Some Fireworks, but Many Damp Squibs’

November 5th, as all Brits know, is the day to celebrate the death of a certain Guy Fawkes with fireworks and bonfires. A day at Bangpakong Riverside is restful by comparison and the course was the venue for the Pattaya Links Golf Society as eleven groups took the trip up Highway 7.

The weather conditions were marvellous with the usual fresh breeze in attendance and the course was at its pristine best with well grassed fairways and quick and consistent greens. The only drawback was that a full course restricted progress and the later groups, the final one in particular, spent four hours and fifty-five minutes toiling throughout the hottest part of the day. The large field was divided into two divisions, cut at sixteen and under.

In the second flight there was some hint of sparkle with Matt Doyle in fourth, losing on countback to a rejuvenated Tony Browne on 36 points. Countback also ruled in favour of John Hughes for the top prize as Pierre Zbinden took second with 37 points also.

There were more fireworks than squibs in the top flight as the day’s low marker Tony Inman (handicap 2) beat Stuart Connell on countback for fourth with 37 points. Liam Bennett went one better in third with 38 points but Paul Smith’s best gross of 72 was enough to give him 39 points for a fine runner-up finish.

The winner, and consequently the Green Jacket recipient, was Paul Stewart with 41 points.

The best front nine consolation award went to Michael Stafford with 19 points and the back nine award went to Ken Page after a splendid 23 points on the run in.

The near pins were in two flights and the winners included Keith Buchanan (7), Matt Cronin (7), Stuart Connell (16), Tony Browne (13 and 16) and Lee Cobban (4 and 13).

Winner …”A” flight……..Paul Stewart (16)… ………..41 pts

2^nd Place……………………Paul Smith (3)……………….39 pts

3^rd Place…………………….Liam Bennett (5)……………38 pts

4^th Place…………………….Tony Inman (2)………………37 pts c/back

Winner…”B” flight……..John Hughes (19)……………37 pts c/back

2^nd Place……………………Pierre Zbinden (21)…………37 pts

3^rd Place……………………Tony Browne (18)……………36 pts c/back

4^th Place……………………Matt Doyle (19)………………..36 pts

Best Front Nine ( non winners)…………Michael Stafford……19 pts

Best Back Nine (non winners)…………..Ken Page……………23 pts

In deference to the absentees at the presentation Mr Maurice held back the wig and silly hat for a later time. But be warned, the fuse is already lit!

So ended a long day in the sun at Bangpakong, but it was infinitely better than shivering in the UK, trying to avoid idiots with pockets stuffed with gunpowder.

SIGNUP

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