February 2017 PAGS Tournament from Phoenix Gold

163 players, including 16 ladies, made the short journey this month to the Phoenix course, where we played the Lakes  & Ocean combination.  Although the weather was warm, there was a steady breeze to keep it from being too oppressive, with the groups progressing at a steady pace.  We played from the white tee markers today, with some being well forward, but still the course was the same challenge for all, although the integrity of the course may have been lessened for handicapping purposes.   

As with most months there is 1, or sometimes several outstanding performances for the tournament.  This month special mentions should go to the Ladies Winner & Runner Up, who also won a technical prize each.  Jeeranan Duncan (18) scored an equal day’s best of 43 points to lead the way, to go with her Long Putt on 11, while Samorn Tanamsri (18)  signed for 40 points to go with the Ladies Long Drive.

The C flight of handicaps 20+, if you didn’t score 42points as a minimum, you were not in the prizes.  John Hughes (20) led the way home after edging Kjell Ahlund (28) on countback to the last 6 holes 15/13, after both signed for 43 points, with John also getting the technical on Lakes #6.  Kevin Johnson (21) hit the minimum 42 points for placings in this flight to get 3^rd spot.

The B flight, for handicaps 14 - 19, was tightly contested, with all placegetters separated by only 1 point.  Butch Porter (15) was the clear winner on 43 points, while 2^nd and 3^rd had to be decided on countback.  Manny Deftereos (16) and John Anderson (17) both recorded 42 points and the countback being decided on the last 6 holes 16/14.  Manny getting the better of the countback, to supplement his Long Drive on #9. 

The A flight 0 – 13, kept up the tight decisions for the day, while the scores were not as high as in the other flights.  Lennart Larsson (13) scored 40 points, with a back 9 of 22, to beat Michel Delatraz (12) for top spot, after Michel recorded 19 on the back 9.  3 players signed for 39 points, before Charles Marquez (11) was declared the 3^rd placegetter.  Steve Truelove & Bob Edwards were the unsuccessful participants, but both compensated with technical prize success.

Low Gross for the day went to Kevin MackIntosh with his 76, on countback the last 6 holes over Mark Johnson.  Special mentions goes out to Philippe Chalot, holing his 2^nd shot on the par 4 Lakes #8 to win the technical prize, and record a 2 for 6 points on his card.  Multiple winners in the technical prizes, getting the maximum 2 prizes, was limited to Warren Wood.

Dave was absent from the BBQ this time, but Darren together with his capable staff, kept all attendees well satisfied with their tasty offerings for the night.  We will all look forward to another successful tournament  scheduled for 29^th March, again at Phoenix, so get your preferred timeslot by booking with Shane on 0863720084.