Saensuk Golf Society – Rules & Procedures

1. Objectives

The Saensuk Gol Society (hereinafter referred to as the Society) is an association of persons joined together by the enjoyment of the game of golf and the friendship created by playing the game according to the Rules of Golf, as interpreted by the R&A and USGA and to the rules of the Society.

2. Officers of the Society

Chairman (serving until resignation, or not being re-elected at the AGM)

Captain (serving a period of one year)

Vice-Captain (serving a period of one year)

Treasurer (serving until resignation, or not being re-elected at the AGM)

Secretary (serving until resignation, or not being re-elected at the AGM)

Match Day & Handicap Secretary (serving until resignation, or not being re-elected at the AGM)

Assistant to Match Day & Handicap Secretary (serving until resignation, or not being re-elected at the AGM)

The Committee has the right to co-opt other members to a specific position, or to undertake specific tasks, on a temporary basis. If any such task or position becomes permanent the appointment must be ratified by the members at the next AGM.

The committee also has full authority to make any decision that, in their opinion, is deemed necessary for the fair and efficient running of the society, for the benefit of the society members. Any such decision will be subject to ratification by the members at the next AGM.

The Captain, having served his year in office, will remain on the Committee for a minimum of one year, to ensure continuity.

A retiring officer may be nominated to stand for a further term of office providing

a) the Officer wishes to continue in office

b) that a proposal is put forward at the appropriate time for that Officer to extend his term of office.

As is the custom of most golf clubs and Societies, the Committee members would not pay the annual subscription.

Nominations from the Members for the position of Chairman, Secretary, Treasurer, Match Day & Handicap Secretary, as well as for General Committee, must be forwarded to the Secretary at least three months prior to the AGM at which the incumbents are due to retire. Otherwise the Committee will have the right to approach those in the Society they feel will be able to take the position.

3. Membership

The most important criteria for membership are that a prospective member has a good understanding of the rules of golf, is able to play to a reasonable standard, with good golf etiquette and can fit in socially with the present membership. The maximum handicap index for new members is 24 for men and 28 for women. Once a member, this can rise to a maximum of 28 for men and 32 for women.

Any member may introduce a prospective member to the Committee and they are expected to play at least three times as a guest and on at least one of these occasions, with a member of the committee. Thereafter, if in the opinion of the committee, the prospective member fulfills the criteria set down for membership, they will be invited to join the Society.

Any current member who falls short of the criteria, as explained, can be reported to the Captain, or the Chairman, by any other member. It is the Captains duty to advise any such reported member of the reasons why it is felt they have fallen short of the criteria required and to advise them accordingly. In cases where there is a serious breach of the of Rules & Procedures of the society, or a member does not heed the advice of the Captain, the Captain, with the majority support of the Committee, has the right to advise the player that they are no longer accepted as a member. Their annual subscription will automatically be forfeited.

Members are liable to pay all subscriptions and fees promptly, once due. It is a further expected that members take an interest in the well-being of the Society and any suggestions for improvement in the way the Society is being administered, will be welcomed by the committee.

A member may resign at any time they decide, however there will be no refund of subscription monies, unless otherwise decided by the Committee.

4. Competition and entrance fees

Competition fees for the fixtures of the Society are normally 300 Baht. This pays for the prizes awarded on the day. The cost of green fees and Caddie fee at each match venue should be paid directly to the Pro Shop at the venue and will be due before play commences. In a field of 36 or more the field is split in to 2 divisions and the total prize fund will be distributed equally to the 2 divisions top 5. On occasions where the field is less than 36 players, the competition is played without a division split and the number of placing receiving prizes will be reduced accordingly Nearest the pins and other novelty prizes may be given at the discretion of the committee.

To be eligible to receive a prize, the winning member must attend the prize giving. Where a Member who is due to receive a prize gives good reason for not being able to attend the prize giving, they will be awarded their prize at a later date. A ‘good reason’ one that is acceptable to the committee, represented by the committee member running the event on the day. It does not include appointments that could easily be scheduled for another time or day. Members not staying for the prize giving should make their apologies to a member of the committee.

