Pattaya Sports Club Bowling League

200 Bowlers: David & Noodle.

Kran Nielsen bowled games of 181, 173 and 192 for a 546 series to lead her Café Kronborg team to a three-point win over Brother D and they remain in first place. Tue Pettae bowled a 529 series for Brother D.
Semper FI moved into second place after winning three points from the Blind Team. Joe Ferral bowled a 210 game for Semper FI. Mai Munsitha bowling as a Pacer had a 542 series with games of 182, 179 and 181.
Indiana dropped from second place to third after losing three points to Bavaria. Bavaria moved up to seventh place. None of the bowlers could do well on lanes 17 and 18.
David Shaw bowled the best series of the week with a 573 which included games of 195, 174 and 204 to lead Canada to a three point win over VFW Post 9876.
Noodle Russell bowled a 201 game and 541 series to help Green Tree win three points from Jack Tar. Green Tree moved up from seventh to sixth place and Jack Tar dropped from sixth to eighth.

Results & Standings April 26 (week 17)
Pos.	Team	Score	Standings
1	Café Kronborg	3-1	42 - 26
2	Semper FI	3 – 1	41 - 27
3	Indiana	1-3	39 - 29
4	VFW Post 9876	1-3	39 - 29
5	Canada	3-1	36 - 32
6	Green Tree	3-1.	34.5 - 33.5
7	Bavaria	3-1	33 - 35
8	Jack Tar	1-3	32.5 - 35.5
9	Brother D	1-3	30 - 38
10	Blind	1-3	13 - 55

WKD Tuesday Darts League

Results & Standings April 23 (week 25)

Team	P	W	L	B/legs	Pts.
Irish Rovers	25	24	1	21	48
Crazy Eddies	25	17	7	16	34
Mee Chew Sports Bar	25	17	8	12	34
Londoner	25	16	9	14	32
Biggy’z Rest	25	15	10	18	30
Nervous Wreck	25	15	10	12	30
Yates Bar	25	14	11	17	28
Shoot Pool	25	13	12	12	26
Buffalo Jack’s	25	11	14	12	22
Mai’s Bar	25	9	16	6	18
Jantha Coffee House	25	8	17	9	16
Cum On Inn	25	7	18	8	14
W. Tankies	25	4	21	9	8
Results:  Biggy’z Rest 4 v 5 Shoot Pool, Crazy Eddies 7 v 2 Nervous Wreck, Cum On Inn 3 v 6 Buffalo Jack’s, Irish Rovers 7 v 6 Mee Chew Sports Bar, Jantha Coffee House 2 v 4 Mai’s Bar, Londoner 7 v 0 Bye, Yates Bar 6 v 5 W. Tankies

 

Crumpton Oaks Cider Monday Pool League

Results & Standings April 22 (week 11)

Division 1
Team	P	W	L	F	A	+/-	BP	Pts.
Shoot Pool	10	10	0	100	50	50	0	30
Irish Rovers	10	6	4	83	71	12	0	18
Legends Pool	9	6	3	73	71	2	0	18
Sweethearts Bar	9	5	4	78	72	6	1	16
Butchers Arms	9	5	4	78	72	6	1	16
Pook’s Bar	10	4	6	72	90	-18	0	12
Biggy’z Rest	9	3	6	74	82	-8	2	11
Links Bar	7	3	4	51	55	-4	0	9
Nicky’s Bar	10	3	7	70	90	-20	0	9
Dean’s Bar	11	2	9	76	102	-26	1	7
Results:  Dean’s Bar 7 v 10 Irish Rovers, Legends Pool 10 v 4 Biggy’z Rest, Links Bar 2 v 10 Shoot Pool, Nicky’s Bar 3 v 10 Butchers, Pook’s Bar 8 v 10 Sweethearts
Division 2
Team	P	W	L	F	A	+/-	BP	Pts.
Smile Bar	10	8	2	87	58	29	1	25
Caddyshack	11	8	3	86	72	14	0	24
Cheers Bar	10	8	2	81	71	10	0	24
Easy r-Con Bar	11	7	4	89	73	16	0	21
Eor’s Bar	11	6	5	71	72	-1	1	19
Wet Bar	10	6	4	70	73	-3	0	18
Offshore Bar	11	4	7	75	92	-17	1	13
Mai’s Bar	8	3	5	49	58	-9	0	9
Rabbi’s Elephant	10	1	9	51	90	-39	0	3
Results:  Easy R-Con 7 v 10 Wet Bar, Eor’s Bar 7 v 10 Cheers Bar, Rabbi’s Elephant 4 v 10 Smile Bar, Offshore Bar 8 v 10 The Caddyshack

Friday 601 Darts League

Results & Standings April 12 (week 13)

Team	P	W	L	B/L	+/-	Pts
Taffy’s Bar ‘A’	11	11	0	7	63	22
Dang’s Bar	12	9	3	9	46	18
Legends Darts	10	7	3	6	18	14
Jantha Coffee House	13	4	9	4	-27	8
Load Out Bar	13	3	10	4	-45	6
Taffy’s Bar ‘B’	11	1	10	4	-55	2
Results:  Legends Darts (2-0)-(7-1) v Taffy’s Bar ‘A’, Dang’s Bar (6-1)-(3-0) v Load Out Bar, Taffy’s Bar ‘B’ (3-1)-(6-0) v Jantha Coffee,

Thursday 501 Darts League

Results & Standings April 25 (week 6)

Team	P	W	L	B/L	+/-	Pts.
Taffy’s	6	6	0	3	20	12
Khao Noi Sports Bar	6	4	2	3	20	8
C.S. Coffee	6	3	3	6	4	6
PJ’s Pub ‘B’	6	3	3	3	-10	6
PJ’s Pub ‘A’	6	2	4	2	-4	4
Bye	6	0	6	0	-30	0
Results:  C.S. Coffee (5-1)-(4-0) v Khao Noi Sports Bar, PJ’s Pub ‘B’ W v L Bye, Taffy’s (5-1)-(4-0) v PJ’s Pub ‘A’

Results & Standings April 25 (week 18)

Team	Played	Won	Lost	Draw	Pts.
Cheers	17	14	1	2	30
Party Girls	17	12	4	1	25
Buddy’s Bar	18	12	5	1	25
Legends Pool	15	9	4	2	20
George n Dragon	16	8	6	2	18
Wet Bar	17	8	7	2	18
FCUK	14	5	7	2	12
The Ranch	15	5	8	2	12
Queen Vic.	15	4	9	2	10
Simple Simon	15	3	9	2	8
Irish Rover	16	2	10	4	8
Rioja	15	2	12	2	6
Results:  Irish Rover 10 v 10 Party Girls, George n Dragon 9 v 11 The Ranch, Legends 11 v 9 Buddy’s Bar, Queen Vic 10 v 10 Cheers, Wet Bar 12 v 8 Rioja, FCUK 11 v 9 Simple Simon

Samorn & Fred win Anzac Day trophies

PSC Golf from The Growling Swan

ANZAC Day winners - Fred Dineley, Peter Grey, Samorn Tanamsri, Mick Fleetwood & Paul Hack.

Peter Blackburn
Monday, April 22, Eastern Star – Stableford
With Songkran now over but with many people still away we had our smallest field for quite some time as there were only 12 signed up to take on the tough Eastern Star layout. Assembling at The Growling Swan we welcomed back Bob Akapita from his work in Gove in the Northern Territory of Australia plus veteran Kevin Dinan from several weeks in Ireland.
We had just the one mini-van plus cars and we departed the GS five minutes ahead of our scheduled 8.30 am departure time and after heading south through the Monday morning traffic we arrived at the course 43 minutes later. The course was very quiet and we were pleasantly surprised when checking in to find the current special which is 900 baht including Green Fee & Caddy plus 500 baht if a cart is required.
We were invited to tee off at our leisure and after a quick practice putt or two we sent our first four-ball away 25 minutes ahead of schedule at 9.35 am. The weather was hot & humid with practically no breeze so the sight of the drinks hut was always a relief to say the least. The course was in great shape with the greens in particular of a high standard and the work that has been put into the maintenance of this golf course recently is now paying off big time.

Ebrahim & Max Bracegirdle.

