Category: Loose Cannons

Results – Monterez Golf Club – 9th October 2012

On By Stuart TaylorIn http://schemas.google.com/blogger/2008/kind#post, Loose Cannons, Malaysia, MonterezLeave a comment


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Cannons all.

It’s a long time since we played Monterez Golf & Country Club; probably 3 years. It’s not one of my favourite venues and since I make the arrangements it’s understandably towards the bottom of the pile of clubs to choose from, It’s in that position because it’s so tight and with so many fairways so closely adjacent to others with balls flying everywhere, it’s frankly bloody dangerous. But I must say with improved netting guarding the tee boxes and many more and much bigger trees these days It was OK. Of course, being so close to town it gets busy and so it was today with many even more decrepit players than our LC’s in abundance.
Blessed with wonderful weather 15 LC’s teed it up from 1 & 10 and after a short delay at TB1 we got started shortly after 8 o’clock and surprisingly there were few hold-ups.
This is a short course at 5166M from the whites and with a slope of 116 good scores were anticipated and we were not to be disappointed. The fairways were good with plenty of run after the recent dry spell and the greens were true and deceptively quick, particularly down grain, but nice to put on. The bunkers too were well kept so all in all a good playing surface.
  
The winner was Raymond Keys with 45 points and the runner-up was Hans Berger with 40 points OCB from Geoff McLaws. 
The lowest gross was shared between John Laidley and Geoff McLaws with 78’s and the most golf was played by Allan McNicholl with 120.
Raymond is cut 9 strokes and Hans 1 stroke.
13 of us took lunch at the club where the food was agreeable, the beer reasonably priced and the service brisk for the most part if you ignore the 2 or 3 orders that seemed to take an awful long time to reach the table. But generally a good lunch. We will return sooner rather than later.

Photos

Flights off T-box 10
“How the hell are we going to get across that stretch of water?” – Most did not make it!
Monterez Golf Club is a rather tight little course where much water comes into play

…. and in my case where much sand comes into play. On the 1st hole I went from bunker to water and then to OB … not a great start.

Hans Berger blast one away on the 2nd hole
The ants had been busy on this tee box creating a somewhat intricate road system
Some serious work was underway on the 6th hole
 
 …. and quite correctly this was marked as GUR which was good as I landed in the middle of this equipment
The 6th hole is one of the easier holes on the course playing downhill to a blind green
Once again I find the sand as Hans Berger plays down to the green
Hans Berger deciding on his strategy at the 9th hole
….. and he decides to go for a safe shot right down the middle ….. wise man
John Laidley in the following Loose Cannons group aptly demonstrates the Canadian Fling …. or does he just have ants in his pants!
The 13th hole is a very short par 5 at only 414 metres but the green is tough and well guarded by many bunkers …..

 …… and yes … I did find the bunker again!
….. and again on the same hole I’m in the bunker. I think the shot is called a “Rommel” …. bunker to bunker

A panorama of the 13th hole

This photograph reminds me of that TV show called “The Odd Couple” ….. don’t ask me why
Hole 15 is a short downhill shot but with a demanding green – you need to keep the ball below cup to score well

Hans Berger having a “senior moment”
Barry Cousins … tired … but never giving up in his quest for golf perfection
The 18th hole may appear to be a simple finish but the green has many undulations and breaks that can ruin your round.

F&B OK taste. OK cost.


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Results – Templar Park Golf & Country Club – 2nd October 2012

On By Stuart TaylorIn http://schemas.google.com/blogger/2008/kind#post, Loose Cannons, templar parkLeave a comment

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Cannons all.

Templer Park Country Club is always a severe test and so it turned out again; an excellent layout in great condition that favours the better golfers.

