The Bunker Boys' Press Archive
Here we have all the press reports for 2003
January 2003
Nowell & Pearson Start in Style
The Pattaya Golf Society chose the magnificent course at Khao Kheow for
their first fixture of the New Year on Friday, 3rd January. The course was well
presented, as usual, and the large group of Bunker Boys shook off their celebrations
and tackled the breezy A and B courses in energetic style. Two of the Bunker
notables, Mr Loy and John Preddy, decided to sit this event out but all the
other regulars were there with Des Pearson smiling his way to the top of the
division two list firing 35 stableford points, two ahead of Mikael Andersson,
who was a further three points ahead of Blair Newton and Colin Morgan, jostling
in the same playing group. Division one saw a tighter duel with Steve Nowell
eventually holding out to win with 34 points, just heading off the attentions
of John King and Bob Morrison with 33 points. The first Bunker Super Sawng
award of the year went to Colin Morgan and Bill Macey for their birdie two's.
For the second successive round poor Jim Payne picked up the Bunker Banana
Booby, thereby breaking one of his New Year resolutions. He apparently found
problems coming to terms with the wind, but don't we all after the seasonal
celebrations!
Experience and Consistency are the Keys at Green Valley
The Bunker Boys' first two day event of the year was held at beautiful
When You've Gotta Go, You've Gotta Go
What a predicament! Imagine this scenario. You are organising a quiet visit
of about 25 people to play the relatively easy local course at
Results:
Division One: 1. Kevin Smith net 67; 2. Bert Guy net 69; 3. Bill Hewitt net
70.
Division Two: 1= Kevin Sheppard and Norm Robinson net 69; 3. George Holroyd
net 70
Super Sawng Award: Shared by Ed Trayling, Kevin Smith (2), Bert Guy, Harry
Riley, Harry Cowling and Keith Hector.
Banana Booby: Jeff Jones.
Helgarson and
On Friday, 17th January, Century Chonburi was the course chosen by the Bunker
Boys for their first official stableford tournament of the year. Thirty-eight
travel weary souls stretched their way unto the basic clubhouse and prepared
themselves for the fray. The course is always well tended and looked good
for this time of the year. In division one Kristian Helgarson held
off all challengers to post a fine score of 39 points, with
Noble Place is Very 'Andy
On Tuesday, 21st January, Harry Riley led the Bunker Boys, in the absence of
Mr. Loy, to distant
Eastern Star Holds all the Aces
The current invalid amongst the province's courses, Eastern Star, put on
a weak smile and welcomed the Bunker Boys for their weekly stableford competition
on Friday, 24th January. The course continues to limp along the road to recovery
after the blight on the greens and is still far away from being the beautiful
course many remember. However, on the day, it still managed to host a large
Thai tournament in addition to the Bunker Boys and the tired old lady held
all the aces as a strong wind and inconsistent greens could not persuade the
players to break par. In division one Norman Brooks used all his experience
to shoot 35 points with Keith Hector finding a consistency lacking recently
to fire 33 and soulmate Harry Cowling coming third with 31 points. In division
two Cecil Williams hit good form firing 34 points, with Keith Saunders
closing in on 33 and Gerhard Schulze buffeting the course with his 31point
haul. Both Harry Riley and Mal Spence recorded two's to share the Bunker Super
Sang award whilst another invalid, the Bunker's web guru Len Jones, coughed
and spluttered to an all-time low of nineteen points which more than merited
his second Bunker Banana Booby.
Mam Knows Best
A seasonably busy Siam Country Club found enough space on the first tee
for forty Bunker Boys and girls when she hosted their weekly medal play competition
on Tuesday, 28th January. The course was very dry and the hard fairways allowed
for a lot of "run" whilst the greens were their usual "receptive"
best. An oversight had left the seven ladies to play in the men's divisions,
thus initiating Murphy's Law which dictated that the best score of the day
was recorded in division two by Mam Trayling, who carded a very creditable
net 71, one shot ahead of the returning Ian Phillips, deprived of golf by
a three month winter in England. In third place came Khun Noonit Tawapee who
shot 73. In division one Lancashire's favourite, Wilf Latham, shot
an excellent level par 72 to head the group, with Max Bussinger only one shot
behind and Mr. Loy taking the third place on the podium with his net 74. The
Bunker Super Sawng award was shared by Tom Breslin, Keith Saunders, Steve
Nowell and Colin Wilkes, whilst PJ Redmond's lacklustre net 87 just held off
the challenge from an absent Chris Davisson for the Bunker Banana Booby. But
it was a day for the ladies to remember, especially Mam Trayling, who proved
the old adage that "mam certainly knows best".
