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  1. Bunker Boys Golf Report for the week commencing Monday March 20th

     

    Monday, March 20th

     

    Pattavia

     

    1st Niall Glover (14) 39 points

    2nd Geoff Parker (19) 37 points

    3rd Kob Glover (15) 36 points

    4th David Mc Feely (24) 35 points

    5th Ross Schiffke (21) 35 points

     

    Near pins Kob Glover, Ross Schiffke, Brett Chan, & Paul Smith.

     

    The second game of the month at Pattavia where a field of nineteen participated. Our numbers are holding up well despite several departures in recent weeks. Just like the last visit, the course was rock hard and bone dry with the grass well and truly brown by now. There was even a slight shower during the game which made little difference. They have allowed the grass to grow up a little on the greens in order to slow them down which presents a different problem with grain being more pronounced.

     

    Scores were very good for those in the winner's circle. Niall Glover who a few weeks ago played off a twelve handicap took first place with thirty-nine points off a fourteen handicap, he should be back down again shortly. Geoff Parker is enjoying a new lease on life with a second placing with thirty-seven having lost a couple of strokes to handicap. Kob Glover has managed to get her handicap down to fifteen and still remains very competitive taking third place with thirty-six points. In only his second game of the year, David McFeely edged out Ross Schiffke from fourth place on countback. As usual, all the near pins were taken with one each going to Kob Glover, Ross Schiffeke, Brett Chan  (by a whisker), and Paul Smith.

     

    The hectic days of the high season are now behind us with many courses no longer busy, with a bit of luck we might see more competitive pricing starting to take effect so we may be able to return to a more diverse playing roster.

     

    Wednesday, March 22

     

    Greenvalley

     

    1st Billy Shepley (9) 38 points

    2nd  Bil Richardson (17) 38 points

    3rd Carlos Aguirre (21) 37 points

    4th Paul Smith (5) 34 points

     

    Near pins Geoff Parker, Paul Smith, Gerry Cooney, & Kob Glover

     

    We begin today's report with some excellent news, Robby Watts has successfully undergone hip replacement surgery in his native Melbourne and is already up and about, we look forward to him having a speedy recovery and getting back on the golf course mid-year. No doubt he will take some stick on his return and I don't mean a walking stick. In further medical news, Colin Greig has undergone knee replacement surgery and is also in recovery mode. The bad news for both is a cut of several strokes in handicap due to using artificial aids. Another in rehab is Keith Norman who is currently not playing due to a back injury, what is happening to the Bunker Boys?  they are all falling apart, one way or another.

     

    Today we were scheduled to play St Andrews but due to a competition being held there we were switched to the Greenvalley course which made many very happy, some have difficulty wrestling with the St Andrews course and find it quite difficult. A walking fee of nine hundred baht made the change all the sweeter, the all-in fee is less attractive at seventeen hundred baht.

     

    A blustery flukey wind blew all day and made for tricky playing conditions. As with most courses now Greenvalley was very dry with lots of run on the fairways and very quick greens. Despite that those in the winner's circle acquitted themselves very well. Top position went to Billy Shepley with thirty-eight points beating Bil Richardson into second place on countback. Another new face on the leaderboard Carlos  Aguirre took third place on thirty-seven points while Paul Smith brought up the rear with thirty-four points in fourth place. To everyone's relief, the thirteenth hole which nobody seems to be able hit in recent visits was won today, Gerry Cooney did the business, the other near pins were won by Kob Glover, Geoff Parker, & Paul Smith.

     

    With the recent untimely passing of Doug Philpott our webmaster, our website has fallen into neglect. We are currently wrestling with either finding a suitable replacement for Doug or simply closing down the site. We would appreciate any feedback from the membership or indeed any others who used to visit the site for their golf news, please feel free to submit your thoughts for consideration. The Bunker Boys' playing schedule and weekly reports can be found on Pattaya Mail, Pattaya Sports Club, or Facebook.

     

    Friday, 24th March.

     

    Crystal Bay C & A.

    1st Jimmy Carr (21) 38 points

    2nd Bil Richardson (16) 35 points

    3rd Kob Glover (14) 35 points

    4th Carlos Aguirre (21) 34 points

     

    Near pins Gary Smith, Les Cobban, & Bob Mulholland.

     

    The Crystal Bay course was pretty much what you would expect from a neglected course. The irrigation system seems to have packed up completely so fairways were dry as a bone, rock hard, and bare in many places. The greens were deceptively slow despite looking slick. As ever bunkers were neglected and dead trees could be seen all around. It would be a shame if this course closes as the layout is excellent.

     

    With so many departures lately our numbers are definitely back down to low season levels, with sixteen today. The game was played at a decent pace with everybody back in the clubhouse by 3.30 pm. Jimmy Carr had a very good day with a top score of thirty-eight, his twenty-one handicap will receive a haircut for next week's games. Bil Richardson took second on countback from Kob Glover, both with thirty-five points. Carlos Aguirre had some wretched luck with some impossible lies on the back nine after a very solid front nine, he finished in fourth place with thirty-four points and looks a much better player than his twenty-one handicap suggests. Strangely nobody hit the green on C4 so only three near pins were taken going to Gary Smith, Les Cobban, and Bob Mulholland.

     

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    Winner at Pattavia Niall Glover.

     

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    Winner at Greenvalley Billy Shepley.

     

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    Winner at Crystal Bay Jimmy Carr.

     

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  2. Bunker Boys Golf Report for the week commencing Monday March 13th

     

    Monday, March 13th

     

    Khao Kheow A & C

     

    1st Al Collinge (22)  40 points

    2nd Richard Benson (23) 37 points

    3rd Paul Smith (5) 35 points

    4th Kob Glover (16) 35 points

    5th Brett Chan (16) 33 points

     

    Near pins Jimmy Carr, Greg Berry, & Paul Smith X 2.

     

    Due to high season pricing, we have stayed away from Khao Kheow since the Club Championship debacle, but as low season prices start to kick in we hope to return to a more diverse playing roster which started today with our visit to Khao Kheow where we played the A & C nines. The water levels were way down in the catchments so a few good days of rain would be welcome. A little overnight rain did its part to freshen up the course which was surprisingly green.

     

    Due to roadworks on Frontage Rd after the Laem Chabang interchange people had to find different routes to the course and the one that proved quickest was from the 331 extension from the port and taking the first left turn through the business park with only a slight delay through the container storage area, a little convoluted but much quicker than the alternatives.

     

    Some very good scores were returned today, none better than Al Collinge in only his second round with the Bunker Boys he recorded a score of forty points. Second place went to Richard Benson with thirty-seven points. The only low handicapper to appear on the winner's list was Paul Smith who beat Kob Glover on countback, both with thirty-five points. Brett Chan completed the winner's list in fifth place with thirty-three points. All the near pins were taken with Jimmy Carr and Greg Berry taking one each while Paul Smith took two

     

    Wednesday, March 15th

     

    Royal Lakeside

     

    1st Gary Smith (10) 40 points

    2nd Mike Smith (19) 33 points

    3rd Faa Takumora (24) 33 points

    4th Jimmy Carr (20) 33 points

     

    Near pins Keith Smithson, Mike Lloyd, Bob Mulholland, & Faa Takumora.

     

    Today the Royal Lakeside course was very dry and with a much stronger than normal wind blowing it proved to be quite a challenge. Despite being so dry the fairways were reasonably grassed but the greens were rock-hard and proved a difficult proposition, it was difficult to hit and stick, and a few four puts were recorded. The bunkers on the course are probably the best of any course we play, impeccably raked and with just about the right amount of sand, however, a couple of pot bunkers proved to be very difficult, particularly if up close to the front of them.

     

    Only one good score to report today going to Gary Smith who won the day with forty points, an excellent score in the conditions. All the others on the winner's list had to be happy with thirty-three points and were placed as listed above. Firstimer with the Bunker Boys Faa Takumora not only got a third place, she also managed to get a near pin on the long and difficult twelfth hole into the wind. Mike Lloyd, Keith Smithson, and Bob Mulholland also got near pins.

     

    We received promotional vouchers at check-in which gives us an all-in fee of fourteen hundred and fifty baht for our next visit with an expiry date of the end of April, one might reasonably expect this type of promotion to continue through the low season as the course wasn't particularly busy today, but who knows?

     

    Friday, March 17th, (St Patricks Day)

     

    Treasure Hill

     

    1st Paul Smith (50 34 points

    2nd Neil Griffin (26) 32 points

    3rd Kob Glover (16) 32 points

    4th Niall Glover (13) 32 points

    5th Gary Smith (9) 32 points

     

    Near pins Ian Ashendeen, David Rose, Jimmy Carr, & Michael Brett

     

    On this auspicious occasion, (St Patricks Day) it was to be hoped that we didn't encounter any snakes although we know the venerable saint didn't banish snakes from Thailand as he did in the Emerald Isle. We should have had a special prize for the first person to spot one of the slithering reptiles, alas nobody did.

     

    Its an adventure getting to courses in the area, every time we go up hwy 331 there is a new diversion without any prior warning so most times people have to go way past the required course to find a U-turn and then come all the way back to the entrance again as was the case again today.

     

    The Treasure Hill course was bone dry and in desperate need of a good drenching, the grass is brown and withered, the run on the fairways was very long, and any misdirected shots ran out into trouble. As always the course proved to be very tough with low scores the order of the day. A reasonable field of twenty-three took up the challenge and only Paul Smith post any sort of decent score taking first place with thirty-four points. All the other place-getters were locked on thirty-two and placed as listed above on countback. Newcomers Ian Ashenden, and David Rose got near pins, it was up to locals Jimmy Carr and Michael Brett to keep the home fires burning with one each.

     

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    Winner at Khao Kheow Al Collinge.

     

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    Winner at Royal Lakeside Gary Smith.

     

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    Paul Smith, winner at Treasure Hill.