16 LC’s had registered but a very late withdrawal meant that 15 golfers teed it up on a glorious morning at this very special place. The course was in the best shape I have seen it in a long while with nice fairways and fast, true greens. The bunkers too were immaculate until we arrived on the scene; Barry and Andre particularly doing their best to rearrange their topography. Templer Park has one of the best back drops in golf, dominated by the Tigers Tooth, majestically imposing against a background of unspoilt tropical rain forest. The only blemish on this spectacular and beautiful scene is the hideous house that someone has built at the foot of the Tigers Tooth. An architectural monstrosity of the most hideous appearnce. If I were God for a day I would have it demolished with its owners, the architect (if there was one) and the planning officer inside.
But back to the golf.
As you enter Templer Park Country Club you know you are at a quality destination. You also notice that this is a place that has lost some of it’s original charm and has suffered financially. The tennis courts are in need of some serious TLC and the buggies are on their last legs. These curious contraptions designed to carry 3 golfers; their equipment and a caddy are petrol engined machines which have been in service since the club opened 25 years ago. The windshield of ours fell out! They also dictate that if you go out as 4 balls you have to take 2 of these contraptions (since 3 Europeans don’t fit comfortably) and endure the smell of petrol fumes in this otherwise clean and tranquil corner of Selangor. Change them TPCC. But once out on the course there are clear sign that someone has put up some money as there are new turf management machines at work and a weed control programme in place. The playing surface is now excellent. There is also ongoing work to remove a few dead trees here and there and tidy up some of the areas of ‘natural features’ that have become a bit of an eye sore because of the undergrowth that has grown up in recent years.
This is a course that you have to walk to enjoy it’s full potential. With the buggies strictly ‘on track’ and the location of the track often some distance from where your ball lies, the caddy has to work hard to bring the clubs; great armfuls of them, to their players before scuttling back to the buggy to advance it to the next point of play. The caddies are well trained and pleasant which helps to make a round of golf here a memorable experience.
  
The winner was John Laidley with 39 points ( with 2 blobs on the card) and the runner-up was Ray Funnel with 32 points OCB from Andre Holm. 
The lowest gross was John Laidley with 83 and the most golf was shared by Barry Cousins & Richard Moss with 115.
John is cut 4 strokes and Ray 1 stroke.
We took lunch at the club where the food was good if a little expensive and the beer was bloody expensive. But we only play here twice a year.

Photos

A beautiful morning panorama over Templar Park golf course
 Allan McNicoll tees off in the 1st flight
 The buggies at Templar Park are large long wheel base 4 seaters piloted by the caddy
A motley crew about to embark on their Loose Cannons golf expedition
Photo courtesy of Hans Berger
A panoramic view of the par 3 2nd hole
 Aftab for once chipping onto the green from the grass rather than the sand

The ‘Tiger’s Tooth’ towers over the course

 Allan McNicoll putting onto the green at the 6th hole
 The large limestone pinnacles are a stunning backdrop to the course

Panoramic view of the 9th hole with a large water hazard and the backdrop of the limestone pinnacle

 Allan clears the water on the 9th
 Aftab with his easy swing also clears the water on the 9th
The 1st flight with Aftab Ahmad, Allan McNicoll and Stuart Taylor
 Julien Hodson-Walker looks on at his drive
Photo courtesy of John Laidley
 The 9th fairway with the limestone pinnacle towering over the course
 Allan McNicoll looks pleased with his front 9
 A beautiful setting for a large house …. but a long way to the shops for your ciggies
 Looking back over the course from the 14th fairway
 Panorama of the 9th hole
Panorama of the 12th par 5
 If your golf is not keeping up your interest …. you can always have a look around and appreciate the local nature
I figured out why our caddy Watini had her face all covered up …. it wasn’t for sun protection …. it was to stifle her laughter at our golfing efforts

 The 1st flight dynamic trio reach the spectacular 18th hole
Raymond Keys gives his round of golf a big thumbs down.

Course Rules: Please note Rule No. 2 
Ray on the fairway
Rule Breaker!!!!

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Results – Port Klang Golf Resort – 25th September 2012

On By Stuart TaylorIn http://schemas.google.com/blogger/2008/kind#post, Loose Cannons, Port Klang Golf Resort1 Comment

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Cannons all.

Port Klang Golf Resort really is a little gem. Quiet, modest and old fashioned, this tranquil corner of Port Klang presents a stern test of golfing skills, it’s tight fairways meandering through the numerous ponds and drains, needing good judgement and accurate positioning of shots on what, at first sight, appears to be a flat and fairly mundane golf course.

A disappointing turn out this week for the September Trophy Game saw 12 LC’s tee it up on a pleasant, cool morning but the sound of distant thunder was ominous and sure enough light rain soon began to fall, developing into heavier steady rain towards the end of the front 9. Fortunately it was short lived and the back 9 was played in near perfect golfing weather and with few other golfers on the course we were all home in good time. Trying to drive a Turf Mate one handed, the other holding the umbrella, proved to be near impossible. You really have to hold on with both hands to these things!
The fairways were good and the greens too, if a bit slow. The only criticism being the bunkers that had only received a cursory raking and were very uneven; not helped by the complete absence of rakes. Jack Niclaus would approve, he being a supporter of the notion that bunkers should be serious hazards to be avoided at all costs rather than a place where most professionals would prefer to be, if not on the green.
On the negative side Port Klang Golf Resort has poor drainage and can only be enjoyed during the dryer months of the year and so this will be our last visit this year; the course already being quite soft. The locker room too is very tacky and with no hot water in the showers, not because its not available but because the management have given instructions to the staff not to turn on the water heater unless someone actually asks for it!!!
Last weeks report on the sorry state of Bukit Unggul was forwarded to their manager May Wong who sent me an apologetic note thanking me for our observations and promising to continue working towards improving the course and the service. Thank you May.
  
