Condolence

On behalf of all BMMJ players, our thoughts and prayers goes to the family of Mohamad Awang Damit and family on the recent bereavement of their Mother/mother in law. Al Fatihah.

BMMJ celebrates its 100th posting - RBGCC, 17th Dec: I'm baaaackkkk

News Headlines
1. BMMJ celebrates its 100th post
2. Bahreen Thursday thriller
3. Jang Manan trauma using Blue tee box

1. All started as a way of keeping golfing memories fresh. 100th posts later, its still going strong thanks to all BMMJ members. Without all of your contribution, this site would not be what it is today - a huge success.

2. What a way of celebrating my 100th post by collecting the honours this fine Thursday morning. Actually, it was over by the 10th hole. As Hj Amir said " No point melawan you lagi, at least ada dua orang insuran" Enuf said

3. As you all read in the Bangkok trip post, Jang Manan reported that he had undergone intensive rehab in Saudi. Unfortunately, he forgot to frame it also from the back tees in Jerudong (Blue). I was already walking towards the white tee box before being interrupted by Latif who asked "Blue tee box, baru ada challenge" Manan was a bit hesitant but had no choice as it was a good also for us to practice for Saturday's DRM game. Just to give you an idea how painful it is pls see the scores below for the front 9 (Spare the agony for the back 9)

Bahreen: 42 (Pyah kah course ani?)
Hj Amir Osman: 52
Hj Manan Kamis: 58
Abd Latif Rahman: 63

Like Hj Amir said, it was over by the 10th hole.... Ada orang happy....

Kisah Teladan: Akibat inda mendengar nasihat kawan

Hope you all learn this lesson...
Sometimes "Haji bah ni" is not the right answer....

Welcome back Jang Manan

BMMJ says ahlan wasahlan to Jang Nan...
17 Dec mana mau main?

Kap Amir ok na main?

BMMJ goes Hollywood!

Magic from Walid...

Part 2: Samuil & Zairin Show

Yoi... I think you punya orange shirt Feng Shui nda bagus lah... baiktah simpan almari saja...

The Samuil & Zairin Show - Cryogenic Trophy

Jang Sam and Yoi Zairin put on a show for the cameras...
Thanks to Abd Walid and Yoi G Yusof for the pictures

Cgrats to Jang Sam also for winning NTP #16.. baiktah belanja Energy bar di Supa save...

BLNG Cryogenic Trophy

News headlines

1. Samuil & Shahbudin swap position
2. Orang pencen integrity questionable
3. Zairin jadi paymaster (must be orange shirt)
4. Rain affected tournament

1. Hj Shahbudin swap positions with Hj Samuil by winning the Invitational Players Division of the BLNG Cryogenic Trophy with a nett score of -2 69. BMMJ group agree his handicap for next game will be chopped to 18.

2. According to one witness on the scene, orang pencen did not declare infringement after hitting an opponent's ball in the bunker. he should have asked the other ball to be marked or hit first. Penalty 2 strokes and submission of wrong score DQ. Apa nya "Nada apa-apa tu" Case in point of integrity very much in question and reputation BEYOND REPAIR & WRITE OFF

3. Zairin apparently going into REHAB after being paymaster again. Support tu yoi..

4. Telampau sibuk kan pasang baju hujan and for golf bag, led to triple bogey, double bogey and nine on holes 7,8 & 9 at RBGCC. Could not recover even after birdie at 14th.

RBGCC - 30th Nov, Hj Samuil magic monday...

Monday was an in-lieu holiday for us due to Hari Raya Haji falling on Saturday (Selamat Hari Raya readers) so six of us played at Jerudong in order to prepare for The Cryogenic Trophy this Saturday after intially wanting to play at Eastwood.

Players: Hj Samuil, Hj Yusof, Hj Shahbudin, Khun Pg Ali, Mohamad and myself.
At Stake: Glory for the next four days and pool money
What happen next?

In a nutshell
Paymaster: Mohamad and Shahbudin
Pool Winner $$$$: Hj Samuil
Out of slump: Hj Yusof and myself

The first three players Khun Ali, Hj Budin and meself teed off first. I was testing the callaway IQ5 driver. Without any prior testing on the range... sliced it to the 9th hole fairway and ended up a a 6... not good.. in fact all three of us had a 6 on the 1st hole. Warning signs...

I had a terrible F9 with a 46... three consecutive double bogeys on the 1st three holes did not help.. Shahbudin also had a 46 and Khun Ali was a few strokes away..

