Jomtien Golf with the IPGC
Monday, March 12, Pattaya C.C. – Stableford
Probably our last visit here until the renovations to the course have been completed, the majority of our players do not want to play each nine twice and according to the management the refurbishment for 18 holes will take 14 months, but we will play it by ear.
There was an eight group booking before our 10.00am tee-off but only three groups turn up so we were off 45 minutes ahead of schedule. There were only two divisions out today and two 39’s came in to win both divisions; Jean Morel in the first, with William Chang second two points behind and raivo Velsberg third with 36, and Lee Casey took top podium position in the second division, with David Phillips second on 38 and Tony Holehouse third with 34.
The Jomtien Golf Group at Wangjuntr.
There were no ‘2’s today in either division so a rollover to Green Valley in division 1 and a double rollover in division 2 next Monday.
Near pins were claimed by Georges Faber (2), Arvo Hiller, Chris Voller, Gordon Everingham, Mauri Friman, Tony Holehouse and Jean Morel.
Wednesday, March 14, Eastern Star – Stableford
A coolish nine holes for everyone and the temperature climbed up as the first group reached the 10th and this carried on for the rest of the round. The cut for the men today was 6-18 and 19plus with a ladies division as well.
Playing off 8 now, Bill Bertram recorded the best score of the day in division 1 with 38 points while Marty Rock beat Chris Voller 18/17 on the back nine for second after they both came in with 33 points.
In division 2 another Frenchman was in the reckoning today with Yves Bosset winning with 32 points, beating Tony Holehouse 17/14 on the back nine, with Kalevi Wallius third on 28.
Pranee Bosset won the ladies division with 34 points.
There were no 2’s recorded today so rollovers in both divisions to Friday next week.
Near pins went to Pranee Bosset, Jerry McCarthy (3), Ron Miller, Andy Baber, Kalevi Wallius and John Williams.
A new word has been added to the Jomtien Golf vocabulary this week – we have Albatross, Birdie and Eagle already established, and now an addition, Goose … this only applies to the 16th hole at Eastern Star, please ask Cully Monks for more details.
Friday, March 16, Wangjuntr – Stableford
For the majority our first ever visit here, a one hour and twenty minute journey from Siam Cats for the 33 players out today. There have been many stories over the past three months regarding this course so an interesting scenario today.
We had booked the highland course and after changing at the clubhouse we were taken by truck with the caddie for a 10minute journey to pick up the buggy. It was then another 10 minute drive to the first tee. We teed-off on the first on the roof of the drinks station with at least a 250 metre drop onto the fairway, amazing. For most of us it was an experience we have never encountered, with double greens, hazards in some and the layout beyond imagination.
A tough test of golf today and this was reflected in the scores. Heikki Alanko won division 1 with 35 points, Andy Baber was second with 31 and Ron Miller beat Erik Donnestad 17/13 on the back nine for third.
The two French boys were in the headlines again with Jean Morel winning division 2 with 34 points while Yves Bosset came in second after beating Ian Plummer 18/14 on the back nine after they both returned 32 points.
The ladies winner was Pranee Bosset on 23 points.
Tony Thorne birdied the 4th for the only ‘2’ in division 1 while Kari Aarnio, Yves Bosset (2) and Ian Plummer split the pot in division 2.
Near pins went to Pranee Bosset (2), Heiki Alanko, Ron Miller, Marty Rock, Tony Thorne, Kari Aarnio, Yves Bosset, Tony Holehouse and Velli Laaksonnen.
After the first group arrived back at the clubhouse, 20 minutes later the heavens opened and after 45 minutes of torrential rain our rule is 60 minutes and the competition is cancelled but it eased off with 10 minutes to spare. The strange part of this was the last five groups came in and said it only rained for 10 minutes?
An experience not to be missed here – the majority said it was great to play probably once a year and we are now planning to play the Valley course for the first time in early June.