     

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  3. Bunker Boys golf Report for the week commencing Monday March 6th

     

    Monday, March 6th

     

    Greenwood B & C Medal

     

    1st Keith Hemmings (24) Net 71

    2nd Niall Glover (13) Net 72

    3rd Hubert Stiefenhofer (20) Net 72

    4th Graham Davis (9) Net 73

    5th Mike Lloyd (15) Net 74

    6th Bil Richardson (17) Net 75

     

    Near pins Bil Richardson, Markuu Tynell, Greg Berry, & Sam Gershon.

     

    A hot and windy day at Greenwood for the monthly medal round where we played the B & C nines. The greens on the B nine had recently been cored and sanded and were not at their best, the C nine greens were excellent as was the rest of the course.

     

    Even in March, we are still showing good numbers with twenty-five participants for the medal round, a format that is true golf but one where one bad hole can wreck your day as it did today for a few people. Scoring was respectable if not spectacular with a couple of very tidy scores at the top of the leaderboard. Keith Hemmings took first place with a very good score of net seventy-one followed by Niall Glover and Hubert Stiefenhofer in second and third on net seventy-two. One further back Graham Davis took fourth place with Mike Lloyd in fifth on net seventy-four. Bil Richardson rounded out the leaderboard with a net seventy-five and also bagged a near pin, the other three going to Greg Berry, Markuu Tynell, and a particularly close one to Sam Gershon.

     

    On the ninth hole a few people in an ambitious attempt to get closer to the green paid a visit to Elmore corner, a part of the course so named after the illustrious Ken who was prone to spend some time in that particular part of the course, down amongst the snakes and lizards.

     

    Last games of this trip for Keith Hemmings and Roger Tuohy, we expect to see Keith back again later in the year but unfortunately, Roger is not due to return till next February.

     

    Despite being a big Buddha day with holiday rates applying the course wasn't as busy as we might have expected and we were able to tee off on time and finish in about four hours. As bars in Pattaya were closed we held the presentation at the club where the restaurant staff were very helpful in staying open after their scheduled closing time to facilitate us staying on long after we should have vacated the premises, so a big thank you to them. Hopefully, most people showed their gratitude with a little tip.

     

    Wednesday, March 8th

     

    Eastern Star

     

    1st Hubert Stiefenhofer (20) 35 points

    2nd Bil Richardson (17) 35 points

    3rd Niall Glover (13) 32 points

    4th Geoff Atwell (24) 32 points

     

    Near pins Bil Richardson, Mike Smith, Gez Williams, & Puk Collinge

     

    Eastern Star was the venue for the midweek game where we had an unusually low number of nineteen, the lowest number in months, could we finally be getting back to more normal conditions? Another welcome change was the much more reasonable approach by the club with a green/caddie fee of one thousand and fifty baht and a cart fee of fourteen hundred baht for Thai residents.

     

    The course was in good condition as usual but still as difficult as ever, more so by a stiff breeze. Nobody rips this course apart and a relatively modest score is sufficient to take the chocolates. In the last week of this trip Hubert Stiefenhofer took the honours today, with an excellent back nine he pipped Bil Richardson on countback, both on thirty-five points. A total of four ended with thirty-two points with Niall Glover and Geoff Atwell taking the third and fourth places, with only an honourable mention for Alan Sullivan and Kob Glover. Nice to see a new lady join today, Puk Collinge who took a near pin, the other three going to Bil Richardson, Gez Williams, and Mike Smith.

     

    After the game, the pro shop did some great business with a sale of some very nice colourful golf shirts at surprisingly reasonable prices. It feels like Eastern Star has undergone a major shift in attitude towards golfers and is now one of the more pleasant courses with which to deal.

     

    Friday, March 10th

     

    Pattana A & B

     

    1st Brett Chan (18) 40 points

    2nd Paul Smith (5) 39 points

    3rd Jimmy Carr  (19) 38 points

    4th Michael Brett (18) 37 points

    Near pins  Brett Chan, & Paul Smith X 3

     

    Despite Pattana maintaining relatively high pricing we decided to visit today after a long absence in an effort to maintain more variety in the courses we play.

     

    A most peculiar day in all sorts of ways, the oddities began at check-in where we were informed that walking was only permitted after 11.30 am, quite what happens at 11.30 still remains a mystery. One golfer quit after nine holes in sheer frustration, one forget to bring his golf shoes and played in sandals with socks, and most peculiar of all one was seen using a range finder for every shot including putting, quite absurd, but that's the kind of day it was. We were quickly reminded of yet another frustration with this course where once again the tee markers were all incorrect, with the yellows on the red tees and the whites on the yellows, etc.

     

    The course was in good shape although a bit damp in places, seems like the sprinkler system had been overused, given that we haven't had rain for a couple of months. We were able to tee off ahead of schedule and finish without hold-ups in well under four hours, some of the later groups were not able to keep up and finished much later. 

     

    Some very good scores were recorded with Brett Chan top of the tree with forty points, one ahead of Paul Smith. Jimmy Carr also had a good day taking third with thirty-nine points and Michael Brett finished fourth despite only one point from the last two holes, a case of what could have been. A bit of a conspiracy going on in the near pin department where it doesn't seem to matter how close one individual gets to the pin someone else seems to get closer as was the case again today for the second time this week. Those who did win were Brett Chan and Paul Smith who bagged three again.

     

    Last game today for Sam Gershon and Hubert Stiefenhofer both of whom we expect to see back at the Bunker in July, it seems like the pent-up demand to travel following the pandemic seems not to be abating.

     

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    Winner at Greenwood Ken Davidson

     

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    Winner at Eastern Star Hubert Stiefenhoffer.

     

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  4. Bunker Boys Golf Report for the week commencing Monday February 27th

     

    Monday, February 27th

     

    Eastern Star

     

    1st Kob Glover (17) 39 points

    2nd Raleigh Gosney (21) 34 points

    3rd Ross Schiffke (21) 34 points

    4th Keith Hemmings (25) 33 points

    5th Michael Brett (17) 32 points

     

    Near pins Paul McDonald, Paul Smith, Frazer Davy, & Michael Brett

     

    A very warm but windy day at Eastern Star for the last game of February where a field of twenty-six participated. The wind made for tricky conditions with a high number of balls finding a watery grave, resulting in overall low scores.

     

    Someone who had no trouble with the conditions today was Kob Glover who took first place with a very well-compiled score of thirty-nine points with daylight to second place. Despite dropping five strokes to handicap over the last twelve months Kob has no trouble keeping up with the pace and may indeed lose some more strokes if this form continues. Raleigh Gosney found some good form to take second place on countback from Ross Schiffke who surprised himself with a decent score after a two-month layoff due to an arm injury.   Raleigh was particularly pleased with his game today and celebrated appropriately back at the bar. Another who was playing particularly well was Keith Hemmings until he suffered a groin strain and struggled to finish with thirty-three points in fourth place. The final spot on the winner's list went to Michael Brett with thirty-two points. All the near pins were taken with one each to Paul McDonald, Paul Smith, Frazer Davy, and Michael Brett.

     

    As always on the last game of the month it was time to find the golfer of the month and to everyone's surprise, including himself it was Geoff Parker who rolled back the clock almost four years to take it with distance to second, was this just a flash in the pan or will he continue this good run of form?

     

    People are reminded to get their names in to Neil Glover for the Songkran trip to Ayutthaya, details have already been sent out and this should be a very good trip to a new venue for us, one that has already been scoped out by a group earlier this month with very favourable reviews.

     

    Wednesday, March 1st

     

    Greenvalley

     

    1st Mike Smith (19) 40 points

    2nd Paul Smith (5) 36 points

    3rd Brett Chan (18) 36 points

    4th Geoff Parker (20) 36 points

    5th Gary Smith (10) 36 points

     

    Near pins Kob Glover, Brett Chan, Paul Smith, & Michael Brett.

     

    Another slow day at Greenvalley where once again there was a long wait for caddies, three of the last group began their round without caddies who caught up on the second tee. A very hot day again with fatigue taking its toll on walkers. Another drawback of the high season apart from the slow rounds and high pricing is that late in the day there is no hot water in the showers and the liquid soap and shampoo have most likely run out, shampoo is not a problem for most who are follically challenged.

     

    Apart from today's winner Mike Smith with an excellent forty points, the rest of the winners were all grouped together on thirty-six and placed as above on countback, notably, all the Smiths were included. In a very welcome change from our last two visits where nobody was able to claim a near pin on the third par three, today somebody finally did, near pins went to Brett Chan, Paul Smith, Kob Glover, and Michael Brett.

     

    Last game of this trip for Sean Murphy and Graeme Mullins departing our shores with Neil Jones to play his last game of this tour on Friday.

     

    We understand one of the Bunker Boy's long-standing members and one of the wittiest and most popular, Ken Elmore is about to go under the knife shortly for some major surgery, I know I speak for everyone at the Bunker who wish Ken a successful operation and a speedy recovery, we all want to see Ken back in Pattaya again fit and well and playing golf again. In a prolonged struggle with this particular condition, Ken has shown great fortitude and fighting spirit and deserves to win this battle.

     

    Friday, March 3rd

     

    Pattavia

     

    1st Paul Smith (5) 39 points

    2nd Danny Miller (11) 38 points

    3rd Brett Chan (18) 35 points

    4th Gerry Swali (19) 35 points

    5th Bob Mulholland (5) 34 points

     

    Near pins Geoff Williams, Dave Cadwallader, Roger Tuohy, & Paul Smith.

     

    Curiously despite being rock hard with endless run on the fairways and greens so quick it's like putting on lino Pattavia is a favourite course for several Bunker Boys. Not quite the same conditions as the last visit, this day they slowed down the greens by letting the grass grow and a bit of watering, not quite the lottery of last time. Another very hot day, so the walkers suffered, keeping fluids up was essential, dehydration sets in very quickly and if you wait till you are thirsty to drink, then it's already too late.

     

    Playing off scratch about two months ago and now off five, Paul Smith took first place with thirty-nine points, what is going on here?  Danny Miller came second a stroke back with thirty-eight points. Brett Chan and Gerry Swali were locked together on thirty-five points and placed as listed. Bob Mulholland completed the winner's list with thirty-four points. Dave Cadwallader got a near pin as usual, same for Paul Smith, the other two went to Geoff Williams and Roger Tuohy.

