Billabong Golf Bar Kanchanaburi Tour
Wednesday, April 17, Royal Ratchaburi – Day 1
We left the bar at 7 a.m. heading up the highway for Royal Ratchaburi Golf Club in teeming rain and wondering what awaited us at the course weather-wise. Following a misunderstanding, our route took us somewhat out of our way with a turn or two required, nevertheless we got there with plenty of time to spare.
It was beautiful weather throughout the day (what were we worrying about) and considering the excellent condition of the course, the price was remarkably cheap.
Setting off on the road trip to Kanchanaburi.
The first day scores were very good as only a few of us had played Ratchaburi before, although once again there were no ‘2’s. The winner on 39 points was Owen Walkley ahead of Bob Philp with 36 who garnered 4 points on both the 9th and the 18th with birdies to get that score. In third was Jim O’Neill with 35 points. Other scores were shrinking a little, perhaps the boys would improve at Kanchanaburi’s Blue Sapphire on the following day?
Thursday, April 18, Blue Sapphire – Day 2
Today was a different day at the office! Blue Sapphire from the Blue Tees was a monster; a real challenge as shown by the low(ish) scores. The course was in good condition apart from some greens having been cored and sanded and not yet cut. With five or six island greens, it certainly showed some muscle.
(From left): Kev Wild, John White, Bob Philp, Willie Dunlop and Cottee stop off on the way back from Bluer Sapphire.
In the frame today, Bob Philp with 31 points led the field and, with a three-way count back on 29 points Bob Pearce squeezed in at second place, Bob Finley came third and KevWild was just edged out.
Blue Sapphire now has an adjacent course, Blue Diamond. We are told it may be difficult to book but possibly worth further investigation.
Friday, April 19, Uniland G.C. – Day 3
The Uniland Golf Course complex does not appeal to all golfers and, having played here a couple of years ago it seemed obvious that a “tired” look has set in. That being said, the cost of the whole package (green fee, caddy and buggy on your own) was under 1,500 baht, very reasonable.
There are three “nines” – we played C course first and then the A nine (about 6,400 yards in all). The greens were slippery, especially the first nine, and more than the usual number of putts were required!
Jimmy O’Neill, Owen Walkley and Bob Philp pose with a caddy at Blue Sapphire.
Good to see Kev Wild topping the charts with an excellent 39 points, followed by Bob Finley with 35 and in third was Bob Pearce with 33 points.
At long last some ‘2’s! One each for Kev Wild, Bob Finley and Owen Walkley. Seems whenever Kev gets a ‘2’ there are always a few others!
The final result over the three days was a close call. Owen Walkley claimed the bragging rights with a 98 points total followed closely by Bob Finley with 96 and in third Jim O’Neill with 91. Well done all three of you.
Unfortunately, before leaving Kanchanaburi, one of our members had a “mishap” with a prawn-carrying young girl on a motorbike. No one was hurt, though the area was soon filled with a selection of relatives, insurance agents and a lone motorcycling policeman who looked decidedly disinterested in the whole proceedings. After much huffing and puffing, it was decided that the girl only required a two thousand baht payment for the “ruined” prawns which had been scattered to the four winds (hastily recovered of course).
Shay Barnwell, John White and Tom Gorey after Friday’s round at Plutaluang.
Payment was duly made and, after some delay, off we went. Our man was offered the prawns as it was decided that they were now his property. Anyone interested in setting up a new prawn-farm venture in Pattaya should contact Owen Walkley direct!
Everyone played their part in making the trip so successful, in particular the players themselves. Hopefully, we will be off again in a couple of months, venue yet to be decided.
Monday, April 22, Bangpra – Stableford
Bangpra was the venue today and it was a pleasure to play here once again, always in great condition and lightening fast greens just as you want them to be. More than half the field broke 30 and there was one ‘2’ which is unusual but Cottee managed to do it, well done mate they don’t come easy here.
The Collier’s were the winners, taking first and third prizes, with Brian Maddox coming in second to break them up. We welcomed Willem, a Dutch/Kiwi, for his first game with us; he didn’t have a fantastic day out but enjoyed the company anyway and we won’t mention the score mate – that will be kept a secret.
Wednesday, April 24, Green Valley – Stableford
A much depleted group today at Green Valley due to a lot of members being up in Kanchanaburi for the ANZAC day parade and service to commemorate the soldiers who never made it home from the war.
It got a bit soggy after 8 holes when the rain started but it only lasted for about 30 minutes then stopped. The course was in great condition as usual but the greens were a little slow after the rain.
We had a few new faces with Chris, Grant and Daryl, all from Brisbane, playing today and they had a great day out. They arrived at the bar dressed not for golf but for the beach, i.e. no collared shirt, no shoes etc. so it was down to the golf course and when they got out of the car the lovely caddie went home and got them shirts and socks – that’s service for you!
The winner today, who actually played with the boys, was Owen Walkley with 36 points while coming second was Barry Copestake a full 5 points behind with 31. There was one ‘2’ today, claimed by Owen also.
Friday, April 26, Plutaluang – Stableford
Friday saw us take on our normal scramble down at the Navy course and if you haven’t been there of late do yourself a favour and go play it – they have spent so much money on it, it is in fantastic condition and a pleasure to play.
With six groups booked we were off to an early start in great weather, no rain, just sunshine and heat. The Courtyard Cavalier’s finally had their day, having been beaten by small margins in the last couple of games. They certainly came to the fore today with the help of a ‘ringer’ by the name of Robert Cross. I guess Graham Beaumont will not get a game with them now as it was surely he who was the weakest link in this chain. With a score of 57.5, the team of Geoff Couch, Robert Cross, Jeff North and Dave Done won the day over the Dodgy Brothers, a.k.a. Owen Walkley, Brian Maddox, Willie Dunlop and Ron Dunlop (no relation) also on 57.5 but being beaten on a count back on the back nine.
These are great days out and a lot of fun for all who participate in them. The next one will be in about 4 week’s time.
Note: If you would like a game with some friendly golfer’s give Bob a call on 082 204 3411 or call into the bar for a cold beer and put your name down. Just turn left on Siam Country Club Road before you go under the arch heading to Siam Old Course and you will see us 200 yards on the right.
