With the high season more or less over there was only a very slight drop off in numbers from the previous month, with 133 players, including 11 ladies, signed up and eager to test themselves on the Phoenix Gold course in the March 30 PAGS monthly.
We played the Mountain 9 and the recently completed Lakes 9, which I must say has some interesting and challenging upgrades. Although the skies were overcast, it was very humid and thankfully some breeze about to keep the conditions within a reasonable comfort level. We played from the white tee markers today, with some being well forward on the Mountain 9, but compensation for the length was made on the Lakes, providing a challenge for all.
Werner (centre) collects his hole in one and technical prizes.
Several good efforts at this month’s tournament, but arguably the standout was Werner (H/cap 17) with his ace on Lakes 7, which helped him to 2nd place in the B flight. Graham Beaumont (15) led the way in the B flight for handicaps 15-19 with 39 points, while Karl Karlberg (16) completed the podium spots with 35 points, edging Ian Walsh on the last 6 holes 10/9.
The C flight of handicaps 20+ may well have found the challenge on the Lakes a little more daunting as the winner Lars Akerblom (21) managed only 34 points, to beat Dennis Forrest (24) by just the solitary shot. The bronze position again required a count back, before Donal McGuigan (20) edged Barry Elphick on the back 9, 15/13 after both signed for a relatively low 31 points.
A Flight winner Mika Viljakainen shows form off the tee.
The A flight was a hotly contested affair with all placings involving count backs. Mika Viljakainen (8) ended up at the pointy end of the placings, getting the best of Pelle Pettersson (10) 19/17, after both finished with a solid 36 points. A point further back was Frode Brandt (10) getting the chocolates over Karl Flood, 13/10 after the count back went to the last 6 holes.
The Ladies winner recorded the top score of the day, with Chan shooting a fine 40 points, while Nantaporn (18) got 2nd place with 38 points.
David Buchanan, playing off a handicap of 1, shot a respectable 75 to clearly win the Low Gross for the day, to go with his approach on the par 3 Lakes #2. At the other end of the playing spectrum was Mark Callaghan who had a day’s high of 11 no score holes.
B Flight winner Graham Beaumont (centre).
Special mentions goes out to multiple winners in the technical prizes, getting their maximum 2 prizes, among others, were Paul McNally, Steve Murray & Robert Allerud. Mika, Frode & the aforementioned Werner also getting technicals, to go with their flight placings.
Team Dave did a great job on the BBQ, with attendees’ appetites filled after offerings of ribs, snags, burgers, with some tasty Panang curry included on this month’s menu.
We will all look forward to another successful tournament, scheduled for 27th April, again at Phoenix, so get your preferred timeslot by booking with Shane on 086 372 0084.
