PATTAYA, Thailand – The Bunker Boys endured packed tee sheets, steady winds, and slow rounds over three challenging outings last week, yet quality scoring once again rose to the top.
Monday, February 16 – Bangpra Golf Course
It was another late tee time at an overbooked Bangpra, but the group managed to get away on schedule and moved briskly through the front nine. As has happened on previous visits, a holdup developed at the tenth with several groups waiting, and the remainder of the round slowed considerably.
The course was in good condition, though the greens were surprisingly slow. A blustery wind added to the challenge and rarely seemed to favour the field. A strong turnout of twenty-seven players once again disproved the notion that golfers are only chasing the cheaper courses.
Leading the way was Uwe Jurgensen with an excellent 41 points — typically feast or famine for the in-form player. Eighty-three-year-old Gerry Cooney impressed with 39 points to edge Paul Smith on countback for second. Les Cobban faltered late to finish fourth, just ahead of Brendan Harnett on countback, while Craig Dows completed the placings.
Results – Bangpra
1st Uwe Jurgensen (28) – 41 pts
2nd Gerry Cooney (24) – 39 pts
3rd Paul Smith (5) – 39 pts
4th Les Cobban (12) – 38 pts
5th Brendan Harnett (22) – 38 pts
6th Craig Dows (6) – 34 pts
Near Pins: Paul Smith, Robby Watts, Brendan Harnett, Michael Brett
Wednesday, February 19 – The Vintage Club
A breezy day in Samut Prakan greeted the mid-week travellers, with a respectable field of sixteen making the journey. The course was once again presented in very good condition, leaving slow play as the main frustration.
At the top, young Harvey Williams prevailed on countback over Dave Galvin after both returned 39 points — no doubt prompting lively discussion on the trip home. Roger Tuohy continued his improving run with 37 points for third.
Three players tied on 36 points, but Michael Brett claimed fourth on countback, his par on the demanding eighteenth proving decisive. On the par threes, Mick McMahon starred by taking two near pins, with the others going to Hubert Stiefenhofer and Roger Tuohy.
Results – The Vintage Club
1st Harvey Williams (27) – 39 pts
2nd Dave Galvin (23) – 39 pts
3rd Roger Tuohy (15) – 37 pts
4th Michael Brett (18) – 36 pts
Near Pins: Roger Tuohy, Hubert Stiefenhofer, Mick McMahon (2)
Friday, February 20 – Pattavia Golf Course
They say a bad day on the golf course beats a good day in the office, but Friday tested that theory. Warning signs appeared early with limited lockers available, followed by a 50-minute delay on the tee. What followed was one of the slowest rounds in memory, stretching close to six hours, with one frustrated player heading home after twelve holes. Despite the pace of play, recent rain north of Pattaya left the course in surprisingly good condition.
Hubert Stiefenhofer produced the standout performance of the week with a superb 42 points to claim first place — even delaying a dinner engagement to attend the presentation. Dean Nelson returned to form with 41 points for second, while the ever-consistent Jimmy Carr took third with 38. Uwe Jurgensen added another solid result in fourth, and Alan Howard rounded out the top five. With high season nearing its end, many are already looking forward to quieter fairways and quicker rounds in the weeks ahead.
Results – Pattavia
1st Hubert Stiefenhofer (20) – 42 pts
2nd Dean Nelson (13) – 41 pts
3rd Jimmy Carr (25) – 38 pts
4th Uwe Jurgensen (27) – 37 pts
5th Alan Howard (19) – 36 pts
Near Pins: Alan Howard, Keith Hemmings, Hubert Stiefenhofer, Witt Mann
