Monday, 24th
The Vintage Club
1st Paul Smith (7) 41 points
2nd Sean Murphy (22) 40 points
3rd Les Cobban (12) 39 points
4th Bil Richardson (22) 38 points
Near pins Les Cobban, Tim Duffy, Paul Smith, & Michael Brett.
Today we made the trip up to Samut Prakan to play the Vintage Club after a long interval. Perhaps due to recent inclement weather some of the course maintenance that would normally have been completed was still being done such as sanding greens and repair and returfing in some areas, still the course was in decent condition, in particular the greens were quicker than we are used to on local courses.
A bigger than expected group turned out to play and most enjoyed the experience. The extra travel distance takes a bit of getting used to, but like most things the more you do something the easier it gets.
Scoring was very competitive today with all the winners listed doing a fine job, a few handicaps should come down as a result, in particular Bil Richardson and Sean Murphy could be facing a serious cut. Some scores that normally would be in the winner’s circle today didn’t even rate a mention. All the near pins were taken going to newcomer Tim Duffy, Les Cobban and Paul Smith as usual, and one to Michael Brett.
The course has been booked for the next two months so it will be interesting to see who will front up, we expect the course will undoubtedly be in better shape on our next visit.
The issue of which tees to play from is becoming a thorny issue with a variety of opinions being offered, a decision on this issue is imminent with an offer of take it or leave it coming very soon.
Wednesday, November 26th
Pleasant Valley
1st Keith Norman (18) 41 points
2nd Sean Murphy (21) 35 points
3rd Michael Brett (18) 33 points
Near pins, Derek Riordan, Michael Brett, & Colin Greig X 2.
We always view a game at Pleasant Valley with a bit of trepidation. A busy course most of the time even in low season, the issue is compounded by allowing groups of six or more, we have seen as many as twelve on one hole in the past. Getting stuck behind such a group takes all the enjoyment out of the game. Today was better in the sense that we were not behind a sixball, nevertheless with the course crowded it was a slow round again.
The course was in very nice condition with just one area a bit soggy. The wind was up again today and as usual it felt like it was against us most of the day.
An exceptional round from Keith Norman saw him take first place with forty-one points and stretch his already unassailable lead in golfer of the month. Also in rare form recently Sean Murphy took second a full six strokes back with Michael Brett bringing up the rear
All the near pins were taken as listed.
Thursday November 27th
Kabin Buri Sports Club
Three man ambrose.
1st Team Bil Richardson, Paul Smith, & Keith Norman Net 59
Runners up Team Colin Greig, Gary Smith, & Brendan Harnett Net 62.
Near pins, Jay Babin X 2 and Sean Murphy X 2.
An eventfull first day of our trip to Kabin Buri where two players scheduled to join us never made it to the venue necessitating a complete revision of the groups. The Kabin Buri Sports Club course was in excellent condition but a strong wind added to the challenge of the course. This didn’t seem to matter as evident from the scores, which were very good by any measure. Two players, Sean Murphy and Jay Babin dominated the near pins taking two each. Today was the first game for Jay in several months, clearly he hasnt lost his touch.
Friday, November 28th
KBSC
1st Keith Norman (18) 35 points
2nd Robby Watts (12) 33 points
3rd Michael Brett (18) 32 points
Near pins Colin Greig, Sean Murphy, & Alan Sullivan X 2.
Another very windy day in Kabin Buri for the second game of our trip where we played a regular stableford round. We had yet another member depart early morning for personal reasons. To keep it inreresting we mixed up the groups where ever possible trying not to have the same people playing together. Keith Norman couldnt stop winning this week and did it again today with thirty- five points, needless to say he also won golfer of the month by some margin. Second place went to Robby Watts with thirty-three points. A case of what might have been for third placed Michael Brett with four wipes in his round of thirty-two points. All the near pins were taken, once again we had a multi winner in Alan Sullivan who took two, the other two went to Colin Greig and Sean Murphy.
Kabin Buri is a very pleasant destination for a short away trip with a nice hotel to accommodate us in Serenity Resort and Spa and a challenging golf course always in great condition. Most if not all enjoyed the trip and are looking forward to our next one where ever and when ever that may be. A few nice options are being looked at so stay tuned.
We have finally reached agreement on which tee from which we should play, we decided that in an ageing society we should move forward to the tee in front of the one from which we have been playing for years. The option still remains for a player to move to the red tees by forfeiting one stroke should he/she decide they might not be able to make a particular carry. This means that most if not all should enjoy their golf more.
Winner at The Vintage Paul Smith
Keith Norman, winner at Pleasant Valley, Kabin Buri, and golfer of the month.