SATURDAY, 31 OCTOBER 2009
Chiang mai team wins the Udon Challenge trophy at last!!
After five years of failing narrowly, the Chiang Mai Team has won this years Matchplay Challenge Event by a comfortable margin (although it didn’t seem like it as we nervously awaited results from incoming matches right to the death!)
On the day, the Chiang Mai team performed brilliantly in the singles, normally our “Achilles Heel” to record a 27 points to 21 victory, which when added to the first day pairs resulted in a final score of 39 1/2 to 32 1/2 winning margin. Final total: Chiang mai 39.5 Udon/Khon Kaen 32.5
On the day, there were great wins for Yung, Truus, Harry, David Hub, Dan Severson, Grahame Curry, Tony Guardino, and guests Barry and Bob. Vital extra points were won by Les (who nearly didn’t play due to not feeling well), Phil and Malcolm.
The trophy is coming back to Chiang Mai for the first time…and next year we will defend it, wherever it is decided to hold the event. The organisation by Tim and the guys from Udon and Khon Kaen has been great and we can’t thank them enough.
Alan & Barry (Ch Rai) ½ Alan & Mick 2½
Grahame & Kari 0 Tim & Chris 3
Kim & Tony Guardino 3 Derek & Kevin 0
Yung & Bob 2 George & Ta 1
Harry & Truus 3 Andy & Mac 0
Roger & Malcolm 2 Dave & Steve 1
Phil & Dan ½ Rob & Jungle 2 ½
David Hub & Les 1 ½ Bob & John 1 ½
TOTAL 12 ½ 11 ½
SINGLES
Yung 3 Steve 0
Malcolm 1 Jungle 2
Kari 0 Opponent 3
Truus 2½ Ta ½
Grahame 2½ Opponent ½
Tony G. 3 Kevin 0
Barry 3 Alan 0
Alan 0 Chris 3
Bob 2½ Tim ½
David 3 Tony 0
Phil ½ Andy 2½
Kim 0 Mac 3
Dan 2½ John ½
Les ½ Opponent 2½
Roger 0 Opponent 3
Harry 3 Opponent 0
TOTAL 27 21
After a more social second day scramble, the sixteen singles matches which will decide the overall result, take place on Wednesday. Let’s hope we can reverse our fortunes of previous years when we have mostly been pipped at the post after the singles day! Malcolm reports that everyone is enjoying the experience of playing new courses in a good but very friendly competitive environment and that the hosts are looking after us very well. Harry and Truus in particular are doing very well on the nearest the pin prizes. Don’t think they will have space in the car for all the prizes they have won!!
WEDNESDAY, 26 AUGUST 2009
Event at Khon Kaen
We understand that the Udon Club have anything upto twenty players available, including at least two guest players who are actually based in Chiang Rai and who came to Chiang Mai with their group last year, so there is plenty of available space for anyone else who wishes to join us.
On our side, we also may have a couple of guest players who are friends of Chiang Mai golfers who have indicated that they would like to join us and play for us, boosting our numbers a little more, but still plenty of space for anyone else.
The event is likely to take place between 28th and 31st October. Please contact Malcolm Tetley at malcolmtetley(at)hotmail.com or by calling him on 086 820 3635.
Malcolm
1. Tim has already received confirmation for sixteen players from their side who wish to take part in the event to be held in Khon Kaen towards the end of October.
2. So far, we have an indication of eleven players from Chiang Mai who intend to play, so we are still open to more volunteers who wish to take part. Everyone who travels from Chiang Mai is guaranteed to take part, and in the event we have more than the sixteen Tim already has, he can increase the size of his team accordingly.
3. Two Hotels have been recommended in Khon Kaen, one is approx 900 Baht per night and the other is around 500 Baht for those who prefer the budget option.
4. Final dates will be agreed soon between Tim and Roger Mack who is handling the logistics of the event for us, but it is intended that it will be at the end of October, a couple of weeks after our Annual Tournament is concluded.
5. Travel arrangements will be down to individuals. The drive to Khon Kaen is approx. 8/9 hours, there are also Buses from Chiang Mai to Khon Kaen, and for anyone who fancies the speediest option, you can fly to Khon Kaen via Bangkok.
6. Anyone who intends to take part who has not already been in touch should contact Malcolm Tetley either by email to malcolmtetley(at)hotmail.com or by phone 086 820 3635.
7. As we approach the event, we will call a meeting of those who are taking part so that we can discuss all the arrangements including travel, hotels, arrangements for golf, etc etc.
UDON CHALLENGE
It’s that time of year again. We’re in the initial throes of planning for the Challenge.
Here are the details as they have been worked out so far.
· Date: The last week in October
· Where: Khon Ken
· Cost: Sign up fee for prizes and food TBD.
· Courses: Santiburi: Cost to be determined
Dan Koon: Less than 750 Baht
Ubon Rat (EGAT): 500 Baht, Approx. 25 klicks from Khon Kaen
· Format: First Day Team Play
Second Day Social (Scramble)
Third Day Individual Competition
· Hotels: Kosa: Around 900 baht
Others available in various price ranges
· Travel: Participants should make their own travel arrangements
· Sign Up: We can field as many players as we wish. The Udon club has expressed a preference for a Men’s competition with a separate outing for the ladies if the need arises.
Current handicaps will be used unless the player feels a downward adjustment is required out of fairness. Generally the Udon players have lower handicaps than us so expect to be playing against someone with a lower handicap.
Initial indications of interest need to be expressed to Malcolm (086-820-3635, malcolmtetley(at)hotmail.com) by July 24. We need a commitment such as, “I’ll be there unless a real emergency arises”. This will allow Tim to negotiate discounts and make reservations. Players wishing to join the comp after the cutoff date will be handled on a case by case basis.
· Contacts: The committee organizing this affair consists of Roger, Malcolm, Guy and Christian, sort of a committee of the willing, also for historical reasons. If anyone else wishes to join in let Roger know. Right now Malcolm is handling sign ups and Roger is co-ordinating with Tim.