Tom A Runaway Winner at Big Navy

Today a smaller than usual field to take on the Plutaluang Royal Thai Navy Course. There are four nines here and no matter which combination we are allotted, there is plenty of variety and challenges.

The weather was warm, and the East and South courses were in very good condition, all ready for our 27 golfers to take them on. Somewhat surprisingly, even though there has been no rain around, there was little run on the fairways, maybe the sprinklers again.

The main talking point was the thick bladed grass in front of the greens, where the ball became imbeded at times. However, once on the green it was found to be a very good putting surface, attested to by Tom Herrington who, according to his group, made it look easy.

If you can putt well you are likely to wear the Green Jacket, as Tom did today.

He very comfortably won “A” flight ( 0-18) with a great 39 points, well clear of Steve Doris on 35 points and Maurice Roberts filling third spot with a nice 34 points.

Mike Tottenham doesn’t get to play a lot, but when he does he usually seems to be in the results somewhere. He has also had a clear win to take out “B” flight (19+) with 36 points, three ahead of John Chelo and Iain Jones who both scored 33 points. John’s better back nine got him second place.

Some sad news is that Capt. Wayne Peppernell had to retire hurt after injuring his wrist. Hoping he gets back quickly.

Near Pins: David Decaminda, Tip Briney, Paul Gill, Phil Davies

 “A” Flight (0-18)

1^st  Place – Tom Herrington (15 ) -39 pts

2^nd Place – Steve Doris (14) -35 pts

3^rd Place – Maurice Roberts (12) – 34 pts c/back

“B” Flight (19+)

1^st  Place – Mike Tottenham (20) – 36 pts

2^nd Place – John Chelo (19) – 33 pts c/back

3^rd Place – Iain Jones (22) – 33 pts

Best Front Nine ( non winners) – Bill Copeland…16 pts

Best Back Nine ( non winners) – Gordon Loviolette…18 pts

At this course, the caddies sometimes get a bad rap, either there isn’t enough of them or they are not trained well. Speaking to one of the groups over drinks, they were all very happy with their, smiling, friendly caddies today..  Some good news there.

The “silly hat” for the worst nine hole score went to Paul Gill for his 7 points on the East course.

The ‘wig’ for the worst score of the day went to Stuart Kidd.

Plutaluang is not everyone’s favourite, but with the course in very good condition and at a reasonable price, worth a try. We are booked in for February so check the Links website or the noticeboard in Links bar.