"Jadi ATM lagi ni" i said to myself.... "No way. Losing three games in a row is a big no no.." trying to pysche my game up...

So the back nine i had to get my game back together... I knew I had to stay patient and waited for the others to self destruct... bogeys, a few pars and a birdie on 16th led to a 44 which was enough to see off Jang Din... who had a terrible back nine.. highlight of my round was a par on the par 4 15th island fairway and birdie on the par 3 16th... unfortunately G Sam played well for an 86.. hence pool winner

Good strong finish also for Khun Ali after long lay off with a par, double bgy and par finish... shot of the day using hybrid from 160m to get three on for the par 5 18th... i can still hear it in my mind Khun Ali screaming after hitting his third shot

AAATTTTACCKKKK!!!!!!!

Siam photos 4 - Time to say goodbye...

All good things must come to an end.... After three enjoyable and eventful rounds, its time to go back to Brunei... if only golf courses back home are as good as Lam Lukka or Siam CC.... Anybody has a spare US$40m to invest in a golf course?

It is with great sadness that I announce the end of the 2009 Thai open.... We are however happy to contribute to the economic recovery of Thailand... pls keep prices low for green fees, food and hotel (Jang Budin and G Sam I save you over B$100 ohhh thanks to wotif.com)

Congrats to Jang Haji Shahbudin Haji Musa on his outstanding peformance and winning the title.. Look forward to seeing everybody again soon....

p.s Good news, Mohamad and Kap Amee has one game credit from GA.. so looks like we can go to Pattaya again!

Jang Manan, we miss you (as insurance heheh..)

Siam photos 3

These three gents will be playing in the LPGA tour for 2010... Only condition is to wear a skirt... pink colour no less... Pls support them

Siam photos 2

Back ground is the par 5 with 26 BUNKERS!?! If you managed to avoid any of them... I'll buy u a drink...

Siam photos 1

Siapa hensem? Answers on a postcard

Thai Open - Final Round... Shahbudin Winner

News Headlines (belated)

1. Shahbudin win at Siam
2. Pattaya hit by British like weather shock (BMMJ Exclusive)
3. Hj Samuil kesajukan pakai windbreaker
4. All chocolates, roti, fruits nowhere to be seen
5. Caddie say UTY - Up to You...
6. Hj Alias ketinggalan bag di hotel

1, Jang Budin berjaya merangkul gelaran King of Thailand golf setelah berjaya mengalahkan peserta2 lain di Siam CC Plantation course with a score of 90 (me thinks). Hj Sam was runner-up. So the roll of honour goes as follows

1st Day
Winner: Hj Amir Osman
R-up: Yours Truly

2nd day
Winner: Hj Shahbudin Musa
R-up: Hj Amir Osman

Final day
Winner: Hj Shahbudin Musa
R-up: Hj Samuil Mohidin

2. BMMJ were caught by England like weather at Siam CC strong wind and temperatures of around 17 to 18c.... brrrrr. Jang Sam sampai pkai windbreaker...

3. JaNG Sam was caught with his jacket on from the 3rd hole....pyah swing tu

4. As predicted, players stocked on essentialls but i could hardly see any food on their buggy... kes makan tuan nda mau bagi opponent...

5. On one of the monster par 5, the layout gave golfers the option to drive their ball either left or right fairway. I went and attacked on the right. Shahbudin went left. Then Hj Alias caddie said "Up to you...."

6. After golf, we headed back to the hotel to get some rest or some last minute shopping. We decided to leave at 4pm to catch the 8pm flight. For some reason Hj Alias assumed his bag was in the tour van. Bila datang ke airport... aduh ketinggalan bag... to cut in short, advise him to pass it to Hj Amir who was flying back on Monday (Kap amee to the rescue)

p.s I became ATM for second day...

Thus, it was an enjoyable trip all round and course fees will remain the same for 2010 so that we can go again!!!

Thai Open - Day Two (Moving day)

Main Headlines
1. Hj Shahbudin saturday slaughter
2. Hj Shahbudin 3 birdie ohhh
3. Bahreen collapse on par 3 12th & become paymaster
4. Hj Amir continues good form with runner-up spot
5. New vocab for BMMJ
6. Hj Amir awal pagi bali chocolate from kadai 7-11
7. Semua orang trembling hole 17th island green

1. Hj Shahbudin finally produced the goods when it matters with an excellent 87 gross and nett 69.. 3 under ohhh.. Despite complaining of lapar and trembling hands on certain water surrounded holes, makan siang everybody.. Well done jang

2. Hj Shahbudin did not disappoint his fans with another incredible 3 birdies from his round today (ASCOPE player form) credit to him as he had a disaster opening triple on the 1st but recovered with a birdie on the 2nd, 10th and 14th.