Wilf Savours a Double at Plutaluang
The ever attractive Royal Thai navy course at Plutaluang piped aboard the
Bunker Boys for their weekly stableford competition on Friday, 31st January. It was also the
occasion of the Chinese New Year and the Year of the Goat began in fine style
when Wilf Latham shook it by the beard recording the day's best score
over the North and West nines. For the second time in four days he was to
top the lists and his 39 points all but eclipsed the chasing pack headed by
Irishman Tom Breslin, on 37, and Remy Guy sharing third place with Steve Nowell,
both carding 34 points. Division two was a tighter affair altogether with
Keith Saunders and Richard Wardell heading the field with 36
points, one ahead of Len Jones who saw victory snatched from his grasp with
a wayward pitch on the final hole. Steve Nowell recorded the day's only two
on the picturesque par-three Lighthouse hole and was a deserved winner of
the Bunker Super Sawng award whilst John Preddy was an early contender for
the fruit when he played his second shot on the West number two from the adjacent
blue tee box on the North seventh after a vicious ricochet! In the end he
had to concede the Bunker Banana Booby to Keith Hector, the previous week's
star player, for his abysmal tally of 23 points. Once again it was a pleasure
to be out on the Plutaluang course and the peace and serenity found there
is a refreshing change from the stifle and bustle of Pattaya.
Irish Eyes Are Smiling
The distant course at
Doubles for
For the second time in eight days the Bunker Boys chose Plutaluang as the
venue for their weekly stableford competition on Friday, 7th February. The splendour of an immaculately presented course was to be matched by
some excellent golf and for two players it was to be their second taste of
success in the week. In division two Neil Griffin could well have
shaken off his "rabbit" status for good with his fine round of 40
points and this was accomplished under pressure from Mikael Andersson who
has just returned from
Hat-trick for Remy
On Tuesday, 11th February, a fleet of cars delivered the Bunker Boys up the highway
to beautiful Bangprakong Riverside for their weekly medal competition. The
course is always immaculately turned out and the lush fairways guaranteed
perfect lies whilst the fast greens and canny pin placements made for accurate
putting. Unbelievably the day was still with the omnipresent breeze only getting
up towards the end of the round. It was a day when good scores were inevitable
and in division one Bert "Remy" Guy took the honours for
the third competition in a row giving him an excellent hat-trick. He caressed
and cajoled the ball off the fairways and teased and tickled the ball with
unnerving accuracy on the greens. His third sub-par round in succession gave
him a score of net 71 and he was followed into the clubhouse by Wilf Latham
and Harry Cowling on 72. In division two the scores were incredible with John
Preddy and Kevin Sheppard recording 69's to give them only a share of third
place. Saranya Chaiyanont's net 66 could only make runner-up as newcomer Beni
Walthard, from
Bunker Boys Play Truant from the Classroom
Because the Classroom Classic "major" event had attracted over
180 competitors many Bunker Boys decided to play truant on Friday, 14th February, and take their antics elsewhere. Sixteen chums travelled to beautiful
Natural Park Hills for a stableford tournament on a day punctuated by showers
and Asian tourists. It has been more than a year since the group has tasted
the challenges of N.P.Hills and the course reminded them that it had not changed.
The narrow tree-lined fairways and slick undulating greens posed problems
and only those thinking golfers who put "course management" into
effect came out with any glory! In division one, appropriately on the day, the Belgian "Valentino", Remy Guy, headed the list for the fourth consecutive round with
his score of 32 points. In second place was Kevin Taylor, playing off 10,
who shot 29 points. He was closely followed home by Steve Nowell and John
King with their 28 points. In division two the occasional "cavalier"
golf was punished with low scores and the honours eventually went to Enda Naughton and Pat Murphy who both shot scores
of 25 points. David Johnson found himself in third and hid his head with a
score of 23 points. Harry Riley and Kevin Taylor shared the Bunker Super Sawng
award with their birdie two's and Sam Burke picked up the Bunker Banana Booby
for her low score of 16 points. Many thanks to Harry Riley for his impeccable
organisation on the day. OK, Natural Park Hills, you win! Perhaps Mr. Loy
will put the course on the list more often so the Bunker Boys can soon reacquaint
themselves with the subtleties of such a fine golfing experience.
At nearby Sri Racha International Golf Club a smaller group of players
took on the challenge of a "skins shootout". Old adversaries Len
Jones, John Preddy and Mikael Andersson were joined by Kevin Wilson for the
event and a very pleasant day was spoilt only by a heavy downpour after nine
holes, but the sanctuary of the clubhouse provided a welcome diversion for
an hour. The course is playing very short at present with hard running fairways
and these helped John and Len to amass a good first nine, with the former
transport manager just holding out with five skins to the web guru's four.
