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SPORTS

Pattaya Sports Club Bowling League

200 Bowlers: Kran, Franz & Ooy

Tukata Thompson bowled a 505 series to lead Green Tree to a three point win over first place Brother D. Brand bowling as a spare had a 512 series.
Bavaria took three points from second place VFW Post 9876 and VFW remains five points behind Brother D. Ooy Pluemkamon rolled a 208 game and 521 series for VFW.
Franz Stigler, sponsor for Bavaria, bowling as a spare had a great 243 game and 528 series.
Antero Ronkainen bowled a 223 game and 545 series to lead Canada to a three point win over Café Kronborg. Lek Reaper had a 524 series for Canada and Kran Nielsen bowled a 214 game, 534 series for Kronborg.
In the battle of the cellar dwellers Indiana and Mitt in 2012 split their match with each team getting two points. La Montgomery bowled a 528 series for Indiana.

Pos. Team Score Standings

1 Brother D 1-1 58.5 - 37.5

2 VFW Post 9876 1-3 53.5 - 42.5

3 Green Tree 3-1 52 – 44

4 Café Kronborg 1-1 49.5 - 46.5

5 Bavaria 3-1 46 – 50

6 Canada 3-1 43 – 53

7 Indiana 2-2 41.5 - 54.5

8 Mitt in 2012 2-2 40 - 56

Toddy says goodbye with a win

PSC Golf from The Growling Swan

Peter Blackburn

Monday, Oct. 15, Mountain Shadow – Stableford
A late cancellation brought our numbers down to 21 as we assembled at The Growling Swan in readiness for the trip to the challenging Mountain Shadow Golf Club and happily the weather was fine after a couple of days with very little rain in Pattaya.

Allan Tranekaer, Kae & Martin Todd.

It was terrific to see The Growling Swan “delinquents” back having another hit with us in preparation for the Monthly Mug in 10 days time. We welcomed back mine host Peter Grey from his week in Melbourne, Australia, Peter Bye here again for a couple of weeks from his work at the North West Shelf in Western Australia, Ron Gillette from Melbourne and Alan Tranaeker & Bjarne Kjaer from Denmark.
It was sadly time to farewell Martin “Toddy” Todd returning to Mandurah in Western Australia for a few months and Ken “let’s hear it for” Bernek who is once more off back to the USA but this time only for 11 days. Another departee was David “Andrew” Allen who is going back to Melbourne for a couple of weeks or so.
We got away from the GS a couple of minutes ahead of schedule at 8.28 am and in fairly light Monday morning traffic we completed the journey to the golf course in a shade over 40 minutes. As mentioned earlier the weather was fine and as the course was very quiet we were invited to tee off at our leisure and our first four ball teed off 25 minutes ahead of schedule at 9.35 am.
We could not believe the condition of the course after all the rain as compared to its “Sister” course, Crystal Bay it was in terrific shape with lush but not slushy fairways and beautifully prepared greens. The course is a credit to the Greenkeeper & his staff for maintaining the high standard of this venue.
With nobody in front of us we breezed through the front nine in one hour & fifty five minutes and despite a Thai five-ball in front of us on the back nine we were travelling well until the thirteenth hole when the heavens opened. Deafening thunder & plenty of lightning “spooked” a couple of our caddies as we sat out the storm under shelter and we watched the 13th green just about turn into a lake. Having been through this many times before I was confident that it would eventually clear up and sure enough, after about 40 minutes the rain abated and 10 minutes later the thirteenth green was drained sufficiently for us to complete the hole and continue. Unfortunately some others, including the Growling Swan “delinquents” were not as dedicated as the others and packed it in just after half way.
We plodded on without further incident or delay and completed the round in four hours & thirty minutes which included the storm delay.
We were able to have 2 grades with four podium spots in each. A Grade was for handicaps 0 to 21 and B Grade for 22 and over. We had nearest the pins on all the par threes which were sponsored by Brendan Byrne, Peter Bye, Paul Quinn & The Growling Swan. There were also rewards for longest first putts on the 9th & 18 greens which were sponsored by The Mandurah Country Club. Many thanks to these golfers for their generosity.
Probably our most consistent golfer over the past few weeks Martin “Toddy” Todd celebrated his departure in style by winning the A grade with a fine 37 points. A count back on 35 points was necessary to determine second & third spots with your writer (20 point back nine) finishing second from Peter Bye (19 point back nine) in third place. In another count back for fourth, it was Ebrahim (17 point back nine) who edged out Frank Donnelly (16 point back nine) with both having 32 points.
An excellent score of 38 points by Duangjai “Kae” Tusagad saw her win the B grade with Graham “Grunter” Buckingham in second spot with 27 points. In yet another count back to decide third & fourth we had Dick “Reverend” Braimbridge (20 point back nine) taking third place from Roy Dayton (15 point back nine) in fourth spot, both with 26 points. The Reverend’s 6/20 split must surely be a record for us and promotes the never say die theory!
A Flight (0-21)
1st Martin Todd (8) 37pts
2nd Peter Blackburn (11) 35pts
3rd Peter Bye (14) 35pts
4th Ebrahim (15) 32pts
B Flight (22+)
1st Duangjai Tusagad (33) 38pts
2nd Graham Buckingham (23) 27pts
3rd Dick Braimbridge (36) 26pts
4th Roy Dayton (23) 26pts
Near Pins: 5th – Graham Buckingham, 8th – Martin Todd, 15th – Frank Donnelly
Long Putts: 9th – Bjarne Kjaer, 18th – Dick Braimbridge
The winner of the NAGA award, presented to the golfer who has the worst score on the day, on this occasion was returnee Alan “parrot” Trannaeker and he accepted the award in good spirit.
Thursday, Oct. 18, Khao Kheow A & B – Stableford
Another fine field of 21 golfers assembled at The Growling Swan under blue skies with not a cloud in sight in readiness for the journey to the popular Khao Kheow Country Club. The free tea & coffee was flowing as we welcomed Paul Seaford from Cambridge in the UK, Lyndsay Fry from New Zealand, Gary Monley from Newcastle in New South Wales, Australia and Pattaya residents Jim Bell & Paul Hack. We also gave hearty congratulations to Alain “Inspector Clouseau” Taddei whose wife gave birth to a baby boy on the previous weekend.
Our 2 mini vans departed the GS right on schedule at 8.30 am and in just 35 minutes we arrived at Khao Kheow to find the golf course not too busy. After the usual discussion with the starter, who reminded us that our tee time was 10.05am, it was agreed that we could tee off straight away and our first group got away 30 minutes ahead of schedule at 9.35 am.
The weather was glorious and it was obvious that we were going to have a completely dry & sunny day for the first time in a few weeks and the golf course was in fine shape although a little bit wet in parts naturally and several bare spots on the approaches to some of the greens. It must also be noted that the greens whilst in good shape were a tad slower than normal.
We soon caught up with a five-ball in front which slowed down our first nine (B) to two hours & 15 minutes but they seemed to disappear on our second nine (A) which enabled us to complete the full round in four hours & twenty five minutes. It was great to be playing golf in fine weather once again although the scores indicated that most of us struggled with the golf course as no-one was able to get within less than 2 worse than their handicap.
We were able to have 2 grades with four podium spots in each. A Grade was for handicaps 0 to 17 and B Grade for 18 and over. We had nearest the pins on all the par threes which were sponsored by David “Andrew” Allen, John Pierrel, Dick “Reverend” Braimbridge & The Growling Swan. There were also rewards for longest first putts on the 9th & 18 greens which were very kindly sponsored by Ebrahim. Many thanks to these golfers for their generosity.
With 2 golfers on 34 points in A grade a count back was necessary and first place went to John Pierrel (17 point back nine, 11 points on the last 6 holes) with Jim Bell (17 point back nine, 10 points on the last 6 holes) in second place. In a three way counts back on 32 points it was Paul Hack (17 point back nine) who finished third from Mike “Hunter” Gosden (15 point back nine) in fourth place with Peter Bye (14 point back nine) just missing a spot on the podium.
Roy Dayton’s 34 points was good enough to win the B grade with Alain “Inspector Clouseau” Taddei second on 33 points. Brad Todd managed to cope with the departure back to Australia of “Daddy” the previous evening and finished third with 32 points and Graham “Grunter” Buckingham (16 point back nine) finished fourth from Duangjai “Kae” Tusagad (15 point back nine), both having 29 points.
A Flight (0-17)
1st John Pierrel (11) 34pts
2nd Jim Bell (15) 34pts
3rd Paul Hack (11) 32pts
4th Mike Gosden (12) 32pts
B Flight (18+)
1st Roy Dayton (23) 34pts
2nd Alain Taddei (18) 33pts
3rd Brad Todd (19) 32pts
4th Graham Buckingham (23) 29pts
Roy Dayton, Dick Braimbridge & John Pierrel.

Near Pins: A3 – Roy Dayton, A5 – Peter Bye, B3 – Mike Gosden, B8 – Jim Bell
Long Putts: A9 – Peter Bye, B9 – Alain Taddei
The winner of the NAGA award on this occasion was Dick “Reverend” Braimbridge and he accepted the award in good spirit. Back at The Growling Swan we had a good crew in attendance and mine host Peter Grey was in fine form although without his resident stooge, Andrew who had departed for a couple of weeks in Melbourne, Australia. Another great day of golf with terrific company but it has to be said that Khao Kheow was the big winner on the day.
Note: Growling Swan Golf welcomes golfers of any persuasion – low & high handicappers alike, female golfers and beginners. We generally play Mondays & Thursdays, meeting at The Growling Swan (formerly The Bunker Bar) in Soi Chaiyapoon at 8.00 am with transport departing at 8.30 am. For bookings or more information please contact Peter on 0806 351 386 or email to [email protected].