The winner of the September Trophy was Ray Funnell with 39 points off the stick plus 3 bonus points for a total of 42. The runner-up was myself with 38 + 3 = 41 points.
The lowest gross was 90 by John Laidley and the most golf was played by Allan McNicoll with 124. Ray is cut 4 strokes and myself 1 stroke.
11 of us went to Port Village Restoran for an excellent sea food lunch helped along by a generous donation of RM100 by the absent player, Vincent. Thank you Vincent.

Photos

 Allan tries on his new hat, alluded into thinking that this new equipment may help his game
 It’s wonderful to see the joy and glee of a golfer being introduced to the turf mate for the first time
 Cannons assembling at the 1st tee on their turf mate chariots
 The 1st hole awaits the onslaught of 12 Cannons
 “Listen Up Cannons!”
 The calm and placid water ….. soon to be disrupted by many balls from Barry Cousins
 Vincent walks off the 1st green

Stuart’s turf mate decides to mount Raymond Keys’ turfmate

 The greens at Port Klang Golf Resort were in very good condition
 The turf mate ….. not many clubs using this ingenious device but fun to drive again after so long
 Thought this was my ball but it turned out to be a giant mushroom
 Barry and his lucky mascot/driver cover
 Another scenic view over one of the many water hazards
 Luckily this was not a bridge that we had to use … but it added a certain rustic charm to the place
 Raymond Keys using a novel technique to support his club … or was it a special way to warm the grip … I don’t know!

A panoramic view over the course

There were many dogs on and around the course .. this pack had taken up residence on the green and were very loathed to move when we arrived

Stuart shows the correct technique on how to play a bunker shot – in this case from a rather stony bunker!

An animated gif as a bonus …..

Port Klang Golf Resort clubhouse …… this could be Malaya back in the 50’s … especially when you saw the state of the shower room

By the end of the first 9 the rain started … but luckily cleared quickly

Lunch was excellent with a wide variety of seafood washed down with copious quantities of the amber nectar

 Mike reviewing the scores while Hans prays for a good result

The damage – RM645.90 for 11 pax

Ray Funnell … the September trophy winner … Congratulations!

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Results – Bukit Unggul Country Club – 18th September 2012

On By Stuart TaylorIn Bukit Unggul, http://schemas.google.com/blogger/2008/kind#post, Loose CannonsLeave a comment

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Cannons all.

We haven’t played Bukit Unggul since May, mainly because it was in pretty poor condition back then and the M&M service was very slow. Not a lot has changed in the interval. Granted, the course was generally in better shape than previously( the dead tree at the 18th tee box has been removed at last) but the time it takes them to prepare a simple meal is unbelievable.
There was a rush to get onto the first tee ahead of a large group of Chinese seniors; the orange & white shirt sociaty that we increasingly see on a Tuesday lately, who can be horribly slow, and so the 12 LC’s assembled were directed to the back 9 and with no one ahead we were all round in well under 4 hours. Thanks to Ray for taking care of the registration.
Bukit Unggul Golf & Country Club has so much going for it in terms of location and layout that it is almost a crime that it isn’t better managed and presented. It really wouldn’t take much effort to turn it around. They are doing some work to repair kerbs and drains that have lain in disrepair for years, and some of the buggy turning areas that were so ineptly laid a few years back have been extended, not in matching paving you understand but at least a buggy can be turned around now.  But there are still areas on the fairways and their fringes that are completely bare. This can be repaired so easily with just some turf! Of course, when you see the majority of the ground staff sitting under trees doing FA, only stirring from their stupor when when an opportunity to sell a few balls occurs, there is little that can be achieved on the maintenance front.
What a pity.
In a nut shell, the greens were OK but slow and many had patches of damage that had only been sand filled rather than turf plugged. The fairways were average at best and the bunkers were poorly maintained. Out of 10 I would give it 6 at best. But it’s cheap and fairly close to town.
The weather was excellent and a stiff breeze that arrived about half way through meant that we all walked off the course almost dry.
The winner  was myself with 40 points and the runner-up was Andrew Robinson with 38 points. The lowest gross was 85 by Andrew and the most golf was played by Allan McNicoll with 124. I am cut 4 strokes and Andrew 1 stroke.
All 12 of us took lunch at the club house but as I said earlier, the service from the kitchen is so slow that some of us actually visited the kitchen to find out what was causing the delay. 45 minutes seemed about the norm from the time of order to receiving the dish And we were the only ones in the place. Hello!!! The only good news was the bill which left us with a surplus to go into the kitty.
Photos
 Aftab Ahmad tees off into the mist.
 Vincent makes it look easy.
 Ray Funnell making it look not so easy.
 The wild boar had been at work in many places all over the course this being a prime example.
The sun trying to cut through the morning mist and cloud.
 A panoramic view over the course.
 Ray in trouble
Bukit Unggul course is located in a very scenic hilly location … if only the course was in better condition.