Members are reminded that registering for a fixture is a commitment to play and to pay the event entry fee. Should a member find they are unable to play and have a good reason, then they are expected to inform the committee, in reasonable time, by noting this fact on the booking sheet for the event, sending an email to the society, or contacting a member of the committee personally. Members who do not attend on the day without notification may still be liable to pay the event entry fee for the day and if the Society is charged a green fee for that person, they will be liable to reimburse the Society accordingly.

The start list for an event will normally be distributed by email before 6pm on the day preceding the event. At this point the booking sheet for the next event will be opened. Any pre-booking before the booking sheet is opened will be deleted. The normal procedure for registration is by using the link provided in the body of the email distributing the start sheet or via the ‘Register for next event’ link on the Society website.

On the day of the event players must register in good time, that being at least 20 minutes before their tee time and be on starting tee in plenty of time, so as not to delay the game.

5. Guests

Guests may play with the Society and will always be welcome, providing spaces are available, but will be subject to a maximum handicap of 24. They are also restricted to a maximum of 5 games in any calendar year. Any guests who wish to play on a more regular basis and fulfill the requirements of membership, will be expected to join the Society.

Guests should be entered in the appropriate section on the booking sheet. This is managed by the Committee and on Sunday evening guests will be moved to any free spaces in the members section. This means that after Sunday evening members cannot claim priority.

Guests are required to pay the competition fee of 300 baht, but are not eligible to win a monetary prize, although they may win any prizes awarded for nearest the pin holes. In competitions where there are 3 or more guests playing and the winning guest is positioned in the top 10, or equivalent position, in the competition, they will be awarded a prize to a value of approximately 500 baht. The remaining guest competition fee monies will be retained as part of the funds of the Society.

6. Joining Fees & Annual Subscriptions

Annual Subscriptions have been set at 2,000 baht per year, with the subscription year being the calendar year. Subscriptions become due on the 1st January and must be paid prior to the yearly AGM. Any member not having paid by 31st of January will be deemed as not wishing to rejoin. Any member who will be away at that time, yet wishes to remain a member, should contact the Treasurer to make arrangements for payment.

New members pay 2,000 baht as a joining fee and the annual subscription, regardless of when in the year they join the society. Although the amount of the annual subscription due may be varied, at the discretion of the committee.

Only Members who have paid their annual subscription have the right to vote at any general meeting held by the Society.

7. General Meetings

The Society will hold an Annual General Meeting not later than February each year, a minimum notice of 28 days will be given, in writing, to the members, along with an agenda for the meeting. All fully paid up Members are encouraged to attend and have the right to both speak and vote on any resolutions. Proxy forms will be sent with the Notice of Meeting to allow Members, who are unable to attend a meeting, to register their votes on the resolutions tabled. Any resolutions for discussion must be submitted, in writing, to the Chairman, at least 7 days before the meeting.

The meeting will be chaired by the Chairman and he will have a casting vote on any resolution being voted on.

A quorum of 30% of the members is required to be present for the meeting to be valid. The Chairman may call an extraordinary general meeting at any time he feels necessary to discuss and promote the well-being of the Society. A quorum of 30% of the Membership is required to make such a meeting valid.

Any Member may call an Extraordinary General Meeting by giving the Chairman notice of at least 28 days, in writing, outlining the resolution he wishes to propose. The member submitting the request for an EGM must have the support and signatures of at least 40% of the Members.

Providing the quorum criteria have been met, any resolutions or decisions taken at the above meetings will be adopted by the Society.

8. Miscellaneous

The committee may decide to have ‘Away Day’s’, these will be arranged on any day the Committee deem to be appropriate, but usually not on a Society week. Such events will be advertised to all Members at least 1 month in advance and/or listed on the published fixture list. Costs will be shown and any member who wishes to take part may do so. Guests may be invited, providing there is space available.

