Rare Green Jacket for Stu Thompson

High season can be tough on golfers and the Pattaya Links Golf Society suffered interminable delays during their round at Pleasant Valley on Friday, 11th January as the long-booked tee off was delayed by thirty minutes, and the 25 golfers ended up following an Asian group which contained a golfer who consistently drove no more than 75 yards, and rarely straight!

And we were told that the revised Rules were put in place to speed up play at our level.

Most of the seven groups playing endured a five-hour plus round in very humid conditions.

The course was fair with some damp fairways and greens which ran slower than most. However, generally it was worth the discounted deal which the group enjoyed.

The field was divided into two flights with the cut coming at eighteen and scores in both were a fair reflection of the day. In the second flight third place went to Len Jones with 31 points. Note to self: “Don’t switch off after four and a half hours, a day like this lasts longer!” Second place went to Derek Phillips with 33 points and Stuart Kidd took the win with 34 points.

The top flight saw Wayne Peppernell going for a third big score this week and he did not disappoint with 39 points, but he lost top spot to compatriot Stu Thompson whose back nine was better. Stu thereby took a long awaited and very rare Green Jacket. Well done mate!

Third place in the flight went to the consistent Cardiff golfer Colin Smith with another level par score.

The best nine awards were won by Willie Brown (best front 19 points on c/back) and John Harrison (best back 20 points).

Near pins : Stuart Thompson (5), Derek Phillips (8 + 13), Kenny Jepson (17)

“A” Flight (0-18)

1^st  Place – Stuart Thompson (18 ) -39 pts c/back

2^nd Place – Wayne Peppernell (16) -39 pts

3^rd Place – Colin Smith (14) – 36 pts

“B” Flight (19+)

1^st  Place – Stuart Kidd (21) – 34 pts

2^nd Place – Derek Phillips (19) – 33 pts

3^rd Place – Len Jones (31) – 31 pts

Mr Phil concluded the presentation with Marco Beer being highlighted for losing two countbacks, one for the best front nine and the other for the “silly hat” where Dave Arataki nudged him out for the ignominious honour.

The “wig” award for the poorest score of the day went to American golfer Michael Kaps, playing his first round in Thailand. We’ve all been there, done that, and have filled our wardrobes with tee shirts,,,and wigs!

A long day ended thus at the Links with everyone in the usual fine humour and the delays of earlier were almost forgotten after a few cold beers.