Pattaya Sports Club Bowling League

Results & Standings April 12 (week 16)

200 Bowlers: Kran, Aht, Wade, Tue, Ken & Antero.

This was a very interesting week with only two teams changing positions on the leader board. Café Kronborg regained first place from Indiana after splitting their match with Semper FI with each team winning two points.
Kran Nielsen bowled a 202 game and 539 series for Kronborg.
Indiana lost all four points to Brother D and dropped to second place. Tue Pettae bowled a 202 game, 521 series and Sue Murphy added a 5l5 series for Brother D. Antero Ronkainen had a 218 game and 581 series for Indiana.
VFW Post 9876 won three points from Jack Tar and they remain in fourth place (based on total pins). Aht Johansson bowled a 202 game, 508 series, Ken Johansson rolled a 204 game and Tui Amphanon had a 505 series for VFW.
Bavaria won all four points from Canada. Wade Meyers bowled a 200 game for Canada.
Green Tree won all four points from the Blind Team.

Results & Standings April 12 (week 16)
Pos.	Team	Score	Standings
1	Café Kronborg	2-2	39 - 25
2	Indiana	0 - 4	38 - 26
3	Semper FI	2-2	38 - 26
4	VFW Post 9876	3-1	38 - 26
5	Canada	0 - 4	33 - 31
6	Jack Tar	1-3	31.5 - 32.5
7	Green Tree	4 - 0	31.5 - 32.5
8	Bavaria	4 - 0	30 - 34
9	Brother D	4 - 0	29 - 35
10	Blind	0 - 4	12-52

Crumpton Oaks Dry Cider Wednesday Darts League

Final Standings April 3 (week 14)
Team	P	W	L	Diff.	Pts.
Legends Pool & Sports Bar	14	13	1	62	26
Irish Rovers	14	11	3	44	22
Mee Chew Sports Bar	14	8	6	36	16
Jantha Coffee House	14	8	6	20	16
Yates Bar	14	8	6	16	16
W. Tankies	14	5	9	-10	10
Mai’s Bar	14	3	11	-42	6

Congratulations to the Legends Pool & Sports Bar team – winners of the Crumpton Oaks Dry Cider Wednesday Darts League.

Most Team Tons: Legends Pool & Sports Bar (276)
Most Indiv, Check-out’s: Steve - Mee Chew Sports Bar (45)
Highest Finish: Paramin - Irish Rovers (155)
180’s: Nat - Jantha Coffee House (7), Alan - Mee Chew Sports Bar (3), Ken - Irish Rovers (3), Joh - Yates Bar (2), Inge - Jantha Coffee House (2), John - Legends Pool & Sports Bar (2), Klang - Legends Pool & Sports Bar (2), Steve - Mee Chew Sports Bar (1), Paul - Mee Chew Sports Bar (1), Sadmal - Irish Rovers (1), Paavo - Legends Pool & Sports Bar (1), Symon - Mee Chew Sports Bar (1), Stefan - Irish Rovers (1), Paramin - Irish Rovers (1), Dave - Mai’s Bar (1), Taffy – W. Tankies (1), Jimmy – W. Tankies (1).

Pattaya 9-Ball Pool League

Results & Standings April 18 (week 17)

Team	Played	Won	Lost	Draw	Pts.
Cheers	16	14	1	1	29
Party Girls	16	12	4	0	24
Buddy’s Bar	17	11	5	1	23
George n Dragon	15	8	5	2	18
Legends Pool	14	8	4	2	18
Wet Bar	16	7	7	2	16
FCUK	13	4	7	2	10
The Ranch	14	4	8	2	10
Queen Vic	14	4	9	1	9
Simple Simon	14	3	8	2	8
Irish Rover	15	3	10	3	7
Rioja	14	2	11	2	6
Results:  Buddy’s Bar 12 v 8 Irish Rover, Cheers 10 v 10 George n Dragon, Legends 12 v 8 Simple Simon, Party Girls P v P The Ranch, Wet Bar P v P FCUK, Rioja P v P Queen Vic

Monday DI Premier League Darts

Results & Standings April 15 (week 11)

Team	P	W	L	B/L	+/-	Pts
Legends Darts	11	10	1	10	59	20
Longshore Taffy’s	10	10	0	8	44	20
Load Out Bar	9	5	4	6	1	10
Dang’s Bar	10	5	5	5	-2	10
Double Top Bar	9	4	5	4	3	8
The Irish Rovers	9	3	6	5	-9	6
Jantha Coffee House	11	3	8	2	-41	6
Results:  Dang’s Bar (1-0)-(8-1) v Legends Darts, Double Top Bar (8-1)-(1-0) v Jantha Coffee, Longshore Taffy’s W v L Bye

Thursday 501 Darts League

Results & Standings April 18 (week 5)

Team	P	W	L	B/L	+/-	Pts.
Taffy’s	5	5	0	2	19	10
Khao Noi Sports Bar	5	4	1	3	21	8
C.S. Coffee	5	2	3	5	3	4
PJ’S Pub ‘A’	5	2	3	2	-3	4
PJ’S Pub ‘B’	5	2	3	2	-15	4
Results:  Bye (0-0)-(5-1) v PJ’s Pub ‘B’, PJ’s Pub ‘A’ (5-0)-(4-1) v C.S. Coffee, Taffy’s 5 v 4 Khao Noi Sports Bar

PSC golf from The Outback Golf Bar

The Outback Pro-Am team (from left): Ian Heddle, Geoff Stimpson, Punuwat Muenlek and Ron Dickie.

Monday, April 15, Burapha - Stableford
Another holiday today but nevertheless a very good field of 38 players at a very busy and colourful Burapha, amidst all the preparations for the Singha sponsored, Pattaya Open which was due to start here on Thursday (18th).
On B & D, where the main event was to be staged, there was a qualifier being played resulting in an uncharacteristic caddie shortage, with the majority of our guys having to wait for quite some time until caddies were imported from Laem Chabang.
General Jack, who did not go on the Chiang Mai trip, was left with some hasty reshuffling on the tee as players turned up somewhat haphazardly with caddies and when they did, away they went, but even then there were some groups who started without their full compliment (of caddies).
The front nine was played at a good pace, which many of the cards reflected but it slowed on the back, as it seemed the starter had allowed some groups to jump in, in front of us.
Paul Greenaway shared one of the three 39pts scored today, to win Div A from Geoff Braithwaite with the same score; the other 39 coming from Gordon Clegg who won Div C playing off a handicap of 28.

Mike, the Burapha Manager (left), with Prom Meesawa next to Andy Butterworth on the right.