     

    Next Monday's game at Greenwood being a Buddha day is at holiday rates, with Wednesday at Eastern Star and a return to Pattana on Friday after months away due to overpricing, still not cheap but better than before, it is hoped that now courses will start to return to more realistic.

     

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    February golfer of the month Geoff Parker

     

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    Winner at Greenvalley Mike Smith

     

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    Winner at Pattavia Paul Smith

     

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  5. Bunker Boys Golf Report for the week commencing Monday February 20th

     

    Monday, February 20th

     

    Greenwood

     

    1st Sean Murphy (19) 37 points

    2nd Daryl Vernon (19) 35 points

    3rd Les Cobban (12) 33 points

    4th Paul Smith (5) 33 points

    5th Keith Hemmings (26) 32 points

    6th Dave Ashman (28) 31 points

     

    Near pins Graham Davis, Sean Murphy, & Michael Brett

     

    We begin this week's report on a sad note with news of the untimely passing of Doug Philpott (Duckie) a long-standing member of the Bunker Boys community. Although never a golfer Doug was a friend to many and a loyal servant of the Bunker Boys in his capacity as webmaster for the society's line activities. Doug took up his role as webmaster due to his association with Neil Carter a fellow Canadian and our host for some years at the M Club. Doug could always be seen with a fag in one hand and a red wine in the other, he enjoyed life to the full and all that this country has to offer. Doug was a regular visitor even after we changed our home more than once and was always a welcome visitor. We mourn his passing, may he rest in peace.

     

    Back to Greenwood for the second time in a week, this time to play a stableford competition on the B & C nines. We were advised over the weekend that we were allocated only time for six groups. The course looked busy as we arrived but still no problem getting caddies which was a relief.

     

    Despite all the trepidation, we were able to tee off ahead of schedule and finish in a respectable time. Today Sean Murphy was again the winner for the second time in a week with a score of thirty-seven points, people are asking if he has a leprechaun in his bag. Daryl Vernon took second place with thirty-five points in what can only be described as a very successful visit this holiday season. Continuing on his recent good form Les Cobban took third on countback from Paul Smith, both on thirty-three points. Keith Hemmings was fifth on countback from Dave Ashman on twenty-six points. Near pins went to Graham Davis, Sean Murphy, and Michael Brett.

     

    On the way to the course, one group made a detour from hwy 331 thinking it was a shortcut to the course, it actually went all the way around the course and added about fifteen minutes to the trip, nevertheless, it was time well spent as they encountered some of the remarkable local industry in the vicinity of the course, in particular, Jimmy Carr enjoyed the educational tour of all the intensive chicken farms along the way, a sight to behold.

     

    Wednesday, February 22nd

     

    Greenvalley.

     

    1st Bil Richardson (17) 37 points

    2nd Hubert Steifenhofer (20) 36 points

    3rd Geoff Atwell (24) 35 points

    4th Mark Hayward (19) 33 points

    5th Derek Salmon (18) 32 points

    6th Michael Brett (17) 32 points

     

    Near pins Alan Sullivan, Derek Salmon & Niall Glover.

     

    With a number of departures in recent days, we thought we had seen the last of the high season numbers, how wrong we were, today we had the biggest number for years with a field of thirty-eight. At Greenvalley it was back to business as usual with a long queue for caddies, resulting in one of the latest finishes this year.

     

    A slight wind blew all day but it was still very hot at times resulting in fatigue for walkers. Many of the caddies were on their second round of the day and those that were walking were particularly tired. The course management didn't help to encourage greater use of carts with an eight hundred baht cart fee, even with a shared caddie and a cart the price was certainly no bargain and was easily rejected by most if not all.

     

    Most people had a problem with the speed of the greens today, it was difficult to hit and stick, even putting was a real challenge to most. One who didn't have a problem was the winner Bil Richardson who took first place with thirty-seven points. Fresh back from two weeks of motorcycling through Laos and looking very refreshed Hubert Steifenhofer took second place with thirty-six points. Geoff Atwell had another fine round taking third place with thirty-five points one ahead of Mark Hayward who took fourth. Derek Salmon took fifth on countback on thirty-two points from Michael Brett, the latter having a day to forget on the greens. In a remarkable coincidence, nobody took the near pin on the thirteenth just like the last time we played Greenvalley, several hit the green but found themselves off the back. The other three near pins went to Alan Sullivan, Derek Salmon, and Niall Glover, not Kob for a change.

     

    Friday, February 24th

     

    Pattavia

     

    1st Dave Galvin (24) 45 points

    2nd Geoff Parker (20) 38 points

    3rd Les Cobban (11) 38 points

    4th Mike Smith (20) 36 points

    5th Neil Griffin (27) 36 points

    6th Sean Murphy (19) 36 points

     

    Near pins Roger Tuohy, Paul Smith, Steve Evans, & Dave Cadwallader

    A most unusual day of golf in many ways today at Pattavia. where we had a customary if reluctant wait for caddies. The course was dry as a bone and those that are not enamored with the course were quickly reacquainted with the reasons why, bone-dry fairways without much grass, bare patched in many areas, greens that were ridiculously quick, and pin placements that defied logic given the slopes on the greens and their speed, blistering hot sun just added to the mix. One of the peculiarities of the day was the disparity in scoring with a crazy first-place score plus a host of good scores coupled with some of the lowest scores we have seen in a while.

     

    Having scored a remarkable forty-five points on his previous visit last year at Silky Oak, Dave Galvin repeated the feat again today, in his words "its either twenty-five or forty-five", with no in between, naturally being the generous soul that he is he rang the bell even with a full house of thirty-eight golfers, ouch!!!, cheap Charlies take note. In a rare vein of good form, Geoff Parker took second place with thirty-eight points and looks set to take out the golfer of the month trophy after about three years of absence from that position, no doubt his handicap is due for a serious haircut as well as his hip pocket. Les Cobban continued with his recent good form taking third place on countback also on thirty-eight points. A bit of a dark horse Mike Smith always seems to sneak into the winner's list as he did again today taking fourth place from Neil Griffin in fifth and Sean Murphy sixth on countback, all on thirty-six points. Near pins went to Roger Tuohy, Paul Smith, Steve Evans (particularly close), and once again Dave Cadwallader.

     

    Noteworthy events were the return to golf of longstanding member Tony Robbins after a ten-month lay-off due to an ankle problem, seems like he hasn't lost anything with a very respectable score after such a long layoff. Another peculiar day for Mark Hayward who despite a total of seven wipes still managed to amass twenty-seven points, in a case of what could have been. In a field of thirty-six, there were several scores in the very low numbers.

     

    Due to the recent passing of Doug (Duckie) Philpott, our website will be a bit neglected until we find a new webmaster, we ask for a bit of tolerance until we can find a replacement, there are other sites where results can be found such as Pattaya Mail, Pattaya Sports Club or Facebook, we are working to fill the void left by Dougs untimely passing.

     

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    Vale Doug Philpott

     

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    Winner at Greenvalley Bil Richardson.

     

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    The bell -ringing dave Galvin with forty-five points at Pattavia.

     

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  6. Bunker Boys Golf Report for the week commencing Monday January 16th

     

    Monday, January 16th

     

    Treasure Hill

     

    1st Daryl Vernon (24) 39 points

    2nd Neil Jones (26) 35 points

    3rd Craig Dows (4) 33 points

    4th Neil Hurst (9) 33 points

    5th Jimmy Carr (19) 33 points

    6th Niall Glover (12) 33 points

     

    Near pins Paul Smith, Steve Evans, Kob Glover, & Roland Davison.

     

    Back to Treasure Hill for the second time this month, in this high season of crazy pricing, some courses appear with monotonous regularity on our playing roster, hopefully by the end of the month sanity will return and we can return to the roster we have become accustomed to with courses like Bangpra, Khao Kheow, Pattaya Country Club and Pattana on our monthly schedule.

     

    Treasure Hill would not be among most people's favourite courses, although to be fair it is always in very good condition, if course management could be cajoled into removing a couple of the most offensive trees it would be a much more popular course.

     

    Overall scores were very good for this course, you rarely see anybody burn it up, unlike today when Daryl Vernon did just that with a superb round of thirty-nine points, the second big win for Daryl in recent weeks. Another in good form Neil Jones took second with a very respectable thirty-five points, a score that most days would be good enough to win at Treasure Hill. Craig Dows, Neil Hurst, Jimmy Carr, and Niall Glover were all locked together on thirty-three points and finished as listed. Good to see the prodigal son Jimmy Carr back with the Bunker Boys again, does this mean he is back to stay, we certainly hope so as he has contributed so much to the Bunker Boys over many years. Kob Glover, Roland Davison, Steve Evans, and Paul Smith all got near pins.

     

    Wednesday, January 18th

     

    Bangpakong Riverside

     

    1st Neil Hurst (8) 42 points

    2nd Daryl Vernon (23) 40 points

    3rd Kob Glover (16) 38 points

    4th Jimmy Carr (19) 38 points

    5th Mike Lloyd (14) 36 points

     

    Near pins Kob Glover, Phil Ma<deleted>er, & Neil Hurst X 2.

     

    Bangpakong is a course notorious for price gouging, hence the reason we haven't been there for such a long time. On our last visit, we were advised that our booking price was not correct and we had to pay more, that was despite our price being clearly displayed on a monitor behind the booking clerk. When this was pointed the clerk with egg all over her face conceded to our original booked price. Imagine the lost revenue from the Bunker Boys in the interval, once again the law of unintended consequences at play.

     

    Today was not a happy return to Bangpakong with the round taking about five hours and fifteen minutes to complete. This was way too long and took most of the joy out of what could have been a great day. As always the course was in superb condition, even better than before as the waste areas installed for some crazy reason have all been removed again and the course restored to its former glory. The greens had been cored and sanded some time ago and are not yet back to their best, still very good though.