The Society confirms that all competitions will be played in accordance with Rules of Golf adopted by the R & A and USGA. However, the Society has decided to waive Rule 3-1 to allow the Society to play for cash prizes.

The Committee has the power to introduce local rules for any course upon which competitions are played.

The Committee confirms that Handicapping of Members is carried out using a modified version of the World Handicap System (WHS) as implemented and controlled by the USGA & R&A and will use the latest software from HandicapMaster.

The ‘Rules & Procedures’ of the Society will be interpreted by the Committee. In case of any dispute the Committee will listen to the disputed points and will adjudicate accordingly. The committee’s decision will be final.

Saensuk Local Rules

1. When playing with Saensuk, no drop zones are to be used on any course.
Please note the following clarification:
Not using Drop zones doesnt mean that the player must shoot a new ball from tee if he/she has shot the first ball in to the water hazard. It is of course ok (as the rules of golf says) to drop in the flag line from where the ball entered the water hazard, regardless of drop zones etc.
Drop zones are not used as many of them are placed on the other side of the water hazard which is not in line with the general rules of golf.

2. Saensuk allows the use of distance measuring devices.

3. When preferred lies are in play, the ball can be marked, lifted, cleaned and placed, no more than one (1) scorecard from its original position, not nearer the hole.

4. When preferred lies are NOT in play, the ball must be played as it lies, in accordance with the rules of golf, as revised on 1st January 2019.

5. Mud Ball: The Mud ball rule has been taken away as from 20191001

6. With reference to the above, although Saensuk plays strictly by the rules of golf, with no exceptions, most caddies we use do not know the rules and if they make a mistake, it will not result in a penalty for the player. Please try to educate your caddie so that they know the rules.

7. At Black Mountain, when playing the 4th hole on East course: Left of the cart path is Out of Bounds

8. If a rule agreement cannot be made among the group, in particular between the player and marker, the player concerned should complete the hole, playing both options and the ruling will be made by the committee scorer on the day and this ruling will be final. The card will be signed, attested and entered.

9. All scorecards must be returned with the gross score for both player and marker for each hole. The scorecard must also be signed by both player and marker.

10. At Banyan Hole 10. A ball hitting the concrete path across the fairway being lost or rolling down the path. Drop at the point of relief behind lowest side of the path at agreed crossing point of the ball.

Slow Play & Penalties

To combat ‘slow play’ a time limit of 4 hours 20 mins will be allowed to play a full round of golf. If the first Saensuk group at any event is held up by other persons playing the course, they must ensure that they complete their round within 15 minutes of the group in front of them. This also applies to subsequent groups, as it does if it is a Saensuk group holding up play. Should the maximum time taken for a round of golf exceed these guidelines, each player in the group will incur a 2 shot/points penalty. The penalty point/shots will be imposed on the last holes played where shot/points are available. It is up to the more experienced golfers to ensure their group is playing at the correct pace.

This rule is not designed to unduly penalize people. 4 hours 20 mins is a very generous amount of time for a 4 ball to complete their round.

If we all play within the allotted time this will obviate the situation where a group might be waiting for every shot which can adversely affect their game. It is also unfair to groups starting early, when a slow group holds up the entire field, meaning the people who start early have to wait much longer than they should for the prize giving.

