Pierrel still on a roll

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Masa Sugaya (centre) with Dave Arataki (left) and Colin Service.
Masa Sugaya (centre) with Dave Arataki (left) and Colin Service.

PSC Golf Pattaya Links Golf Society

Wednesday, August 22, Burapha – Stableford

A Flight

1st John Pierrel (12) 40pts

2nd Kevin LaBar (14) 36pts

3rd Paul Smith (3) 35pts

B Flight

1st Dave Arataki (29) 36pts

2nd Paul Chesney (20) 36pts

3rd Tip Briney (22) 36pts

We had never played the combination of A & C at Burapha before, but we did today. Both nines were in typically good condition with terrific fairways and good speed on the greens, even though there was a hint of residue sand on some.

The rough here is usually pretty difficult and, although it had been cut down a little, still caused a few problems.

No problem, however, for the very in-form John Pierrel. Fresh from playing his important part in the successful “Links Bar” team at Pattaya Matchplay he sprinted away from the rest with a big 40 points score card to take out “A” flight and, not for the first time, donned the Green Jacket.

We mentioned recently that Kevin LaBar has been in contention most games this trip, and here he was again, taking second spot with a well played 36 points, followed by the ever reliable Paul Smith with 35 off his lowly #3 handicap.

Dave Arataki has had his share, and then some, of “wigs” and silly hats”. But how the worm has turned and he took out “B” flight today with a strong 36 points to win on countback. The second and third places also scored 36 points each and both are also recent “wig” wearers. Paul Chesney pipped Tip Briney for second. Good job from all three.

The near pins went to Kevin LaBar (A3), Colin Service (A6), John Pierrel (C5), and Pete Seil (C8) while the consolation best nines for non-winners were recorded by Wayne Peppernell (front, 20pts) and Maurice Roberts (back, 21pts).

On Monday, Bill Markwell was the “wig” winner, but failed to return to the bar, so his mate Maurice Bowman “modelled” it. But good things come to those who wait. Bill again had the least number of points and this time he was the model.

This “silly hat” thing has taken on many connotations in its short life. This time Maurice Roberts decided to use it to take revenge on those who voted for him to wear it recently, and the first victim was Toby Glass.

Finally, the fans were turned down and the beautiful birthday cake arrived for our co-organiser, Len Jones. He was so excited that he ran inside and “rang the bell”.

Friday, August 24, Eastern Star – Stableford

1st Masa Sugaya (21) 38pts

2nd Donal McGuigan (20) 38pts

3rd Mike Tottenham (20) 36pts

On Friday we travelled to Eastern Star for another tough test of golf on a course in fine condition despite recent rains. Fairways were dry, with some run and the formerly much-maligned greens were running true and with some pace. Bunkers were well tended and the rough was its challenging best. Add to the mix the “OB left and water right” equation and the group was set for some challenging golf.

John Pierrel (center) with Toby Glass (left) and Bill Markwell.

Six playing groups in one flight took the field on time and found progress good throughout.

Scores were good and third place went to Aussie Mike Tottenham with a level par 36 points, with Donal McGuigan scoring 38 points, losing on countback to old friend Masa Sugaya with his winning 38 points.

Alan Walker took the award for the best non-winning front nine of 18 points whilst Paul Chesney’s 20 points on the back nine gave him some cheer as well.

A sadly out of form Dave Arataki received the wig for his mediocre round whilst Mr Phil delighted the golfers at the presentation with the choice of Colin Service for the “silly hat”.

Colin started his round with a lost ball off the first tee and it never really got better on the front nine, ten points being all he could muster. Colin’s halcyon rounds of a few weeks ago now seem all but a memory!

Near pins went to Phil Davies, Len Jones and Chris Barker (2).