Friday the 23rd April 2010: Phoenix (4 Ball Scramble)  Sometimes an idea takes a grip and becomes an Institution. St George’s Day at Tropical Bert’s is fast becoming one such, and with a limited field is usually well over subscribed. We usually limit the field to 12 Groups, but this day had thirteen and one group who paid, but could not make it. Sad.

 The profits go to the Blind School and we are always extremely thank full to our sponsors. On this day our main sponsors Alan Bolton Property Consultants, from day one our main supporter, Graham MacDonald, M.B.M.G Group, to Gez and The P.I.G.S., and to Pattaya Sports Club, also to our excellent food suppliers and some years Sponsors Asia West Fine Foods Co Ltd. . Here we cannot but thank Bert and Pu of Tropical Bert’s not only for Sponsorship but for their whole hearted support. Thanks must also go to our ‘ Technical Hole Sponsors’, Reg & Dot, Bob & Lat, Tom and Keith and not forgetting Frank ‘Turbo’ Pilkington. Nor forgetting Homer who put up a Case of Heineken for the nearest shot to the case.To all our Sponsors our thanks go out and The Blind School will profit.

 We always have a discussion as to where we play as it must be close. We decided to go to Phoenix this year as not only is it close, but anyone who wishes to walk can do so. This was a popular change and was appreciated by all our players.

 The trip down there is quite short, but with the possibility of rain it was important we got off, and after being told we were to play the Mountain and Ocean Nines, it was onto the first tee and off we went.

 The Course on the day was in quite good condition, with only a strong wind and tees at the back to stop fine scoring. The fairways were well grassed and the greens were hard and fast, of course the best point was that we were not held up and could forge ahead. The worst point was that with, fortunately, the storm not breaking it was hot, in fact very hot.

 Sat in the Restaurant at Phoenix as the scores came in, it was noticeable that the scores were not outstanding and that all the near pins had not been hit. Honest golfers all and that is nice for an organiser.  

 Back at Tropical Bert’s all were tucking into food. In a break from tradition, Bert had decided that as the players arrived back he would cook them a hot meal. So by the time yours truly arrived back having taken the scores in at Phoenix, most were sitting back replete and partaking of a cold one or two. What was also noticeable was that the place was packed and there were not many spaces to be had. Space however was made for the children of The Blind School, who came in and sang for the players.

   Taking time out for the interviews by the press we finally got underway, and I shall note the winners of the Technical prizes at the end except for one which stands out. Some players turn up week after week and never win. They turn up to play with friends and have a fine day out. Keith Phillips is such a player, but as they say ‘All have their hour of fame’ and on this day not only did Keith have a near the pin, but he also won a near the Case and a case of Heineken. My Player of the Day.

 The Emcee and Organiser, Derek Brook, got the night under way, and introduced Bert who thanked all for coming and all the Sponsors. Then back to the Emcee for the winners and as per tradition, after the Technical Prizes, he started with the team in last. Although it is a four man scramble we make provisions in case one player does not turn up. However at the last minute we made up a team of the last three to ask if they could be fitted in and called them , The Odds and Sods, Chris Youngman, Graham Buckingham and David Griffiths with a Net 74, and of course they came last. Nuff Said. 

 To be in the prizes you had to be under net 60 and all the winners were within 1.4 points. So in fourth were the Hua Hin A Team of Kevin Dwyer, Doug Millar, Craig Millar and Alan Rawson with a Net 59.9.

 In Third was the Team ‘Dick and The Doofs’ with Dick Warberg, Steve Hamstad, Joel Flor and Bill Knight with a Net 59.7.   In Second was Colin’s Chronics with Colin Cronin, Peter Whitehead, Bob Rasmussen and Colin Morris with a Net 59.5.

 So to the Winners, and with a hard worked 58.5 The Caddy Shack Team of Bruce Tollit, Damian Trant, Jeff North and Amphan North retained the Championship. This was a good result as Amphan has not been well and it is good to see her in the winners circle again.

 Before we close I must say thank you to Damian Trant who donated his prizes to be Auctioned off for the Benefit of The Blind School. A Charitable end to a Charitable Day. T.T.F.N.

 Near Pin   Mashi Kenata (2), Damian Trant, Derek Brook, Bill Knight.

 Long Put   Willie Mercer, Colin Morris, Keith Phillips, Paul O’Mahoney