     

    It usually takes a big score to win here and we had several today, none better than Neil Hurst with a superb round of forty-two points. Showing that Monday's performance was no flash in the pan Daryl Vernon went one better today taking second place with forty points. Kob Glover struck again with thirty-eight points to take third from Jimmy Carr on countback. Fresh back from the UK Mike Lloyd rounded out the scoring with a very tidy thirty-six points. Naturally, Kob Glover took a near pin with Phil Ma<deleted>er taking the long seventh with Neil Hurst taking both on the back nine.

     

    By the time we had finished this marathon, the downstairs bar had closed leaving several hanging out for a coffee, with hundreds still out on the course a big business opportunity was lost. The pro shop at Bangpakong has some of the best golfing merchandise of any course we play and although they have very expensive golf shirts they also carry a reasonable stock of stylish, colourful shirts at reasonable prices.

     

    Friday, January 20th

     

    Pattavia

     

    1st Colin Greig (15) 38 points

    2nd Alan Sullivan (12) 36 points

    3rd Ken Davidson (28) 36 points

    4th Neil Hurst (7) 35 points

    5th Niall Glover (12) 35 points

    6th Neil Jones (25) 35 points

     

    Near pins Stuart Tinkler, Craig Dows, Dave Galvin, & Colin Greig.

     

    Our second visit to Pattavia this month although very few were complaining as it's a favourite course of many. A very solid roll-up today with thirty-one players in attendance. Nothing to be said about the course that hasn't already been said. Today was the last chance to do some fine-tuning prior to the club championship next week.

     

    Some very fine scoring with only three points separating first from sixth. Head of the group with thirty-eight points Colin Greig took first place, a cut in handicap is on its way. In a rare visit to the Bunker, Alan Sullivan took second place with thirty-six points edging out Ken Davidson on countback. Neil Hurst, Niall Glover, and Neil Jones were locked together on thirty-five and placed in that order. All the near pins were taken with one each to Stuart Tinkler, Colin Greig, Craig Dows, and a sneaky one from Dave Galvin, his first appearance on the winner's sheet this visit, no doubt there will be more.

     

    In recent weeks a few players signaled their intent for the club championship with some excellent rounds, Daryl Vernon, Ken Davidson, Neil Hurst, and Colin Greig all showing up well in the lead-up. Kob Glover has gone quiet lately after a run of good scores, perhaps she is keeping her powder dry for the big one, wouldn't it be something special to crown our first lady club champion.

     

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    Daryl Vernon winner at Treasure Hill

     

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    Neil Hurst, winner at Bangpakong

     

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    Colin Greig, winner at Pattavia

     

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  7. Bunker Boys Golf Report for week commencing Monday December 26th

     

    Monday, December 26th

     

    Royal Lakeside

    1st Mark Hayward (20) 37 points

    2nd Craig Dows (5) 37 points

    3rd Michael Brett (17) 33 points

    4th Gary Smith (10) 33 points

     

    Near pins.Craig Dows, Les Cobban, Curtis Hegge, & Hubert Stiefenhofer.

     

    As always the Royal Lakeside course was in immaculate condition for the Boxing Day game where we had a good field of twenty-four. Following our last visit, many had vouchers that entitled them to an all-in fee of fourteen hundred baht which was very good value given the holiday season with courses very crowded.

     

    As the course was busy we started from the tenth tee and very quickly ran up against a five and two six balls so a slow round ensued, there was waiting time on most of what is normally the front nine. The wind swirled around from different directions and created the usual challenge, otherwise, conditions for golf were perfect.

    Scores were reasonable and a bit tight at the top. Mark Hayward made a breakthrough win today beating Craig Dows on countback, both with thirty-seven points. Also a tie for third and fourth with Michael Brett edging out Gary Smith. Near pins went to all the usual regular near pin takers, i.e. Craig Dows, Les Cobban, Curtis Hegge, and Hubert Steifenhofer, the notable absentee being Paul Smith who had an all-round bad day by his standards

     

    Wednesday, December 28th

     

    Silky Oak

    1st Craig Dows (5) 38 points

    2nd Hubert Steifenhofer (22) 36 points

    3rd Michael Brett (17) 34 points

    4th Niall Glover (11) 34 points

    5th Bil Richardson (15) 34 points

     

    Near pins Kob Glover, Bil Richardson, Michael Brett, & Craig Dows X 2.

     

    Another split round today with the main group going to Silky Oak and those that don't like it going to Bangpra where they had to endure a slow round on a very crowded course. At Silky Oak we found a course in decent condition but heading for trouble. In several areas, the irrigation system was broken and water flowed freely onto the course necessitating a free drop in those sodden areas. The greens were quite hard so it was a challenge to hit and stick on them, resulting in much chipping or putting from off the greens.

     

    Despite going O.B. twice on adjoining fairways where internal O.B. applied Craig Dows still had an excellent score of thirty-eight points to take first place. A highlight of his round was a chip-in from about one hundred out for an eagle. Hubert Steifenhofer had his best round to date and took second place with thirty-six. points. A real dogfight for third where Michael Brett took it with twenty-two on the back from Niall Glover and Bil Richardson on countback. All near pins were taken with one each to Kob Glover, Bil Richardson, and Michael Brett with Craig Dows taking two.

     

    Friday, December 30th

     

    Emerald

    1st Jay Babin (22) 38 points

    2nd Mark Hayward (20) 36 points

    3rd Gary Smith (10) 35 points

    4th Neil Jones (26) 32 points

     

    Near pins Kob Glover, Jochen Stepp, & Michael Brett

     

    The last game of the month and indeed the year was played at Emerald where we found a very busy course. For the first time that anyone can remember it was possible to share a cart as there were not enough for everyone to have their own.

     

    An all-in fee of eleven hundred baht was good value, nevertheless, several groups walked which was not a problem as the pace of play was fairly pedestrian. The full complement of Bunker Boys was on hand for this game, split rounds do very little in the way of cohesion.

     

    Much like Silky Oak, the irrigation system is breaking down and in several areas the ground was sodden

    Jay Babin took the honours today with a fine round of thirty-eight, he was at the course early and had plenty of time on the practice range to hone his skills. Mark Hayward was again in the frame and took second place with thirty-six points, a cut in handicap could be coming his way very soon. Gary Smith had thirty-five points in third place with Neil Jones rounding out the leaderboard with thirty-two points. Near pins went to Kob Glover, Jochen Stepp, and Michael Brett.

     

    We have to wait a little longer before we crown our first lady golfer of the month, Kob Glover came very close missing out by just two points to the winner Bil Richardson in a first for him.

     

    Year in review

     

    Looking back over the year that was we had a return to relative normality after two very disrupted years. Most of our regular visitors were seen back in Pattaya and playing golf again, only very few are still to return.

    Early in the year and almost without notice we relocated to our new home in Soi Buakhao at the Sports Lounge where our host Terry does a sterling job looking after all our before and after golf needs. Another major change came our way when Niall Glover took over the day-to-day running of golf from Jimmy Carr. and also booking courses from Tony Robbins. As a result, we saw several changes to our playing roster with some courses being dropped and new ones added, the overall standard of courses improved. Throughout the year we enjoyed relatively good pricing for courses up until the start of high season when some courses implemented crazy pricing, hopefully, we can get back to more normal pricing soon.

     

    A total of one hundred and fifty-eight games were played throughout the year by one hundred and seventy-five different golfers from twelve different countries, only two games were rained off.

     

     A very good year for holes in one with Travis Kim, Paul Smith, Les Cobban, and Raliegh Gosney all adding their names to the honour board. Another highlight came by way of Paul Smith who took out a record five golfer of the month trophies and eighty-six near pins. He also achieved his ambition to play off a scratch handicap at the ripe old age of sixty. Another notable achievement came by way of Kob Glover who took six strokes off her handicap to be crowned most improved player of the year. We have yet to find the club champion for the year as the event was deferred to late January to accommodate some of our overseas players.

     

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    Winner at Royal Lakeside Mark Hayward

     

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    Craig Dows took the honours at Silky Oak

     

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    Bill Richardson, golfer of the month

     

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    Winner at Emerald Jay Babin

     

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  8. Bunker Boys Golf Report for the week commencing Monday December 19th

     

    Monday, December 19th

     

    Greenwood C & B White tees

     

    1st Daryl Vernon (26) 38 points

    2nd Paul Smith (0) 36 points

    3rd Ken Davidson (28) 35 points

    4th Neil Jones (26) 35 points

    5th Gary Smith (10) 34 points

     

    Near pins Bob Innes, Luke Kuiten, Curtis Hegge, & Craig Dows.

     

    For the second week in a row, we ventured to our most distant local course Greenwood where we were allocated the  C & B nines. Today there was no problem with mud-balls, in the space of a week the course had improved remarkably and was in nice condition, the other change we noticed was an unwelcome hike in green fees, to be fair the increase wasn't too bad and the fees were comparable if not better than many other courses. A stiff breeze blew all day and kept temperatures cool, in fact, the area is experiencing much cooler temperatures than locals are used to, any visitors from the Northern Hemisphere find it balmy.

     

    A very good day for the high handicappers with three in the top four places. Daryl Vernon topped the list with thirty-eight points. A full twenty-six difference in handicap saw Paul Smith take second place with a fine round of thirty-six. Ken Davidson kept the Liverpool flag flying with thirty-five points in third place with Neil Jones losing on countback to take fourth. Gary Smith edged out Craig Dows also on countback to take fifth place. A couple of newbies Curtis Hegge and Luke Kuiten got in the action with a near pin each with regulars Bob Innes and Craig Dows taking the remaining two.

     

    With reference to Ken Davidson and Liverpool, someone recently remarked that it was so cold in Liverpool recently that people were seen with their hands in their own pockets, no litigation, please.

     

    Wednesday, December 21st

     

    Greenvalley

     

    1st Paul Smith (0) 34 points

    2nd Curtis Hegge (4) 32 points

    3rd Gary Smith (10) 30 points

    4th Bil Richardson (15) 30 points

     

    Near pins Craig Dows & Paul Smith X 2.