The day just got hotter & hotter as we struggled to post decent scores and after a couple of short drink breaks we managed to complete the full round in four hours & twenty five minutes. Despite the oppressive heat we all had a great day out with terrific company on an excellent but challenging golf course.
As a result of the small field we had just the one grade with five podium places and 2 nearest the pins and 1 longest first putt on the last hole.
The winner on the day was the popular Ebrahim with 34 points and in a two-way count back with a couple of golfers on 32 points it was Mike Allidi (16 point back nine) who finished second from Peter Bye (14 point back nine) in third place. Your writer, Peter Blackburn came fourth with 31 points and Bob Akapita rounded off the podium with 29 points.
1st Ebrahim (15) 34pts
2nd Mike Allidi (2) 32pts
3rd Peter Bye (12) 32pts
4th Peter Blackburn (11) 31pts
5th Bob Akapita (14) 29pts
Near Pins: 3rd – Peter Bye, 17th – Mike Allidi
Long Putts: 18th - Ebrahim
The Growling Swan NAGA Award, (awarded to the golfer who has the worst score on the day and discreetly their score is not made public) was narrowly won on a count back by Max “Corsets” Bracegirdle who of course accepted the cap in good spirit.
Yours truly took Deefa for the usual walk and collected many donations for the needy in Pattaya from our ever generous Growling Swan golfers.
Thursday, April 25 – Bangpra – Stableford
ANZAC Day – 25th April – is probably Australia’s most important national occasion. It marks the anniversary of the first major military action fought by Australian and New Zealand forces during the First World War.
Last year at The Growling Swan we held the inaugural Anzac Day Tournament so naturally the tradition must continue. Most of the 28 starters assembled at The Growling Swan at 0630 hrs for a short Memorial Service where “The Ode” was delivered, the Last Post was played and we all observed a minute’s silence to pay tribute to those brave men and women. It was then time to partake of the traditional rum & milk (just in shot glasses) and then prepare for the early departure time of 0730 hrs for a 0900 hrs tee off at Bangpra.
We were very happy to welcome Americans Mick Fleetwood (no not that one), in Pattaya for a break from his work in Korea and his father Pat from Washington State, USA, who is celebrating his 70th birthday – Happy Birthday Pat. Also Aussies Kevin Waycott, Mark Stapleton & Eddie Kost who are back with us again along with our good friend Takeshi Hakozaki from Japan.
It was sadly time to say farewell to Gordon Clegg who is returning to his work in Saudi Arabia and also regular R & R visitor Bob Akapita who is off back to his work at Gove in the Northern Territory of Australia. Also Bon Voyage to yours truly who is going to Perth for a couple of weeks to have a bit of medical work done.
Two of our 3 mini vans departed right on time and the other one had to wait a few minutes for Paul Hack who just couldn’t get his makeup right and was therefore was running a few minutes late. We arrived at the course 45 minutes later to find things fairly quiet and after a few practice putts & chips we were able to send our first of seven four-balls away right on schedule at 0900 hrs.
It was hot and sticky but fine and the golf course as ever was in great shape. Some said they thought the greens were quite a bit slower than normal but if they found themselves above the hole a few times, like I did, they may have needed to revise that comment. The white tees appeared to be well back which made the course tough, particularly the first four holes so it was apparent that points scoring would be low on the day and that is indeed the way it turned out.
After stopping a couple of times for much needed drink breaks in the heat we managed to complete the full round in four hours & twenty minutes. It had been a very enjoyable round of golf despite the heat and the toughness of the course and of course the company was first class.
There were two trophies up for grabs the same as last year with one Anzac Day Trophy for golfers with handicaps of 0 to 27 and the other one for handicaps of 28 and over. In addition we had 2 grades with a Grade for handicaps 0 to 17 and B Grade for 18 and over with five podium spots for each. There were also of course rewards for nearest the pins on all the par threes and longest first putts on the 9th & 18th greens.
The winner of the 0 to 27 Anzac Day Trophy with 34 points was Samorn Tanamsri and the 28 and over Anzac Day Trophy was won by Fred Dinely with the best score of the day, 35 points.
A Grade was won on a count back by Paul Hack (17 point back nine) from Alain “Inspector Clouseau” Taddei (16 point back nine) with both on 33 points. In third place came Suparp “Anna” Korboon with 32 points, Mike “Hunter” Gosden fourth on 31 points & Bill Hewitt rounding off the podium on 27 points.
The winner of the B Grade was American Mick Fleetwood with 31 points and Russell Calcutt finished second on 29 points. In third place came Andrew “Turtle” Allen with 25 points, Max “Corsets” Bracegirdle was fourth with 23 points and Gary Monley fifth with 22 points.
Anzac Trophy (0-27)
1st Samorn Tanamsri 34pts
Anzac Trophy (28+)
1st Fred Dineley 35pts
A Flight (0-17)
1st Paul Hack (14) 33pts
2nd Alain Taddei (17) 33pts
3rd Suparp Korboon (9) 32pts
4th Mike Gosden (12) 31pts
5th Bill Hewitt (17) 27pts
B Flight (18+)
1st Mick Fleetwood (18) 31pts
2nd Russell Calcutt (36) 29pts
3rd Andrew Allen (36) 25pts
4th Max Bracegirdle (27) 23pts
5th Gary Monley (36) 22pts
Near Pins: 2nd – Peter Bye, 8th – Kevin Waycott, 12th – Wanta Dacha, 17th – Wanta Dacha
Long Putts: 9th – Max Bracegirdle, 18th – Andrew Allen
Despite a request from someone (Peter Grey) that the NAGA Award be suspended for this special occasion, the plea fell on deaf ears and the cap was awarded to – yes, you’ve guessed it – Growling Swan Mine Host Peter Grey (the cap is still red in colour but is in danger of being changed to a different colour in the near future!)
Peter then kindly took Deefa the Dog for a walk and collected many donations for the needy in Pattaya. It was back to The Growling Swan where presentations were conducted and there was a large crowd there enjoying the excellent facilities and celebrating this important day in the Australian Calendar.
Note: Growling Swan Golf, the home of friendly golf in Pattaya 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]. 

Makara secures second monthly medal award

PSC golf from The Outback Golf Bar

(From left): Joe Mooneyham, Peter LeNoury, Greg Hirst (DeVere Financial), Andy Makara and Paul Greenaway.

Friday, April 20, Green Valley - Stableford
After the Songkran activities of the previous day in Pattaya, it would have been a surprise if all those who had signed up to play at Green Valley today, actually turned up. Well they didn’t and of the eleven who did, we only received cards back from nine of them. All in all a satisfactory turnout as the Outback got their Saturday golf underway, aided a little by the fact that the course was closed on Friday.
The greens had been heavily sanded, making the putting more difficult than usual and there were a few grumblings in the camp about the rate charged, but remember these jobs have to be done and the rate we pay is already heavily discounted.
Rob Barnes, who had only returned to golf this week, at last straightened his hook to good effect, to comfortably take the win with 40pts over John O’Keefe and organiser, Tim Knight, both on 35. As there were no ‘2’s, Bob St. Aubin also earned himself a podium place with 34.
1st Robert Barnes (13) 40pts
2nd John O’Keefe (15) 35pts
3rd Tim Knight (21) 35pts
4th Bob St. Aubin (13) 34pts

Monday, April 22, Burapha – Stableford
After the Pro tournament on B & D, which finished here on Sunday, the Outback had the pleasure of playing the same course albeit from ‘slightly’ shorter tees. Needless to say, the course was a great experience for the 28 Outbackers and it was quite noticeable that the top three places in Div A were all taken by guys who played in the Pro-Am on the same course the previous Wednesday. Andy Butterworth headed them with a brilliant 41pts, from Ron Dickie on 39 and Paul Bourke with 36.

Geoff Stimpson (left) with Richard Pegler.

In Div B, it was a day for the regulars at Burapha, as Pete Stonebridge took first place with 35pts, beating Bob Lindborg (34pts) by one, with Andy Makara one point further back on 33.
There were five ‘2’s from John Cunningham, Ken Davidson & Bob Lindborg on D2 and Andy Butterworth & Kev Waycott on B3.
Div A (0-14)
1st Andy Butterworth (13) 41pts
2nd Ron Dickie (6) 39pts
3rd Paul Bourke (10) 36pts
4th John Cunningham (7) 36pts
Div B (15+)
1st Pete Stonebridge (18) 35pts
2nd Bob Lindborg (18) 34pts
3rd Andy Makara (29) 33pts
4th Keith Allen (18) 33pts
Tuesday, April 23, Khao Kheow – Stableford
There were 11 Outbackers today playing A & C at Khao Kheow off the yellow tees. The B course is closed and will be for three to four months as they are redoing some of the holes i.e. B9 which has been completely bulldozed except for the tee boxes and the green.
There had been a heavy thunderstorm not long before we arrived so it was carts on the rough only so we played ‘lift, clean and place’ on the fairways, but it wasn’t really needed. The course was in good shape and as we were playing they were busy cutting the grass after the long Songkran week off.
Bob Barnes found himself at the top with a steady 36pts, beating Andy Makara on count back with the sane score, as Andy continued with his run of podium finishes, whilst somehow managing to stay under the handicap radar. Suzi took third with 32 and she was a long way clear of fourth placed Gordon Clegg on 26.
Finally, welcome back to our Aussie group, Gordon Etheridge and friends, who filled the other seven places in the field and would be with us for the next a couple of days.
There were no ‘2’s.
1st Robert Barnes (12) 36pts
2nd Andy Makara (29) 36pts
3rd Suzi Lawton (19) 32pts
4th Gordon Clegg (27) 26pts
Wednesday, April 24, Siam Plantation – Stableford
Twenty-one Outbackers turned out for Plantation today to play A & B and thanks to Captain Steve for starting us off and organising today’s competition even though he still cannot play, as a result of his recent accident. We had our regular slot at 8:36 and we teed off 10 minutes early.
What can you say about Plantation, other than fantastic and just a great all-round experience! The greens were fast compared to some of the more normal courses we play, with some extremely difficult pin positions leading to some people three-putting.
Rosco was on fire on the front nine, playing to two under par with a fine 27 points, awesome! But the hangover left him and reality hit him on the back nine where he could only muster 14 points; but still a very good score to win Div A by seven, with 41pts. Geoff Stimpson, who loves this course, was second with 34 ahead of Sel with 33.
Div B, went to a member here, Jim Bryan on 34, with Richard Pegler beating Waldo into to second on count back, both on 32.
There were three ‘2’s recorded by Art O’Connor & Geoff Stimpson on A3 and Jim Bryan on B7.
Div A (0-15)
1st Rosco Langoulant (15) 41pts
2nd Geoff Stimpson (8) 34pts
3rd Sel Wegner (13) 33pts
Div B (16+)
1st Jim Bryan (16) 34pts
2nd Richard Pegler (24) 32pts
3rd Stephen Blazsanyik (17) 32pts
Friday, April 26, Green Valley - DeVere Monthly Medal
A relatively small field of 24 Outbackers turned out to play in the DeVere sponsored Monthly Medal. This could have been due to the sanding and coring of the greens but more likely and noticeably, the complete absence of any golfing tourists in town; unusually, the entire field bar one was made of PSC members.
Despite the condition of the greens the scoring was quite solid with five players matching their handicap or better, as that man again, Andy Makara, won his second monthly medal trophy, with a net 67. Second place went to the seven times a week player, Peter LeNoury, who beat PSC golf chairman Joe Mooneyham on count back, both on net 70. Paul Greenaway took fourth on a net 72.
After a review of the scores it’s quite noticeable that the two Staffords in the field, John and Bernie, who finished 6th and 7th respectively, both on 73, would have finished 4th and 5th with 36pts each if using the stableford format and Paul would have been 6th, also with 36.
Being a medal round you would think that we would have been more than four hours but almost everyone went round in just under that. Well done guys! Thanks to Steve for starting us off in his usual good form and it will be nice to see him back playing on the golf course, hopefully soon.
There were two ‘2’s from Stefan Hoge & Peter LeNoury, both on the 12th.
1st Andy Makara (29) net 67
2nd Peter LeNoury (9) net 70
3rd Joe Mooneyham (16) net 70
4th Paul Greenaway (9) net 72
5th Stephen Blazsanyik (17) net 72
6th John Stafford (16) 73
Note: The Outback Golf Bar is situated about 6km from Sukhumvit Road along Soi Siam Country. Call Jack on 081 578 1956.

