Monday July 9th
Crystal Bay
1st Takeshi Hakozaki (18) 34 points
2nd Jimmy Carr (21) 33 points
3rd Raleigh Gosney (21) 33 points
4th Hubert Stiefenhofer (18) 33 points
Near pins Colin Greig, Raleigh Gosney, Jason Taylor, & Takeshi Hakozaki
After just one we were back at Crystal Bay again and nothing much had changed. The greens were even slower than a week ago but the wind was very strong. Despite it being a holiday to celebrate the King’s birthday the course was quiet so a nice fast round was had. It’s a shame somebody doesn’t put some money into this club and restore it to what it once was. The layout is excellent and the course offers plenty of variety. The course itself could easily be fixed up, the clubhouse is another story, just about everything needs fixing up.
Scoring was lower than last week, probably because of the wind, and the greens taking time to get used to the speed or lack thereof. Takeshi Hakozaki took first place by the narrowest of margins with thirty-four points. A log jam for second, third, and fourth as listed. Often those in the frame also get a near pin as did Raleigh, and Takeshi, the other two went to Colin Greig and Jason Taylor.
One more game for the month before the golfer of the month is decided. Treasure Hill is the venue for the decider, a very difficult course so it will be interesting to see how it pans out.
Wednesday, July 31st
Treasure Hill
1st Hubert Stiefenhofer (18) 36 points
2nd Les Cobban (11) 35 points
3rd Jimmy Carr (21) 33 points
4th Michael Brett (18) 32 points
Near pins Rob Folland, Brad Sobel, & Michael Brett X 2.
Whilst always in great shape Treasure Hill is not exactly everybody’s favourite course, some claim its an unfair course as often a good drive from the tee does not guarantee an reasonsble second shot, trees in all the wrong places tend to play havoc with the best laid plans, so it’s essential to plot your way around and try to stay out of trouble. Strategically placed bunkers and water hazards also add to the difficulty. It’s not uncommon for a score in the low to mid thirties to win, no forty pointers here, every point scored is hard earned.
Today conditions were as good as could be expected, little to no wind and play at a reasonable pace was the recipe for decent play. Hubert Stiefenhofer always in the frame took first place with a very creditable thirty-six points. A stroke behind and sporting a new driver Les Cobban took second place. Jimmy Carr took third on thirty-three points with Michael Brett bringing up the rear on thirty-two, beating Rob Folland on countback. Rob got a consolation near pin as did Brad Sobel with Michael Brett taking two.
From the opening game of the month Rob Folland set a cracking pace and looked unbeatable in the race for golfer of the month, however he faded towards the end of the month and with three games remaining got overtaken by Michael Brett by two points which is where it stood going into the last game. It was nip and tuck all the way but Rob struck a psychological barrier on the sixteenth hole which he wiped having not previously scored on this hole opening the way for Michael to maintain his lead to the end, it’s only a matter of time before we are celebrating Robs first golfer of the month win.
Friday, August 2nd
Greenwood A & B
1st Les Cobban (11) 38 points
2nd Jimmy Carr (21) 38 points
3rd Greg Berry (16) 36 points
4th Mick McMahon (14) 35 points
Near pins Alan Sullivan, John Webb, Steve Mitchum, & Jimmy Carr
The first game of a new month was played at the Greenwood, a course in fine condition, no wind or rain and played at a leisurely pace without any delays. A little dampness underfoot limited run on the fairways, with the occasional mud-ball otherwise it was about as good as it gets.
Normally a course where it takes over thirty-six points to win and that’s exactly what transpired today with two players locked together on thirty-eight points separated on countback, today Les Cobban took first from the ever consistent Jimmy Carr. Greg Berry took third a stroke ahead of Mick McMahon who looked set to win only to falter on the sixteenth hole where he didnt score, up to that stage he was in complete control striking the ball magnificently from the tee and having an all round solid game, it just goes to show that you need to play it out all the way to the finish. A couple of tight calls for the near pins which were decided as listed.
Next week is not going to be a party with difficult courses ahead, Pattaya Country club possibly the easiest followed by the notorious Treasure Hill and finally Pattavia., anyone hoping to make a claim to next month’s golfer of the month will need to start at one of these courses.
Takeshi Hakozaki, winner at Crystal Bay.
Golfer of the month, Michael Brett.
Les Cobban, winner at Greenwood.