     

    The midweek game was played at Greenvalley in pleasant conditions, cooler than normal again and slightly windy. The course was in nice condition, but the greens proved to be a real challenge, they were as fast as anyone can ever remember for a very long time. To make matters worse some of the pin placements were evil and tested both the skill and patience of everybody. It's fair to say that nobody mastered the course today with scoring very modest at best. We are scheduled to play a round of the club championship there next month and some are questioning the wisdom of that choice given how difficult the greens are at present.

    Today we had a pleasant surprise at the course when we found the walking fee to be two hundred baht less than quoted at the time of booking, very good value indeed, what was less pleasing was the cost of a cart which was an additional eight hundred baht, needless to say, there were many walkers making for a slow round.

     

    In contrast with Monday when the high handicappers ruled the roost, today it was a complete reversal with the low handicappers dominating the leaderboard. Paul Smith was the only one to post a half-decent score taking first place with thirty-four points. In only his second game at the Bunker Curtis Hegge took second place with thirty-two points. The other Smith, Gaz took third on countback from Bil Richardson both with thirty points Only three near pins were taken with the ever-greedy Paul Smith taking two again and closing in on one hundred for the year, can he do it? Craig Dows took the other one with the easiest par three, the third not won.

     

    Another challenge for Smithy is to win golfer of the month again which would make it six for the year, it seems a long shot at this stage on current standings, but who knows? Kob Glover is currently out in front with an accumulated score that most months would be good enough to win, however, Bil Richardson is hovering just one back so it's all to play for with four games remaining, who will prevail?

     

    Friday, December 23rd

     

    Pattavia

     

    1st Dave Ashman (29) 38 points

    2nd Paul Smith (0) 36 points

    3rd Niall Glover (11) 36 points

    4th Gary Smith (10) 36 points

    5th Geoff Parker (21) 36 points

     

    Near pins Kevin LeBar, Bil Richardson, Craig Dows, & Michael Brett.

     

    It was a return to the past today at Pattavia where particularly on the front nine the greens were so quick that any putt that missed the hole had a good chance of being off the green. It was only slightly better on the back nine where the greens hadn't been cut so tight, tricky pin placements didn't help. The wind was blowing again, it feels like we are in a delayed windy season which usually comes in October.

     

    A mixed bag in the scoring department where those at the top did quite well but amongst the rest, there were some lamentable scores. In his first win for some time Dave Ashman took first place with a fine round of thirty-eight points and being the kind soul that he is got the Christmas spirit flowing back at the bar by ringing the bell, well done Dave. A logjam for the rest of the scoreboard with four all locked together on thirty-six and placed in the above order. Near pins were hotly contested and shared between Bil Richardson, Craig Dows, Kevin LeBar, and Michael Brett.

     

    An unusual occurrence on the course where  Murray Greig wiped four consecutive holes coming to the eighteenth. There he hit his regular drive so far he was left with a nine iron to the green for his second and put it three feet from the hole where of course he duly sank the putt for the only eagle of the day, you had to be there to believe it.

     

    The Club Championship is scheduled for the third week of January at Greenwood and Greenvalley so those with an eye to winning this prestigious event should be honing their game in preparation and those overseas players planning a visit to Thailand should factor in the dates in their travel schedules so they don't miss out.

    Very good news on the bell-ringing front with Geoff Parker announcing that next time he wins he will indeed ring the bell, even better Paul Smith rose to the challenge so when Geoff buys a round he will buy four more, come on Geoff.

     

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    Daryl Vernon winner at Greenwood.

     

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    Paul Smith winner at Greenvalley.

     

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    Dave Ashman winner at Pattavia.

     

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  9. Bunker Boys Golf Report for the week commencing Monday November 14th

     

    Monday, November 14th

     

    Royal Lakeside

     

    1st Keith Smithson (2) 32 points

    2nd Niall Glover (13) 32 points

    3rd Brendan Hartnett (16) 32 points

    4th Gary Smith (10) 31 points

     

    Near pins Peter Bottrell, Keith Smithson, Niall Glover, & Craig Dows.

     

    A first visit back to Royal Lakeside since high season pricing kicked in where the all-in fee was now eighteen hundred baht and the walking price was fourteen hundred baht. Those with a PSC member card got a two hundred baht discount and a voucher valid till the end of December for an all-in fee of fourteen hundred baht which is quite reasonable compared to other courses so we will return again next month.

     

    Playing off the blue tees and with a strong wind blowing conditions were difficult and this was reflected in scoring which was low by normal standards with nobody really coming to terms with the extra distance and the wind. In his first gamer back since pre-COVID days, Keith Smithson took first place on countback from Niall Glover. Also on the same score, Brendon Hartnett took third and never seems to be out of the frame. Gary Smith rounded out the scoring one stroke adrift. One near pin each to Peter Bottrell, Craig Dows, Keith Smithson, and  Niall glover

     

    The weather gods smiled on us today as threatening rain didn't come until we were back in the clubhouse. On the way back to Pattaya we ran into an enormous storm which made driving hazardous and difficult while it lasted.

     

    Wednesday, November 16th

     

    Greenvalley.

     

    1st Niall Glover (13) 39 points

    2nd  Paul Smith (2) 36 points

    3rd Gary Smith (10) 35 points

    4th Kob Glover (19) 33 points

    5th Jay Mitchell (22) 32 points

     

    Near pins Craig Dows, Bil Richardson, & Gary Smith.

     

    To our great surprise today we found the walking fee at Greenvalley was nine hundred baht as opposed to the all-in fee of sixteen hundred so many people took the opportunity to get some exercise and walk. By any measure seven hundred baht for a cart feels excessive, no doubt a more reasonable fee would have garnered more revenue for the club

     

    What started out as a very pleasant day for golf with mild temperature and no wind turned ugly by the middle of the front nine with thunder and lightning all around and intermittent rain, once heavy enough to force a quick rain break. As always the course was in good condition.

     

    In a rich vein of form recently Niall Glover took first place with thirty-nine points. Paul Smith took second place three strokes back, with Gary Smith a further stroke back in third, Gary set off in a rush with three birdies in the first six holes and twenty-three points on the front nine only to fade badly on the back. Kob Glover took fourth with thirty-three points and in a rare appearance Jay Mitchell rounded out the scoring with thirty-two points. Three near pins went to Craig Dows, Bil Richardson, and Gary Smith.

     

    Friday, November 18th

     

    Pattavia

     

    1st Brendan Hartnett (16) 35 points

    2nd Paul Smith (1) 35 points

    3rd Keith Norman (14) 33 points

    4th Craig Dows (5) 33 points

    5th Gary Smith (9) 32 points

     

    Near pins Brendan Hartnett, Geoff Williams, & Paul Smith X 2.

     

    The Pattavia course had received a lot of rain since our last visit a week ago and greened up quite a bit. Fairways were a bit softer with little or no run and mudballs were common. The greens were weird, to say the least, much slower than we are used to and had been scarified leaving virtual tramlines running in all directions making for difficult putting.

     

    Rain threatened all day and by the close of play it looked like we would get a drenching, luckily we finished just in time before it hit.

     

    Steady Eddie, Brendan Hartnett took the honours again today with thirty-five points off his very generous sixteen handicap edging out Paul Smith on countback. Keith Norman and Craig Dows also finished with the same score of thirty-three points with Gary Smith rounding out the winner's list with thirty-two points in fifth place. All the near pins were taken with Geoff Williams and Brendan Hartnett taking one each and as usual Paul Smith took two.

     

    A split round for next week with at least fourteen golfers making a flying visit to Royal Hills for two games with a further game booked for Lam Lu Ka on the return trip. Those that are staying in Pattaya are making their own arrangements with games scheduled for Crystal Bay and Mountain Shadow, two courses we haven't played for a long time so we will be interested to get their feedback on both courses.

     

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    Keith Smithson, winner at Royal Lakeside

     

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    Niall Glover, winner st Greenvalley.

     

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    Brendan Hartnett, winner at Pattavia

     

     

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  10. Bunker Boys Golf Report for week commencing Monday August 22nd

     

    Monday, August 22nd

     

    Treasure Hill

    1st Kob Glover (19) 31 points

    2nd Robby Watts (9) 29 points

    3rd Raleigh Gosney (19) 29 points

    Near pins Bil Richardson, Kob Glover, & Niall Glover.

     

    After the previous two rounds where conditions were substandard, it was nice to play a course in decent condition. The Treasure Hill course was difficult as always which was reflected in the scoring, at least the greens were nice for a change. A little wind made for even more difficulty than normal.

     

    On a day when only one player breached thirty points, it was a lady, Kob Glover who took first place with thirty-one points. On a course where he rarely has less than thirty-six points, Robby Watts took second place with a lowly twenty-nine beating Raliegh Gosney on countback. Only three near pins were taken with the Glovers, Kob, and Niall taking one each with Bil Richardson taking the third.

     

    Wednesday, August 24th

     

    Burapha A & B. White tees.

    1st Niall Glover (12) 41 points

    2nd Robby Watts (9) 39 points

    3rd Paul Smith (2) 38 points

    4th Michael Brett (15) 37 points

    Near pins Kob Glover, Bil Richardson, & Robby Watts X 2.

     

    A step up in course quality today with a midweek game at Burapha where we played the A & B nines. Once again we were tricked by the positioning of the white markers which according to the card were to be around six-thousand four hundred yards, as it turned out they were closer to six thousand yards.

     

    For the first time, the Bunker Boys played a new rule whereby mudballs were allowed to be cleaned and dropped close to where they lay without penalty. This new rule change will obviate the need to play pick, clean, and place in the future as the casual water rule will apply where appropriate.