3. Group CEO winning streak that started from the ASTRO tournament (6 weeks) came to a dramatic end at KK country club. Despite a solid 40 on the front nine. A mind boggling 10 on the 168yd par 3 12th proved to be the waterloo for Senor Bahreen. Here is the breakdown (1st shot OB, 3rd shot water, 5th shot dub, 7 on and three putt) golf can be so cruel... but managed to keep birdie streak for 2nd day in a row

4. Well done Kap Amee by finishing runner-up on 2nd day. Balik Brunei you know what to do kap...

5. Jang Budin coined a new term for today "Running out of days" selalunya we use the term running out of holes if we are behind with 4 or 5 holes to play. Meaning to say, play well today otherwise kana sambaleh two days in a row...

6. Lesson learn from 1st day, Kap Amee not surprisingly bought a good number of choc before leaving for pattaya. Uhhhhh

7. Of the group, Shahbudin, Samuil and Alias pass the test. Rest of us TOK NAM....

Thai Open - Day One.....

News Headlines

1. Hj Amir Sapu semua, Bahreen runner-up
2. Bola Shahbudin masuk tanah & dilantik menjadi Jurubayar Agung (Paymaster)
3. Lam Lukka in excellent condition
4. New vocabulary to BMMJ group
5. Hj Amir kelaparan, no choice makan Oreo Mohamad.

The main news
1. Kap Amir blew everybody on the first day with a nett score of 73 (Happy for you..)
continuing his form from the unofficial practice the day before @ Navatanee (84 gross). Runner-up was BMMJ CEO.. Yours truly with a respectable 78 nett... Due to that that his handicap will be chop by two strokes and one for the runner-up. Banyak untung ohhh

2. On hole 7th hole on Lam Lukka, Jang Budin 2nd shot was "topped" and was half submerged on the fairway. His second attempt made things worst and poor caddie had to use a JCB to curik the ball from the fairway. Ended up with an 8... hehe ada orang happy

3. Lam Lukka was in perfect condition to be the first course of the Thai open. Fairways pun bola timbul.

4. New term for excellent shot by BMMJ as propose by my caddy at LLK...Uuuoohh or in Malay, Lurus dan jauh.

5. Even though he won on 1st day, Kap Amee was struggling at the turn. With not much food around, roti Oreo Mohamad brought from Brunei jadi mangsa. What made things worse was the roti "makan tuan". A case of Dejavu as LLK was also the course when Shahbudin gave Hj Sam chocolate and in turn makan tuan also. Key learning, klau ada roti... baik tah tapuk and not to be given to the opponent..

P.S
Special message from Jang Manan from Dahran to all Thai open golfers.
" Dont bank on me as insuran jang, aku under intensive rehab... Arab punya rehab UHH

Pictures:
1.Hj Shahbudin presents prize to Bahreen
2. Hj Samuil presents prize to Hj Amir
3. Group photo 2nd flight

Second round preview: Khao Kheow

Unfortunately, Suwan is off due to a tournament on Friday... but feast your eyes on the recently refurbished KKGC.... Somebody will be saying their prayers before the island green...

Time to be counted: Round One, Lam Lukka Golf Course

Contendors:
1. Mohamad
2. Hj Amir
3. Hj Shahbudin
4. Hj Samuil
5. Hj Alias
6. Hj Matsatejo
7. Meself?

Who will be crowned first day winner???? Silakan pilih ramalan anda.... in the comment area.... Advantage to those who played today and rehab in 3rd country...

DRM Part Two - Zairin DRM Champion (Gelaran baru ZZ Top)

SAVE THE BEST FOR LAST FOR MR ZZTOP By Asmadi Puteh

With the spirit of winning the cash prizes, finally, Md Zairin Abdullah emerged the last Champion of the DRM Monthly Medal 2009.

While others struggling to sink par, some with casted leg (MeDz), some struggling to wake up early on a saturday morning, he scored the lowest nett of 74.

Even the Nigerian Kung-Fu unable to pyshcoed him during the last tourney. He must have got special magic wand to reversed the tense to the Nigerian KungFu. A Big congratulations to the Champion.