Walkley wins Kanchanaburi bragging rights

Billabong Golf Bar Kanchanaburi Tour

Setting off on the road trip to Kanchanaburi.

Wednesday, April 17, Royal Ratchaburi - Day 1
We left the bar at 7 a.m. heading up the highway for Royal Ratchaburi Golf Club in teeming rain and wondering what awaited us at the course weather-wise. Following a misunderstanding, our route took us somewhat out of our way with a turn or two required, nevertheless we got there with plenty of time to spare.
It was beautiful weather throughout the day (what were we worrying about) and considering the excellent condition of the course, the price was remarkably cheap.
The first day scores were very good as only a few of us had played Ratchaburi before, although once again there were no ‘2’s. The winner on 39 points was Owen Walkley ahead of Bob Philp with 36 who garnered 4 points on both the 9th and the 18th with birdies to get that score. In third was Jim O’Neill with 35 points. Other scores were shrinking a little, perhaps the boys would improve at Kanchanaburi’s Blue Sapphire on the following day?

(From left): Kev Wild, John White, Bob Philp, Willie Dunlop and Cottee stop off on the way back from Bluer Sapphire.

Thursday, April 18, Blue Sapphire – Day 2
Today was a different day at the office! Blue Sapphire from the Blue Tees was a monster; a real challenge as shown by the low(ish) scores. The course was in good condition apart from some greens having been cored and sanded and not yet cut. With five or six island greens, it certainly showed some muscle.
In the frame today, Bob Philp with 31 points led the field and, with a three-way count back on 29 points Bob Pearce squeezed in at second place, Bob Finley came third and KevWild was just edged out.
Blue Sapphire now has an adjacent course, Blue Diamond. We are told it may be difficult to book but possibly worth further investigation.
Friday, April 19, Uniland G.C. - Day 3
The Uniland Golf Course complex does not appeal to all golfers and, having played here a couple of years ago it seemed obvious that a “tired” look has set in. That being said, the cost of the whole package (green fee, caddy and buggy on your own) was under 1,500 baht, very reasonable.

Jimmy O’Neill, Owen Walkley and Bob Philp pose with a caddy at Blue Sapphire.

There are three “nines” – we played C course first and then the A nine (about 6,400 yards in all). The greens were slippery, especially the first nine, and more than the usual number of putts were required!
Good to see Kev Wild topping the charts with an excellent 39 points, followed by Bob Finley with 35 and in third was Bob Pearce with 33 points.
At long last some ‘2’s! One each for Kev Wild, Bob Finley and Owen Walkley. Seems whenever Kev gets a ‘2’ there are always a few others!
The final result over the three days was a close call. Owen Walkley claimed the bragging rights with a 98 points total followed closely by Bob Finley with 96 and in third Jim O’Neill with 91. Well done all three of you.
Unfortunately, before leaving Kanchanaburi, one of our members had a “mishap” with a prawn-carrying young girl on a motorbike. No one was hurt, though the area was soon filled with a selection of relatives, insurance agents and a lone motorcycling policeman who looked decidedly disinterested in the whole proceedings. After much huffing and puffing, it was decided that the girl only required a two thousand baht payment for the “ruined” prawns which had been scattered to the four winds (hastily recovered of course).

Shay Barnwell, John White and Tom Gorey after Friday’s round at Plutaluang.

Payment was duly made and, after some delay, off we went. Our man was offered the prawns as it was decided that they were now his property. Anyone interested in setting up a new prawn-farm venture in Pattaya should contact Owen Walkley direct!
Everyone played their part in making the trip so successful, in particular the players themselves. Hopefully, we will be off again in a couple of months, venue yet to be decided.
Monday, April 22, Bangpra - Stableford
Bangpra was the venue today and it was a pleasure to play here once again, always in great condition and lightening fast greens just as you want them to be. More than half the field broke 30 and there was one ‘2’ which is unusual but Cottee managed to do it, well done mate they don’t come easy here.
The Collier’s were the winners, taking first and third prizes, with Brian Maddox coming in second to break them up. We welcomed Willem, a Dutch/Kiwi, for his first game with us; he didn’t have a fantastic day out but enjoyed the company anyway and we won’t mention the score mate - that will be kept a secret.
Wednesday, April 24, Green Valley - Stableford
A much depleted group today at Green Valley due to a lot of members being up in Kanchanaburi for the ANZAC day parade and service to commemorate the soldiers who never made it home from the war.
It got a bit soggy after 8 holes when the rain started but it only lasted for about 30 minutes then stopped. The course was in great condition as usual but the greens were a little slow after the rain.
We had a few new faces with Chris, Grant and Daryl, all from Brisbane, playing today and they had a great day out. They arrived at the bar dressed not for golf but for the beach, i.e. no collared shirt, no shoes etc. so it was down to the golf course and when they got out of the car the lovely caddie went home and got them shirts and socks - that’s service for you!
The winner today, who actually played with the boys, was Owen Walkley with 36 points while coming second was Barry Copestake a full 5 points behind with 31. There was one ‘2’ today, claimed by Owen also.
Friday, April 26, Plutaluang - Stableford
Friday saw us take on our normal scramble down at the Navy course and if you haven’t been there of late do yourself a favour and go play it - they have spent so much money on it, it is in fantastic condition and a pleasure to play.
With six groups booked we were off to an early start in great weather, no rain, just sunshine and heat. The Courtyard Cavalier’s finally had their day, having been beaten by small margins in the last couple of games. They certainly came to the fore today with the help of a ‘ringer’ by the name of Robert Cross. I guess Graham Beaumont will not get a game with them now as it was surely he who was the weakest link in this chain. With a score of 57.5, the team of Geoff Couch, Robert Cross, Jeff North and Dave Done won the day over the Dodgy Brothers, a.k.a. Owen Walkley, Brian Maddox, Willie Dunlop and Ron Dunlop (no relation) also on 57.5 but being beaten on a count back on the back nine.
These are great days out and a lot of fun for all who participate in them. The next one will be in about 4 week’s time.
Note: If you would like a game with some friendly golfer’s give Bob a call on 082 204 3411 or call into the bar for a cold beer and put your name down. Just turn left on Siam Country Club Road before you go under the arch heading to Siam Old Course and you will see us 200 yards on the right.

Allidi takes low gross honours at PAGS monthly

Wednesday, April 24 - The Emerald
It was another fantastic day out (in the end) at the Emerald for April’s Pattaya Amateur Golf Series. Not as many players tee’d it up this month due to lots being absent for the Songkran break but we still managed to get nearly 80 competitors.
Low Gross winner Mike Aliidi (right).

The thunder and lightning that hit the course at around 11 a.m. stole the limelight, with us toying with the idea of calling the event off for the first time in its history. Thankfully the rain only lasted for 45 minutes and the course drained unbelievably quickly, so we were spared.
To our surprise, we only lost one player who decided to not go back out. One guy, who will not be mentioned, even continued his round after an accident in his pants as the lightening came down.
We had nine ladies join us this month which was another pleasant surprise as most didn’t like the idea that we put the ladies from the men’s tee’s with adjusted handicaps. One lady played particular well in difficult conditions from the men’s tee to score 33 points and grab third place in flight C. Well done Nut.
Flight A was won by the popular Jeff Wylie who shot 41 points off a 7 handicap and carded a gross 74. Jeff probably thought he’d won the low gross too but unfortunately for Jeff he was beaten by Mike Allidi who shot a 73 gross. Flight B was won by Staffan Lyrestam who supports our event every month so we were sure glad he entered the winning circle. Flight C was won by Joachin Oestreicher who beat is good friend, Monti into first place with great round of 41 points.
Low Gross
1st Mike Allidi (2) Gross 73
2nd Jeff Wylie (7) Gross 74
3rd WiChai Tananusorn (7) Gross 81
A Flight (0-13)
1st Jeff Wylie (7) 41pts
2nd Mike Allidi (2) 37pts
3rd Paul Bourke (10) 36pts
Flight B (14-18)
1st Staffan Lyrestam (14) 37pts
2nd Andre Fortis (18) 36pts
3rd Dave Done (15) 36pts
Flight C (19+)
1st Joachin Oestreicher (22) 41pts
2nd Monti (24) 34pts
3rd Nut (26) 33pts
Near Pins: Ken Meek, Ian Wilson (3), Don Head, Jeff Wylie (2), Wichai, Al Griffiths, Jack Grindvold, Paul Bourke, Tony Duthie, Jonny Lindberg, Jon Batty (2).
Long Putts: Mike Allid, Paul Bourke.
Long Drives: Ning Neal, Jack Grindvold, Martin Grimolby, Yui Bietry, Paul Greenaway, Thierry Petrement.
Note: The next PAGS event is at Green Valley on the 29th May. If you wish to play please call Shane 085 945 9689 or sign up via the Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/PattayaAmateurGolfSeries.

A Flight winner Jeff Wylie (center) collects his prize.

All smiles from B Flight winner Staffan Lyrestam (right).

C Flight winner Joachin Oestreicher (right).

Mashi & Max - the pick of the week

PSC golf from Tropical Bert’s

Mashi ‘Strongman’ Kaneta (left) with Mike Gaussa.