     

    By contrast with Monday where only one player breached thirty points, only one player out of a field of twenty failed to reach thirty points today. As with the last couple of visits to Burapha scoring was of a high standard. Niall Glover took first place with a remarkable display of putting prowess with forty-one points. Two back Robby Watts rediscovered his short game to take second place with thirty-nine points. After a few months, away Paul Smith made a return to the Bunker with a solid round of thirty-eight points to take third while Michael Brett rounded out the winners circle with thirty-seven points. All The near pins were taken with one each to Kob Glover and Bil Richardson, with Robby taking two.

     

    Friday, August 26th

     

    Khao Kheow A & B

    1st Gary Smith(10) 36 points

    2nd Niall Glover (12) 32 points

    3rd Michael Brett (15) 28 points

    Near pins JJ Harney, & Paul Smith X 2.

     

    A most unpleasant day for the last game of the week at Khao Kheow where we played the A & B nines. Ominous-looking clouds turned into heavy rain on the front fine for a couple of holes only to return again on the back nine, making for very difficult conditions. Gloves and grips were wet, the course was sodden, and a bit of wind didn't help either.

     

    Scoring was very poor overall with only Gary Smith putting in a decent shift on thirty-six points to take first place. Niall Glover was a bit away from his forty-one of Wednesday with thirty-two points to take second while twenty-eight points must be an all-time low score taking third place much to the surprise of Michael Brett. Three near pins were won, one going to JJ Harney, with the other two unsurprisingly going to Paul Smith

     

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    Kob Glover, winner at Treasure Hill

     

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    Niall Glover, winner at Burapha

     

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  11. Bunker Boys Golf Report for week commencing Monday August 22nd

     

    Monday, August 22nd

     

    Treasure Hill, white tees

    1st Kob Glover (19) 31 points

    2nd Robby Watts (9) 29 points

    3rd Raleigh Gosney (19) 29 points

     

    Near pins, Kob Glover, Niall Glover, & Bil Richardson

     

    After an absence of several months, the Bunker Boys made a return visit to Treasure Hill. and for the second day in a row, we seemed to be the only people on the course. A big difference though was the quality of the course particularly the greens. After consecutive games where the greens were very substandard, it was a pleasure to play on proper greens once again.

     

    As always Treasure Hill was difficult, with trees once again causing problems. Some regard Treasure Hill as a thinking man's course, clearly not too many thinkers were present for today's round as scores were the lowest we have seen for some time. The thinking man today turned out to be a lady, Kob Glover who took first place with thirty-one points, the only one to breach the thirty mark. Robby Watts took second on countback from Raleigh Gosney, both on twenty-nine points. The Glovers, Niall, and Kob took a near pin each with Bil Richardson taking the third with one unclaimed.

     

    With more than half the month gone scores in the golfer of the month race being the lowest for some time, nobody is really staking a claim at this stage so the stage is set for someone to step up and show some form for the rest of the month.

     

    Wednesday, August 24th

     

    Burapha

    1st

    2nd

    3rd

    Near pins.

     

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    Kob Glover, winner at Treasure Hill

     

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  12. Bunker Boys Golf Report for the week commencing Monday August 15th

     

    Monday. August 15th

     

    Greenwood C & B White tees.

    1st Robby Watts (9) 37 points

    2nd Geoff Parker (20) 35 points

    3rd Paul Anderson (16) 33 points

    4th Kob Glover (20) 33 points

     

    Near pins Tony Cliff, Robby Watts, & Bil Richardson X 2

     

    A couple of very pleasant surprises to start the week at the Bunker, first, all the sick people from the past few weeks have recovered and were on board today, second, we were delighted to welcome back Gordon Melia after an absence of about three years looking fighting fit and healthy.

     

    The most distant of our local courses, Greenwood was the venue for today's game and was in good shape albeit a bit damp underfoot. Despite that, we didn't play lift, clean, and place which with the benefit of hindsight we probably should have. Just about everyone had several mudballs and some particularly bad ones turned the game into a bit of a lottery making a game of skill into a game of chance.

     

    Although not at his best today Robby Watts was good enough to take first place with a respectable thirty-seven points. An appearance by Geoff Parker at the presentation was an indication that he may be in the frame and so it turned out with him taking second place with thirty-five points, his best score for some time. Paul Anderson on thirty-three points took third place on countback pushing Kob Glover into the remaining fourth place in the winner's circle. Almost fully recovered from Pneumonia Bil Richardson showed superior accuracy to take two near pins with Tony Cliff and Robby Watts taking the remaining two. Today we bade farewell to Hubert Stiefenhof who returns to Germany to take care of some business before returning again in December,  we wish Hubert Gute Reise.

     

    A real test of ability and course management skills awaits on Wednesday with a game at St Andrew's, who is going to master this challenge?

     

    Wednesday, August 17th

     

    St Andrews

    1st Robby Watts (9) 35 points

    2nd Mashie Kaneta (18) 32 points

    3rd Gary Smith (10) 30 points

    4th Jimmy Carr (19) 30 points

     

    Near pins. Wan Miller, & Jay Mitchell

     

    Just as predicted St Andrews threw up a real challenge but not the one we were expecting. The course, normally in great condition was in the poorest state we have seen it possibly forever. Whilst the fairways were ok the greens were dreadful, bumpy in places, and unbelievably slow. It was hard to get your mind to believe that what your eyes were seeing was not true, so many puts were not just a bit short, but way short. The bunkers were disgraceful, possibly the worst we have ever seen, with no sand and full of weeds and grass, it will take a massive effort to restore them to even an acceptable level. As if the course wasn't bad enough a very strong wind blew all-day adding to the difficulty.

     

    The pace of play was fine until the back nine where we ran up against a couple of very slow groups which held us up on just about every hole, all in all, one of the least satisfying days of golf.

     

    Scoring was very substandard with most not breaching thirty points. Someone remarked that every time he saw Robby Watts he was in trouble, he must have scrambled well as he took first place with thirty-five points making it two in a row, can he do a three in a week on Friday?  Mashie Kaneta took second place with thirty-two, the Bunker Boys always seems to be a happy hunting ground for Mashie. Gary Smith took third on countback from Jimmy Carr, both on thirty points. Only two near pins were taken by Jay Mitchell and Wan Miller. There was a real scramble for one of them with at least four players a short distance from the hole which on another day would be close enough to win.

     

    Friday, August 19th

     

    Wangjuntr Golf Park Highlands Course

    1st Gary Smith (10) 36 points

    2nd Kob Glover (20) 32 points

    3rd Robby Watts (9) 30 points

     

    Near pins Gary Smith, Les Cobban, & Jay Mitchell X 2.

     

    It had been at least three years since the Bunker Boys' last visit to Wangjuntr to play the Valley Course so this time we opted for the more popular Highlands layout. which as it turned out was a mistake. Since the COVID period, it seems that far more attention was lavished on the Valley Course than the other two, consequently, the Highlands layout was in disappointing condition. Feral pigs destroyed several fairways rooting for whatever feral pigs root destroying them in the process. Worse still the greens were so bad they made St Andrews from Wednesday look good, rough, bare, and bumpy as well as variable in speed making for an odious mix.

     

    Despite the conditions, someone always shines through, and today it was the turn of Gary Smith who took first place with a solid thirty-six points. Kob Glover took second with thirty-two points and Robby Watts completing the winners circle with thirty points. All the near pins were taken with one each to Gary Smith and Les Cobban, Jay Mitchell took two.

     

    The day wasn't a complete disaster, with wildlife in abundance everywhere you care to look there was something for nature lovers if not golfers.

     

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    Robby Watts, winner at Greenwood & St Andrews.

     

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  13. Bunker Boys golf report for week commencing Monday July 18th

     

    Monday, July 18th

     

    Chiang Mai Trip.

     

    Day 1

    Mae-Jo Golf Course

    1st Hubert Stiefenhofer (14) 41 points

    2nd Robby Watts (8) 38 points

    3rd Craig Dows (4) 31 points

     

    Near pins, Robby Watts, Craig Dows, Les Cobban, & Hubert Stiefenhofer

     

    Chiang Mai is a venue that has eluded the Bunker Boys for many years so it was with great expectations that a strong group made the trip to the Northern City for a week of golf. This was not the easiest trip to organise for a variety of reasons and unfortunately, one member of the group was unable to board the plane and had to return to Pattaya, all note that even for domestic air travel within Thailand a passport is required.

     

    The first game of the Chiang Mai trip was played at the Mae-Jo Course, a layout that most described as tricky. Whilst in good overall condition there was absolutely no run on the fairways and the greens were the slowest that anyone can remember for a long time, someone described them as like putting on velcro, consequently for the most part scores were poor. This did not apply to Hubert Stiefenhofer who flew in all the way from Southern Germany to participate and top scored with forty-one points, he must have been practicing hard since our last away trip to Nakon Nayok, will he join LIV ?. Following a week off with a back injury Robby Watts took second place with a fine thirty-eight points, clearly, some Thai lady with healing hands worked her magic on his back. Another Aussie Craig Dows took third place with thirty-one points, a good couple of days for the antipodeans with Cameron Smith winning the Open at St Andrew's. All the near pins were taken with one each to Robby, Craig, Hubert, and Les Cobban.

     

    Day 2.

     

    Highlands, Chiang Mai

     

    1st Craig Dows (4) 37 points

    2nd Kob Glover (19) 29 points

    3rd Jimmy Carr (18) 28 points

     

    Near pins Kob Glover, Hubert Stiefenhofer, & Les Cobban.

     

    The Highlands course was in exceptional condition today, a big step up in quality from Monday. The greens were normal today, unlike yesterday's velcro greens.  The rough however was brutal so anybody going in there was seriously punished.