DRM MONTHLY MEDAL 2009
INV + DRM IN ONE
CLASSIC STROKE PLAY - Top 10 result

1 HJ MD ZAIRIN ABDULLAH
2 ALIAS DURAMAN
3 AIDIRADIMAN
4 PG JOFREN PG OMAR
5 HJ MD SUFRI SULAIMAN
6 HJ ABD RAHIM MATUSSIN
7 ASNAN OTHMAN
8 HJ MD AYUB
9 SANI ABDULLAH
10 YUNOS ABDULLAH

DRM 7th Nov: RBA - Shahbudin rules the roost

BMMJ: Hj Md Zairin & Hj Shahbudin
Where: RBA

Guest editor: Hj Shahbudin

"Zairin main bagus.. on fire from the start with Par and then Birdie to reach the turn on 44. Myself, 46 gross (losing to him gross Ohhh).

On the back nine, I plotted my comeback by being patient and waiting for G Zairin to collapse. By the 16th, after hanging on and consolidating my game we were basically levelled.

Normally, BMMJ players jinx hole are the 17th or 18th.. This time it was the 16th.. G Zairin had a double bogey, triple bogey and bogey finish against my par, bogey and par finish.

Thus, last 3 hole ia collapsed abis benpanyap... no 17 biting again OHH... G Zairin's second shot nya in the drink... Mamamm... Yunos who was playing with us was never in contention mostly distracted by refinery shutdown gross nya 93

Champion again DRM this month (again ) Ohhhh... and with the win covered some of the green fee and some extras... However, silver lining for G Zairin by finishing second in the tournament..

BLNG & RBPF friendly golf 8th Nov: The reign continues.... GY creates history

BLNG hosted a friendly game with the Police on Sunday, 8th Nov.
BMMJ players were Khun Ali, Hj Yusof & myself. No bilateral between myself and Khun Ali due to his long lay off from golf.

Gave GY 4/5 one stroke up as the last game between us I beat him. Played well enough for an 82 gross (42,40) for 35 stableford pts which beat GY's 96 and 32 pts. Thus, extending my win for FOUR WEEKS ohh... pyah kah main golf ani?????

History was created also as GY mentioned in his speech that he did not manage to get a par (1st time? in a long time??) the slump continues.... baik tah rehab

Pictures to follow soon.

Course Preview - Suwan Golf Club

Hosted the Asian Tour International tournament earlier in February....
Looks good... I think this course suit my game....
Onnn....
Photos from club website

DRM Tournament Part Three

Sam and Zairin pun ampit lucky draw / NTP... Happy for you...

DRM Tournament Part Two

Whitewash.... Rumble in the Jerudong jungle...

Where: RBGCC Jerudong, DRM Major Tournament
Who: Hj Sam, Hj Budin, Hj Zairin & Bahreen
Date/Time: 7am, 31st October

Executive Summary
Hj Sam: 97
Hj Shahbudin: 103
Hj Md Zairin: 104
Bahreen: 90 (91)
Jurubayar Agung: Hj Zairin & Hj Shahbudin
Big winner: Of course…
Pool: Lupa lagi…. 3rd week in a row lupa and manang lagi tu…

Hj Samuil (3/3) – Sam “The Man” outing this time was much better compared to the MC tournament. His game was solid even though his drive of the tee was still suspect. I was having difficulty shaking him off the front nine as he went out with a respectable 46.
The back nine started solidly for him with bogeys from holes 10 to 14. By the 15th, I was running out of holes in order to beat him. At that time, we could see dark clouds gathering and inevitably… Ada orang minta hujan… Zairin and Hj Amir (who can be heard from the 14th)
Sam’s drive went right and into water. His third and then fifth also went into the drink. He ended up with a 10. I guess Hj Sam kes kataguran, he said to me on the sixth hole “ Three pars in a row ohh… Baik main mu Jang…” this back fired on him as he missed a par putt from 2ft on the 7th.. and now on the 15th after questioning my integrity for throwing putts during the MC trophy but more of this later…
After we finished, we counted the scores… It was even stevens… But… the next day… When I re-read the course rules on the back of the card…
“Drop withing one club length from the nearest point of relief, no nearer the hole.. OPEN DRAINS…” On the par 3 16th I over club to compensate for the wind.. and ended in the concrete drain.. I thought it was a penalty and added a penalty shot and recorded a double 5 instead of bogey 4… Hence I thought I had a 91… No problem… credit to next game…

Hj Shahbudin (3/4)
Also had a so-so opening nine and almost went par less… Honour less in the F9.. He parred the 8th to salvage some pride… At that stage I had a built a solid lead over him and was trying to get a few more on the B9. Then came the 10th….
Shahbudin had a solid drive off the tee but went slightly right past the cart path… he punch out but still had some 130mtrs to the green.. Unfortunately, his third went into the bunker…