The Donkey’s medal by a nose

Lewiinski’s Golf Society

Sunday, Oct. 14, Green Valley - Monthly Medal
A Flight
1st Paul Hack (11) net 72
2nd Thierry Petrement (10) net 72
B Flight
1st Colin Davis (17) net 71
2nd Michael Laurent Gonnet (16) net 71
Red Flight
1st Yui Bietry net 70
Near Pins: No 4 Francis Goyons, No 9 Tom Byrne, No 12 Colin Davis, No 16 Thierry Petrement
The overnight storm did not affect the society turnout that assembled at Lewiinski’s for this month’s medal. The new Lewiinski’s relief bus driver ‘Broad more’ Bob escorted the lads and lasses to Green Valley to find, as expected, casual water in abundance, so ‘lift and place’ through the green was the order of the day.
GM the Donkey, like most, made heavy work of the conditions on the outward nine, but mastered the inward nine more like a water buffalo as he skated round the inward nine with a net 41 for the B Flight honors, but more importantly took home the lead crystal whiskey glass and bottle of Jameson’s Irish whiskey emblematic of the monthly medal, which for this case was for October. To do so the Donkey had to first shoot 71 and then win a count back over fellow flight mate Michael Laurent-Gonnet, no small undertaking that.
Just a note the Donkey’s score, it is the highest to ever win a monthly medal in the society history (the Donkey just doing enough)

Monthly medal winners Colin and Yui

It is by this paragraph, common knowledge that Yui Bietry won the Red Flight with her net 70, a score which will qualifier her again to join the Donkey in the year end Gold Medal competition. Yui Led the Donkey’s better half by 8 clear strokes.
Ah yes the premier flight, old friend Paul Hack from the land down under topped the accomplished lot but yet again it was down to a count back as Paul edged French man Thierry Petrement.
France struck again in the 2’s as Francis Goyons slotted home the only 2 of the day.
Tuesday, Oct. 16, Phoenix - Stableford
1st Eddy Beilby (18) 38pts
2nd Serge Stratton (18) 37pts
3rd John Pierrel 37pts
Phoenix, once a relative patsy to score on, drew in its newly grown claws a bit to let the gang excel, especially after the extremely wet conditions administered at Green Valley two days earlier. And it must be additionally said that the Mountain- Ocean couplet is probably the easier of the two pairings on this 27-hole layout.
Eddy ‘the Eagle’ Beilby was man of the match in the day’s one flight comp, on the 6,368 yard white layout with a rock solid 38 points. Frenchman Monsieur Serge Straeten emerged the victor in the required count back over John Pierrel for the silver, leaving John the bronze.
Paul Hack and Adam Oyston split the 2’s pot.
Wednesday, Oct. 17, Bangpra - Stableford
A Flight
1st Thierry Petrement (10) 35pts
2nd Nick Odnoral (15) 31pts
B Flight
1st Eddy Beilby (18) 32pts
2nd Peter Henshaw (21) 32pts
Didn’t I just mention Eddy ‘the eagle’? Maybe he should be the guy in the bold print (nah, the donkey being the GM and all that), but to be fair he did win B Flight on a very tough track and the scores can verifier that; although he did need the aid of a count back to edge Peter Don ‘O’corleone’ Henshaw - no mean feat.
Monsieur Thierry Petrement was man of the match and receiver of the senior flight laurels with a best on the day 35 points. Thierry was four shots clear of Nick Odnoral.
Thierry Petrement, Pater Henshaw and Co Dublin’s favourite son Colum Mullen shared the 2’s pot.
Friday, Oct. 19, Mountain Shadow - Stableford
1st Paul Herring (12) 38pts
2nd Pat Regan (13) 37pts
The competitive week was rounded off by Paul Herring standing atop the podium with a very impressive 38 points. While 38 will not always hold up in Pattaya, when it does it is usually on a demanding course such as this very tricky Ronald Fream creation.
Familiar names stood just below Paul in the form of Irishman Pat Reagan and this week’s monthly medal winner Colin ‘the Donkey’, both a shot shy. Much to the delight of the gang, Pat edged the Donkey for the silver in the resulting count back.
Both podium placed competitors Paul and Pat shared the 2’s pot with J J Maffray.
Note: Lewiinski’s is situated on Pattaya Land Soi 1, Beach Road Soi 13/3 near to Walking Street. Anyone wishing to play with us just pop in and add your name to the list or call Colin on 089 826 0764. Transport is provided.

Moore masterclass at Crystal Bay

Travellers Rest Golf Group

Andy Rich
The rain continued to fall at the beginning of this week leaving all of Pattaya’s golf courses very soggy underfoot and playing conditions extremely difficult for most. However on Monday 15th October on our visit to a very slippery Bangpra, slippery not because of the rain but because of their lightening fast greens, one man, Mike Rushant (H/cap12), played out of his skin to skate in with 34pts and take first place. Jim Sykes (9) was second on 31pts and David Booth (13) was third on 25. So as you can see the rest of the field had a very bad day.

Richard Moore.

One of the main sporting stories of this week surrounded the retirement from racing of wonder horse Frankel who completed his last race unbeaten. Most of his races were won by a street and on Tuesday 16th October at a drenched Eastern Star one of our group did a Frankel by winning by an absolute street the length of the Sukhumvit Road.
Fergus Brennan (12) marched in with 41pts to win by a mile. However there is one difference between Frankel and Fergus and that is Frankel is retiring to stud whereas Fergus is being put out to grass. Ted Senior (13) eventually rode into second place with 30 pts and that fine looking nag David Booth (13) finished third for the second day running with 29pts.
Thursday 18th October at Phoenix (Lakes and Ocean) was a much closer run affair with Mike Rushant (12) making it two out of two for this week by finishing with 37pts and winning by a nose (on count back actually) from Ross Schiffke, also on 37pts. That elderly gentleman from sunny Sussex Jeff Wilcox (23) showed there is still life in the old dog yet by taking third place with 36pts.
Saturday 20th October saw a large group head off to our usual Saturday venue at Crystal Bay (B and C courses) and after three days with no rain the going was good to firm.
One of our regular visitors fresh from his school teaching duties in Bangkok was Richard Moore (18), who showed he was glad school was out by shooting a remarkable 43pts. I don’t know how good his maths are but you score 43pts in a golf competition and you get your handicap docked by three shots.
That Frankel lookalike Fergus Brennan (11) showed his pedigree by shooting 41pts for the second time this week to finish second and Brett Arnold (12) rounded off some fine scoring by taking third on 38pts.

Niisato nails it at Khao Kheow

IPGC golf from The Haven

Monday, Oct. 15, Eastern Star - Stableford
CSS 75 NC
1st Yasuo Suzuki (12) 30pts
2nd Brian Libbey (9) 27pts
Following seemingly weeks when the local course have been exceedingly wet, the weather had just started to turn around but a telephone call from the course early on the day advised that carts were not allowed on the course due to the state of the rough and fairways and this ensured that a low turnout became even lower, but at least it would appear that some managements are taking their responsibilities to the players seriously and advising groups of situations that may affect the enjoyment of the day. It is to be hoped that the trend continues.

Joe Niisato.
Those that did play found that the conditions, even allowing for the relief available, were difficult in the extreme. Yasuo Suzuki returned the best of the day followed by Brian Libbey but neither of them played well enough to save the day from becoming a non-counting event for themselves or the rest of the field.
With so few players it was unsurprising that there were no 2’s in either division.
Before the presentation there was a farewell for Frank Dunstan who is was leaving to return home to his club Wakehurst in Sydney to polish up his anchor over the summer.
Wednesday, Oct. 17, Khao Kheow A & B (White tees) - Stableford
CSS 70
1st Joe Niisato (13) 43pts
2nd Shuichi Kodaka (16) 36pts
3rd Ole Stamnes (26) 35pts
4th Erik Donnestad (4) 31pts
5th Jim Lloyd (29) 30pts
After a disappointing previous outing, a much better attendance arrived at Soi 13 for the day’s competition and in view of the possible wetness of the course it was decide that the day’s play would be from the forward white tees rather than the usual yellows. Allied to the ‘lift and place’ rule in the fairways it resulted in much better returns from all of the field and a more enjoyable day as well.
Joe Niisato reveled in the shortness of the course, which measured just under 5,800 yards according to the card, to return his best score in Thailand at seven under handicap and win the day by seven, also having carded a lifetime best gross level par for the inward half even including a double on the very difficult par four seventh on the B course.
Shuichi Kodaka started out with a very nice two under front nine but faded towards the end however he just held on to take second place by a single point ahead of Ole Stamnes who had also started well with a two under handicap outward half but he also faded and had to settle for third spot.
Erik Donnestad still cannot seem to get to grips with the local courses but did enough on the day to claim fourth place just one in front of Jim Lloyd.
Once again there were no 2’s in the first division but Ole Stamnes cleaned out the multiple rollover second division pool with one on the third hole on the A course, which even off the whites was still 160 yards.
Before the presentations were made there was a welcome back for Kare Lunde, Roar Berger, Ron Kerslake, Bob Pratt and Jim Lloyd.