Derek Brook
Tuesday, April 23, Green Valley – Stableford
Well it seems like the exit from Pattaya due to several days of getting wet and the worry about the exchange rate, reflected on the numbers playing. It also has to be said that this is the ‘low season’ and that at this time of the year we usually get a big dip in the numbers, despite the favorable rates.
So into transport and off to Green Valley we went. This is a fairly straightforward trip these days and we were soon there. With the lower numbers we were off a little bit later than expected, but still were away on time. The course was as you would expect Green Valley to be, except that the greens were going through their sanding time, so were a bit of a problem. However the fairways were fine and the rough as can be expected.
The showers here are fine and when you finish changing you have a choice of many eating places. I usually go to the German Restaurant as I have a taste for the German food having lived there for some 16 years of so. Mashi has his own favourite, you can guess where. They also have some fine German beer, if I am not driving.
Back in Bert’s we were soon into the presentation. The winner was Mashi Kaneta who was back to his best with 41 points, ahead of Mike Gaussa with a very good 38 points in second. We then had a count back on 36 points that saw Andre Van Dyk in third and John Vincent in fourth.
Near Pins: Mashi, Bill Welch, Derek Brook, Tom Busby
Friday, April 26, Crystal Bay - Stableford
13 players turned up today after 2 called off just as we were eating our breakfast at Tropical Bert’s - too bad for those two as they missed a fine day out. A quick trip up the “3”, check in and the first group was off A1 20 minutes early, playing the A & B Nines, which were in very good condition with the greens running at good speed and true. All groups finished in 4 hours.
Scores gathered and back at Bert’s just after 4.00 p.m., it was time for the results. The winner was Max Scott with a really good 39 points ahead of Mike Gaussa with 37 in second and a count back on 36 points that saw Dick Warberg third and and Mike O’Brien just missing out.
Then we had a few cold ones to see off John Vincent.
Near Pins: John Vincent, Joel Flor, Max Bracegirdle (2).

Roscoe is King of the North

PSC golf Outback Bar Songkran Road Trip

(From left): Stefan Hoge, Andy Hoge and Rosco Langoulant.

Our Songkran trip this year was to be a little different from the norm, incorporating an untried hotel in Chiang Mai and a new golf course in Chiang Rai and as such, turned out to be much more expensive than is usual for this time of the year.
The trip didn’t start that well, our poor old Capt’ came a cropper at the foot of his spiral staircase, thus never even making the starting blocks and the Thai Airways flight to Chiang Rai on Weds evening had no air-conditioning, you can just imagine!
The Wiang Inn is where we stayed and it’s a great hotel, but as usual the WiFi didn’t work in the rooms so you have to go down to the lobby to check your emails. The breakfast is great, bacon and any eggs you want and even Bernie couldn’t whinge about this.
First morning in the bus on the way to the golf course, New York Steve explained how he dropped his phone in the toilet so you can imagine all the jokes going on all day on the course, a very funny day.
Santaburi Golf course was absolutely magnificent; if you haven’t played it you have to at least once in your life. The scores were not much to talk about but we had a great day. That night we went bar hopping to find the coldest beer in town.
Friday, April 12 - Happy City G.C.
Half the reason why we did this trip was to play Happy City, which the Koreans have built and boy have they spent some money. Condos, over a hundred built already, clubhouse will be finished in three months, a double storey driving range has been finished and that’s where we had a shower after golf.
Let’s talk about the score card; the score card has got 20 holes on it and on the first tee box we asked the caddies which 18 we play, the caddies don’t know which two holes you miss out on until you get there. We had a laugh and carried on, because it’s a new course the caddies don’t know much about it as well and they are not used to English speaking farangs, but there was a white marker in the middle of each fairways for you to drive to, that was great.
The course itself is in good nick, the fairways are magnificent, the greens need about another 4 to 5 months of growth, the signature Par three-hole was finished and it’s as good as any other of the top courses in Thailand. There are some holes you have to lay up, similar to Banyan in Hau Hin.
Saturday, April 13 - Waterford G.C.
Waterford Golf course, Jack asked us to go and play to check it out and the greens were a lot better than last time we played and it’s a pretty average course for 2,500 baht with a cart (discounted w/e rate, hmmm!!). All in all a great trip, and if you haven’t been to Chiang Rai you should come just for the golf courses, not much night life but you’re there for the golf. We can always find a bar with a cold beer and with a few mates around for a few laughs that’s what life’s all about.
After golf we changed vans for some reason or other and off to Chiang Mai to stay at the Centara Duangtawan.
As the Bangkok Airways flight left on time we all arrived mid afternoon on Mon 15th to a warm last day of Songkran outside the Centara Hotel. Strangely, the reception was on the first floor and our luggage was on the ground floor but somehow the luggage made it up to our designated rooms. Nice hotel except that they have 512 rooms to choose from so the lifts in the morning were very busy. The breakfast was fine and so were the rooms but he bar prices were OTT, bring back the Porn Ping!
Tuesday, April 16, Maejo G.C. – Stableford
After leaving Maijo out of the Chiang Mai calendar for the last couple of trips as they were changing all the grass on the greens, it’s pleasing to report it was generally in good shape on the first nine but they were still working on a couple of greens on the back nine. Hole No. 10 hasn’t changed with the little par 3 (which nobody got a two on); but Rosco was our man on Hole 14 with a monster 50-foot putt for a birdie and yes he got it. Wicked!
On the back nine there are three par 3’s and three par 5’s. Hopefully by October the course will be finished and what a course it will be, and apparently it’s already been booked for our October trip.
1st Andrew Hoge (15) 33pts
2nd Rosco Langoulant (15) 32pts
3rd Suzi Lawton (19) 30pts
Wednesday, April 17, Alpine Resort - Stableford
Today was a return to Alpine Resort, another course we haven’t played for a couple of trips, not cheap but an absolute must, especially as the course was in superb condition after the recent Pro event here. The ball would lie beautifully on top of the grass on the fairway and then somehow off she flew into the rough, which it seemed they somehow forgot to cut so you nearly always lost a ball or played the wrong ball; it was brutal for us happy hackers. Another definite for October!
1st Rosco Langoulant (15) 37pts
2nd Stefan Hoge (17) 32pts
3rd Suzi Lawton (19) 28pts
Friday, April 19, Chiang Mai Highlands - Stableford
Thursday was officially the “Day Off’ day at Green Valley and but only three of us played while the others went elephant trekking etc. Good course and it was in the same condition as Khao Kheow with many of the caddies weeding the course.
As always, the legendary Chiang Mai Highlands was the venue for the final round on Fri day, what a course, even in the dry season the course was a delight to play, bunkers immaculate, fairways and rough you could play out off.
Rosco and Andy Hoge went out first as the leaders of the pack with Rosco leading the way with three pars. That lad was cruising and won going away although Andy was with him all the way.
We all had a great Songkran and a fantastic trip away so a big thank-you to Jack for organising it for us.
1st Rosco Langoulant (15) 36pts
2nd Andrew Hoge (15) 35pts
3rd Stefan Hoge (17) 34pts
Overall (3 Days)
1st Rosco Langoulant 105pts
2nd Andrew Hoge 94pts
3rd Stefan Hoge 90pts
Note: The Outback Golf Bar is situated about 6km from Sukhumvit Road along Soi Siam Country. Call Jack on 081 578 1956.

PB’s all round at Crystal Bay

IPGC Pattaya Golf Society at Rabbi’s Elephant Bar

The golfers with the Pattaya Golf Society were champing at the bit after a very inactive Songkran week when the group went to Crystal Bay on Monday, 22nd April to play a stableford event in one flight on the C and A nines. The course was in its usual fine condition and when good golfers meet a good course in a good fettle the cream rises to the top. Such happened on this day.
Sharing third place were local member Takeshi Hakozaki and PGS stalwart John Mason with 40 points each, the latter’s score being his best for many a long day with the group. Sharing the top spot were Dave Edwards and Thai lady golfer Orawan Meeraka, both recording personal best scores of 43 points and Dave Edwards in particular recording his lifetime best gross of 75. Splendid stuff indeed!
The only birdie ‘2’ of the day went to Dave “Mr Twos” Lehane on A8 and the Booby Bevy went to Evan Millar after his 38 points was enough for a handicap cut and nothing more.
Rabbi’s free beer draw was won by Paul Edgar and the whole group breathed a collective sigh of relief at the presentation that the excesses of the previous week were over for another year and that only good golf lay ahead for the Pattaya Golf Society.
Ditz hits top gear
On Wednesday, 24th April, the Pattaya Golf Society redirected from a feisty Phoenix who wanted to charge double the high season green fee for the group, an indication that the rumoured new owner, currently exiled, still has “money number one” as his priority. Instead the PGS visited an empty Khao Kheow, infinitely better value for money, on a day when the course conditions were wonderful on the C and A nines.
An excellent competition ensued with Robbie Taylor, Ken Grimes and Brian Talbot all sharing second place with 32 points each. Austrian golfer Peter Ditz is coming towards the end of this particular stay and he used the opportunity well to record 34 points for an excellent win.
Near pins had been sponsored by John Mason and Mr. Len and these were won by Larry Ang on A3 and Paul Edgar on A5.
Rabbi’s free beer draw was won by Dave Plaiter and the Booby Bevy went to Mark Perrot for his low score of the day.
The good news on the day was the amount raised for the group’s charity this year, the target being the building of a security wall around the Fr Ray Foundation Outreach and Drop In Center on Soi Thepprasit with the total for the year to date reaching almost fifty “klicks”. Well done everyone, except feisty Phoenix of course.
Taylor made at Emerald
On Friday, 26th April the Pattaya Golf Society visited Emerald to play its monthly medal competition on the course which was in good order except for the greens which were in need of a cut, thus making them slower than normal.
It was good to see the golf geezer, Mr. Len, back on course and he made a solid fist of things for the first time in five months with a net 76 but a tight finish was emerging with Andrew Purdie ending with net 74 for third place. In second place was Wichai Tananusorn, embracing his new Taylormade R1 driver and using it to good effect with the best gross of the day and a net 73. The victory was reserved for Robbie Taylor and his net 72 was an excellent performance on the “iffy” greens.
Iain Wilson and Robbie Taylor shared the ‘2’s pot with their efforts on the seventh and fifteenth holes respectively and the Booby Bevy went to Dave Plaiter, newly awarded his Player of the Month award for March, after his “hero-to-zero” performance left him with the second highest score of the day.
Rabbi’s beer draw went to Ken Grimes and the week had ended on a high note with an excellent day’s golf at Emerald.

