J.E. Back to Winning Ways

A Flight (0 – 13 hcp)
1st John Emmerson (12) – 38 pts
2nd Phil Mitchell (6) – 37 pts
B Flight (14 hcp up)
1st John Warren (20) – 40 pts
2nd Jeff Calrow (15) – 38 pts

Due to time constraints, recent and up–coming golf trips and other commitments we will have rather truncated reports for a couple of weeks before returning to our normal efforts. Today was our regular Monday Green Valley slot and it continues to grow in popularity, so much so that we could pay out in two flights today. I really think that our later tee times are proving to be widely welcomed.

We had a pretty even split in nationalities between Brits and Americans, plus a sprinkling of Aussies and, although our days A Flight winner was from over the pond, the rest of the places were taken by the Brits. A good sign, I feel, just before our big tournament (happening just as you’ll be reading this). Generally the scoring was a little improved over recent weeks, with many players in and around the 33, 34 and 35 point range, then there was a little pocket of half a dozen guys who bettered their handicap.

Down in B Flight, just outside the places, we had the contrasting tale of two 16 handicappers, one of whom shall remain nameless, and the other big Kevin Hamilton. We have all enjoyed a bit of fun at Kevins expense over the last 18 months, courtesy of his extremely rash statement regarding what he was going to do to his handicap, but it does appear now that he is finally moving in the right direction. Second in this flight was Jeff Calrow. Jeff is off 15 and desperate to come down but, in recent times, he has struggled to hold his concentration over the whole 18 and many promising rounds end up in the average bracket. Today was better though and a nice solid 38 was well deserved. Taking the honours, just back from a Xmas break in the UK was the Blackpool Tower himself, John Warren. He stroked it round for a best of the day 40. He did remember the PG Tips but where was the Blackpool rock mate?

Up in A Flight Phil Mitchell pushed hard with his 37 (with a great inward nine of 22) but fell one short of the winner, whose rapid rise up the handicaps meant a win must surely have been coming sooner rather than later. Even with 2 blobs the ‘flyboy’ Emerson still compiled 38 points and took first spot.

Friday, January 8 Bangphra
1st Herb Pastor (21) – 30 points
2nd Brian Holden (7) – 29/16 cb c/b Jay Burns (6) – 29/12

My non–participation due to injury means todays report contains only the bare facts, although judging by the scores, perhaps I could have played, even with only one good leg. I know this course can be tough but its hardly Augusta National lads!

For a number of reasons it was a pretty poor turn out, whilst we have a large number of guys as members of other courses it seems this can only be inevitable. However, yet again, it seems no report can be written without the continual mention of no-shows. It was 5 today, one was a complete 4 ball, so that’s no accident. I know I’m ‘old school’ but no calls or even a text message shows a complete lack of respect, perhaps its just the times we live in but good manners cost nothing.

With low scores abounding we had Mike Devalon, Gabriel Enright and Richard Moore pushing for places, all on 28. Next up and just missing out on count back was Jay ‘the hair’ Burns. He garnered 29 with a 12 point back 9 despite making a fantastic eagle 3 on number 5. Jay is a former U.S. College player so he knows his way around a golf course, maybe the temptations of Pattaya are dulling his ability a little! Brian Holden, who  himself comes from the same golfing background as Jay, nicked the second spot from him by virtue of his16 point back 9. Brian, too, shares his compatriots penchant for the local entertainment. Todays winner is no stranger to the bright lights and razzmatazz. Herb Pastor hails from a casino background in Las Vegas, today he spun the wheel, threw the dice and hit the jackpot with 30 points.