Yasuo Suzuki.
Friday, Oct. 19, Crystal Bay A & B - Stableford
CSS 72
1st Shuichi Kodaka (16) 37pts
2nd Erik Donnestad (4) 34pts
3rd Ole Stamnes (26) 33pts
4th Russell Gilroy (12) 32pts
For the third time in the week it was determined that ‘lift and place’ should be the local rule of the day even though golf carts were being allowed on the course, and this turned out to be a good decision as the round progressed as balls were still picking up large quantities of mud on contact with the ground. But all in all the course was the best that had been played in the week although the greens were found to be understandably slow due to the length of the grass, but they were also found to be very true and flat.
Shuichi Kodaka went one better that in the previous outing, taking first place with a solid one under handicap round that could have been even better if the good start had not been undone with a back nine that included two zero pointers after a three-under handicap nine going out.
Erik Donnestad came closest with a steady couple of gross 39s that just pipped one of his playing partners, Ole Stamnes, by a single point to claim second while Ole settled for third.
Russell Gilroy just made it onto the podium with a round that could have been much better if only he could have started out better as he gleaned a meager 13 points from the front nine which left too big a hill to climb on the back nine.
At last there was a 2 in the first division slipped in by Russell Gilroy as a going home present, but there were none in the second division.
Back at The Haven there were welcome backs for Jens Gunnarsson and Russell Gilroy with the latter also getting a farewell after a very short visit.
Note: If you would like to play with The Haven group, you can contact mobile 082 219 0965 or call in to The Haven Hotel, at 185 Soi 13, between Beach Road and 2nd Road. All transportation to the course is arranged and you do not need to sign up prior to the day, but you should be there by 8.30 on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday on the days you wish to play. A schedule of courses to be played can be found on our web site at www.thehaven-hotel.com.

Deadly Smedley makes it a week of wins

PSC golf from The Golf Club

Mike Newbert, Ben Denham, Capt. Phil Smedley & Henry O’Brien.

Steve Ellison
Monday, Oct. 15, Green Valley (White tees) – Stableford
1st Ben Denham (4) 38pts
2nd Henry O’Brien (20) 37pts
3rd Mike Newbert (13) 36pts
4th Phil Smedley (14) 36pts
October is turning out to be a unique month of golf, as the weeks turn out to be dominated by one golfer per week who has a hot streak and takes the spoils in most of the comps. That was the week that was for Captain Phil, as he quietly and calmly walked off with 2 wins and a podium position in the three rounds of the week. Mike Newbert took week 1, Nick Handscombe had week 2 wrapped up, and now Phil Smedley runs away with week 3!
Phil took the lads by the hand on our regular Monday venue of Rayong Green Valley, and did a fine job of “herding cats” as we call the duties of captaincy. It was another lucky day of good weather as the localized rain was kept at bay for the most part. The course was once again in fine condition and the lads came back as a very happy lot indeed.
Phil also managed to take 4th place, as we had a good enough turnout to award those “handsome man vouchers” to the top 4 players. But the week was going to be Phil’s week as it would turn out, but more on that later.
Third place went to the Montauk Mauler himself, one Mr. Michael Newbert. Mike is a consistent golfer who is usually in the frame in our TGC outings and plays a sharp mental game. Henry O’Brien was the only golfer to shoot 37 points and took sole second, but young gun Ben Denham rose to the top with his winning 38 on the day. Ben plays off 4 (wouldn’t that be nice!) and guys like that make very few mistakes. Well done boys!
Wednesday, Oct. 17, Bangpra (White tees) – Stableford
1st Phil Smedley (14) 37pts
2nd John Pierrel (11) 28pts
3rd Henry O’Brien (20) 27pts
Did you see the point table above? Phil devastated the competition and won by 9 strokes at the Bangpra comp this Wednesday to make it a cakewalk trip to the podium. Someone is doing everything right these days and the results speak for themselves.
The travelling golfer John Pierrel came in a distant second with 28 points and that legendary Scottish golfer Henry O’Brien must have been pretty surprised to find that a card with just 27 points on it was enough for third place honours. It must have been hell out there!
Friday, Oct. 19, The Emerald – The 19th Annual T.Q. Masters
The Tahitian Queen is a legendary Rock n’ Roll bar on Beach Road that has been going strong since 1978. The Golf Club takes great pride in organizing the T.Q. Masters for Woody and The Jesters. Please see the big write up in this paper for full details and photos, but we must congratulate Phil Smedley for his 1st Division win and Ross Schiffre, also from The Golf Club, for winning the Green Jacket! Ya done us proud lads! It is never too late to make a donation to our favorite local charity, Care4Kids, so see http://www.care4kids.info/ to see how you can help.
Note: The Golf Club is located on Soi LK Metro. We usually play on Monday, Wednesday and Friday so come join us for a seriously fun day out. Just call 085 434 3377 or see our website www.golfclubpattaya.com and for more information mail us: pattaya4golf@ gmail.com and see updates at www.facebook.com/golfclubpattaya.

Wise wins in the north

Outback Golf Bar Chiang Mai Road Trip

Overall winner Rob Wise (left) with Suzi Lawton & Bill Hornick.

Monday, Oct. 15, Royal Chiang Mai - Stableford
We arrived in Chiang Mai a little later than scheduled at around 7.30pm after a couple of pit stops en route, including the hot springs nearby to the road.
After checking in, many of the guys gathered at the Porn Ping bar or went off to the local off-licence to stock up on their favourite spirit to take advantage of the Porn Ping offer, to allow us to keep our own bottle behind their bar; a great gesture, readily received by many. Whatever, the critics may say about this hotel, they sure do know how to look after us. The breakfasts needed a bit of a shake up with the bacon situation, but once done, there was not a great deal wrong with them. On Sunday afternoon, the Chiang Mai only part of the group arrived on various flights bringing the group up to well over 50 including non-players.
So off to Royal Chiang Mai at 9am on Monday and we were all present and correct, except for Tony who had damaged his shoulder in a fall, leaving a perfect field of 11 groups (44 players). The weather was once again excellent and upon arrival at the course everything looked set for a perfect day.
They (RCM) had given us the benefit of a two-tee start at 10am, which went quite smoothly except we were a couple of carts short which did eventually get sorted out. Regretfully, the course did not play as well as it appeared and although there was little wrong with the greens, the fairways and rough came under considerable criticism. The grass on the fairways was thin leaving the ball frequently sitting down and uninviting to hit and the rough was rough – so thick and knotted it was easy to lose one’s ball when just off the fairway; let alone the added problem of trying to hit it!
The General, who had taken over the organisation this week, thanked Capt’ Steve for looking after Chiang Rai and welcomed all to the 8th CM Challenge. We still kept the Outbacker and Guest split but this time there were two divisions in each, although the Outbackers were seriously outnumbered by 26 to 18.
Only three players played to handicap or better, no doubt a reflection of the condition and it was Bill Hornick who shot the best round of the day with 40pts to win Div A in the Outback group from Chris Davisson, who had an excellent back nine, on 37. Div A of the Guests was won by the very steady Bob Wise also with 37pts from Tony Harrop on 35.
Div B (Outback) went to Bruce Milner, still regarded as an Outbacker even though he lives in the Philippines, with 35pts from Tony Aslett on 34. Whilst Kim Stokes took Div B (Guests) with 33 from Tony Pieroni on 31 in a relatively poor scoring division.
Jack apologised for the condition of the course and when it was put to the vote, the majority favoured it (RCM) being dropped from the playing schedule. Thoughts for its replacement included MaeJo or Alpine Resort.

(From left) Kim Stokes, Wayne Waywood, Tim Knight & Bruce McAdam at Summit Green Valley.