How to Combat Slow Play & Being A Slow Player
It would seem that some of us are not playing our golf a reasonable pace, which can understandably turn what should be an enjoyable day, into a very frustrating one. Having a slow player (or players) in your group can adversely affect not just the enjoyment of the other player(s), but also their performance. It is all too easy to be distracted by constantly waiting for a player to take their shot, when we should be able to focus on our own game.
Slow play on the golf course is usually a habit that a golfer acquires over time, as he or she acquires bad habits. Or it’s the result of the golfer never having been taught proper golf etiquette. This means a slow golfer can usually be ‘cured’ of his malady. Of course, that golfer has to be aware that he’s slow, and that’s where playing partners and friends come in.
But, as we often take a look at other golfers on the course and notice the things, they do to slow down play, so should also take a look at ourselves. When we do so we often discover we’re doing some of the same things to slow down play that we’re complaining about others doing.
Before we run down a list of suggestions for speeding up play, it’s important to note that many of these tips have nothing to do with rushing your play, but rather with simply being ready to play, and with using common sense and good etiquette on the course.
The bottom line is, as soon as it’s your turn to play, you should be ready to step right up and make the stroke
Here are some tips for speeding up slow play on the golf course:
• Members of a group should not travel as a pack, with all members walking together to the first ball, then the second, and so on. Each member of the group should walk directly to his own ball.
• Use the time you spend getting to your ball to think about the next shot – the yardage, the club selection, put the glove on etc. Then, when you reach your ball, you’ll need less time to prepare for the shot.
• If you are unsure whether your ball has come to rest out of bounds, or may be lost, immediately hit a provisional ball, so that you won’t have to return to the spot to replay the shot.
• Begin reading the green and lining up putts as soon as you reach the green. Don’t wait until it’s your turn to putt to start the process of reading the green. Do it as soon as you reach the green, so that when it’s your turn you can step right up and putt. It’s likely that we waste close to 45 secs on every green, which amounts to 13 ½ mins per round, unnecessarily marking and cleaning various balls. Only mark and clean your ball if you need to.
• Never delay making a stroke because you’re having a conversation with a playing partner. Put the conversation on hold, make your stroke, then pick up the conversation again
• If using a cart on a cart-path-only day, take more than one club with you when you walk from the cart to your ball. Getting to the ball only to find out you don’t have the right club is a huge time-waster on the course.
• After putting out, don’t stand around the green chatting, or take any practice putting strokes. Leave the green quickly, so the group behind can play. If there is no group behind, then a few practice putts are fine.
• When leaving the green and returning to your golf cart, don’t stand there fussing with your putter or other clubs. Get in the cart, drive to the next tee, and then put away your putter.
• Likewise, mark your scorecard after reaching the next tee, not while lingering on or near the just-completed green, but not if it is your turn to play.
• Make sure that your caddie stays with you and you are not waiting for him or her when it is your turn to play and that you have the correct club to play the shot.
• If you’re the type who likes to offer tips to playing partners, save it for the driving range, or only do so on the course when you’re sure that you’re not slowing down play and sure that you’re not annoying your partners!
• If you are searching for a lost ball and are willing to spend a few minutes looking for it, allow the group behind to play through. Remembering that now you are only allowed 3 minutes to search.
• On the tee, pay attention to the drives of your playing partners. If they lose sight of their ball, you can help direct them to it and avoid any searching
• When waiting on the tee for the group in front to clear the fairway, don’t be so strict about order of play. Let the short hitter – who can’t reach the group ahead anyway – go ahead and hit. This is permissible in the updated rules.
• Work on building a concise pre-shot routine. If your pre-shot routine is a lengthy one, it’s probably in your best interests to shorten it anyway. Limit practice strokes to one or two at the most.
• Don’t bother marking lag putts – go ahead and putt out if it’s short enough and you won’t be trampling on another player’s line.
• Leave your cell phone in the car.
• Walk at a good pace between shots. No, you don’t have to look like a race-walker. But if you’re between-shot gait can be described as a ‘shuffle’ or an ‘amble’, you’re probably going too slowly. Speeding up your gait a little is not only good for your health, it might also help your game, by keeping you loose.
• Try playing ready golf, where order of play is based on who’s ready, not on who’s away.
•Be aware of your position with regard to the group in front and keep up with that group.
•If you feel that your group is losing ground, tell the other players in your group.
•If your group is behind, try to catch up.
•If you lose a clear hole and are delaying the group behind, or if there is no group in front of you and you are delaying the group behind, invite the group behind to play through.
We should all work together to try and speed up our play and please don’t be offended if someone makes some constructive criticism, by suggesting areas of your game that are slow.
You can be sure that given the choice between playing with a quick or slow player, the quicker player will never be short of willing partners.

