ASEAN NOW Golf

Bunker Boys Golf Report for week commencing Monday May 16th

 

Monday, May 16th

 

1st Roger Tuohy (13) 38 points

2nd Michael Brett (15) 33 points

3rd Craig Dows (5) 33 points

 

Near pins Jay Babin, Bengt Engstrom, & Roger Tuohy X 2.

 

A really miserable day for the first game of the week at Emerald. As we teed off there was rain in the distance, but we felt we would not be affected as the wind was blowing in the direction of the rain. What we didn't know was there was more rain coming our way from a different direction and by the third hole it was bucketing down necessitating a run for cover and a delay of about forty minutes. After the resumption of play, light drizzle remained with us for a couple more holes before the wind stopped as well as the rain and an eerie stillness descended on us. By the close of play, we were in bright sunshine.

 

The Emerald course was in as good condition as we have seen it this year but it was not to everyone's taste. A good drive from the tee deserves a good lie on the fairway, unfortunately, that is rarely the case at Emerald. Faldo's design means lots of moguls with up and downhill lies as well as the ball above or below the feet, his philosophy being that people should be able to play every type of stroke.

 

Only Roger Tuohy mastered the course taking first place with thirty-eight points as well as two near pins. He also won the prize for the best-dressed golfer both on and off the course, Keith Hemmings is going to have to pull his socks up. Michael Brett edged out Craig Dows for second place on countback. The remaining near pins went to Bengt Engstrom and the wily Jay Babin. Today we had a surprise visit from Steve Durey who has been missing for some months, let's hope we see him more often in the future.

 

Wednesday, May 18th

 

St Andrews

 

1st Les Cobban (7) 37 points

2nd Bill Richardson (12) 36 points

3rd Robbie Watts (8) 36 points

4th Craig Dows (5) 35 points

 

Near pins Paul Smith, Les Cobban, Robbie Watts, & Michael Brett.

 

A decent field of eighteen for today's game at St Andrew's. On our present schedule, we play all three Barcelona Valley courses every month while current prices remain. St Andrews was in very nice condition apart from the bunkers which were well below what we expect. Some had washout tracks in them while most if not all had copious amounts of grass growing in them.

 

The weather looked threatening all day and a few drops did fall so the caddies had rain covers on bags early in the round, luckily we got finished without any interruptions. The pace of play was good so no excuses for poor play on that front. After nine holes both Les Cobban and Jimmy Carr shared the lead, both with twenty-one points, however, Jimmy faded badly on the back nine while Les went on with the job to take first place with thirty-seven points. A lot more was on offer for Les but his putter went cold. Bill Richardson took second place with thirty-six points edging out Robbie Watts on countback. After weeks of low scores, Robbie was back in business today evidenced by the wide smile on his face, could just be a relief to get out of the twenties. Craig Dows rounded out the winner's circle on thirty-five beating Niall Glover and Geoff Atwell on countback. All the near pins were taken with one each to Paul Smith, Les Cobban, Niall Glover, and Michael Brett. Today was the last game for Roger Tuohy and Keith Hemmings, we don't expect to see Roger again till February next year, I believe Keith will be back before then.

 

Friday, May 20th

 

Royal Lakeside

 

1st Robbie Watts (8) 38 points

2nd Niall Glover (13) 36 points

3rd Paul Smith (1) 36 points

 

Near pins Arthur Kimo, & Robbie Watts.

 

The Bunker Boys paid a visit to Royal Lakeside for the last game of the week after an absence of over two and a half years. Nothing much had changed in that time with the course in as good condition as before.  As with many courses of late, the bunkers seem to miss out on maintenance, not sure why as they are the cheapest to maintain. The wind was up as usual at this course, in fact, today it was very strong and made for difficult conditions, anyone with a hook or a slice found it particularly trying.

 

 Despite the difficult conditions, some good scores were returned none better than Robbie Watts who is now finding his feet after a prolonged lean spell, today his thirty-eight points were enough to take first place. Perhaps now after consecutive rounds of thirty-six and thirty-eight points, he will stop whining about his handicap.  Niall Glover and Paul Smith were tied on thirty-six and placed on countback in that order. Remarkably only two of the four near pins were taken going to Arthur Kimo and Robbie Watts, just an indication of how hard the wind was blowing.

 

The sartorially splendid Roger Tuohy, winner at Emerald.

 

Les Cobban, winner at St Andrew's

 

Robbie Watts, winner at Royal Lakeside.

 

 

Bunker Boys Golf Report for the week commencing Monday May 9th

 

Monday, May 9th

 

Greenwood, Medal A & B.

1st Michael Brett (15) Net 73

2nd Kob Glover (21) Net 73

3rd Geoff Parker (19) Net 74

 

Near pins Jay Babin, Roger Tuohy, & Craig Dows.

 

A warm but blustery day for the first game of the week at Greenwood where we were allocated the A & B nines. Whilst looking in good shape the course was very damp underfoot with lots of plugged balls and even more mud balls. This was one of those days when we should have played pick, clean, and place. Once again the medal format proved unpopular with only a dozen turning up to play, we expect bigger numbers for the rest of the week with two superior courses, Greenvalley and Laem Chabang on the schedule.

 

Scoring was mediocre with a net seventy-three enough to take first place going to Michael Brett on countback from Kob Glover. Geoff Parker took third place a stroke back. Three of the four near pins were taken going to Craig Dows, Roger Tuohy, and Jay Babin. After over two years of absence, today was the first game back by Tom McMurray.

 

Wednesday, May 11th

 

Greenvalley

1st Les Cobban (8) 41 points

2nd Niall Glover (13) 35 points

3rd Paul Smith (1) 34 points

4th Michael Brett (15) 31 points

 

Near pins Les Cobban, Geoff Parker, Craig Dows, & Geoff Cox

 

A rather unpleasant day weatherwise for our midweek game at Greenvalley. A shower on the front nine and a much heavier and longer rain period on the back nine made conditions challenging. With the wind blowing, the air heavy, and the ground soft scoring was disappointingly low with the best score of the first three groups being a meager thirty-one points, fortunately, the last two groups put up a better showing.

 

Les Cobban had a day to remember with a superb round of forty-one points, rolling in puts from every distance. Second place went to Niall Glover on thirty-five points with Paul Smith a creditable third with thirty-four points off one handicap. Michael Brett got the last spot in the winner's circle beating Kob Glover on countback with thirty-one points. All the near pins were taken with one each going to Les Cobban, Geoff Parker, Craig Dows, and Geoff Cox.

 

Friday, May 13th

 

Laem Chabang A & C.

1st Paul Smith (1) 34 points

2nd Niall Glover (13) 33 points

3rd Bill Richardson ( 12) 32 points

 

Near pins Niall Glover, Bill Richardson, Kevin LeBar, & Craig Dows.

 

A very hot day for the last game of the week at Laem Chabang where we were allocated the A & C nines. As ever the course was in pristine condition so no excuses for poor scoring. Nevertheless, that's what we got with nobody conquering the course unlike our last visit when forty-two points won the day. Playing off the white tees may have had an influence.

 

Today Paul Smith took the honours with a modest score of thirty-four points followed in second place a stroke back by Niall Glover. Bill Richardson took third as well as a near pin, with Kevin LeBar, Craig Dows, and Niall Glover taking the other three, surprisingly Paul Smith missed out on this occasion. We have a number of members missing at present either through injury, or overseas travel. We hope to return to bigger numbers in the coming weeks.

 

Les Cobban, big winner at Greenvalley

 

Paul Smith, winner at Laem Chabang

 

Michael Brett, winner at Greenwood

 

 

Bunker Boys Golf Report for the week commencing Monday April 25th

 

Monday, April 25th

 

Khao Kheow C & A.

 

1st Gerry Cooney (18) 36 points

2nd Niall Glover (14) 34 points

3rd Kob Glover (21) 34 points

4th Michael Brett (16) 32 points

 

Near pins Niall Glover, Travis Kim, & Michael Brett.

 

A good rollup for the first game of the week at Khao Kheow where we were allocated the C and A nines. The day was particularly hot so luckily most had carts. Today we were able to welcome back Keith Hemmings after about six weeks' absence and Roger Tuohy making his first trip back since pre-covid days. We also had two new people join in,  from Holland louk Kuyten, and Travis Kim from Korea via the USA.

 

Scoring, for the most part, was modest with none of the big guns, Robbie Watts, Craig Dows, or Les Cobban offering much, perhaps all were saving their best for Laem Chabang on Wednesday. It was left to the old fox Gerry Cooney to record the best score of the day with thirty-six points. A family affair for second and third with Niall Glover taking it on countback from Kob. Michael Brett took fourth with thirty-two points. After thirty-seven years playing golf, Travis Kim on his debut with the Bunker Boys scored his first-ever ace on C8, what a way to announce yourself. Playing off a handicap of eighteen Travis looked a much better golfer than his handicap would indicate. Niall Glover and Michael Brett got the other two near pins.

