PSC Golf from The Billabong Golf Bar
Wednesday, April 22, Green Valley – Stableford
An opportunity has presented itself for us to re-visit the ongoing discussion about the bizarre layout of this well-presented golf course, for it is quite obvious that most golfers and golf organizers disagree with what the course management thinks. And how can you not disagree, when the 18th hole is three holes away from the clubhouse and we have one of the most difficult holes on any golf course in the Eastern Seaboard as the starting hole?
But it is worth mentioning here that the organizers of the Singha Championship, which took place last week, insisted that the course be returned to its original layout for the duration of the tournament, in other words, the first hole goes back to being a par 5 and the 18th is where it should be, by the clubhouse. Green Valley management please take note!
Hans, Eng, Sel and David.
The course was in the process of being prepared for the championship and the greens were fast and true, well at least until the rain came and sent us scurrying for the nearest shelter. But, as happens in the majority of occasions in Thailand, you would hardly notice that it had rained within minutes of it stopping and we were up and running once again.
The 30 minute interruption could be blamed for breaking the concentration of many but that did not apply to Selwyn Wegner, in his last event before returning for a break to Australia, who won with 40 points. Eng Cotterell continued her recent excellent form with 38 points for second and was well ahead of the chasing pack which involved a 4-way count back on 32 points that saw a surprised Hans Lemstra take third.
Only two birdie ‘2’s today, the pot being shared between Greig Ritchie and Ole.
Friday, April 24, Plutaluang – Stableford
We played our monthly scramble on Friday at the Navy course, playing North and West nines for a change. The course was in great condition with the greens lightening fast, some of the putts were impossible to get anywhere near the hole. The scribe’s group actually had one putt that finished off the green but we weren’t the only ones to suffer on that hole, the pin placement was virtually impossible.
That aside it was a grand day out, the rain threatened but never really eventuated, it seemed to fall all around the course but not on it. With 11 teams playing we were all on the course by 10 o’clock and in the club house just on four hours later,
Ramsay Smith and Rick Culley.
The usual faces and banter plays a good part in why this game is so well supported, and everyone is out to take the top spot. This week it was one of the teams that have knocked on the door once or twice but never made it across the line, until today that is. With a score of 60.6, Ramsay Smith, Rick Culley, Ted Gardner and Clive Bruce were the winners, beating the previous month’s winners Bob Philp, Paul Greenaway, Phil Elliott and Gary Ritchie by a mere 0.4 of a shot. Coming in third was the quartet of Sel Wegner, Eng Cotterell, Kev Waycott and Wayne Cotterell with a net score of 61.3.
Saturday, April 25, Phoenix – 2M Scramble
Saturday was our inaugural Anzac Day tournament, starting with a dawn service at 5.45 a.m. at the Billabong with Phil Waite doing the introduction, Bob Pearce the Ode, Gary Ritchie in charge of the flag and George Barrie the Last Post and the Rouse, all those guys being ex-service men. It was a great turnout and I’m sure it will be bigger and better next year. From all who were present for the ceremony we thank you for your attendance and professionalism.
We played our game today at the Phoenix golf course playing a 2-man scramble and we would like to extend our thanks to the course management and staff for the stellar treatment we received. Once again it was threatening rain but only a little fell as the last group played the last hole.
The scores were very close with 62.5 from Rosco Langoulant and Greig Ritchie taking top spot and the trophy. Just 0.2 of a shot back was the team of Eng Cotterell and Noodle Russell on 62.7 and third place went to Barney Clarkson and Wayne Cotterell, another 0.2 further back on 62.9. Terry O’Connor and Nat completed the podium in fourth with a net 63.
Thanks goes to all who attended and made it a fantastic day out.
