‘Richo’ ushers in the New Year in style

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PSC Golf from The Growling Swan

Monday, Dec. 28, Khao Kheow – Stableford

Another great day in paradise and we headed to Khao Kheow with a field of 17 golfers.  We were playing C & A from the yellow tees and Alex Field topped the roster with a carefully compiled 33 points, one up on Rita Zoebelli in second while Tiziano Del Pastro and Mike Gosden filled out the minor places.

Peter Greaves was playing his debut outing with the Growling Swan and our spies told us that his very first shot failed to reach the ladies tee, and this writer finds nothing wrong with that.

1st Alex Field (20) 33pts

2nd Rita Zoebelli (24) 32pts

3rd Tiziano Del Pastro (26) 31pts

4th Mike Gosden (16) 30pts

Near Pins: C3 Mark Stapleton, C8 Ebrahim, A5 Alex Field.

Long Putts: C9 & A9 Martin Kempton.

Thursday, Dec. 31, Rayong C.C. – Stableford

After the week long festivities, 17 golfers appeared at the Growling Swan a little worse for wear, but eager to take on Rayong Country Club.  Many of us were playing here for the first time and what a treat it turned out to be.  OK, the course is not in pristine condition, but this Faldo designed course is a great layout and a true test at 6,500 yards off the white tees.  A rate of 900 THB for green fee, caddie and shared cart provides great value.  We shall return on a regular basis.

(L to R) Don Richardson, Kev Waycott, Pierre Cere & Alex Field.(L to R) Don Richardson, Kev Waycott, Pierre Cere & Alex Field.

The par 4, fourth is a cracking hole and whilst playing with Frankie Sharratt today, we learnt that if you’re afraid a full shot might reach the green while the foursome ahead of you is still putting out, you have two options: you can immediately shank a lay-up, or you can wait until the green is clear and top the ball half-way there.

Piere Cere played a very steady round, but realizes now that nonchalant putts count the same as chalant putts.  Piere was unlucky to be pipped on a count-back by the energizer bunny, Don Richardson.

Alex Field also continued on with his recent good form to sneak a podium finish on a count-back from Peter Grey

1st Don Richardson (14) 38pts

2nd Piere Cere (12) 38pts

3rd Kevin Waycott (8) 36pts

4th Alex Field (20) 34pts

Near Pins: Kevin Waycott (3), Patrick Engels.

Long Putts: #9 Patrick Engels, #18 Ebrahim.

Back at ‘The Swan’, resident charity hound, Deefa gratefully received donations from the players and they are thanked for their continued contributions.  All ‘Deefa’ donations go to the PSC to be directed to projects to assist the needy children of Pattaya.

Note: For serious golfing with a dash of fun, the Growling Swan welcomes golfers of all persuasions.  We generally play on Mondays and Thursdays at any one of the fine courses around Pattaya.  Please contact Peter Grey for bookings or any information on 086 1503 086.

The Growling Swan also caters to the bowls enthusiasts.  Bus transport departs the GS on Wednesdays at 10 AM to play at Cocos on undercover synthetic greens and on Sundays at the same time for open grass bowling at The Retreat.  Please contact Paul Rennison on 0843 454005 if you wish to partake.  The cost including return bus transport, bowling fees and a hot lunch is less than 400 baht so great value for a day out.