Whenever we play one of the Monthly Tournaments close to Pattaya, it is always well received, and that Phoenix is also a fine Course these days, was on the days plus side also.
The day as such promised much, and also the organisers decided to try a new format, 'Two Ball Better Ball Stableford' or something close, i.e.the partner with the most Stableford points on th hole. I think that's correct. For me this was a new Format, as after all these years I had never played it, and it must have appealed to many, because at this time of the Year, normally quiet, the Day was fully subscribed with 124 players. Well played the Organisers.
So back to the beginning, and with a slow bimble down to Phoenix, the players could arrive relaxed and ready to go. At the Clubhouse they were met with the experienced booking in duo of Bernie and Nigel, while their third person Tim, dashed around sorting out problems. I say dashed around, as if someone had greased his walking stick. Now there's an idea.
So onto the first tee, and it was a split start with half on the Lakes and half on the Ocean. Not a bad 18 holes. With 123 persons behind him the first man teed off and the Competition was underway in fine weather but strong winds.
I have to say at this juncture that this is a fine Course with fine views, but it is probably the Course that most players feel least at home on, there is always something that puts you off. On this day one would have assumed with 124 players, and a big Competition, they would at least have cut the greens and cut new holes. But of course did not. Sometimes it is the little things that make the difference. Sad when it is such a fine Course.
So around we went, and it has to be said that the fairways were fine, the rough punishing and all in all we got around pretty quick, to get back into the changing rooms and find ourselves outnumbered by the cleaners. I asked for the same job they have, but in the Ladies changing room, but for some reason they said it was not possibleand they were only there because they had won the Lottery. So I chased them out. Sad, but it is one of the joys of the onset of old age.
The changing rooms are fine here with good showers and large lockers to keep your items in. You even have room to hang your clothes up, luxury indeed. Cold water is also available, to drink and shower, and after a hot day welcome indeed.
The Banquet room had been made available for the players and it is airy and spacious, plenty of space for 120 players. As I was first in, I ordered a quick beer, as did the other two with me, to start the 3 hours or so of the wait and take time to peruse the 'Special Menu'. We were most surprised to receive the drink with the bill, 'little things' as said. Three hours later, and of course three bills, never seen it before, the results were in and we were ready to go.
One of the things that was done, was that on the score card, the day was classed as the Jerry Carpenter Day, and The President, Dennis Willett, started the presentation by talking about Jerry and the other people we have lost lately. This is an ageing community so I suppose these things are to be expected, however we have been particularly heavily hit of late. He also thanked the people who put in so much effort to put this day on.
The Golf Chairman, Tony Oakes, then said his thanks before handing the microphone to our Emcee for the day Nigel, who got on with the Presentation, and as it was with the Golf, so it was with the Presentation, nice and quick.
With this being a pairs Competition there were only 5 winning teams, and in fact only one shot covered the lot, so countbacks were in order.
The winners were Robert Gandley and Brian Cooke with 47 points on countback over Alan Keith and La Keith in second and Dick Warberg and Steve Hamstad in third. We then had another countback on 46 points that saw Brian Jacks and Phil Smith in fourth and Chris Platten and Lee Adams in fifth.
It was then time for the 'Nigel Spectacular', as he presented the lucky draw. We then didn't have to pay the bill,so went home. T.T.F.N.

Long Drive 0 to 18 Dave Arrowsmith 19 to 36 William Chang Ladies La Kieth
Near Pin 0 to 18 Mike Gray Tony Barrett Bob Linberg Steve Hamstad
19 to 36 Larry Willett John Cogan Dale Drader Peter Ring
Ladies La Keith (2) Darunee Galbraith