On the back nine things remained tight until Swedish Mikael beat Len to a
long putt to win a four hole rollover, thereby opening the door for a well
deserved Preddy victory.
Essentially both "truanting" groups showed what golf is all about.
No hassles, no rush, no pressure to win "at all costs", good comradeship
and, above all, a day out with one's friends.
Mikael Andersson is the Eastern Star
The sick old lady of the province's golf courses, Eastern Star, put on
a brave face for the visiting Bunker Boys on Tuesday, 18th February, when they arrived
for their weekly medal event. The club was as welcoming as ever but the once
beautiful course has now assumed a very sickly pallor, with its parched fairways
and desperately sad greens. In addition the wind was a constant distraction
as it blew strongly across the course. All these things, however, made for
a challenging day's golf and the star of the day was to be the keen Swedish
golfer, Mikael Andersson. Mikael plays five rounds a week and is disappointed
when he shoots more than two over par! His powerful striking had made an impact
with all the groups with whom he plays and only the previous day the Scandinavian
southpaw headed the field with the Haven, firing net 68 at Ban Chang. From
the start he took division two by the throat and dominated the day. His net
62 was his best ever round and was more than enough to blow the nearest challengers,
Len Jones and David Johnson with net 70, out of sight. In division one the
golf was of a more sober nature with Steve Nowell keeping his head down to win with net 75, followed by Bob Lindborg and
Terry Phur, who both shot net 76's. There were five candidates for the Bunker
Super Sawng award, scoring birdie two's but two had declined the invitation
to compete in the challenge, thus leaving the award to be shared by Len Jones,
Enda Naughton and John Draper. The other two reluctant candidates, John Preddy
and John Hughes were left sharing a banana split for their indecision. All
that was left at the end of the day was the memory of a wonderful round of
golf and the Bunker Boys returned home wishing Eastern Star a speedy recovery.
Old Hands Take Control at Ban Chang
The small and friendly club at Century Ban Chang gave its usual warm welcome
to a small and friendly group of Bunker Boys on Friday, 21st February, on the occasion of their weekly stableford event. The course was well
turned out and, with the cut at 18, in the first flight one of the Bunkers
"senior" golfers, Norman Brooks, led the way with a thoughtful
37 points. Soulmate Bill Hewitt was close enough to worry
The Bunker Monthly Two Day Event, 24-25th February,
Early Birds Get the Prize
The Bunker's popular monthly two-day event was held at Green Valley on
24-25th February and the format this
time was a three ball team better ball format, with the two best net scores
on each hole counting towards the team total. At the end of day one there
was only one stroke separating the top three teams but starting early on day
two the teams of Terry Phur, John King and Steve Nowell and Bob Lindborg,
Al Rolnik and Gary Austin took advantage of an empty course and little wind
to maintain their lead at the top. The later teams had hold-ups and a strong
breeze to contend with and fought desperately to hang on to the coat-tails
of the leaders, but to no avail. The third place was occupied by the team
of Norman Brooks, George Meigh and Bill Hewitt, with the latter golfer firing
a rare eagle two on the par-four tenth to give him the richly merited Bunker
Super Sawng award.
Norman Conquest at Treasure Hill
On
Friday, 28th February, Mr. Loy led his troops to far-off Treasure Hill for
their weekly stableford competition and they were welcomed by a course sorely
in need of water. Occasionally the course gets into this poor condition and
a little more thought and planning by the management would not go amiss. Nevertheless
the Bunker Boys took the challenge on board and the best score of the day
was recorded in division one where the redoubtable Norman Brooks topped
the list with a fine and thoughtful 35 points. His nearest challenger was
playing partner Bill Hewitt, the Bunker's current player-of-the-week. Bill
shot 34 points to stay ahead of third placed Bob Morrison who scored 32 points.
In division two Big Ian Phillips ended his current short stay in fine
style firing 34 points, one ahead of the chasing pack, which included David
Johnson, Neil Griffin, Harald Gruber and Enda Naughton, all scoring 33 points.
Big Ian also had the honour of scoring the day's only two thereby winning
the Bunker Super Sawng award as well. There was also the usual clutch of candidates
for the Bunker Banana Booby but in the end the day's lowest score of 12 points
assured John Fontier of the award.
