Monday October 13th
Mountain Shadow
Break out the champagne, Jimmy is back. After about six months out for back surgery, Jimmy Carr made a triumphant return to the Bunker today, well a triumphant return in the sense that an octogenarian can return to golf after a six month layoff following major back surgery. Is there no limit to what this man is capable of? His exploits off the course are legendary.
Today’s game began with a wait for carts, surprising given the course didn’t seem particularly busy. Early in the round light rain began falling off and on until the tenth hole when it bucketed down necessitating a run for shelder. After about forty minutes delay and with no apparent break in the weather the game was abandoned. Had we waited another fifteen minutes we would have been able to resume play. This was the first time this year that we had to abandon play.
Wednesday October 15th
Burapha.A & B
1ST Sam Gershon (20) 39 points
2nd Alan Sullivan (16) 35 points
3rd Colin Greig (15) 33 points
Near pins Colin Greig, & Alan Sullivan X 3.
A long and trying day at Burapha today for our last round there before high season pricing kicks in making this course off limits for us.
Our round began in bright sunshine which was nice given the amount of rain that has fallen around Pattaya in the last few weeks.We got through the front nine with relative ease despite the wet ground with no run on the fairways.By the thirteenth hole rain started falling in ever increasing intensity. Thunder and lightning was all around so it was only a matter of time before the siren sounded forcing everybody to rush to the “assembly area” at the end of the tenth hole. A delay of over one hour was forced upon us and even if we wanted to pull stumps at that stage we were not allowed until the marshal gave the go ahead, so we finally got the round finished.
Conditions were very challenging with all our gear wet, the ground sodden,and bunkers full of water, nevertheless, we soldiered on to the end.
Under the circumstances a winning score of thirty-nine points from Sam Gershon was exceptional, we may need to review his handicap after this. Alan Sullivan might have reasonably expected to win with thirty-five points in the conditions, alas he had to settle for second place. He did however excel on the par threes taking three near pins. Colin Greig took third with thirty-three points as well as the remaining near pin.
Friday, October 17th
Bangpakong Riverside
1st Michael Brett (17) 38 points
2nd Sam Gershon (19) 38 points
3rd Walter Baechli (20) 32 points
Near pins. Walter Baechli, & Michael Brett.
Following two days of rain interrupted golf this week it was nice to play in bright sunshine on a course in pristine condition as always. Pick, clean, and place was implemented from the start due to recent rain, however it turned out to be not necessary as carts were allowed on the fairways, and there were few if any mudballs. The wind was blowing as it usually does at Bangpakong.
For the most part the pace of play was good up to the closing holes when we ran up against the ubiquitous Thai six-ball.
Looking likely to go back to back with twenty-one on the front nine Sam Gershon just missed out on countback to Michael Brett, both with thirty eight points. Also a countback was required to separate Tony Robbins and Walter Baechli for third place with the latter taking it. Only two near pins were taken going to Walter and Michael.
Numbers have been down on what we expect for this time of year, however we expect that to change on Monday where most peoples favourite course , Greenwood is the venue. We also have Crystal Bay and Treasure Hill listed for next week.
Jimmy Carr made a welcome return to the Bunker.
Sam Gershon, winner at Burapha.
Winner at Bangpakong Riverside, Michael Brett.
