Magic Melia cans an ace

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PSC Golf Bunker Boys at The Ranch

Monday, Feb. 29, Bangpakong – Stableford

Only ten of our finest could rouse themselves out of bed today for the trek up the motorway to Bangpakong.  Strange why this course is not so popular; it’s a relatively easy 50 minute drive (unlike the current battle up 331), a good price and in excellent condition.

This is Keith Norman’s favourite course and again he produced the goods, winning with 36 points despite leaving his drive on the 18th up a coconut tree.  Tony Robbins was second with 35 points while Geoff Parker took third on count back from Takeshi.

Tony Robbins (left) congratulates Gordon Melia (right) on achieving a hole in one at Crystal Bay.

1st Keith Norman (12) 36pts

2nd Tony Robbins (13) 35pts

3rd Geoff Parker (14) 33pts

Near Pins: Les Burns, Colin Greig, Jimmy Carr

As today was the final game of the month, it was crunch time for determining Golfer of the Month.  Four players were in contention and it was Tony Robbins who emerged the winner by two points over Colin Grieg, Gerry Cooney and Geoff Parker.  It was a sweet result for Tony who came second to Geoff in December and second to Colin in January.

Wednesday, March 2, Crystal Bay – Medal

Thirty players today for a Medal round at an almost deserted Crystal Bay and the course was in excellent condition, particularly the recently renovated B nine.  Just one minor complaint: while the B nine was closed they should have upgraded the sprinkler system as there were many dry, burnt and hardpan patches.  That being said, we consider this track excellent value for the money.

The good conditions produced some excellent scores, with popular laughing Les Burns storming B Division with a net 67 despite a 9 on a par 3.  Jimmy Carr took second on count back from Gordon Melia with a net 69 while poor Tim Winder with his net 70, being his best round for years, missed out.

Tony Robbins won A Division with a fine net 69, followed by Mashi Kaneta on net 71 and Colin Greig (net 72) edging out Tony Berry on count back.

These good scores were eclipsed however by Gordon Melia on the par-3 sixth hole where he saw his 8-iron shot rise majestically in the air, land like a butterfly with sore feet, and roll gently into the hole for a hole in one.  Congratulations to Gordon and thanks for the round of drinks.

A Division (0-15.5)

1st Tony Robbins (14) net 69

2nd Mashi Kaneta (16) net 71

3rd Colin Greig (9) net 72

B Division (15.6-36)

1st Les Burns (33) net 67

2nd Jimmy Carr (18) net 69

3rd Gordon Melia (17) net 69

Near Pins: Tony Berry, Phil Moore, Jimmy Carr, Gordon Melia (hole in one).

Friday, March 4, Burapha – Stableford

Only thirteen players for Burapha as it seems the minute green fees get over 800 baht the numbers start to fall away, despite this being a class course in excellent condition.  We played A and B courses off the white tees, which didn’t seem to concern the big hitters and the older members relished the chance to play a few second shots with irons instead of woods, although there were still several holes over 400 yards.

Tim Winder, still smarting from Wednesday when he had a net 70 and didn’t finish in the dough, continued his good form and this time took the honours with 38 points, with Mark Stanley edging out Jimmy Carr on count back for second, both with 37 points.

1st Tim Winder (25) 38pts

2nd Mark Stanley (8) 37pts

3rd Jimmy Carr (17) 37pts

Near Pins: Mark Stanley, Geoff Parker, Les Cobban (2).

Note: The Bunker Boys play on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Contact Buff on 086 046 5091 or 080 605 5663 for more information and scheduling.