‘Papa’ Ray annual golf tournament bows out in style

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When ‘Papa’ Ray Rogers ascended to the ‘great golf course in the sky’, his nephew Gary declared that he would keep his uncle’s annual golf tournament going as long as he could, or at least until Ray would have been 100 years old.  That being this year it is probable this will be the last, but as Gary and Dave said afterwards, “One never knows’.

Fully supported by his friends, this has been a remarkable competition, and on this day we had a very full turnout that even made the ‘organizers’ ponder a little on its future.  However, for now it was the last.

The winning team, Alan Duffs, Colin Simpson, Phil Laurie and Kevin Macintosh with Gary Rogers (left) and Dave Richardson (2nd right).The winning team, Alan Duffs, Colin Simpson, Phil Laurie and Kevin Macintosh with Gary Rogers (left) and Dave Richardson (2nd right).

Dave Richardson was once again the strength of the organization side, supported by his team and the scribe, the ever-faithful recorder.  Particular thanks also go to Bjarne and his family from The Cafe Kronberg who provided the buffet food which went down particularly well this year.

Gary Rogers, the major sponsor, always throws himself into the day by providing his house for the event, sponsoring the many prizes, and being the ever respectful host.  This year Gary provided all the players with a very nice carry bag and we would like to thank Gary for his tremendous efforts over the years, his Uncle Ray would have been very proud of him.

Runners-up, Derek Brook, Bob Watson, Mashi Kaneta and Maurice Roberts with Gary and Dave.Runners-up, Derek Brook, Bob Watson, Mashi Kaneta and Maurice Roberts with Gary and Dave.

The day started with all turning up at Plutaluang to tee-off on either the North or West nines as we had a two-tee start.  This 18-hole combination is, as all who play here know, a really difficult challenge.  The course was in very good condition, with well maintained and manicured fairways and the greens ran fast and true.  This was also a very hot day.

Round over and back at Gary’s the beer was flowing and the tables were laid out as the hungry and thirsty golfers filled up on cold beer and good food.  Dave meantime was beavering away on the results and the presentation was soon underway.

Emcee Dave first gave thanks to Gary, who gave of his house for the day, and also to Tiger Line and Pattaya City Golf for assistance with the fine prizes and the PSC who helped with the ‘Lucky Draw’.  Then it was into the results.

The third placed team, Trevor Loresch, Clive Robinson, Bob Rasmussen and Kris Helgasson collect their prizes.The third placed team, Trevor Loresch, Clive Robinson, Bob Rasmussen and Kris Helgasson collect their prizes.

This being a team event, in fifth place with a net 59.5 was the quartet of Mark West, Bob Britton, Brian Parish and Paul Alford.  Taking fourth spot on net 58.7 was the team of Mike Winfield, Stuart Rifkin, Paul Avery and Graham Rice, losing on a count back to the third placed line-up of Trevor Loresch, Clive Robinson, Bob Rasmussen and Kris Helgasson.

In second place with a net 57.8 was the team of Derek Brook, Bob Watson, Mashi Kaneta and Maurice Roberts, but the winners, with a fine net 57.5, were Alan Duffs, Colin Simpson, Phil Laurie and Kevin Macintosh.  Fine round and well played!

With the presentations over it was time for Dave’s ‘lucky draws’ and all went home with some memento of the day. T.T.F.N.

Near Pins: Russell Exley, Graham Rice, Mike O’Brien, Jack Levy

Long Putts: Maurice Roberts, Phil Bystrom

Brian Parish shows off one of the bags that all the players received from Gary Rogers.Brian Parish shows off one of the bags that all the players received from Gary Rogers.

Fourth in the standings, Mike Winfield, Stuart Rifkin, Paul Avery and Graham Rice.Fourth in the standings, Mike Winfield, Stuart Rifkin, Paul Avery and Graham Rice.

Filling fifth place on the podium, Mark West, Bob Britton, Brian Parish and Paul Alford.Filling fifth place on the podium, Mark West, Bob Britton, Brian Parish and Paul Alford.