 

Wednesday, April 27th

 

Laem Chabang A & B

1st Michael Brett (16) 42 points

2nd Geoff Atwell (24) 39 points

3rd Jimmy Carr (17) 38 points

 

Near pins Craig Dows, Geoff Atwell, & Gerry Cooney X 2.

 

As usual, the Laem Chabang course was in lovely condition, however, a few other issues took the shine off what would have otherwise been a very enjoyable day. There was a preponderance of trainee caddies, some with not even a basic understanding of golf or what was expected of them. When people book an A-grade course and pay a higher price they expect the whole package to be up to standard. A few complaints were registered with management post-round as some suffered more than others. The combination of carts not being allowed on the fairways and the caddies not knowing what they were doing all conspired to make it a very slow round. Had we been able to play at a reasonable pace we would have finished before the rain hit.

 

Despite all the above scoring was good playing off the white tees. Michael Brett finally found something after a long stretch of mediocre scores to record the best of the day with forty-two points. The bandit from Sherwood Forest Geoff Atwell took second place with thirty-nine points and Jimmy Carr took third one further back. Craig Dows got back on the near pin trail taking one along with Geoff Atwell while Gerry Cooney got two.

 

Friday, April 29th

 

Bangpra

 

1st Robbie Watts (8) 35 points

2nd Craig Dows (3) 31 points

3rd Jimmy Carr (17) 31 points

4th Niall Glover (14) 31 points

 

Near pins Robbie Watts, Travis Kim, Jimmy Carr, & Niall Glover.

 

A dull overcast day for the last game of the month Bangpra. The course was very quiet when we started play, but by the time the ninth hole the hoards of locals availing of late tee time pricing flooded the course so pandemonium took over with groups cutting in at will and others in big groups jumping ahead a couple of holes. Despite that, we managed to finish in a reasonable time. Remarkably we saw only three monkeys all day.

 

Scoring was low as is often the case at Bangpra with only Robbie Watts putting in a decent effort to take first place with thirty-five points. Countback was used to separate the other placing as listed above. In his last game with us for now Travis Kim took a near pin to go with his hole-in-one on Monday. Niall Glover, Robbie Watts, and  Jimmy Carr got the remaining near pins.

 

In one of the most hotly contested golfer of the month races, any one of at least six people could have won going in to the last week. Paul Smith held a slender lead but due to a back injury was unable to compete for the whole week, so unable to add to his score. Eventually, the trophy went to Jimmy Carr by the narrowest of margins edging out Robbie Watts by one point.

 

Hole in one on debut for Travis Kim

 

Michael Brett, forty-two points at Laem Chabang.

 

Golfer of the Month Jimmy Carr.

 

 

Monday, April 18th

 

Songkran Trip Day 1

 

Cascata

1st Michael Brett(17) 32 points

2nd Robbie Watts (7) 32 points

3rd Niall Glover (16) 32 points.

 

Near pins Robbie Watts & Craig Dows x 2

 

A new adventure for the Bunker Boys today on the first day of the Songkran trip with a game at Cascata, a course that none had played previously, and what a treat it turned out to be. The course was in superb condition although there were a few plugged and mudballs, the greens were very slick. The weather however didn't favour us with a short heavy shower mid-round and another on the eighteenth.

 

Playing off the blue tees over six thousand six hundred yards the course played much longer with no run and the air heavy, also a stiff breeze blew adding to the difficulty.

 

Scores were low unsurprisingly with nobody really staking a claim to first place, as it happened three players were tied on thirty-two points and separated on countback. Only three of the long par threes yielded a near pin with  Craig Dows in his first game back at the Bunker in over two years taking two and Robbie Watts taking the remaining pin.

 

Day 2

Tuesday, April 19th

 

Royal Hills

1st Robbie Watts (7) 36 points

2nd Kob Glover (21) 34 points

3rd Paul Smith (1) 33 points

 

Near pins Robbie Watts, Niall Glover, & Craig Dows X 2

 

In readiness for the Singha Classic beginning on next week the Royal Hills Course was competition ready and in great condition, it was also a step up in difficulty from Monday's game at Cascata. Again playing off the blue tees at six thousand - six hundred yards the course offered a real challenge, there are many no-go areas on the course and if you deign to go there you are dead.

 

A very solid all-round game from Robbie Watts saw him take first place with thirty-six points. Kob Glover had a good day taking second place with thirty-four points, with Paul Smith one adrift in third place. For the second day in a row, Craig Dows took two near pins with the other two going to Robbie Watts and Niall Glover.

 

Day 3

Wednesday, April 20th

 

Royal Hills

1st Craig Dows (3) 32 points

2nd, Paul Smith (1) 31 points

3rd Michael Brett (17) 30 points

 

Near pins Craig Dows, Michael Brett, & Craig Dows X 2.

 

Due to a warmup competition beginning on Thursday we were unable to break up our rounds at Royal Hills so we played on consecutive days. The course proved to be no easier the second time around, in fact, scoring was no better than on the first day, in fact, a bit worse. With many playing practice rounds prior to tomorrow's competition the course was quite busy, still, we managed to get around without delay which was fortunate as shortly after we finished it started raining heavily.

 

Having bagged two near pins on each of the first two days Craig Dows took one more again today, not only that he took first place with a modest thirty-two points. Paul Smith was one adrift in second whilst Michael Brett brought up the rear with thirty points. The remaining near pins went to Michael Brett and as usual Paul Smith got two.

 

Day 4

Thursday, April 21st

 

Watermill

1st Niall Glover (16) 39 points

2nd Herbert Felder (11) 37 points

3rd Paul Smith (1) 35 points

 

Near pins Paul Smith, Craig Dows, & Niall Glover X 2.

 

Watermill is a course that most would not have heard of before let alone played and what a treat it turned out t be. It is a typical Pete Dye design whose obsession for water on every hole and the signature island green was in evidence. A very nice course indeed apart from one thing, the greens were recently cored and sanded which made putting a bit of a lottery, nevertheless, everyone enjoyed the course and expressed the view that they would be happy to return again.

 

Today's scoring was the best of the tour with Niall Glover having the top score of the trip with thirty-nine points to take first place. Herbert Felder also had a good day taking second place with thirty-six points and Paul Smith was one stroke adrift in third place. Paul Smith and Craig Dows got a near pin each with Niall Glover taking two.

 

The Tour Champion was Robbie Watts with an accumulated score over the four days of one hundred and thirty points, one ahead of Paul Smith with Craig Dows in third on one hundred and twenty-four points. Craig easily won the near pin competition with six over the four days with three each to Paul Smith and Niall Glover

 

Today was the last game for Herbert Felder and Hubert Steifenhofer who after today's round went directly to the airport to fly back to Germany, both endeared themselves to the Bunker Boys during their stay and we look forward to seeing them back again later in the year.

 

Bunker Boys tour group.

 

Tour champ Robbie Watts

 

 

Bunker Boys golf Report for the week commencing Monday April 11th

 

Monday, April 11th

 

Greenwood B &C. Medal

 

1st Jimmy Carr (19) Net 72

2nd Geoff Atwell (25) Net 72

3rd Kob Glover (23) Net 73

4th Michael Brett (16) Net 73

5th Niall Glover (16) Net 73

6th Les Cobban (9) Net 73

 

Near pins Les Cobban, Robbie Watts, Paul Smith, & GeoffParker.

 

The Greenwood course was immaculate for today's game, probably the best condition of any course we have played lately. The fairways and greens were just about perfect, the bunkers flawless although one did complain that there was too much sand in them, made a pleasant change from unattended, unraked bunkers full of holes left by dogs.

 

After a couple of weeks of very nice weather today it looked like at any moment we would get a drenching, luckily the rain stayed away, although a few drops did fall at different times.

 

In one of the most evenly contested games for a long time scoring whilst not spectacular was very close with two finishing on net seventy-two and four on seventy-three and placed as above. Jimmy Carr should have had a sub seventy score but a ten on the sixteenth cruelled his chances, perhaps the expectation of what might happen after golf got in his head. One on seventy-two played of a one-stroke lower handicap than he should have which would have altered third place. All the near pins were taken with one each going to Les Cobban, Robbie Watts, Paul Smith, & Geoff Parker.

 

The closing two holes on the C nine were made even more difficult than normal as the ground staff started fires to clean up rubbish just off the course, this resulted in thick acrid smoke blowing across the eight and ninth farways.

 

Wednesday, April 13th

 

Mountain Shadow

 

1st Les Cobban (9) 35 points

2nd Robbie Watts (8) 33 points

3rd Michael Brett (17) 31 points

 

Near pins Hubert Stiefenhofer, Robbie Watts, Kob Glover, & Les Cobban.

