The Gerrard’s return to form

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Phoenix Members Golf Society

Yes folks I refer mainly to that distant relative of mine, Stevie Gerrard, who played his socks off with a magnificent return to form and score a truly memorable goal at the death last Tuesday to seal England’s path to Rio for the World Cup next year.  Fitting then that a few hours earlier, after a long spell of poor form, bad health, and horrible weather for this country, yours truly found the magic touch as well to return a fine 39 points to win first place and also the KPK Food Services Voucher.

Sadly the good form didn’t last the full 18 holes.  After a superb front nine of 2 over gross and 23 points, the back nine brought me back to earth with only 16 points.  Not complaining though.

Tuesday winners celebrate with the staff at The Relax Bar.Tuesday winners celebrate with the staff at The Relax Bar.

Second place went to Wolfram Krueger, who is showing to be a steady player scoring 35 points.  In third place was our other ‘Mr. Consistency’ Mukesh Thakkar with a slightly lower than normal (for him) 34 points.

Near pin prizes were awarded to John Bartley, Mike Gerrard, Mukesh Thakkar and Steve Gibson.

The lucky draw prize of a free massage went to Stuart Gordon and the free drink went to John Clift.  Both of these prizes were donated by our hosts The Relax Bar at Ban Amphur.

Other consolation lucky draw prizes of 50 baht each went to Mark Jennings and Gerry Hughes.

As I write this story I am amazed at the change in the weather.  It has not stopped raining for many hours but yesterday there was not a cloud in the sky and the carts were back on the fairways.  We were so lucky.

Now, let’s move on to a topic of mixed emotions regarding the future at Phoenix.  Many people who have enjoyed Phoenix Golf Club over the years will not be too pleased to hear of the new prices being imposed by the new owners as from the 1st November 2013.  Walk-in green fees for all visitors and tourists will be 2,500 baht mid-week and 3,000 baht on weekends.  Caddy fees will be 350 baht and carts will be compulsory at 600 baht per one person only.

At this point in time we do not know the fate that may await us as members but we are trying to negotiate with the management for a good deal.  What I can tell you is that for the new charges the intention is to make the course the envy of the rest of the area.  This will of course take some time, so it’s a case of being patient and trying to be optimistic.

With the above changes in mind, we feel we will lose many of our Society members who may feel the price too high.  However, we do not know what discount we may be able to negotiate for our guests at this stage.  We would sincerely hope many of you will stay with us but understand that you may not be able to.  From all the members we say thank you for your support over the years and we hope you can rejoin us at some stage.

This does not mean that anything will change regarding our weekly golf and competitions.  At the end of this month we make the draw for the first round of a new competition which is four-ball better-ball match play.  This will be run by John Clift who is also kindly donating the trophies for the winners.

We still have a monthly voucher donated by The Blue Olive for the player of the month, plus a bigger prize from both The Blue Olive and Mukesh Thakkar for the player of the year.  We also have Trattoria Italiana Restaurant, Ann’s Salon & KPK Food Services donating monthly vouchers for 500 baht or more to spend in their respective retail outlets.

For further information regarding both golf and sea fishing trips, contact me (Mike) on 087 091 7565.