PSC Golf from the Pattaya Links Golf Society
Monday, April 16, Bangpra – Stableford
1st Huw Phillips (15) 37pts
2nd Tony Leng (24) 37pts
3rd Bill Copeland (14) 36pts
4th Paul Chesney (22) 36pts
It seems a long time between drinks for Huw Phillips, but today at Bangpra he bounced back to the winner’s circle and the coveted Green jacket. But it wasn’t that easy, as Tony Leng scored the same number of points to run Huw to a count back. Excellent 37 point totals from both.
The Bangpra course is never easy and now, with the fairways starting to dry out and the greens, formally known as the fastest around still on a go slow, it made it even more of a challenge.
The weather was hot and humid as has been the case for some time now. Just a little wisp of breeze would help. However, most of the fourteen starters enjoyed their day as all but 5 had a score in the thirties. Not bad for Bangpra and under the hot conditions.
He didn’t make the podium but it is worth mentioning Bryan Dore, with 35 points off handicap #3, as he once again almost parred the course. He was the last to leave the bar as he was already practicing on the newly installed simulator. That’s how you get to be #3 handicap.
We’ve sung the praises of Huw and Tony, but very close behind them were another two players going to the count back. Bill Copeland and Paul Chesney both scored a handicap equalling 36 points, with Bill just pipping Paul for third spot.
For those not in the final four there are the prizes for best nines and these went to Peter Wilson (front, 18pts) and Mike Tottenham (back, 19pts).
Wednesday, April 18, Khao Kheow – Stableford
1st Gordon Vallance (21) 41pts
2nd Phil Davies (13) 36pts
3rd Paul Chesney (22) 36pts
With Songkran water splashing all around, 9 hardy golfers turned out for the trip to the beautiful Khao Kheow golf course.
Pattaya has been experiencing very hot and wearing conditions of late, and today was more of the same, however this course was once again presented in wonderful condition.
Shooting a good score here can be difficult, but today, on his return, Gordon Vallance flew out of the blocks to pile on a great 41 points. This set him head and shoulders above the minor placegetters.
On another day golfers would be looking for a Green jacket if they scored 36 points, but not today. Phil Davies pinched second place on count back from the unlucky Paul Chesney. Jon Batty also had 36 points but just missed a spot on the podium.
Best nines by non-winners came from Tip Briney (front, 22pts) and Jon Batty (back, 19pts).
Friday, April 20, Pleasant Valley – Stableford
1st John Coetzee (23) 43pts
2nd Tip Briney (22) 37pts
3rd Peter Henshaw (30) 36pts
4th Phil Davies (13) 35pts
Thirteen golfers saddled up for a trip to Pleasant Valley where the price of 1850 baht all in is too high for a course that needs some TLC. Fairways were quite ok, but the greens varied in pace from hole to hole, so maybe that can be fixed soon.
Weather was, of course, hot, however a short, welcome shower of rain cooled things for a while.
A couple of players found conditions just fine despite only just setting foot on Thailand soil. John Coetzee blitzed the field with a magnificent round of 43 points (obviously no jet lag from Perth, Australia).
Tip Briney had an interesting week; on Wednesday he set a new record for the highest score to win the “wig” with 31 points and today he took second place with a terrific 37 points.
Peter Henshaw returned to us after an absence and recorded 36 points for third spot and Phil Davies was thereabouts again filling fourth place with 35.
Consolation nines went to Mike Tottenham (front, 21pts) and Dom Downy (back, 19pts).