Scoring & Score Cards

It seems that almost every golfer has a hard luck tale to recount about a prize that they might have won, had they not been disqualified for a mistake concerning their score card. Of course, there is no requirement to complete a score card in match play, so the following only applies to stroke play situations.

Rule 3.3
Scoring in Stroke Play
The player’s score is kept on his or her scorecard by the marker, who is either identified by the Committee or chosen by the player in a way approved by the Committee.
The player must use the same marker for the entire round, unless the Committee approves a change either before or after it happens.
(1) Marker’s Responsibility: Entering and Certifying Hole Scores on Scorecard. After each hole during the round, the marker should confirm with the player the number of strokes on that hole (including strokes made and penalty strokes) and enter that gross score on the scorecard.
When the round has ended:
• The marker must certify the hole scores on the scorecard.
• If the player had more than one marker, each marker must certify the scores for those holes where he or she was the marker.

(2) Player’s Responsibility: Certifying Hole Scores and Returning Scorecard. During the round, the player should keep track of his or her scores for each hole.
When the round has ended, the player:
• Should carefully check the hole scores entered by the marker and raise any issues with the Committee,
• Must make sure that the marker certifies the hole scores on the scorecard,
• Must not change a hole score entered by the marker except with the marker’s agreement or the Committee’s approval, and
• Must certify the hole scores on the scorecard and promptly return it to the Committee, after which the player must not change the scorecard.
If the player breaches any of these requirements in Rule 3.3b, the player is disqualified.
Exception – No Penalty When Breach Due to Marker Failing to Carry Out Responsibilities: There is no penalty if the Committee finds that the player’s breach of Rule 3.3b(2) was caused by the marker’s failure to carry out his or her responsibilities (such as the marker leaving with the player’s scorecard or without certifying the scorecard), so long as this was beyond the player’s control.
(3) Wrong Score for a Hole. If the player returns a scorecard with a wrong score for any hole:
• Returned Score Higher Than Actual Score. The higher returned score for the hole stands.
• Returned Score Lower Than Actual Score or No Score Returned. The player is disqualified.
Exception – Failure to Include Unknown Penalty: If one or more of the player’s hole scores are lower than the actual scores because he or she excluded one or more penalty strokes that the player did not know about before returning the scorecard:
• The player is not disqualified.
• Instead, if the mistake is found before the close of the competition, the Committee will revise the player’s score for that hole or holes by adding the penalty stroke(s) that should have been included in the score for that hole or holes under the Rules.
This exception does not apply:
• When the excluded penalty is disqualification, or
• When the player was told that a penalty might apply or was uncertain whether a penalty applied and did not raise this with the Committee before returning the scorecard.
(4) Scoring in Handicap Competition. The player is responsible for making sure that his or her handicap is shown on the scorecard. If the player returns a scorecard without the right handicap:
• Handicap on Scorecard Too High or No Handicap Shown. If this affects the number of strokes the player gets, the player is disqualified from the handicap competition. If it does not, there is no penalty.
• Handicap on Scorecard Too Low. There is no penalty and the player’s net score stands, using the lower handicap as shown.
(5) Player Not Responsible for Adding Up Scores or Applying Handicap. The Committee is responsible for adding up the player’s hole scores and, in a handicap competition, applying the player’s handicap strokes.
If the player returns a scorecard on which he or she has made a mistake in adding up the scores or applying handicap strokes, there is no penalty for doing so.