     

     The course was universally liked but off the blue tees at six thousand five hundred and thirty yards it was a serious examination of golfing ability with only Craig Dows passing the test with a fine score of thirty-seven points. A full eight strokes back to second place where we find Kob Glover on twenty-nine points with Jimmy Carr a further stroke back in third place. Three of the four near pins were taken with one each going to Kob Glover, Hubert Stiefenhofer, and Les Cobban. Without dressing it up too much Les Cobban's near pin was the shot of the day resulting in a hole-in-one, can't get any closer than that. Les is a bit of a master of this aspect of the game, his second that I recall in recent time, and also the third this year so far for the Bunker Boys. To mark this one a round of free drinks was available courtesy of club funds later at O'Malley's Irish Bar

     

    Day 3

     

    Gassan Panorama

     

    1st Bill Richardson (12) 40 points

    2nd Craig Dows (4) 37 points

    3rd David Prior (19 ) 36 points

     

    Waterworld might be a description best suited to today's course Gassan Panorama. Not only is there a lot of water on the course naturally, but heavy overnight rain meant a lot of casual water also. Whilst there was no game scheduled for today those who believe that too much golf is barely enough, a round was added at Gassan Panorama which does not count in the week's competition.

     

    The course was the most difficult so far with long water carries on most holes either off the tee or in front of greens, even both on some holes, also there was a lot of lateral water on most holes. With so much water to negotiate lost balls were common, one individual admits to eight, Geoff Parker owned up to losing ten. Sleeves of golf balls were the prizes for near pins and one winner lost a whole sleeve of brand new balls to a watery grave, ouch!!!.  A competition could have been run for the person losing the least number of balls, or maybe it should be the one who lost the most balls.

     

    As the round was not part of the week's competition no near pins were awarded today. Bill Richardson clearly found no difficulty with the course returning a card of forty points to take first place. Clearly, without the distraction of Pattaya nightlife, Craig Dows is getting plenty of sleep at night and is in good shape for golf, with consecutive rounds of thirty-seven and a three in a row in the winner's circle he certainly has his game dialed in and has his eyes firmly fixed on the prize which incidentally he had a big influence in selecting. David Prior made his first appearance in the winners circle taking third place with thirty-six points.

     

    Day 4

     

    Gassan Legacy

     

    1st Niall Glover (12) 37 points

    2nd Robby Watts (8) 33 points

    3rd Craig Dows (4) 32 points

     

    Near pins Craig Dows, Hubert Stiefenhofer, Jay Babin X 2.

     

    The Gassan Legacy Course was in nice condition with the greens the best so far this week. Once again a course with plenty of water carries,  not as much as Gassan Panorama but still enough to get people's attention. The lost ball count was way down on the disaster of yesterday so people were relieved on that score.

     

    The ever-consistent Niall Glover was today's winner with a very steady thirty-seven points. Robby Watts kept himself in the hunt for the player of the week with thirty-three points, whilst the leader for the week so far Craig Dows took third place with thirty-two points and remains two ahead of Robby in the overall standings with Hubert seven back from Craig, who will take the prize tomorrow. All the near pins were taken with Craig and Hubert taking one each and Jay Babin taking two.

     

    Day 5

     

    Alpine Chiang Mai B &C.

     

    1st RobbyWatts (8) 34 points

    2nd Alex Sala (19) 34 points

    3rd Les Cobban (8) 31 points

    4th Niall Glover (12) 31 points

     

    Near pins Niall Glover X 2, & Les Cobban X 2.

     

    The winner for the week, Robby Watts, 132 points, 2nd Craig Dows,127 points, 3rd Hubert Stiefenhofer, 123 points

     

    Despite heavy overnight rain and rain falling for at least half the round Alpine was rated the best of the week, in particular, the greens were far superior to any of the other courses played. It was disappointing having waited so long to visit Chiang Mai that the week could be dogged by bad weather.

     

    Some of the closest scoring yet today with Robby Watts edging out Alex Sala on countback both on thirty-four points. A countback for third and fourth also with Les Cobban taking it from Niall Glover.  Two near pins each to Niall Glover and Les Cobban. With Craig Dows failing to add to his score the way was open for Robby Watts to step up which he duly did with his thirty-four points to be nominated the week's winner. No doubt he will be back to the lady with the healing hands in preparation for the last week of the month to see if he can add the golfer of the month trophy to his display cabinet.

     

    Looking forward our next away trip is provisionally penciled in for September to Hua Hin with a game at Suwan on the way there. No specific week has been identified at this stage so anyone interested in joining the trip should watch this space.

     

    After a long absence of almost three years were reliably informed that one of the Bunker Boys' favourite sons Gordon Melia will pay us a visit next month, the welcome mat is already out.

     

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  14. Bunker Boys Golf Report for the week commencing Monday June 20th

     

    Monday, June 20th

     

    Khao Kheow B & C

     

    1st Keith Norman (14) 35 points

    2nd Gary Smith (10) 35 points

    3rd Michael Brett (15) 35 points

    4th Niall Glover (12) 32 points.

     

    Near pins Craig Dows, Alan Sullivan, Gary Smith, & Michael Brett

     

    A field of sixteen for the first game of a new week at Khao Kheow where we were allocated the B & C nines. The course was virtually empty so a nice quick round again. There was much work being done to the course which was already in good shape apart from tee boxes which were about the worst of any course we play, rough, full of divots, and generally, well below what is expected of a course of this standing, I guess they will get around to them when the rest of the remedial work is completed hopefully.

     

    A very tight game today with three players locked together on thirty-five points as listed and a further three all bunched up on thirty-three so a countback for every position. Remarkably with the ladies' tees over one thousand yards ahead of the men's Kob Glover didn't feature on either the winner's list or the near pins as she usually does, just a rare off day for her. Alan Sullivan took one near pin as did Craig Dows, Gary Smith, and Michael Brett.

     

    Wednesday, June 22nd

     

    Burapha A & B

     

    1st Jay Babin (22) 42 points

    2nd Jimmy Carr (18) 42 points

    3rd Craig Dows (5) 40 points

    4th Michael Brett (15) 40 points

     

    Near pins Sean Murphy, Erik Anttonen, & Keith Norman X 2.

     

    An overcast day with spitting rain just about all day for the midweek game at Burapha. Despite heavy overnight rain, the course was in superb condition to the extent that carts were allowed on the fairways. It felt like any moment we would get a drenching as thunder rumbled all around us, and there were several lightning flashes, but fortunately, the worst stayed away and we finished relatively dry.

     

    The biggest field for some time with nineteen teeing off, a very good number for low season, our new location seems to attract passers bye keen to join in. Competition for places was the keenest we have seen for a long time with no fewer than eleven golfers finishing on thirty-six or over, a very high standard, no doubt some who thought they were in with a shout didn't even make the winners list. A remarkable twenty-four points on the back nine which included a wipe on the last by Jay Babin enabled him to edge out Jimmy Carr for first place, Jay's score was all the more remarkable given he had a total of three wipes. By contrast, Craig Dows eagled the last to edge out Michael Brett. It's worth noting that Sean Murphy and Robbie Watts finished with thirty-nine points, enough to win most days with Les Cobban and Keith Norman on thirty-seven points and Geoff Parker and Kevin LeBar on thirty-six. It's also noteworthy that someone who finished in the top four lost two of the three sixes halving the other. Near pins went to Erik Anttonen, & Sean Murphy with Keith Norman taking two. The race for the golfer of the month is really tightening up with three games left in the month, so who can do the business, stay tuned.

     

    Friday, June 24th

     

    Eastern Star.

     

    1st Jimmy Carr (17) 33 points

    2nd Michael Brett (15)32 points

    3rd Niall Glover (13) 31 points

     

    Near pins Craig Dows, Robby Watts, Kevin LeBar, and Keith Norman.

     

    After an absence of almost three years for a variety of reasons, the Bunker Boys paid a visit to Eastern Star for the last game of the week. We enjoyed a much more cordial atmosphere at check-in than on our last visit, amazing what one staff change can do. Rain was falling and rainchecks were not an option so to encourage us to play were offered two hundred baht vouchers each to be used on the course or in the clubhouse.

     

    One surprise we encountered was the caddies, who were not as good as previous with many complaining they had the worst caddie ever. Bill Richardson seemed to come off worst, his caddie grounded his cart on the very first hole and there it lay stuck until another cart was found. On the second hole, his caddie nearly poked his eye out with the flagstick, not a great start to his round but like a trooper, he battled on.

     

    Unlike the remarkable scoring on Wednesday, today was the opposite with very low scores recorded. With several remarkable long putts, some from off the green Jimmy Carr managed top score with thirty-three points, one ahead of Michael Brett in second place. Jimmy did however miss a couple of short ones so it evened itself out over the course of the round. Niall Glover brought up the rear. All the near pins were taken with one each to Kevin LeBar, Robbie Watts, Keith Norman, and Craig Dows.

     

    With today's weather, we were left in no doubt who our fine weather golfers are, we even had one person who drove to the course and then decided he wasn't playing well enough to play in the rain so he simply went back home again.

     

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    Keith Norman, winner at Khao Kheow.

     

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    Jay Babin, big winner at Burapha.

     

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  15. Bunker Boys Golf Report for the week commencing Monday June 13th

     

    Monday, June 13th

     

    Muang Kaew.

     

    1st Robbie Watts (9) 34 points

    2nd Keith Norman (14) 33 points

    3rd Michael Brett (15) 31 points

     

    Near pins Keith Norman, Les Cobban, Niall Glover, & Craig Dows X 2.

     

    The more adventurous soles at the Bunker Boys made the long trip up to Bangkok to play a game a the Muang Kaew course, a first for all but Jimmy. Despite the longer distance to travel and the higher cost of the round, two thousand and four hundred baht just about everyone enjoyed the course and the day.

     

    The course, though unusual with five par threes and lots of water hazards played reasonably easy despite the scoring which was disappointing. The best of the day was Robbie Watts who despite faltering on the closing holes did enough to take first place with thirty-four points. Keith Norman made his first appearance in the winners circle in second place on thirty-three, two ahead of Michael Brett in third on thirty-one points. All five near pins were taken with one each to Keith, Les Cobban, and Niall Glover with Craig Dows taking two.

     

    The general consensus after the game was that we were glad we played the course but with the distance traveled and the all-in fees we would prefer to play Laem Chabang, a better course with less travel and at a cheaper rate on sports days.

