Captain Leads the Field at Bangpra

The Pattaya Links Golf Society started the day at the Links, in the middle of a very wet week, silently praying that the golfers would be able to enjoy a full day’s golf at Bangpra. Course conditions had prevented the group from playing there for almost a year but news of improvements had drawn them back.

Indeed the course was in good condition and the greens were much better than expected even though they were very “grainy” with slow uphill putts and the need to apply the brakes putting down to the pin.

Pleasantly, the field of thirty two golfers got underway earlier than booked and the course was relatively empty. High humidity and thunder rolling not too far away made for a tight contest for the two flights, cut at fourteen and under.

In the top flight only one point separated the top four golfers with countback inevitably being used. Thus fourth place went to Danish golfer Gerner Lykke on 37 points with Petur Peturssen holding down third on the same score, leaving Les Cobban in second by virtue of his better back nine.

The winner on 38 points was Wayne Peppernell and it was fitting that the PLGS “Captain” took the Green Jacket for a fine performance.

The second flight was almost as close with fourth place going to Jesper Hansen on his return with 31 points, a couple behind Greg Gawron on 33. In second place was a delighted Micky Tighe who took the honours from Greg on countback.

The flight winner was Richard “Banjo” Bannister who was also making a return visit and his solid golf pedigree gave him a winning score of 36 points.

Near pins went to Barry Wellings (2, 8), Pete Seil (12)a nd George Muller (17) on a day when the shortest par three was about 170 yards.

The best front nine consolation went to Ryan Thomas (19 points) and compatriot Tip Briney took the back nine award with 18 points.

 “A” Flight (0-14)

1^st  Place – Wayne Peppernell (14 ) -38 pts

2^nd Place – Les Cobban (9) -37 pts c/back

3^rd Place – Petur Peturssen (6) – 37 pts c/back

4^th Place –  Gerner Lykke (14) – 37 pts

“B” Flight (15+)

1^st  Place – Banjo Bannister (16) – 36 pts

2^nd Place – Mickey Tighe (33) – 33 pts c/back

3^rd Place – Greg Gawron (19) – 33 pts

4^th Place –  Jesper Hansen (16) – 31 pts

Bart Bingham was awarded the “silly hat” prize for the second successive time as his front nine of 6 points was poor by anyone’s standards and the “wig” went to Paul Stewart who struggled all day to record a point a hole.

And the rain? It never arrived, making the day complete for all the golfers. Meanwhile, back in Pattaya…