Wilkinson back on top

Travellers Rest Golf Group

Andy Rich
So Songkran, the water festival, is over for another year and I can report that the drying out process continues. It would perhaps be unkind to state that many a participant needs to dry out their insides as well as their outside, still great fun was had by many people, the rest of us hibernated for a week. The TRGG always go on tour during Songkran so that was the reason for last week’s missing report.
Roger Wilkinson - winner at Emerald.

On Monday 22nd April things returned to normal and the TRGG headed off to Emerald to do battle. Obviously some people had been getting in some useful practice during their week off. Roger Wilkinson (15) returned to the top of the leader board with an admirable 39pts and he was closely followed by John Baxter (17) on 38. Jim McNeill came in third but some way behind on 33pts.
On Tuesday, 23rd April, it was over to Plutaluang (North and West courses) and the Navy course remains one of the best value golf courses in all of Pattaya. It was looking in excellent condition and the greens were superb. Unfortunately, whoever designed this course thought it was good idea to place a few trees in the middle of a number of fairways so even after a good opening drive the second shot was often tricky. I can report however that I unerringly managed to hit every fairway tree in my round and duly returned a pathetic score and finished last.
Some people made a better fist of it and Larry Simpson (10), who has been shooting some tremendous scores of late, finished in first place on 36pts. Fergus Brennan (12), fresh from the tour, shot 35pts to finish second, just beating Mike Rushant (11) on count back into third place.
On Thursday, 25th April, Phoenix (Mountain and Lakes) provided the venue for the TRGG’s regular weekly visit. Many have commented on all the work being done on the course since the new owners took over and it is certainly looking a picture.
Craig Hitchens (12) certainly found everything to his liking and returned with 41pts to take first place. Billy Allan (16) quite liked it as well by finishing second on 38pts, closely followed by Mike Rushant (11) in third on 37.
It was off to Khao Kheow (A and C courses) on Friday 26th April and Mod Chaviraksa (12) showed all the men the way home, leaving them all in her wake by easily winning on 36pts. Jim McNeill (16) was second on 30pts, just pushing Mike Rushant (11) into third on count back. Mike has been third three times this week, and is off back home this weekend with his school report saying ‘Must Try Harder’.
Good luck to all you golfers for the coming week!

Iain bags a hole-in-one at Greenwood

PSC golf from Rendezvous Resort

Tuesday, April 23, Pleasant Valley - Stableford
More on our headline later, but first to Tuesday when we travelled to Pleasant Valley to play from the blue tees, at a tad over 6,300 yards. As the ‘low season’ sets in and many of our regulars have gone home, the fields shrink accordingly.
Iain Painter (front right) shares a drink with Dave, Chris & Lol.

The course was in good condition tee to green, with the greens a bit too much on the slow side to encourage a good putting stroke. This made scoring not so easy, with Jeff Wylie (7) coping best to record 34 points ahead of Trevor Taylor (36) with 30 points.
Near pins were shared around between Allan, Joel & Graham.
Thursday, April 25, Greenwood - Stableford
Thursday’s test was the A & B combination of Greenwood, where the course was in good condition throughout, although the greens differed markedly from the A to B courses.
Iain Painter (20) scored a hole-in-one on B5, and the 1 for 5 Stableford points on his card helped him amass a day’s best of 39 points. Next best if the field was Jeff Wylie (7) with a steady 36 points, ahead of Owen Walkley (10) who edged Brian Maddox (22) on count back 18/15 after both recorded 35 points.
Near pins prizes were picked up by Iain (hard to beat that) & Jeff with 2, while 1 went unclaimed.
Note: Rendezvous Resort, Restaurant & Bar plays golf generally on Tuesday & Thursday, with the bar hosting prompt presentations on both days. As a PSC affiliated venue we welcome ALL golfers, including ladies & 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!

Golfnutter: Rules – Red versus Yellow

Welcome to Golfnutter’s Blog – a weekly commentary highlighting contemporary golfing issues, in Pattaya and beyond. For more on matters golf, especially Pattaya golf, visit golfnutter.wordpress.com.  
From time to time we will run a series on the Rules of Golf. This will vary from the obvious to the not so obvious, and feature golfing holes around Pattaya that regularly cause problems. If you have any specific golf holes you would like reviewed, send an email to [email protected]  marked for the attention of Golfnutter.
First up we look at one of the iconic holes of the local golfing scene:
The par-3 third on Plutaluang’s North Course, known as “The Lighthouse Hole” is a classic. Imagine your ball pitching on to the green, taking a few bounces and then rolling agonisingly slowly off the apron, on to the embankment and into the sea. From where do you play your next shot? Where do you drop?
This hole is beautifully designed. Apart from it being an island, the putting surface is anything but flat and is subject to the elements. The length is usually around 115-125 yards from the white tees. It can’t make your round, but it can certainly break it.
The yellow stakes surrounding this hole tell us this is a Water Hazard. If the stakes (or lines) were red, it would be a Lateral Water Hazard. Our options, when taking relief, are outlined in Rule 26-1 Relief for ball in water hazard. The three options, all involving a one-shot penalty, are:
a. Drop a ball as nearly as possible to the spot from where you last played.
b. Drop behind the hazard keeping the last point of entry between you and the hole, with no limit as to how far back you drop.
c. If a lateral water hazard, drop outside the hazard within two club-lengths of and not nearer the hole than where the ball last crossed the margin of the hazard.
Note 1: IPGC and PSC do not recognise Drop Zones.
Note 2: under this rule, the player may lift and clean or substitute a ball.
Only option a. and b. apply to Water Hazards (yellow), whereas all three options apply to Lateral Water Hazards (red). The Lighthouse Hole does not permit option c.
Option a. is saying replay the shot from the teeing area, which is not a bad option. The alternative is option b., i.e. drop on a line keeping the point of entry between you and the hole.
Take a look at the picture. Imagine a line taken from the players on the tee direct to the top of the lighthouse and call that 12.00 o’clock.
If your ball landed on the green then rolled off, crossing the margin of the hazard anywhere between say 10.00 o’clock and 05.00, then your drop point will be miles away, on the other side of the bay.
Alternatively, if, after first hitting the green, your ball entered the water from that point between 08.00 o’clock and 09.00, then you could drop on or around the teeing area of the next hole. If your original ball hit the green before trickling off from the front, at 06.00 o’clock, then you would be entitled to drop in front of the tee, close to the water’s edge, thus taking maybe 20 yards off the shot.
Many tee-shots never make it to the green, landing directly on rocks or water. Simply take the point where the ball last crossed the hazard line, keeping that point between you and the hole, and drop anywhere on that line. In most cases replaying the shot from the tee will be the easier option.
What if the stakes were red? This would bring option c. into play. Providing your ball entered the hazard after first hitting the green, it would allow you to take your ball’s point of entry as your drop point. That is, you would be standing on the island while taking your drop. But they’re yellow, so you can’t.
Khao Kheow’s signature hole, B8, should be similarly regarded, as could Pattana A3, among others.
Water hazards may on occasions be unmarked. Local Rules of both IPGC and PSC state that unmarked water hazards should be treated as lateral (red) water hazards.
So there you have it. As a rule of thumb, red may mean you can drop at or around the point where the ball entered the hazard, but no nearer the hole. Yellow will almost always mean you have to drop on the other side of the hazard, or go back and replay the shot. If it’s yellow, it will invariably cost shot and distance. Red will cost a shot only.
Happy golfing!
Golfnutter

Phillips beats the heat at Phoenix

Jomtien Golf with the IPGC

Kari Aarnio, Lindsay Phillips and Rod Howett.

Wednesday, April 17, Eastern Star - Stableford
There were a few bored and lonely people during Songkran week so as a last minute fixture we headed out to Plutaluang on Wednesday morning, but as we neared the course we ran into some heavy rain and as we drove into the course it looked saturated. At the clubhouse there were hardly any caddies waiting to go out so we did a quick turnaround and headed to Eastern Star.
It was not too bad here and the first four holes were played in just a slight drizzle and the rest of the round was rain free.
Iain Walsh returned the best score of the day, winning division 2 with 36 points. Kari Aarnio was second two points behind and Joe Kubon took third with 33.
Jerry Sweetnam topped division 1 with 35 points, Karl Flood was second with 34 and Chris Voller was still in the frame with 31 points.
Near pins went to Kari Kuparinen (2), Jerry Sweetnam (2), Darryl Blair, Eiichi Matsumoto and Iain Walsh.
It was bon voyage today to the telephone box boy, Dennis Scougal; he is going back to Scotland to recuperate after all those lengthy phone calls on a Saturday morning.
Monday, April 22, Pattana - Stableford
The A course was closed today so we were playing B and C and there was nobody here. After 15 minutes on the putting green and everyone preparing for the round, we didn’t see anyone teeing off in front of us.
Tony Kay, now playing off 10, won division 1 today with 36 points while Billy Fitzgerald beat Chris Voller on a 17/16 back nine count back to take second place after they both shot 35 points.
Matty Sneath led the division 2 field in with 36 points ahead of Don Head two points behind and Rodney Howett in third with 32.
Tony Kay and Wilf Latham birdied B3 and Billy Fitzgerald C7 to share the ‘2’s pot in division 1 while a rollover ensued in division 2 to Phoenix on Wednesday.
It was great to see Paul Renall back from New Zealand, ready for the Hua Hin trip on the 11th
Wednesday, April 24, Phoenix - Stableford
Almost back to normality for this time of the year and there were six groups out. The Ocean course is still closed so we teed off on the Lakes with the Mountain to follow. The temperature here lately in this area has been rising gradually and it was very hot here again today.
Smiling all the way to the bank, Lindsay Phillips, playing off 14, won division 1 with 37 points. Chris Voller came in second one point behind Lindsay and one of the freemasons, Neville Scurrell, in his last game with us before his return to Oz for two months, took third place with 35.
Gordon Everingham’s 36 points was enough to win division 2 playing off 25, while Mathew Sneath was second after beating Rodney on a 16/14 back nine count back, both on 34 points.
There were some poor results today in the nearest the pins contest with only two players in each division getting on the green. Billy Fitzgerald was nearest on Lakes 2 and Chris Voller on Mountain 8 in division 1, while Kari Aarnio (Mountain 8) and Gordon Everingham (Lakes 7) took the only second division awards.
Chris Voller birdied Lakes 2 for the only birdie ‘2’ in division 1 while there was a rollover in the second flight.
It was great to see Evan Millar back today with his lovely lady Orawan Meeraka.
Friday, April 26, Eastern Star - Stableford
Another six groups out today with the equal cut in the two divisions of 5-13 and 14+, and with 35 points Chris Voller won division 1 ahead of Marty Rock (34pts) in second while Jeff Cordeiro beat the Chiang Rai professional circuit player Michael Dige on a 17/16 back nine count back for third after they both came in with 33 points.
As always in the reckoning in division 2, Iain Walsh took the top podium position with 33 points to edge Joe Kubon on 32 and Frank Kelly was third with 29.
It was an extremely hot day today with a few players suffering from heat exhaustion and there were quite a few tired players coming into the clubhouse after 18 holes. There were still many remarks saying how the course is still improving each week.
Near pins went to Frank Kelly, Tony Oakes and Chris Voller.
There were no ‘2’s today so all to play for next week and there might be a few a players out on the driving range in the meantime.

