IPGC Pattaya Golf Society at The Links Bar
Monday, July 20, Pattana – Stableford
Div. 1 (white tees)
1st Toby Glass (15) 37pts
2nd Dave Edwards (10) 34pts
T3rd David Thomas (9) 32pts
T3rd Huw Phillips (13) 32pts
T3rd Paul Edgar (16) 32pts
Div. 2 (yellow tees)
1st Peter Reidy (25) 35pts
2nd Murray Edwards (21) 34pts
T3rd Stuart Thompson (18) 33pts
T3rd Graeme Kerr (25) 33pts
T3rd Charles Herring (26) 33pts
Our six groups were allocated B and C nines and teed off on time shortly after 10.00 a.m. With carts not permitted on fairways, preferred lies were the order of the day. Fairways were well presented but wet in parts, offering little to no run and the course played long all day. Greens offered good to excellent surfaces, however, the one remaining drawback to the way this wonderful course is presented is the state of their bunkers; too much sand and not compacted anywhere near enough.
Len Jones (right) tees off at Crystal Bay, watched by Ian Wilson.
There were no ‘2’s recorded, leaving more money in the pot for what would prove a crowded podium – in both divisions.
We last played Pattana on June 22. On that day Toby Glass, playing off a 22 handicap, managed to win the one-division contest with 36 points. Today, Toby advised he wished to take a voluntary cut in handicap. This saw him drop from 18 to 15. He still won division one by three strokes. Some improvement. In second was the much-improved Dave Edwards with 34 points, whilst three shared third with 32.
In division two the just returned Aussie, and old mine-host Peter Reidy, made the podium for the first time with a well-merited 35 points, enough to win the division. One shot behind was “I’m back” Murray Edwards. As was the case in Division One, three shared third on 33 points, with one of those making the podium for the first time – well done Graeme.
Back at the Links, Alan Flynn was the recipient of the lucky beer draw, whilst the booby bevy went to the IPGC’s newest member for the experience of having to play off the much longer white tees, and not the shorter yellows as enjoyed by his mate Luke Abbey, even though they both play off 17. Ah, the vagaries of the cut-line.
Wednesday, July 22, Treasure Hill – Stableford
Div. 1 (white tees)
1st Alan Flynn (11) 36pts
2nd Dave Edwards (10) 35pts
3rd David Thomas (9) 34pts
Div. 2 (yellow tees)
1st Doug Cairns (20) 40pts
T2nd John Tallett (25) 33pts
T2nd Charles Herring (26) 33pts
Our seven groups, split into two divisions at 16.8, teed off on time at 10 a.m. and the weather, complete with cloud-cover, remained fine throughout. Choosing not to invoke preferred lies proved the correct decision, as the fairways here still offer reasonable run. This course continues to impress; fairways well-manicured, bunkers in good order and greens that offer a true and consistent roll. And all this for just 1050B green-fee caddie-fee and cart. Value for money indeed!
Winning scores are generally lower at Treasure Hill than anywhere else. This then underlines the tremendous effort made by Canadian Doug Cairns in posting 40 points and securing his first win with the PGS. To score close to net par here is meritorious enough, but to go four-under is highly commendable. Trailing Doug in division two were runner-ups John Tallett and Charles Herring, both scoring a respectable 33 points.
Division one was a closer run race with just two points separating the three placegetters. David Thomas managed 34 points, one behind runner-up Dave Edwards who compiled a creditable 35 points. Winning the division with an even-par round of 36 points was Alan Flynn; a very good effort at this course.
There were two ‘2’s in division one; Huw Phillips at the 6th and Mark Lang at the 17th. Not having to share his ‘2’s pot was Bryan Brown, who provided division two with their only ‘2’ at the 6th.
Back at the Links Mr Len drew Murray Edwards’s name for the lucky beer award while the booby bevy went to the golfer with the biggest split; Paul Edgar. At least Paul’s 7–18 front-nine back-nine score suggests improvement.
Friday, July 24, Crystal Bay – Stableford
On Friday, the Pattaya Golf Society visited Crystal Bay to play a stableford competition on the C and A nines, which were in quite good condition with steady consistent greens. The only downside were the bunkers, many of which were un-raked and not up to competition standard. Thus many golfers tried their best to return them to an acceptable condition.
The course was almost empty and excellent progress was made in an almost “millionaire golf” environment and scores were generally good. Sharing second place were Jesper Hansen and Ian Wilson, the latter freshly returned from UK, with both registering 36 points each. However the “senior” in the field, Charles Herring, showed the young bucks how to do it with a splendid 42 point haul to take the day.
There were no birdie ‘2’s, though a few had tried and the winner of the consolation beer was Kerry Jonsson, yet to find form this trip. The booby bevy went to Canadian Doug Cairns for his magnificent descent from hero to zero after his momentous round at Treasure Hill two days previously.
Crystal Bay has its critics – as do most clubs – but all in the deal and condition of the course was more than enough to facilitate a meaningful and enjoyable competition.
