Jomtien Golf with the IPGC
This was our annual visit to Chiang Mai, which we put back three weeks this time in order to avoid the inclement weather suffered on last year’s tour.
There were 27 golfers here from Jomtien, the majority with partners, and as always happens a couple of no-shows also. The majority of the players flew up from Suvarnabhumi, a couple came by bus and also two pairs travelled on the overnight train.
Normally we play here a 72-hole competition over the week but the local society who booked our green fees were holding a charity day on the Friday so we decided on a three day championship on the first three rounds with our own independent game on the Friday.
Jomtien golfers on tour in Chiang Mai.
We had three new courses on the agenda this year and this proved to be a positive move and there no complaints with regard to either the course conditions or the weather.
Monday, Oct. 22, Inthanon Golf Resort- Stableford
A one hour, ten minute drive out of town in a mini bus and our first visit here to this course. There were no complaints about the clubhouse and the facilities, so this was a good start to the day. The course was in good condition and we were playing off the whites at 6,550 yards for the round.
There were 25 out today with the cut 3-17 in division 1, and 18 plus in division 2.
‘Mr Grumpy’ was doing well in division 1 with 18 points after 7 holes but lost it on the back nine and in the end Chris Voller won with 35 points. Neville Scurrell took second one point behind and Tony Kay was in third place after beating Steve Snelgrove, Bryan Rought and Jeff Cordeiro on a 20/17/15/13 back nine count back, all on 33 points.
The French boy, Jean Morel, won the second division with 35 points ahead of Jimmy Johnson in second one point behind and Colin James was third with 33.
Near pins went to Mike Chatt, Jeff Cordeiro, Steve Snelgrove, Chris Voller and Bryan Rought (2).
In the ‘2’s Mike Chatt birdied the 12th, Steve Snelgrove the 16th and Chris Voller the 12th as well to share the pot in division 1, and a rollover ensued in division 2 to Tuesday.
Tuesday, Oct. 23, Alpine Golf Resort – Stableford
There was a bit of confusion on the first tee when our groups were split up with the local society and after a one and a half wait we finally got off. It was another pleasant day weather-wise and the course was good condition.
In form Chris Voller won again but with 36 points today. Steve Snelgrove, playing off 3, was in second place with 32 points after beating Lindsay Phillips 5/4 on a back three count back and Dennis Scougal and Tony Kay also lost out after lower back nines.
Colin James topped division 2 with 32 points ahead of Jean Morel in second who beat Burnie Sinclair 19/13 on a back nine count back after they both scored 30 points.
Near pins today were claimed by Jeff Corderio, Steve Snelgrove, Chris Voller (2), Colin James, Jean Morel and Burnie Sinclair.
Steve Snelgrove and Chris Voller shared the ‘2’s in division 1 while Colin James took Monday’s rollover after a ‘2’ on the 12th in division 2.
Thursday, Oct. 25, Chiangmai Highlands – Stableford
This is probably everyone’s favourite course; in fantastic condition and stunning scenery all round.
After two mediocre rounds Rod Howett bounced back today with 38 points to win division 2 after beating Burnie Sinclair and Glyn Evans on a 22/21/18 back-nine count back.
Grant Cadell’s 37 topped division 1 scores with the London taxi boy Mike Chatt in second just one point behind and in third place was Tony Kay with 35.
Near pins awards went to Jeff Cordeiro, Tony Kay, Steve Snelgrove, Iain Usher, Marty Aronson, Jean Morel and Terry Redding (2).
Jeff Cordeiro and Tony shared the ‘2’s pot in division 1 and Terry Redding was happy after recording the only one in the second tier after sinking a birdie putt from one foot away on the second hole.
The overall winner of the Giant Panda Tour with scores of 35, 36 and 34 totaling 105 was Chris Voller. Well done Chris! In second place with 100 points was Tony Kay and in third with 99 was Steve Snelgrove.
Friday, October 26, Summit Green Valley – Stableford
This was a first for the majority of players and it was well worth the visit – a great layout and in good condition.
Our last round of the trip and Tony Kay was playing to his 10 handicap and won division 1 with 38 points, beating Lindsay Phillips on a 19/16 back nine count back. Iain Usher took third on 37 and Bryan Rought was fourth with 36.
Jean Morel was the winner in division 2 after beating Burnie Sinclair 19/18 on count back after they both came in with 35 points. Jimmy Johnson was third on 33 and Kari Aarnio took fourth with 31 points.
Ton Kay birdied the 3rd and 6th holes and Jeff Cordeiro the 12th to share the ‘2’s pot in division 1 while there were no ‘2’s in division 2. There were no nearest the pins today as we had a shotgun start with the local society.
Everyone had a thoroughly enjoyable week and many thanks to Lyn and Terry Redding for their efforts.
