The Aussies rule

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PSC golf from The Golf Club

Monday, Sept. 23, Green Valley (white tees) – Stableford

1st Dan Willetts (11) 43pts

2nd Dale Shier (14) 41pts

3rd Mike Newbert (10) 40pts

It was a week of Aussie Mania as The Golf Club was host to a great gang of lads from Down Under, both on the course and in the bar.  The Aussies always do well here in Pattaya, and if you have played golf down there you will know the courses are generally more difficult than ours.  Those boys have to work hard for their handicaps!

I had the good fortune to play “The Vines” just outside Perth some years back and she chewed me up and spit me out.  At least I got to meet loads of kangaroos who came out on the course to feed for the last 6 holes before sunset.  It was one of those unforgettable golf experiences that no other sport could possibly conjure up.

Scotty Wilson, Gabe Enright, Rick Allison and Dan Willetts.Scotty Wilson, Gabe Enright, Rick Allison and Dan Willetts.

If we did indeed have a golfer of the week prize, it would have to go to Danny Willetts.  With a first place and two second place results to claim, he featured on every podium this week.  Danny is the guy who keeps things beautiful and organized around the Opera House and The Rocks and this end of the Harbor Bridge as he and his crew keep it all pristine for the City of Sydney.  This is one of the most beautiful stretches of land on the planet and it is no wonder why it has to be on your “bucket list” of places to see.

Our old pal Dale Shier chose the wrong day to have a great round.  Funny how that works out that sometimes you do so well only to find another chap has had an even better bit of luck on the course.  On many other days, he would have strolled away with the win with a terrific 41 points.  Sorry about that Dale, but at least your love life is back on track!

Mike Newbert rounded out the top 3 and with a 40-pointer to claim third and he can hold his head high. Mike also had a super shot this week and had a hole in one on one of the hardest par-3’s in Pattaya, the fearsome 17th at St. Andrews.  Well done buddy!  I smell a comeback on the cards.

Tuesday, Sept. 24, Laem Chabang (white tees) – Stableford

T1st Phil Proctor (17) 38pts

T1st Les Cobban (10) 38pts

T2nd Greg Mennie (22) 36pts

T2ndMasao Ishikawa (16) 36pts

T2ndDan Willetts (11) 36pts

Pattaya’s only “Jack Track” was the chosen venue for today’s outing, and at the Sports Day rate of 2,300 all in, it proved to be a very popular event with 6 tee times on the agenda.  The course was in very good condition and we had not a drop of rain to deal with.

Dan Willetts with new pal Dale Shier.Dan Willetts with new pal Dale Shier.

One forgets just what a great golf course and beautiful facility that Laem Chabang is.  I personally think the 9 holes of the C course are the best that Pattaya has to offer and some of the best designs Mr. Nicklaus has created.

There were ties all around and 3 at second place found Greg, Ishi, and Dan (again) all at that 36 point level.  Phil and Les had to share the victory with a really good round of 38 points, a difficult number to get to at Laem Chabang, so all credit to you lads.

Thursday, Sept. 26, Phoenix Gold, Lakes & Mountain (white tees) – Monthly Medal

1st Rick Allison (2) net 70

T2nd Gabriel Enright (22) net 74

T2nd Dan Willetts (11) net 75

The newly renamed Phoenix Gold was the venue for our September Monthly Medal and the claim to an Antigua winner’s shirt.  Phoenix Gold is a popular and convenient golf course which looks to be undergoing some changes with the new management.  You had better buy a big pack of drinks tickets before you head off as no cash is accepted at the drinks stand, for one.

The course was in pretty good shape for this (rainy) time of year and we had a big field of happy golfers who remained dry on the day.

The Aussies were obviously back in fine form and completely dominated the podium with an Aussie 1-2-3 on the day.  Good on ya mates!

Dan Willetts was in the chase once again, and his net 75 grabbed him third spot in the pecking order.  His mate Gabriel Enright was just one shot behind and turned in a very respectable net 74 to take sole second.  Gabe is kind enough to donate his talents to build our fantastic new website www.golfclubpattaya. com, so thanks a million for that mate!

Rick Allison turned out to be the Man of the Month and deservedly wins the Monthly Medal for September.  He did it by playing off just a 2 handicap, so it certainly turned out to be a well earned win.

Thanks to all the lads who joined us for golf this week.  I had one guy say to me this week that he “wasn’t good enough” to be playing with us.  For the record, we welcome all handicaps, as we remember we were all beginners once and none of us will ever truly master this tempestuous and fickle little mistress we call golf.  Come on out and have some fun!

Note:  The Golf Club is located on Soi LK Metro. We try to schedule summer “Sports Days”, so come join us for a seriously fun day out.  Just call 085 434 3377 or see our website www.golfclubpattaya .com and for more information mail us: pattaya4golf @gmail.com and see updates at www.facebook.com/golfclubpattaya… all handicaps welcome!

Heads Up:  We have Kabinburi scheduled for our October Road Trip, leaving on Thursday 10th for an easy one-nighter that includes 2 green fees, hotel and breakfast for 2 for just 2,900 baht.  Call 089 525 2565 or drop by TGC to sign up.  It will be all nice and dry by then.