There was only one ‘2’ from Mark Rossiter.
Outbackers Div A (0-15)
1st William Hornick (12) 40pts
2nd Chris Davisson (11) 37pts
3rd James Brackett (5) 36pts
4th Peter Stonebridge (14) 32pts
Guests Div A (0-14)
1st Robert Wise (13) 37pts
2nd Anthony Harrop (10) 35pts
3rd Brendon Moylan (14) 32pts
4th Bob Maloney (12) 32pts
Outbackers Div B (16+)
1st Bruce Milner (16) 35pts
2nd Tony Aslett (22) 34pts
3rd Suzi Lawton (20) 32pts
4th Donald Lehmer (20) 30pts
Guests Div B (15+)
1st Kim Stokes (15) 33pts
2nd Tony Pieroni (16) 31pts
3rd Wayne Waywood (15) 31pts
4th Paul Kelly (25) 29pts
Tuesday, Oct. 16, Summit Green Valley - Stableford
Today marked the return a course that we haven’t included in a Chiang Mai Challenge since our first Challenge back in October 2008, and that is Summit Green Valley. To be honest, I cannot remember why we dropped it so quickly, whether it was because of its condition or because it’s such a difficult course. Whichever the case, it was massively popular today and was beautifully presented and once again we had the benefit of a two tee start at the later time of 11am.
All present and correct and just a short ride from the hotel, the late start gave us all chance of a bit of a lie in after perhaps a late night out but on the tee most players looked raring to go.
Steve Mann continued his fine form at these Outback tour events with another handicap equalling 36pts to win Div A of the Outbackers from another man in form, Bill Hornick in second with 33; unbelievably Kev Waycott took third with just 26pts.
Rob Wise shot his second consecutive 37pts to win Div A for the guests from Rod Crosswell (36) who at last is showing a bit of form, which we know he can do. Div B (Outbackers) went to Donald Lehmer also with 37 and Div B guests was won by Wayne Waywood with 39; and for sure he will be hoping to do better than a couple of years back when being in the lead after two rounds and falling off the podium, managing only a modest 28pts in the final round.
In the restaurant, stories were reaching our ears of one of our players falling into a lake, details are still sketchy as to exactly what happened but apparently the water was quite deep. One of our new boys on tour was the unfortunate, Tony Harrop – but he did get a ‘2’ and there’s only three of them in total so far.
There were two more ‘2’s today from Brendon Moylan and Tony Harrop.
Outbackers Div A (0-14)
1st Steve Mann (9) 36pts
2nd William Hornick (12) 33pts
3rd Kevin Waycott (8) 26pts
4th Rosco Langoulant (11) 25pts
Guests Div A (0-14)
1st Robert Wise (13) 37pts
2nd Rod Crosswell (14) 36pts
3rd Al Bryce (10) 34pts
4th Ian Jones (14) 32pts
Outbackers Div B (15+)
1st Donald Lehmer (20) 37pts
2nd Suzi Lawton (20) 35pts
3rd Bruce Milner (16) 34pts
4th Tony Aslett (22) 33pts
Guests Div B (15+)
1st Wayne Waywood (15) 39pts
2nd Mike Quill (21) 34pts
3rd Norm Cheetham (15) 33pts
4th Anton Rowbottam (18) 33pts
Thursday, Oct. 18, Chiang Mai Highlands - Stableford
On our last day of the 8th Chiang Mai Challenge, we were as usual back at Chiang Mai Highlands with a slightly earlier than usual tee time of 9.30am. On the way to the course the weather looked a little suspect with low cloud enveloping the surrounding hills; however when we arrived to be met by a long single file line of caddies, the cloud had begun to lift to allow the sun to break through.
With two non-starters, Tim Knight through injury and Jack, who was fined for leaving his clubs at the hotel, the field was reduced to 42 with the leaders after two days going out last.
Rob Wise (74), Bill Hornick (73), Wayne Waywood (70) & Bruce Milner (69) were the leading group preceded by the next group of hopefuls; Steve Mann (68), Tony Aslett (67), Suzi Lawton (67) & Don Lehmer (67). The ‘2’s pot, which is accumulated over all three days, had only three ‘2’s to its name; so the guys not in contention still had something to play for.
Bill Hornick remained solid to win Div A Outback with 39pts from Steve Mann (37); likewise Rob Wise played very well for his 41pts to win Div A Guests from Ian Jones and Tony Harrop both on 36. In the other two divisions, Outback B & Guests B, they were both won with fantastic scores of 42pts; Suzi taking the former and Ian Button beating Norm Cheetham on count back, to take the latter.
The most surprising turnaround, after two rounds of golf with only three ‘2’s materializing, today had perhaps a record number of 16, thus dissipating the value considerably. The following players scored ‘2’s today: Tony Harrop (2), Neil Herd, Mark Rossiter, Al Bryce, Ian Button, Rick Forrest, Brian King, Anton Rowbottam, Art O’ Connor, Scott Baumgarten, Kevin Waycott, Peter Stonebridge, Dennis Pelly (2) & Jim Brackett. Added to these was the one on Mon from Mark Rossiter and the two on Tuesday from Brendon Moylan and Tony Harrop.
Outback Div A (0-15)
1st William Hornick (12) 39pts
2nd Steve Mann (9) 37pts
3rd Rosco Langoulant (11) 35pts
4th Kevin Waycott (8) 33pts
Guests Div A (0-14)
1st Robert Wise (13) 41pts
2nd Ian Jones (14) 36pts
3rd Anthony Harrop (10) 36pts
4th Bob Maloney (12) 36pts
Outback Div B (15+)
1st Suzi Lawton (20) 42pts
2nd Greg Hill (17) 38pts
3rd John Lawton (21) 37pts
4th Bruce McAdam (27) 37pts
Guests Div B (15+)
1st Ian Button (16) 42pts
2nd Norm Cheetham (15) 42pts
3rd Tony Pieroni (16) 37pts
4th Wayne Waywood (15) 35pts
Overall 3-day scores
1st Robert Wise (13) 115pts
2nd William Hornick (12) 112pts
3rd Suzi Lawton (20) 109pts
4th Wayne Waywood (15) 105pts
5th Bruce Milner (16) 105pts
At presentation, General Jack commented on the immense success of the trip yet again, which had all gone very smoothly and the weather behaving itself as-well. He spoke of the next scheduled main trip was to Hua Hin on 10th March 2013 for which the booking sheet is open and as it is the high season, deposits will be required earlier than usual by mid January. Also, as Chiang Mai had been so popular, he will look into the logistics of bringing in an extra tour here at Songkhran next year, the provisional dates being Mon 15th – Sat 20th April 2013. Chiang Mai Highlands has already been booked for 7 groups for the final round on Friday 19th, the day to avoid in Pattaya.

Pinpoint Parker on target at Pleasant Valley

PSC golf from the Bunker Boys @ The Ranch

Monday, Oct. 15, Mountain Shadow – Stableford
A fine sunny morning as we set off from The Ranch, but travelling down the 7 motorway the clouds began to gather, and as we tee’d off a light drizzle was beginning to fall. After the main body of players completed the third hole, the storm broke and we were forced to make a quick dash to the nearby drinks station, to watch despondently as the fairways and greens quickly turned into rivers and lakes.
The prospects for continuing the round looked unlikely as the thunder and lightning crashed around, and the drinks station quickly ran out of coffee! No one was seriously considering braving the storm to head back to the clubhouse, and after a delay of about an hour the rain stopped and the floods quickly started to drain away.

Welcome back to Jack Robertson.

We decided to continue the round and the course improved miraculously after just a couple of holes. The remaining holes were completed without further interruption under bright, clear skies – once again another example of the amazing weather in Thailand.
Mashi didn’t let the difficult conditions affect his game as he returned to winning ways after an indifferent run of form over the last few weeks, which had seen his handicap increase by a couple of shots.
We welcomed back Jack Robertson starting his annual visit, but he’s going to take a few games to get back his fitness and form following an illness over the summer.
1st Mashi Kaneta (13) 37pts
2nd Neil Hurst (13) 36pts
3rd Geoff Hart (21) 34pts
Near Pins: Gordon Melia, Mike Johns and Mashi Kaneta.
Wednesday, Oct. 17, Pleasant Valley – Stableford
Our first visit to Pleasant Valley for some time and we elected to play off the blue tees, (an unpopular decision with some players) but with a course distance of 6,400 yards it’s within our normal range. The problem with playing off the blue tees is that a couple of holes do present the shorter hitters with some real problems in attempting to clear the hazards, with no obvious bail-out areas.
Whilst obvious improvements have been made to the clubhouse and infrastructure since our last visit, the course was not at its best, with scuffy fairways and poor greens.
The weather was overcast for most of the day, but we only experienced a brief five minute shower of rain halfway through the round.
Geoff Parker played steadily and won the honours on the day ahead of Dave Ashman and William Macey. Geoff was level par on the par three’s for the day – always a great step towards making a good score.
1st Geoff Parker (13) 37pts
2nd Dave Ashman (14) 35pts
3rd William Macey (19) 34pts
Geoff Parker had a great day on the par three’s, taking all four near pin prizes for the first time in his Bunker Boy’s career, and we think for only the second occasion in the history of the Bunker Boy’s society.
Friday, Oct. 19, Greenwood C & A – Medal
A pleasant surprise today when we arrived at Greenwood to find the course dry and surprisingly quiet. We were playing our second medal round of the month (the first one having been washed out at Bangpra) and the course provided a stern test with several of the par 4’s playing very long. The greens were showing some signs of recovery from recent damage, and the ball rolled quite well although the surfaces still looking scarred.
Neil Hurst produced the best performance on the day, to record his maiden win with the Bunker Boys, narrowly beating Geoff Parker on the count back. Jack Robertson completed his third round since his return, but has so far failed to make the top 10 – so down to the driving range this weekend Jack, and we look forward to seeing you back in the winner’s enclosure soon.
1st Neil Hurst (13) net 75
2nd Geoff Parker (13) net 75
3rd Alan Freeman (2) net 77
Near Pins: Alan Freeman, Neil Hurst and Lee Butler (2).
Note: The Bunker Boys are a PSC affiliated golf society, who now play out of The Ranch bar on Pattaya 3rd Road (in front of the fire station, and almost opposite the Buffalo Bar). We play three times per week on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, so if you enjoy a fun day out, and a friendly but competitive golf competition why not come and join us.
We meet at The Ranch at 9 a.m. for breakfast and transportation, and new players are always welcome. Contact Buff on 086 046 5091 or 080 605 5663 for all enquiries. You can find all the news, schedules and results on our website at www.bunkersociety.com.
The annual John Preddy Charity Golf Tournament will be held on Friday 23rd November 2012, at Mountain Shadow G.C., more details to follow shortly.

