Star Man Stan

For its penultimate golf day of the year the Pattaya Links Golf Society visited Eastern Star on Friday, 28th December to find a full course – yes the Koreans are back – but one in fine order with excellent greens running with pace and fairways affording a lot of run.

Thirty four golfers were divided into two flights at seventeen and under and play got underway on time from the first and tenth tees. It’s good to see some courses still appreciate the custom golf groups give them by making a potentially long day shorter by allowing a two tee start. Here is a lesson for other courses in the area.

As always Eastern Star provided plenty of challenges and scores were predictably tight and generally lower than elsewhere. In the second flight fourth place was taken by Andy Cosway with 32 points, beating Gabriel Enright on countback and one point behind third placed Mike Tottenham.

Second place went to Niall Caven who played bogey golf almost throughout, his handicap giving him 34 points. The flight winner was Irish golfer Donal McGuigan with a fine 36 points.

In the top flight Maurice Roberts’ fourth placed finish of 32 points included a near ace on the testing par three 6th hole. In third was Michael Wright with 33 points and he had the pleasure of the boasting rights over his regular jousters Phil Davies and John Doyle.

In form Colin Smith recorded 36 points for second but the surprise package was Stan Stewart who again came good with 39 points and the win.

The consolation awards went to John Harrison (best front nine, 17 points) and Len Jones (best back nine, 17 points)

Near pins: Michael Wright (3), Maurice Roberts (6), Tip Briney (13) Stan Stewart (17).

 A-Flight (0 – 17)

1^st Place – Stan Stewart (16)- 39 pts

2^nd Place -Colin Smith (14) – 36 pts

3^rd Place -Michael Wright (10)- 33 pts

4^th Place -Maurice Roberts (13) – 32 pts

B-Flight (18 +)

1^st Place -Donal McGuigan (19) – 36 pts

2^nd Place -Niall Caven (18) – 34 pts

3^rd Place -Mike Tottenham (19) – 33 pts

4^th Place -Andy Cosway (22) – 32 pts

Best Front Nine (non winners)………John Harrison………17 pts
Best back Nine 9 non winners)………Len Jones…………….17 pts

Sitting quietly at the presentation was Mickie Tighe who took delight in watching Mr. Phil go through his teasing wig routine, until the MC caught his eye and presented him with the deserved (dis)honour after his frustrating round, whilst Tip Briney’s three putts on the par three on which he registered the near pin was recognised with the silly hat.

Eastern Star in its current condition is as good a test of golf as there is in the area and the friendly welcome that always awaits groups makes it well worth the visit.