Tim Knight won yet again with 37pts to take Div B from John Leonard, with Ed Turner at last finishing on the podium taking third, having his last game with the Outback.
There were three ‘2’s, all on the same hole (C5) from Paul Bourke, Paul Greenaway & Geoff Stimpson
Div A (0-13)
1st Paul Greenaway (10) 39pts
2nd Geoff Braithwaite (7) 39pts
3rd Andy Butterworth (13) 37pts
4th Bob Finley (13) 35pts
Div B (14-21)
1st Tim Knight (21) 37pts
2nd John Leonard (15) 35pts
3rd Ed Turner (18) 32pts
4th Greg Hill (17) 32pts
Div C (22+)
1st Gordon Clegg (28) 39pts
2nd Andy Makara (30) 36pts
3rd Tony Aslett (22) 34pts
4th John White (26) 32pts

Tuesday, April 16, Khao Kheow - Stableford
Three groups (12 PAX) was excellent for the time of year and considering it was yet another holiday. General Jack did the start again as Suzi is away and Capt’ Steve is still injured and the designated courses were A & B.
For a change, and also as there were quite a few high handicappers playing, we played from the white tees resulting in Andy Makara, who knows this course well, running away with a four shot win over Monday’s winner at Burapha, Gordon Clegg on 35.
Welcome to some new guys in town having a hit with us for the first time, namely Brenton, Mark & Greg and also to Saito, who played with us Monday for the first time and Bob Barnes, who was pleased to be back.
There was only one ‘2’ from Geoff Braithwaite on A3.
1st Andy Makara (30) 39pts
2nd Gordon Clegg (27) 35pts
3rd John Leonard (15) 33pts
4th Jarod Braithwaite (18) 29pts

Wednesday, April 17, Siam Plantation - Stableford
With heavy rain falling in Pattaya as many woke, it was hardly surprising that there were a couple of no-shows, but 13 stalwarts were not put off as the weather cleared up leaving an excellent day for golf on the A & B loops here at Plantation.
Our thanks to Tim Knight, who ran the day, and our congrats to Sel who won the day with 38pts over Jarod Braithwaite (36pts) and John O’Keefe (34). Waldo, aka Steve Blazsanyik, lost out on count back, also with 34.
There was again only one ‘2’ from Jarod Braithwaite on B3
1st Sel Wegner (13) 38pts
2nd Jarod Braithwaite (18) 36pts
3rd John O’Keefe (15) 34pts
4th Stephen Blazsanyik (17) 34pts

Wednesday, April 17, Burapha – Singha Open Pro-Am
Another great day had by all. It rained up until the shotgun start then the skies lightened for what was set up to be a pleasant day for golf. However, as a result of the early persistent rain, ‘pick and place’ was in force to give everyone an equal opportunity on the fairways.
The B&D nines were set up well for the Open, greens were first class and the rough wasn’t as penile as last year’s but still best avoided at all costs.
The format was a form of individual medal play with the two best net scores per hole going forward as the team score.
After the golf, Burpaha Golf Management and Singha put on an excellent spread along with the prize giving which was held in the restaurant. The Outback’s team of Ron Dickie, Ian Heddle & Geoff Stimpson also included a 28-year old Thai journeyman pro, Panuwat Muenlek, who proved his worth to our team by carding an individual score of -6, helping us to a final score of -12. Not too shabby as Ian had just arrived home from a long offshore hitch and both Geoff and Ron were fighting some gremlins in the system. Panuwat’s schedule after the Singha Pattaya Open will take him to Laos then down to Indonesia for the Indonesian Masters.
Buttsy (Andy Butterworth), who only got in to play at the last moment as one of Mike’s original team couldn’t make it, was in the company of true star status in the form of Asian golfing giant Prom Meesawat. He also stated that having his picture taken next to Prom made him look slim. Not being one familiar with that word I can’t comment, however it was noted they were not allowed to share the same golf buggy.
Another Thai legend, Thaworn Wiritchant, was also playing in the Pro-Am. Very surreal – the previous week he was playing in his debut at the US Masters with Tiger and co. at Augusta, this week he was playing with the Outback Boys at Burapha.
Note: The Outback Golf Bar is situated about 6km from Sukhumvit Road along Soi Siam Country. Call Jack on 081 578 1956.

Pattaya Sports Club represented at 11th Singha Pattaya Open

During the past couple of years the Pattaya Sports Club (PSC) has improved its relationship with the Eastern Seaboard Golf Course Management Association (EGA) and also with Boon Rawd Brewery Company (Singha) and this year they gave the PSC a Sponsor position for the PSC 2013 Champion to play in the 11th Singha Pattaya Open, which was held at Burapha Golf Course from April 18-21.
Jeff Wylie & Jonathan Pratt on the 1st Tee at the 11th Singha Pattaya Open.

The PSC Champion Mike Allidi had a schedule conflict and PSC member Jeff Wylie played in his place. His caddy was also a PSC member, Jonathan Pratt, and they did the Pattaya Sports Club proud and really enjoyed themselves, even though Jeff did not make the cut.
Also on the last day of the tournament, a Golf Clinic was held at the Burapha Driving Range which was free to PSC members and their guests and included a hat, free drinks and food and many prizes. Everyone was invited to watch the final groups of golfers to finish their round and the awarding of the trophy for the winner of the 11th Singha Pattaya Open.
The Pattaya Sports Club wants to thank the EGA & Singha for this sponsorship and hopes this relationship and tradition will continue.

Never put a ‘Donkey’ in your cart

PSC golf from Lewiinski’s Golf Society

Sunday, March 24, Green Valley - Medal
A Flight
1st Bob Newell (7) Net 68
2nd Thierry Petrement (10) Net 69
B Flight
1st Lean LaRoche (18) Net 73
2nd Freddy Starbeck (16) Net 74
Near Pins: No 2 Barry Copestake No 9 Peter LeNoury No 12 Jon Haugen No 16 Jez Lees.
Bob Newell.