Rajah rules the Valley

PSC golf from Lewiinski’s Golf Society

Sunday, April 21, Green Valley - Stableford
A Flight
1st Chaten Patel (13) 37pts
2nd Pat Regan (12) 35pts
B Flight
1st Jean LaRoche (18) 36pts
2nd Colin Davis (17) 35pts
It was a somewhat smaller field than normal for Sunday, due in part to the society ranks returning late from the very successful Hau Hin trip.
Chaten Patel (right) with Colin Davis.

Chaten ‘the Rajah’ Patel continued his fine run of form as he led the field home with a best on the day and man of the match 37 points. Irishman Pat Reagan, also on a run of good form, filled the flight after gaining a count back verdict over Peter ‘the right Honorable’ LeNoury. Peter wasn’t too disappointed as he picked the biggest bag of loot by carding the only 2 of the day.
In B Flight, French-Canadian Jean LaRoche showed his mettle as he netted 36 points to clear the ‘Donkey’ and Barry ‘the Boot’ Copestake by a single digit. The ‘Donkey’, as he so often does, gave nothing away as he booted Barry of the podium.
Monday, April 22, Mountain Shadow - Stableford
1st Freddy Starbeck (15) 33pts
2nd Brian Dunbar (10) 32pts
3rd Roy Johnson (20) 31pts
A perennial favourite, Mountain Shadow was the site of Monday’s outing. Freddy ‘the Viking’ Starbeck lived up to his handle as bullied his way to the top podium spot with his rather modest 33 point victory. Brian Dunbar took the silver a shot in arrears but made up for his disappointment by posting the day’s only 2.
Roy Johnson edged a resurgent JP Maffray on count back as he closed the flight, leaving JP with only a “bad luck son” from the remaining players.
Wednesday, April 24, Bangpra - Stableford
A Flight
1st Leslie Cobban (10) 34pts
2nd Brian Dunbar (12) 32pts
3rd Jon Haugen (9) 30pts
B Flight
1st Colin Davis (17) 31pts
2nd Jimmy Day (18) 29pts
3rd John Foote (17) 26pts
C Flight
1st Esara Duangsri (36) 34pts
2nd Marlene Prudden (23) 32pts
3rd Tom Gorey (22) 32pts
With the society back to near full strength, a good sized field took on the marauding monkeys and the Bangpra layout.
The ‘Donkey’ showed why he put the well-conditioned Bangpra on the monthly calendar as he cantered round the course to win B Flight with 31 points, just enough - hence the moniker. Ireland’s Jimmy ‘good’ Day nabbed the silver a couple of shots back as Aussie John Foote was bewildered to see his 26 points good for the bronze.
John and his other half Lyn are long time regulars with the society and are always a welcome addition. Not many people know what Lyn’s maiden name is. A clue: when the two were married, John added one of these, while Lyn gained four. The answer comes from a no less reliable source than the Theobalds; Lyn’s maiden name was “Toe”, no kidding! Welcome back John and Lyn.
Anyway there was a co-man of the match in the premier flight and a co-lady of the match in C Flight. Leslie Cobban stood atop the A Flight with 34 points and both 2’s on the day. Leslie was two clear of the man on form, Brian Dunbar, and a further two of Jon Hagen.
C Flight produced the co-lady of the match as Esara Duangsri struck again with 34 points. The other Aussie couple playing with us today, Brian and Marlene Prudden, were in the coin as Marlene picked up the silver with a count back victory of Irishman Tom Gory.
Friday, April 26, Greenwood - Stableford
A Flight
1st Lawrie McBride (16) 36pts
2nd Colin Davis (17) 35pts
3rd Terry Mangan (19) 34pts
B Flight
1st Martin Allard (25) 40pts
2nd Mark Williams (20) 38pts
3rd Stuart Brown (25) 36pts
It was back to Greenwood on Friday and the day’s task was the A&B layouts. Martin Allard left little question about who was man of the match as he shot a blistering 40pts in B Flight, that was 2 clear of Mark Williams and a further 2 from Stuart Brown.
In the top boys’ flight, Lawrie McBride continued his fine play to take the top spot with a solid even par round to the Donkey’s silver winning 35 points. Terry ‘pork chop’ Mangan, always there or there abouts, filled the flight a further shot in arrears.
Colin Davethell scooped the 2’s pot with a brace.
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.

‘The Divorcer’ on a scorcher

The Backyard Golf Society

It was another scorcher of a day at Emerald last Friday, April 26, as the Backyard boys took to the course to sweat out the excesses of the rest of the week. The course was very quiet with most sensible people heading to the beach or some air-conditioned establishment.
Winning the main competition today was Don ‘the Divorcer’ with 36 points. No one managed to stay on the near-pin par three 15th, so that will be rolled over to next week’s game. Irish John won 7 skins, Don ‘the Divorcer’ won 4, Tony ‘Foos yer Doos’ Cowe won 3 and Golden Trowel’s boyfriend chipped in with 2. There are thus 2 rolled over to next week also.
Several absentees today included Terry ‘the Mummy’, who has a group of his old Bobby mates over from the UK for their annual fix of golf and other activities. Michelle Chatt cried off with “definitely not gout” but with something that has all the symptoms of gout. Yaya’s Delight (who was only back for 1 game which he won and then left again) has gone back again to Sydney to sort out his Aussie retirement benefits, a saga that has lasted longer than the Roman Empire.

Thai Fight provides spectacular finale for Songkran festival

Peemai Jitmuangong lands a punch on Frenchman Yacine Darkrim during the first bout of Thai Fight Extreme at Bali Hai, Friday, April 19.

Warunya Thongrod
The second edition of the Thai Fight muaythai extravaganza took place at a temporary stage and boxing arena erected at Bali Hai Pier in south Pattaya on Friday, April 19.
The event coincided with the ‘Wan Lai’ Songkran celebrations in the city and was well attended by revelers who came to see something more than just a water fight.
Minister of Culture, Sonthaya Kunplome, officially opened the contest at 5.30 p.m. and amidst a fanfare of thumping music and flashing disco lights he was swiftly followed into the spotlight by the first two combatants of the evening, Thailand’s Peemai Jitmuangong and Frenchman Yacine Darkrim, fighting in the 72kg division.

Yodsonklai Fairtex (left) blocks a punch from Uzbekistan’s Naimjon Tuhtobaev.

From the opening bell, Darkrim used his superior height and reach to keep his opponent on the back foot to edge the first round. Cheered on by a large local contingent of fans, Jitmuangong fought back in the second as Darkrim began to tire and the Thai went on to dominate in the third, appearing to be a clear winner at the final bell. Remarkably however, the judges saw the contest as a draw and thus the sudden death round was brought into play. With both boxers fighting themselves to a virtual standstill in the additional round, the judges finally got the decision right at the end and adjudged Jitmuangong as a worthy winner.
The second bout on the “mystery” fight-card saw superstar Yodsonklai Fairtex make short work of 20-year old Naimjon Tuhtobaev. The Thai champion and WBC world No 1 ranked middleweight attacked his outclassed Uzbek opponent with a barrage of kicks and punches that finally forced the referee to stop the contest in the second round.

Iquezang Kor. Rungthanakeat (left) kicks out at Fahmongkol Sor. Jor. Danrayong in the Isuzu Superfight.

The main event of the evening followed next in the form of the 67kg limit Isuzu Superfight between two Thai fighters, Iquezang Kor. Rungthanakeat and Fahmongkol Sor. Jor. Danrayong, with the winner getting the chance to take part in the Thai Fight championship held later in the year.
Fahmongkol was on the offensive for all three rounds – using his height and reach advantage to pick Iquezang off while his opponent was reduced to trying to connect with counter punches. Keeping the fight at distance, Fahmongkol ran out a deserved winner on points and for his efforts he collected 300,000 baht in prize money from sponsors Isuzu.

Payakdam Mor. Phuvananaipolkonkhonkaen flexes his muscles after his first round victory over Iran’s Behzad Rafigh Doust.

