PATTAYA, Thailand – The Bunker Boys endured a mixed week of conditions, delays, and fluctuating scoring across three very different rounds, with weather and course setups playing a major role throughout.
On Monday, April 6, at Plutaluang East & South, despite the South tees being empty, the group found themselves delayed behind three parties on the East Nines, leading to a slow start and a drawn-out round. Once underway, however, conditions were fair with the course in good shape, hot weather, and a steady wind adding challenge. Stroke play produced a wide spread of scores, including one particularly high tally of eleven on a single hole. Colin Greig led the field with an excellent net 67, followed by Alan Sullivan on net 70, while Michael Brett finished third on net 74 after a costly stretch of 15 strokes over two consecutive holes. Near pins went to Colin Greig, Les Cobban, Uwe Jurgensen, and Michael Brett.
Results – Plutaluang East & South (April 6):
1st Colin Greig (16) Net 67
2nd Alan Sullivan (19) Net 70
3rd Michael Brett (16) Net 74
By Wednesday, April 8, at Bangpra Golf Course, the pace of play improved dramatically with no queues and a prompt tee-off—welcome relief compared to high season congestion. Conditions, however, were brutal, with oppressive heat and strong gusting winds combining to make scoring difficult. Fast greens added further challenge, punishing anything less than perfect touch.
Only Paul Smith managed to master the conditions, taking first place with 35 points off his four handicap. Jimmy Carr secured second with 30 points, while Michael Brett edged out Colin Greig on countback for third with 28 points. Notably, only two near pins were claimed. One group endured particular misfortune on the 12th, where three out of four balls found water, while the remaining player found the bunker.
Results – Bangpra (April 8):
1st Paul Smith (4) 35 points
2nd Jimmy Carr (22) 30 points
3rd Michael Brett (16) 28 points
The week concluded on Friday, April 10, at Hermes Golf Course, where strong winds again dictated play. Despite the blustery conditions, the course itself was in excellent shape, with the caddies once again drawing praise for their quality assistance.
Paul Smith continued his dominant form, producing a superb 40-point round to secure victory and further strengthen his position in the golfer of the month standings. Colin Greig finished close behind on 39 points, with Michael Brett rounding out the top three on 38 points. Near pins were shared among Alan Sullivan, Tim Duffy, and Paul Smith, who impressively claimed two.
Results – Hermes (April 10):
1st Paul Smith (4) 40 points
2nd Colin Greig (15) 39 points
3rd Michael Brett (16) 38 points
With one final round remaining at Navy before the anticipated escape to Kanchanaburi, the Bunker Boys now turn their attention to what promises to be another test—this time not just from golf courses, but from soaring temperatures expected to push into the mid-forties.