     

    Wednesday, June 15th

     

    Greenvalley

     

    1st Niall Glover (12) 37 points

    2nd Bob Innes (24) 34 points

    3rd David Byford (8) 32 points

    4th Robbie Watts (9) 32 points

     

    Near pins Graeme Mullins & Craig Dows

     

    A more relaxed drive today for the midweek game at Greenvalley. As always the course was in great condition, although some found the greens a bit slippery, it was hard to land on a green and stay. A warm day with very little breeze made for ideal conditions and with very few people on the course, a speedy round was had allowing some plenty of time to participate in their regular post-golf activities prior to the presentation at the Sports Lounge.

     

    The ever-consistent Niall Glover took first place with thirty-seven points a full three strokes ahead of the man with the hat Bob Innes in second place. Newcomer David Byford edged out Robbie Watts on countback for third place, as is usual a New South Welshman will always beat a Victorian. Remarkably only two near pins were taken with Mullows (Graeme Mullins) and Craig Dows taking one each.

     

    Friday, June 17th

     

    Pattavia

     

    1st Sean Murphy (20) 37 points

    2nd Les Cobban (8) 37 points

    3rd Bill Richardson (20) 35 points

    4th Geoff Parker (20) 35 points

     

    Near pins Jimmy Carr, Bill Richardson, Les Cobban, & Geoff Parker.

     

    A rather unpleasant day for golf at Pattavia, a rain shower early in the round halted play for about ten minutes, thereafter it stayed fine although thunder and lightning persisted for most of the day.

     

    The Pattavia course was up to its usual standard, the greens were curious with grain appearing to have a greater effect than normal, a number of people recorded three-putts.

     

    Having started off slowly on this trip Sean Murphy is now hitting his straps and took first place today with thirty-seven points, knocking in putts from all over the place. Les Cobban who started his round in grand style with two birdies on the first three holes lost out on countback also with thirty-seven. Bill Richardson abandoned his driver in favour of a nineteen-degree hybrid off the tee still managed to outdrive his playing partners by a considerable distance and despite some indifferent putting managed to accumulate thirty-five points to take third place. Geoff Parker rounded out the scoring on the same number as Bill. All the near pins were taken, shared by Jimmy Carr, Bill Richardson, Les Cobban, & Geoff Parker.

     

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    Niall Glover, winner at Greenvalley.

     

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    Sean Murphy, winner at Pattavia.

     

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    Robbie Watts, winner at Muang Kaew.

     

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  16. Bunker Boys Golf Report for the week commencing Monday June 6th

     

    Monday, June 6th

     

    Greenwood C & A.

     

    1st Jay Babin (22) 36 points

    2nd Niall Glover (13) 33 points

    3rd Kob Glover (19) 32 points

     

    Near pins Jimmy Carr & kob Glover X 2.

     

    Millionaire golf today at Greenwood where we had the course virtually to ourselves at very favourable rates, nine fifty walking or twelve fifty all-in. Greenwood is a course favoured by most and today it was in sparkling condition if slightly wet underfoot due to heavy overnight rain. The greens had been sanded recently and were a tad slippery.

     

    A reasonable field of fourteen for this time of year so with nobody else on the course we enjoyed a speedy round. Scoring was very modest by Greenwood's standard with only Jay Babin putting in a decent show with a winning score of thirty-six points.  A family affair for second and third with the Glovers taking both, Niall coming out on top this time, however, Kob got some revenge taking two near pins with Jimmy Carr taking one other with one remaining flag going to a very worthy cause, the delinquent fund.

     

    Wednesday, June 8th

     

    St Andrews

     

    1st Mashie Kaneta ((15) 35 points

    2nd Niall Glover (12) 33 points

    3rd Jimmy Carr (17) 32 points

    4th Craig Dows (5) 32 points

     

    Near pins Niall Glover, Jay Babin, & Graeme Mullins X 2.

     

    A very respectable field of eighteen for today's game at St Andrew's, as has been said many times a good course will draw out a good number to play. The course was in splendid condition again although some did remark that they found the greens were a tad slow.

     

    As always the course was a challenge with nobody really coming to terms with it so scores were low. In another rare visit, Mashi Kaneta did a smash and grab taking first place with thirty-five points. The ever-consistent Niall Glover took second with thirty-three points with Jimmy Carr and Craig Dows tied on thirty-two points. All the near pins were taken with one each to Niall Glover and Jay Babin with Graeme Mullins taking two.

     

    Friday, June 10th

     

    Bangpra

     

    1st Niall Glover (12) 37 points

    2nd Bob Innes (24) 34 points

    3rd David Byford (8) 32 points

    4th Robbie Watts (9) 32 points

     

    Near pinsGraeme Mullins & Craig Dows.

     

    A most unsatisfactory end to the week's golf with a game at Bangpra. The course was extremely crowded and the game was played at a glacial pace. A couple of big groups of more than four players were out ahead of the Bunker Boys and ruined the game for everybody with the round taking almost five hours to complete. Under the circumstances, there was a high level of frustration with a number of players losing their concentration resulting in poor scoring.

     

    Enjoying a very good week Niall Glover was just about the only one who kept it together returning a score of thirty-seven points to take first place, his third placing for the week.  Bob Innes was three strokes back in second place. Newcomer David Byford who hails from Newcastle in NSW on debut took third place on thirty-two points. One of the longest hitters we have seen for a long time David took a fifty-six-degree wedge for his second shot on the fourth par four, an indication of just how far he hit his drives. Robbie Watts took the final place in the winner's circle also on thirty-two. Remarkably only two of the near pins were taken by Graeme Mullins and Craid Dows, surely a first at this course.

     

    Our new home at the Sports Lounge in Soi Buakhao is starting to pay dividends, almost every week we see new people joining the group having seen the signage prominently displayed outside the bar, a mutually beneficial arrangement for the bar and the Bunker Boys.

     

    We begin next week's golf with a real treat with a first-time-ever game at Muang Kaew. We had booked this course previously but due to extenuating circumstances we had a last-minute cancellation and it has taken nearly three years before we could return so we go there with high expectations

     

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    Jay Babin, winner at Greenwood

     

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    Mashie Kaneta winner at St Andrew's

     

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    Niall Glover, winner at Bangpra

     

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  17. Bunker Boys Golf Report for week commencing Monday May 23rd

     

    Monday, May 23rd

     

    Khao Kheow C & A

    1st Kob Glover (20) 38 points

    2nd Craig Dows (5) 36 points

    3rd Robbie Watts (8) 30 points

     

    Near pins Kob Glover, Les Cobban, & Paul Smith X 2.

     

    Another windy day for the first game of the week at Khao Kheow where we were allocated the C & A nines. No threat of rain today but once again just like last Friday at Royal Lakeside the wind had a big influence on the game. The course was in nice condition as we expect at Khao Kheow, even the bunkers were good today, unlike the last few courses we have played.

     

    Scores were modest today with only two golfers putting in a good effort. Kob Glover took first place with fine thirty-eight points, to be fair she only played half the course as the red tees were ridiculously far forward of the yellows, in some cases almost one hundred yards. There are at least two courses in the area where the ladies get an unfair advantage in mixed competition for the same reason. Craig Dows was next in line with thirty-six points on a day when his putter worked, it's not uncommon for Craig to three put but not today. Robbie Watts was a distant third with only thirty points All the near pins were taken with one each to Les Cobban and Kob Glover and as usual Paul Smith took two.

     

    Wednesday, May 25th

     

    Burapha A & B

     

    1st Craig Dows (5) 40 points

    2nd Michael Brett (15) 38 points

    3rd Geoff Parker (20)  38 points

    4th Les Cobban (8) 38 points

     

    Near pins Jimmy Carr, Craig Dows, Les Cobban & Niall Glover.

     

    Burapha is arguably the best value golf in Pattaya at present, an all-in fee of twelve hundred baht is a deal not to be missed. With a course in very good condition and four nines to choose from it's a golfers paradise.

     

    A nice cool breeze moderated the temperature today, without it, it would have been stinking hot, so conditions were perfect for good scoring, and that's exactly what we got with no fewer than six players better than thirty-six points. It was just a matter of time before Craig Dows sorted out his putting in Thailand and today following his second-place thirty-six on Monday he went four better today taking first place with forty points to put him in the box seat to take out his first golfer of the month trophy with only two rounds to go and some low scores to come off. A real logjam for second place with three as listed all on thirty-eight. There were also a couple of thirty-sevens so overall a very good day. Many were asking back at the bar why we don't play the course at least twice a month given the pricing and the quality of the course. All the near pins were taken with one each going to Jimmy Carr, Craig Dows, Les Cobban, & Niall Glover. In a very generous mood today for his last game of this trip Paul Smith lost all three sixes to the Aussies, seemed like a bit of a setup by the bandits from down under.

     

    Friday, May 27th

     

    Silky Oak.

     

    1st Robbie Watts (8) 37 points

    2nd Craig Dows (4) 35 points

    3rd Peter Bottrell (14) 32 points

     

    Near pins.Bill Richardson, Peter Bottrell, Craig Dows, & Kob Glover X 2.

     

    Yet another windy day for our game at the quirky Silky Oak course. None of the drama of our last visit when we had torrential rain with thunder and lightning and at least twenty trees uprooted. It was good to see that they were able to save many of the trees by severely trimming them and then propping them up in an erect position. Already most look healthy again with leaves sprouting on them. , and soon they will be ok again.

     

     Despite the quirky design of the course, everyone enjoyed the round, a few people visited the no-go areas on the course and were appropriately penalised which was reflected in the scoring which for the most part was poor, although a couple of the Melbourne mob did record decent scores. Top score of the day was thirty-seven points from Robbie Watts, In his third visit to the winner's circle this week Craig Dows took second place with thirty-five points while Peter Bottrell made his first visit to the circle to take third place with thirty-two points. All five near pins were taken with one each to Bill Richardson, Peter Bottrell, and Craig dows while Kob Glover took two.

     

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    Kob Glover, winner at Khao Kheow

     

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    Craig Dows, winner at Burapha

     

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    The Melbourne Mob L to R Craig Dows, Robbie Watts, and Peter Bottrell

     

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