2007 INTERNATIONAL CHALLENGE CUP

This years International Challenge consisted of 29 players from eight countries. Some last minute cancellations meant some late team changes but most teams advertised two weeks in advance played as scheduled. Even though it was the extra Songkran holiday Lanna honoured our booking time and we played for our usual price. An added benefit was that there were hardly any other groups on the course. This week it was hot and humid without the benefit of a breeze. It was a very close competition so the team selection was spot on with only 3 stokes seperating the top four teams. Scotland came in first with 72 just beating last years winners USA with 74 followed by Canada and England with 75. Unfortunately no one got Kim's 'Hole in One' prize (It will still be available for the annual comp in August) but there were three nearest the pin winners on the par 3's - Warren Simpson, Kieran Savage and Scott Lumsden. All in all it was a successful competition with many coming up after the event to thank Les and myself and JJ. Unfortunately last minute changes resulted in a couple of teams only having three players instead of four and even though there were no complaints from the teams concerned it was considered that this may have hampered their chances somewhat and we will ensure that it does not happen again. The event was so popular though that we are considering having it three times a year and at this stage since the Annual Tournament is programmed for early August we are considering and early December event.

Hole in One Prize

Kim Gillies has donated 4000 baht for a 'Hole in One' Prize. It has been decided that Kim's Prize will be 1000 baht for a Hole in One on any of the Par Threes. If no one claims it on the first par three then it accumulates so the second Par Three is worth 2000 baht and so on. If no one Holes out then it will carry over to the Annual Competition in August.

Other Prizes are:
Winners - Names engraved on the Perpetual Trophy and
each member to receive an individual trophy and cash.
2nd - 4th - Cash Prizes
5th - 8th - Golf Balls
Nearest the Pin on all par 3's - Nr 1 Pub polo shirt.

Four Ball Better Ball Rules for ICC

Four man teams – one score card – no handicaps

Each player must count three of his drives on the 14 par 4 or 5 holes. As there are four men who must count three drives each (12 drives) in a team that will leave two holes/drives for the captain to decide.

The person whose drive is counted must mark his ball with a tee and the other three players must place their ball near the tee to take their teams second shot. The person whose drive was counted cannot be used for the second shot, it has to be one of the three other players. There is no restriction on third or fourth shots, any team members shot can be counted..

The four par threes have no restrictions. Any team members shot can be counted.

Once you are on the green and the best ball is chosen, it is to be marked and all four players will put from that position. Each player will put in turn and once the ball is in the hole that score will be counted. In other words if you put a ball up to the edge of the hole for one and then tap it in without giving your team mates the chance to one put then the score stands as two puts. So even if it is on the rim, mark it and give you team mates a chance at a one put.

Drop Zones are to be used by all players and relief can be given for any casual water. A plugged ball may be lifted cleaned and placed no nearer the hole on all fairways. Local rules apply for ‘out of bounds’ and ‘lost ball’ all other rules are as per the Royal and Ancient Rules of Golf.

At completion of golf on Tuesday there was some discussion about the rules and a majority of the teams were finalised. As of Thursday 12th I can now tell you that the following teams are as definite as one can get 5 days out from tee-off.

Australia 1
Australia 2
England
Ireland
Scotland
Canada
USA
Rest of the World

At the close of nominations after golf on Tuesday 3rd April 2007 there are seven (7) teams registered to play in the event. That includes all paid up members of the club who are in country and fit to play with the exception of three who have not indicated an interest to play. Not bad considering two have come off their sick beds to compete. Therefore the teams in the right column of this page are the ones who will compete on the day with the possible addition of one more team. In the event that someone is unable to play through circumstances beyond their control substitutions can be made up until competition day subject to approval by the committee.

Event: "Texas Scramble"
Date: Tuesday 17th April 2007
Venue: Lanna Golf Course
Tee-Off Time: 0830
Note: Teams must register one half hour before tee-off time.

The perpetual 'International Challenge Cup' currently held by USA will again be up for grabs on Tuesday 17th April. This event is for members only. It will be open for nine (9) teams of four. The event will be a 'Four Ball, Best Ball' (no handicaps), or as the Americans would say 'A Texas Scramble'. One score card for each team of four and the team with the lowest gross will win the event. The format will be that each player must have three (3) of their drives counted in the round, not including the par 3's. When a players drive is used, that players second shot cannot be counted. After all team members have completed their required number of drives (not counting the par 3's) there will be two holes remaining where any team members drive can be counted. Nominations for teams close on the 3rd April. There will be a Nomination Fee of 200baht per person and each person will have to pay their own green/caddy fees. The nomination fee will cover costs of individual trophies for the winning team and a Thai Buffet for all players on completion of the event. The venue will be Lanna Golf Course.

A point to remember when putting is that if a team member puts up close to the hole and taps it in without giving his team members a chance to one put then the team must score two puts.

The teams listed in the right hand column are proposed teams only and are subject to change. They were made up from names submitted originally as teams or from people who indicated an interest in playing. From the list of current members who are in country and fit to play there are still sufficient places for two more teams. So get your nominations in ASAP