Finley sinks ‘ace’ for 10,000 baht bonus

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PSC Golf from The Billabong Golf Bar

Wednesday, June 3, Green Valley – Stableford

A few drops of rain hit the windscreen as we approached Green Valley with the promise of more from the dark clouds in the distance.  Sure enough the rain started just as we arrived on the first tee but everyone was looking forward to playing in slightly cooler conditions when the rain stopped.

We were not delayed long but every score on the first two holes was greeted with thunderous applause, well, more accurately I should say with loud claps of thunder.  As usual when it stops raining, the sun increases the humidity levels and it became very hot but how can we complain after seeing the weather at the recent Irish Open.

Sel Wegner, Miss Nu and William Macey.

The greens were like velvet following the recent scarifying and had the consistency of a snooker table, as evidenced by the points achieved by the 19 golfers – only 5 scores of less than 30 with an overall average of 32.

There was a welcome return for Bob Pearce, playing his first game for many weeks, but unfortunately he found that bunkers had the unnerving habit of rushing out to meet his ball.  There were one or two bunkers that he missed but he promised to visit those another time.

Miss Nu won the day, for the second week running, with 39 points playing off 16, but there was a running battle for second and third places with three players on 38.  Selwyn Wegner (14) came third, being edged out by William Macey (17) with 20 on the back nine which included 2 birdies in the last 6 holes.

Bob Finley, also with 38 points, missed out but had adequate compensation with his first ever hole in one on the 16th – receiving a 10,000 baht certificate from Bangkok Pattaya Hospital as his reward.  Everybody raised their glass to Bob after the ringing of the bell.

Friday, June 5, Phoenix – Stableford

Playing Phoenix today under threatening skies that managed to catch up with us after nine holes, and did it come down, so for about 40 minutes we stayed in the drink stop for some libations and food.  The course was in grand condition and when the Lake side nine eventually reopens this will be the place to go.

It turned out to be a good day for two of the girls who played, but it was Barry Copestake who took the honour with a fabulous 41 points.  Getting the nod for second was Eng Cotterell with 38 followed closely by her good friend Thip Sakulthip with 36.

Thip Sakulthip and her girls pose with Eng Cotterell.

There was only one birdie ‘2’, coming from Mark Haffenden and I should add there were two more that got away from him.

A story must be told about my good mate Chaten.  When the rain had stopped we were on the 11th tee with him about to hit and with one magnificent swing he moved the ball forward about 2 inches.  The scribe didn’t see this however as he was heading for the pro shop to get a new belt after his old one snapped when he teed off and down came the pants – not a pretty sight!