Softly, softly Slattery

IPGC Pattaya Golf Society at Rabbi’s Elephant Bar

On Monday, 15th October, the Pattaya Golf Society travelled to a very soft and saturated Green Valley to play a stableford competition. The recent stormy spell has cast a shadow over the usually fine course, leaving fairways very soft to the touch and greens very slow and inconsistent. Fairways are pitted with footprints and greens are sanded in an effort to dry them up.
If truth be known the course should not have been open, as at Laem Chabang at the time of writing, . However the field made a good fist of it with Ken Grimes holding his own with 33 points for third and soulmate Robbie Taylor edging himself into second with 35 points. The winner was Larry Slattery, recently returned from familiar conditions in Ireland, and his score of 37 points was remarkable in that the course was barely playable.
There were no birdie ‘2’s and Jeff Cohen picked up the Booby Bevy for announcing a pair of ‘2’s on his card, only for the recorder to note that one was in the “tens” column and the other was a “unit”! It was also fitting that Masanori Takano won the free beer draw having rushed to play after a late arrival from Japan. It had been a disappointing return to Green Valley for the PGS.
Taylor walks it
The Pattaya Golf Society travelled to Crystal Bay on Wednesday, 17th October, to play a stableford competition on the C and B nines, on a course which was heavily saturated with the recent storms and on which carts were excluded for the day.
The group was set to squelch around the course on fairways which showed no run, but the greens, though soft, were in good consistent condition. Apart from a brief shower midway round the day stayed fair but heavily humid.
Amazingly scores were very good with a full field average of 31 points and in second place were Larry Slattery and Wichai Tananusorn with 37 points each. Walking a golf course for the first time ever with PGS was Robbie Taylor and the experience did him no harm as he produced an excellent card of 38 points to win the day handsomely.
Dave Edwards recorded the only birdie ‘2’ of the day on C4 and he also picked up the Booby Bevy award for the largest split figures of the day, twenty and fourteen.
Rabbi’s free beer draw was well appreciated by Peter Ditz on his return from a summer in his native Austria. What could have been a dismal day at Crystal Bay ended in fine style with some excellent performances and no shortage of fun.
Edwards and Ramsay survive at Treasure Hill
The Pattaya Golf Society made a brave call on Friday, 19th October when they fulfilled a longstanding booking at Treasure Hill for a stableford competition off the white tees, in two flights cut at sixteen and under. The course is legendary for its toughness and playing at the height of the rain season made demands on all golfers.
Amazingly the course was full, the golfers being attracted by a generous Friday promotion, but with the help of Khun Wichai play got underway before time. The fairways were dry with run and the greens were fine, the front nine being a little slower than the back.
In the second flight Ian Rowson and Alan Walker shared third place with 30 points each, just one behind Margaret Wilkinson and an excellent 31 points in second. The flight winner was Ronnie Ramsay who battered the length of the track with his strength and wrung out 33 points for a well deserved win.
In the top flight Ron Matthews, Tony Thorne, Garry Hookey and Larry Slattery all posted 29 points for third place whilst Wichai Tananusorn posted the best gross figures of 86 to take second place with 31 points. The winner - and doesn’t he love the course - was Dave Edwards, with 33 points.
The only birdie ‘2’ of the day was secured by Neil McIntosh on the seventeenth and the highlight of the presentation was an award made to Larry Slattery to commemorate him starting the 20,000th PGS competition round since the “reinvention” of the group in May 2005. It had been a memorable day at Treasure Hill.

Sloan supreme at Santiburi

PSC golf from The Outback Golf Bar

The overall Chiang Rai winner Chris Sloan (centre), with Saturday’s winners, Bob Maloney (left) and Chris Davisson.

Thursday, Oct. 11, Santiburi G.C. – Stableford
This was the 8th Chiang Mai Challenge tour (see page 50) but only the third time we incorporated Chiang Rai as well. Last year we found the greens at Waterford in poor condition and voted to play all three rounds at the fantastic Singha owned Santiburi course.
This time also, for the first time, Chiang Rai would have its own three-day tournament in the slightly different format of 1st round white tees, 2nd round blues and third round a rainbow (6 red, 6 white & 6 blue).
The field for Chiang Rai, which is not available without the Chiang Mai section as well, had grown to over the usual limit of 24 players; to 26 plus seven non-playing ladies. Originally, we had intended to fly up on the first Thai Airways flight on Thurs 11th October but a late suggestion meant that more than half the players flew up a day earlier – which gave more time to relax and was generally accepted as a very good idea which will be implemented when we return next year.
Unusually, this section of the tour had attracted more visitors than regular Outbackers, with the divisions being split that way i.e. Outbackers (11) and Guests (15).
So to the first round, teeing off about 12 midday on Thursday 11th, once again as seems to be the case here there were few players on the course leaving us to enjoy millionaires’ golf on this classy course, where you can still buy two beers & a water and get change from 100 baht. The weather was warm and sunny (makes a change from Pattaya) and if there was a criticism to be found, the greens were a bit scruffy and also slow.
Don Lehmer led the way for the Outbackers with a fine 41pts from Bill Hornick (40) and Tim Knight (38) whilst the visitor’s scores were marginally better as Chris Sloan and Anton Rowbottam both scored 40pts (split only on count back) and Al Bryce & Bob Maloney both recorded 38’s.
Outbackers
1st Donald Lehmer (20) 41pts
2nd William Hornick (12) 40pts
Guests
1st Chris Sloan (10) 40pts
2nd Anton Rowbottam (19) 40pts
Friday, Oct. 12, Santiburi G.C. (blue tees) - Stableford
We stayed at the very comfortable Wiang Inn, who provide a very good breakfast and excellent rooms in a mid range price bracket. The hotel is very central and immediately adjacent to the night bazaar/market which is excellent and amazingly large, rather like the ‘tardis’ when you step inside, it’s much bigger than it looks.
After a good night out and a good night’s rest, we were off at 9am to Santiburi for the second round of our CR tournament; everybody was present with no ‘no-shows’ which is always helpful to the organiser!
Teeing off ahead of schedule at 9.30am, today was the turn of the blue tees, an entirely different entity and the scores were expected to be substantially down on yesterday’s whites. The greens were better, as though they had been cut and the pins had been moved, which was well appreciated and apart from a sharp heavy downpour, lasting some 10mins, it was once again excellent weather for golf, albeit a little humid later on after the shower.
Today, the visitors tore into the heart of the Outback players, scoring considerably better than them, with some 73% of their field scoring 32pts or better against only 27% of the Outback.
The best score of the day came naturally from the visitors, as Tony Pieroni fired an excellent 40pts from Ian Button on 37, with Rod Crosswell, Don Everett & Wayne Waywood all on 36.
Capt’ Steve was left to fly the flag for the local contingent on 38pts with the rest of the podium trailing in his wake with Tim Knight on 33 and Jim Brackett on 32.
Outbackers
1st Steve Mann (9) 38pts
2nd Timothy Knight (17) 33pts
Guests
1st Tony Pieroni (17) 40pts
2nd Ian Button (17) 37pts
Saturday, Oct. 13, Santiburi G.C. - Rainbow comp.
Back here for the last time on a Saturday morning, well you wouldn’t have known it was the weekend, there was still nobody on the course! Today was the turn of the ‘rainbow’ format; some had meticulously studied the card and mapped out their game plan, others just worked it out they went along and some just went through the colours in strict rotation. However they played, it was a fun format generally well accepted and the scores were absolutely brilliant with Bob Maloney getting the day’s top score of 45pts and winning his division. Amazingly, by not that much though as Ron De Groot also recorded a great score of 44, followed in by Chris Sloan with 43.
Not surprisingly they were all visitors; the best the rest could do was Chris Davisson’s 42 to win from Bill Hornick on 41.
Outbackers
1st Chris Davisson (11) 42pts
2nd William Hornick (12) 41pts
3rd Timothy Knight (17) 38pts
Guests
1st Bob Maloney (13) 45pts
2nd Ron De Groot (14) 44pts
3rd Chris Sloan (10) 43pts
The overall went to Chris Sloan with a 3-day total of 117 from Bob Maloney on 116 with Bill Hornick and Capt’ Steve sharing third place, both with 112.
With presentation taking a little longer than expected, it was not until about four o’clock before we left on our journey to Chiang Mai, scheduled to take around 3½ hours. A well stocked iced beer supply eased the pain and needless to say there was plenty of banter and stories to be told culminating in a few of the guys grabbing the mike to tell a few jokes.
Sure to be back next year, watch out for the dates on the website and book early if you fancy coming along on what is fast becoming, a very popular trip.
Tuesday, Oct. 16, Pattaya C.C. - Stableford
Just eight players today, the ground is slowly drying out. The back nine is looking better now they have filled up the bunkers. No ‘2’s so we go to three places
1st Nigel Cannon (20) 38pts
2nd Campbell Potts (16) 32pts
3rd Dave Earthrowl (20) 29pts
St. Andrews Fri 19th Oct
We had a full sign-up sheet of 39 players for our Friday competition, which had been switched to St. Andrews due to a tournament at Green Valley.
There were many new faces to be seen and welcome to them, namely; Dave Garrod, Neville & Jeff Meyers & Dave Ash as well as a young scratch player, Ben Rasmussen, Pat Robinson and Dave Wood. Welcome back also to Chris Playforth, Chris Thompson and Clint Pingree.
The course was likely to be very wet in places, so we called for ‘preferred lies thru the green’ to make life a little more bearable for everybody but what was unbearable, was the unacceptable speed of the round, nearing around 5 hours – probably the un-booked Koreans who were slipped in just before us certainly would not have helped.
Nevertheless there were some very good scores, the best of the day from Jeff Ryves (local knowledge?) with a 39 to win Div B from Chris Playforth with 36. Div A went to a newbie from Perth, Dave Garrod with 37pts beating Mark McDonald’s excellent two over par gross 76, for his 36pts and Div C was won by Dave Edwards also with 36pts from the Sugarman with 33.
There were two ‘2’s from The Sugarman & Jeff Ryves.
Div A (0-12)
1st Dave Garrod (10) 37pts
2nd Mark McDonald (2) 36pts
3rd Paul Greenaway (7) 36pts
4th Paul Bourke (10) 35pts
Div B (13-16)
1st Jeff Ryves (13) 39pts
2nd Chris Playforth (13) 36pts
3rd Michael Leighton (15) 34pts
4th Tony Pieroni (16) 34pts
Div C (17+)
1st Dave Edwards (17) 36pts
2nd Sugar Ray Handford (18) 33pts
3rd David Day (18) 31pts
4th Kathy Doody (17) 30pts
Note: The Outback Golf Bar is situated about 6km from Sukhumvit Road along Soi Siam Country. Call Jack on 087 941 2474.

