The golfing scene in Pattaya is well into the Low Season which normally means low turnouts and trying to dodge some stormy weather which can lead to some pretty unexciting golf. This week, however, saw the semi-finals and the final of the June Matchplay competition at the TRGG.
So the excitement was at fever pitch on Thursday at Green Valley where Derek Thorogood and Neil Wilkinson fought it out to the final hole before Derek resumed his customary position of finishing second. He must really have upset the golfing gods in a previous life because it is wall to wall heartbreak for our plucky Aussie Scouser. Anyway, many congratulations Neil, well done.
Monday, June 13 Khao Kheow (B and C) Stableford
On Monday 13th June the TRGG started off the week with a trip over to Khao Kheow (B and C courses).
It turned in to a really tight finish with Warren Shelly just beating Mike Smith on count back after they both finished with 34 pts. Ken Aihara finished a point behind in third place.
- Warren Shelly (24) 34 pts
- Mike Smith (6) 34 pts
- Ken Aihara (5) 33 pts
Tuesday, June 14 Burapha (B and C courses) Stableford
Tuesday 14th June saw our usual Tuesday outing to Burapha (B and C courses) and it was a case of deja vu with Warren Shelly again taking top spot for the second day running. This time, however, he did not require a count back to find out if he had won. His 43 pts, which would normally have been accompanied with cries of “Bandit” and other less complimentary remarks, is a fairly commonplace winning score at Burapha, even I managed it on one occasion. Wow I have a good memory.
So well done Warren and welcome to your new handicap.
Gary Bennett also scored well on the day and his 38 pts was good enough to take second place while Mike Smith on this occasion finished third.
- Warren Shelly (24) 43 pts
- Gary Bennett (16) 38 pts
- Mike Smith (6) 36 pts
Wednesday, June 15 Pattavia Century Stableford
On Wednesday 15th June it was off across the pineapple fields to Pattavia Century once again. This value for money course is normally well supported but on the day it was only the hardy few who made the journey. Gary Ralph was glad he made the effort by taking the number one slot on 39 pts. Andy Weisser took second with a commendable 35 pts and Ted Senior clambered on to the podium taking third place.
- Gary Ralph (17) 39 pts
- Andy Weisser (12) 35 pts
- Ted Senior (16) 32 pts
Thursday, June 16 Green Valley Stableford
On Thursday 16th June with the sky looking very threatening we arrived at Green Valley hoping for the best. Lady Luck did not let us down and we all finished still dry although it was a close run thing. Away from the aforementioned Match Play Final it was Mike Sanders who faired the best on the day and he was the only golfer to play anywhere near his handicap, finishing with 35 pts. It took a count back to discover that Ted Senior had just got the better of Andy Weisser both finishing on 33 pts.
- 1. Mike Sanders (7) 35 pts
- 2. Ted Senior (16) 33 pts
- 3. Andy Weisser (12) 33 pts
Friday, June 17 Wangjuntr Stableford
On Friday 17th June it was off on our annual jaunt over to Wangjuntr. For those who have never played it, in my opinion, it is worth the effort to make the long journey to a very unusual golf course. There are shared greens and the golfer on his first visit can be taken by surprise to find rock gardens and bunkers in the middle of some greens. Bored you will not be and the Stairway to Heaven hole is something else.
Gary Ralph took it all in his stride and completed the course with a very respectable 34 pts to finish in first place. Rob Herald pipped Joe Depasquale for second place on count back when they both finished on 33 pts.
- Gary Ralph (16) 34 pts
- Rob Herald (18) 33 pts
- Joe Depasquale (12) 33 pts
Good luck to all you golfers for the coming week and if you would like to play a round of golf with the TRGG please phone Derek Thorogood on (0806733118) or pop into the Valentines Guest House (Restaurant and Bar) in Soi Lengkee and add your name to the weekly lists which are posted on the notice board.
