PATTAYA, Thailand – Monday, June 23 – Crystal Bay was in the best condition it’s been in for some time. The fairways were lush, although a few tees and bunkers still needed attention. The greens, still recovering from coring and sanding, proved inconsistent but playable. Curiously, maintenance crews were spotted cutting the long-dormant B nine—leaving many to wonder why that effort wasn’t focused on the active nines.
Takeshi Hakozaki continued his run of form with another strong showing, posting 37 points to top the leaderboard. Steve Downes looked set for a better score before wiping the final two holes, settling for second with 33. Uwe Jurgensen rounded out the podium on 30 points. Only two near pins were claimed – by Takeshi and Steve – making their wins even more comprehensive.
Results:
1st Takeshi Hakozaki (15) – 37 points
2nd Steve Downes (7) – 33 points
3rd Uwe Jurgensen (24) – 30 points
Near Pins: Takeshi Hakozaki, Steve Downes
Wednesday, June 25 – Our monthly premium round took us to Burapha Golf Course, where the course impressed – except for the tee boxes, recently sprayed with weed killer that killed not just weeds, but grass too. An overcast sky kept temperatures bearable, and the rain held off.
Frank Dartford broke through with his first win, scoring an excellent 40 points. Tony Robbins and Bob Innes tied for second on 36, with Tony edging it on countback. Alan Sullivan stood out by taking two near pins, with the other two going to Frank Dartford and John Webb. Plans for next month’s trip to Kabin Buri are shaping up well, with an ambrose format finally in the pipeline.
Results:
1st Frank Dartford (25) – 40 points
2nd Tony Robbins (24) – 36 points (countback)
3rd Bob Innes (23) – 36 points
Near Pins: Frank Dartford, John Webb, Alan Sullivan (x2)
Friday, June 27 – The week closed at Pattavia Golf Course under challenging conditions – not from the course, which was in fine shape – but from the glacial pace of a rainbow group ahead that split between the front and back nines. Despite polite encouragement, slow play ruled the day.
That didn’t deter 82-year-old Gerry Cooney, who put in a masterclass round with 44 points. Steve Downes continued his strong form with 39 points for second, while Craig Dows took third on 36. The greens, as usual, were fast and tricky, but Gerry made it look easy. Frank Dartford, Wednesday’s winner, faded into the low twenties – such is the unpredictability of golf. Three of four near pins were claimed. Steve Downes looks set to clinch Golfer of the Month unless Rob Folland pulls off something spectacular on Monday.
Results:
1st Gerry Cooney (23) – 44 points
2nd Steve Downes (7) – 39 points
3rd Craig Dows (8) – 36 points
Near Pins: Uwe Jurgensen, Alan Sullivan, Gerry Cooney
