Travellers Rest Golf Group
It was back to four days of golf this past week after the curtailed schedules of recent times which have mainly been caused by Thai holidays, when travelling is best avoided.
There was only one drawback this week and that was the outside temperature, which was hotter than Hades. Even us locals were affected as the mercury crept up to the mid 40’s centigrade. One side effect of this was the courses were bone dry and in the clear air the balls were flying prodigious distances and this resulted in some fantastic scoring.
Monday, August 17, Eastern Star – Stableford
On Monday the TRGG got the week underway with a trip over to Eastern Star. Daryl Ottaway must have a personal vendetta against this course because he tore it apart, completely shredded it. He amassed 40 points, which was eight shots better than his nearest rivals who are no mugs when it comes to playing golf.
(L to R) Jim Cooper ,Daryl Ottaway & Roger Wilkinson.
Jeff Bunn, a very competent seven handicapper, could only rustle up 32 points for second place as he beat fellow big hitter Robert Cannon on count back.
1st Daryl Ottaway (7) 40pts
2nd Jeff Bunn (7) 32pts
3rd Robert Cannon (18) 32pts
Tuesday, August 18, Green Valley – Stableford
It was off to Green Valley on Tuesday and the largest turnout of the week continued the high scoring in what was probably the hottest day of the week. After eighteen holes my brain was so cooked I even forgot to pay my caddie, which made me really, really popular. After a nudge from my playing partner I returned to the scene of the crime blurting out profuse apologies and thrusting numerous one hundred baht notes into her hand and then beat a hasty retreat for a cold shower and a lie down in a darkened room.
On the course I fared a little better and fought out a titanic battle with my two playing partners, one of whom eventually won the day’s competition with a magnificent round of 40 points. Roger Wilkinson was that man and hard though I tried I just could not keep up with him. Another Wilkinson came in second, Neil Wilkinson finishing a shot behind his namesake and yours truly crept into third place with 37 points.
1st Roger Wilkinson (13) 40pts
2nd Neil Wilkinson (12) 39pts
3rd Andy Rich (17) 37pts
Thursday, August 20, Crystal Bay – Stableford
On Thursday it was time to pay a rare visit to Crystal Bay (C and A courses). This used to be a regular venue on the TRGG schedule but hasn’t featured much of late.
Jim Cooper, our gravel voiced Scot, was pleased to be back and shot the best score of the week, 41 points. When you talk to Jim you get the impression he used to shoot lots of things including best scores, anyway you certainly don’t argue with him about anything, if you understand what I mean, Jimmy.
Gary Bennett was happy to come in second with a very commendable 39 points and Jeff Boylan maintained the excellent scoring, coming third with 37.
1st Jim Cooper (15) 41pts
2nd Gary Bennett (19) 39pts
3rd Jeff Boylan (21) 37pts
Friday, August 21, Pattavia – Stableford
Our golfing week was rounded off on Friday with another venture across the pineapple fields to Pattavia Century.
Jim Cooper decided to finish the week as top dog and nobody else was going to argue with him as we all have become very fond of having a nose in the middle of our face and not wishing to have to pay for more dental treatment. Jim carried on where he left off the day before, returning to the clubhouse with 37 points which was plenty to again take first prize. Roger Wilkinson was a respectful distance behind and took second place after beating Jeff Bunn on count back, both finishing on 35 points
1st Jim Cooper (14) 37pts
2nd Roger Wilkinson (12) 35pts
3rd Jeff Bunn (7) 35pts
Good luck to all you golfers for the coming week and if you would like to play a round of golf with the TRGG, please phone Derek Thorogood on 080 673 3118 or pop into the Ned Kelly Bar in Soi Lengkee and add your name to the weekly lists which are posted on the notice board.
