Monday February 9th
Pleasant Valley
1st Keith Norman (20) Net 61
2nd Ian Flannigan (20) Net 65
3rd Alan Sullivan (20) Net 68
4th Michael Brett (19) Net 68
5th Hubert Stiefenhofer (20) Net 69
6th Jimmy Carr (25) Net 70
Near pins Dean Nelson, Tony Robbins, Keith Norman, & Colin Greig.
We had a late tee time today at Pleasant Valley which at time of confirmation was delayed a further forty minutes, however on arrival at the course we were able to tee off immediately which we did. A strong wind was blowing on the front nine which abated over the course of the round. Remarkably the course had rain overnight, apparently rain fell all the way from Bangkok down to Laem Chabang but did not reach Pattaya., so we were taken by surprise that the course was a bit damp, one could even make a case to play pick, clean, and place.
Despite the usual moaning about the course, calling it Unpleasant Valley it was in great shape and after the game many couldn’t understand what if any problems exist with the course, the fact that they put out groups in any number up to ten per group is a separate issue.
In one of the most extraordinary rounds of golf for a long time Keith Norman blew everybody away with a magnificent net score of sixty -one points, in a round with no less than four fourpointers, which included a tap in birdie on the third par three. Keith generously rang the bell back at the bar, was he sending a message to one of his Northern neighbours? Ian Flannigan delivered again taking second place with a net sixty-five, good enough to win most days. Alan Sullivan stormed home with a birdie on the last to take third on countback from Michael Brett, both with net sixty-eight, Alan had one of those days when his putts kept lipping out, but got one when it really counted. Hubert Stiefenhofer took fifth place, one ahead of Jimmy Carr. The remaining near pins were as listed.
Wednesday February 11th
Plutaluang South and East
1st Michael Brett (19) 43 points
2nd Ian Flannigan (19) 41 points
3rd Keith Norman (18) 38 points
4th Brendan Harnett (22) 38 points
5th Jimmy Carr (25) 37 points
Near pins Ken Smith, & Keith Norman X 3
Today for a change we played the South and East nines at Plutaluang and were pleasantly pleased with the condition of the course. Normally by now we expect the course to be in worse condition, however it is holding up well without rain, the greens were a bit slower than ideal but still OK. As temperatures rise we expect the course to deteriorate but for now it’s fine. With no wind today it was a bit hot.
The high scoring of Monday continued today but not quite to the same level, still very respectable for this course. Top of the tree was Michael Brett with forty-three points, twenty-five on the front only to fall away on the back, still enough to take first place two ahead of Ian Flannigan who has his eyes set on golfer of the month. Another with his eyes on the prize is third placed Keith Norman who followed up his extraordinary score of Monday with another fine effort of thirty-eight points, to add insult to injury he also bagged three near pins. Brendan Harnett lost third to Keith on countback and Jimmy Carr took the final spot on the leaderboard with thirty-seven points. The remaining near pin went to Ken Smith.
After two days of exceptional scoring will Khao Kheow put an end to that or will it continue as normal? Friday will tell a lot in more ways than one.
Friday, February 13th
Khao Kheow A & B
1st Jimmy Carr (25) 38 points
2nd Brendan Harnett (22) 35 points
3rd Les Cobban (12) 33 points
4th Keith Norman (18) 33 points
5th Alan Sullivan (20) 33 points
Near pins Brendan Harnett, Paul Smith, and Michael Brett X 2.
Another late tee time where we were able to get going at least half an hour prior to our booked tee time, could it be that space kept for the hoards are not being filled?
A curious day weatherwise, overcast but very hot and humid, anyone walking would be drained by the finish of play, even those in carts suffered. For the first time in ages we were allocated the B nine which we played second.Another course that is holding up well despite lack of rain.
It was a bit much to expect that the scoring of the previous two rounds would be repeated today, much more moderate scores today. In rare form Jimmy Carr was the only one to shine taking first place with thirty-eight points. Brendan Harnett was also not too shabby, taking second with thirty-five points. A countback to settle the three remaining places. For once Michael Brett was able to put his name on two near pins, the remaining two went to Paul Smith and Brendan Harnett.
Shot of the day went to Harvey Williams on the eighteenth where he put his drive onto the twelfth fairway, his second was masterful over the trees and onto the green about eight feet from the pin, we were all rooting for him to get a birdie, however he was soft on the uphill put and came up short, still a par on that hole was very satisfactory.
With so many players in good form lately, and high scores everywhere all eyes will be on Geoff Parker’s list of standings in the golfer of the month race when it is published on Sunday
Winner at Pleasant Valley, Keith Norman.
Winner at Plutaluang Michael Brett.
Winner at Khao Kheow Jimmy Carr