The saddest story of the day must be, I do not even know his name but he was in the Donkey’s four-ball. On the 14th hole, feeling sorry for the Donkey that looked a little tired, he offered him a lift to the next tee. The Donkey gratefully accepted and climbed on the back of the cart. During the journey the Donkey counted the Good Samaritan’s clubs and guess what? He had in his bag 15 and was immediately disqualified. But to be fair to the Donkey, he did thank his ex-friend for the lift (hence this week’s title).
It was a tossup whether ‘Broad more’ Bob played golf or took a visit to the hospital as he is suffering from numerous inflictions; mainly missing vertebrae in his back. He decided to leave the hospital visit for another day and it turned out a wise decision as he managed to etch his name onto the Lewiinski’s wall of shame and take home the cut glass whiskey glass and a bottle of Jameson’s Irish whiskey with a match winning net 68. After Bob received his bottle of Jameson’s, a missing person’s alert was issued.
Bob was followed up the podium steps by Mr. nice guy Thierry Petrement a shot back on net 69.
The laurels in B Flight went to Jean LaRoche with a solid net 74 - Jean was one clear of Freddy ‘the Viking’ Starbeck.
Norman Cheetham, Jon Haugen, Jean LaRoche. Freddy Starbeck and Jez Lees shared the 2’s pot.
Wednesday, April 17, Banyan Golf Club Hua Hin - Stableford
A Flight
1st Terry Mangan (13) 39pts
2nd Chaten Patel (14) 36pts
3rd Paul Hack (14) 35pts
4th J P Maffray (14) 34pts
B Flight
1st Lawrie McBride (16) 39pts
2nd Freddy Starbeck (17) 37pts
3rd Jimmy Day (18) 34pts
4th Barry Copestake (15) 34pts
C Flight
1st Mike Jeffries (19) 39pts
2nd Mike Craighead (22) 38pts
3rd Ton Gorey (21) 38pts
4th Jim Reid (26) 37pts
The Lewiinski’s Golf Society decided, like a few others, to pull down the shutters and head to the Banyan Golf and Country Club Hua Hin for a getaway from the eight days of madness known as Songkran. Various commitments prevented some of the participants from playing in the full main three days (Weds 17th thru Fri 19th).
Co. Wicklow’s favourite son Terry ‘pork chop’ Mangan, whose potential has been noted in this column before, showed well off his 13 handicap to take top spot in A Flight with a solid 39 points. Terry’s score was three clear of Chaten ‘the Rajah’ Patel and yet another from Aussie Paul Hack.
Lawrie McBride stood atop the B Flight podium with his very own impressive 39 points, chased I might add by Freddy’ the Viking’ Starbeck just a stroke in arrears. Co. Wicklow’s second favourite son, Jimmy ‘good’ Day, and Barry ‘the Boot’ Copestake filled the minor flight places as on a count back the luck of the Irish held up with Jimmy taking the bronze.
C Flight was not to be outdone as Mike the ‘Welsh Wizard’ Jeffreys also shot a very good 39 points. It had to be good because Mike ‘the mechanic’ Craighead and Irishman Tom Gorey were both tied a shot back, this time the luck of the Irish did not hold up as Lewiinski’s most liked and most senior player lifted the silver. Jim ‘just call me lonesome’ Reid tided up the flight.
Paul Hack, Freddy Starbeck and Mike Craighead shared a very healthy 2’s pot.
Day two saw Chaten ‘the Rajah’ Patel return his second even par round to keep his hopes alive. JP Maffray returned his second 34pts to also keep himself in the hunt, but the man to beat was Mike ‘the Welsh Wizard’ Jefferies as his 36 points, coupled with his first day’s 39, put him top of the heap on 75 points.
Pat Treacy, Mitch Squire, Andre Fortis and Gordon Everingham shared the 2’s pot.
Day three saw the cream rise to the top as Freddy ‘The Viking’ Starbeck and Chaten ‘The Rajah Patel both finished the tournament with 108 points. Freddy won the resulting count back and the Hua Hin Banyan Masters title for 2013. Martin Allard and Mike ‘the Welsh Wizard’ Jefferies were tied on 107 for the 2nd runners-up spot.
Terry Mangan, Jim Bell and David Norman divided up the 2’s pot.
A great trip and a good time was had by all.
Note: Lewiinski’s is situated on Pattaya land Soi 1, Beach Rd Soi13/13 near 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.

Warm weather, hot golf

PSC golf from The Beaver Bar & Grill

Paul Smelts.

The Beaver Bar & Grill’s weekly Friday golf saw15 resolute golfers arrive at the Emerald Golf Club April 19, to a bright and sunny day that promised a hint of hot weather. As well as the weather being hot, so were several of the golfers who posted some sizzling scores as well.
Paul Smelts arrived back at the Beaver Bar with 43 points on his scorecard, taking the honors for the day. Paul’s iron play was spot on as well shown by taking nearest to the pin.
A good day was had by all despite the warm weather. Again, Larry wishes to thank one and all for their participation.

Hot, Hot, Hot

The Backyard Golf Society

Friday, April 19, The Emerald - Stableford
Sweltering conditions were the order of the day for the Backyard golfers at Emerald last week. Most chose to use buggies but for those gallant players who walked the hilly course it was a true test of stamina.
Winner of the stableford competition today was the former Mr. Yaya’s Delight, winning on count back from Irish John. The near-pin prize went to Irish John as did the four rollover skins from the previous outing.
The Quiet Man was the major winner in the skins today with 6, while The Mummy came in with 4, Foos yer Doos Cowe won 3, and Irish John won 2, with singles to Yaya’s Delight, Dan the Diet Whiskey Man and Second-hand Bob, recently returned again from Old Blighty and no doubt already planning days long trips to Hua Hin and Sai Dao!
The Quiet Man looked as if he was going to expire after the rigours of walking the 18 holes so he was relieved to get down the road for a few ‘coldies’ with the girls at Blue Sky. The heat in Ban Chang was also wilting and the girls were more than happy to sit and listen to The Quiet Man regale them with stories of his round and other various subjects.
Our numbers are down at the moment with players out injured, or ill, or away at work and some (Don the Divorcer) gone missing for a few weeks. Not to worry, as long as we have enough for a round on a Friday everyone is happy.

Golfnutter: The Good, The Bad and The Ugly

Welcome to Golfnutter’s column – a weekly commentary highlighting contemporary golfing issues, in Pattaya and beyond. For more on matters golf, including this story, visit golfnutter.wordpress.com.
The first of this year’s majors, played out in the fading light of a classic Augusta play-off, had it all – including the good, the bad and the ugly!
The Good:
Not so long ago, the golfing world looked on in horror as Adam Scott stumbled down the home stretch at the Open Championship, at Royal Lytham & St Annes last July. That stumble saw him drop from 10-under par to finish 6-under par and lose to Ernie Ells by one shot. He had yet to win a major, and from this point many thought he never would. The manner with which he conducted himself during the media grilling that followed was as courageous as it was dignified. Internally, he must have felt crestfallen, shattered.
That Scott came back so quickly to contend in another major is of great credit to him. That he did so in the manner he did – birdieing the 72nd along with the second play-off hole – against a previous Masters winner, says a great deal more.

