The above title was on every participant’s lips as they left the friendly confines of owner Andy James’ Misty’s A-Go-Go following the Second Annual Misty’s Open. This relatively new entrant to the feast of “majors” in Pattaya continued to make strides towards etching itself in as a staple in the annual local golf itinerary. The tournament, a four-man scramble, was held on the North and West Course of the Plutaluang Navy Golf Course, a venue superior in conditioning and architecture to its South and East brethren. The field found the staff to be most helpful, the new “lighthouse” green to be most challenging and the beer to be just the right price. The course which measures 6,727 yards off the men’s whites presents as difficult a challenge as any of the layouts on the Eastern Seaboard.
The participants were greeted at registration with a tasty brunch treat of sausage sandwiches with a nearly elegant Bloody Mary accompaniment to ease its digestion,it was then off to a shotgun start on a totally reserved course that saw participants finishing in four hours, and under. Given a relaxing margin between conclusion of the round and the start of the evening festivities, some competitors had a cool libation at the beautiful two-plus year old clubhouse, some fell prey to some of the entertainment pitfalls that dot the short trip from Sattahip to Pattaya or stopped by their house “to freshen up”. Whatever their route, they arrived at Misty’s on Soi Pattayaland 2 and were ushered in by smiling hostesses to a sumptuous buffet accompanied by the traditional roast pork. As advertised, the prize-giving commenced promptly at 7:15, as scheduled, and with managers Simon and Tim trying to prompt owner Andy on the vagaries of golf, the trophies, that Pattaya Sports Supply’s Alan Ross made as substantial and regal as any seen in these parts, and the cavalcade of attendant prizes were announced and presented. Also as billed, the night was sprinkled in 30 minute intervals with raffle calls that saw vouchers, DVD’s and many other prizes, many of which were graciously provided by generous friends of Andy’s and Misty’s.
Oh yeah, back to the golf. The competition was stiff as over one-third of the field was spaced by less than 1.5 strokes! It was left to Mike Craighead, a virtual citizen of the world given his nomadic and varied business career, to mesh the guile that comes with age to the athleticism that comes with youth in putting together the winning team. He had long hitting, as evidenced by the long drive recognition, of Johnny McHugh, the steadiness of John’s Guam buddy, Tony Curran, and the handicap and effervescence of Oddvar Rykke, not to mention the old gnome himself. While Mike’s Maniacs took the biggest trophy home, there is no question that the best golfers in the field on this day, and probably many other days, were The Boswell Group, and one need look no further than their gross 28, yes gross 28, on the West 9. They were only bridled by the local Scramble Rule that restricts a team to no higher than the handicap of its lowest player. The boys from Bangkok, therefore, had to manage at scratch! As was to be the story at every rung of the victory ladder, their impressive numbers still required a count back to determine the silver over Lewiiski’s Prime Cut. Even 3rd Runner-up was a countback between the victorious Mulligan’s based Par Busters and PSC’s G Toys R Us comprised of treasurer Alan Pearce, assistant to golf manager Ian Edwards, John Hall and Phil Taylor. The victory stand alone spoke to the broad based appeal of the Misty’s Open.
While the field was eager to thank Andy, his managers, Simon and Tim and the staff who helped on the course and at the evening’s festivities. Andy, in turn was quick to thank his friends at BMW Nelsons Autohaus, The Boswell Group, The Classroom, Bruno’s Restaurant, Club Electric Blue, The Blind Beggar, The Dollhouse, The FLB Bar, The Harley Bar, Lewiinski’s, Patrick’s Belgian Restaurant, Nelson’s Autohaus and The Shamrock Bar for their significant role in making the day a great success. So with arms often laden with trophies and prizes, the day’s golfers and the night’s revelers made their way home thinking about next year when they will... Play Misty’s...Again.
Championship Team:
Mike’s Maniacs - Mike Craighead, John McHugh, Oddvar Rykke and Tony Curran - 60.6.
1st Runner-up: Boswell Group - Doug White, Gary Chatfield, Trevor Satwell, Patrick Young - 61.0
2nd Runner-up: Lewiinski’s Prime Cut - John Emmerson, Joe Mooneyham, Roger Koehler and Julian Clarke - 61.0
3rd Runner-up: Par Busters - Ken Avery, Ken McCarthy, Vince Smyth and Gerry Power - 61-1
Tecnical Prizes:
Near Pins (sponsored by The Classroom): #3 North: Christopher “Curly” Platten; #6 North:Randi “Dr. Doom” Blacet; #3 West: Richie Heaton; #8 West: Doug White.
Long Drives: Ladies: Poo Supraporn; Men’s Hcp 0-18: John McHugh; Men’s Hcp 19-28: Steve “LAX” Wilkens.
Nearest the Keg: Ian Edwards
