PATTAYA, Thailand – It was an eventful week on the fairways for the Bunker Boys, with three challenging rounds played at Mountain Shadow, The Vintage Club, and Pleasant Valley between March 9 and March 13. Difficult conditions, tight scoring and even travel disruptions made for a memorable week of golf.
The week began at Mountain Shadow on Monday, March 9, a day many players would rather forget. More than thirty percent of the field failed to return a score, with four disqualified and six no returns – a rare occurrence for the group. To add to the frustration, overall scoring was among the lowest seen in recent weeks.
Despite the difficult conditions, Tom McMurray continued his excellent form. Still waiting to secure a flight home after two cancelled departures, the Scotsman made the most of his extended stay by taking first place with a net 71. Pat Ryan finished second with a net 76, Danny Miller took third with a net 78, while Tony Robbins battled through with a supposed broken toe to claim fourth with net 80. Jimmy Chawke and Mick McMahon completed the winners’ circle.
Two consecutive games have now passed without anyone hitting and holding the eighth green for the near pin, while the other near pins were shared between Gerry Cooney, Pat Ryan and Les Cobban. Many players agreed afterwards that Mountain Shadow may simply be too difficult for one of the Bunker Boys’ monthly medal competitions.
A lighter moment came after the round when Ian Flannigan accidentally locked himself in a shower cubicle and was forced to limbo under the door to escape – an episode that caused much amusement among those present.
Results – Mountain Shadow (March 9)
1st Tom McMurray (24) Net 71
2nd Pat Ryan (16) Net 76
3rd Danny Miller (11) Net 78
4th Tony Robbins (28) Net 80
5th Jimmy Chawke (20) Net 81
6th Mick McMahon (8) Net 81
Near pins: Gerry Cooney, Pat Ryan, Les Cobban
Midweek action moved to The Vintage Club on Wednesday, March 11, where an unusually large field of 24 players turned out – a strong turnout for mid-March. The course was in excellent condition but a strong wind kept scoring under control.
The competition proved extremely tight with only one point separating the top five finishers. Phil Mashiter claimed victory with 37 points, edging Derek Salmon on countback. Sam Gershon led the chasing group with 36 points, while Harvey Williams lost out on another countback decided over the final holes. Michael Brett squeezed into the final prize position despite three no-score holes, highlighted by a memorable sandy birdie on the eleventh.
Results – The Vintage Club (March 11)
1st Phil Mashiter (6) 37 points
2nd Derek Salmon (25) 37 points
3rd Sam Gershon (19) 36 points
4th Harvey Williams (25) 36 points
5th Michael Brett (17) 36 points
Near pins: Michael Brett, Sam Gershon, Derek Riordan (2)
The week concluded at Pleasant Valley on Friday, March 13, where slow play again proved unavoidable despite an early tee time. Groups of six ahead caused delays and an eight-ball was even spotted on the ninth hole while players were in the clubhouse afterwards.
The course itself was in excellent condition and produced some outstanding scores. Tom McMurray once again topped the leaderboard with an impressive 44 points, completing a remarkable double for the week. Danny Miller followed closely with 43 points, strengthening his case for golfer of the month honours. Uli Mueller, Ian Flannigan and Derek Riordan shared the remaining places on 39 points.
Riordan also came within inches of a hole-in-one on the island green, while Mick McMahon and Uli Mueller collected the remaining near pins, Mueller securing two.
Results – Pleasant Valley (March 13)
1st Tom McMurray (24) 44 points
2nd Danny Miller (11) 43 points
3rd Uli Mueller (12) 39 points
4th Ian Flannigan (18) 39 points
5th Derek Riordan (22) 39 points
Near pins: Derek Riordan, Mick McMahon, Uli Mueller (2)
Much discussion in the clubhouse centred on the ongoing struggle many players are facing trying to secure flights home as travel plans continue to change. For most, however, being temporarily stranded in Thailand was not considered a major hardship.
Next week the Bunker Boys will head off on a two-day trip to Royal Hills for another round of friendly but competitive golf.
