PATTAYA, Thailand – The Bunker Boys faced a week of changing conditions, fluctuating numbers, and a welcome return to a familiar layout, as rain, humidity, and the tail end of high season shaped three contrasting outings at Bangpra, Treasure Hill, and Hermes.
The game on Monday, March 23 at Bangpra delivered a rare interruption to play, with heavy rain halting proceedings briefly—ironically just after course staff had been watering the fairway. With 17 players turning out, the group split into a mix of three- and four-balls, reflecting a gradual easing of high-season congestion.
Scoring proved modest across the board, with no player reaching their handicap. Les Cobban stood out as the only golfer to post a truly competitive score, edging Paul Smith, while Colin Greig and Robby Watts filled the remaining podium places. Jimmy Carr dominated the near pins, claiming two, while Paul McDonald and Uli Mueller shared the rest. In a curious twist, five players from the winners’ circle failed to attend the presentation, providing an unexpected boost to the ever-growing delinquent fund.
Results:
1st Les Cobban (12) 34 points
2nd Paul Smith (5) 33 points
3rd Colin Greig (15) 31 points
4th Robby Watts (15) 31 points
Near pins: Paul McDonald, Uli Mueller, Jimmy Carr (2)
The medal round at Treasure Hill on Wednesday, March 25, saw a smaller field, with the course’s reputation for difficulty and the stroke-play format discouraging some regulars. Despite another group ahead, the Bunker Boys enjoyed a smooth round without delays.
Davy Galvin stole the show with an outstanding back nine, surging to a net 69 off a 32 handicap. His inward nine, worth an impressive 26 Stableford points, featured standout holes that will likely earn him a handicap cut. Colin Greig secured second place, while Jimmy Carr edged Michael Brett on countback for third. Paul Smith produced the best Stableford score of the day but was disqualified after failing to complete a hole, though he still collected two near pins alongside Carr and Greig.
Results:
1st Davy Galvin (32) Net 69
2nd Colin Greig (15) Net 72
3rd Jimmy Carr (23) Net 75
Near pins: Colin Greig, Jimmy Carr, Paul Smith (2)
Friday, March 27 marked a long-awaited return to Hermes after an 18-month absence, and the course did not disappoint. With just 12 players following a wave of departures by seasonal regulars, the group enjoyed ideal playing conditions, excellent course presentation, and notably high-quality caddie support.
Despite the heat and humidity, a steady breeze kept conditions manageable. Dave Ashman delivered one of the standout performances of the season, compiling 39 points off a 28 handicap to take top honours. Paul Smith continued his consistent form in second, while Colin Greig claimed third place on countback ahead of Michael Brett and Hubert Stiefenhofer. Interestingly, no player managed to secure the near pin on hole two, though the remaining prizes were shared.
Results:
1st Dave Ashman (28) 39 points
2nd Paul Smith (4) 38 points
3rd Colin Greig (15) 36 points
Near pins: Uwe Jurgensen, Hubert Stiefenhofer, Michael Brett
Looking ahead, the Bunker Boys are planning an away trip to Kanchanaburi during Songkran to escape the Pattaya crowds. Fixtures are set for Royal Ratchaburi, Grand Prix, and Evergreen Hills, with potential for an additional round or a well-earned rest day. Interested players are encouraged to contact Colin Greig promptly.