In the bunker, instead of facing the green… he turned back to the fairway…
“Better cut my losses” he said despite howls of protest especially from Hj Sam.. “Mana tia orang thrill seeker” A bad fourth and fifth shot ensued and ended up with a nine…. Don't ask me for details… better ask player himself… haha… Out of anger he threw his ball to the jungle… But credit to him as he fought back with bogey, par, bogey, bogey after that. Then came the 15th….
Kes katuguran #3… ku nyayang tah saja orang kan tee off… but salute lah tried to cross the water.. Resulted with two balls into the water and had an 8…. By the 17th it was GAME OVER…

Hj Md Zairin (5/6)
Had an erratic game but earned “BMMJ shot of the day” on the notoriously difficult 9th.. His tee shot didn't went far and had some 180mtrs to the green… Walang problem.. he nailed it… His approach left him with a birdie putt from about 18ft… He just missed his birdie and a hard earned par… However, three triple bogeys on the B9 ended any hope of him catching me… Game over by the 16th although he finished strongly with two pars in the last three holes…

Me: I was targeting a score of around 85.. but two double bogeys on the first two holes made the task difficult. My short game was cold though I putting held up sinking crucial putts on 6th, 8th and 15th. Score could have been a bit lower for short missed par putt on the 3rd and silly chip on the 12th and ended up with a DB 6.. Anyway, more important is abis sapu including Khun Hj Amir…

Siam country club here I come…

As for the DRM tournament, I came 2nd in the invited guest category (despite telling them twice my handicap is 10).. Hj Sam manang NTP… and all of us got a lucky draw.. more pictures to follow…

MC trophy part Two

My Six iron tercabut... Perhaps, a sign I need to buy a new set of irons... Will discuss in a separate post.
Almost forgot.. Hj Sam made two sandy pars during the tournament.. Happy for you Jang

Mitsubishi Trophy - Sam kan rehab, Budin shot of day/ 4 putt on 1st hole & my 6 iron clubhead tercabut/ beat the lady pro..(Basically a lot happen)

Tournament: MC trophy
Date: Sat 24th Nov
BMMJ Players: Mohamad, Hj Samuil, Hj Shahbudin, Hj Md Yusof, Khun Pg Ali, Hj Md Zairin & me self...
Bilateral: Pool nada since sys 36. Only Sam and Budin.

I shall try to report this tournament differently... by Player as I see it

Hj Samuil
I was paired with Hj Sam, Hj Budin & Nu'maan (anak Hj Shahrir Moksin) and our 1st hole was the sixth at the Empire (over gawang)... I threw the tee into the air to find out who shall tee off dulu. It was Sam... then me.. Budin and Nu'maan.

I heard from last week, comment from Hj Budin G Sam ada kurang stamina lately.. and driver nda mau naik due to long lay off (2 bulan).. today i found out it was fairly true. Sam had a 10 on the first hole when he put two balls in the valley. but credit to him the next hole he parred. But he continued to struggle with his new driver (bought from Panaga pro shop.. its now for sale if mau pls call G Sam) but his irons rescued him most of the time. Putting was average. During the last few holes.. Sam said.. "Mun cemani baik tah REHAB..."

I could not stop laughing...

"Iatah, aku rehab angkat besi dirumah kana tawakan" i replied..

Between him and Shahbudin, it was competitive up to the 4th hole (our 16th) which was the par 3 competition with the Lady Pro. Sam put two in the water and it was game over. Fortunately for him, ada free lesson from lady pro (see picture) when we finished on the 5th.. Sam nda mau shake hand with me... (even though there was none between us that day) ada orang nda happy... his score was 98...

Hj Shahbudin
Could not capitalise much on disaster opening hole by G sam and had an 8. Not something every golfer wants to start their game. But got a "Shot of the day" on the 13th.. His drive went right and just missed the bunker.. from a difficult position he managed to get his approach within 5 feet of the pin.. simple birdie putt... Had an up and down game and did not make a par until the par 3 16th (our 10th) sikit lagi par less... hehe after G Sam's expensive mistake on the par 3, it was all over between them. Even a two shot swing on the last could not save G Sam's fortune. Score of 96.

Nu'maan
This kid has a lot of potential (out drove me by at least 15 yds of the tee) but needs to work on his mental and short game. But good to see younger guys playing out there. His time will come and one to look out for the future.

