Higgins has double reason to celebrate

0
1013

Travellers Rest Golf Group

Monday, Nov. 14, Pattana –
Stableford

1st Mike Lam (21) 37pts

2nd Ed Brubaker (17) 36pts

3rd Robbie James (12) 34pts

Mike Lam.
Mike Lam.

The TRGG were playing at Pattana (A and B courses) on Monday and there were many smiles on display.  The effervescent Mike Lam, who is always smiling, enjoyed his day and made it into the winners’ circle with 37pts.  He was followed home by the studious Ed Brubaker who shot his handicap while Robbie James did just enough to secure third place.

Tuesday, Nov. 15, Phoenix – Stableford

Div.1 (0-17)

1st Alex Chao (11) 38pts

2nd Tristan Gilbert (10) 37pts

3rd Merv Rogers (13) 37pts

Div.2 (18+)

Ged Higgins (20) 39pts

Billy Allan (19) 37pts

Demon Wong (18) 35 pts

On Tuesday another blockbuster turnout assembled to play Phoenix (Lakes and Ocean courses) for the last time this year at Sports Day prices, which I must say have been very reasonable.  On the other hand, with the price to play now doubling it will prove just too much for us ordinary mortals.

In Division 1, Alex Chao managed to keep his golf game in good working order and held on to take first place with a fine 38 pts. The young lothario Tristan Gilbert is back in town so it is time to lock up your daughters everybody. Taking time off from courting, what a lovely old fashioned term, Tristan left all the caddies with their knees a trembling and swatted off 37 pts to take second place. He just managed to fend off Merv Rogers, in a golfing sense, who took third place but it did take a count back to do it.

Alex Chao.
Alex Chao.

I said earlier that this week was more like a school reunion so it was quite appropriate that a retired Headmaster got to say a few words. Ged Higgins is that man and in Division 2 this week he proved he could still add up to thirty nine which was the number of points it took win first place. Billy Allan marched into second place with a very commendable 37 pts and the magnificently named Demon Wong took third.

Wednesday, Nov. 16, Parichat – Stableford

Div. 1. (0-16)

1st Jukka Pulkkinen (10) 36pts

2nd Roger Brocksopp (13) 35pts

3rd John Begley (13) 30pts

Div.2. (17+)

1st John O’Donoghue (18) 36pts

2nd Michael Law (17) 34pts

3rd Demon Wong (18) 34pts

It was off to lose a few balls once again in the water hazards at Parichat on Wednesday.  In Division 1 Jukka Pulkkinon, on only his second outing with the TRGG, managed to stay on dry land and came home with a very accomplished 36pts, not easy believe you me.  A point behind was the redoubtable Roger Brocksopp, newly returned from his Chesterfield base, who managed to stay on the straight and narrow for long enough to take the runners up spot.  John Begley didn’t find things quite as easy but still managed to finish third with 30pts.

Ged Higgins.
Ged Higgins.

In Division 2 big John O’Donoghue also had a good day, shooting his handicap and taking first place.  Michael Law and Demon Wong fought it out for second place, with Michael getting the nod after a count back.

Thursday, Nov. 17, Green Valley – Stableford

Div.1 (0-13)

1st John Begley (13) 39pts

2nd Mike Rushant (13) 39pts

3rd Alex Chao (10) 37pts

Div.2 (14+)

1st Suresh Mehta (19) 39pts

2nd Derek Thorogood (14) 37pts

3rd Ed Brubaker (17) 36pts

On Thursday it was back to Green Valley where again two divisions were necessary.  In Division 1 John Begley shot to the top of the charts after his third place the day before.  After yet another count back he just pipped the ever-consistent Mike Rushant after both finished with 39pts.  Alex Chao had another good day by taking third place with 37pts.

In Division 2 it was another of the returnees, Suresh Mehta, who I hear has been getting plenty of golf lessons who made them pay off with an excellent 39pts.  Guess what, Derek Thorogood came in second, now where have I heard that before.  Derek managed to finish a point ahead of wily old Ed Brubaker who took third.

Friday, Nov. 18, Burapha – Stableford

1st Ged Higgins (19) 40pts

2nd Roger Brocksopp (13) 39pts

3rd Stewart Booth (9) 38pts

It was back to Burapha (A and B courses) on Friday.  If my memory serves me correctly the scores on the A and B course are invariably higher than on C and D, which is always a boost to the golfer’s confidence and this week was no exception.  Not that Ged Higgins needs a boost to his confidence as he had already won a golf competition this week.  Even with his reduced handicap he made mincemeat of Burapha by clocking up an even higher winning score than on Tuesday.  His unbelievable 40pts was just too good for the rest.

Roger Brocksopp came in second while Stewart Booth took third.