 

The combination of extremely high temperatures, a course in shabby condition, and play at snail's pace was not the ideal cocktail of conditions for enjoyable golf. We had a caddie collapse on the eighth tee which held up play for about twenty minutes until she could be removed to the clubhouse, despite that it took no time till we were again back behind slow players and waiting on every shot. Many commented that they should not have gotten out of bed which in retrospect would have been a better option.

 

As expected, under the conditions scores were low to very low with only Les Cobban managing a respectable score of thirty-five points to take first place. Robbie Watts was two adrift in second place with Michael Brett a further two back in third.  All the near pins were taken with one each as listed above.

 

Friday, April 15th

 

Emerald

 

1st Kob Glover (23) 41 points

2nd Jimmy Carr, (19) 36 points

3rd Michael Brett (17) 35 points

 

Near pins Michael Brett & Paul Smith X 3.

 

Another stinking hot day in Siam for our last game of the week at Emerald. There was no wind and at times the heat was oppressive, it affected some more than others. One who struggled massively had only one point after seven holes before declaring he had enough and walked off the course. Just about everyone had carts luckily as it was not a day for walking.

 

The red tees are over one thousand yards shorter than the whites at Emerald and our only lady, Kob Glover took full advantage of the shorter distance to post the best score of the day, forty-one points to take first place by a margin of five points. Jimmy Carr took second with a solid thirty-six, twenty-three on the back nine one ahead of Michael Brett in third place. Paul Smith was back to his sharpshooting best again today taking three near pins although one was a fair distance from the pin, still good enough to beat everyone else. Michael Brett got the remaining near pin.

 

One of our regular visitors from the UK John Hughes and known handicap bandit took first place in a competition at his local North Oxford course

 

Jimmy Carr winner at Greenwood.

 

Les Cobban winner at Mountain Shadow.

 

Kob Glover winner at Emerald

 

John Hughes winner at North Oxford.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bunker Boys Golf Report for week commencing April 4th

 

Monday, April 4th

 

Greenvalley

 

1st Robbie Watts (10) 42 points

2nd Jay Babin (24) 37 points

3rd Kob Glover (22) 37 points

4th Geoff Atwell (24) 35 points

5th Mike Lloyd (14) 35 points

 

Near pins Mike Lloyd, Kob Glover, Paul Smith, & Robbie Watts.

 

Finally, we had a really nice day for golf after the recent prolonged wet spell. The Greenvalley course was in excellent condition, but the greens were very slick indeed and proved a real challenge for most in holding approach shots on them, also downhill puts were treacherous, even the best putters were challenged. Some said the greens were faster than either Bangpra or Pattavia at their fastest, so only the best putters prevailed.

 

Playing his last game of this trip Mike Lloyd signaled his intention to sign off in style with a remarkable twenty-four points on the front nine which included an eagle on the first, however, he was overcome with pressure on the back nine only to end up in fifth place on thirty-five points, clearly, Mike's game is in great shape, he just needs to control his emotions a bit better to become a real force in the game. It was remarkable to watch someone going from cruise mode to struggle street. Geoff Atwell took fourth place on countback from Mike. After an absence from the winner's circle for some time, Kob Glover made a return today with a score of thirty-seven losing second place on countback to Jay Babin. In his first game back after more than two years due to COVID Robbie Watts got straight down to business to take first place with a well compiled forty-two points, no problems putting there for Robbie. He also managed to snag a near pin, Paul Smith as usual got one, whilst Mike Lloyd and Kob Glover got the remaining two. Today was also the last game for Neil Griffin who returns to the UK this week and generously signed off by ringing the bell back at the bar.

 

We had an unusual incident today when a dog took a shine to Jimmy Carr and rode around in his cart for several holes until an irate marshal came along with a slingshot and spent a couple of hours chasing it around the course, one had to ask why? it was one of the nicest and friendliest dogs one could see on a golf course.

 

Wednesday, April 6th

 

Pattaya Country Club

 

1st Herbert Felder (11) 40 points

2nd Perry Seehoo (2) 38 points

3rd Bobbie Watts (7)  37 points

4th Niall Glover (16) 35 points

 

Near pins Perry Seehoo, Paul Smith, & Hubert Stiefenhoffhl

 

Thankfully normal Pattaya weather has returned with another bright sunny day although very hot at times for today's game at Pattaya Country Club. Despite all the recent rain within a matter of days, the course was again firm underfoot and starting to look less green than a week ago.

 

A decent rollup of sixteen, not bad for the time of year and with several locals missing. Herbert Felder who plays with a bit of an up and down game put it all together today with a very good score of forty points to take first place. We had the pleasure to welcome a new member today Peter Seehoo, who announced his arrival with a very stylish thirty-eight points of a handicap of two taking second place. Once again Robbie Watts was in the frame taking third place with thirty-seven points whilst Niall Glover rounded out the winner's list with thirty-five points in fourth place. Three near pins were taken by Peter Seehoo, Paul Smith of course, and Hubert Stiefenhoffhl. Today's bell ringers were Peter Seehoo and Herbert Felder, well-done guys.

 

With only one dog on the course today and nobody chasing it, we had none of the drama of Monday at Greenvalley.

 

Friday, April 8th

 

Pattavia

 

1st Paul Smith (2) 37 points

2nd Robbie Watts (7) 36 points

3rd Herbert Felder (11) 35 points

4th Tony Robbins (26) 35 points

 

Near pins Kevin LeBar, Robbie Watts, & Paul Smith X 2.

 

Another nice day for golf at Pattavia with no prospect of rain. The wind was up on the front nine but abated on the back. The consequence of this was the fruit flies from the local pineapple plantations were out in force to the extent that they became a major distraction, it's very hard to play golf with plagues of tiny flies massing around your face, in your eyes and ears and even up your nose. Today the greens were not as fast as we have come to expect, certainly nothing like Greenvalley on Monday.

 

Even at this early stage of the month, the race for golfer of the month is developing into a two-horse race between Paul Smith and Robbie Watts, both going toe to toe on every outing. Today Paul Smith prevailed by one stroke to win with thirty-seven points one ahead of Robbie in second place. Another who has his game in good shape is Herbert Felder who took third with thirty-five beating Tony Robbins into fourth place on countback, Tony departs to Australia this weekend for a long-awaited holiday and family reunion so will be missing for the next couple of weeks. Near pins went to Kevin LeBar, & Robbie Watts with Paul Smith getting his usual two.

 

One week to go before our away Songkran trip to Nakon Nayok playing Cascata on the way, Watermill on the way back, and two games in between at Royal Hills, a much-anticipated trip to some new venues we haven't played previously.

 

Robbie Watts, winner at Greenvalley.

 

Herbert Felder, winner at Pattaya Country Club.

 

Psaul Smith, winner at Pattavia.

 

 

Bunker Boys Golf Report for week commencing Monday March 28th

 

Monday, March 28th

 

Emerald.

 

1st Paul Smith (3) 38 points

2nd Geoff Parker (19) 34 points

3rd Tony Robbins (26) 34 points

4th Geoff Atwell (25) 34 points

 

Near pins Niall Glover, & Paul Smith X 3

 

For a welcome change, we had no rain for today's game at Emerald although it threatened many times during the round. Dark skies lay in the distance and thunder rumbled all day long but fortunately for a change, it remained dry. When we got back to Pattaya we could clearly see where it had been raining heavily, the weather gods smiled on us today.

 

The Emerald course was pretty much as expected and was the quietest we have seen for some time, perhaps the "high season" has passed. An all-in fee of eleven hundred and fifty baht which included a voucher to the value of one hundred baht was decent value. It has often been suggested that the course doesn't mow the greens on a Monday and as it happens that was the case today, most greens were particularly slow.

 

Continuing on from where he has been all month Paul Smith took first place again today with thirty-eight points, is this current run of form ever going to end?. So far this month he has posted only one card under thirty-six points. In a three-way countback, Geoff Parker took second place from Tony Robbins in third and Geoff Atwell in fourth. All the near pins were taken again with the greedy Paul Smith taking three this time and Niall Glover taking the remaining flag.

 

Wednesday, March 30th

 

Silky Oak

 

1st Michael Brett (16) 35 points

2nd Niall Glover (15) 34 points

3rd Jay Babin (23) 31 points

 

Near pins. Dave Stockman, Jimmy Carr, Niall Glover, & Michael Brett

 

One of the most trying if not the most destructive days of golf in many years at Silky Oak today, The round started out pretty much as normal but there were some scattered dark clouds hanging around. By the ninth hole, the sky went completely black and the rain came lashing down for over an hour accompanied

 by almost simultaneous thunderclaps and lightning strikes meaning, we were directly in the eye of the storm.