Moi?
Jangan tah panjang, GROSS 79, 1 BRD, 11 PARS, 1 TRP.. Missed two birdie puts from 9ft.. Still need to work on my putting.. G Sam and G Budin save duit today... My six iron tercabut.. huhu..

Zairin
From his text msg... not good

Hj Yusof
102.. but beat the lady pro

Mohamad & Khun Pg Ali
Didnt get a score but Mohamad won a NTP prize.

Most satisfying was we beat the lady pro.. Myself, Shahbudin and Nu'Maan had par and won ourselves a MC shirt.

Sunday 25th Hj Sam and Yoi Zairin entered Sang Jati tournament at Panaga. Tahan bejalan? Ada kana angkat pakai stretcher karang...

Anyway, thanks to MC for a wonderful day of golf.

Mitsubishi Trophy - 25 & 26 Oct

Ive been kindly invited by Mitsubishi Corp to participate in the 22nd edition of the MC trophy. The tournament will be played over two days at the Empire Golf & Country Club. Its been raining in Brunei lately and hope weather will be fine this saturday.

For full details, pls click on link below

http://www.bt.com.bn/en/sport-national/2009/10/16/heres-your-chance-take-pro-golfers-ladies

Again, MC have brought in two Japanese lady golfers to play in the Par 3 competition. Obviously, everybody wants to see Ai Miyazato come to Brunei... hmm

Will be paired with Jang Budin and two other golfers.

Shahbudin sapu semua Saturday

The BMMJ golfers continued their pursuit of who will be crowned this week's champion thus earning bragging rights for the week.. I was not playing due to business trip...

Guest Editor - Hj Shahbudin Musa
Who were playing?: Hj Sam (2 months lay off.. kes minta kesian), Hj Zairin, Hj Md Yusof & Hj Shahbudin
Where: RBA GC

Front Nine
It was a delayed start for us as we waited for the rain to stop. It wasnt until 8.30am that we finally managed to tee off. However, light drizzle lasted the whole game which gave us a cooling effect. The front nine was a disaster for Hj Yusof with a 56. Possibly still unable to shake off his performance last week. I made a good start with par on the first two holes.

But never write off Jang Sam or Yoi Zairin.. Sam was quietly strategising his round and made two pars in a row on holes 7 & 8... Then the BMMJ curse struck again.. hehe
Yoi Zairin then tagur.. "Two par in a row ohh"

Sam's tee shot on the 9th subsequently went OB and his 3rd went in the drink.. ended up with a nine and from there on did not fully recover.

Back NINE
G Yusof bounced back with a 47 whilst Yoi Zairin went one better with a 46 But it was too little too late for both of them as I made par on the last green from 15ft to seal the win... Saturday sembileh...

Summary:
Jurubayar Agung - Hj Md Yusof Taufik (2nd week in a row..)
Big Winner - Yours Truly
Pool - Abis...bepanyap
Weather: Very nice due to just ended rain...
Performance: Long lay off affected Sam's drive.. Stamina Kurang (Nda minum RELIV?)
Scores: GB 90, GS & GZ 94 & GY 10X
(Using old picture from BSP Corp game)

I-N-T-E-G-R-I-T-Y

The game of golf embodies some very important characters or traits not usually found in other sports. I think there about six or seven.

1. Honesty
2. Integrity
3. Sportmanship
4. Respect
5. Responsibility
6. Courtesy

To give an example, only in golf that you penalise yourself e.g when your ball goes into a hazard or out of bounds. In most other sports, the referee would make the decision. That is why golf is different, unique and special.

Unfortunately, some golfers do not share or adhere to these principles.

There were suppose to be four of us playing last Saturday afternoon in RBGCC. The hype was building up all week. Shahbudin wanted to play but not enough kaki's available the week before.

This week, one didnt turn up and very disappointingly only informed us in the morning. No excuse was given. Tsunami or otherwise... maybe TAKUT KALAH or another 111++ score and double digit score on #10...

Im normally quite forgiving but this time.. this has crossed the line...
Way forward? I would leave that to my fellow golfers to decide how to address this issue for future games...

Coming back to the game:
Players: Yoi Hj Yusof, Jang Hj Shahbudin and me self
Where? RBGCC, 12.45pm
Weather? Cloudy with a chance of rain late afternoon
Pool? Lupa.. too upset due to no-show.. Cana kan cari replacement last minute?

Front Nine:
Started with a par while GB had a double and GY had a triple. Told them i was lucky. By the 7th hole I was running away with the game playing even par... Noises galore from them both... Was targeting playing 37 or 38.. Then controversy on the 8th..

