Results – Kota Seriemas Golf & Country Club – 30th June 2020

We had 11 members and our guest (new member) Andrew Morrow, playing Kota Seriemas all the way to the far South of Malaysia. They have good deals right now like many other courses. And it was worthwhile doing it.

The course is in great shape and not very busy at the moment. Again teeing off before 8:00 am on a beautiful morning, light breeze; perfect conditions. Not all of us took advantage of that but one did and made a strong statement.

Interesting to find out that the emergency number in case of buggy breakdown doesn’t get answered. So I left my buggy behind and joined buggy with Siggy for the remaining holes. That actually helped to improve my game so he will be my caddy for the rest of the season. We had a quick round and all returned at the clubhouse before 12:00. The showers were not open in contrast to earlier experiences and information so 9 smelly old men turned up at East of Highway to have wonderful food and a few beers. Andrew did some lavish ordering of food so the usual RM50 was not enough but it all tasted great. 

Results

Brian demolished the course and came home with 93/44 winning the mid year game. Second today Dave with a respectable 100/39 followed by Iain 93/38.

The mystery prize for today was the last par. Iain took that home; a LC cap. The monthly medal goes to Mighty Mike again; 2nd medal in a row. Brian’s 44 today was just not enough to catch up with him, ending second in June. Shared 3rd Ricardo and Siggy.

Half way through 2020 Iain is leading the annual competition, followed by Mike and Ricardo.See all scores and rankings below.

Photos

Thanks to Ricardo Castro and Martin Belderink for the photos.

Results – Staffield Country Resort – 23rd June 2020

The early morning looked a bit wet and rainy but it all turned out great. Only 11 members gathered at Staffield to play some golf. It stopped raining and the sun came out so no worries there. Tee off was around 8am and although a bit soggy at some spots the course was in a great condition. Worthwhile mentioning we had to wait for Tony and call him to tee-off; first time ever………… We had a fairly quick round and all getting back by midday. 

Results


THE MIKE struck again……………..81/40, magic sticks it must be. Shared 2nd Siggy and Ricardo with 38 points and 3rd Andrew with 37 points. See below all results
The monthly battle is a close fight between Mike, Siggy and Ricardo. 
Many had to leave straight after the game so we had a small group for lunch this time. We still had a belated present for Andrew’s achievement and presented him a special “500 games” golf shirt. Also Hans got one more present to honor his convener ship; a LC cap with his name and service years on it. 

Photos

Thanks to Ricardo Castro and Martin Belderink for the photos.

Results – KRTU – 16th June 2020

This week is heavily overshadowed by Tom Holmes’ passing away. And some members who were well befriended with him were obviously still in great shock. Rest in peace Tom!

13 players gathered at KRTU after 2 cancellations; Andrew and Siggy. Gaut seems to hit the group this week. Too much red wine………… Entry to the air force base was quite an ordeal. Apparently, a new recruit just started today and he meticulously checked every one of us asking senseless details about wives and families and a lot more and writing down everything.

Anyway…..we got there and still took off around 8:00 am. Our host Zak had already prepared the registration. It’s a lovely course with beautiful greens but not easy to play; it’s tight and the cow grass is heavy especially when you miss the fairway. This probably explains today’s’ scores. Only 2 players played their handicap; Tony and myself. After a long struggle with my golf and a serious deterioration of my handicap, I finally managed to produce a decent game and win today with 98/37. Tony in second place and best gross; 90/36. See all scores below.

The June competition is still headed by Mike Williams, followed by Ricardo and Tony. 9 members stayed for a solemn lunch. Food and beers at the club were good and very affordable. We thanked Zak for organizing and presented him with one of the LC towels. Dave picked up the mystery prize; a sleeve of balls for having the last blob (on hole 18) And we welcomed our 2 new members Mike Garwood (2nd game) and Robert Bellevance. (1st game). 

Results

Photos

Thanks to Ricardo Castro for the photos.

Obituary – Tom Holmes

It was with deep sadness and shock that we heard about the sudden death of Tom Holmes on 12th June 2020. 

Tom (48) will be fondly remembered by all for his jovial nature, his passion for the game of golf and of course his inimitable sharp, dry humour.

