by Mike Gerrard

A NEW BEGINNING.

Winners Stuart Gordon & Clive Robinson

After our Charity tournament of last week (which, if you have not read yet was a tremendous success) today seemed to be a doddle, (well almost). It also dawned on me as I was checking out some old scores that today was our 2nd anniversary. happy birthday PHOENIX TUESDAY GROUP.
At the course the first thing that was apparent was that it was not going to rain, but boy was it hot.
The second thing was the obvious lack of people. Our four groups had the course to themselves for much of the day. Sign of the time of the year. Hot and lack of people equals SONGKRAN time???
Lakes and Ocean again this week (Mountain closed for annual repairs). But I must admit these two nines are my favourites. There cannot be many nicer views than the 18th tee (9th on Ocean) on a clear day. For some a simple par 5 but beware if you get caught up in the trees on the left?
The course today was set up quite difficult with some strange pin placements on fast greens (only the very best putters would cope with them), but coupled with a strong swirling wind meant the scores were quite low.
Winner today (and to his amazement) was STUART GORDON with a mere 34 points, followed closely by CLIVE ROBINSON on 33 points for second place and MIKE GERRARD in third place with 31 points just easing out JOHN BARTLEY on countback.
Near pin prizes went to STUART GORDON, ALAIN BELLEC & ROGER ISON. With the conditions as they were no one was able to get a ball to stop on LAKE 7 hole, although PATRICK BROWNE just ran off the back by about 6 inches.
After a lovely cool shower it was off to get some amber nectar down the throats where all who participated were rewarded with their first drink free out of the days entrance fees (100 Baht).
On completion of the main prizes we were left with 2 lucky draws which were won by CHRIS BRENDLE and SERGIO VOLPI.
Next week is the official SONGKRAN dates and any of our players who are not members of Phoenix will be charged week end rates. However the club does have a package to include cart and caddy which is not too bad.
After that we will be back to normal green fee rates for the low season which will be 800 baht for guests. Don’t forget on arrival at Phoenix make sure you tell the girls behind the counter that you are playing in the group.
Last Tuesday of the month will be a stroke play tournament sponsored by TRATTORIA ITALIANA (The best value for money Italian restaurant in town). On that point, please hurry back GIORGIO. WE MISS YOU.
All for now, Keep a tight grip.

Ahoy me hearties

Next trip is 17th April. The boat is confirmed. I feel about 7.30am unless we have a democratic vote to alter. Let me know.
Confirmed passengers are : -
MIKE GERRARD
DENE MUNDEY
RICH MURPHY
KEITH KEOHANE
FRANK BLONG
ANU
A.N.OTHER (Ref Frank Blong)
A.N.OTHER (Ref Frank Blong
I think enough. If any of the above cannot make it let me know by at least one week prior to the date, otherwise I will be looking for your gold pieces of eight.
If anyone wishes to be put on the reserve list please let me know.
If there are enough people interested in another trip on 1st May, again, let me know and I will start a list. As you are aware we need at least 6 passengers to make a crew???
The next definate scheduled trip will be 15th May. Book early if you wish to be included.
Further news about fishing around the Sattahip islands is not the best. Large varieties seem to be of the minority these days, However that does not mean that we stop trying. Who knows what lies beneath the waves on any given day. Also that does not stop the hardened and avid fisherman from having a great day out at sea on a great boat and we always bring plenty of the smaller varieties home for the frying pan. (My personal choice actually) Don’t forget lads, Dene is back and you never know what liquid refreshment he might be hiding in his bag for the final trip back to shore.
So, keep your rod well oiled and straight, and make sure your hooks are bent in the right direction.