Thompson takes the plaudits

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PSC Golf from The Outback Golf Bar

Monday, Nov. 17, Burapha – Stableford

1st Chris Thompson (26) 42pts

2nd Dennis Pelly (12) 38pts

3rd Barney Clarkson (28) 37pts

4th Pete Stonebridge (18) 37pts

5th Tim Knight (24) 36pts

Four groups played A & B from the whites which were very forward and combined with a lot of run made the course play very short.  Chris Thompson continued his fine form to win with a great score of 42pts from Dennis Pelly on 38.  Barney Clarkson beat Pete Stonebridge for fourth on c/b, both with 37pts and Tim Knight scraped into fifth with 36.

From left: Greg Hirst from DeVere with John Stafford, Eng & Tony Aslett.From left: Greg Hirst from DeVere with John Stafford, Eng & Tony Aslett.

For the second Monday running there was only one ‘2’, this time by Barney Clarkson.

Outback Opinion: Weather – blue sky with a cool breeze; Check in – good, friendly and quick as usual’ Tee time – 25min early; Fairways – hard with lots of run; Rough – light!; Greens – fast and true; Value for money – reasonable for high season; Pace of play – less than 4 hours; Drink stations open – all 4.

Wednesday, Nov. 19, Phoenix Gold – Stableford

Div A (0-17)

1st Geoff Stimpson (06) 37pts

2nd Kim Danboise (15) 34pts

3rd Peter Nixon (12) 33pts

Div B (18+)

Suzi Lawton (25) 34pts

Phil Payne (20) 31pts

Barney Clarkson (28) 30pts

After a recent meeting with the new General Manager at Phoenix, our 17 players today were looking forward to giving Phoenix a renewed chance after an absence of more than three years.  I think the course had been hyped up a bit but unfortunately in reality, there were very few apparent changes; the course was fine and a delight to play, looking very mature and verdant but I’m afraid it’s not going to attain the heady targets the management may have in mind, just yet.

Phoenix was always a good course and ranks among my personal favorites but the changing rooms have not been altered, remaining tired looking and in need of refurbishment and although there are plans in mind for the clubhouse, that too needs a wake-up call.  It has a long way to go find its true potential which may be the lower end of the ‘A’ courses.  In the meantime it should be content with a ‘B’ class rating and bring it’s green fees into line, particularly if the management wants the players back.

Khun Nat, the General Manager, is a very personable guy and speaks brilliant English, making everyone very welcome and if anyone can bring this course back to life, then he’s the man to do it.  Allowing the walkers back and cancelling the kiosk voucher scheme are a couple of big steps in the right direction.

Our winners today were Geoff Stimpson in Div A with 37pts; followed home by Kim Danboise (34) and Peter Nixon (33) and Div B was won by Suzi (34pts) from Phil Payne (31) and Barney (30).

There were no ‘2’s.

We are due back here on Weds 7th January, in the meantime just to let your know there is a Titleist demo event taking place at the Phoenix driving range on 28th & 29th November.  Please call Pookie on 092 224 6320 or 084 873 5363 for further info.

Outback Opinion: Weather – Blue sky & sunny with a good breeze; Check in – ok & friendly; Tee time – 15 mins early; Fairways – excellent; Rough – hard work; Greens – v fast (Ocean), varied (Mtn); Value for money – special but still high end; Pace of play – 3 hrs 40mins, course quiet; Drink stations open – 3

Friday, Nov. 21, Green Valley – Stableford

1st John Stafford 17 net 69

2nd Peter Nixon 12 net 69

3rd Sunanta Cotterell 22 net 70

4th Chris Thompson 26net 71

5th Peter LeNoury 10 net 71

6th Tony Aslett 24 net 71

Picking up the start sheet this morning from General Jack we were on Plan A with 35 players until the mobile rang to say that someone was sick; not to worry, we did a quick change and onto Plan B.  All was well until I got into the car and received another phone call to say that somebody else couldn’t play, so Plan C was forming whilst I drove to Green Valley and all was confirmed in my head.  However, nothing is ever that straightforward when it comes to golf; somebody else turned up at the course who wasn’t even on the sheet but no big deal as Plan D was quickly produced as we ended up with 34 players playing in the DeVere Monthly Medal.

Everybody had high expectations of themselves today as General Jack said that if anyone scored 67 or better, he would give them 500 baht to spend in the bar on the day.

Today was Paul Pedelty’s last game with us for 2014, so bon voyage and see you next year and welcome back to Angus who arrived on Thursday night.

Jack’s money was looking a bit shaky when a strong rumour circulated that a 12 handicapper had shot a net 62 but as the scores came in, the best of the day were two 69’s from John Stafford and Peter Nixon, and as we don’t do count backs in the Monthly Medals they shared first place, but there is only one trophy and that went to John Stafford who collected his second one this year.

In third place on her own with a net 70 was Eng Cotterell, so well done Eng and three players were tied for fourth all on 71; namely Chris Thompson, Peter LeNoury and Tony Aslett.  The Low Gross went to John Cunningham for the second month in a row with 77.

There were seven ‘2’s from Wayne Cotterell, Tom Larsen & Peter Nixon (5th), David Davies, Murray Hart & Peter Nixon (8th) and Sugar on the 16th.

Outback Opinion: Weather – Sunny with a slight breeze; Check in – Good; Tee Time – 25 minutes early; Fairways – Good; Rough – Average; Greens – Average to Slow; Value for Money – Acceptable; Pace of Play – 4 Hours; Drinks Stations Open – 5

Note:  The Outback Golf Bar is situated about 6km from Sukhumvit Road along Soi Siam Country.  Call Jack on 081 578 1956.