PSC golf Bunker Boys @ The Ranch
Monday, June 17, Bangpra – Stableford
Sixteen golfers today for our visit to the popular “monkey” course, on a bright and breezy day. The course was relatively quiet, and we were able to tee off on schedule, but progress was slow due to a four-ball ahead of us which seemed intent on getting their full money’s worth. I wonder if some players realize how frustrating it can be for the group behind, when they sit down at every drinks station, rising from their seats at the exact instant that the following group walks off the preceding green!
Nothing however, can detract from the pleasure playing a tough and demanding course which is currently in excellent condition, but most players found points difficult to come by.
Ken Young celebrates his maiden win of the year.
Lee Butler made a successful return after a three week hiatus, scoring 22 points on the front nine, but faded a little on the inward nine and was almost caught by Geoff Parker (20 points on the back nine). There was a three-way tie on 30 points for the third and fourth places, with Barry Murnin being the unlucky player to miss out on a podium prize.
1st Lee Butler (17) 38pts
2nd Geoff Parker (15) 35pts
3rd Tony Robbins (14) 30pts
4th Gerry Cooney (14) 30pts
The tees on all the par three’s were in their back positions today, and this coupled with the breeze meant they were playing very long. Most players agreed that the 17th hole (which was marked as 209 yards on the tee) was actually playing nearer to 220 yards into the breeze. Only two near pin prizes were claimed: Paul Corner (2nd hole) and Geoff Parker (8th hole).
Wednesday, June 19, Burapha – Stableford
Another good low season turnout of 17 golfers today and we were allocated the unusual combination of B and C courses. The weather was bright and breezy again and we were able to tee off on schedule even though the course was quite busy.
We welcomed back Geoff Hart on his return from a long visit to U.K., but unfortunately he was forced to cut short his round after nine holes with stomach problems – must be all that healthy English food he’s been living on for the past couple of months.
The fairways and greens here are in great condition, but the premium is for straight hitting and any shot straying from the short grass is likely to find some extremely punishing rough. It’s fair to say that Burapha is a genuine championship course and no golfer managed to play to his handicap on the day, only Geoff Parker came close, scoring 35 points to comfortably win the honours, four points clear of the field.
Lee Butler took second place on a count back ahead of John Graham. John is usually one of the best putters in the group, but today he had a tough day with the short stick, and even finishing with a single putt for par on the 18th green, wasn’t enough to compensate for his frustrating day.
A special mention is due for Dave Keats who picked up his first near pin prize of the year, hitting a great shot on the short par three third hole on the B course.
1st Geoff Parker (15) 35pts
2nd Lee Butler (17) 31pts
3rd John Graham (10) 31pts
4th Neil Griffin (22) 30pts
Near Pins: Dave Keats, Lee Butler and Paul Corner
Friday, June 21, Plutuluang – Stableford
A great start to the day at The Ranch, when John Graham donated his recently won KPK voucher to provide free bacon sandwiches to all the golfers. Suitably satiated, our group of 17 golfers set off down the Sukhumvit road under bright breezy skies.
We were allocated the East and South courses and tee’d off on schedule, with the first three-ball soon disappearing off into the distance. The Navy course is certainly one of the most scenic in the area and is currently in as good a condition as anyone can remember, although as always the greens were slow.
Neil Griffin and Skinny Newton were in fine form, particularly when they discovered (on the first tee) that cans of Carlsberg beer were on sale at 50 baht! The round progressed smoothly and the first groups were back in the clubhouse in well under four hours, to enjoy the fine food also available at very reasonable prices.
Geoff Hart was making a quick return after being taken ill on Wednesday, but decided to take an early dip on the 11th hole whilst trying to retrieve Reg Smart’s ball from the stream – so much for doing good turns, as the rest of the group were rolling around in laughter.
Paul Corner was playing his final game before returning home, but narrowly missed out on first place, being beaten on a count back by Ken Young. Dave Keats made a welcome return to form, also scoring 35 points, to take third place ahead of Neil Griffin.
1st Ken Young (27) 35pts
2nd Paul Corner (14) 35pts
3rd Dave Keats (32) 35pts
4th Neil Griffin (23) 34pts
Near Pins: Barry Murnin, Geoff Hart, Gerry Cooney and Paul Corner.
Note: The Bunker Boys are a PSC affiliated golf society, who now play out of The Ranch bar on Pattaya 3rd Road (in front of the fire station, and almost opposite the Buffalo Bar). We play three times per week on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, so if you enjoy a fun day out, and a friendly but competitive golf competition why not come and join us.
We meet at The Ranch at 9 a.m. for breakfast and transportation, and new players are always welcome. Contact “Buff” on 086 046 5091 or 080 605 5663 for all enquiries. You can find all the news, schedules and results on our website at www.bunkersociety.com.