His acceptance speech was gracious and oozed class. Here was a gentleman whose first utterance, upon sinking what he then thought would be the winning putt, was “C’mon Aussie” as he high-fived his caddie, fellow ANZAC Steve Williams. He, along with the other three Aussies in the final round, knew damn well that no Australian had won the Green Jacket. They had managed runner-up eight times, but never won. His first reaction, then, was for country, not self. The Good!
The Bad:
For years the Masters has represented the pinnacle of what golf is about. The legacy from champions past has only added to the game’s much admired association with integrity, honesty and adherence to rules, in particular, the Rules of Golf. The running of this, the 77th Masters, may have changed that somewhat.
By way of recap; Tiger Woods’s third shot during round two of Friday’s second round, from about 85 yards out on the par five 15th, hit the flagstick and rebounded into the water hazard, front left. The yellow stakes defining the hazard gave him three options – play from the designated drop zone, drop on a line from where the ball last crossed the hazard, keeping that line between him and the flag, or drop as near as possible to where he last played. Tiger chose the last option, well, sort of.
Instead of dropping as near as possible to where he last played, Tiger actually dropped two yards back. In an interview post round, he stated, “I went down to the drop area, and that wasn’t going to be a good spot as it’s really grainy there. So, I went back to where I played it from, but I went two yards further back and I took – tried to take – two yards off the shot of what I felt I hit before. And that should land me short of the flag and not have it either hit the flag or skip over it. I felt that was going to be the right decision. It worked out perfectly.”
The relevant Rule – Relief for Ball in Water Hazard – Rule 26-1.a. states; Proceed under the stroke and distance provision of Rule 27-1 by playing a ball as nearly as possible at the spot from which the original ball was last played. Tiger, by his own admittance, did not do this. He didn’t do it because he thought he needed to take two yards off the shot. Some would argue that this improved his lie.
The penalty for breach of Rule 27-1, in stroke play, is two shots.
The Rules Committee would eventually decide to invoke Rule 20-7- Playing from Wrong Place, which carries a two-shot penalty. Rule 20-7 also states; Note 1: A competitor is deemed to have committed a serious breach of the applicable Rule if the Committee considers he has gained a significant advantage as a result of playing from a wrong place. The penalty for committing a serious breach, and failing to correct it, is disqualification.
Back to Tiger and the what happened next scenario. Sometime between the drop and Tiger playing 18, an eagle-eyed TV viewer allegedly phoned Augusta National to advise them Tiger had dropped in an incorrect place. The officials at Augusta viewed the footage and took the view that Tiger did not have a case to answer. They believed he had dropped close enough to the original spot so as to not make any material difference. They therefore did not bother to intercept Tiger to ask for clarification prior to him returning his scorecard.
Hours later, they became aware of Tiger’s words from his post-round interview. That the drop had indeed made a material difference and that Tiger had intended it to, about two yards in fact.
Houston, we have a problem!
After meeting with Tiger the following morning, the Rules Committee announced that Tiger would incur a two-shot penalty as a result of an incorrect drop during his previous round. His score, therefore, would be altered and moved from 3-under par to 1-under par. Alter a player’s score and not DQ him? Unbelievable!
An official statement was issued followed by a press conference called by Fred Ridley, Chairman Competition Committee. With many journalists becoming increasingly incredulous, Ridley struggled with responses to direct questions. Confusion as to why Tiger was still playing after signing a wrong card was as high post conference as it was when Ridley started speaking. His defence centred on the committee’s discretionary powers under Rule 33-7 as justification for not enforcing a disqualification.
Golf’s rule makers introduced this rule in April 2011, in time for that year’s Masters. Rule 33-7. Disqualification Penalty; Committee Discretion. A penalty of disqualification may in exceptional individual cases be waived, modified or imposed if the Committee considers such action warranted.
In an obvious attempt at promoting equity, the book of Decisions, Rule 33-7.4.5 defined the relevant condition; where a player is not aware he has breached a Rule because of facts that he did not know and could not reasonably have discovered prior to returning his scorecard. At the discretion of the Committee, the player still receives the penalty associated with the breach of the underlying Rule, but is not disqualified.
The basic idea here was to assist players who unknowingly broke the rules but were clearly not seeking an advantage. This is the rule the Masters Rules Committee invoked. The discretion of the committee was to impose a two-shot penalty, not disqualification, even though Woods had sought to take, “Two yards off the shot.”
Ignorance of the Rules is still not an excuse. The disqualification penalty still applies for scorecard breaches that arise from ignorance of the Rules. Tiger broke a rule – whether or not he knew the Rule is irrelevant – and did so to gain an advantage. The argument for disqualification is as strong as there are precedents.
So, what could possibly justify the committee taking the lenient action they did?
Perhaps they hold themselves partly responsible for not taking action when the infringement first came to their attention. Had they done so, it would have enabled Tiger to amend his card and thus return the correct score, with the two-shot penalty added. Whether or not this speculation is correct does not detract from the fact that their use of what is being dubbed the ‘HD Rule’, Rule 33-7, with its discretionary powers, has been used in a manner I doubt the rule makers intended.
One wonders if the Rules Committee would have applied the same leniency to someone other than Tiger Woods, someone inconsequential like a 14 year-old kid from China for example.
This precedent is frightening to contemplate. The Bad!
The Ugly:
Unlike other sports, in golf players police themselves. They are their own referees. Above any other consideration it is a game requiring integrity, honour. It requires players to report their own indiscretions. In golf, the final score is not as important as the manner in which it is compiled.
What would be particularly galling to the traditionalists, those that hold the game up as the epitome of integrity, is the way in which Tiger recounted on camera how clever he had been, in dropping his ball back two yards from where he last played. As he reminded the golfing world, this was to take two yards off the shot. And in case we still didn’t get it, he added, “It worked out perfectly”.
The controversy that this has generated has been considerable. Notables such as Greg Norman and Sir Nick Faldo have publicly bemoaned Tiger’s decision not to withdraw, with three-time Masters Champion Faldo suggesting he, Tiger, should consider the mark this will leave on his legacy.
These sentiments were echoed by many, including Golf Channel anchor, former PGA winner, Brandel Chamblee, “Forget provisions for equity and inadvertent signings of scorecards, he gained an advantage and he knows it. When you violate a rule, you don’t always gain an advantage. But Tiger Woods knows he violated a rule and knows he gained an advantage – that’s what’s at issue here. This has cast a dark shadow over his entire career.”
Conversely, others have sided with Woods’s decision to continue playing. Fred Couples said the ruling was one of the best ever and that it, “Had set a fantastic precedent to protect players from unwitting mistakes for years to come.”
Graeme McDowell twittered; Take the fact that it was Tiger out of the equation and it is a fair ruling. Since it is him the debate begins about TV ratings etc etc.
There is one major point the pro-Tiger views don’t address; Tiger, knowingly or otherwise, violated a rule through an illegal drop with the intention of gaining an advantage. This fact, together with returning an incorrect scorecard, would normally result in disqualification. In the absence of such a ruling, the player had an opportunity to follow the noble example set by principled players who have gone before him. He should have withdrawn.
There is a new Nike add recently launched. It’s hitting the newsprint, electronic, magazine and billboard media with a larger-than-life shot of Tiger, dressed in his usual Sunday winning garb – red shirt, black pants – with the headline: “Winning Takes Care of Everything.”
That’s The Ugly!
Because of the ramifications involved, all this distracted from what should have been a wonderful celebration of achievement. A marvellous victory that reminds us that good guys can and do win. To Adam Scott goes the heartiest of congratulations, not just on his victory, but on how he achieved it. He did himself and his country proud.
Happy golfing!

Grant Cadell claims Khao Yai

The Golf Club 4th Khao Yai Songkran Classic

The gang at the first tee at Bonanza.

Steve Ellison
Tuesday, April 16, Panorama G.C. (white/silver tees) – Stableford
1st Ken Aihara 37pts
T2nd Martin Grimoldby 36pts
T2nd John Pegrum 36pts
I absolutely love this region of the kingdom, and the golf here just keeps on getting better and better. The cool and clean mountain air, the peace and serenity, and the absence of stupid drunks armed with water cannons were all a welcome respite from the heat of Pattaya.

The lovely 11th hole, a par 3, at the Khao Yai Golf Course.