The following fight was over so quickly that if you blinked once you would have likely missed it. Local lad Sudsakorn Sor. Klinmee from Banglamung made a colorful entry into the ring, taunting his Cambodian opponent Ong Piarak before the first bell had even sounded. Once the bout got underway for real Sudsakorn wasted little time in disposing of Piarak, knocking him to the canvas twice before finally finishing the fight with a vicious spinning elbow to the jaw that left the Cambodian counted out and in need of a precautionary trip to the hospital.
The final contest of the evening was also a quick-fire affair and pitted Behzad Rafigh Doust from Iran against Thailand’s Payakdam Mor. Phuvananaipolkonkhonkaen, who hails from Srisaket.
The fight was barely a minute old when Payakdam caught Doust with a knee to the solar plexus that left the Iranian keeling over and in some distress. Sensibly the referee stepped in to stop the bout as Doust was led to his corner coughing up blood and was latter also sent to join Piarak at the hospital for a check-up.
This year’s muaythai tournament proved to be another big success for the promoters and city officials and overcame initial logistical concerns about it clashing with the ‘Wan Lai’ day celebrations. Once again it highlighted Pattaya’s suitability and capacity for hosting premier sporting contests and we hope to see more such events being staged in the city in the future.

Stanley makes the right & wrong choices

PSC golf Bunker Boys @ The Ranch

Monday, April 22, Crystal Bay A & B - Rainbow Stableford
A few regulars have started to return to Pattaya after the Songkran madness, but only 10 players turned out today for our monthly Rainbow competition. The course and greens were in reasonable shape, but the bunkers continue to deteriorate, and now look as though they haven’t been tended for six months.

Mark Stanley.

The blue tees were set well back today, so the choice of tee was really important, and Mark Stanley obviously made the right choices, romping home with 41 points. There was a four-way tie for second place on 37 points, which went down to the last six holes and was eventually awarded to John Graham (13 points on the last 6) beating Neil Griffin into third place (12 points on the last six) with Peter Habgood and Jerry Waselenkof being the unlucky players to miss out.
We said goodbye to Jerry Waselenkof today, who’s played 35 games in the first 3 months of this year (second only to Colin Greig) - see you again in the fall Jerry!
1st Mark Stanley (11) 41pts
2nd John Graham (11) 37pts
3rd Neil Griffin (25) 37pts
Near Pins: Mark Stanley, John Graham, Tony Robbins and Jerry Waselenkof.
Wednesday, April 14, Bangprakong – Stableford
Another small group today for our visit to the normally popular Bangprakong Riverside course. The course is almost always in good shape, but today was not one of it’s better days, the greens having been recently sanded and there were noticeable dead patches on the fairways.
It was another hot day and there were menacing looking clouds all around, which eventually caught up with us on the ninth hole, resulting in a 15 minute delay, but after that the weather remained fine.
We welcomed back Ken Davidson, and Mashi brought along his friend Toshi (hcp.3), who elected not to play in the stableford competition and promptly shot a gross score of 74.
It was another day of very close scoring with five players in a position to win when they reached the 17th tee. Tony Robbins eventually scraped home by a single point ahead of a three-way tie on 36 points. The count back saw Mark Stanley taking second place (21 points on the back nine) ahead of Mashi (19 points) with Ken Davidson being the unlucky one to lose out on his first game back.
1st Tony Robbins (11) 37pts
2nd Mark Stanley (11) 36pts
3rd Mashi Kaneta (15) 36pts
Near Pins: Ken Davidson, Tony Robbins, Mark Stanley and Toshi Kamikura
Friday, April 19, Emerald – Stableford
It was a fine, but at times very hot day for our visit to Bang Chang. The course was in reasonable shape, but the greens had obviously not been cut recently and were much slower than usual. Even the normally treacherous 17th green, where putts from the top level are normally difficult to keep on the putting surface, was benign today and putts were stopping close to the hole.
Ken Davidson had a great front nine (21 points) but the wheels nearly came off on the back nine, when he failed to score on the final two holes. Peter Habgood almost caught Ken, after scoring an impressive 23 points on the back nine, but in the end came up short by a single point. Tony Robbins fluked a chip on the 18th green to take 3rd place on a count back ahead of Neil Griffin.
Mark Stanley was playing his final game before heading back to the U.K. for a work break, and elected to play off the blue tees, which anyone who’s tried it will tell you that it probably cost him the chance of a final win.
1st Ken Davidson (24) 38pts
2nd Peter Habgood (21) 37pts
3rd Tony Robbins (12) 32pts
Near Pins: Geoff Hart, Mark Stanley and Gerry Cooney (2).
Even though Colin Greig has gone back to the U.K., and missed the last four games of the month, his earlier consistent play had established a healthy lead in the Golfer of the Month competition. The only three contenders who could have taken the title, Mark Stanley, Tony Robbins and John Graham, have all fallen a couple of points short, and even with one game still remaining, Colin cannot be caught. Congratulations Colin and your trophy will be waiting for you on your return.
Note: The Bunker Boys play out of The Ranch bar on Pattaya 3rd Road (in front of the fire station, and almost opposite the Buffalo Bar). We play Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, meeting 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. 

Mrs. Browne’s boy done well

Phoenix Members Golf Society

Tuesday winners pose with staff at The Relax Bar.

Mike Gerrard
If you haven’t been to Phoenix lately you may be confused when you walk out to the first tee. Overnight the whole landscape around the Mountain 9th and the practice putting green has completely changed with all the huge bushes and shrubs disappearing and new light spread around the views. What a good idea it was.
With news that Phoenix has now been bought by someone (or some company) we were all holding our breath for the AGM to see what surprises we members may be in for. Whatever, we feel positive that it will be for the good, especially for the clubhouse and the course.
The changes in the course must have inspired Mrs. Browne’s boy, Patrick, who played in his golfer’s costume today, April 23, and returned a massive 41 points. I personally played my best golf for some time and returned 39 points (thinking that would be good enough to win the day) only to be in second place. Third place went to ‘Mr. Consistency’ Mukesh Thakker, again with a score worthy of winning, 38 points.
In fourth was Adriano Reale with 36 points. This score was especially greeted with joy because under our rules no one can claim more than 28-handicap and Adriano’s handicap is 34, which would have meant a returned score of 42 points. Tough at the top innit!
I think the reason the scoring was so good today was that due to the storms of late and then baking sun the green keeper has allowed the grass to grow a little longer on the greens so as to slow them down a little.
Near pins today went to Tim Mason, Jon Haugen & Patrick Browne with one not won which was entered into the lucky draw. Those winners were Stuart Gordon, John Bartley, Colin Gregg and Sergio Poggi. All lucky draw prizes are donated by our hosts The Relax Bar at Ban Amphur, and we thank them very much.
We play every Tuesday, Friday and Sunday plus monthly sea fishing trips, usually on a Saturday. For further information please contact me (Mike) on 087 091 7565.

Holmes pips Talbot on count-back

IPGC golf from Tara Court & The Links

Sunday, April 21, Green Valley (white tees) – Stableford
Today we joined up with our friends from The Links to play at Green Valley. As the numbers are down now that the low season is here, we will both be joining up for our usual Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday games until next high season, so we will have enough players to make up a good competition.

 

Joe McArdle.

A hot day today and the greens had been pole forked and sanded but it didn’t stop some of our players coming in with very good scores. Joe McArdle probably thought he had done enough to win with his 38pts but he didn’t even make the prizes. Keith Wolley was the man who beat Joe on a count back with 19 on the back nine. Also Brian Talbot probably thought he had done enough to win as he had 40pts but he was beaten into second place on count back by Rick Holmes who had an excellent 22pts on the back nine.
Brian and Rick shared the ‘2’s pot with one each.
1st Rick Holmes (15) 40pts
2nd Brian Talbot (12) 40pts
3rd Keith Wolley (13) 38pts
Tuesday, April 23, Bangpra (white tees) - Stableford
It was Bangpra today for another hot day’s golf and another long course off the white tees. A lot of the tees were actually placed way back so the course was over 6,800 yards and playing very long. Again this was reflected on the scoring and Marty Rock was the winner with 33pts ahead of John Batty just one back in second.
Joe Peters got the only 2 of the day.
1st Marty Rock (11) 33pts
2nd John Batty (10) 32pts
Thursday, April 25, Burapha (blue tees) - Stableford
Today we went to Burapha to play the B and D courses where the Singha Pattaya Open was played the previous week. The course was in beautiful condition with excellent and very fast greens. Again a very long course off the blue tees and with a lot of the tees placed behind the actual markers it was over 6,850 yards, which is long.
Probably because of this, again no one managed to play to their handicap, with Joe McArdle being the nearest with 35pts and John Batty was second with 33.
There were four ‘2’s which made the pot small for Joe McArdle, Neil Skilton, John Batty and Phil Mitchell.
1st Joe McArdle (13) 35pts
2nd John Batty (10) 33pts
Note: The Tara Court Golf Group and The Links play every Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday, leaving O’Gara’s Bar and Restaurant in the Tara Court on Pratamnak Rd and The Links on Soi Bukhaow around 10.00 a.m. Sign up either in O’Gara’s or The Links or ring Joe on 089 249 1364 or John on 080 021 1034 and they will book you in.

All eyes on Pattaya for Top of the Gulf Regatta 2013

The Top of the Gulf Regatta sets sail from May 3-7 at Ocean Marina Yacht Club, Na-jomtien. (Photo/Infinity Communications)

The Top of the Gulf Regatta was founded in 2005 by William J Gasson and the Ocean Marina Yacht Club, with the aim of developing an international standard multi-fleet regatta on the Eastern Seaboard.
There were already a series of small yacht racing events in the area and the desire was to bring these together to create one of the largest regattas in Thailand and provide a competitive yacht racing platform for Thai and international sailors.
The Regatta has since grown to become the largest regatta in Thailand by boat numbers – regularly attracting over 250 boats each year – and indeed the largest regatta of its kind in Asia.

The philosophy of the Regatta’s founders and the Organising Committee has always been to welcome a diverse fleet of boats and sailors of all ages, and to this end it is arguably the most diverse Regatta in the region with over 600 sailors from the ages of seven years to over 70 years taking part in 2012.
The Regatta is unique – it is the only multi-class sailing event of its kind in Asia, attracting a large fleet of keelboats and ocean multihulls, as well as one-design Platus, beach catamarans, dinghies, Optimists and the NeilPryde RS:One Windsurfs.
The Top of the Gulf Regatta (TOG Regatta) attracts a quality fleet of Thai-based and international sailors across all the classes, often attracting National, Asian and World Champions and Olympians to take part alongside novices and seasoned professionals, all under the banner of supporting and promoting a healthy watersports lifestyle.

