Griffin gets the gold

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780

PSC golf from The Bunker Boys @ The Ranch

Monday, April 29, Phoenix (Mountain & Lake) – Medal

Only 10 players today, so we had some problems when we checked in because the discounted PSC rate at Phoenix is only for 20 players or more.  Fortunately we have some Phoenix members in the group, so everyone was able to register as member’s guests at the same rate. 

The weather was hot, with rain in the forecast, but none appeared and even a very welcome cooling breeze arrived for the last three holes.

Neil Griffin.Neil Griffin.

The course was in good shape as usual, but the pace of the greens were difficult to read, as they appear to be getting more grainy, making downhill putts with the grain very fast, and uphill putts against the grain, very slow.  The greens can’t be blamed for the poor scores on the day however, with William Macey taking the honours with a modest score of net 75, ahead of Mashi Kaneta on a count back.

1st William Macey (20) net 75

2nd Mashi Kaneta (15) net 75

3rd Kenny Chung (25) net 76

Near Pins:  Tony Robbins and Steve Durey

Wednesday, May 1, Eastern Star – Stableford

Another public holiday today, and we were forced to make a late change in venue, because Treasure Hill decided to increase the green fee from 1,400 Baht to 2,000 Baht when we re-confirmed our booking a couple of days prior.  It’s difficult to understand the mentality of the management in pulling a stunt like that, but needless to say, we cancelled on the spot and made an alternative booking at Eastern Star, taking advantage of their special promotion, with a holiday green fee of 850 Baht.

We hadn’t played Eastern Star since mid-February when some of the greens were in a terrible state, but it seemed a better option than submitting to the Treasure Hill extortion.  In the event the course was as good as anyone could remember, with the greens fully recovered, although as always, a bit on the slow side.  There was a shortage of buggies when we checked in, but surprisingly the course was quiet, and the round progressed smoothly.

There was no logical reason for the low scores on the day, and Reg Smart’s winning total of 29 points was the lowest winning score that your scribe can remember in Bunker Boys recent history – the less said about the other scores, the better!

It turned out to be a good day for the small group that played, the weather was great, the course was good if a little scruffy in places, and all in all well worth the hassle of changing venues.  Thanks to Tony Robbins for sorting out that little problem for us.

1st Reg Smart (30) 29pts

2nd Ken Davidson (23) 27pts

3rd Tony Robbins (13) 24pts

Near Pins:  Tony Robbins.

Friday, May 3, Khao Kheow (A & C) – Stableford

A bright sunny morning at Khao Kheow, but there was an ominous black cloud looming, which seemed to follow us for the first few holes, eventually catching us on the 7th.  A thirty minute rain delay was necessary, but the skies soon brightened up again, and the round was still completed in under four and a half hours.

The course was in good shape, but the greens on the A nine were slow, whilst those on C were much quicker, which caused some problems.

No problems though for Neil Griffin, who romped home with 41 points, seven points clear of his nearest challenger.  His mate Skinny will be worried when he reads this in the U.K., and no doubt the beer bets will be off when he returns.

Charles Cunningham came in second place, despite only scoring six points on the last six holes, and Tony Robbins was third scoring 18 points on the inward nine.

There was an interesting race for the wooden spoon today, with Peter Habgood taking the prize (four points on the back nine) ahead of (or behind?) Ken Davidson (seven points on the back nine).

1st Neil Griffin (25) 41pts

2nd Charles Cunningham (18) 34pts

3rd Tony Robbins (13) 32pts

Near Pins:  Charles Cunningham, PJ Redmond and Tony Robbins.

Note:  The Bunker Boys are a PSC affiliated golf society, who now play out of The Ranch bar on Pattaya 3rd Road (in front of the fire station, and almost opposite the Buffalo Bar).  We play three times per week on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, so if you enjoy a fun day out, and a friendly but competitive golf competition why not come and join us.

We meet at The Ranch at 9 a.m. for breakfast and transportation, and new players are always welcome.  Contact “Buff” on 086 046 5091 or 080 605 5663 for all enquiries.  You can find all the news, schedules and results on our website at http://www.bunkersociety.com.