My tee shot was on-line but few feet short.. chipped but was a bit hard and rolled about 4ft pass the hole.. Interestingly, it settled near an old divot or pitch mark that was unrepaired. I cleaned and lined the ball but when I was addressing it - the ball moved into the old divot. "Ah.. 1 stroke penalty" Said Jang Budin...

Shahbudin then gave me an example "One stroke penalty Jang - saw it on TV when Harrington did the same on the PGA tour when his ball moved by the wind"

RULE 18 USGA - Ball Moving After Address
If a player's ball in play moves after he has addressed it (other than as a result of a stroke), the player is deemed to have moved the ball and
incurs a penalty of one

I subsequently missed the putt and made a 5.. there goes the 37.. Didnt recover for the 9th and ended up with a double from a difficult shot on the downhill slope..
GB's 3rd shot also hit my buggy.. penalty... and another controversy..

Luckily GB and GY also had a huge number on the 9th... hehe
Result: GB 4x, GY 5X and me 4X (CSI - But as for individual game, abis sapu... hehe)

Back Nine
From previous games, i have a tendency to lose from a winning position (Samuil - Eastwood & others) So I was very determined to keep and protect my lead..

GY was struggling with his game mostly due to long lay off and housing concerns.. but all three of us were proud to record a BOGEY on 10th... with me missing a makeable putt for par from 5ft.. green alum putong.. great recovery for GB from hutan and GY from just behind the bunker... KITANI BAH TU... Rasa macam birdie oh

By the 16th, GY was "contained" and I only had GB to worry about..

On the 15th.. I was contemplating crossing but decided not to as the wind was picking up and my driver was cold that day.. but not GB... full marks for bravery.. uhh.. sayang too much left and hit the maintenance roof building... Mine went right and safely on the fairway.. tutup buku.. and so i thought... my approach masuk air.. after a mishit from the normally reliable 7 iron... GY went in the drink as well.. Still salvaged a 6 while the others had 7 and 8.. hehe..

By 18th.. last minute mind game by GB.. and I almost fell for it..
"Kalau kau triple aku par, manang ku ni Jang" said GB...
My mistake for letting it get to my head.. kira score lah dulu...

From the jungle i scrambled a seven while GB parred... GY also had a seven or eight.. saved him one stroke by finding his ball on the left slope on 18th....
Anyway, GB and GY... abis..... won over GB by nett 3 strokes and GY... hehe rather not say... Was REMINDED.. Stroke naik for them both in next game... no worries...

Summary
Jurubayar Agung: Yoi Hj Yusof Taufik - (1XX)
Cost Neutral: Jang Hj Shahbudin Musa - (9X)
Big Winner/belanja rojak & ABC di Amanah Harith: Me self... of course.. (8X)
Thanks also for subsidy from them both....

Jang Manan, sia-sia pun ABC... nanti tunggu u balik December...

PICTURE: GY in trouble on the 2nd hole.. but recovered with a bogey.. well done but swing atu.. macam awal tarik kiri....

Pantai Mentiri issues

Salam Alaikum Dear Readers,
It is never my intention to discuss management issues of the game in this spot but circumstances regarding what was once the best course in Brunei made it difficult for me to ignore.

If you read last Saturday's Bulletin, it would be difficult to miss the court case involving two parties associated with the club. I shall not dwell on the story but offer some food for thought to the people behind the club. I think we all know too well problems the club has faced in recent years and not worthwhile to repeat it here.

Three options

1. Foreign Takeover
Golf is now a very popular game in Brunei and I can assure you courses like RBA and Empire and making a reasonable amount of money every year. Thus, the club can be bought or long leased by 3rd parties from the government. New injection of capital to improve the club house, course and others would then give PMGC a chance to compete with the best in Brunei if not Southeast Asia. A professionally run club would increase revenue from golf, F&B, pro-shop etc. Lets face it, PMGC is somewhat disadvantaged by its distance compared to others. If Bruneians are willing to travel to Miri to play at Eastwood, think about what it can do to PMGC if conditions improve.

2. Brought under BIA, BEDB or other GLC control
Basically, BIA officers and staff could be used in the short term to get the club back in shape and proper footing. They then would get the likes of RBA, Tourism Dept involved to properly market Brunei as a golfing destination with PMGC as the crown jewel. I dont think bringing this club under the MCYS is the answer. You need commercial acumen to improve this club. Empire designed by Jack Nicklaus you might say? To me Ronald Fream designed PMGC is better.

