A large contingent of 21 golfers had an overnight trip to Korat this week with rounds at Korat Country Club and Suranaree Golf Course (army base). The weather was hot with little breeze which was ok until late in the second day’s round when people started to tire badly. Korat CC is fairly straightforward with lovely grassy wide fairways and fast greens while Suranaree is shorter (6064 yards against 6464) but has teeth! Lots of water to carry or avoid and springy couch grass rough combined with fast greens and trees in all the right/wrong places – scores certainly supported this comparison. Note that Khao Kradong is 6240 yards and, of course, has its own watery and leafy teeth.
Many thanks to Ryans Resort and the Leelawadee Bar in Prasat as well as Paddy’s Irish Bar, the Society’s home base, for their donation of prizes. An international field of one Swede, one Yank, one Kiwi, six Aussies, ten Brits and two Scots battled to get their name inscribed on the very attractive tour trophy. Greg ‘Busyman’ Miles (pseudo Aussie-Kiwi) was unbeatable with 39 points at Korat CC and another 29 at Suranaree for a record total of 68 – 15 better than the last Korat winning score. Magnus Sundgren and CEO Peter Dempsey both played well on the first day with 36 and 34 points respectively but couldn’t keep up with the Busyman on day two, scoring only 10 and 24 respectively. Colin Bradwell was Mr Consistent with 31 and 29 points to take out second place overall on 60 points, just pipping Peter Dempsey on 58 – wiping the last three holes really hurts hey Pete?
Of the many highlights, John Upex’s eagle on the par five 11th hole at Korat was number one – an easy pitch from 120 yards. Peter Bourne (The Sailor) won the coveted NAGA (not a golfer’s a…hole) award with 33 points on a countback and was delighted with his prize of a bottle of whisky. Rod Young played poorly at Korat for 16 points after a big night at his bar but an early night in Korat saw him recover for a top score of 33 on day two. Tommy Jackson took a strong liking to the wide fairways at Korat and also putted well for his best ever score of 27. He followed up with a respectable 17 at Suranaree so was happy with his effort, especially after winning a large Leo from Lindsay.
New Society members Martin (48), Mike Pickard (33), Roger Ribbins (41), Iain McRobbie (41) and Keith Wood (49) enjoyed their outing though scores were on the low side – Keith was steady with 26 and 23 while Martin would have been happy with his 32 on day one and a little disappointed with 16 on day two. Aussies Mike and Kevin played for handicap only but showed they have plenty of ability. Kevin had a great day at Korat – 39 points off a notional handicap of 19 despite a nine on a par 3 (he blamed his caddy for underclubbing him after sending three balls to a watery grave).
Colin’s devoted assistant, Dave Griffin, and our sole international touring player John Upex proved they can play with 55 points each after two very good rounds. Not sure it’s wise to call the handicapper a burglar but ….. Tony Murphy and Alex Low now share that title by playing brilliantly for 51 points apiece – Alex was consistent with 27 and 24 while Tony preferred Korat where he scored 33 on day one. The Captain (aka Neil Cameron) came home strongly with 26 points at Suranaree for a respectable 45 point total. Peter Thripp came in with 44 points despite his Suranaree caddy who lost his club cover, ran off constantly with his clubs and annoyed him the whole way around the course.
A big thank you from everyone to Tour Manager Colin who once again had everything organised well (with plenty of good advice from his assistant, Dave). Makes life easy for our otherwise very disorganised rabble.
A big welcome to the Society’s latest sponsor – the Relax Corner massage salon – operated by Busyman and his lovely partner New who learnt her trade over seven years in one of Phuket’s most popular salons. Relax Corner is on the side road to Big C opposite the I-Mobile Stadium and next to the former Green Tree restaurant. New and her staff offer an extensive choice of massages as well as manicures and pedicures at excellent prices.
Full Scores
Greg Miles – 39/29 (60)
Colin Bradwell 31/29 (60)
Peter Dempsey – 34/24 (58)
John Upex – 30/25 (55)
Dave Griffin – 33/22 (55)
Tony Murphy – 33/18 (51)
Alex Low – 27/24 (51)
Rod Young – 16/33 (49)
Keith Wood – 26/23 (49)
Martin – 32/16 (48)
Magnus Sundgren – 36/10 (46)
Neil Cameron – 19/26 (45)
Tommy Jackson – 27/17 (44)
Lindsay Warden – 25/18 (43)
Roger Ribbins – 28/13 (41)
Iain McRobbie – 19/22 (41)
Mike Pickard – 18/15 (33)
Peter Bourne – 21/12 (33)
Playing for new handicap only:
Kevin – 39/22 (61)
Mike – 32/11 (43)
Nearest The Pin:
Korat – Keith Wood and Dave Griffin
Suranaree – John Upex and Kevin
Best Score at Suranaree – Rod Young 33
NAGA Award (last place) – Peter Bourne 33