PATTAYA, Thailand – A smaller-than-expected turnout kicked off the week at Pleasant Valley Golf Course, Monday, December 16, where a blustery day and slow play added to the challenge. Despite decent course conditions, scoring was poor compared to last week’s stellar performance at Hermes.
Les Cobban led the pack with 34 points, dominating the front nine with 21 before fading slightly on the back. Michael Brett claimed second place on countback ahead of Alan Howard. Les also secured two near pins, with Brendan Harnett taking one. Slow play issues re-emerged, causing delays and frustration, particularly with walkers in the second group.
Results: 1st: Les Cobban (9) – 34 points. 2nd: Michael Brett (15) – 29 points. 3rd: Alan Howard (20) – 29 points. 4th: Mark Hayward (16) – 28 points. Near Pins: Brendan Harnett, Les Cobban (x2)
Mountain Shadow Golf Course, known for its difficulty, welcomed a larger group of 18 players on Wednesday, December 18. Dave Ashman, armed with a new driver, clinched first place with 33 points, edging out Steve Downes by one. A countback saw Andy Winterburn secure third place over Keith Norman.
Near pins went to Gerry Cooney, who narrowly missed a hole-in-one, Dave Ashman, and Michael Brett. The course showed signs of wear, with browning fairways and lightning-fast greens, but the improved bunkers earned praise. A unique feature of the day was the friendly dogs roaming the course, offering a pleasant distraction.
Results: 1st: Dave Ashman (27) – 33 points. 2nd: Steve Downes (6) – 32 points. 3rd: Andy Winterburn (20) – 31 points. 4th: Keith Norman (20) – 31 points. Near Pins: Gerry Cooney, Dave Ashman, Michael Brett.
The week concluded with stellar scores at Pattavia Golf Course on Friday, December 20. Steve Downes, with four birdies in his round, took the win with 38 points after edging out Kevin LaBar in a nail-biting finish. Kevin, tied at 37 points, lost second place to Mark Hayward on countback. Gerry Cooney’s exceptional back nine score of 23 points secured fourth place over John Hughes.
The course, though starting to dry out, held up well, with greens significantly faster than during previous visits. Near pins were shared among Dave Playford, Mark Hayward, Steve Downes, and Kevin LaBar.
Results: 1st: Steve Downes (6) – 38 points. 2nd: Mark Hayward (16) – 37 points. 3rd: Kevin LaBar (13) – 37 points. 4th: Gerry Cooney (28) – 35 points. Near Pins: Dave Playford, Mark Hayward, Steve Downes, Kevin LaBar.
