Eleven Buriram Golf Society members set off early on Monday, January 25, bound for Khon Kaen and a “relaxing” couple of days golf.
The first destination was the picturesque Ubol Rutana Dam Golf Course which I have waxed lyrical about in a previous report. I love this course and would never tire of playing it.
Just a quick reminder, beautifully tree-lined, generous fairways, picturesque water hazards and very well-maintained greens. Just like playing a top-quality English park course on a perfect summer’s day.
The group was divided into a three-ball and two four-balls for the stableford competition.
Despite playing shortly after a three-hour journey, the scoring was remarkably good. The players all played off their society handicaps and Peter Dempsey came in third with 31 points, second was the very consistent Kade Robertson (7 handicap) with 35 but the winner was former captain Tony Murphy with an outstanding 37 points.
There were nearest- the- pin prizes on two holes but unbelievably only Graham Dresser managed to hit a green !!(modesty prevents me from mentioning that it was a very sweetly-struck 9 iron into the wind !)
After a refreshing beer, the players made the fairly short journey into Khon Kaen to check into the Boss Grand Tower Hotel. Again, I can only reiterate that this hotel is superb value at 399 bht per room.
Feeling refreshed and rested after a shower and a change of clothes, the party made their way to the nearby entertainment centre of Khon Kaen for food and drinks. Some settled for reasonably priced western dishes at a welcoming bar while others went for a more upmarket Belgian restaurant. Both did the job.
Moving on to an adjoining bar which had an excellent jukebox, Peter Dempsey entertained both us and the locals, singing along to his Roy Orbison favourites.
That evening merely confirmed what we already knew, Peter does NOT need a microphone when singing back in Buriram !
As the evening wore on, the party gradually thinned out but several diehards made it to midnight.
As the group assembled early next morning, there were a few looking a little worse for wear but everyone was looking forward to the second round at Dancoon Golf Course.
After eating breakfast, eventually, the players assembled on the first tee and they again went out in a three and two fours but in reverse order according to the first round scores.
The course was in superb condition, the best I have seen it. Once again there were some outstanding scores . Colin Bradwell came in third with 28 points, Kade second with 34 points (including an eagle on the last) but the clear winner was Alex Low with a superb 38 points.
There were two nearest-the-pin prizes won by Colin Bradwell and Rod Young.
That left the final standings as follows:-
1. Kade Robertson 69 points.
2. Alex Low 61 points
3. Colin Bradwell 54 points
A great effort by Kade to retain his On Tour trophy and it’s going to take some getting off him.
Following the presentations the party split up. Some returned home while eight returned to Kohn Kaen to check into the Sf Biz Hotel (Boss Grand full).
This is another quality hotel albeit a little more expensive at 750 bht per room, though I believe there are cheaper rooms available.
Again, a pleasant evening was had by all. It has to be mentioned that Alex celebrated his outstanding day on the golf course by giving a more than passable rendition of John Cleese’s famous Ministry of Silly Walks. Memorable, though maybe not quite so much in Alex’s case !!
Next morning, after breakfast in the hotel, the remaining eight set off to the nine-hole Sriburiruk Golf Course situated close to Singha Park. This is a delightful little course with superb fairways and good quality greens. Only downside are the bunkers but this course is well worth a visit.
The quality of the golf was not quite as good, with two nights of Khon Kaen’s hospitality taking its toll !!
Next it was time to head home and a somewhat tired group of finely tuned athletes stumbled into Paddy’s Irish Bar for one last drink.
Thanks to Colin for his organisation but more importantly thanks to EVERYONE for making it a thoroughly entertaining trip. Great golf courses, PLENTY of laughs and not one cross word in nearly three days speaks for itself.
Roll on the next one !