Rule 5

When Scorecard Has Been Returned
In stroke play, Rule 3.3b holds players responsible for ensuring the accuracy of their hole scores and promptly returning the scorecard to the Committee at the completion of the round.
The Committee should tell players where the scorecards should be returned, have someone available to resolve any potential issues the players might have with the Rules and validate the scores.
When possible, a quiet, private area should be provided for players to use in checking the validity of the scores on their scorecards, speaking with a member of the Committee, if needed, and returning their scorecards.
Specify When Scorecard Is Considered Returned
The Committee should specify when the scorecard is considered returned. Options include:
• Defining the scoring area and allowing a player to make alterations on his or her scorecard up until he or she has left that scoring area. This would mean that, even if the player has handed the scorecard to a referee or recorder, changes could still be made while the player is in the area.
• Providing a box for the player to deposit the scorecard, in which case it is considered returned as soon as the player places it in the box. This approach might not give a player as much protection from returning an incorrect scorecard, but it may be the best method when limited resources are available or many players are finishing at the same time (for example, when there is a shotgun start).
Requesting Players to Provide Other Information on Scorecards
The Committee may request that players assist the Committee by completing scorecard related tasks that are the Committee’s responsibility. The Committee must not apply a penalty to a player under the Rules of Golf if he or she fails to comply with these requests or makes a mistake in doing so, but the Committee may provide a disciplinary sanction for a player who fails repeatedly to comply with such a request. For example, the Committee may ask players to:
• Total the scores or, in a Four-Ball competition, determine the score that counts for the side.
• Enter the points scored for each hole on the scorecard in Stableford.
• Enter whether the hole was won, lost or tied in Par/Bogey.Enter specific details on the scorecard such as name, date and name of the competition.
Similarly, the Committee may request that players assist the Committee by entering their scores into a computer system at the end of the round, but a player should not be penalized under the Rules of Golf if he or she fails to comply with this request or makes a mistake in doing so. But the Committee may provide a disciplinary sanction, for example in a Code of Conduct, for a player who fails repeatedly to comply with such a request.
Saensuk Local Rules
All scorecards must be returned with the gross score for both player & marker for each hole.

Handicapping

As we know we should only have the one handicap. However, some members play in organised competitions outside of our Society and some people are members of other golf Societies and clubs in Hua Hin that hold such competitions. On these occasions Saensuk handicaps should be adjusted accordingly.

As we currently use the ‘Master Scoreboard’ system and have access to other systems such as TrueHandicap, we are able to see competition rounds that have been played with other clubs, groups and societies.

The committee has decided that there will be a definitive list of clubs, groups and societies from which ‘away’ competition round scores will be taken, for inclusion in our Society handicaps. These are as follows.

Saensuk Splinter Cell, Hua Hin Golf Society (HHGS), Butterfly Rock Golf Club (BRGC), Phoenix and Majestic Creek Thursday Competition. These rounds, along with those played with Saensuk, are all handicap qualifying rounds.

This list is subject to alteration and the inclusion of other properly organised competitions played outside of the Society, within the Hua Hin area, with the agreement of the Society committee.

As with the WHS regulations Saensuk members and their guests are allowed to play from tees other than those designated for the competition. The choice should be made on the booking sheet when registering. This choice cannot be changed after the booking sheet is closed i.e. 1800hrs on the Monday prior to the competition. Only members with a handicap of 28+ are allowed to elect to play from the red tees.

Many of our members play with other clubs and societies and it is appropriate that we use scores from these societies for handicap purposes. Societies included in this arrangement at present are:

Saensuk Splinter Cell

Hua Hin Golf Society

Butterfly Rock Golf Club

Phoenix Golf Society

Majestic Creek Golf Club.

For example: If HHGS play a competition where the designated tees for the day are red for ladies and white for men, then any scores recorded by a Society member from a different tee will not be recorded by our Society as an ‘away’ score for handicap purposes.

All other rounds will be classed as ‘supplementary’ rounds or ‘casual golf’ and will not be handicap qualifiers, so will not count towards Saensuk handicaps.

Hopefully this centralised database will ensure we are all playing from the correct handicap. The Committee can and will perform handicap audits when repeated results indicate that an individual has an incorrect hcp.

Please note that if you play under your handicap in a qualifying competition that does not appear on ‘Master Scoreboard’, it is your responsibility to declare this to the Saensuk Handicap Secretary, failure to do so means you might be playing off a false handicap, which under rule 3.2c(1) would result in disqualification.

