PATTAYA, Thailand – Who would have thought that Bryson DeChambeau, once one of the slowest players on tour, is now criticising slow play himself? As they say, “you reap what you sow.” The Bunker Boys felt the same frustration on Monday, 21 July, stuck behind a couple of groups of our Northern neighbours at Khao Kheow A & B.
Despite the hold-ups, the course was in generally good condition, though a few greens confused some players with grain running against the slope. Scoring was steady rather than spectacular. Les Cobban secured first place with 35 points, just ahead of Steve Downes on 34. Chris Delamare, playing off a tough one handicap, took third with 30 points but softened the day by claiming two near pins, while Les and Steve each took one. Rain threatened throughout, but the steady wind kept it away.
Results:
1st Les Cobban (11) – 35 points
2nd Steve Downes (5) – 34 points
3rd Chris Delamare (1) – 30 points
Near pins: Les Cobban, Steve Downes, Chris Delamare x2
A busy tee greeted the group on Wednesday, 23 July at Pattaya Country Club, but sensible marshalling meant we started on hole three and enjoyed a smooth run all the way around. The course itself was in good shape overall, although the machine-raked bunkers left deep grooves, making recovery shots tougher.
Mick McMahon returned after a long break and wasted no time, taking first place on countback from Robbie Watts, both scoring 35 points. Bob Innes claimed third with 32 points—roughly matching the number of cigarettes he smoked during the round. There’s a running joke that Bob, Geoff Parker and Keith Smithson should have a separate contest for most cigarettes smoked during a game. Near pins were spread among Mick, Robbie and Bill Richardson, who grabbed two.
Results:
1st Mick McMahon (12) – 35 points
2nd Robbie Watts (15) – 35 points
3rd Bob Innes (23) – 32 points
Near pins: Robbie Watts, Mick McMahon, Bill Richardson x2
Crystal Bay Golf Course, played on Friday, 25 July, remains a great layout in need of proper upkeep: flagsticks leaning, ragged holes and a clubhouse showing its age. Still, the all-in fee of 1,250 baht proved tempting, bringing out the largest roll-up in weeks, including regular visitors like the Greig boys, Raleigh Gosney and Dean Nelson.
Thanks to Thailand’s wet season, the course was lush and green, making for easier play—or perhaps several players just hit form at the same time. Steve Downes fired an excellent 39 points to take first. Robbie Watts edged out Gerry Cooney on countback for second, both scoring 37 points—an especially memorable round for Gerry, marking his 84th birthday. Richard Baldotto finished fourth with 34 points. Near pins went to Lewis Greig, Witt Mann, Steve Downes and Craig Dows.
Results:
1st Steve Downes (5) – 39 points
2nd Robbie Watts (14) – 37 points
3rd Gerry Cooney (20) – 37 points
4th Richard Baldotto (24) – 34 points
Near pins: Lewis Greig, Witt Mann, Steve Downes, Craig Dows
With two games remaining to decide Golfer of the Month, the race is tight between Steve Downes and Robbie Watts. Back at the bar, it felt like the Bunker Boys of old, with bell ringing to toast Gerry’s birthday and plenty of friendly banter to finish off a busy and memorable week.