March 2003
Everything's Fine in the Enda
The weather is warm and the annual Asian invasion has ended. Golf courses
are free at last from the stifling masses of tourists. What better time to
take advantage of the tranquility and beauty of Siam Country Club! So thought
the Bunker Boys on Tuesday, 4th March, when they descended on the course to play
their weekly strokeplay event. The dreams of a wonderful golfing day were
shattered when they saw the condition of the course with its bone dry, sandy
fairways and appallingly pitted and sanded greens. Only three days before
the course had been in fine form but the transformation as a result of some
over-zealous aeration had left the greens pitted and unbrushed, reminiscent
of a lunar landscape. Putting was a lottery and few had bought a ticket! Nevertheless
both divisions threw up their heroes and in the top flight Martin Davis
shot an excellent net 68 to take the top prize. He was fully five shots ahead
of nearest rival Keith Hector, returning from the golfing doldrums, and John
Clements took third place with net 76. In division two Enda Naughton
belied his handicap to fire a net 68 also. Sharing second place were George
Redgeway, who played some clinical golf in his level par 72, Neil Griffin
and welcome visitor Paul Taylor. Remy Guy shot the day's only birdie two in
an otherwise frustratingly poor round to win the Bunker Super Sawng award
and pity Ken Sale, for his net 116 was without equal for the Bunker Banana
Booby. One is left to wonder how very popular courses like
Good Scores at Bangprakong
On Thursday, 6th March, the Bunker Boys undertook their longest golfing journey
to the beautifully presented course at Bangprakong Riverside. On an extremely
hot day they laboured on the lush fairways in order to compete for the weekly
stableford prize. Their efforts were not in vain for more than a quarter of
the field returned scores of par or better. This was not an indication of
the difficulty of the course but rather proof of the well maintained fairways
where it was very difficult to find a bad lie. In division one the two elder
statesmen, Mr. Loy and Norman Brooks, both amassed 37 stableford points, whilst
the chasing group included John Clements and Brian Kelly, both firing 36.
In division two Des Pearson (39), Dick Worden (38) and Gary Austin (37) set
the early pace but were to be eclipsed by the high scoring Paul Taylor who
shot a fine 41 points of his 21 handicap. The accuracy of Chris Davisson,
Des Pearson and John Randle was later rewarded with a share of the Bunker
Super Sawng award for their birdie two's whilst further down the field the
hapless pairing of Ken Sale and Bob Pritchard fired scores so low that, added
together, they would have been an embarrassment to most golfers! A glance
at their cards meant there would be no question of where the Bananas were
heading! But memories of the day will be pleasant for all, especially Mr.
Loy, whose first nine gross of 40, giving him 23 points, almost matched his
best ever nine hole total. Well done everyone!
Monthly Two Day team event at Green Valley Golf & Country Club
Easy Win for Favourites
Two day golf is always an interesting format and the regular monthly Bunker
Boys' thirty six hole tournament took its roadshow to the wonderful Green
Valley Golf & Country Club. Despite the thousands of feet pounding the
course and greens over the last few months the course was impeccably set up
and the stage was set for some fine golf. This time there were eight three-ball
teams entered for a simple
Plain Sailing for Keith Hector at Plutaluang
On Thursday, 13th March, the Bunker Boys charted a course for the beautiful Royal
Thai Navy golf course at Plutaluang. This club is rapidly becoming a favourite
amongst Pattaya's golfers, all a result of the assured warm welcome and fastidious
care of the course. The South and East nines were devoid of other golfers
as the Bunker Boys took to the first tee for their weekly stableford competition
and the two divisions were cut at 18. In division one Keith Hector
fired the best score of the day, recording 37 points, easily holding off the
challenge of both Norman Brooks and Duncan Lee, who tallied 35 points. In
division two cheerful Des Pearson smiled and "heinekened"
his way to victory with a level-par 36 point total, three points ahead of
nearest challengers Brian Maddox and Nick Berner. Des also had a share of
the Bunker Super Sawng award, along with PJ Redmond, as they both recorded
birdie two's, Des on East 5 and PJ on South 4. Kevin Sheppard returned to
golf after a time-out in Chiang Mai and his lack of golf assured him of at
least a share of the Bunker Banana Booby with
Treasure Seekers Take to the Hills
On Tuesday, 18th March, Mr. Loy suffered a mental relapse in Soi Chaiyapool
and led his troops blindly up Highway 331 to the course at Treasure Hill for
their weekly medal tournament. There is a masochistic streak in many people
- how else can one explain the decision by thirty-one poor demented souls
to follow him? But go they did, and in division two Dick Worden took the honours with a creditable net 79, pressed by
Sharon Burton on 80 and Andy Anderson on net 81. Dick was so confused by the
experience that he forgot to attend the aprés-golf presentation. Or was it
embarrassment? Treasure Hills has that affect on a golfer! In division one
saner minds prevailed and Keith Hector made it two victories
in a row with a fine net 74. This was good enough to withstand the challenge
of four-handicapper Michael Dige on 76 and regular visitor Bruce Ogilvie on
78. Appropriately there were no birdie two's recorded but Bill Hewitt's nightmare
14 shots on the frustrating sixteenth hole gave him sole custody of the Bunker
Banana Booby, declaring later that "bananas and custody" was his
favourite dessert. Back at the Bunker the glazed eyes and blank expressions
on many faces betrayed the fact that many had actually enjoyed the day's golf
on a course that continues to frustrate all but the better golfers.