3. Closure
Well folks, its the least favourite option but when all else fails what do you do? It would be a sad day for golfers in Brunei should this happen. The last time I attended an AGM, the financials were not really solid. If the club cannot balance the books for prolonged periods, can government subsidies last forever?

So that's my two cents for today.
(Pictures by Kimigolf.com)

Normal Service resumes

When: 27th Sept 09
Where: RBA GC
Who: Manan, Zainoring, me self, Hj Yusof (Sakit parut - pull out)

Originally planned for Saturday, but the unavailability of players due to still being hari raya meant game was move to Sunday. Lucky too as heavy rain pelted Brunei with winds reaching nearly 40mph.

I had little expectations from the game due to the month long lay off so was playing for the exercise value. We started on the Back nine at around 6.45am

Front Nine
Duffed my first shot using the 3W.. luckily ball did not go in the lake.. Manan and Zainorin's drive was OK. Actually, there wasnt much wrong with Manan's game accept drive was short (tuha sudah jang - by his own admission) his chipping was ok and played 43 or 44. His new clubs, the TM XD was producing the goods.

Pyscho hole 17th (our 8th) did not materialise as Manan and I both parred.

My long game was intact whilst short game was off mostly due to the long lay off. But so far so good.

Back Nine
Manan and myself was still competitive up to the 14th hole. Then something strange happened. The 7th (our 16th) i hit an excellent approach to the centre of the green. But when we reached the green, my ball was no where to be seen... entahlah... kana talan kali.. had to drop but salvaged a bogey..

On the last hole, I was leading my only 2 strokes nett. PRESSURE... Still anybody's game...I could go into water and game would end in a draw or worse...

Manan teed off first as he parred the 8th while i bogeyed. His drive went OB.. mine was centre of fairway... game over hehehe.. Selamat Hari Raya...

Manan played 94, I played 8x (not published due to Commercially Sensitive information) heheh

Pic: Golf-asia.com

Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri

Hari Raya is almost upon us...
Taking this opportunity, wishing all my muslim followers a wonderful & safe Aidil Fitri.. Minal Aidin Wal Faizin... Halalkan segala yang termakan, terminum.
Kalau manang by one stroke... cukup..
See you on the greens and fairways soon...

Pä$äNg PèLITa DiAidiLfiTri…
NäMpäK HäLäMäN BèSéRi-Sèri…,
Email diBéri PèNgäNti DiRi,
SèGäLä SiLäp MòHoN dMääFi…

Any to my fellow golfers...

Buaya bukan sebarang buaya,
buaya golfer trained in Amerika,
salam manis dan salam ceria di hari raya,
Email murah dari kad raya….

Ramadan - Time to reflect

Hope all readers out there are well and enjoying the blessed month of Ramadan. Tis the time to reflect on past misdeeds and get closer to the almighty.

In some ways, it is also a time for us to revamp our swing, sharpen up the chipping and putting skills so that when its time to play again a week after Raya... you will steam roll the opposition... But I think some of us are already doing that.. and by the time we get to the 1st Tee the old saying "Lama nda main Jang.. labih sebulan" but then posts a gross of 80 that includes two birdies...

Anyway,time for me to head to the range... with Kurma and Bandung in tow...

P.S
1. Maurice, played 80 during Harib's farewell.. inc a 36 on the B9... F9 was a problem though

2. Till end of Sept, Cuegolf offering value priced golf tour of Hua Hin Thailand. Pls visit cuegolf.com

3. Oh Jang nan, balik brunei raya sampat main kah? awal tee off kul 6 and back by 10

Astro Masters Golf- Roundup & Post Mortem

Good
Without delving too much.. posted two of my best scores of the year on Saturday and the final round sunday at the not so easy Empire GC.

Off the Tee - Out of this world
Irons & chipping - Kitani bah tu..
Of course.. qualified for the final round
Beat Brunei National team player on 18th tee with my 3 wood and he was using Driver! parred the hole... of course...
Major respect to all bunker rakes out there.. keep up the good job..

Bad
Putting: 6/1 for Saturday and 9/0 for Sunday... Not good
Sapa kan invented hidden hole concept ani? Can somebody me explain to me which holes I should get a triple bogey? buh bye Hainan.. next year...

Overall
Think I need to switch modes next time I joined these tournaments.. cannot play on gross mode all the time... Attack those Birdie puts... Jangan lupa rake the Bunkers after play...

Black Mountain - Hua Hin, Thailand Final part

Final installment.. Looks good eh...