
Monday, May 19 – Khao Kheow A & B Courses
The week got off to a dramatic start at Khao Kheow as heavy rain delayed tee-off by about 45 minutes. From the comfort of the clubhouse, players watched floodwaters rise on the fairways and weather radar offer little hope—until suddenly, conditions improved. Remarkably, the course drained quickly, allowing play to commence.
Things got off to a grinding pace behind an excruciatingly slow three-ball, but relief came at the turn when they let the Bunker Boys through. The highlight of the day—and arguably the year—came at hole A5, where Alan Sullivan scored his first-ever hole-in-one, a moment made sweeter by Rob Folland nearly following suit with a near miss. Both were the only players to post respectable scores in the testing conditions.
Les Cobban snagged a near pin despite a tough day, while Michael Brett got two, though neither was close enough to warrant much celebration. Alan’s ace earned him the final near pin and a well-earned celebration back at the bar, where he generously rang the bell multiple times in true spirit.
Results:
1st: Alan Sullivan (14) – 35 pts
2nd: Rob Folland (14) – 33 pts
3rd: Michael Brett (13) – 27 pts
Near Pins: Les Cobban, Michael Brett (x2), Alan Sullivan (Hole-in-One)
Wednesday, May 21 – Eastern Star Golf Course
Rain was once again the early story, delaying play by about half an hour. When play began, heavy air and soggy fairways made for gruelling conditions. Scoring reflected the challenge, with Rob Folland topping the leaderboard with a modest 33 points—seven clear of Steve Downes in second. Only one near pin was claimed on a day when no one could get much going.
Tony Robbins called it a day after nine, and several others considered following, but most persevered to the end. The ongoing wet weather is clearly impacting both conditions and attendance.
Results:
1st: Rob Folland (14) – 33 pts
2nd: Steve Downes (6) – 26 pts
3rd: Michael Brett (13) – 24 pts
Near Pin: Steve Downes
Friday, May 23 – Mountain Shadow Golf Course
Originally scheduled as a medal round, consensus quickly shifted play to stableford format—wise given the course’s unforgiving layout. Though dry and pleasant weather returned, the course offered little run and plenty of mud balls, making for another low-scoring affair.
In his return after a long break, Sunny Khanna topped the field with 33 points, including two near pins—one of which was a whisker away from becoming the second ace of the week. Jimmy Carr edged Les Cobban on countback for second. Les was pleased to find form again after a difficult stretch.
A changing of the guard was also announced: Rob Folland will take over golf coordination as Michael Brett steps back to rest a nagging shoulder issue.
Results:
1st: Sunny Khanna (13) – 33 pts
2nd: Jimmy Carr (22) – 32 pts (cb)
3rd: Les Cobban (12) – 32 pts
Near Pins: Alan Sullivan, Steve Downes, Sunny Khanna (x2)
Note: Next Monday’s round at Pattaya Country Club will be a medal format game. Let’s hope for better weather and drier fairways!