The spectacular 18th at Santiburi.

Day 2 winners, Tony Pieroni (left) with Capt’ Steve.

Parrish & Matthews star at Treasure Hill

PSC golf from Tropical Bert’s

Friday’s winners with one of Bert’s finest.

Derek Brook
Tuesday, Oct. 16, Greenwood – Stableford
Well the question was ‘would it rain?’, it always rains but with Greenwood well up the road there was at least a chance we would get away with it, and pigs might fly! Still, we climbed aboard transport and the heavens looked quite good. The drive up there was pleasant and we arrived in quite good weather.
Booking in here is usually swift but we were met with the usual, ‘carts on path only’, still, off we went to the start where we were told we were to play the C & A in that order. Soon away we were surprised that the caddies said we were able to go on the fairways, this made a big difference as the heat and humidity rose fast and all the players really struggled.
The course was really in quite good condition and the fairways were nice and green, although they were a bit soggy, and it was seen that some places where the grass is usually cut short was left long as the staff obviously could not cut it. The ball also had no or little run. As we went around it continued to be hot and humid and the greens started to get dry and fast.
It was a lovely day, and as first group we finished in nice sunshine and were soon in the changing room and a cooling shower, then onto the front patio and the downstairs restaurant. Then we saw the heavens open and the rain came down very heavily, and the roads flooded. But we had beaten it had we not? Well no, the last couple of groups got soaked. Nothing new!
We waited a long time in the restaurant until the rain slowed, then left. It was a nightmare drive, the roads were flooded and the rain hammered down. We also got into a tailback as some heavy vehicles had had a big crash. I say big because not only were the vehicles big, but they had run into the back of each other and formed a long area to drive around. Happy days!
Finally, very late, we got back, cold and miserable, but warm food and a warm atmosphere soon got the chill out of us. So to the winners:
In the A Flight, 0 to 17, we had the best scores. The winner with 39 points was Mikito Homma, with Mike Gaussa in second on 36 points and in third we had Brian Parish with 34 points ahead of Max Scott in fourth on 33.
In the B Flight we had Max Matthews as winner with 34 points then we saw what a tough day did to the B Flight. In second we had Dick Warberg with 30 points on count back over Keith Phillips in third. In fourth came Mick Coghlan with 28 points on count back over Joel Flor.
Near Pins: Nigel Perry, Mikito Homma
Friday, Oct. 19, Treasure Hill – Stableford
This is a course with a fine deal on at the moment, if you get there early enough. On this day we booked a tee off at 1000 hrs. and we were just on the edge. The deal is green fee, caddy fee and cart all for under a grand. Tremendous! Mind, as said on this day, we got there just as the carts started to run out.
Having a lot of ‘Golden Oldies’ we need carts, so as there is only one to a cart, the Manager graciously agreed that we could have two players per cart and one caddy should walk. This meant a large amount of adjustment, but being flexible we were soon away.
This course is at present undergoing a major upgrade, however on this day there was no talk of carts not being allowed on the green, nor were we expecting rain, after all miracles do happen. The course itself was not in too bad a condition, although with all the rain of late the rough was very tough, however the fairways were reasonable and the greens tricky. Mind, this is a course you can lose a lot of balls on if you are not playing well, and thus I used up all my spare water balls and some other besides.
Soon through the restaurant it was on the road and back to Bert’s. The presentation showed that the day had been difficult, however we did have one or two stars. In the A Flight, 0 to 18, the winner with 43 points was Brian Parrish ahead of Mashi Kaneta in second with 36 points and Mikito Homma in third with 34 points.
In the B Flight the winner was Max Matthews with 42 points ahead of Mick Coghlan with 37 points and Andre Van Dyke with 33 points.
Then as usual we put the world to rights. T.T.F.N.
Near Pins: Max Matthews, Graham Buckingham, Joel Flor, Mikito Homma
Long Putts: Brian Parrish, Mark West.

Owen back in the swing

PSC Golf from Mulligans Lakeside

Thursday prize winners, Owen Walkley & Trev (the Great).

Tuesday, Oct. 16, Pattana - Stableford
Tuesday was a visit to Pattana, with the C & A combination our test of the day. As has become the norm lately, the club had rightly asked for carts to be kept to the paths, however after a quick assessment of the course we opted to play the ball as it lay. Casual water drops were infrequent and there were no post-game complaints of mud on the ball etc., so all was good.
Good scores were still hard to find, however Brian Maddox (22) was able to muster a solid 33 points to win on a count back (18/17) over Jeff Wylie (5). Jeff did gain some revenge with 3 near pins, two of which he converted for birdie 2s.
Thursday, Oct. 18, Treasure Hill - Stableford
Treasure Hill was our Thursday venue, the course is currently continuing with some re-modelling of green surrounds, so some drop zones were in place. But, as they say, it’s the same for everyone, so get over it and get on with the game.
Jeff Wylie (5) played well on the front 9, before fading on the back to eventually sign for 33 points, which ended up being enough for the win. Owen Walkley (7) returned to competition golf to sign for 27 points, sufficient for second spot, just ahead of K.
Near pins were spread around between Jeff, Trev (the Great) & Mam.
Note: Mulligans Lakeside plays golf generally on Tuesday & Thursday, with ML hosting prompt presentations on both days. As a PSC affiliated venue we welcome all golfers, including seniors who have opted for the “Silver” tee option. Call 089 094 1841 for scheduling or enquiries. Hope to see you there, cheers & good golfing!

Vincenzi victorious in final outing

Jomtien Golf with the IPGC

Jomtien golfers & partners at the Panda Golf Tour Chiang Mai 2012.

Monday, Oct. 15, Green Valley – Stableford
After the amount of rain we have been experiencing in the area lately we did not know what to expect here today. As we drove towards Ban Chang there were heavy clouds in the distance but by the time we reached the course the weather looked more promising.
There were eleven groups out today in three divisions with the cuts at 5-14, 15-19 and 20+ in a stableford comp. We checked a few fairways and ‘pick, clean and place’ came into play on the first tee.
In his last game with us before his return to the US, Harry Vincenzi returned the highest score of 39 points to win division 2 ahead of Jean Morel in second two points behind and Kari Aarnio took third with 36.
Grenville Hill topped division 1 with 38 points, Al Griffiths was second on 37 and Jeff Codeiro beat Lindsay Phillips and Jerry Sweetnam on a 12/11 back six count back for third after they all came in with 35 points.
‘Countback’ Burnie won division 3 with 37 points, while Marty Aronson finished second on 33 and Rod Howett third with 30.
Near pins went to Grant Cadell, Al Griffiths, Kari Kuparinen, Dennis Scougal, Jean Morel, Tom Novak, Burnie Sinclair and Harry Vincenzi.
Kari Kuparinen birdied the 9th to take a rollover ‘2’s pot in division 1 while in division 2 a rollover from Phoenix last Wednesday plus today’s was shared by William Chang, Greg Richards and Harry Vincenzi.
Wednesday, Oct. 17, Phoenix – Stableford
Mountain and Lakes was our allocated course for nine groups today and with heavy rain yet again overnight here in Jomtien it was the same old story of what to expect as we all stood on the first tee. The weather held out until the first group reached the tea station on the first on the Lakes and they were still there 45 minutes later as torrential rain came down, with thunder and lightning in the distance.
Most of the players decided to call it a day but some stayed out and completed their rounds when the rain eased a bit, however the competition had already been voided by then.
Friday, Oct. 19, Eastern Star – Scramble
This course was in a sodden condition earlier in the week and with a pairs scramble we were uncertain whether to cancel today’s game, but after Iain Walshes inspection on Thursday lunchtime and the cart ban being lifted for Friday’s game we decided to go ahead.
It was a very hot morning as we arrived with 17 groups out in a pairs scramble format, with a 40% combined handicap allowance and seven drives required on the card from each player. There were team ‘2’s as well as individual nearest the pins to play for.
After teeing off we found that some of the holes were still a bit sodden underfoot but the rest of the course was playable.
Individual near pins were won by Darryl Blair, Tony Kay, Pete Sumner, Chris Voller, Frank Kelly and Mike Lewis (2).
Team near pin prizes went to Pete Sumner and Mike Lewis for nearest the pin in three shots on the 4th hole and 8th holes; and to Kari Kuparinen and Reijo Pete for nearest the pin in two shots on the 12th hole.
In the stableford scramble two teams came in with 44 points, but a back nine count back of 22/21 saw Pete Sumner and Mike Lewis get the nod over Chris Voller and Uli Bangberter. Mikael Andersson and Joe Kubon were in third, just one point further back.
Darryl Blair and Iain Walsh birdied the 17th from 1-foot for the only ‘2’ of the day.

