PSC golf from Tropical Bert’s
Tuesday, July 29, Crystal Bay – Stableford
On the morning as we met at Tropical Bert’s the numbers finalised at 25 as a couple of players were said to be suffering the aches and pains that the passage of ‘Father Time’ brings to the fore. Still, we had 7 groups and an easy drive to the course as the traffic proved to be fairly light.
After a quick change and onto the first tee we found we were to play the C & A Nines in that order. We were able to get away a bit early and soon were onto the first green where we found the problem that was to plague us all day. The greens were in terrible condition. By that I do not mean badly cut or sanded or anything so mundane. The greens were just covered in many coloured grasses. To putt over them was a lottery and the worst was the very deep green patches that seemed to act like velcro and not only slowed the ball down but threw it all over the place.
Derek Brook (left) presents the MBMG Golfer of the Month award to Dick Warberg.
The weather was fine, except for a strong wind that seemed to rise occasionally, the fairways were in good condition, and the rough reasonable. This course really has to sort out those greens as they spoil what we all thought, that this could be a super course, with decent greens.
There has been some work on the facilities here and the showers seem better but the restaurant is still a bit dingy, although the staff there are very good and helpful.
Back at Bert’s it was soon time for the results and in the A Flight, 0 to 18, the winner was Alan Sullivan with 40 points ahead of Ton Herrington in second with 39 points on count back over Brian Parish in third. Good scores on the rough greens.
In the B Flight one man won by a street as Dick Warberg won with 43 points. In second was Brad Robins with 35 points and in third was Frank Pilkington with 33.
This was also The MBMG Golfer of the Month day and after this day’s results we had a four-way tie that went to count back. However, with a great last day Dick Warberg won on count back over Tom Herrington, Brian Parish and Max Scott. So congratulations to Dick, the MBMG Golfer of the Month.
Near Pins: Dick Warberg, Brian Parish ( 2), David Nicholson
Long Putt: Takeshi Hakozaki, David Nicholson
Friday, August 1, Plutaluang – Stableford
T’was the first day of August, and the ever-hopefuls gathered at Tropical Bert’s to compare strategy for the day’s round. With good weather forecast (and thankfully this proved to be true) players could concentrate on their golf game for the day.
The destination was the Thai Navy course, which seems to be a “love it or hate it” course, but the great majority fall into the “love it” category. Challenging yet always interesting, you must keep your mind in the game as the geography of the course allows each hole to be unique. This day the group was assigned the East and South courses. Some say this is the easiest combination, but that doesn’t mean it is easy!
The Navy course always separates true golfers from the hopefuls. The top scores were good but also showed the course deserves respect. This day Andre Van Dyk (15) once again took over the winner’s circle, sailing home with a winning 37 points. Well done!
A few weeks ago Bob Watson (5) made sure everyone knew he was back in town by winning, and this day Bob made sure we won’t forget him too soon by taking second with 36 points. Bob is heading to his “other home” for a couple months and we wish him well. Third place went to Darren Sargood (13) with 34 points, and fourth to Steve Hamstad (12) with 33.
Near Pins: Tom Herrington, Don Carmody, Steve Hamstad, Darren Sargood
