PSC Golf from The Growling Swan
Monday, August 24, Khao Kheow – Stableford
Another fine and sultry day greeted the 22 ‘Growlers’ to Khao Kheow and this favourite of many once again proved to be in excellent condition and the greens were perfect. The management and staff are to be complimented. We played B and C nines off the white markers.
Today’s round featured the usual highlights and low-lights, however, it seems that there were more than the norm. For example, Niall Stuart, suffering from blurred vision, scored a 5-pointer on one hole whilst Gerri Crilly scored 5 points in 9 holes.
(L to R) Kevin Waycott and Martin Todd.
Tiziano Del Pastro provided much amusement to his playing group. Instead of abusing his golf ball like many of us, the popular Italian when addressing his ball would loudly plead, “Please, please, please!” Perhaps we should all try this method as he gained a podium finish.
David Fletcher and Cameron Beal hired a theodolite, but were unable to separate their longest first putts on C9 and the bickering continued long into the night.
Khan Speechley continued on with his recent good form with an excellent 40 points, only to be pipped on a count-back by the resurgent Martin Todd. A delighted Toddy celebrated his first count-back win since it rained for 40 days and 40 nights.
Kevin Waycott enjoyed a licorice allsorts type of day which included watery graves, a shank and a “hole in one” on the 144 yard C3. This was the 4th ace recorded by Growling Swan golfers in the past 2 years.
1st Martin Todd (11) 40pts
2nd Khan Speechley (19) 40pts
3rd Kevin Waycott (9) 38pts
4th Tiziano Del Pastro (26) 35pts
5th Niall Stuart (35) 34pts
Near Pins: John Davis, John Anderson, Kevin Waycott (hole in one), Kevin Waycott.
Long Putts: Gerri Crilly, David Fletcher, Cameron Beal
Thursday, August 27, Burapha – Monthly Mug/Stroke
We all arrived safely at the Burapha Golf Club via buses and cars to battle it out for the Monthly Mug, sponsored by Peter Bass of Asia Backpackers Pattaya.
C and D nines were allocated to us for the day’s game which resulted in a few groans as most of the players favoured the A and B courses for a competition under the stroke format.
Our illustrious leader (Peter Grey) had a quick word with the starter, pointing out that we were all ready to hit off and the groups from another outlet had all teed off. Smiles all around as we got the nod and away we went! The weather and the course were superb with a number of subpar net scores resulting.
(L to R) Mark Stapleton and Peter Grey.
Mark Stapleton, who has been spotted at the practice range every non-golfing day lately, had made a statement a month or so ago that he would get his 21 handicap down to 14 or 13 by the end of the year. His constant podium finishes in recent times culminated today with a solid score of net 66 off his current 17 handicap and he will no doubt be off less than that next week. A worthy winner today!
In second place was Kevin Waycott, still all smiles from his ace at Khao Kheow three days earlier, with another good round of net 68.
A count back was required to determine who would win third spot as two people had net 70. Ashley Taylor got the nod from the unlucky Geri Crilly who was suffering from lack of energy due to his diet of just salads in his endeavors to lose weight.
Martin Kempton was the fifth position winner on a count back from Gordon, Peter Grey and Stu Rifkin, all with net 73.
1st Mark Stapleton (17) net 66
2nd Kevin Waycott (9) net 68
3rd Ashley Taylor (15) net 70
4th Geri Crilly (26) net 70
5th Martin Kempton (12) net 73
Near Pins: Peter Grey, Mike Gosden, Jason Schembri, Ian Parry.
Long Putts: John Anderson (2).
Note: The GS is a friendly golf outlet and caters for and encourages all golfers male and female to have a hit at any of our weekly outings. We generally play Mondays and Thursdays at one of the many fine golf courses in and around Pattaya. Please contact Peter Grey if you are interested on 0861 503086.
The Growling Swan also caters to the bowls enthusiasts. Bus transport departs the GS on Sunday at 10 AM to play at The Retreat. Please contact Paul Rennison on 0843 454005 if you wish to partake. The cost including return bus transport, bowling fees and a hot lunch is less than 400 baht so great value for a day out.