Wilf Latham Takes Victory at Khao Kheow
On Thursday, 20th March, the Bunker Boys and ladies made a very welcome return
to the beautiful course at Khao Kheow after an absence of a couple of months.
The course did not disappoint but the speed of the greens took all by surprise.
The day was hot and humid as the players teed off on the A and C courses and
it soon became clear that those getting to grips with the tricky pin placements
would have the advantage. In the ladies division Margaret Wilkinson's 33 stableford points held off the challenge of Natsuda
Heitmann with thirty. Division two saw Norman Robinson fire 35 points, easily defeating the chasing group of
Des Pearson (31), David Johnson (30) and George Redgewell (30). Division one
saw the round of the day when Lancashire's favourite son, Wilf "Blondie" Latham, produced a back
nine of such quality that it boosted his first nine haul of a mere 17 points
to handicap threatening 40 point total. Such was the power of his play that
his gross for the C course was just two over par. Playing partner Bert "Remy"
Guy watched in awe as his own challenge petered out and he would only manage
36 points to give him second place. Tying for third were Steve Nowell, Rick
Schramm and Keith Hector, all scoring 34 points. The rain, which had threatened,
finally arrived to soak the final group on the last green but did little to
dampen the enthusiasm of Ciano Glavinia, who took the Bunker Super Sawng award
for his birdie two on A5. Regular visitor, and scratch golfer, Keith Smithson
matched Tiger Woods' drab round at stormy Muirfield in the Open Championship
last summer with his 83 (25 points) and received the Bunker Banana Booby by
way of consolation.
Mr. Loy Licks the
Following glowing reports of a course hitherto unplayed by them the Bunker
Boys chose to visit the Royal Lakeside Golf Resort at Bang Na on Tuesday, 25th March, for their weekly
medal event. Whilst living up to its glowing brochure description in many
respects, it disappointed with its painfully slow greens, which made those
at
Bill Hewitt Takes Green Valley ... again!
The Bunker Boys' love affair with
Ogilvie & Jonsson Raid the
It was another early start for the Bunker Boys, and no joke, on Tuesday 1st April, when they travelled
out of the province to faraway Bangprakong Riverside for their weekly medal
joust. The day was hot and humid and the course beautifully presented, as
usual. Fairways were lush and the greens were impeccably set up and teasingly
fast. The two divisions chomped nervously at the bit until the over-zealous
starter waited until the very stroke of eleven and called them to action.
As the field settled down it became clear that some excellent golf was being
played and in division two the "Icelandic Samurai", Kerry Jonsson, showed us all that his time in university in Tokyo has
not been wasted, and his thirst for victory was quenched with a fine four-under
par net 68. This was just enough to hold off Peter McKay who fired net 69
and Norm Robinson and Duncan Lee who both recorded net 72. Division one scores
were even better with Bruce Ogilvie taking the honours
with an astonishing net 65, a handful of shots ahead of the chasing group
comprising Ciano Glavina, Brian Kelly and Bill Hewitt, all with net 70. The
only birdie two of the day was scored by Phil Groves and he gladly took possession
of the Bunker Super Sawng award. There were the usual candidates for the "April
Fool" celebration but a Guy who shoots seven pars on the back nine then
messes his card with a seven on a par three more than deserves the Bunker
Banana Booby. That Guy was Remy!
Remy Cruises to Victory at Plutaluang
Thursday, 3rd April saw the Bunker Boys sail into the Royal Thai Navy course
at Plutaluang for their weekly stableford event and, as always, they were
welcomed by a course in immaculate condition. This was the fifth day of major
competition on this course in less than a week and the testing North and West
nines were to provide the backdrop to the competition. On a very hot and still
day both divisions set about their task and in division two the returning
"Icelandic Samurai", Kerry Jonsson,
took his second consecutive
victory, this time firing 33 points. It was to prove too much for Keith Saunders,
soon to return to the
No Flies on Ciano!