 

 After about one and a quarter hours play resumed with reduced numbers as the sissies decided to call it a day and only the dedicated trojans were left, enough to constitute a match. On our return to play, we were confronted with a scene of devastation with at least twenty trees flattened on the eleventh and adjacent fairways. We were unaware of any strong wind during our stay in the shelter so it must have been a very localised freak wind that did the damage. Thereafter the weather moderated and by the finish, we were in relatively nice conditions again.

 

The course had been in nice condition prior to the rain and was still quite playable after although relief had to be taken from casual water in places. As a result of the rain plus the delay in play, scoring was on the low side. The top score of the day came from Michael Brett with thirty-five points in a round that contained two birdies, one of which was the most unlikely birdie anyone is likely to see, playing out of the rough from one hundred and fifty yards out to within four feet of the pin just as he was about to declare a lost ball. Niall Glover took second place a stroke back. After an indifferent front nine Niall put it together on the back with a series of pars to end up in second place with thirty-four points whilst Jay Babin rounded out the scoring with thirty-one points in third place. Four out of the five near pins available were taken going to Dave Stockman, Jimmy Carr, Niall Glover, & Michael Brett. Curiously missing from the near pin list were Kob Glover and Paul Smith.

 

Shot of the day went to Mike Lloyd who managed to skip his ball several times across water and end up on the fringe of the green, he missed the put by the smallest of margins which would have given him a remarkable par as he previously had a ball in the same water.

 

A mere formality in the race for the golfer of the month with Paul Smith so far in the lead that nobody even with a miracle round would have been able to catch him.

 

It is with great sadness that we have to report the passing of Colin Davis who died this week after a long illness. Colin was a pillar of the Expat golfing community in Pattaya and well-liked by all who came in contact with him. For many years Colin remained a giant figure in golfing circles, both in his role as organiser of Lewinski Golf and later at his own bar in Soi Buakhao. His passing will leave a big void in the Pattaya golfing scene. May he rest in peace.

 

Friday, April 1st

 

Pattana A & B

 

1st Paul Smith (3) 42 points

2nd Jimmy Carr (19) 37 points

3rd Kevin Lebar (11) 35 points

4th Michael Brett (16) 35 points

 

Near pins Niall Glover, Gez Williams, & Paul Smith X 2.

 

The second game this week without a rain interruption, perhaps we may finally be over the recent rainy spell. Additionally, we had a quality course to ourselves, at least for the front nine, when we got to the back nine we saw a few latecomers availing of lower-priced green fees after two pm.

 

The course was in nice condition, no need for pick, clean, and place today, the greens were particularly good. As a result, scores were on the high side again. Showing remarkable consistency once again Paul Smith swept all before him taking first place with a remarkable forty-two points. Coming off two golfer of the month wins in the first three he looks set to continue on his merry way, perhaps the newly arrived Robby Watts will offer him some challenge, nobody else seems capable of doing so at present. Jimmy Carr returned to his winning ways taking second place with thirty-seven points whilst Kevin LeBar was two strokes back in third place. All the near pins were taken with one each to Niall Glover and Gez Williams, Paul Smith got his usual two.

 

Winner Monday & Friday and March Golfer of the month Paul Smith.

 

The Brummies l to r Mick Fawkes, Joe Richardson, & Keith Peplow.

 

Winner at Silky Oak Michael Brett

 

 

Bunker Boys Golf Report for week commencing Monday March 21st

 

Monday, March 21st

 

Greenwood C & B.

 

1st Paul Smith (3) 39 points

2nd Mike Fawke (16) 38 points

3rd The Phantom (23) 36 points

4th Geoff Atwell (26) 36 points

5th Masao Ishikawa (19) 35 points

 

Near pins Raleigh Gosney, Mike Lloyd & Paul Smith X 2.

 

At this time of year, Pattaya golf courses are brown, hard, and with lots of run, not so this year, they are lush green, soft, and with no run. Rain breaks are an everyday event as was the case again today at Greenwood, although it was only for a few minutes as we managed to miss most of the threatening rain which passed by in the distance. The pick, clean, and place rule was in operation from the start. With several locals absent we still managed to assemble a field of twenty-one, not bad under the circumstances.

 

Enjoying a remarkable run of good form Paul Smith swept all before him again today with a round of thirty-nine points off a three handicap, very solid golf indeed. Newcomer Mike Fawke announced himself with a very solid thirty-eight points to take second place. Good coaching paid dividends today for the Phantom who took third place on countback from Geoff Atwell, both on thirty-six points whilst the oldest player in the field seventy-nine-year-old Masao Ishikawa showed there was life in the old dog still rounding out the winner's list in fifth place with thirty-five points, just goes to show what clean living can do for you. All the near pins were taken with one each to Raleigh Gosney and Mike Lloyd and of course, Paul Smith got his usual two.

 

This year's away trip to avoid Songkran in Pattaya is to a new venue for us, Nakon Nayok where we are scheduled to play Cascata on the way to our destination at Royal Hills. We have two games booked on consecutive days at Royal Hills due to scheduling difficulties and a game at Watermill on the return to Pattaya, all new courses for most if not all those attending.

 

Wednesday, March 23rd

 

Plutaluand East & South

 

1st Bengt Engstrom (9) 36 points

2nd Michael Brett (16) 33 points

3rd Mike Lloyd (15) 33 points

 

Near pins Niall Glover, Herbert Felder, & Michael Brett

 

out thirty minutes before the start of play and finished the round in bright sunshine. Since we played North and West on our last visit it was decided that we would play the East and South nines today. Following recent rain, the course was in the best condition we have seen in years apart from the bunkers which were a

shambles, full of holes made by dogs, and none appeared to have been raked for months. Despite that much work was being done to improve the course. A nine hundred and fifty baht all-in fee was very agreeable.

Scoring was on the low side with only Bengt Engstrom posting a decent thirty-six points to take first place. Michael Brett and Mike Lloyd both finished on thirty-three and were placed in that order on countback. Due to the reputation of the course and the prospect of rain our numbers were down considerably compared to recent turnouts. Only three near pins were taken going to Niall Glover, Herbert Felder, and Michael Brett.

 

Friday, March 25th

 

Khao Kheow A & B, Medal.

 

Play abandoned

 

A very difficult day for golf with at least two rain breaks on the front nine, one lasting about an hour before several decided they had had enough and called it a day. Apparently under club rules, if less than fifty percent of players finish a round then the game is null and void. Les Cobban was having such a good day that his group decided it would be unfair to deny him the chance to post a very good score which he did with a net seventy-one. Remarkably that group finished the round in bright sunshine so it seems a bit unfair that those that finished the round were not awarded the top three positions, some rules make no sense. If there is no option but to abandon play then it's ok to call a halt to play, however, if there is an option to play on then those that do ought to be able to win the day.

 

The rain we are experiencing lately is more akin to what we see during monsoon season. Whilst it's great for golf courses it's very difficult to maintain form and concentration with constant rain interruptions, hopefully, we are at the end of it and soon we will return to more normal conditions.

 

Paul Smith winner at Greenwood.

 

Bengt Engstrom winner at Plutaluang.

 

 

Monday, March 14th

 

Laem Chabang A & B.

 

1st Bob Innes (26) 41 points

2nd Jimmy Carr (20) 40 points

3rd Mike Lloyd (15) 40 points

4th Kevin LeBar (11) 38 points

5th Les Cobban (9) 37 points

 

Near pins Joe Richards, John Hughes, & Paul Smith X 2.

 

A good field of twenty-one for today's game at Laem Chabang. It just goes to show that a good course will draw in a good crowd. Today Laem Chabang was at its sparkling best as we have come to expect and at a sports day rate of nineteen hundred baht was also great value for a course of this standard. Despite recent rain, there was no need to implement the pick, clean, and place rule, and very few if any experienced a plugged ball. We were allocated the A & B nines and played off the white tees which were a bit shorter than our regular distance and probably accounted for the very high standard of scoring. In retrospect, the blue tees would have been a better choice.

 

The handicap bandits were out at the head of the pack with the top two places going to golfers with twenty-plus handicaps. Bob Innes is now becoming a regular in the winner's circle and today he made all the way to the top for the first time with forty-one points, what a way to make a breakthrough win, a big cut is in store for him. Likewise, Jimmy Carr who should never be off twenty took second place one stroke adrift, another who will feel the slash of the handicapper's scalpel. Out of the blue and totally unexpected Mike Lloyd made a return to the Bunker today and announced his retirement from the workforce with a splendid round of forty points, beaten by Jimmy on countback, hopefully, Mike will be spending much more than fleeting visits to Pattaya now that he is a man of leisure. As always Kevin LeBar was in the frame with a very respectable thirty-eight points in fourth place. Rounding out the winner's circle Les Cobban took fifth place with thirty-seven points having threatened to tear the course apart with fourteen points on the first four holes. An honourable mention has to go to Marcus Avery who also had thirty-seven points off a one handicap, wonderful golf indeed. All the near pins were taken with one each to John Hughes, and first-timer Joe Richards, needless to say, Paul Smith got his usual two.