Panorama was the first venue to play on this road trip, and it was happily received and in great condition. It turned out to be the most difficult test of golf as the scoring average was only 29.5 Stableford points. It was the favoured course of the low handicappers and lived up to its name as the panoramic vistas on this golf course were quite stunning.
Steady Ken Aihara won it today. He usually keeps the ball in the fairway and was rewarded for this with a win. Martin Grimoldby and John Pegrum shot to their handicap and shared second place whilst everyone else struggled behind. Well played lads!
This is a fair test of golf and the fairways are used as boulevards of beauty as most holes are hidden from other golfers by the lush, mature growth. They did not put in many man-made hazards on this course, the natural lay of the land makes it hard enough and that is why this golf course was so popular, I believe. A good designer does not need to trick up a course if they have a great piece of topography to work with. Panorama will always be on our playlist up here, and our friend Khun James, formerly of the Thai Country Club, always looks after us here.

Alan Rothwell, Frank Riley, “Man of the Mountain” Grant Cadell, Ken Aihara, Alan Griffiths, Martin Grimoldby, and little Ally!

Thursday, April 18, Khao Yai G.C. (blue/silver tees) - Stableford
1st Frank Riley 42pts
T2nd Brian Prudden 41pts
T2nd Alan Griffiths 41pts
This place has gone through more name changes than a Hollywood B movie actress, but the former Mission Hills, Life Privilege, etc. is now just called the Khao Yai Golf Course. A more stunning location for a golf course would be hard to find, and some holes look as though they are out of a James Bond movie. It is a special place where Jack Nicklaus has carved a most scenic and challenging track through a majestic collection of mountains.
The gang was drying out their shoes and bags from yesterday’s washout at Bonanza, where we had a most unusual cancellation due to rain and lightning, so no comp there and the handsome man vouchers were carried over to today’s event. Grant Cadell had to leave his 22 points on the Bonanza front nine in frustrating fashion.
Today was a different story with a spectacular morning start that greeted us with crystal blue skies which developed into a few welcome clouds over the back nine. Being at 1,200 foot altitude, Khao Yai enjoys cooler weather than Pattaya and at night it actually feels chilly!
It was a day for the experienced golfers to shine, and the top three gentlemen (none from Verona) with a combined age of 204 years gave them the knowledge needed to get to the top. A certain birthday boy by the name of Frank Riley, 74 years young, was at the top of the podium with a magnificent 42 points on a course never played before. Brian Prudden was right behind with a fine total of 41 points to tie the youngster of the trio, Alan Griffiths, for joint second place.
This was a forgiving course for 20 of Pattaya’s finest and a scoring average of 35.15 made it the highest of the trip. That said, this is definitely a course to book for your next golf trip as the only word to describe K.Y.G.C. is spectacular, and the signature holes here are to be counted on two hands.
Friday, April 19, Rancho Charnvee (white/silver tees) – Stableford
T1st Ken Aihara 38pts
T1st Grant Cadell 38pts
2nd John Pegrum 37pts
This was the day of reckoning and it was all on the line with half the field who could have won with a good round out there today. The comp was determined by the best 2 scores from the 3 rounds played, as we lost one days’ play at Bonanza due to the rain. There were several spinning heads from the night before as those 5-litre boxes of wine the Aussies invented went down a treat.
Rancho is a lovely track that is well maintained and is starting to mature nicely now. This is the course with the boat in the lake and a private airstrip for the owner, who has a heck of a nice set up here in God’s Country. It’s good to be King!
31.8 turned out to be the scoring average for the day, probably due to the undulating greens that caused trouble for some of us. When the dust settled, it was Grant Cadell and Ken Aihara, both with 38 points, tied for 1st place for today’s comp. John Pegrum returned with 37 points on the day to add to his 36 from Panorama to give him a total of 73. Kenny’s 38 was paired with one of his 37’s from before to leave him 1 shot short on 75 with Grant Cadell winning it all with a pair of 38’s to give him 76 points total and the title of Man of the Mountain for 2013. If you see a tall Canadian with a new black cowboy hat, there’s your winner.
Thanks to all who joined us for this annual Songkran trip. We had a great time up at The Eco Valley Lodge and also need to thank Khun Tai and her husband Morten for their hospitality, a friendly team of staff there, and for the barbecue they treated us to on the final night. Ally had loads of fun riding ponies, swimming, catching bugs and playing with Jack the Dog. Please try to join us next year, the more the merrier!
Final Results
1st Grant Cadell 76pts
2nd Ken Aihara 75pts
T3rd Alan Griffiths 74pts
T3rd Martin Grimoldby 74pts
T3rd Frank Riley 74pts
T3rd Alan Rothwell 74pts
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: [email protected] and see updates at www.facebook.com/golfclubpattaya   All handicaps welcome!

Trewarns’s triumphant return

Phoenix Members Golf Society

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

Mike Gerrard
With an odd number of players booked in today, Friday April 12, we decided to have a little team match scenario. Three teams of three players each and the best two stableford scores added together to count as the team score. We also made provision for the best singles score as well.
All too often with this type of competition one player scores individually well and possibly comes away with nothing. This proved partly correct with Jan Svensen scoring 33 points himself, which gave him second place in the individual competition. His two partners, Kevin Bird and your scribe Mike Gerrard, both had howlers so subsequently the team score was the worst of the day with only 53 points. Kevin did have a good excuse; he had only arrived that morning after flying from the UK overnight. I had no excuse!
Not so with the winners today though. Peter (scrambler) Harris had the best individual score with 35 points and coupled with his partners’ scores (Richard Baldwin & Joris Goetschalckx) their team also accumulated 76 points to win the team event. This left Mukesh Thakker, Jim Neilson & Colin Gregg claiming second place.
There is always some hope for the not so good players of the day in the way of near pin prizes. However, they also went to the best scorers of the day. Jan Svensen claimed two of these with superb tee shots at Lake 2 & Lake 7, with Jim Neilson hitting the closest at Mountain 8, which usually is the toughest par three at Phoenix.
Mountain 4 was not hit from the tee and the prize went into the lucky draw. This is the point where the other no hopers have a chance to get something back from the day. This meant that with four lucky draw prizes available and only four players who had not already won something, everyone ended up with a prize at the death. Couldn’t be better!
Onto Tuesday, April 16, and after being away for about 6 weeks in Australia, Harvey Trewarn must have forgotten the way in which he hit the ball badly to return a superb 39 points to claim the KPK Food Services voucher as well as the other first prize. Surprisingly, the scribe managed to get second place with 34 points, Patrick Browne scored 33 to claim third and Richard Baldwin returned 32 points to grab fourth place.
Near pins went to Stuart Gordon, Fred May, Richard Baldwin & Adriano Reale.
With Fred May not returning to the presentation, his near pin prize was put into the lucky draw and guess who won it? Yes, it was Joris Goetschalckx. We might just as well scrap the lucky draw and just give it to Joris every week! Other lucky draw prizes went to Bob Neylon, Gary Blackburne and Mukesh Thakker.
Our thanks go to our sponsors, KPK Food Services, for the monthly voucher and The Relax Bar for their donations for the lucky draw prizes every game we play.
Many changes are taking place at Phoenix at present and there has been a lot of work taking place on the course, which is already showing signs of improvement to the landscape.
Note: We play every Tuesday and Friday at approximately 11.30 am.. If anyone is interested in joining us they can enjoy a green fee of 800 baht on Tuesday’s and 1,000 baht green fee on Friday’s. Call me (Mike) on 087 091 7565 for further information.