As a result of a pre-arranged booking for a Thai tournament the Bunker
Boys rose from their beds and dragged themselves, blinking and dishevelled,
to Siam Country Club on Tuesday, 8th April, for an unearthly ten o' clock start to their weekly
medal competition. One player even managed to arrive with all his short irons
and putter safe in his room and not in his bag! The fairways were like concrete
and the heavy top dressing on the greens added to the misery caused by the
myriads of seasonal flies, all conspiring to make the Old Lady of Pattaya
Golf less of an attraction than she usually is. However some excellent golf
was in store and in division
What a Scramble at
The Bunker's popular monthly two day event was held at the magnificent
Green Valley Golf & Country Club on Thursday and Friday, 10th and 11th April. This time the format
was a three-ball scramble and nine teams were entered. At the end of the first
day it became clear that a tight finish would be inevitable as the fancied
team of Bob Lindborg, Lamud Chaidara and Usa Chaiyosit headed Roy Mitchell,
Wilf Latham and Remy Guy and the minnows, John Preddy, Len Jones and Brian
Maddox, with only 0.4 of a point separating them. The second day is always
tougher than the first with the mental pressure mounting as mistakes are made.
Harry Riley, Saranya and Ciano Glavina were making moves up the table and
Ciano's celebration after sinking a birdie putt on the ninth was recorded
as a sonic boom at nearby Utapao airbase! Also lurking ominously were the
previous month's winners, Terry Phur, Mikael Andersson and John King. Their precision golf saw them top the lists at the end
of the competition with a two day total of 124.6, twenty under par. Only 0.2
of a shot back were the afore-mentioned Harry, Saranya and Ciano whilst the
so called "no-hopers" in the shape of John Preddy, Len Jones and
Brian Maddox kept their heads and showed what can be done with absolute concentration
and commitment to finish third on 127.6. It was a pleasure to play in this
month's competition and already plans are being made for May's extravaganza.
McGee Masters Century
On Tuesday, 15th April, the Bunker Boys forsook the delights of continuous dowsings
in Pattaya's Songkran week for the relative peace of Century Ban Chang. The
day was hot and, in truth, a dowsing of cold water would not have been unwelcome,
but the two divisions stuck it out chasing the weekly strokeplay prize. In
divison one the scores were so poor that Mr. Loy was heard to echo the words
of the coalition Central Command in
Red Faces at Treasure Hill
Thursday, 17th April falls right in the middle of Pattaya's annual madness, known as Songkran,
when otherwise sane persons indulge in all manner of strange ways, especially
where water is concerned. It was fitting that Mr. Loy chose this date to adjourn
to the frustrating Treasure Hill course for the Bunker Boys' weekly stableford
event. As usual the golfers were met with friendly smiles and bare and sandy
fairways and the two groups began the day optimistic that someone would break
par. Golfers in division two must have wished they had stayed in town and
run the gauntlet for only Saranya
Chaiyanont managed to shoot thirty points, one ahead of Duncan McGee, with Dimitri
Cerny coming third with 28 points. In division one Mikael Andersson fired
32 points to take third place, three behind Michael Dige who shot 35. The
winner was none other than Mr. Loy himself and he had
the honour of firing the Bunker's first sub par score at Treasure Hill for
many a long day - 37 points - his efforts championing the advance of modern
psychiatric medicine! The only birdie two of the day was recorded by visiting
junior, Carl Matthews, and he was rewarded with the Bunker Super Sawng award
whilst Danny Greer chose the presentation to announce his return to Pattaya
and was presented with the Bunker Banana Booby for arriving at the bar twelve
hours too late for golf. It was indeed a day for red faces all round, and
at the end, with relief, the golfers sought the lesser insanity of Pattaya
at Songkran!
Harry - ve derci Remy!
On Tuesday, 22nd April, the Bunker Boys made a long overdue return to the Sri
Racha International Golf Club, designed by Gary Player with the Bunker in
mind - a fine test of golf where accurate shots are well rewarded and judgment
of distance is so important. It was the hottest day of the year and as the
day wore on there was the portent of a heavy storm. Mr. Loy was quietly confident
after his fine performance at Treasure Hill on the previous outing but the
day was to belong to his old adversary, Harry Riley. In division two the returning
"Fireman" Danny Greer showed he has not lost his touch as he held
his nerve to shoot net 74, sharing the runners-up slot with Harry's lass,
Saranya. It was Lewiinski's member, Irishman Seamus Brennan, however, who had
kissed the Blarney Stone and conjured up a fine net 71 to take the divisional
prize. Division one saw a titanic struggle with, first, Gary Matthews, firing
69 and Remy Guy recording the day's lowest gross for his net 68. Remy returns
to
Smiler's Finest Hour at Royal
As promised a month ago, the Bunker Boys returned to the enigmatic Royal
Lakeside club in Bang Na on Thursday, 24th April, for a stableford tournament, to see if
what the brochure said was true. They found the course, this time, immaculately
turned out with consistent greens and lush fairways. The day was made for
excellent golf and scores in the single division were to reflect this later.
Police were out on the highway in Chonburi and they managed to halt the "drives"
of Saranya Chaiyanont and Andrew Rider. With his adrenalin racing, "Smiler" Andrew Rider, continued to drive
to the front on the course, shooting a defiant 44 points off his 19 handicap.
