The Tropical Golf Group
Tuesday, April 4, Khao Kheow – Stableford
This is a permanent course on our schedule and usually the first Tuesday of the month we visit this top class venue. This may be the start of the ‘low season’ but we still had six groups who stood on the first tee.
The test for the day was to be the A & B nines, I believe the original nines, but there is also a C nine and whichever two you play is in the lap of the gods, unless you book a certain combination before you go. I think that the A & B combination is the best and not many would argue with it.
Many reading this will have played the course and know how difficult it can be. One bad shot and you will be in trouble for the hole and big scores are everywhere. This is a very well designed course by a master designer and not to be taken lightly. On the day, the weather was hot so suntan lotion was well used by most.
The facilities at the Khao Kheow clubhouse here are excellent, in fact the only complaint I have is that the restaurant is at the top of a flight of stairs that after a tough round can be a struggle for those with a few years under their belt. And if that is the only complaint we are doing well!
Back in Pattaya at BJ’s it was soon time for the results and in the A Flight, 0 to 17, the winner was Landis Brooks with 36 points, and the only player to shoot his handicap. In second was Paul Weatherley with 35 points and taking third was Mashi Kaneta with 34.
In the B Flight, the winner was Andy Murphy with 34 points ahead of a three-way count back on 32 points that saw Gordon Clegg in second, Dick Warberg in third and Derek Brook just missing out.
The best front-nine (non-winners) came from Derek Brook with 18 points and the best back-nine was recorded by Charlie Sykes, also with 18.
Near Pins: Gerd Riedler, Mashi Kaneta, Charlie Sykes, Dick Warberg.
Friday, April 7, Treasure Hill – Stableford
On our last Friday before the Songkran break the Tropical golfers went to Treasure Hill. Things are slowing down but still sixteen golfers showed up to give this interesting course a try. Next issue, our regular readers will have do without as we skip a week and people either get involved in the festivities or hibernate in an attempt to stay dry.
Treasure Hill is an interesting layout and an all-inclusive green fee with cart made even the most dedicated walkers find it hard to resist. The course condition was good to excellent.
During the round it got dark with heavy clouds rolling in but fortunately that gave enough warning that most people found shelter just before the skies opened up. It seems Mother Nature was giving us a pre-Songkran baptism.
Despite heavy clouds the rain lasted just about 20 minutes and then not a drop. The course drains very well and even though we went out immediately there were only a few puddles on the fairways. This is an exacting course and many scores were quite poor, but quality always shines through.
Dick Warberg (c/h 21) didn’t let some moisture interrupt his excellent round, and he cruised home with a winning 40 points. Awesome! Next Gordon Clegg (30) and Mashi Kaneta (18) tied at an excellent 37 points with Gordon getting the count back nod. Steady John Davis was right behind with 36 points.
The best nines (non-winners) were Dave Cooper (16 front) and Paul Weatherley (23 back),
Near Pins: Tom Herrington, Dick Warberg, Gordon Clegg, Nigel Perry.
