PATTAYA, Thailand – It’s never too late: recently, a gentleman scored his first-ever hole-in-one just one day after his 91st birthday – proof that hope is always alive, no matter your age. For those still chasing that elusive ace, remember: it could happen in your very next round.
Monday, July 28 saw an influx of new faces at Eastern Star Golf Course, as a group staying nearby at Chaba Hut joined the Bunker Boys for the first time. Despite some morning rain, six out of the eight newcomers teed off undeterred.
There were, however, several complaints about the course, which was unexpectedly below standard; the greens, affected by black fungus, were described as “lost” and very difficult to play.
Frank Dartford continued his winning run, topping the leaderboard with a steady 36 points – likely enough to see his handicap trimmed soon. Newcomer from Australia, Paul Elliott, finished second with 34 points, while Robbie Watts claimed third with 30 points but didn’t add to his Golfer of the Month tally, leaving the title race wide open going into Wednesday’s round at Navy.
Results:
1st Frank Dartford (26) – 36 points
2nd Paul Elliott (10) – 34 points
3rd Robbie Watts (14) – 30 points
Near pins: Gary King, Paul Elliott, Bill Richardson, Vivienne Laverty
Wednesday, July 30 brought the final game of the month at Plutaluang on the North and West nines. While the course was generally in good condition, the greens on the North nine were unusually slow – slower than anyone could remember.
A last-minute shuffle of the playing order was needed when two players, who traveled directly to the course, arrived late.
Returning after a long break, Greg Berry marked his comeback in style with a winning score of 36 points. Robbie Watts followed closely in second with 35 points, and the ever-consistent Gerry Cooney took third with 31 points. Steve Downes, true to form, kept his name on the winners list with a near pin, joined by Robbie Watts, Craig Dows, and Billy Shepley.
Robbie Watts entered the round with a narrow one-point lead over Steve Downes in the Golfer of the Month standings and extended that margin to secure the title, as Steve couldn’t find his best form on the day.
Results:
1st Greg Berry (14) – 36 points
2nd Robbie Watts (14) – 35 points
3rd Gerry Cooney (20) – 31 points
Near pins: Robbie Watts, Craig Dows, Billy Shepley, Steve Downes
“When you’re hot, you’re hot” – although 32 points might not sound sizzling, it was enough for Greg Berry to seal his second win of the week on Friday, August 1 at Khao Kheow A & B. Alan Sullivan edged past Gerry Cooney on countback for second place, both with 30 points, on a day where low scores were the norm. Only three near pins were claimed, as the long holes at A3 and B3 proved especially challenging.
Results:
1st Greg Berry (14) – 32 points
2nd Alan Sullivan (14) – 30 points (on countback)
3rd Gerry Cooney (20) – 30 points
Near pins: Alan Sullivan, Dean Nelson, Greg Berry
Khao Kheow was in great condition, with well-kept fairways and consistent greens – yet somehow the field couldn’t convert that into higher scores. Ironically, after noting earlier in the week that Steve Downes never misses the winners list, he was absent this time – proving the commentator’s curse is real.
Several regulars remain out: Jimmy Carr recovering from back surgery, Michael Brett still in physiotherapy for a stubborn rotator cuff tear, and Geoff Parker apparently retired. Thankfully, the return of our two German members should soon boost player numbers again.