It was in 2008, after meeting Mike Smith at the Doha Golf Club, Qatar and with Mike enthusing to Tom about how nice Malaysia was, Tom, who was now at the end of his contract, jumped on a plane with one suitcase and his golf clubs and arrived in Malaysia. Here he fell right into the KL lifestyle and joined a number of golfing societies living the life of leisure before getting a job. Tom subsequently became an “offshore tiger” having gained employment here in Malaysia specialising in offshore installations, flare maintenance and operations, which included flare tip and igniter panels replacement, given his electrical background.

In the time that Tom was in Malaysia he was active in all the KL golf societies such as Loose Cannons, KLOGS and FRID’ Eggs but Tom was of course predominantly active in the running of the WIGS group which played every Sunday at Bukit Unggul.

Tom was involved with the WIGS golf group for many years and with his organisational skills and meticulous attention to detail with the WIGS unique scoring and handicapping system along with the “Animal Fines” and other associated infringements Tom ultimately headed up the WIGS group. Tom organised and attended every twice-yearly golf away trips in his capacity as CW for the WIGS society and they were all an outstanding success.

Tom was also a regular attender of KLOGS monthly games and twice-yearly “aways” for over 10 years when not working offshore. His last victory was at Tropicana in April of 2017, and on this day as well as easily winning the game he was also awarded the “other award” for blobbing the last hole when considered well in front – handicap preservation being the cry with the forthcoming May away on the horizon. Tom was regularly awarded this accolade, most recently on the Chiang Mai November Away, where as well as winning the daily misdemeanour award he also took this for the tour -something to do with the wearing of an orange bathing cap in the shower. Tom’s greatest qualities were to give everyone the benefit of his cutting wit, but also not getting bothered when it rebounded and taking his punishment in fine style. He was also quick to assist and standing in as scribe at short notice, and acting as the tour’s fines master with relish. With his wide knowledge of golf in the region, he was a very helpful source on the latest course information when planning the next away adventure. In addition to all the above an accomplished golfer who always showed great sportsmanship and a loyal friend to all those that had the privilege to meet him.

Tom was also a member of the FRID’ Eggs group who met every Friday and, work or travel permitting, Tom would join the group. Tom’s last game with FRID’ Eggs was on 14th February 2020 at Danau Golf Club where he won on the day – a very fitting result for a great golfer and a great human being.

Tom was a very well-loved and respected friend to everybody in our community here in Malaysia. The outpouring messages of affection and tributes received upon the shock and disbelief at Tom’s sudden and totally unexpected demise bears testimony to this. Tom became more than just a golf buddy to some, he also became a part of the family. 

Tom will be sadly missed by all his golfing friends and all his other friends and working colleagues here in Malaysia and overseas but of course our thoughts and deepest condolences go out at this time to his family back in UK. 

R.I.P. Tom Holmes

Results – Tasik Puteri Golf & Country Club – 9th June 2020

Our first tour towards Rawang after the lock down and it turned out well. 15 players gathered for some golf at Tasik. Another smooth take off (it’s gonna be boring without any hiccups) well before t-time and start from 2 t-boxes meaning that we all got back well before midday. The course was in a very good nik and so were most players. 10 out of 15 played their handicap or better. We don’t see that happening very often.

A few old members returned after a long absence; Robert after his knee operation and Glen after not getting any calls from China anymore for work. A sleeve of balls for Robert this week as a welcome back present.

Also a warm welcome to our guest Mike Garwood who may be a new Loose Cannons member in the future. He finished his round with a solid 82.

We still do lunch at the club nowadays with all the MCO/SOP shit still around. Food and drinks are fine at Tasik and reasonably priced so that was a very pleasant 19th hole. We may think about moving back to the old routine in the next few weeks and select one of our Chinese joints again.

Results

Today’s winner…… Der Panzer with 81/43 ran away with the money beating Hakan on count back. 3rd place with 40 points Siggy and Ricardo. Hans on his way back into golf followed with a respectable 39 points. See all scores below.

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After 2 games Mike is leading the monthly competition with Ricardo and Tony on his heels.