"Som nom na, Officer!" Hard on his heels came the quietly consistent
Steve Nowell with a fine 42 points whilst the third place was occupied by
Doug Campbell with a four-under total of 40 points. Three other golfers were
to post sub-par rounds in a good all round performance. Once again, amazingly,
no birdie two's were recorded but the shadow of the Bunker Banana Booby loomed
large over Mr. Loy for the second time in almost as many days. Nothing could
detract from the driving of "Smiler", however, and his expensive
altercation with the "boys in brown" on the highway proved you can
thrash the course... and walk away with the bananas on the same day!
Spendley's Happy Return at Khao Kheow
On Tuesday, 29th April the Bunker Boys took their weekly medal play tournament
to the delicious Khao Kheow Country Club, journeying through a very heavy
rainstorm which delayed the start of play by almost an hour. This made the
course very difficult to master, with wet fairways and slow, heavy greens.
The field was split into two divisions as usual with the cut at 16 and under
and in division one Michael Dige shot another fine
round on a course he loves. His gross 77, converted to net 72, was too good
for Magnus Johansson (74) and Jeff McLaury (75). In division two Seamus Brennan
made the frame yet again with a fine net 77, a shot behind a resurgent John
Preddy (76), but a long way behind the hero of the day, Dave Spendley, who fired a super net 70 on the eve of his birthday.
In fact, Dave had sponsored a longest putt prize to celebrate and the returning
Jim Payne will be enjoying his winning putt in fine style at Dave's Soi 7
"Love Hearts Bar". Per Ascan scored the first birdie two in the
Bunker's last three outings to win the Bunker Super Sawng award whilst the
list of candidates for the Bunker Banana Booby included Seamus, who travelled
to the course without his clubs, Paul Rose who failed to complete the course
and "Fireman" Danny Greer, who showered afterwards, without realising
until it was too late, that he still wore his panama! However, Ciano Glavina,
never short of a quip, gave Mr. Loy the perfect opportunity to present him
with the fruit after a miserable net 87. For Dave Spendley, however, the day
was to provide him with many very happy returns.
Terry Purrs with Pride at Plutaluang
What better way to celebrate May Day than taking a trip to the superb Royal
Thai Navy course at Plutaluang! This was the choice of the Bunker Boys for
their weekly stableford challenge on Thursday, 1st May, and when they arrived
there was little room in the car parks and even less room on the course, but
the starter did his job well and all twenty combatants were safely away on
the South and East nines, almost on time. It was to be a day of resurgence
for two of the Bunker's regulars and also a day of sadness. It was to be their
last round for a few months as Bill Hewitt, Steve Nowell, Wilf Latham and
Remy Guy all returned to
One Handicapper Don Pars the Course
May 6th had the Bunker Boys & Girls travel to far off
Seamus Does it Again
May 9th saw the Bunker Boys & Girls travel to the peaceful and quiet Chonburi
Century Course. The price and condition of this golf course must be one of
the best value for money golf courses that is visited by the IPGC. A small
field with one division had Norman Brooks & Per Aschen sharing 2nd place
with 35 points with Seamus Brennan coming out on top with 39 points. Richard
Wardell scooped the 2s award with a birdie on the #7 par 3. The Bunker Bananas
were awarded to Bob Morrison in his absence after he fled the scene when he
realised he was the main contender.
Ex-caddy Saranya is Master at
The Bunker Boys' latest monthly two day golf tournament was held at Green
Valley Golf & Country Club on 12th-13th May. The course, as always, was immaculately
presented and the weather was oppressive on the first day and overcast for
the second round. In all there were twenty competitors and, as the soccer
season in
Bob's the Job at Ban Chang
On Friday, 16th May, the Bunker Boy's chose Century Ban Chang as the venue
for their weekly stableford competition. A seasonable small field turned out
on an overcast day which made conditions ideal for golf, and the course was
empty and well prepared, with the exception of a few dressed greens. The cut
was at sixteen and under and in division two the old warhorse Norman Brooks set the standard with his 38 points, followed by Len
Jones, hitting form at last on a course he dislikes, with level par 36 points.
In division one Bob van Moll drew gasps and applause
from his playing partners with an astounding display of golf which saw him
shoot gross 72 off his handicap of five. The power of his drives, the accuracy
of his approach play and his calculated putting produced a round of the highest
quality, rarely witnessed at the Bunker since the days of the first IPGC Champion
Darren Robson. Bob's awesome 42 points blew away the challenge of second placed
Steve Nowell who may have entertained high hopes with his score of 38 points.
