The Tropical Golf Group
Tuesday, Dec. 20, Pattana – Stableford
It seems that the trip to Pattana is a monthly event these days, and the ‘nines’ to be played on this day were B & C, which started us out on the most difficult hole, yes, the dreaded B1. With water right and left you have to hit a good drive to stay on the short grass, and I thought I had accomplished that until my caddie said the dreaded words, ‘Nam’. Sure, I have heard it before.
Surprisingly there was a fair bit of standing water on the course, or soggy bits, and other parts were hard and a bit bare. All in all though, the course was in reasonable condition with the greens running fast and true. I think most of us had a good day out on the course, and having the facilities of the class clubhouse here was a bonus.
Back at BJ’s in Pattaya it was soon into the results. In the A Flight, 0 to 20, we had the best results and the winner with an outstanding 43 points was Andre Van Dyk, ahead of John Davis in second with 39 and Mashi Kaneta third with 38.
In the B Flight the winner was Reg Cochran with 37 points while Nigel Perry took second with 36 and Mick Coghlan was third with 35.
Dave Cooper won the best front-nine score with 19 points on count back from three others, and Carole Kubicki won the back-nine, also with 19 points.
Near Pins: Rob Brown, Brian Parish, Derek Brook, Dave Cooper.
Friday, Dec. 23, Greenwood B & C – Stableford
With quite a few golfer of the month points at stake, twenty three Tropical golfers made the trek out to Greenwood to play the B & C links, in that order for a change.
Greenwood is in good condition with nice fairways (some week killer would help), and those famous contoured greens. Many a nice chip to the green rolled off at some oblique angle. A few fairway spots were a bit muddy and we asked the caddies if it rained recently, but no, they just keep it well watered. Greenwood is a little long but a forgiving course, and winning scores are usually respectable. Such was the case today.
Tom Herrington (c/h 18) claimed the best score of the day with an inspired 40 points to win the A-Flight (0-22). Next came Brian Gabe (18) with a proud 35 points following a good back nine with two birdies. Bob Britton (19) made his long drive (as in car) worth it by claiming 34 points and third place.
Mick “I never win anything” Coghlan (26) was B-Flight (23+) champion with an elegant 37 points. Mick has worn out a pair of shoes with all his recent trips to the podium. Next came Dave Cooper (27) with a fine 36 points, and Reg Cochran (33) can hold his head high with his 35 points.
Best front nine by a non-winner was John Anderson, and back-nine by Patrick Poussier
Near Pins: Rob Brown (2), Patrick Poussier
Long Putt: Bob Britton
