Tommy on Fire at Riverside

Bangpakong Riverside Golf Course was looking magnificent as we walked out from the clubhouse. From the steps is a green panoramic view where we can see multiple fairways and swaying palms on this almost flat course.

The day started out quite hot and with a large dark cloud hanging overhead. By about half way a breeze had picked up and then, near the end of the round, that cloud moved in, threatening rain, but we stayed dry.

Thirteen golfers made the trip today as some others were resting up ready for the 3 day trip to Soi Dao starting the next day. We had only one four-ball ahead of us as the course was very quiet, although a few more locals arrived well after we had teed off.

Scoring is usually very good at this course so, to make things a little more difficult, the white tees were well back on many holes and the greens were slower than we would normally expect.

None of this bothered Tommy Marshall as he turned in a masterful display off his #5 handicap. His score of 40 points and best gross of 73 gave him a good win and the Green Jacket.

Tommy’s playing partner, Peter Lacey, scored well with 38 points which took his handicap down by one shot, just in time for Soi Dao.

Paul Durkan, now also playing off a #5 handicap, posted 37 points to beat the veteran, Barry Oats, on a very close countback.

Our first group, a three-ball, nearly set a new land speed record, completing the round in 2 hours 45 mins. Moxey was quite indignant when asked which holes they had skipped.??

With so few in numbers we had to leave the ‘near pins’ in the cupboard and have just three placings.

Winners at Bangpakong

1^st  Place – Tommy Marshall (5 ) – 40 pts

2^nd Place – Peter Lacey (11) – 38 pts

3^rd Place – Paul Durkan (5) – 37 pts c/back

Most golf Societies are low on numbers for obvious reasons, but we expect to have a boost of at least another twelve players after those trippers return.

Those who didn’t play today missed out on the very tasty meatballs with potato and gravy, which was Joy’s after game meal.