 

Wednesday, March 16th

 

St Andrews

 

1st Paul Smith (4) 40 points

2nd Tony Robbins (26) 38 points

3rd Niall Glover (16) 35 points

4th Bengt Engstrom (10) 35 points

5th The Phantom (23) 34 points

 

Near pins Jay Babin, Geoff Parker, The Phantom, & Paul Smith.

 

A very good field of twenty-three for today's game at St Andrew's. Once again a good deal on pricing with an all-in fee of thirteen hundred baht which included a one hundred baht voucher to be spent on the course or in the clubhouse was excellent value. As usual, the course was in fine condition and several visitors who had not played there previously delighted with the quality of the course which offers a different challenge on every hole.

 

It looked early in the round that we might get a drenching, and caddies started applying rain covers to bags, however despite a few drops it stayed fine for the whole round. There was a bit of wind which took effect on a few holes but overall not too disruptive.

 

Most found the course a real challenge, however, those at the top of the winner's list didn't seem to have too many problems. Top of the tree was Paul Smith who is playing some exceptional golf and took first place with forty points, already he looks to be heading for his second golfer of the month win even though we are only halfway through March. For a change today he took only one near pin. Out of nowhere having had a succession of scores in the twenties Tony Robbins found some form and took second place with thirty-eight points on a course that one would have thought would present him with a greater challenge. Niall Glover had a steady round to take third place with thirty-five points beating Bengt Engstrom into fourth on countback. Bringing up the rear The Phantom rounded out the winner's circle with thirty-four points. The remaining near pins went to Jay Babin, Geoff Parker, &  the elusive Phantom.

 

Friday, March 18th

 

Pattana B & A

 

1st Niall Glover (16) 41 points

2nd Paul Smith (4) 39 points

3rd Jay Babin (22) 36 points

4th Keith Perlow (13) 35 points

5th Dave Stockman (7) 34 points

 

Near pins Paul Smith, Dave Stockman, Herbert Felder, & Geoff Cox.

 

A very unpleasant day for the last game of the week at Pattana. Black clouds hung in the air and it looked just a matter of time before we got wet. Eventually, by about the seventh hole it started pouring, and the siren sounded signaling a rush for shelter. As is often the case at Pattana the rain was accompanied by regular lightning strikes and loud thunderclaps. After over an hour the rain eased off and play resumed in light drizzle. At this late stage in the round, there was no option but to implement the pick, clean, and place rule as the course was sodden.

 

Despite the adverse conditions scoring was of a high standard due in part to the fact we played off the yellow tees. Niall Glover was head and shoulders above everyone else with a winning score of forty-one points. As usual Paul Smith was in the mix taking second place with thirty-nine points off a four handicap, very solid golf indeed. Jay Babin had another good day taking third place with thirty-six points. Newcomer from the UK Keith Perlow took fourth place with thirty-five points whilst an irregular visitor to the Bunker Dave Stockman rounded out the scoring with thirty-four. In a field of twenty-two, one expects all the near pins to be taken which they were going to Mr. Delinquent himself Geoff Cox, Herbert Felder, Dave Stockman, and of course Paul Smith. Back at the bar, there was much bell ringing with the winner Niall Glover and birthday boy Mike Lloyd among others getting in on the act so a good night was had by all.

 

The happy face of success, Bob Innes winner at Laem Chabang.

 

Paul Smith, 40 points st Dt Andrews.

 

Niall Glover, winner at Pattana

 

Birthday boy Mike Lloyd at Laem Chabang.

 

 

Bunker Boys Golf Report for week commencing Monday March 7th

 

Monday, March 7th

 

Greenvalley

 

1st Gerry Cooney (19) 39 points

2nd Geoff Parker (19) 38 points

3rd Kevin LeBar (12) 36 points

4th Jimmy Carr (20) 36 points

 

Near pins Jimmy Carr, Gez Williams, & Gerry Cooney.

 

A late start for today's round at Greenvalley with at least two other societies out before us so a slow round, not as bad as one might expect but still a little sluggish. For the third time in the past four rounds, we had an awkward number of seventeen. Thirteen hundred baht sports day pricing was in place, decent for a course of this standard.

 

Today was proof that age is no barrier with the oldest playing member of the Bunker Boys Gerry Cooney taking first place with a stylish thirty-nine points, I think a message there to all the others who complain about their age. A stroke back Geoff Parker reprised some of his former glory with excellent thirty-eight points, a round that included a birdie on the difficult tenth hole. Despite the handicap of not having his favourite caddie Kevin LeBar took third with thirty-six points beating Jimmy Carr on countback. Surprisingly only three near pins were taken going to Gerry Cooney, Jimmy Carr, and Gez Williams. After a long absence today we had the pleasure to welcome back from Japan Rocky Ishikawa, so in the usual fashion as some visitors leave others come in to take their place, who will it be next?.

 

Wednesday, March 9th

 

Burapha C & D

 

1st John Hughes (23) 38 points

2nd Dave Ashman 26)  37 points

3rd Paul Smith (3) 36 points

4th Jay Babin (23) 36 points

 

Near pins Derek Riordan, John Hughes, & Paul Smith X 2.

 

For a change, the Bunker Boys played the C & D nines instead of the normally preferred A & B nines. Despite looking great the course was remarkably damp. The greens were unbelievably slow despite having been mowed recently although looking slick. To be fair Pattaya has had a very unseasonal wet period recently so that was responsible for the course condition.

 

Some very good scores were returned today none better than the winner John Hughes with an impressive thirty-eight points. Rumour has it John rang the bell later back at the bar, a rumour hard to confirm as not too many people were in the bar at the time. Dave Ashman continues to deliver with yet another very solid round of thirty-seven points in second place, when will this run end?.  As ever Paul Smith was in the mix taking third place on countback from Jay Babin. Paul manager his customary two near pins with one each to John Hughes and the visiting Irishman Derek Riordan.

 

We are advised that Monday's winner Gerry Cooney has decided to invest in new clubs, how is that for confidence from the Bunker Boys' oldest playing member?, perhaps a few others could follow his lead and not constantly blame their age for the state of their games after all age is just a number.

 

Friday, March 11th

 

Pattavia

 

1st Jimmy Carr (20) 38 points

2nd Geoff Parker (19) 38 points

3rd John Hughes (22) 37 points

4th Ronnie Melvin (11) 37 points

 

Near pins.Niall Glover, & Paul Smith X 2.

 

Pattavia was in the best shape it's been for a long time today, the fairways were green and well mown and the greens were not ridiculously fast as they sometimes can be. As a result, some very fine scores were returned.

 

 Once again the high handicappers dominated with Jimmy Carr of a rediculous handicap of twenty taking first place with thirty-eight points. One stroke adrift and one point lower in handicap Geoff Parker took second place. Another bandit was found in third place in the form of John Hughes, his second in a row good score of thirty-six beating Ronnie Melvin into fourth place both on thirty-seven points, all very good scores in the winner's circle. Three of the four near pins were taken with Niall Glover taking one and for the second game in a row Paul Smith taking two.

 

Some Bunker Boys lead interesting lives, none more so than Bob Innes who on a regular basis confirmes that he is playing the next day only to withdraw on the morning of play, one wonders what happens in the interval.

 

 A big week is in store next week with Laem Chabang on Monday, St Andrews on Wednesday, and Pattana on Friday, the results of Niall Glover's recent survey are now filtering through to our playing roster with better courses at reasonable rates being the order of the day.

 

Gerry Cooney, winner at Greenvalley.

 

John Hughes winner at Burapha.

 

Jimmy Carr winner at Pattavia.

 

 

Bunker Boys Golf Report for week commencing Monday February 28th

 

Monday, February 28th

 

Emerald.

 

1st Dave Ashman (27) 39 points

2nd Paul Smith (4) 37 points

3rd John Hughes (22) 36 points

4th Jimmy Carr (19) 35 points

 

Near pins Dave Ashman & Paul Smith X 2.

 

The winds of change that had been blowing through the Bunker recently turned into a tornado this weekend. The Bunker Boys have a history of changing their home at regular intervals and after three years at our current location, it was once again time for a change although not of our choosing. Our new home is now "The Sports Lounge" on Soi Buakhao, previously the Chunky Monkey. Our new home offers a full-service restaurant with quality Thai and Farang food at reasonable prices, all manner of sports on various screens, and local beers at standard rates. In a central location and with fully renovated premises it provides probably the best home the Bunker Boys have ever had. The change took place over the weekend so we are now fully established in our new home with all lockers located in an upstairs room free from any possible damage from monsoon storms as was the case in our previous home.

