Bob “Scar” Taylor scored 44 points playing off a 27 handicap aided by 9 beers to win the final Hoser Memorial golf tournament played at Plutaluang on Friday, June 17.
The event was started 5 years ago in memory of Shawn “Hoser” Field after his devastating death from an epileptic fit. In the past, Shawn would organize a golf week in his new home in Khon Kaen, where he’d invite his golfing, drinking and oil buddies up from Pattaya to play a different course every day, and then retire to the bars to drink and have a bit of fun.
Hoser was indeed unique and played golf like he played life, with an unadulterated enthusiasm as if he was playing hockey for his beloved Toronto Maple Leafs. He hit (or tried to) a golf ball like a hockey puck in true slap shot Gordie Howe fashion (alas, Mr. Hockey is also sadly no longer with us).
It was only fitting a Hoser Memorial golf outing would be held in Pattaya, ably organized by Matt Millar, to remember those good times in up country Thailand.
One of the features of this memorial tournament is the handicap system, based on how many beers or other drinks are consumed during the round.
Plutaluang was in good shape and a real bargain at 1000 baht all in with a cart. This year was, as always, a fun day, though the heavens opened up halfway thru. This didn’t dampen the spirits of all those who participated, however.
Every year for the past few has been dedicated to a recently departed friend of Hoser with a tribute on the special golf shirt. This year’s tribute was to Wayne Ogonoski who recently passed away in a tragic accident. He was one of the true heroes of Pattaya, who for many years organized or assisted in many of the major golf tournaments and other charitable events in Pattaya, such as the TQ Masters, Jester’s Care for Kids, and particularly the Jackalope Charity Golf, which is still thriving, taking place this year in August, on 5/8 at Burapha, conveniently on Mark Gorda’s 58th birthday.
At the after party held in the new Haven on Soi Lengkee, Stephen and his crew put on a good food spread. All 15 golfers enjoyed the evening, which included the Hoser shake – perfected by Hoser when he briefly ran a bar in Pattaya (it’s a milkshake laced with liberal shots of whatever booze is handy).
The night came to a hazy end when Woody put on a bottle of Vodka set up at TQ for the winner.
