Stapleton shoots a scorcher at Crystal Bay

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PSC Golf from The Growling Swan

Monday, Feb. 2, Mt. Shadow – Stableford

1st Hugh Knox (18) 38pts

2nd Craig Duncan (10) 37pts

3rd Sandy Leiper (29) 37pts

4th Mike Gosden (14) 36pts

5th Don Richardson (12) 35pts

6th Jim Groves (13) 34pts

Near Pins:   Bob Akapita #5, Mark Stapleton #15 and Hugh Knox #8 & #17.

Long Putts:  Don Richardson #9.

Nineteen golfers preparing for today’s game were, prior to departure   entertained by a couple of all night topers wearing wobbly boots and absolutely Brahms and Liszt.  Their efforts to climb aboard a motor cycle were worthy of a vaudeville act as the trailing leg of the pillion passenger flipped the bike and deposited said gents on the deck.  Dusting themselves off, they chucked each other a high five, remounted their mode of transport courtesy of assistance by an enthralled gallery and headed off only to “kiss the bitumen” once more fifty yards down the soi.

Mark Stapleton (left) with Ebrahim donning the Coveted Compass Cap.Mark Stapleton (left) with Ebrahim donning the Coveted Compass Cap.

With the freeby show behind us we headed off looking forward to another day’s golf at a top course.  The weather was superb, the course in good condition and the greens and pin placements provided the usual challenges for all.

Hugh Knox handed in thirty eight points to lead the field, one ahead of Craig Duncan in second who relegated Sandy Leiper down to third on a count back.  Mike Gosden finished fourth with thirty six whilst Don Richardson and Jim Groves rounded out the podium.  Bob Akapita, who during the game had more pints than points, missed out on sixth place on a count back.

An epic battle was played out for the Coveted Compass Cap between Peter Grey and Kevin Waycott, with Peter getting the nod on a count back.

Thursday, Feb. 5, Crystal Bay – Stableford

1st Mark Stapleton (21) 44pts

2nd John Anderson (27) 41pts

3rd Rita Zoebelli (23) 40pts

4th Sandy Leiper (29) 40pts

5th Gary Monley (28) 39pts

6th Michael Catillon (18) 39pts

7th Kevin Waycott (10) 38pts

Near Pins: C4 Kevin Waycott, C7 John Davis, A5 John Anderson, A8 Jason Schembri

Long Putts: C9 John Anderson, A9 Peter Grey

“Achieving a certain level of success in golf is only important if you can finally enjoy the level you’ve reached after you’ve attained it!”  Just another profound statement from Bob Akapita as 23 ‘Growlers’ headed to the picturesque Crystal Bay on Thursday.  On the bus everyone seemed to be subdued mulling over Bob’s utterings, or ‘in the zone’ and focused on the task ahead.  Upon arrival Jason Schembri came out with another cracker, “I just wish I could play my normal game … just once!”

Hugh Knox (left) with Peter Grey.Hugh Knox (left) with Peter Grey.

On this perfect day with a cool breeze we were allocated C & A nines (A nine c/b) and this Hawaiian style course, with its palm tree lined lush fairways and fair greens, was presented in tip-top condition and continues to be great value and enjoyment for all golfing outlets.

Mark Stapleton’s practice on the driving range continues to hold him in good stead and his 44 points blitzed the field.  The high handicappers had a day out with John Anderson on his bionic leg posting 41 to pip Rita Zoebelli and Sandy Leiper.

The Compass Cap meanwhile was respectfully accepted by Ebrahim as he continues to endure a rough patch of form.

Note:  The Growling Swan is a friendly golf outlet and caters for and encourages all golfers male or female to have a hit at any of our weekly outings.  We generally play Mondays and Thursdays at one of the many fine golf courses in and around Pattaya.  Please contact Peter Grey if you are interested on 0861 503086.

The bar also caters to the bowls enthusiasts.  Bus transport departs the GS on Wednesdays at 10 a.m. 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.