 

The last game of February was played at the Emerald course which was in average condition. the greens, in particular, were in less than desirable

 

condition, and several had areas that were in very poor shape. Despite that, some very good scores were returned, none better than Dave Ashman who had a very respectable thirty-nine points in first place. As always Paul Smith was in the frame taking second place with thirty-seven. The wily John Hughes off a dodgy twenty-two handicap took third place with thirty-six points, ( I feel a lawsuit coming on, may require the services of Dave Galvin). Jimmy Carr brought up the rear with thirty-five beating out Niall Glover and Tony Robbins on countback. Three of the four near pins were taken by Dave Ashman and two by Paul Smith.

 

In the chase for the golfer of the month Paul Smith and Alan Harris fought out the early rounds but with Alan returning to the UK and Paul falling off the pace Michael Brett strung together a couple of good scores mid-month and set up a lead that was the chasers couldn't run down and was duly crowned February golfer of the month.

 

Back at the bar, there was much bellringing with the imminent departure of Keith Hemmings and Ken Davidson, Dave Ashman also got in the mood and rang the bell. We expect Keith to be back in a month accompanied by Roger Tuohy so he will have some serious competition in the dress stakes, we are assured Keith is up to the challenge with some ensembles not yet seen.

 

Wednesday, March 2nd

 

Pattaya Country Club

 

1st Kevin LeBar(13) 36 points

2nd Kob Glover (21) 35 points

3rd Neil Jones (24) 35 points

4th Bob Innes (28) 34 points

 

Near pins Kevin LeBar, Dave Ashman, Gez Williams, & Kob Glover.

 

The first game of a new month was played at Pattaya Country Club in less than ideal conditions. Just when it looked like we may have been lucky and escaped the threatening rain which had been with us all round, in the final holes it came down in buckets forcing a rain break on the sixteenth tee.

 

Playing off the Blue tees most found the course a bit of a struggle, however, a few did manage to return respectable scores. Top of the heap was Kevin LeBar who with the assistance of an exceptional caddie took pride of place with thirty-six points. Kob Glover had another of her regular solid rounds taking second place a stroke back. As ever the consistent Mr. Jones took third beating Bob Innes on countback. Near pins went to Kevin LeBar, Dave Ashman, Gez Wiliams, and as usual Kob Glover who on the last par three almost got a hole-in-one for the second game in a row at the same hole, remarkable consistency.

 

Further afield in Australia two Bunker Boys, Robby Watts and Peter Botswell took out the pairs team prize at their local Keysborough Club in Melbourne in their Annual Club Competition, well done boys, keep the Bunker Boys flag flying.

 

Friday, March 4th

 

Bangpra

 

1st Gez Williams (12) 41 points

2nd Paul Smith (4) 38 points

3rd Bob Innes (28) 36 points

4th John Hughes (23) 33 points

 

Near pins Neil Griffin, Jimmy Carr, Paul Smith & Michael Brett.

 

Twelve hundred and fifty baht using PSC vouchers was a reasonable rate for today's game at Bangpra. The course was one of the most crowded of any course we have experienced for a long time, yet surprisingly we got away on time and had no delays anywhere. No complaints about the quality of the course either which as usual was in nice condition. A field of seventeen was a reasonable turnout with a couple of locals taking the day off.

 

Many people find Bangpra a difficult course, however, those at the top of the leaderboard didn't seem to have any problems. An outstanding round of forty-one off a twelve handicap saw Gez Williams take first place. With three scores this week all thirty-seven or over Paul Smith is in sparkling form lately and took second place with thirty-eight points, one feels another golfer of the month already trophy heading his way. Bob Innes continues to improve with every round and lower his handicap, today he took third place with a fine round of thirty-six whilst John Hughes brought up the tail with thirty-three. It has to be noted his handicap is going in the wrong direction again. All the near pins were taken with one each going to Neil Griffin, Jimmy Carr, Paul Smith, and Michael Brett.

 

Today we bade farewell to yet another visitor with Neil Jones returning to the UK on a late-night flight, not before he rung out every last minute of his time in Pattaya before departing, we expect to see him back again around October.

 

Dave Ashman winner at Emerald

 

Robby Watts & Peter Botswell, wining pair at Keysborough

 

Gez Williams winner at Bangpra

 

Three big scores this week for Paul Smith

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bunker Boys Golf Report for week commencing Monday February 21st

 

Monday, February 21st

 

Greenwood A & B.

 

1st Les Cobban (12) 39 points

2nd Neil Jones (24) 36 points

3rd Raleigh Gosney (18) 36 points

4th Niall Glover (16) 34 points

 

Near pins Les Cobban, & Herbert Felder X 3.

 

Today the Bunker Boys drove past five courses offering significantly better deals than Greenwood which at fifteen hundred and fifty baht all-in is clearly not good value. Greenwood is a favourite course of many but unless we see a return to more reasonable pricing we may be forced to give it a miss. For much of the day, we seemed to be the only ones on the course and with an empty car park surely there is a message there for course management. As always the course was in decent condition although the fairways on the A nine were in need of a good mowing.

 

All-day long it seemed just a matter of time before we got drenched. Heavy dark clouds filled the skies, thunder rumbled constantly, and not too far away we could see it raining, however by some miracle we managed to avoid it and stay dry, one of those days when we just got lucky.

 

On the whole, scoring was on the low side, however, a couple did manage respectable scores. Top of the heap was Les Cobban who returned a card of thirty-nine points of a twelve handicap, very high by his standards and we expect to see him return to his more regular handicap shortly. The ever consistent Neil Jones came second with thirty-six points and made a huge leap forward in his quest for his first golfer of the month trophy. With just three rounds to play and some low scores to come off, he is well set to make a strong finish to the month. After a week off, Raleigh Gosney returned today to take third place losing second on countback, with Niall Glover rounding out the winner's circle on thirty-four points. Making a remarkable debut at the Bunker Boys, Herbert Felder showed great accuracy to take three near pins with the remaining flag going to Les Cobban.

 

Back at the bar, there was pig on a spit plus a variety of other culinary delights to mark the birthday of our leader Niall Glover, it would be indiscrete to put a number on it, suffice to say he is no longer a teen. Partying went on long into the night with the ladies in particularly enjoying themselves fueled by some red wine courtesy of Paul Smith.

 

Wednesday, February 23rd

 

Bangpakong Riverside Country Club

1st Herbert Felder (11) 37 points

2nd Michael Brett (15) 36 points

3rd Paul Smith (4) 35 points

 

Near pins Gez Williams, Paul Smith, & Graeme Mullins.

 

The Bunker Boys made a longer than usual trip north today with a visit to Bangpakong Riverside. Not since pre-COVID days had we made this trip so it was nice to get back there and renew some old acquaintances. A wide-open course that on the face of it looks easier than it actually is, presents its own challenges, not least the par threes which are some of the longest of any course we play. Since our last visit, the waste areas have been removed and replaced with grass, coupled with a few other alterations making for a much better course. Overall the course was in excellent condition with well-mown fairways and quite slick greens that ran fast and true.

 

As usual Paul Smith was in the reckoning taking third place with thirty-five points. Second place went to Michael Brett with thirty-six points whilst newcomer Herbert Felder with some massive drives and good course management took first place with thirty-seven points, but no near pins unlike Monday when he had three. Near pins went to Gez Williams,  as usual, Paul Smith, and the newly arrived from Oz Graeme Mullins.

 

 Back at the bar, we had a ringing of the bell in absentia courtesy of the departing Dave Galvin who generously did the deed as he was unable to attend flying back to the Emerald Isle in the evening, we look forward to his return later in the year. when he may once again reprise the heroics of his forty-four points at Silky Oak.

 

Friday, February 25th

 

Khao Kheow  B & C

 

1st Gez Williams (12) 34 points

2nd Niall Glover (16) 33 points

3rd Paul Smith (4) 33 points

 

Near pins Neil Jones, Ken Davidson, & Kob Glover X 2.

 

The last game of the week was played at Khao Kheow B & C in very blustery conditions. This is the second time this year that Khao Kheow was almost unplayable due to very strong wind, even putting was a challenge as it was difficult to stay balanced over the ball with the buffeting wind.

 

As usual, the course was in nice condition so no problems on that score. The difficulty posed by the wind was reflected in the scoring which was on the very modest side. Gez Williams took first place with thirty-four points, whilst Niall Glover edged out Paul Smith on countback for second place. A good day for the Glover household with Kob back on the near pin trail taking two with one each going to Neil Jones and Ken Davidson.

