February 2017 PAGS Tournament from Phoenix Gold

Course Conditions Promote Big Scores

Golfers would have awoken Tuesday morning to light drizzle and grey skies, with the possibility of a wet day of golf.  Early tee-off groups of the 106 players including 12 Ladies, may have had to deal with some light rain for a few holes, but from 8:00am on perfect conditions were the order of the day.  With the overnight rain, it was decided to play lift, clean & place on the closely mown surfaces, to avoid mud balls following good shots.

There were a host of exceptional performances, so difficult to single out a star player of the day with several nominees.

Top points score of the day came from the B Flight for handicaps 14 - 19, with John Sherriff (18) signing for a spectacular 47 points.  A series of countbacks was required to separate 5 players on 41 points for the minor placings.  Mikael Andersson (19) beat Fred May (16) after both had 21 on the back 9, while John Pierrel, Tom Thompson & Steve Atkins were the unlucky players.

No countbacks required in A Flt for handicaps up to 13, as Bob Watson (7) made a return to form shooting par 72 to sign for 43 points, while Myles Knowlson (13) got 2nd spot with 41, and a point further back was Manny Defteros (13).

C Flight for handicaps 20> winner Sami Sarajavi (21) was well clear of his nearest rival, John Seton (23) who had 40 points, while the bronze position went to Roy Steinbach (25) with 39 points.

Ladies division was a hotly contested affair with 3 players on 44 points, Nat Rukkid (13) with 25 points on the back 9, which included an eagle & a birdie saw her get the top spot ahead of Supranne Dokkhaoram (35) who had 24 on the back 9, to edge out the unlucky Yurie Murakami who had to be satisfied with the Ladies long drive on 18.

Many outstanding performances of the day, including Todd Doss shooting 69 to win the Low Gross to go with his 2 technical prizes.  Bob Watson, Myles Knowlson, Sami Sarajavi & Nat Rukkid getting a technical prize to go with their placing, while Hannu Simmonen & Keith (Kissy) Buchanan both had Eagles on hole #8.  Hannu & Peter Kesby each getting the maximum of 2 technical prizes.

All in all, some outstanding golf over the day, followed by Dave & his crew doing a tip top job in the tucker department, well done & a big thanks to all.

We can all look forward to another successful tournament with next month’s event on 26 September.  Contact Shane on 0863720084 or through Birdie at www.birdie.in.th to ensure your preferred tee time.