PSC golf Bunker Boys @ The Ranch
Monday, Nov. 12, Crystal Bay C & A – Medal
Following heavy rainfall in Pattaya for most of the previous day, the sky was still heavy with persistent rain on Monday morning, so the prospects for a round of golf did not look good. Somewhat surprisingly, we had a full complement of golfers who turned up at The Ranch, and we set off for Sri Racha with some optimism and more than a little trepidation. However, once again the weather gods were shining on us, and we arrived at Crystal Bay under a clear sky and were amazed to find there had been no rain on the course.
The decision was made that we didn’t need to play “pick, clean and place”, and the seven groups teed off on schedule. The round progressed smoothly without any holdups and the fairways were in good shape, although the greens were a little slow and not up to their usual high standard.
The John Preddy Trophy – waiting for a new name to be added on November 23.
We welcomed back teaching pro Keith Smithson, and with a higher than usual contingent of low handicap golfers, the cut was set at 13 and under. There were two fantastic scores from Takeshi Hakozaki (net 64) and Stuart Tinkler (net 63) to win the A and B flights respectively and seven players in total played under their handicap, which is surely testament to the condition of the course.
A special mention is due for Thomas Nyborg, who was making his tenth appearance with the Bunker Boys, and scored his first ever sub-hundred round, thereby earning his first podium appearance in the B Flight. Most golfers (well the younger ones anyway) will remember the satisfaction of breaking 100 for the first time, so well done Thomas.
A Flight
1st Takeshi Hakozaki (11) net 64
2nd Tony Scambler (10) net 70
3rd Keith Smithson (2) net 70
B Flight
1st Stuart Tinkler (17) net 63
2nd Gordon Melia (17) net 69
3rd Thomas Nyborg (26) net 71
Near Pins: Keith Hemmings, Colin Jones, Takeshi and Paul Smith.
Wednesday, Nov. 14, Phoenix Lake & Ocean – Stableford
We had a good turnout today for our visit to this popular local course, which at the moment offers reasonable value for money for larger groups, and is in great condition.
The day started brightly and progressed well until the leading groups started the inward nine, and a large black cloud rolled in with accompanying thunder and lightning. The rain held us up for around 45 minutes and two groups of fair weather golfers decided to call it day once the greens and fairways became submerged. The remaining six groups sat out the storm and eventually were able to complete their rounds in soggy, but playable conditions.
The cut today was again set at 13 and the scores were respectable in both flights despite the difficult conditions. William Macey carded the best score of the day beating Geoff Hart on a count back to win the B Flight.
There was fun and games back at The Ranch when Buff and Geoff tried to sort out the soggy score cards, some of which were unrecognizable and almost totally unreadable, but eventually everything was sorted out and the winners relaxed and enjoyed the spoils of their labours.
A Flight
1st Tony Scambler (10) 38pts
2nd Chris Cox (9) 36pts
3rd Keith Norman (11) 35pts
B Flight
1st William Macey (19) 39pts
2nd Geoff Hart (22) 39pts
3rd Neil Hurst (13) 35pts
Near Pins: Keith Smithson, Geoff Cox, Geoff Hart and William Macey.
Friday, Nov. 16, Green Valley – Stableford
Another full complement of golfers today as eight groups set off to Green Valley in fine weather. We had to turn away two unlucky golfers when our efforts to secure an additional tee time were unsuccessful, a timely reminder to all that in high season it’s wise to register early.
The course appeared busy but we teed off on schedule and the round progressed smoothly with most groups finishing in around four hours. The greens were not at their best and were a little slow, but generally the course is in great condition.
The star performer on the day was Geoff Hart carding his second consecutive round under his handicap with a magnificent 44 points to easily win the B Flight. Neil Hurst continued his recent run of good form to win the honours in the A Flight with an impressive 40 points. Both winners will no doubt be keenly anticipating at a cut in their handicaps when the new list is issued at the weekend.
Thomas Nyborg (still a relative newcomer to the game) also had another great day, recording his best ever score to date in Pattaya.
A Flight
1st Neil Hurst (13) 40pts
2nd Eddie Graham (10) 37pts
3rd Paul Smith (5) 37pts
B Flight
1st Geoff Hart (22) 44pts
2nd Thomas Nyborg (26) 40pts
3rd Gary Leigh (17) 33pts
Near Pins: Derek Stephenson, Gary Leigh, Tony Robbins and Paul Smith.
Note: The Bunker Boys is a PSC affiliated golf society which now plays out of The Ranch bar on Pattaya 3rd Road (in front of the fire station, and almost opposite the Buffalo Bar). We play three times per week on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, so if you enjoy a fun day out, and a friendly but competitive golf competition why not come and join us.
We meet at The Ranch at 9 a.m. for breakfast and transportation, and new players are always welcome. Contact Buff on 086 046 5091 or 080 605 5663 for all enquiries. You can find all the news, schedules and results on our website at www.bunkersociety.com.
The annual John Preddy Charity Golf Tournament will be held on Friday 23rd November 2012, at Mountain Shadow G.C. The response has been great and the start sheet is now full, so a great day is anticipated by everyone.
