December 2016 PAGS Tournament from Phoenix

The Finale

127 players, including a small group of Ladies, made the short journey this month to the Phoenix course, where we played the Mountain & Ocean combination for the first time since February this year.  In my opinion, this has always been the best selection of the 9s, so it was good to get back on to the Mountain after its recent re-opening.  Although the weather was warm, there was a light breeze to keep it from being too oppressive, with the groups progressing at a steady pace. 

As with most months there is 1, or sometimes several outstanding performances for the tournament, but this month the accolades should be with Tom Thompson, the clear winner of the Series for the year.  Despite this month not playing up to the high standard he set throughout the year, his lead was unassailable, finally scoring 588 points from a possible 610.  The battle for the minor placings went down to the wire, with the consistent Jeff Wylie just edging Dennis Steele by 3 points over the year, 561 to 558. 

The C flight of handicaps 20+ had the best scores of the day with Kjell Franberg (22) recording a day’s best of 41 points, ahead of Chuck Taylor (25) with 40, while Anders Frodig (22) signed for a solid 39 points to get the 3^rd spot. 

The B flight, for handicaps 14 - 19, was tightly contested, with 40 points being the top score, from Anders Ekberg (19) with Jari Laakonen (17) a point behind, and Lennart Larsson (15) gaining the bronze position with 36 points. 

40 points was the benchmark in A flight also, with Martin Cooke (12) leading the way clearly, from Jeff Wylie (6) on 38 points and Olli Orth (11) a further point behind on 37.  Both Jeff and Olli picked up approaches on the 6^th & 3^rd holes respectively. 

After last month’s multiple countbacks, this month the only countback required was in the Ladies division, with Tina Orth (21) edging Suwana Kerjaleon (17) 21/17 after both signed for a creditable 38 points, Tina also scoring the long drive on 18.

Low Gross has seen some outstanding scores throughout this year with several sub par scores, including a 69 and a 70.  This month’s return was a rather modest 76 in comparison to those scores from Jeff Wylie.  Special mention goes out to multiple winners Dennis Paul and Timo Rautiainen in the technical prizes, and Tom Thompson, John Fenwick, Gerd Riedler & Postis who played in all 12 PAGS events for 2016.

Dave was on the job again with his capable staff on the BBQ, they kept all attendees well satisfied with their tasty offerings for the night and the line moving smoothly.  We will all look forward to another successful PAGS for 2017, commencing on Tuesday 31 January, call Shane on 0863720084 to book your preferred tee time.