“Laughing Man” Has Last Laugh

Darren Beavers never seems to be far from the action at Links Golf. If not sporting the “wig”, which he did during a form slump, or the “silly hat”, then he is wearing the Green Jacket.

He was certainly “laughing man’ ( a reference to a photo last week) after scoring a massive 45 point haul at Plutaluang today to run away with the “B” flight and the Green Jacket.

Upon his return to the bar he tried to tell mates he did OK. But then within seconds he blurted out the score. Why wouldn’t you?

Phil Burton put in a great performance to take second spot with a fine 38 points, while Niall Caven showed a return to form with 35 points getting him third place.

Phil Mitchell and Bryan Barrell battled it out for fourth at 34 points, with Phil having the better back nine.

On another day 41 points would win everything and be the headline, but Takeshi will take the “A” flight win with a big smile. He has been close recently and today kept the rest at bay.

Dave Hewson’s 39 points from a handicap of 9 certainly rates a mention and that got him second place and the best gross score of 78.

Third and fourth went to the countback with Ray Banks winning that one from Bill Copeland, who is heading back to the USA for a short trip. Colin Service rounded out the podium with a handy 36 points.

Forty one golfers found a Plutaluang Golf Course in very good condition and some reckoned the greens were true and as fast and treacherous as Pattavia.

Darren Beavers thought they were okay as 27 points on the first nine came largely because of his putting where his playing partners agreed that he just could not miss. One of those putting days we all want.

In addition, Darren also picked up a “near pin’ by getting one inside Phil’s very good putt.

Other near pins were won by Ray Banks, Iain Jones and Phil Davies settled for one.

 “A” Flight (0-18)

1^st  Place – Takeshi Hakozaki (12 ) – 41 pts

2^nd Place – Dave Hewson (9) -39 pts

3^rd Place – Ray Banks (13) – 37 pts c/back

4^th Place –  Bill Copeland (13) – 37 pts

5^th Place –  Colin Service (16) – 36 pts

“B” Flight (19+)

1^st  Place – Darren Beavers (20) – 45 pts

2^nd Place – Phil Burton (20) – 38 pts

3^rd Place – Niall Caven (20) – 35 pts

4^th Place –  Phil Mitchell (24) – 34 pts c/back

5^th Place –  Bryan Barrell (31) – 34 pts

Best Front Nine ( North) ( non winners) – Garry Bright…21 pts

Best Back Nine (West) ( non winners) – Adam Barton…..21 pts

Once again there were many contenders for the “silly hat”. Takeshi lost his wallet, but Maurice found it for him, and then there was no money in it anyway.

However, Phil decided that the original purpose of the hat, for the lowest score on a nine, was the way to go. After a few fluttering hearts it was Phil Thackery getting the “honour”.

Michael Pallesen played his first game this trip from Denmark and scored low enough to wear the “wig”. Phil did point out the Michael had not been able to play for three months as his home is way too cold for humans.