Photos

 

Thanks to Ricardo Castro and Martin Belderink for the photos

 

 

Results – Palm Garden Golf Club – 2nd June 2020

Palm Garden attracted 16 Loose Cannons to come and play some golf. A very good turn out and the return -after a 6 months sabbatical- of our one and only Stableford Jedi; Stuart Taylor. Welcome back!

Since the restaurant is closed in the morning everybody gathered at the registration area. Various discount cards and a voucher helped to get us a decent rate. Going into buggies and to the t-box was organized in the typical Malaysian way……..NOT REALLY…. They tried to keep some order but that is usually bound to fail when you deal with Loose Cannons.

Nonetheless we took off on time and from different t-boxes. About 4 hours later everybody was back in the restaurant. The course was in excellent shape and a pleasure to play. The climate nowadays doesn’t help though and makes conditions a little tougher than normal.

Mighty Mike keeps on striking and took another win today with 80/41 followed by our comeback kid Stuart; 84/40 and Tony 88/39.

Andrew managed to finish his 500th game this time (see Special Report below). We celebrated that with the help of his generous RM500 contribution for beers. He got handed out the first new Loose Cannons cap for this great achievement; first games in early 2004 together with Iain and Mike Smith. Siggy also got a cap for his contribution at KGSAAS last week. A sleeve of balls found a new owner; Stuart for returning and taking care of our stablefords.

The only negative maybe is the total lack of organization in the restaurant. Plenty of staff but it still took ages before getting a beer……… Yet another fine day out. Thanks for your participation.

Results

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Andrew Robinson’s 500th Game

It was a rather special day today with Andrew Robinson clocking in his 500th game with Loose Cannons. Starting with Loose Cannons way back in 2004 when the group was first formed Andrew has played an impressive number of games, albeit with a few interludes during this time due to bad health or injury.

Today he scored a very respectable score of 111 for 30 points today and on the 18th green he sank a lengthy putt to finish in style.

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A quietly confident Andrew Robinson before the start of the game

Andrew Robinson on the 1st tee prepares to kick off his 500th game

This was Andrew Robinson’s 9,000th drive as he teed off on the 1st hole today

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On the 18th hole at the conclusion of his 500th game Andrew confidently sinks a great putt to finish.

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After the successful completion of his 500th game, Andrew was presented with a red Loose Cannons cap in the clubhouse ……. perhaps after another 500 games, he will get the matching shirt!!

Andrew very kindly contributed RM500 to the pot for lunch and drinks. Thank You Andrew from everyone today and many congratulations on a great achievement.


Photos

And thanks to Ricardo Castro for the following photos contributions.

Also thanks to Martin Belderink for the following photos.

 

Results – KGSAAS – 27th May 2020

12 players gathered at KGSAAS on Wednesday morning for a hard day’s work. We took of swiftly after smooth registration, temperature checks and all that. The conditions were not easy with heavy fairways and hot and humid weather. This was reflected in the results with only 2 members playing their handicap.

Andrew who started his 500th game today unfortunately was not able to finish when the drinks of the night before finally got hold of him on hole 10. So no full 500 yet, Next week Andrew! and we will celebrate the 500 finished (8 more holes to go). More celebrations had to be done, meaning free lunch for the the group. Iain celebrated his 300th game and took care of the beer bill. Siggy recently played his 100th game and generously paid for 1 full flight. We had belated and recent birthdays. Bernard, Hans, Dave and myself put in some money. Thanks for all donations to the kitty. See you at Palm Garden on Tuesday.

Results

The winner of this battle ‘Mighty’ Mike W. also picking up the May monthly medal for his good performance in the other May games. Second today Ricardo with 37 points. Bernard followed third but we still have to determine his penalty for removing (and thus touching) the pin on several holes; Covid violation! A lot of members had a lot of golf today.

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Monthly & Annual Competition

The annual competition until May is led by Iain, followed by Allen and Ricardo. See all results below.

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Photos

Thanks to Ricardo Castro for the photo submissions.