 

The winds of change are blowing through the Bunker Boys lately. Some time ago Jimmy Carr relinquished his role as daily organiser so Niall Glover stepped in to take that role. Subsequently, Tony Robbins decided it was time for him to pass on the job of booking courses so once again Niall was the man for the job, so Niall has his hands full.

 

One of the first jobs Niall did was to survey the members on which courses they prefer to play and which they would wish to avoid, taking into account the quality of the course, cost, and distance to travel. Now that the results are in we will see a different roster every month with one signature course included. There are some other changes in the wind that will be announced at the appropriate juncture, stay tuned.

 

Winner at Greenwood Les Cobban

 

Winner at Bangpakong Herbert Felder.

 

Keith Hemmings, the best-dressed golfer in Pattaya.

 

 

 

 

Bunker Boys Golf Report for the week commencing Monday February 14th

 

Monday, February 14th

 

Greenvalley

 

1st The Phantom (24) 40 points

2nd Michael Brett (16) 39 points

3rd Neil Jones (24) 37 points

4th Keith Hemmings (23) 36 points

 

Near pins Paul Smith, Tony Robbins,& Niall Glover.

 

A particularly unpleasant day for the first game of the week at Greenvalley where we had to take three rain breaks and play much of the time in light drizzle. The course was already damp from rain over the last three days but today's rain meant it was waterlogged for a time. Fortunately, the drainage was excellent, and apart from a few plugged balls, the course was playable. Thunder rumbled around all day and there were a few lightning strikes that were a bit too close for comfort, all in all not a nice day for golf.

 

Despite the difficulties posed by the weather and the wetness of the course scoring was good with those in the winner's circle posting very acceptable scores. Having been away for a few months The Phantom made a triumphant return to the Bunker Boys today and took first place with a very fine forty points.

 

Clearly, he likes Greenvalley, on his last visit he also won with a magnificent twenty-six points on the front nine. Cruising along for most of the round second-placed Michael Brett collapsed on the closing holes with only one point each on the last three holes to finish on thirty-nine, a case of what might have been. A regular in the winner's circle of late Neil Jones took third place with thirty-seven points whilst Keith Hemmings made his presence felt with a fourth placing of thirty-six. Despite the par threes being some of the easiest of any course we play only three were taken going to Tony Robbins, Niall Glover, and as usual Paul Smith.

 

Wednesday, February 16th

 

Mountain Shadow

 

1st Michael Brett (15) 36 points

2nd Ken Davidson (26) 32 points

3rd Daryl Vernon (22) 29 points

 

Near pins Dave Galvin, Kevin LeBar, & Tony Scambler.

 

The unseasonal wet weather in Pattaya continued today and it looked like we might have to endure an unpleasant day on the course. Even as we teed off light rain was falling but it quickly faded away and although it remained overcast conditions were good for golf. Having had so much rain recently it was obvious from the outset that we needed to implement the pick, clean, and place rule which fortunately we did as mud and plugged balls were common.

 

Never an easy course today Mountain Shadow bared its teeth with only two golfers bettering thirty points. Daryl Vernon came out best on countback with twenty-nine points to take third place over a bunch of players all on the same score. Ken Davidson came second with thirty-two points. For the second game in a row Michael Brett started out well with twenty-two points on the front nine only to fade badly on the back, still, thirty-six was enough to take first place. As was the case on Monday one near pin remained unclaimed with the other three going to Tony Scambler, Dave Galvin, and Kevin LeBar.

 

Friday, February 18th

 

Pattana C & A.

1st Neil Jones (24) 34 points

2nd Niall Glover (16) 33 points

3rd The Phantom (23) 32 points

 

Near pins Niall Glover, Daryl Vernon, & Michael Brett X 2.

 

Yet another day when it looked like we would get a drenching, however after a very light shower at the start of play the day remained fine. The course was in remarkably good shape despite all the recent rain, however, mudballs were common and there was no run so the lift, clean, and place rule was applied.

 

The course was very busy with all three nines in play, nevertheless, the speed of play was good with no holdups.

Scores were on the modest side with nobody really excelling, Neil Jones who regularly seems to be in the winner's circle took the honours today with thirty-four points. Niall Glover was a stroke back in second place with the Phantom another stroke back in third place. All the near pins were taken with one each going to Daryl Vernon and Niall Glover with Michael Brett taking two.

 

Keith Hemmings, back in the Bunker after a two year absence

 

A long time favourite Ken Elmore experiencing some medical isdues, we wish him well

 

The Phantom, winner at Greenvalley.

 

 

Bunker Boys Golf Report for week commencing Monday, February 7th

 

Wednesday, February 9th

 

Burapha A & B

 

1st Gez Williams (12) 40 points

2nd DaveGalvin (23) 39 points

3rd Daryl Vernon (22) 36 points

4th Geoff Parker (19) 35 points

 

Near pins Gerry Cooney & Paul Smith X 2.

 

A field of sixteen took part in today's game at Burapha where we were allocated the A & B nines, The all-in fee of twelve hundred baht was good value for money, amongst the best deals going at present when other lesser courses are overpricing themselves. The course was in good condition apart from the greens which looked a bit shabby. For most of the round, we could dark skies all around with thunder rumbling in the distance. Several times it looked inevitable we would get a drenching however all but the last group got off the course before it hit and they looked a sorry sight coming in looking like drowned rats.

 

Scoring was of a high standard today with all in the winner's circle posting good scores. Top of the pile was Gez Williams with an excellent forty points. Gez had a golden day today, everything he touched turned to gold.  Following his recent forty-four points at Silky Oak,  Dave Galvin had been very quiet, today he roared back into form with a very fine thirty-nine points to take second place, could he be managing his handicap on the sly? Daryl Vernon took third with a solid thirty-six points while Geoff Parker brought up the rear with thirty-five points. Gerry Cooney took one near pin and as usual Paul Smith took two.

 

Friday, February 11th

 

Pattavia.

 

1st Ken Davidson (27) 37 points

2nd Paul Smith (3) 33 points

3rd Kevin LeBar (13) 32 points

4th Niall Glover (16) 32 points

 

Near pins Paul Smith, Raleigh Gosney, & Alan Harris

 

On recent visits to Pattavia, we found the course dry, hard, and greens that were very quick indeed, after a couple of days with heavy rain the course was much more benign today and putting a lot easier if one can ever say putting is easy at Pattavia. A decent field of eighteen made the trip but only about half made it back to the bar for the presentation with several absentees making a significant contribution to the delinquent fund.

 

A very fine round today from Ken Davidson saw him take first place with thirty-seven points, this was a particularly good score as Ken had a modest start to his round. A full four strokes back Paul Smith took second place on thirty-three points. Kevin LeBar had a modest score by his standards at his home course, still enough to take third place and edge out Niall Glover into fourth place. Three near pins went to Paul Smith, Raleigh Gosney, and Alan Harris playing his last game of this trip.

 

All our US members are in serious training readying themselves for a big day on Monday when the Super Bowl starts in the early morning so we don't expect to see any of them for Monday's game. There seems to be a bit of tension in the air at the Bunker lately with a few people taking themselves a bit too seriously, we may have to consider laying on some Valium sandwiches to calm a few down.

 

After an absence of two years, we are expecting a group of Aussies to break out of isolation, shake off the shackles of confinement, and make the trip to Pattaya in the coming weeks so we will have to dust off the welcome mat for their arrival

 

Gez Williams shot a sparkling forty points at Burapha  

 

Ken Davidson, winner at Pattavia.

 

 

 

 

Bunker Boys Golf Report for week commencing Monday January 31st

 

Monday, January 31st

 

Silky Oak, White tees

 

1st Kob Glover (21) 39 points

2nd Paul Smith (4) 39 points

3rd Neil Jones (25) 39 points

4th Gez Williams (12) 35 points

5th Michael Brett (16) 34 points

 

Near pins Gez Williams, Tony Scambler,  & Kob Glover.

 

The last game of the month was scheduled to be played at Mountain Shadow but due to overwhelming demand that booking was canceled and Silky Oak was instead chosen as the new venue following positive reports from our last visit. Some find Silky Oak a bit quirky but nonetheless enjoyable to play. Five par threes, five par fives, and a couple of blind landing areas from the tee make for an unusual layout. As with most other courses good course management is necessary and thoughtful play is usually rewarded.

 

 An all-in deal of twelve hundred baht represented good high season value and carts were appreciated as there are places on the course where it's some distance from green to next tee. Carts also were helpful with the speed of play and also reduced fatigue on a hot sunny day. A measure of how well people liked the course can be gauged by the fact seventy percent of the group scored thirty points or better.