Cooney edged out on count back (again)

PSC golf from the Bunker Boys @ The Ranch

Monday, April 12,
Burapha A & C – Stableford
We only play Burapha during the low season when the summer promotion prices kick in, and normally our local resident players look forward to returning here. However, this being Songkran week only 10 players turned up for our first visit of the year, with most regulars having already made their escape from Pattaya.
Colin Greig.

We were allocated to play the A and C nines but our tee off time was delayed slightly, due to a shortage of caddies. The course was generally in good shape and the greens were quick and true, even though a violent storm and heavy rain had hit the course the previous day.
We elected to play off the blue tees, but several players found the course excessively long, and the scores on the day reflected that. No player played to their handicap and a count back was needed to give Steve Durey the top podium position ahead of Jerry Waselenkof, both with 33 points.
1st Steve Dury (17) 33pts
2nd Jerry Waselenkof (17) 33pts
3rd Colin Greig (10) 29pts
Near Pins: Tony Robbins and PJ Redmond
Wednesday, April 14,
Bangpra – Stableford
Only nine players today, for what is normally one of the most popular venues on our schedule. John Graham made a welcome return to form to take the overall win, beating Gerry Cooney on a count back, both finishing with 37 points. Gerry must be one of the unluckiest golfers in the Bunker Boys society when it comes to count backs, perennially losing out, maybe it’s just an age thing, losing steam on the back nine!
It was Colin Greig’s last game today, as he prepared to make his annual return to the U.K., but his consistent play throughout the month has put him in pole position in April’s Golfer of the Month competition. With the cancellation of Friday’s game, the contenders now have only four games left to catch him, and prevent him from taking his second consecutive award.
1st John Graham (11) 37pts
2nd Gerry Cooney (14) 37pts
3rd Mark Stanley (11) 35pts
Near Pins: Colin Greig Gerry Cooney, John Graham and Mark Stanley.
Note: 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. 

Australian Zhao Zong-Yuan wins Thailand Open chess title

Australia’s Zhao Zong-Yuan (center) holds up the champion’s trophy after winning the 2013 Thailand Open chess title at the Dusit Thani Pattaya resort, Sunday, April 21.

Peter Darby
In a multinational field of over 300 players Australian number one, Grandmaster Zhao Zong-Yuan, edged out the other big name favorites to win the Thailand Open 2013 chess tournament held at the Dusit Thani Pattaya resort from April 14-21.
GM Zhao had a rating performance of just under 2,700 overall, including a dramatic win over GM Nigel Short in the eighth round. He finished with 7.5 points from nine rounds to claim the 100,000 baht first prize.
Following Zhao Zong-Yuan were six players on seven points. On tie-breaks, IM Wan Yunguo took second place and a GM norm. GM Jan Gustafsson from Germany, who admitted that he was here “just on holiday” when asked about the tournament, finished in third place.

China’s Xu Ruoying is presented with the Female Challenger trophy by Dusit Thani General Manager Chatchawal Supachayanont (right).

The top seed GM Nigel Short, a familiar and welcome presence at the Thailand Open, played fighting chess throughout the tournament making a decisive result in all but one game. He struggled at times though, pushing too hard for wins.
Meanwhile, the world’s third highest rated female player, GM Humpy Koneru, had a solid tournament and remained unbeaten.
Top prize for best Thai player went to FM Jirapak Pitirotjirathon, who performed well above his rating. He has long been dedicated to improving the quality of chess in Thailand and sets a fine example for Thai juniors aspiring to titles.
Congratulations also to IM Roy Saptarshi of India for achieving his second GM norm with a win over Nigel Short. Receiving IM norms were Ma Zhonghan of China, Hamed Nouri of Philippines and Sardana Rishi of India, currently rated only 2,232.

Germany’s Jan Gustafsson (left) cools off in the sea with Grandmaster Irine Sukandar of Indonesia.

Junior rugby gets a boost from Pattaya Rugby fest

Tournament sponsors and Pattaya Panthers rugby players pose for a photo at the press conference held at the Amari Orchid Pattaya on Monday, April 22, to announce the upcoming 2013 Chris Kays Pattaya Rugby Festival.

The Amari Orchid Pattaya Chris Kays Memorial Pattaya Rugby Festival is the highlight of the year on the Eastern Seaboard as far as rugby aficionados are concerned and is also a great spectacle for all lovers of sport.
This year’s event will take place over the weekend of May 4-5 at the traditional home of rugby in Pattaya, the beautiful Horseshoe Point Resort on the outskirts of the city and promises to be as good, if not better, than all its previous incarnations.
At a press conference for the event, held at the Ice Bar of title sponsor Amari Orchid Pattaya on Monday, April 22, perennial tournament organizer and Pattaya’s ‘Mr. Rugby’, Jim Howard, encouraged all sports fans and families to come along and support the teams as well as enjoy a weekend of fun and entertainment.
Jim spoke of the admission of rugby into the Olympic Games in Rio in 2016 as a significant development and pointed out this provided a great boost to encouraging Thai youth to take up the sport as a means of recreation, as well as giving those with the ability a target to achieve sporting glory on the biggest of stages.
As in past events here, the Pattaya Rugby Festival will feature a junior (U-15’s) competition, this year being sponsored by Kingdom Property, which will enable the best young Thai rugby prospects to showcase their talents to a wider audience and hopefully lead to others taking up the game.
Running alongside the junior tournament will be the main draw 10’s competition which will feature the usual contest for four trophies; Cup, Plate, Bowl and Shield, with the preliminary rounds being held on Saturday and the Quarter Finals, Semi Finals and Finals all taking place on Sunday.
Play is scheduled to get underway in the seniors tournament at 9 a.m. on Saturday morning and is expected to conclude around 6 p.m. on Sunday. The preliminary rounds of the junior competition will be held Saturday from 4 p.m. – 7 p.m., with the finals being held on Sunday morning.
General Manager Brendan Daly, speaking on behalf of the Amari Orchid Pattaya, confirmed that as title sponsors they will provide not only a sponsor’s pavilion with refreshments but also a children’s play area in the grounds of Horseshoe Point to ensure that everyone in the family who attends will be well catered for.
Other sponsors of this year’s tournament represented at the press conference were CEA (Crane Equipment Asia), Kingdom Property, venue sponsors Horseshoe Point Resort and media sponsors Pattaya Mail Media Group.
The list of teams competing in this year’s tournament has yet to be finalized but check out the Pattaya Mail next week for an up to date preview and mark the 2013 Chris Kays Pattaya Rugby Festival down as an event in your diary not to be missed.

United coach quits as team tumbles into bottom three

Teerarak Suthathiwong
Pattaya United Football Club Manager Chalermwoot Sa-Ngapol resigned last week after angry Dolphin fans protested the team’s poor start to the new Thai Premier League season.