At the other end of the scale Saranya Chaiyanont, winner at Green Valley only
three days previously, suffered a sad dip in form which gave her a second
award in the week, the Bunker Banana Booby, for her meagre twenty points.
But, for most players, the abiding memory will be of a day which saw Bob van
Moll post one of those scores most others can only dream about.
Harry Riley Wins Tight Battle at Khao Kheow
On
Tuesday, 20th May, the Bunker Boys gathered under an overcast sky at the beautiful Khao
Kheow Country Club for their weekly medal event. The group of twenty golfers
were divided into two divisions, as usual and the "A" and "C"
nines were the challenge. The starting nine saw both low handicappers, Mike
Allidi and Bob van Mol, lose all their allotted shots and for everyone it
was a difficult beginning. The second nine gave some relief however and in
division one Harry Riley played some fine
golf for seven holes to finish on net 72, level par for the day. He was one
shot ahead of Mike Allidi with Bob van Mol holding on to third place with
his net 75. In division two Jocce Hansson's annual holiday
was highlighted by his victory with net 78, followed by Jim Payne's net 79
and Saranya Chaiyanont's net 80. For the second round running there were no
birdie two's recorded but PJ Redmond's fine boast that he had never received
the Bunker Banana Booby was severely put to the test when he failed to return
his card. All things come to those who wait!
Riley, van Mol and Allidi...again!
On Friday, 22nd May, the Bunker Boys made a return to the deliciously testing
Natural Park Hill golf club after an absence of two years and found it in
excellent condition once again. The Gary Player designed course is noted for
its many trees and huge rolling greens and the bywords for a good round are
"accuracy" and "confidence". In division one Harry Riley, Bob van Mol and Mike Allidi showed that they
possess those qualities in abundance and they all returned under-par scores
of 38 points to share the divisional award. In division two Len Jones drew the curtain on his golfing week with a satisfactory
31 points, to win a tight contest from Gerhard Schulze (30) and Saranya Chaiyanont
(28), playing the course for the first time. Bob van Mol and Mike Allidi both
birdied the par-three fifth hole to share the Bunker Super Sawng award whilst
John Preddy received the Bunker Banana Booby for his low score, declaring
that his preference was for the beauty of the "sister" course at
the Resort. For the others however it was a reunion that was well appreciated.
Bill Macey Tames Treasure Hill
On
Tuesday, 27th May, the Bunker Boys took the well trodden journey up Route 331 to the enigmatic
course at Treasure Hill. When they arrived they found the course in excellent
condition which prompted many to declare the fairways to be in the best condition
they had seen. In this state this makes the course a much fairer test of golf
even though accuracy is still paramount. In division two both Len Jones and Norman Brooks managed to keep
their rounds together to tie at the top of the leaderboard with very creditable
scores of 34 points. This was five points clear of John Preddy and Mike Parsons,
both sharing the runners-up place. In division one the only sub par round
of the day was recorded by Bill Macey. Bill is a twelve handicapper who usually
manages to keep the ball on the fairway and this consistency rewarded him
with a fine 38 points, a country mile ahead of nearest rivals Harry Riley
and Terry Phur on 31 points each. Bill also had the honour of recording the
day's only birdie two and he was subsequently presented with the Bunker Super
Sawng award. In golf nothing is ever certain but the return of "Dutch
Dandy" Sunny Ruthsip lent an air of inevitability to the Bunker Banana
Booby award and this he shared with Neil Griffin, both posting the lowest
scores of the day.
King For a Day at Natural Park Resort
There are only a few golf courses that always draw gasps of appreciation
from players and one of these has always been Natural Park Resort. Excellent
management and programmed maintenance continue to produce a course of the
highest quality, with colourful backdrops and lush fairways. On Friday, 28th May, the Bunker Boys
reacquainted themselves with the course when they visited for their weekly
stableford competition. They were presented with excellent facilities and
fast greens (Stimpmeter #9). In division two the Bunker's quickest golfer,
John Preddy (Stimpmeter #10), showed a welcome
return to form with a fine display recording 38 points, two ahead of nearest
rival Gerhardt Schulze, with "Sunny" Ruthsip scrambling to 31 points
in third place. Division one was all class, with the Bunker's fastest talker,
Harry Riley (Stimpmeter #12) holing an amazing 190 yard second shot, over
water, on the par four A4 hole. His round of 40 points gave him a share of
second place with partner Saranya, playing the course for the first time.
But well out in front was the thoughtful John King who shot a stunning
score of 43 points off his sixteen handicap, without doubt the round of the
day. Harry Riley's eagle effort secured for him the Bunker Super Sawng award
and new boy David Levi celebrated his rookie status with the Bunker Banana
Booby for his low score of the day. Back at the Bunker afterwards the abiding
memories were of quality golf on a quality golf course.