Doyle by a Distance

On Christmas Eve the golfers from the Pattaya Links Golf Society took to their sleighs and paid a festive visit to Royal Lakeside on the Bangpakong River to play a stableford competition.

With no thought of the usual Christmas Eve labors of last minute shopping and office parties, the golfers were focused on enjoying a day on a course in excellent condition in fine weather, with a cooling breeze keeping them comfortable throughout the day.

Thirty three golfers were divided into two flights at seventeen and under and scores were generally below the average for the course. In the second flight Wales’ Will Brown managed 31 points for fourth place with visitor Ross Luchterhand taking third with 34.

The top two had a closer contest with Derek Phillips recording a level par 36 points for second whilst the returning Ralph McConnell took the win with 37 points.

The top flight saw a countback for the minor places with Stan Stewart taking fourth behind Phil Davies and runner-up John Collias, all with 35 points.

Ahead of them, almost out of sight, was John Doyle who finally played to his handicap of nine with a gross 75 giving him a points total of 42. His becomes the 172nd name on the annual PLGS “Sixties Club” roster, a group of golfers recording 69 or less in tournaments during the year. Having been on the receiving end of taunts from Mr Phil for his previous efforts he proved that every dog has his day, and his was today.

Near pins: Ian Craigen (3), Wayne Peppernell (6) and Phil Davies (12 and 15).

The best front nine award went to Vincent Smyth with 21 points and the best back nine score was Michael Wright’s 19.

Winner…”A” flight………..John Doyle (9)……………..42 pts

2^nd Place……………………..John Collias (12)…………..35 pts c/back

3^rd Place……………………….Phil Davies(11)……………..35 pts.

4^th Place……………………….Stan Stewart (16)………….35 pts  

Winner…”B” flight……….. Ralph McConnell (18)……37 pts

2^nd Place………………………Derek Phillips (18)………..36 pts

3^rd Place……………………….Ross Luchterhand (19)….34 pts

4^th Place………………………..Will Brown (17)……………31 pts

Best Front Nine ( non winners)……Vincent Smyth ………….21 pts

Best Back Nine ( non winners)…….Michael Wright………….19 pts

Barry Oats took the silly hat for his poorest nine hole score and the wig went to Darren Beavers after an uncharacteristic display which saw his form plumb the depths, much like that of his beloved NUFC!

The presentation was a amusing affair, as always with Phil “em-ceeing”, but the old man with the white beard just sat back quietly behind a beer. Bryan Barrell had escaped the wig again and could now relax with all the rigours of the evening to come.

The spirits on John Doyle’s table were higher of course after a round of high quality. Well done John. Merry Christmas everyone!