Scribe Report
Berjaya Hills Golf & Country Club
September 2012
A total of 12 showed up to play this quite remarkable golf course nestled in a bit of a valley in the hills/mountains of the Bukit Tinggi – a very rugged but beautiful area. It may be viewed on Google Earth at N 03° 23.307′ E 101° 50.012′. It was a bit of a drive to reach the turnoff at Exit 805 and then a further 10 km up the hills/mountains to the golf course. However, there were no traffic jams. It is a good place to play this time of the year as the course is reasonably dry, the air is fresh & clean and there is a bit of wind at an elevation of 709 meters. As usual, the wind was always in my face when it was my turn on the tee box but I suppose that is what happens when you are hitting fourth in your group.
When arriving at the golf course there was a Bag Drop approximately 123.14159 meters from the front door of the Club House. Most of us dropped our magic sticks at this designated point (which were quickly collected by the club staff) and proceeded to park our carriages (automobiles). However, there was one person by the name of Barry Cousins that elected to take his fancy new carriage directly to the front door of the Club House. This is all well and good but we must remember it is a new fancy carriage with very sophisticated security systems – some of which is not fully understood by the designated driver. While Barry and Club House staff were getting his magic sticks out of the boot (trunk) of the fancy new carriage with the sophisticated security system one friendly member of our group decided to drive Barry’s new car to the designated parking area. This kind person, who must not be identified due to proper decorum, jumped in Barry’s car and shut the door. The car was immediately frozen as if it were in the Arctic. It would not move, it would not shift gears and of course – it would not unlock. The Kind Person did not know how to get out or unlock the doors. The owner did not know how to unlock the doors. Eventually the Club House staff (bag carrier) came to the resolve the crisis and got the doors unlocked. He must be a car thief.
At any rate, with all the golf clubs collected and cars properly parked, we proceed to the veranda of the Club House to pay our monies, collect score cards, have a teh tarik and to remises about the very lovely time when John Barrens wife and daughter were at the swimming pool below. Evidently that was a very beautiful day – photo evidence is prohibited to be displayed.
Eventually we were instructed to saddle up and move out. We were instructed to begin play at the 10th hole. This is normally not a problem since normally the 10th tee is next to the Club House. However, at this course it is nine holes straight out and then nine holes straight back. Much like some of the golf courses in that place where golf originated. This only meant we would be at the far end of the course when we finished. Not a worry – we saddled up and rode off. Well …….. two of the three groups did. The 3rd foursome was delayed. It would appear that one Mr. John Arkinstal had elected to have an enormous hot dog prior to beginning his endeavors on the golf course. He had only taken one bite of this absolutely gigantic hot dog when we were instructed to ride out. It is the last I saw of him. It has been reported by good sources they proceeded to the 5th Hole and began their game there. I have no idea how this was arranged.
The weather was very good and the golf course was in good repair. This is an interesting course. It is not excessively long but we did play it from the White Tee Boxes – which was a good thing. Placement of the ball on the course is very important. The Caddies know where you should hit it ……. and where you should not hit it. Each buggy was provided with a Caddie and I would have to say our Caddie was very good.
Play within my group was very interesting to say the least. For the four Par 5 holes, Bruce and I scored 9 on three of them and an outstanding 8 on the other one. I am sure it was the toughest of the four. Mike Smith declared war on a 150 meter marker which he lost. I am still not sure why he did pull it out of the ground and just lay it by the side for his shot. I guess he prefers to hit it and watch his ball fly 90° degrees in the wrong direction and into the deep rough. Tony Morris was had an interesting day. He was trying to perfect a slight change in drive swing with disastrous results. While it worked like a charm last week it wasn’t finely tuned on this day. So much so that Mike Smith finally said, “Tony – I have a 3 wood you hit if you want”. Mike had to walk the next two holes. Bruce renamed a bridge after using his driver to crash into the middle of it, twice off the sides and then down the cart path to barely avoid getting a jug fine for Ladies Tees. This is two games in a row that he has avoided fines. That means one of two things. Either he is improving or the Gods of Golf are really going to get even soon – it’s the Laws of Average.
Richard Rodwell and his fancy White Recovery 3 iron were surprising quiet for the day. Of course, shooting a 99 to lose low gross by two strokes may make one a little quiet. However, with all due respect he was one of two that were able to break 100 on this day – which ain’t bad. Of the 12 players, seven had a handicap of 28.
Following the game we adjourned to the Restaurant 126 for much deserved beverages and makan. Well eleven of us did. John Arkinstal did not join us. It appears he ordered another hot dawg and near as we can determine is still at the golf course eating it.
Nominations for COTD were thick and furious:
- Ray Funnell lost golf ball in fairway which cost him Low Net (ouch – that hurts).
- John Preston – topping his 2nd ball 50 meters from Ladies Tee.
- Mike Smith – hits one from the tee deep into the forest where we hear it hit bamboo. Asks Caddie – “Think it is OK?”.
- John Arkinstall – frequent 4 putting.
- Andrew Robinson – 4 putting as well.
- John Preston – after convincing Richard Rodwell to use a 3 wood which goes to Hades in a handbag, reaches into his bag and uses a 7 iron to lay up.
No question about it – John Preston wins again. Congratulations you COTD.
The results were:
The location of the next game is uncertain at this time. Sungai Long has confirmed they are closed for renovation until the end of December – or possibly longer. A return to Templar Park, Rahman Putera, Kota Permai or possibly Tropicana will be amongst the courses considered for October. Stand-by for further information from your esteemed committee.
Note from El Pres:- We would also like to thank our generous sponsors for their continuing support:-
Alastaire Guthrie and the Old Club House.
Richard Rodwell of WinesDirect
Robert Frager and Renaissance Hotels
Citigolf
Also a note about scoring as a number of cards were signed off and submitted with incorrect stableford points from the recorded scores and one card was submitted without recorded gross scores. Please ensure that your card is correct and signed both by the marker and player before submission.