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The chance to travel to Thailand in October was just too good an opportunity to miss, with the weather in the 85/90 degree bracket, great golf courses and nice people, it really is a fantastic place to visit.

Our golf trip was a relatively small affair this year, possibly due to economic influences around the globe, but it did not take anything away from the enjoyment that everyone had.

Day 1 was played at Lake View Golf Club, an old favourite of ours, after running many EGTF training courses there in the past.  As usual it was very hot, and scoring was difficult for both the EGTF members and amateurs playing.  It was great to see EGTF President, Peter Dunne back playing after some major surgery on his shoulder during the year.  Peter is now back playing in the amateur ranks off 5 handicap and still hitting the ball very well.  Steve Lynch took the honours at Lake View for the amateurs, while I nudged in front in the Pro Event with a score of 75.

Peter Dunne & Bill Abbott

With the format being the best three scores out of five during the week, it made for a much more pleasant competition, without the usual stress to perform every day.

The week progressed nicely with people finding form on different days, and it was building up towards a tense finish at the end of the week.

Driving Range at Lake View

Max Busslinger driving off at Springfield

With the last two days looking like being very close, especially in the Amateur competition, we headed to Palm Hills Golf Club just outside Hua Hin.  Palm Hills is a lovely layout, with some very treacherous greens.  Peter Dunne's lead in the Amateur tournament was slim, with Steve Lynch snapping at his heels.  The Pro Event was slightly different as I had been enjoying a purple patch of form, and had built up a healthy lead.

Chris Calder and Pete Stopford in action at the 9th, Palm Hills 

The Three Musketeers! Pete Stopford, Peter Dunne & Bill Abbott

The tournament ended on the Friday, with Steve Lynch needing to hole a birdie putt on the last green of the last day to tie Peter for the title.  The putt slipped by and Peter added another title to his trophy case, but what an excellent way to finish.

I managed to cling on to the good play I had shown earlier in the week, to win the Pro Event by 9 shots over Chris Calder (mainly down to a hot putter!!)

A great way to end a fabulous week was provided by Peter with the presentation barbecue at his house in the grounds of Palm Hills.  It was a very pleasant and casual event which I am sure everyone enjoyed.

EGTF Pro Event

1. Bill Abbott  73 - 74 - 75 = 222

2. Chris Calder 77 - 77 - 77 = 231

Amateur Event

1. Peter Dunne 103 points

2. Steve Lynch 102 points

Relaxing at the poolside barbecue

Peter Dunne - Amateur Winner

Bill Abbott - EGTF Pro Winner

Finally, I would like to thank everyone who made the journey to Hua Hin to play in this fun, friendly tournament and I hope to see you and many more friends next year, in the land of smiles.

Bill Abbott - Master Teaching Professional and Course Instructor