Chalermwoot Sa-Ngapol.

Club Managing Director Sombut Pinyasiri and Chalermwoot announced the resignation April 17 at a raucous press conference following the Loma Dolphins’ 2-1 loss to fellow league strugglers Ratchaburi Mitphon at the Nongprue Stadium.
“I apologize for disappointing the fans with the recent performance and accept all the losses as my sole responsibility,” Chalermwoot said. “I will leave the coaching job.”
Fans mobbed club officials after the loss, forcing police to restore order. The crowd applauded vigorously after Chalermwoot announced his departure.
Chalermwoot took the helm of the Dolphins in July 2011 and was credited with turning around the team’s season, leading them to a fourth-place finish. But injuries and poor play by injury replacements sent Pattaya United tumbling to a 15th place finish last year.
Prior to the 2013 campaign, Sombat said the club had amassed a budget of 60 million baht to improve the experience both off and on the field, and the club brought in a host of new players during the close season, promising that the “issues” that led to the dreary 2012 performance had been solved.

Pattaya United Managing Director Sombut Pinyasiri (left) welcomes new first team coach Chatchai Paholpad.

The Dolphins started the year with a 2-0 win over Songkhram FC, but have since gone on a run of six straight defeats, including the midweek loss to Ratchaburi and last Saturday’s 1-0 home defeat by table topping Muang Thong United.
The club has since announced that Chalermwoot has been replaced at the team’s helm by 65-year old Chatchai Paholpad, a former boss of the Thai national team and most recently employed as the director of team affairs at Osotspa M-150.

Pattaya United clash with Muang Thong United at the Nongprue Stadium in Pattaya, Saturday, April 20. (Photo/Offside/Pattaya United)

With the Dolphins now occupying one of the three relegation places, the pressure will be on Paholpad to turn around the clubs fortunes in sharp order, beginning this coming Saturday when the blue & whites travel to the capital to take on bottom club Bangkok United in the battle of the league’s two leakiest defences. If nothing else, it should be a match that provides plenty of goals.
In contrast to Pattaya’s worsening fortunes, Chonburi FC appear to have overcome their own indifferent start to the season to take 10 points from their last 4 games and are currently sitting in fourth place, just 4 points adrift of Muang Thong United. The Sharks next fixture looks a tough one on paper though as they travel to Suphanburi on Sunday to take on the league’s second placed team.

Thai Premier League Standings April 21
Team	P	W	D	L	+/-	Pts.
Muang Thong United	7	6	0	1	9	18
Suphanburi	7	4	3	0	6	15
Buriram United	6	4	2	0	9	14
Chonburi	7	4	2	1	6	14
BEC Tero Sasana	7	4	2	1	4	14
Army United	7	4	1	2	10	13
TOT	7	3	2	2	-1	11
Chainat	7	2	4	1	2	10
Songkhla United	7	3	1	3	-5	10
Police United	6	2	3	1	0	9
Ratchaburi	7	2	2	3	-2	8
Osotspa	7	2	2	3	-3	8
Bangkok Glass	7	1	2	4	-2	5
Chiangrai United	6	0	3	3	-4	3
Samut Songkhram	6	0	3	3	-4	3
Pattaya United	7	1	0	6	-8	3
Sisaket	3	0	1	2	-4	1
Bangkok United	7	0	1	6	-13	1
Results:  Pattaya United 0 v 1 Muang Thong United, Ratchaburi 1 v 0 Bangkok United, Osotspa 1 v 1 Chainat, Chiangrai United 2 v 2 Buriram United, BEC Tero Sasana 1 v 0 Bangkok Glass, Samut Songkhram P v P Sisaket, Army United 1 v 1 Suphanburi, Chonburi 1 v 0 TOT, Police United 1 v 1 Songkhla United.

Sandy Stuvik set to debut in European Formula 3

Sandy Stuvik will make his first appearance in European Formula 3 at the Paul Ricard Circuit in France this weekend.

Thailand’s prospective Formula 1 racing driver, Sandy Stuvik will debut this coming weekend in the highly competitive world of European Formula 3. The young driver from Phuket, who just turned 18 years old, has signed for the Formula 3 Open series with the championship winning Italian RP Motorsport team. During the off season, Stuvik practiced with RP Motorsport at Paul Ricard, Jerez, Varano and Mugello circuits and is also taking part with several F1 and GP2 drivers in a physically demanding training camp over several weeks at Italy’s Shape Driver center to ensure optimal fitness for the season start.
Early testing has shown that the Thai driver has taken the step up to the new high down-force F312 cars very well and has been able to post times which are encouraging for a championship challenge in his first season. The European F3 Open counts some of the best drivers from all over the world and with 26 F3 cars on the grid, the Thai driver will have to perform at his best to make it onto the podium. Stuvik himself says: “I have had 2 years of tough learning and development racing formula cars in Europe and I feel I am ready now to challenge for both podiums and the championship.”
Sandy Stuvik races for the Royal Automobile Association of Thailand and is sponsored by The Pizza Company, Singha Corporation, Dacon Inspection Services and Sports Authority of Thailand.
The European Formula 3 Open championship starts at Paul Ricard Circuit in France on 26-28 April and Live Timing and Live Video Streaming from the race can be found at www.f3open.net.

Top of the Gulf Regatta delivers world-class sailing competition in Pattaya

Thailand Optimist National Championships presented by Sansiri

Asia’s largest sailing event, the Top of the Gulf Regatta, delivers top international racing in Pattaya from 3rd to 7th May 2013. (Photo Guy Nowell/Top of the Gulf Regatta)

