PSC Golf from The Billabong Golf Bar
Wednesday, July 22, Green Valley – Stableford
30 Billabong golfers made their way to Green Valley with weather that can be described as mild, for Thailand, only to be taken completely by surprise, and some dismay, by the fact that the car park was full to overflowing. We were told that TAT had a 27-hole competition today, but were delighted when we learned that this event was to take place on St. Andrews and Silky Oaks, so didn’t intrude on our day at Green Valley, which was nearly empty except for one slow 4-ball who were not put out by the fact that they were holding up 8 groups behind them. Isn’t it strange that the slow groups are always in front!
Except for the layout, the course has very few critics; the greens were almost back to their brilliant best today as evidenced by the scores. These were, for the majority, in a band between 30 and 36 points. Of these only seven returned a score of less than 30 points but only 4 equaled or bettered their handicap.
Keith Allen felt confident with 36 points but lost out for third spot to Gentry Harrington on count back. Miss Nu again came in with a very good 38 points but the winner was Sel Wegner with an excellent 39-pointer.
The speed of the greens obviously took everyone by surprise for there were only two ‘2’s, from Miss Nu, for the second week in a row, and occasional Billabong golfer in Mike Gosden who missed the green on the 16th only to chip in from about 15 yards. He later confessed that he might have been a little bit lucky.
Friday, July 24, Phoenix – Stableford
Playing Phoenix today was a pleasure under clear skies and a gentle breeze, which made for a grand day out. To see the progress being made on the renovations on the Lake 9 holes is to say the least very exciting. It will be a great test of golf when it is finished.
The course is in great condition at the moment but the scores didn’t reflect that as nobody beat their handicap today. The closest got 35 points for a count back between first and second, with the top spot being taken by Gentry Harrington ahead of Alistair Gall. Third place was decided on another count on 34 points, with Mike Gerrard getting the nod for that spot over Willie Dunlop.
There were two ‘2’s coming from Charlie Brown and Tim Mason, with Charlie donating his prize to the kids at the Father Ray Foundation.
Note: The Billabong is situated just off Siam Country Club Road looking straight what was once Lake Mabprachan but now resembles a small pond. Just call in for a cold beer and put your name on the list or give Bob a call on 082 204 3411.
