PATTAYA, Thailand – The Bunker Boys enjoyed another competitive week of golf with rounds at Burapha, Bangpakong Riverside and Pattaya Country Club, where challenging winds and changing course conditions tested the field throughout.
The week began on Monday, July 13, at Burapha under sombre circumstances after players encountered the aftermath of what appeared to be a fatal motorcycle accident on the frontage road before reaching the course. Once play got underway, however, attention turned to golf on the A and B nines, with the quiet course allowing the group to complete the round in just over three hours.
Burapha was presented in excellent condition, although the greens proved noticeably slower than the practice putting surface. Reigning Golfer of the Month Rob Folland returned to top form after a couple of average outings, producing a superb 40 Stableford points with outstanding driving and just a single missed putt all day. Bil Richardson finished second on 37 points, two ahead of Michael Brett in third. Near-pin honours went to Walter Baechli, Rob Folland and Bil Richardson.
Wednesday’s fixture at Bangpakong Riverside was played on a course that, while enjoyable, showed signs of wear, with several fairways featuring bare patches and recently returfed areas under repair. Strong winds added to the challenge, while one group bypassed a slow five-ball by moving from the sixth to the eighth hole.
Takeshi Hakozaki produced the round of the week, carding matching 22-point nines for an outstanding 44 Stableford points. His excellent putting proved the difference as he claimed a comfortable victory. Walter Baechli finished runner-up with 37 points, while Bil Richardson took third with 34. Near-pin winners were Takeshi Hakozaki, Rob Folland and Bil Richardson.
The final round on Friday, July 17, took the society to Pattaya Country Club, where a special green fee promotion attracted one of the busiest fields seen in recent weeks. The course remained in excellent condition, but another blustery day kept scoring in check.
Rob Folland completed a successful week by securing his second victory with 36 Stableford points, strengthening his bid for another Golfer of the Month title. Bil Richardson overcame the loss of his favourite driving iron, which suffered its third broken shaft of the year at Bangpakong Riverside, to finish second with 33 points. Michael Brett claimed third place with 29 points. Richardson also dominated the near-pin competition with three wins, while Frazer Davy collected the remaining prize.