A new hazard …. a bunker on the green! No the guy who was cutting the greens broke a hydraulic hose on his mower and spewed oil over the green …. this was his repair job!

 Vincent looks in vain for his ball which had disappeared into this grotty drain.
 Ray having the putting yips again.
 Ray and his trusty caddy.
 Ray manages a smile despite the putting blues.
 Another scenic view over the course.
 Ray Funnell drives on the last hole.
 Vincent blast one away on the last.
The Amber Fluid Team make up for fluid loss and await the lengthy time for makan to arrive.
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Results – Tasik Puteri Golf & Country Club – 11th September 2012

On By Stuart TaylorIn http://schemas.google.com/blogger/2008/kind#post, Loose Cannons, Tasik PuteriLeave a comment

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Cannons all.
 
Tasik Puteri was in very good condition overall, the only grumble being the bunkers which had been recently refilled with fresh sand that was so deep and soft as to make playing out of near impossible. Remedy; avoid the bunkers I suppose! With surprisingly few other golfers at the course we were off on time after a short dispute between the starter and the supervisor over which of the nines were in play, but once that was sorted out the round proceeded at good pace (for most) on the Puteri & Putera 9’s.
 
The weather too was good with a strong breeze picking up towards the end of the round.
 
The winner  was Bernhard Romahn with 44 points and the runner-up was Barry Cousins with 43 points.
The lowest gross was 80 by John Laidley and the most golf was played by Alan Holgate with 119.
Bernhard is cut 8 strokes and Barry 1 stroke.
 
With the demise of the Equatorial we mustered at the Chin Hiong Restoran half way back to the toll where the food was so-so but the price reasonable. But this was not a patch on the Equatorial.

Photos

 The usual chaos at the start to get 20 odd Loose Cannons into buggies and away.
 Our group’s starting hole was the 10th hole – a misty start.
Tony tees off and sets his usual blistering pace around the course – we never saw the group behind us the whole round.
Now just check out the bend in Alan Holgate’s club as he swings through demonstrating the monstrous power he is applying to the club …. now if only that power could be transferred to the ball.
 Aftab chips onto the green on the short over-the-water par 3 14th hole.
 A serene view over the lake …… after we waited for the ripples to die down after Alan’s ball went in.
 Alan again showing his driving prowess.
 Tasik Puteri is a beautiful course and fairly well maintained.
 Alan Holgate has his “energy bar” break after abandoning his play on this hole.
 The tough 18th hole …. it’s uphill all the way.
 Aftab follows the caddy’s lead in combatting the strong morning sun.
 Tony in action on the dance floor.
 Our helpful and always smiling caddy … Dini.
 Tony hits on on a short par 3 3rd hole.
 Alan Holgate in jovial form.

A panoramic view of the long par 5 4th hole.

 Tony Morris also demonstrating his power at club bending.
 Aftab hits one off the tee in a steady and consistent manner.
 You can just see Alan’s ball heading off straight down the middle.
 Tony ponders his putt – the clubhouse drawing closer in the background.
 A fine band of Loose Cannonites – Tony Morris, Alan Holgate, Aftab Ahmad and Stuart Taylor.

 Finally we reach the 8th hole which was our 17th hole … one to go then it’s a much needed refreshment and lunch.
 Tony impersonating an Australian cattle rustler.
 Alan Holgate impersonating an F1 Honda Team driver.
 The final hole – Alan hits his second to the green … or rather short of the green.
The new restaurant “Chin Hiong” was successful although not quite as good as our previous haunt the “Equatorial Restaurant”

 After numerous amber refreshments and a belly full of food, spirits were good.
Barry is in great need of a wardrobe consultant

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