Return of the warrior

Phoenix Members Golf Society

Tuesday’s winners with the staff at The Relax Bar.

Mike Gerrard
Tuesday, Oct. 16, Phoenix – Stableford
Although he only came second today we welcomed the return of our dear old friend Hugh Byrne, back after a long 6 month absence. Hugh has returned to Thailand without his better half, Paula, who unfortunately is awaiting a small operation back in the UK. We all wish her well and a speedy recovery. Meanwhile the rest of the boys will make sure Hugh behaves himself whilst here alone.
To spoil Hugh’s day, Gerry Hughes was our winner with a fine 36 points, with Hugh scoring 35. Third place went to Peter (Bomber) Harris with 33 points, just edging out Tim Mason into fourth place on count back of the last nine holes.
Near pins went to John Bartley, Joris Goetschalkx and Tim Mason, and the lucky draw prizes (donated by our hosts The Relax Bar) went to Patrick Browne, Stuart Gordon, Bill Hewitt and Eamon Murtagh.
On Friday, Oct. 12, we had a nice even group out and the winner was Bill Hewitt with 35 points. In second place was Mukesh Thakker with 33 points, edging yours truly into third place again with a better back nine.
Near pins went to Gerry Hughes, Mukesh Thakker and Bill Hewitt, with Granville Swanton and Peter Harris winning the lucky draw prizes, again donated by The Relax Bar.
Just a reminder, that as of the 1st November guests playing in our group can enjoy a preferential green fee rate of only 1,000 baht. For more information call me (Mike) on 087 091 7565.

Hansen has the edge

PSC golf from Café Kronborg

Monday, Oct. 15, Century Chonburi – Stableford
Century Chonburi was the challenge today, just 1 hour up the busy 331 and we got off the first tee 25 minutes early under cloudy and humid conditions, catching a heavy shower of 25 minutes that stopped us after the fourth hole. The course on the day was in fine condition, a bit wet after the rain but draining very quickly and great value for a 100 baht green fee.
It was a slow round today, 4 hours and 50 minutes to get around, and we had 2 flights with the cut coming at handicap 19.
Mike Allidi took the A Flight on a count back from Stu Rifkin in second, both on 34 points (gross 76 for Mike). Ted Morris was third with 33 points and Niels Hansen fourth on 32.
Dave Richardson topped the B Flight with the best stableford score of the day, 37 points, to finish 8 ahead of Jan Lovgreen in second, while Mick O’Connor edged third place on a count back over Kevin Dinan.
Niels Hansen.

A Flight (0-19)
1st Mike Allidi (2) 34pts
2nd Stu Rifkin (16) 34pts
3rd Ted Morris (16) 33pts
4th Niels Hansen (13) 32pts
B Flight (20+)
1st Dave Richardson (26) 37pts
2nd Jan Lovgreen (21) 29pts
3rd Mick O’Connor (25) 28pts
4th Kevin Dinan (26) 28pts
Thursday, Oct. 18, Treasure Hill – Stableford
The game was at Treasure Hill today, where we got away 15 minutes early under partly cloudy skies and hot conditions, which prevailed for the whole round. The course on the day was dry and in very good condition with some resodding still going on around a couple of greens and we finished the round in 4 hours and 30 minutes with dry feet.
Welcomes went out to Leif Kirkgaard and Bent Moeller back from Denmark.
Nieles Hansen was the winner today on a count back over Mick O’Connor, both on 37 points, while Elias Magnusson, Jan Lovgreen and Stu Rifkin completed the podium in that order.
1st Niels Hansen (13) 37pts
2nd Mick O’Connor (25) 37pts
3rd Elias Magnusson (21) 36pts
4th Jan Lovgreen (21) 33pts
5th Stu Rifkin (16) 32pts
Note: We have Bjarne’s Birthday Scramble on 5th November at Plutaluang with food and prizes back at the Cafe Kronborg. The sign-up list is already up in the bar and limited to 13 teams so register early.
If you are looking for a game of golf in Pattaya, call Dave on 083 602 2117 or email [email protected].

International sports trainers assemble at Asia Fitness Convention

Deputy Mayor Wattana Janthaowranont, opens the Asia Fitness Convention 2012 at the Dusit Thani Hotel, Pattaya, Friday, Oct. 19.

Warunya Thongrod
Last weekend saw 700 fitness enthusiasts and world-class health professionals from around the world gather at the Dusit Thani Hotel in Pattaya for the Asia Fitness Convention 2012.
Organised by the Tourism and Sports Ministry and Sport Authority of Thailand, and officially opened by Deputy Mayor Wattana Chantanawaranon, the three-day event from Oct. 19-21 saw attendees work with more than 40 international professionals from the health & fitness industry, including celebrity podiatrist Dr. Emily Splichal, who spoke on “barefoot power;” Lawrence Biscontini, a consultant for the American Council on Exercise, who spoke on group exercise; and conditioning firm owner Peter Twist, who provided advice on muscle strengthening.
Other notable speakers at the conference included Douglas Brooks and Helen Vanderburg of fitness products retailer BOSU Training.
The Deputy Mayor commented: “The Asia Fitness Convention is an event that is establishing Thailand as a leading beacon in developing the fitness industry in the Asia-Pacific region, and we are extremely proud that this event is taking place in Thailand again for the fourth consecutive year.
“In promoting good health practices among adolescents and ensuring that they are aware of what the health risks are, holding fitness forums such as this is one of the best ways to educate people in the benefits of keeping fit and leading a healthy lifestyle,” he said.
After the opening ceremony, Stephane Vigroux, a founder in gym operator Parkour Generations, demonstrated the spectacular discipline of parkour “free running,” to kick off its expansion in Asia.
Another highlight of the event was a “fitness idol” contest, whose winner will speak at next year’s convention and appear on a “So You Think You are Fit?” video. Guests could also purchase gym memberships, health products and clothing.

Health conscious attendees joined in one of the fitness demonstrations.

The sport of parkour was introduced by Stephane Vigroux.

Spanish F1 fan wins free trip to Abu Dhabi Grand Prix

Richard Marco (2nd left), Resident Manager of Amari Orchid Pattaya, presents the top prize to Moneiba Brito (2nd right).

Moneiba Brito from Spain was the lucky winner of the prize draw offered by Amari hotels of an all-expenses paid trip to see the Abu Dhabi F1 Grand Prix this coming November.
As part of the special campaign organized by Tavern by the Sea at Amari Orchid Pattaya, a free race schedule booklet has been available since the start of the current F1 season and gives information on all the special offers available, including a complementary Tavern beer mug on your 5th visit for a Grand Prix during the season and entry into the grand prize draw on your 10th visit.
Ms. Brito’s great prize includes 2 tickets for the F1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, round trip air tickets to Abu Dhabi for 2 persons, free accommodation at the Grand Millennium Al Wahda, Abu Dhabi for 2 nights and complimentary shuttle transportation between the airport, hotel, and race circuit.

Dolphins escape the drop despite loss to BEC

Thai Premier League Football 2012 Season

Ludovick Takam (2nd left) equalizes for Pattaya United against BEC Tero Sasana at the Thephasadin Stadium in Bangkok, Sunday, Oct. 21. (Photo/Pattaya United)

Pattaya United are guaranteed to be playing in the Thai Premier League next season despite losing their latest fixture 3-1 away at BEC Tero Sasana. Thai Port’s home defeat to champions Muang Thong United on Sunday meant that they joined BBCU and TTM Chaingmai as the teams certain to lose their top flight status with one match of the current season still remaining.
Pattaya knew going into the weekend that a win from either of their final two fixtures was required to ease their relegation fears, however they got off to the worst possible start at the Thephasadin Stadium in Bangkok.
Under the watchful gaze of former England manager and new club technical boss Sven-Göran Eriksson, BEC tore into the Pattaya rearguard from the kick-off and were rewarded with a goal in the 10th minute when their Japanese midfielder Yusuke Kato received the ball in space inside the Pattaya 18 yard box and calmly lofted it over the advancing Narit and into the back of the net.
It could have been so much worse for Pattaya even before half time were it not for the brilliant display from Narit, who pulled off a series of wonder saves to prevent the hosts from going further ahead.
The halftime break gave United a chance to reorganize and they came out with more positive intent in the second half and grabbed an equalizer in the 56th minute through club top scorer Ludovick Takam. After Dyachenko’s shot rebounded off the BEC post, Ludo was the first to react and fired the ball home to give the Dolphins renewed hope.
The parity between the two sides would last barely 10 minutes however as Narit conceded a penalty under pressure and Cleiton Silva converted the spot kick to give the home team the lead once more. The same player then added a third goal in the 79th minute from a Gilbert Koomson cross to complete the scoring for the day and seal maximum points for BEC.
Pattaya’s final game of the season will be on Sunday, October 28 at Samut Songkhram.
At the top end of the table, Chonburi ‘Sharks’ could only manage a 1-1 draw at home against Bangkok Glass but are certain to finish in second place in the standings for the fourth time in the last five seasons.

