you love every hole on the track? Go there, and have a good time.
Friday, June 6, Pattavia Century (white tees) – Stableford
1st Allan Rothwell (7) 34pts
2nd David Ferris (25) 31pts
3rd Phil Smedley (9) 29pts
It has been a couple of months since we played here at Pattavia, so it was good to see the continued improvements on this classic Nick Faldo track. The clubhouse is now finished and, albeit small, she is perfectly formed, which is all one could ask.
It was reported the course condition was 9 out of 10 even with the little rainfall we have had of late and the general consensus was that we need to keep this on our monthly playlist as all 14 golfers were positive in their feedback. Even the road in has had pothole improvements!
This was Allan Rothwell’s farewell round, and the New Yorker finished it in style taking yet another podium finish to finish his week 3 for 3 with his win here today!
Note: Just a reminder that we have a Road Trip up to Kabinburi for a one-nighter with 2 rounds of golf on Wed. June 18, so drop by or email us to sign up. The Golf Club is located on Soi LK Metro. Just call 085 434 3377 or see our website www. golfclubpattaya.com and for more information mail us: [email protected] and see updates at www. facebook.com/golfclubpattaya… all handicaps welcome!