The 2013 Top of the Gulf Regatta (TOG Regatta) is set to attract over 600 sailors from more than 30 countries to compete in Asia’s largest regatta from 3rd to 7th May at Ocean Marina Yacht Club in Najomtien.
The Top of the Gulf Regatta has, over the years, proved to be a valuable training ground for sailing stars from around the world, regularly attracting national, regional and world champions to compete in what has become a world-class sailing event.
Attracting top sailing talent and participants of over 30 nationalities, the Regatta also provides an international-standard competition format for Thai sailors, which has proved invaluable and has helped develop Thai stars such as Kerati Bualong (2012 Olympics competitor), Noppakao Poonpat (2010 World Optimist Champion, fourth place in 2012 29er Worlds) and Damrongsak Vongtim (2006-2008 Asian Games, Hobie Class gold medal), to name just a few.
Over 250 sailing vessels will compete in 13 Classes, ranging from Optimists to dinghies, beach catamarans, windsurfs, one-design Platus, keelboats and multihulls, making the TOG Regatta one of the most diverse regattas in the region.
Attracting sailors from around the world, the TOG Regatta also attracts a large contingent of Thai sailors across all the classes, who compete side-by-side with top international sailors and hold their own, often securing class honours.
“2013 is the ninth sailing of the Top of the Gulf Regatta – one of the Asia’s most popular regattas – and like other regattas around the world such as Antigua Sailing Week in the Caribbean or Cowes Week in the UK, the Regatta is an important driver for tourism attracting repeat tourists and bringing new tourists to the area, and increasing the popularity and awareness of the destination,” says William Gasson, Chairman, Top of the Gulf Regatta. “The sport of sailing has seen considerable growth in Thailand in recent years, and the TOG Regatta provides a international platform for Thai sailors and our commitment to supporting that growth and the Pattaya area remains strong,” he adds.
At the youth level is the 2013 Thailand Optimist National Championships, which is supported by property developer Sansiri PLC. Now in their 38th year, the Thailand Optimist National Championships presented by Sansiri, is the second oldest annual sailing event in Thailand and continues to develop youth talent and introduce Thai youngsters to the sport.
“At Sansiri, we aim to construct a life, not just a building. In addition, our CSR campaigns focus on sustainably supporting children in three areas; sport, health, and education,” says Ob-oom Chutrakul, Social Director of Sansiri PLC. He continued, “Sansiri is proud to be the main sponsor for Thailand Optimist National Championships 2013; young Optimist sailors are the future of the sport. Over 100 young sailors from Thailand and overseas will take part in this international-standard event and we are happy to support sailing opportunities for Thai youngsters and their development in the sport.”
The 600+ sailors at the 2013 TOG Regatta will be competing for three prestigious trophies: The top racing yachts will be challenging for the Top of the Gulf Regatta Trophy; The one-design Platu Class will compete for the prestigious Coronation Cup, named after the first event in 1996 which coincided with the coronation date of His Majesty the King of Thailand (5th May), and which this year celebrates a record fleet; and the third trophy is awarded to the winner of Thailand Optimist National Championships – three iconic trophies in Thailand yachting.
The Top of the Gulf Regatta is hosted by Ocean Marina Yacht Club, the premier marina in the Gulf of Thailand and South East Asia’s largest, and will take place 3rd to 7th May 2013.
For more information, visit www.topofthegulfregatta.com  or Facebook: www.facebook.com/togregatta. 

Kwanchai powers to Singha Pattaya Open victory

Kwanchai Tannin holds up the champion’s trophy after winning the 2013 Singha Pattaya Open golf tournament at Burapha Golf Club, Sunday, April 21. (Photo/All Thailand Golf Tour)

Thailand’s Kwanchai Tannin produced a masterful performance to win the 3 million baht Singha Pattaya Open golf tournament by an emphatic six shot margin last weekend.
Kwanchai shot a one-over-par 73 in Sunday’s final round to complete a wire-to-wire victory at Burapha Golf Club and claim his second title on the ASEAN PGA Tour.
He finished with a four-round aggregate of 18-under-par 270 to claim the 435,000 baht first prize, while his compatriot Thanyakon Khrongpha carded a 68 to claim outright second place.
“I won by a lot of shots but it was hard from start to finish. It is a great feeling. This is a big event in my country,” said Kwanchai.
He had a nine shot lead ahead of countryman Thaworn Wiratchant at the start of the final day and although he could not buy a birdie he still won by a huge margin.
He made par on his first nine holes, and dropped just one shot on the homeward stretch on the 14th.

Ladies professional and amateur champions, Tap Palakawong Na Ayutthaya (left) and Pinyada Kuwanant (right) pose with their trophies. (Photo/All Thailand Golf Tour)

“It is not easy even with a big lead. I wasn’t sure how to play the round. I just held it together and did not make any big mistakes,” added Kwanchai, whose mother is the sister of top Thai golfer Prayad Marksaeng.
Kwanchai tasted victory on the ASEAN PGA Tour at the 2009 Mercedes-Benz Masters Indonesia, and also has a number of Thai domestic events to his name.
He was coached in his formative years by Thai legend Boonchu Ruangkit – a player he is often likened to due to his stocky build and golf swing.
The Thai was eight ahead of Thanyakon at the turn and was able cruise home.
Thanyakon, who was second in the season opening Singha Esan Open, eagled the par-five 18th but that did little to dent Kwanchai’s lead.
“I finished 12 under, that’s great golf. I am playing well and hope to win soon,” said Thanyakon.
Thailand’s Chapchai Nirat (68) and Panuwat Muenlek (70) took third place seven off the lead.
A stroke behind were defending champion Prom Meesawat (71), Thaworn (72) and Rattanon Wannasrichan (68). Prom has won this event for the past two years and in 2006.
In the Ladies competition, Tap Palakawong Na Ayutthaya carded a final round 70 to finish on a three round total of 211 (5-under par) for the championship and seven shots clear of the field to claim the 32,000 baht prize money. Pinyada Kuwanant finished on 8-over par 224 to win the amateur title.
The next event on the ASEAN PGA Tour is the Luang Prabang Laos Open. The US$100,000 tournament tees-off this week at Luang Prabang Golf Club from April 24 to 27.
It is the third of 12 events on this year’s ASEAN PGA Tour schedule.
( Source:  aseanpgatour.com )

Eastern Star offers a cool summer deal

To say thank you to their patrons and also to announce the upcoming 2013 Chairman’s Cup tournament, Eastern Star Country Club & Resort is offering a 1-day one-off special promotion deal of only 1,000 baht to include green fee, caddy fee and also a delicious buffet dinner with Chang draft beer at the course on Saturday 27th April, with a shot-gun start at 12 p.m. Several starting slots are still available for players who can reserve their tee-time by calling the hotline number on 086 377 6722.
Meanwhile, everything is all set for this year’s Chairman Cup, now in its 10th edition, with 5 matches being held at monthly intervals and 6 flight winners from each qualifying round going forward to the all-expenses paid end of season finale at the Alpine Golf Resort in Chiang Mai, to be played over the weekend of October 11-13.
The first round of the Eastern Star Chairman’s Cup will be held on Saturday, May 11, with a shotgun start at 12 noon, playing on the 36 handicap system with 5 flights. The remaining 4 qualifying rounds will take place on June 5, July 6, August 7, and September 7.
The cost is only 1,500 baht per person to take part, which includes the green fee, caddy fee and buffet dinner at the prize giving ceremony. Register now at 038 630 410, 086 377 6744 or 080 047 6570.

Pattaya Sports Club Bowling League

Crumpton Oaks Dry Cider Wednesday Darts League

Pattaya 9-Ball Pool League

Monday DI Premier League Darts

Thursday 501 Darts League

Friday 601 Darts League

British Bar Snacks Friday Pool League

Rubbing shoulders with the pros at Burapha

Pattaya Sports Club represented at 11th Singha Pattaya Open

Never put a ‘Donkey’ in your cart

Warm weather, hot golf

Hot, Hot, Hot

Golfnutter: The Good, The Bad and The Ugly

Grant Cadell claims Khao Yai

Trewarns’s triumphant return

Cooney edged out on count back (again)

Australian Zhao Zong-Yuan wins Thailand Open chess title

Junior rugby gets a boost from Pattaya Rugby fest

United coach quits as team tumbles into bottom three

Sandy Stuvik set to debut in European Formula 3

Top of the Gulf Regatta delivers world-class sailing competition in Pattaya

Kwanchai powers to Singha Pattaya Open victory

Eastern Star offers a cool summer deal