 

Once again at the top of the tree, Kob Glover is becoming a real force at the Bunker Boys and may well see her handicap in the teens very soon, today she had thirty-nine points and beat Paul Smith on countback for first place. Off a four handicap, Paul had an excellent round which include four birdies, and just missed an eagle having driven the green on the sixteenth. The Taffies occupied third and fourth with Neil Jones also on thirty-nine and Gez Williams in fourth on

thirty-five points. Michael Brett rounded out the winner's circle on thirty-four. Only three of the five near pins were taken going to Gez Williams, Tony Scambler,  and as usual Kob Glover.

 

As expected Paul Smith took out the first of the year golfer of the month trophies having played high-quality consistent golf all month, although he was challenged by Kob Glover in the closing rounds, are we about to see the emergence of a new golfer of the month in Kob? and our first ever lady golfer of the month, only time will tell.

 

Wednesday, February 2nd

 

Pattaya Country Club, Medal, White tees

 

1st Dave Ashman (26) Net 68 points

2nd Steve Durey (18) Net 70 points

3rd Kevin LeBar (13) Net 70 points

4th Jay Babin (22) Net 71 points

 

Near pins Jay Babin, Alan Harris, & Michael Brett X 2.

 

The first game of February was played at Pattaya Country Club in warm sunny conditions. As always since the renovations, the course was in excellent condition, and with an all-in fee of twelve hundred and eighty baht for senior cardholders, it was good value.

 

Numbers were down a little today as medal is not everybody's favourite format, we also have a couple sidelined with injuries., who could have known golf was such a hazardous game?. One who clearly likes medal format was today's winner Dave Ashman who followed up last Friday's top score with another excellent performance of net sixty-eight. Two strokes back on seventy Steve Durey edged out Kevin LeBar on seventy points. Kevin was sporting a new driver which gave him up to thirty yards extra distance so we can expect big things from him in the coming months. He also had his favourite caddie on the bag today who proved to be a major distraction to his playing partners, the lengths some people will go to, to win. Jay Babin took fourth place with a net score of seventy-one all very respectable scores off the white tees. All the near pins were taken with one each to Alan Harris and Jay Babin with Michael Brett taking two.

 

Friday, February 4th

 

Pleasant Valley Blue tees

1st Jimmy  Carr (18) 34 points

2nd Alan Harris (9) 33 points

3rd Kob Glover (20) 32 points

 

Near pins. Gerry Cooney, Alan Harris, & Michael Brett

 

Pleasant Valley was the venue for the last game of the week where we found a course surprisingly damp in places. For some reason, this course is always busy as it was once again today. Luckily for us, we got away ahead of a six-ball and didn't encounter any delays or holdups throughout the round. For some reason, big groups are allowed to play together at Pleasant Valley, the most we have seen was a ten-ball, imagine being stuck behind them.

 

The weather gods smiled down on us today as no sooner had we finished than a torrential downpour hit sending those still on the course running for shelter, luckily for us, we were in the clubhouse enjoying a cold beer or an iced coffee. The rain lasted all the way back to Pattaya when it fined up again.

 

Scoring was very modest today with Jimmy Carr taking first place with only thirty-four points. The big-hitting Alan Harris took second place with thirty-three, Alan hits his drives about thirty yards past everyone else with seemingly no effort whatsoever, a message there for the shorter hitters. Once again Kob Glover was in the frame taking third place with thirty-two points. Three near pins were won going to Alan Harris, Gerry Cooney, & Michael Brett.

 

All is in readiness for our annual pilgrimage to Soi Dao where we have a field of sixteen booked to play. For the second year in a row, we will be without our regular trip organiser Keith Norman whom we would like to see back at the Bunker in the near future. As we will have even numbers we expect to have a daily individual winner as well as the best team.

A new range of Bunker Boys golf t-shirts will be available from Monday next week and with only forty available it's a case of first in best dressed.

 

Kob Glover, winner at Silky Oak

 

Dave Ashman, winner at Pattaya Country Club.

 

Jimmy Carr, winner at Pleasant Valley.

 

Golfer of the Month for January Paul Smith.

 

 

 

 

Bunker Boys Golf Report for week commencing Monday January 24th

 

Monday, January 24th

 

Khao Kheow

 

1st Kob Glover (22) 39 points

2nd Paul Smith (4) 38 points

3rd Gerry Cooney (19) 38 points

4th Kevin LeBar (14) 35 points

5th Steve Durey (19) 35 points

 

Near pins Kevin LeBar X 2, Les Cobban, & Kob Glover

 

A & B were the assigned nines for today's game at Khao Kheow where we had a decent rollup of twenty-three. For some strange reason, the course was sodden in a couple of areas, but overall it was in good condition, the greens were a bit quicker than we are used to at this course.

 

It may be that people are finally getting the message about slow play as we had a very pleasant game today with no holdups due to this plague, long may this trend continue.

 

Today's winner Kob Glover is becoming a real force at the Bunker Boys, we may have to adopt a more gender-neutral name for our society in the near future to reflect the more inclusive nature of the group. Not only did Kob win today with thirty-nine points, but she also got her usual near pin and leads that competition as well as being amongst the contenders for golfer of the month. Following up on last week's good form Paul Smith was in the frame again today taking second place with thirty-eight points beating Gerry Cooney into third on countback. A countback was also required for fourth and fifth places with Kevin LeBar edging out Steve Durey. Kevin also managed to get a very close near pin on the island green which naturally he birdied and Les Cobban took the remaining near pin.

 

 Shot of the day went to Ken Davidson who managed to snag one of the rare birds, an eagle while his playing partners were not paying attention and missed the deed, some wags were asking did he really get it or was it just a figment of his imagination? as a former club champion Ken is very capable on his day.

 

Wednesday, January 26th

 

Plutaluang N & W.

 

1st Niall Glover (16) 30 points

2nd Neil Jones (24) 30 points

3rd Stuart Tinkler (16) 30 points

4th Paul Smith (4) 29 points

 

Near pins Paul Smith, Gerry Cooney, Jay Babin, & John Hughes.

 

It seemed like an eternity since we last played the Navy course and given the reaction of many today it may be a long time before we return again. It just felt like everybody got beaten up and nobody managed to master the course or accumulate a decent score. As with Treasure Hill, there were trees to negotiate all over the course, many in completely inappropriate places which just added to the difficulty of playing off the very coarse grass on the fairways. A few masochists did comment that despite all that they enjoyed the day.

 

Plutaluang is always a bit of a surprise and you just never know what you are going to get, be it a gardener for a caddie or a cart that dies after only a few holes. Today something new when on the ninth tee a rather aggressive big monkey made a couple of charges at a female caddie, luckily she had a rake in her hands and was able to fend it off, all a bit scary. It's common to see monkeys bare their teeth, but rare to see them aggressively charge at somebody.

 

Another disrupted round with the first group running up against a very slow five-ball on the second tee, so they went cross country to the fourth tee and continued on from there. It feels like the Glovers are dominating proceedings at the Bunker Boys lately, Monday, Kob took the honours with an excellent thirty-nine points, today it was husband Nialls' turn to take first place albeit with a modest thirty points. Neil Jones and Stuart Tinkler also had thirty points and finished in that order on countback with Paul Smith a stroke further back. All the near pins were taken with one each going to Paul Smith, Gerry Cooney, Jay Babin, and the wily John Hughes.

 

Friday, January 28th

 

Emerald

 

1st Dave Ashman (26) 38 points

2nd Michael Brett (16) 36 points

3rd Kob Glover (21) 34 points

4th Paul Smith (4) 34 points

5th Neil Jones (24) 33 points

 

Near pins Gerry Cooney, Bengt Engstrom, Gez Williams, & Michael Brett

 

A less than pleasant greeting at Emerald when we found out that the green fee was three hundred baht more than the agreed price at the time of booking, it fair to say that many might not have played had they known. In light of what deals are on offer at other better courses, this was not value for money today, and could see Emerald off our roster for the foreseeable future. There may be big plans ahead for this course but right now it was not up to scratch, in particular, the greens were very substandard.

 

One of the more pleasing aspects of today's game was the speed of play which once again was very good with no holdups, could be that everybody in carts is a big help. Curiously this week Google ran an article on slow play back in the seventies by Lee Trevino, clearly, a problem that has afflicted golf for many years and one that should be easy to fix with a change of attitude.

 

Like a bolt out of the blue Dave Ashman took the honours today with an excellent thirty-eight points, it's been a while for Dave so it' was nice to see him back in the groove again. Michael Brett took second with thirty-six two ahead of Kob Glover and Paul Smith, third and fourth respectively on countback whilst Neil Jones brought up the rear thirty-three in fifth place. All the near pins were taken with one each going to Gerry Cooney, Bengt Engstrom, Gez Williams, and Michael Brett.

 

Kob Glover, winner at Khao Kheow

 

Niall Glover, winner at Plutaluang

 

Dave Ashman, winner at Emerald