 

Results – Glenmarie (Garden Course) – 19th May 2020

12 Players including our guest Karl from Belgium assembled for a game of golf. Another beautiful morning at the golf course and a smooth take off at little after 8.00 am, half an hour before official t-time. Weather was nice, hot though with an occasional cooling breeze and the course (Gardens) was in excellent shape. We all got around in about 4 hours, some of us struggling the last few holes due to the heat.

After the official part of the day some went home and 6 of us gathered in Bar Roca in Damansara for a few more cooling Tigers.

Results

The winner today was Iain with an excellent 91 for 41. 3 LC’s came home with 37 points; Ricardo, Brian and Dave, followed by Mike with a solid 36 points.

We had more prizes to deal with today. The March monthly medal was still not presented to the winner of that month; Iain Wise. Covid spoiled that party. So Iain raked up both the day price and the March medal. It took some time before he finally made his way to the golfers terrace (sorting his make-up, there were other theories going around) building the tension. The others spent that time wisely drinking beer that Iain missed out on being so slow.

Most golf also qualified for a price today; in case there will be another run on toilet paper in the near future Hans is safe now with an extra roll including golf tips.

The mystery price today was for loosing most balls; Andrew took that one back home; a sleeve of new balls. And welcome back Andrew!

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Photos

Thanks to Ricardo Castro and Martin Belderink for the photos.

Results – Bukit Jalil Golf & Country Resort – 17th March 2020

The ‘lock down’ game was played at Bukit Jalil. Registration went well and we managed to get senior rates for all 12 players. We welcomed 2 guests from Iain and Ted’s son James and also a “welcome back” for Charles. We all had to cue up for hole 1 but that didn’t take too long. The course was in a good condition and as always the greens were difficult to play resulting in only 1 member playing his handicap; the winner………MIKE WILLIAMS. Runner up Charles with 33 and shared 3rd Ted and Iain both 32 completed the list with more or less decent scores.

‘Slow starter’ Siggy managed to birdie the last 2 holes (33% of his total points) boosting his score to a bit more decent level.

Only 4 players came to East of Highway to have a last good lunch for a some time. Andrew joined as non playing guest. Good luck with your surgery next week Andrew. As always the food was excellent and so were the beers.

On another matter; I got a question with regard to the golf fees for the Tuesday game. The policy is (and has always been) that we usually charge RM 20/25 on top of the golf fee. This extra money is being used for:

-the weekly prize money

-surcharge payment buggy in case of 3 ball

-buying prizes / medals etc.

-some lunch contribution

-unforeseen

Results

Please find all scores and rankings below.

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Players with their best two games in March and the monthly medal winner.

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Since this is the last game of March due to the curfew we already have a winner for the monthly medal: Iain Wise. Congrats!! We will honor you as soon as things settle down a bit. We probably still have to limit the number of attendees for this ceremony to a maximum of 50. I’m awaiting instructions from the government with regard to this.

Photos

All photos provided by Ricardo Castro.

 

 

Results – Monterez Golf & Country Club – 10th March 2020

With Tony out Monday night, we only had 10 Cannon’s to play Monterez. With a smooth registration, we tee off around 7:45 and all 3 flights managed to finish before 12:00. Weather conditions at the beginning were sticky and steamy, and the last 2 hours were quite hard with a crushing sun and some of us have some problems dealing with the heat.

Course conditions even dry fairways, were not so good, and many of us have some problems with Elephant grass (Ed Note : I think it is cow grass … elephant grass much longer!!) and many lost balls. First nine, greens were super slow, bumpy and too many patches, increasing the number of putts and some angry reactions. Back nine green speed increased due to the hard surface but quite difficult to read speed and direction.

Only nine reach our usual restaurant having some cool beers, but this time food was not so good as previews visits.

Results

The winner today was Sigmund Maierbrugger with 94/33 beating Paul Geddes (Best Gross) with 86/33 on countback following by Iain Wise, John Laidley, and Andrew Robinson all with 31 points. Mystery prize winner (best gross first nine) was Ted Parslow. With these results, Iain Wise is leading the Monthly medal race with 67 points following closely by Siggy with 66 and Andrew with 65 with 3 games to go.

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Photos

All photos provided by Ricardo Castro.