Maiko makes hay at Bangpra

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PSC golf from Tropical Bert’s

Wednesday, August 13, Bangpra – Stableford

What more can one say other than some of us are spoilt.  We get up every day and as golfers we are spoilt for choice – just look at all the great courses we can go to.  Continuing with that thought, on this day we were to visit the ‘original’ great course in the area.

After a quick change we were on the 1st tee nice and early and we were able to get away in good weather and with few people on the course.

The layout was in good condition but a strong wind made it very tricky to play.  The greens, as usual, proved testing and were as fast as normal, but it was a good day on a really great course.

Wednesday’s top three with one of Bert’s finestWednesday’s top three with one of Bert’s finest

Back at Bert’s it was soon into the results and the winner on the day was Doug Maiko with 38 points on count back from Dick Warberg in second.  In third was Maurice Roberts with 37 points while in fourth place was Mashi Kaneta with 35 on count back over Kurt Ebentheuer.

Near pins went to Maurice Roberts and Max Scott (2)

Friday, August 15, Wangjuntr – Stableford

On Friday the gang at Tropical Bert’s made a special trip out to Wangjuntr to play the Valley course.  The trip was 90 minutes each way, but most people rode in the van and lively conversation made the time go fast.  Much of the conversation centered on this unique venue, course strategy, and why is there a “tr” at the end of Wangjuntr that is not pronounced?

All the courses at “Wangjun” excel in scenery, and to say the layout is “challenging” is to be kind.  You are never safe when there are bunkers in the middle of the green!  Word is the Jungle course is now fully open so another trip is in our future to check it out.

Brian Parish (left) and Tom Herrington (right) with a Bert’s helper.Brian Parish (left) and Tom Herrington (right) with a Bert’s helper.

The Valley course was made more difficult than necessary today due to the fairways having grass longer than the rough, very unevenly cut, and rows of grass clippings littering many fairways.  Some greens still have quite a bit of sand on them.  That said, this is one place where you often put down your club to appreciate the fantastic scenery.

The van ride back to Bert’s was quieter due to some people using the time to catch up on sleep, and the rest spoke only in polite whispers out of respect.  Right!

Back at Bert’s the scores were posted, and it was obvious the course won this day.  No one broke handicap, a rare event.  The winner of the day was Brian Parish (H/cap 12) with 35 points while taking second was Tom Herrington (15) with 31, followed by Ted Morris (12) with 30.

Near pin awards were collected by Mark West and Ted Morris.