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16 - 30 April 2017
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Local Sports PSC Tropical Golf from BJ's PAGS Tournament by Derek Brook
Khao Kheow (Stableford) The permanent on our schedule and usually the first Tuesday of the month we visit this top class course. This may be the start of the ‘low season’ but we still had six groups who stood on the first tee as we proceeded to tee off on the A nine. The test for the day was to be the A & B nines, I believe the original nines, but there is also a C nine and whichever two you play is in the lap of the Gods, unless you book certain nines before you go. I think that the A & B combination is the best and not many would argue with it. So off we went on a really fine, if hot, day. Many reading this will have played the course and know how difficult it can be. One bad shot and you will be in trouble for the hole and big scores are everywhere. This is a very well designed course by a master course designer and not to be taken lightly at your peril. On the day the weather was, as said, hot, so suntan lotion was well used by most. The course itself was long on the day as we had some rain in the last few days, but was a pleasure to play with clear fairways, tough rough and fast tricky fairways. So we had a
Flight winners typical day at Khao Kheow, fair but tough. The facilities in the clubhouse here are excellent, in fact the only complaint I have, and I did hear someone also comment this day, is that the restaurant is at the top of a flight of stairs that after a tough round can be a struggle for those with a few years under their belt. And if that is the only complaint we are doing well! Incidentally, some years ago I used to book this course simply because the Khao Kheow beef was simply excellent. However, progress, is a funny thing. Back at BJ’s, it was soon time for the results. In the A flight, 0 to 17, the winner was Landis Brooks with 36 points, and the only player to
shoot his handicap. In second was Paul Weatherley with 35 points and in third was Mashi Kaneta with 34 points. In the B flight the winner was Andy Murphy with 34 points ahead of a three way countback on 32 points that saw Gordon Clegg in second, Dick Warberg in third and Derek Brook just missing out. However in the best front nine the winner was Derek Brook with 18 points and the best back nine was Charlie Sykes with 18 points. Then like snow on a hot day the players just melted away until only the ‘organisers’ were there to enjoy the peace and quiet and a few cold ones. T.T.F.N. Near Pin: Gerd Riedler, Mashi, Charlie Sykes and Dick Warberg
John Edwards is first in greeting The Fleet! by Peter Grey
Plutaluang Twenty golfers ventured out to greet The Admiral and take on the challenge of Plutaluang, north and west nines from the yellow tees. Weather was on our side; sun was out and a slight breeze kept the mercury down. The course was in tip top condition and as usual the course was busy with quite a lot of golfers enjoying not only the great course that it is but the great price that we are charged. The greens have become a lot slicker than in the
Phoenix Gold Lakes and Ocean The last Wednesday of the month rolled around, with a good turnout of 126 players, which included 12 ladies, for the third PAGS Tournament of 2017. The Lakes and Ocean combination at Phoenix Gold was the test for the day. The course condition overall continues to improve, and despite a heavy downpour, with associated electrical activity, after an hour or so the course was in good playable condition. The outstanding players of the day were Todd Doss who picked up the low gross with 73, to go with his maximum two technical prizes, while Graham Beaumont and David
holes offering two and more prizes across flights, genders and age groups. Rob Kelly (10) was this month’s A flight winner with a respectable score of 41 points, ahead of Dennis Steele (14) with 39, as he edged David Lohman (14) into third after a countback went to the last six
Lohman figured in their flight prizes with a technical to boot. Jason Barnett, Steve Truelove and Magnus Svantesson picked up their maximum of two technical prizes. The opportunity for technical prizes is an attraction of the PAGS tournaments, with prizes on each hole, several
holes, Dennis winning 12/11. Martin Kempton (15) won the B flight, for handicaps 15 to 19, with 41 points, after his back 9 of 25 relegated Jari Laakonen (17) with his back 9 of 22. Graham Beaumont (15) got third spot, no countback required, with a solid 40 points.
by Jeff Wylie
The C flight (20 -) winner required no countbacks this month with Dave Belton (20) the clear winner with a day’s best of 46 points while Kevin Johnson (22) beat Sami Sarajarvi (21) on countback 22/17 on the back 9, after both signed for a creditable 42 points. The ladies’ winner was clear cut, however, with a smaller contingent turning out this month. The winner was Nantaporn Rukkid (13) scoring an outstanding 44 points, proving that her recent practice is paying dividends, well done, Nat. The social side of the PAGS tournaments, the prize presentation at Hemingways Jomtien, continued its high standard, as golfers, family and friends got together to support all the prize winners of the day, while enjoying the abundance of tucker served up by Dave and his crew. April’s tournament is at Phoenix Gold on Tuesday, April 25. Early registration with Shane on 085 945 9689 is recommended to ensure your preferred tee time.
past, but played reasonably true considering the constant heavy traffic. As per usual, the gnarly crabgrass lies took their toll on most of the field. Two flights today catering for today’s numbers. A-flight saw John Edwards take first (by the countback system) with Keith Buchanan being the unlucky golfer losing the countback. Coming in third and again getting thru on a countback was Denis Steele. B-flight saw Frank Riley come up trumps yet again, talking about leaving the best to last, well done, mate, it is always the cream that rises to the top. Second saw Tony Cook greeting the judges with Cavin Kenyon filling third spot. Results: A Grade (0-17) 1st - John Edwards (16) 41 points.c/b 2nd - Keith Buchanan ((16) 41 points 3rd - Denis Steele (12) 38 points B Grade (18 + ) 1st - Frank Riley (23) 41 points 2nd - Tony Cook (27) 37 points 3rd - Cavin Kenyon (18) 35 points
Eric Black, Frank Riley, Colm Lawlor and John Edwards
NTP’s N3 - JJ Harney N6 - Rod Weeks W3 - JJ Harney W8 - Rod Weeks
Long Putt: N9 - Eric Black W9 - JJ Harney Back at The Swan, we welcomed back John Edwards, Colm Lawlor, Glenn Henriksen, Rod Weekes and Gary Barker. Then we had to say goodbye Frank Riley, Eric Black, both returning to Australia, and Gerri Crilly also heading to Australia to do some business. We wish you all safe journeys. Travel safe. D-for, our charity collector, snaffled many donations and the players and patrons are thanked for their continued generosity. The donations go to the needy children of Pattaya. The GS is a friendly golf outlet and welcomes golfers of all persuasions. We generally play on Mondays and Thursdays at any one of the fine courses around Pattaya. For some serious golf with a dash of fun, contact Peter Grey for bookings or any information on 086 150 3086.