Thunder, Lightning, Rain, Low Scores

The day started as usual with many golfers coming for breakfast or just a coffee. Then an orderly boarding of buses and cars and off to Khao Kheow Golf Club.

Check-in was efficient as usual here and we were happy to pay the Sports Day price of 800 bht green fee.

As the first group, a three-ball, teed off on A1 it was noted that they were on the white tee. After some short, but lively debate between organisers, the group re-loaded and had a “take two” off the yellows.

All went well until we were into the second nine ( B course) when suddenly that black cloud become crashing thunder and lightning striking seemingly close to our groups.

Three quarters of the group behind decided to call it a day and head for the hills. The remaining member joined us to make a five-ball.

The lightning storm abated almost as quickly as it came, and our group, number five of eleven, continued on to finish the round and hit the showers.

Upon emerging from the locker room we watched as the rain bucketed down, no thunder this time, just heaps of water.

In the end, of the 42 starters we finished with 30 completed scorecards, some soggy, and the rest N/R. or lost.

Needless to say, there were no record-setting scores, but a first timer at Links, David Innes, a miner from Western Australia topped the scoring with a hard earned 36 points to take out “B” flight and the Green Jacket.

Second in that flight went to Greg Gawron on 33 points and then John Anderson scored his third 32 points in his last three games at KK.  John Chelo made up the podium with 31 points.

The best of the “A” flight was Kevin McEntee with 34 points, a very good score considering his low handicap and the trials of the day.

Ken Ishikawa, on his final game this trip, beat Paul Greaves on countback at the 33 points mark, while Connie Walsh, also heading home, rounded out the four placings with 31 points.

Near pins: No-one good enough  (A3), Ryan Thomas (A5), Derek Phillips (B3), Steve Turner (B8)

“A” Flight (0-18)

1^st  Place – Kevin McEntee (11 ) -34 pts

2^nd Place – Ken Ishikawa (17) -33 pts c/back

3^rd Place – Paul Greaves (16) – 33 pts

4^th Place – Connie Walsh (13) – 31 pts c/back

 “B” Flight (19+)

1^st  Place – David Innes (19) – 36pts

2^nd Place – Greg Gawron (19) – 33 pts

3^rd Place – John Anderson (29) – 32 pts

4^th Place – John Chelo (19) – 31 pts

Best Front Nine ( non winners)…Huw Phillips….18 pts c/back

Best Back Nine (non winners)…..Masa Sugaya …16 pts c/back

Due to the crazy weather, wrong tees and lost pins and cards, Phil decided that the “wig” and “silly hat” remain in the bag waiting for another day.

The big serving of Spaghetti Bol. went down well as Phil presented David Innes with the Green Jacket.

 David was so happy that he “rang the bell”, much to the delight of the golfers present, to end an adventurous day at Khao Kheow.