For handicapping and competition prizes a male golfer can only elect to play from the red tees where they have a playing handicap of 28 or greater. If a male golfer with a handicap of less than 28 still elects to play from the red tees that golfer will not be eligible for any prizes (Nearest to the Pin, Stableford or stroke play as an individual or team member) and their score will not be recorded for handicapping purposes

Dangerous Animal Condition

a. When Relief Is Allowed
A “dangerous animal condition” exists when a dangerous animal (such as poisonous snakes, stinging bees, alligators, fire ants or bears) near a ball could cause serious physical injury to the player if he or she had to play the ball as it lies.
A player may take relief under Rule 16.2b from interference by a dangerous animal condition no matter where his or her ball is on the course, except that relief is not allowed:
• When playing the ball as it lies is clearly unreasonable because of something other than the dangerous animal condition (for example, when a player is unable to make a stroke because of where the ball lies in a bush), or
• When interference exists only because the player chooses a club, type of stance or swing or direction of play that is clearly unreasonable under the circumstances.
b. Relief For Dangerous Animal Condition
When there is interference by a dangerous animal condition:
(1) When Ball Is Anywhere Except Penalty Area. The player may take relief under Rule 16.1b, c or d, depending on whether the ball is in the general area, in a bunker or on the putting green.
(2) When Ball Is in Penalty Area. The player may take free relief or penalty relief:
• Free Relief: Playing from Inside Penalty Area. The player may take free relief under Rule 16.1b, except that the nearest point of complete relief and the relief area must be in the penalty area.
• Penalty Relief: Playing from Outside Penalty Area.
o The player may take penalty relief under Rule 17.1d.
o If there is interference by a dangerous animal condition where the ball would be played after taking this penalty relief outside the penalty area, the player may take further relief under (1) without additional penalty.
For purposes of this Rule, the nearest point of complete relief means the nearest point (not nearer the hole) where the dangerous animal condition does not exist.

William Graham Squires – In Memoriam

William ‘Bill’ Squires was born in 1936 in Dewsbury, Yorkshire, England.

Bill loved sport. He loved all sport; cricket, rugby, tennis, badminton, etc., but his passion in life was golf. Not just playing golf, but all things associated with it. As a civil engineer working with an international construction company, he was involved with building golf courses. Firstly, in Spain and then subsequently all over the world, working with some of the most renowned golf architects of the era, including Jack Nicklaus.

On retirement he continued his involvement with golf, by becoming Club Secretary at the famous Mere Golf Club, in Cheshire, England. Following several years there he moved to Southern Spain, where he was appointed Club Secretary at the fabulous Sotogrande Golf and Country Club.

In 2007 he moved to Hua Hin, Thailand with the encouragement of his lovely Thai wife, Ladawan, to whom he was married for thirty-one years. His decision was, however, undoubtedly influenced by the existence of seven or eight splendid golf courses within close proximity to Hua Hin. Bill joined a number of these clubs and proceeded to play regular weekly competitions, until a combination of injury and ill health stopped him.

Soon after his arrival in Thailand he, together with a small number of fellow enthusiasts, founded what is now known as The Saen Suk Golf Society. With his not inconsiderable powers of persuasion, he recruited a variety of people to assist him in running it, but because of his experience and enormous enthusiasm, he finished up performing most of the duties himself, including Captain, Secretary, Treasurer and Rules Official!

On finally resigning all these responsibilities he still remained totally committed to Saen Suk, turning out to play as often as he was able. We will always remember the powerful standing ovation he received from the members at the ceremony when he resigned.

Although Bill lost some of his strength the last years, we will never forget that he was able to win the longest drive at the Prime Cup in 2011. Another memory of Bill, that proved his dedication to the game, was when he hit his ball in the hazard at the eighth hole at Springfield. He made his shot back on to the fairway, but lost his balance and ended up swimming in the pond.

Even when he was not able to play, he would attend and assist with the paperwork and other duties. The Saen Suk Golf Society is today probably the foremost society in Hua Hin and that is largely due to the dedication of Bill, his knowledge and above all, his love for the game of golf.

We, as members of the Society, owe him a huge debt of gratitude. We still miss him dearly and remember him fondly.

The Committee and Members of Saen Suk