Team P W D L +/- Pts

Muang Thong United 33 25 8 0 47 83

Chonburi 32 20 7 5 33 67

BEC Tero Sasana 33 16 8 9 10 56

Buriram United 33 14 12 7 21 54

Osotspa 32 14 4 14 3 46

Esan United 33 10 14 9 -2 44

Army United 33 10 13 10 -3 43

Samut Songkhram 33 11 10 12 -4 43

TOT 33 10 12 11 -1 42

Bangkok Glass 33 9 15 9 10 42

Wuachon United 33 9 14 10 -4 41

Chiangrai United 33 10 11 12 -8 41

Police United 33 9 12 12 -3 39

Pattaya United 33 9 10 14 -10 37

Chainat 33 8 12 13 -14 36

Thai Port 33 8 9 16 -15 33

BBCU 33 4 13 16 -30 25

TTM Chiangmai 33 2 12 19 -30 18

Results: (Sun 21/10): BBCU 1 - 4 Buriram United, Osotspa 2 - 1 Esan United, Army United 2 - 1 TOT, Wuachon United 2 - 4 Chainat, Chonburi 1 - 1 Bangkok Glass, Thai Port 1 - 2 Muang Thong United, BEC Tero Sasana 3 - 1 Pattaya United, Police United 1 - 1 Samut Songkhram, Chiangrai United 3 - 2 TTM Chiangmai

Strokes of genius at swimming gala

A GIS student gets into the swim of things.

Aletta Wilson
Garden International School (GIS), which is based in Ban Chang, made a splash with a spectacular swimming gala on Wednesday October 10 as the students took on two other local schools, namely Regent’s and St Andrews.
All three schools were leading the points table at some stage during the afternoon, which meant that every single race mattered and was closely contested.
The GIS Year 4 boys got off to a good start by winning the Medley Relay. The Year 5 girls brought GIS the most points out of all the age groups and did fantastically well. All in all, every single swimmer who competed for GIS swam well. The results were extremely close and by the end Regent’s won, with GIS and St Andrews both tied in second place.

Almost there - a young swimmer at GIS.

Swimming coordinator Ms Wilson lends a hand.

Jomtien 8-Ball Pool League

Final Standings Oct. 17 (week 18)

Team Played Won Lost Bonus Pts.

Winners Bar 18 17 1 1 52

Country Road 18 15 3 3 48

Simple Simons 18 12 6 5 41

Woaws Pub 18 11 7 5 38

Flying Dolphins 18 10 8 7 37

DK Bar 18 6 12 10 28

Shenanigans 18 7 11 6 27

The Windmill 18 6 12 7 25

Minny Bar 18 3 15 9 18

Wombat Bar 18 4 14 4 16

Results: Wombat Bar 4 v 11 Shenanigans, The Windmill 7 v 8 Country Road, Flying Dolphins 9 v 6 DK Bar, Woaws Pub 9 v 6 Simple Simons, Minnys Bar 3 v 12 Winners Bar

Crumpton Oaks Cider Monday Pool League

Results & Standings Oct. 15 (week 8)

Division 1

Team P W L F A +/- BP Pts.

The Irish Rovers 8 7 1 77 54 23 0 21

Links Bar 8 7 1 76 54 22 0 21

Pook’s Bar 8 6 2 76 64 12 0 18

Sweethearts Bar 7 3 4 58 60 -2 1 10

Nicky’s Bar 8 3 5 61 68 -7 1 10

The Butchers Arms 8 3 5 65 69 -4 0 9

Easy R-Con Bar 7 1 6 54 68 -14 2 5

The Caddyshack 6 0 6 30 60 -30 0 0

Results: Nicky’s Bar 10 v 5 Easy R-Con Bar, Pook’s Bar 10 v 8 Butchers Arms, The Caddyshack 0 v 10 Links Bar, Irish Rovers 10 v 4 Sweethearts Bar

Division 2

Team P W L F A +/- BP Pts.

TJ’s Bar 8 7 1 74 47 27 0 21

Eor’s Bar 8 6 2 72 49 23 1 19

The Stag’s Head 8 6 2 66 62 4 0 18

Hotties 7 4 3 58 43 15 0 12

Offshore Bar 8 3 5 68 62 6 2 11

Mai’s Bar 7 3 4 49 63 -14 1 10

Rabbi’s Elephant 7 1 6 39 65 -26 1 4

The Drunken Duck 7 0 7 35 70 -35 0 0

Results: Eor’s Bar 9 v 10 Mai’s Bar, Hotties 7 v 10 TJ’s Bar, Offshore Bar 10 v 2 Rabbi’s Elephant, Drunken Duck 5 v 10 The Stag’s Head

Pattaya 9-Ball Pool League

Results & Standings Oct. 17 (week 18)

Team Played Won Lost Pts.

Cheers 18 13 2 49

Buddys Bar 17 14 3 44

Simple Simon 18 12 6 37

Irish Rover 17 9 8 32

Queen Vic 18 7 11 29

The Ranch 16 8 10 28

Rioja 18 8 10 28

Roxy 17 7 10 24

George n Dragon 17 7 10 23

Hotties 18 9 12 23

FCUK 18 6 12 19

Moonshine 18 5 13 17

Results: FCUK 13 v 7 Queen Vic, Hotties 7 v 13 Rioja, Cheers 13 v 10 Simple Simon, Irish Rover 13 v 8 Moonshine, Buddy’s Bar 13 v 6 George n Dragon

British Bar Snacks Friday Pool League

Results & Standings Oct. 12 (week 7)

Division 1

Team P W L +/- BP Pts

TJ’s Bar 6 5 1 13 0 15

Sweethearts Bar 5 4 1 13 0 12

Pook’s Bar 7 3 4 6 2 11

Nicky’s Bar 6 3 3 -3 1 10

Shoot Pool 4 3 1 14 0 9

The Butchers Arms 6 3 3 4 0 9

Crazy Eddie’s 7 3 4 -5 0 9

Links Bar 5 2 3 -2 0 6

FCUK Inn 6 0 6 -40 0 0

Results: Pook’s Bar 8 v 10 Nicky’s Bar, Butchers 10 v 2 Crazy Eddie’s, Sweethearts 10 v 3 FCUK Inn, Shoot Pool P v P Links Bar

Division 2

Team P W L +/- BP Pts

Biggyz Rest 7 7 0 39 0 21

Old Thai Angle 7 5 2 8 0 15

The Irish Rovers 6 4 2 12 1 13

Offshore Bar 6 4 2 9 0 12

Mata Bar 6 2 4 -5 1 7

The Queen Vic 6 2 4 -12 1 7

The Stag’s Head 5 2 3 -11 0 6

Mai’s Bar 6 1 5 -19 1 4

The Ranch 5 0 5 -21 1 1

Results: Old Thai 10 v 7 Offshore Bar, Queen Vic 8 v 10 Mai’s Bar, Irish Rovers 10 v 8 Mata Bar, The Ranch 7 v 10 Biggyz Rest

Division 3

Team P W L +/- BP Pts

Dean’s Bar 6 5 1 21 0 15

Easy R-Con Bar 6 5 1 19 0 15

Tie’s R Us 6 4 2 12 1 13

Hotties 7 4 3 -1 0 12

Punch & Judy 5 3 2 12 0 9

Buffalo Jacks 7 2 5 -14 2 8

Jolie Bar 5 2 3 -7 1 7

Rabbi’s Elephant 6 1 5 -19 1 4

Connections 6 1 5 -23 0 3

Results: Hotties 5 v 10 Easy R-Con, Punch&Judy 10 v 4 Connections, Jolie Bar 8 v 10 Dean’s Bar, Rabbi’s 10 v 9 Buffalo Jacks

Pattaya Monday Quiz League

Results & Standings Oct. 15

1-Oct 8-Oct 15-Oct Total Total

Pos. Team Sc. Pts Sc. Pts Sc. Pts Score Points

1 Palmers 78 10 61 4 80 8 715 69

2 Offshore Bar 75 8 73 10 80 8 708 66

3 Cheers 72 6 62 5 88 10 694 56

4 The Londoner 55 2 68 8 74 3 685 56

5 The Ranch 71 5 66 6 75 4 680 52

6 Irish Rovers 68 3 60 3 77 5 635 32

7 Nervous Wreck 71 5 58 2 60 2 587 24

Percentage correct by round this week:

Geog. Sport History Movies Science Reading General All Average Team

77.60% 76.50% 83.70% 73.50% 53.10% 80.60% 87.50% 76.30% Total: 76.3

Wednesday Quiz League

Results & Standings Oct. 17

Pos. Team B/F 3-Oct 10-Oct 17-Oct Total

1 Rest Stop 19 3 3 3 28

2 Palmers 18 3 3 3 27

3 The Londoner 17 1 3 3 24

4 Cheers 10 3 3 3 19

5 Queen Victoria 14 1 1 1 17

6 Offshore 13 1 1 1 16

7 Shagwell Mansion 10 3 1 1 15

8 Nervous Wreck 11 1 1 1 14

Results: The Londoner 78 v 73 Nervous Wreck, Offshore 74 v 86 Cheers, Queen Victoria 60 v 86 Palmers, Shagwell Mansion 78 v 92 Rest Stop