Friday the 15th February 2008: This was going to be a different day as we were to play a 'Florida Scramble', probably quite apt as most of the players are qualified to retire to Florida. This means that a scramble of sorts at the end of the week is most acceptable.

 I say a scramble of sorts because most of us were playing it for the second time only and many for the first time. The main difference from the normal Texas Scramble we play is that all players must take 4 Tee Shots, and none may play 2 shots on the trot that are 'Taken' unless you are on the green. This means that the Player whose Tee shot  you take, cannot play the second shot and the other three play, and the same for the third shot on a par 5. Exciting What?.. 

 So off we went to Pattana and what an impressive set up this is. You drive up to the plush Clubhouse, go into the magnificent entrance, to be met by Tim. One has to come down to Earth sometime. Mind Tim knows the score, and we were soon booked in and into the quality changing room then a short walk to the caddies and the first Tee.

 The test for the day was to be the A & B Nines, B1 being a monster of a hole that most players would prefer to play on the second nine. The queue to be off before the first players to play the other nine came around, worked out quite good. Only a number of 'Others' trying to join between the  last Group on B and the first Group to complete A as they came around had potential for a problem. Here thanks must go to the Course Management as they dealt with the matter in a very positive manner. Well done indeed. Many Courses would have had the 'Bosses' suddenly go walkabouts.

 The Wind was strong on the day and caused many problems, however this is, to my way of thinking, a fine open Course ideal for the format we played. It is well manicured and well maintained with greens that can be over tricky at times. However in this format it may be a good thing. 

We, as is normal, finally got around and being in the final group I was able to see who were on the pins, and as is normal in the last group get my name on one. Mind that was rather traumatic as the other three were in the water, and it was a shot with a prayer to 'The Gods' and they answered.

 Tim was still sat where we left him when I took the pins in, this Golf really is hard work for some, but as he had Tony to talk to I suppose he was quite happy. Indeed as only 33 groups played he may have not had the problems the scorers have when they have 140 players in five Flights.

 Meanwhile in the Restaurant, suffice to say like everything here, it is luxurious, all were awaiting the results quite relaxed. Mind they had not had their bill yet. However to be honest you get what you pay for and here it is first class.

 Soon the results were ready, and after a few words from the Golf Chairman, Tony Oakes, in which he particularly thanked Pattana Management for their input, we returned to the Emcee, Nigel for the results.

 In fourth place with a net 59.24 was the team of Ron Birdsall, John Lloyd, Robert Welsh and Glenn Ford.

 In third place was the Team of Gordon Everingham, Brian Rideout Kari Aarnio and Pat Hanafin with a net 59.19

 In second place with a net 56.13 was the team of Dan Tracey, Ron Miller, Tom Mason and Gerhard Haas

 So to the winners, and I think 'Big Winners' is appropriate considering the size of the team. So with a fine 55.9 the winners were Ed Behr, Chris Holmes, Danny Larsen and Billy Bortha. 

 Well done to the Players the Organisers and the Course Management on a 'Really Fine Day'.   T.T.F.N.   

Long Drive  0-18       Juhani Falt                    19-36    Larry Willett               Ladies      Pat Loquist

Near Pin    0-18        Derek Brook        Geoff King     Tony Robbins     Derek Bannerman

               19-36        Gordon Everingham      Norman Best     Leif Linner     Jim Bryan

                Ladies      Bibbi Wimmerstedt     Pia Loquist     Mam  Morel