The 2013 Top of the Gulf Regatta starts this Friday, May 3 and promises five days of spectacular sailing competition off the coast of Pattaya & Jomtien. For a full regatta preview - turn to page 58.

The TOG Regatta incorporates the prestigious Coronation Cup, which is competed for by the one-design Platu Class, and the Thailand Optimist National Championship which is the national championship for the Optimist Class and attracts over 100 sailors each year.
The Top of the Gulf Regatta is organised by an Organising Committee with support from the Ocean Marina Yacht Club, Royal Varuna Yacht Club and the Royal Thai Navy, and is held under the auspices of the Yacht Racing Association of Thailand.
The Prestigious Trophies
The Top of the Gulf Regatta presents awards for first, second and third places in the overall series, for all classes. The Coronation Cup is awarded to the winner of the one-design Platu class, and the Thailand Optimist National Championships’ overall winner is presented a special perpetual trophy.
Coronation Cup
Established in 1996 with 24 entries, the first one-design Coronation Cup date coincided with the anniversary of His Majesty the King of Thailand’s Coronation date, 5th May 1950. From there, the one-design Platu Coronation Cup was born. Today, Ocean Marina Yacht Club is home to the largest Platu fleet in Asia.
The Platu was brought to Thailand by a group of businessmen, including Virot Nualkhair. They commissioned Bruce Farr to design a one-design, economically-priced high performance boat suitable for Thailand’s prevailing conditions. The first Platus were built by McDell Marine in New Zealand and in 1995 the first 28 were delivered to Pranburi on Thailand’s Gulf Coast and based at the former Phatra Marina. (As a result of its successful design Beneteau visited the fleet in Pranburi and decided to buy moulds from McDell Marine and began manufacturing the Beneteau 25 in Europe. There are now approximately 600 Beneteau 25’s in Europe and Worlds events are attracting up to 100 boats.)

Top Of The Gulf Regatta 2013

Schedule of Events

Friday 3rd May

Registration and Practice Day

10:00 - 16:30:  Registration at Ocean Marina Yacht Club.

14:00:  Practice Race(s) for Classes 1-7.

17:30:  Skippers briefing Classes 1-7.

18:00:  Opening Ceremony with wine and cocktails at Ocean Marina Yacht Club.

Saturday 4th May

Race Day One (all classes)

09:00:  Skippers briefing Classes 8-11.

10:00:  Skippers briefing Class 12.

11:00:  Racing Starts.

17:00 – 19:00:  Daily prize-giving and drinks on the lawn.

19:00:  Kingdom Property party at Royal Varuna Yacht Club.

Sunday 5th May

Race Day Two (all classes)

11:00:  Racing Starts.

17:00 – 19:00:  Daily prize-giving and drinks on the lawn.

Monday 6th May

Race Day Three (all classes)

11:00:  Racing Starts.

17:00 – 19:00:  Thailand Optimist National Championships prize-giving and drinks on the lawn.

Tuesday 7th May

Race Day Four (classes 1 to 7)

11:00:  Racing Starts.

18:00:  Ocean Marina Yacht Club Gala Dinner and Regatta prize giving.

Thailand Optimist National
Championships
In 1976 the Yacht Racing Association of Thailand started Junior Sailing, a programme to encourage and train young Thai sailors and send them to compete in international sailing events. In the same year, YRAT started what was then called the Optimist Thailand Championship Cup, known today as the Thailand Optimist National Championships.
Now in its 38th year, the Thailand Optimist National Championship is as competitive as ever, with many leading Thai juniors, international teams and world champions competing for the title. Sansiri PLC have come onboard as a key sponsor of the Regatta this year and are presenting sponsor of the event – the Thailand Optimist National Championships presented by Sansiri.
Supporting grassroots sailing
The Top of the Gulf Regatta (TOG Regatta), together with hosts Ocean Marina Yacht Club, have been supporting grass roots sailing in the Gulf of Thailand for many years.
The regatta organisers incorporated the Thailand Optimist National Championships nine years ago (the first year of the regatta) and have supported its operation ever since. Held over three-days during the Regatta, the national championships welcomes in the region of 130 young sailors to compete each year.
With approximtely 100 young Thai sailors taking part, the championships provide a unique opportunity for the youngsters to compete against international sailors, and in 2013 youngsters are coming from Singapore, Hong Kong, the Philippines, India, Indonesia and Myanmar, to compete, as well as strong representation from yacht clubs around Thailand including in Hua Hin, Samui, Phuket and of course the Pattaya area.
Now in its 38th year, the National Optimist Championships is the second oldest annual sailing event in Thailand and continues to develop youth talent and introduce Thai youngsters to the sport sailing. And this year, the TOG Regatta organisers welcome Sansiri PLC as presenting sponsor of the championships.
“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. 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,” said Ob-oom Chutrakul, Social Director of Sansiri PLC.
The Thailand Optimist National Championships will take place 4th to 6th May. Racing will take place on Course 1 off Ocean Marina Yacht Club, with race management by the Yacht Racing Association of Thailand (YRAT), and the final prize-giving will be held at Ocean Marina Yacht Club on 6th May.

Davies delivers prize catch

Sea fishing with KPK Food Services Ltd.

Paul Davies poses with his snapper and KPK voucher prize.

Mike Gerrard
Saturday, April 27, was another wonderful day out on the ocean. Although there have been storms around of late, it was crystal clear skies and waters today with a very pleasant fresh wind to keep all cool.
With a full crew of five fishermen on board our new boat, with our old friend Captain Pong (he’s been around for at least 12 years), we set off for the normal fishing waters around the islands of Bang Saray and Sattahip.
It has to be said that with the last couple of years being quite barren of large varieties, we wasted many hours today trying in vain to entice the ‘biggies’, but to no avail.
The tides were running very fast and with the boat anchored this meant that it was a waste of time to try with the smaller rod set ups until we could drift. After a while this is what we did and although it was still difficult due to the wind blowing the boat a little too quickly, we soon started to pull up some nice sized snapper.
One small pompano was caught and everyone took home a nice few pounds of tuck for the freezer. We have come to a decision now that due to the lack of big fish in this area we are not going to waste any more time trying for the bigger varieties. However, this will give more time to devote to all day action going after the smaller and medium sized fish which seem to be the only varieties in this area.
Paul Davies was the winner of the KPK food voucher today, donated by Mr. Beef, as seen in the photo with his nice sized snapper.
Our next trip will be in May and anyone interested in a great day out on the ocean can call me (Mike) on 087 091 7565 for further information.

Walter brace earns the points for City

Bangkok Casuals Amateur Football League Div 1

Paul Frain
With no games for the last three weeks, and coming off three earlier defeats, Pattaya City FC were looking forward to the chance to climb the league table with a game against mid-table French side Les Gaulois last weekend.
Everything was looking rosy for City until the opening kick-off when the French promptly took the lead in the first 5 minutes of the match. Les Gaulois continued to put pressure on the City defense, however, it was City who nearly scored next when a blazing shot by Emery hit the bar and with a desperate French defense unable to clear the ball, it was pounced on by City’s Coulson whose shot also hit the bar and eventually this time the ball was cleared to safety.
This unfortunate luck didn’t discourage City and they started to put the French defense under more pressure and a good ball by City’s Walter found leading scorer Vorontsov who beat two defenders to slot the ball home for the equalizer and make the score 1-1.
City’s keeper Yongui brought off another good save to deny a French forward who shot on the turn from eight yards, and at the other end of the field a free-kick by City’s Paul Madden just skimmed the French bar. At half time the scores remained level at 1-1.
Straight after the restart Les Gaulois took the lead once more through forward Zemir, who was unmarked at the far post and had a simple task to prod the ball home to make it 2-1. The French started to get on top with their talented midfielder Daveil pulling the strings and with City’s leading scorer limping off the pitch, the Pattaya team were having to battle hard in the blistering heat.
City’ coaching staff rang the changes; with centre half Philip Walter being pushed up front, but it was the City keeper who kept his team in the game with another couple of fine saves.
Slowly City started to get on top of the French defense and it came as no surprise when they drew level through Walter, who slammed the ball home from a corner kick to equalize and make it 2-2. Not content with the draw, City pushed forward and it was that man Walter again who gave them the lead for the first time in the match as he fired home a rebound from a free-kick.
There was one more scare for City before the end as a Les Gaulois forward beat the offside trap and looked odds on to score, but his shot hit the City goalpost and rebounded to safety.
The final whistle sounded soon after bringing to a close a fine game between two teams who gave their all despite the sweltering conditions.

Pattaya 8-Ball Monday Pool League

Results & Standings April 22 (week 9)

Division 1
Team	Played	Won	Lost	For	Agst	Diff.	Pts.
Phimai Geordie	9	9	0	102	33	69	27
San Snack Bar	9	7	2	84	51	33	23
Joy’s Paradise	9	7	2	73	62	11	23
Shoot Pool	8	6	2	69	51	18	20
Biggy’z Rest	9	5	4	75	60	15	19
Crazy Eddie’s	9	4	5	73	62	11	17
Parrot Inn	9	3	6	52	83	-31	15
Connections	9	3	6	49	86	-37	15
Buffalo Jack’s	8	3	5	57	63	-6	14
Mee Chew	9	2	7	60	75	-15	13
KiK Bar	9	2	7	56	79	-23	13
Rising Sun	9	2	7	45	90	-45	13
Results:  Crazy Eddie’s 7 v 8 Shoot Pool, Joy’s Paradise 12 v 3 Connections, Biggy’z Rest 11 v 4 Parrot Inn, KiK Bar 2 v 13 San Snack Bar, Buffalo Jack’s 4 v 11 Phimai Geordie, Rising Sun 9 v 6 Mee Chew

‘Dolphins’ slide continues with seventh straight defeat

Pattaya United’s Rodion Dyachenko (right) battles for the ball with Bangkok United’s Mohamad Al Hasan during their Toyota Thai Premier League game at the Thai-Japanese Stadium in Bangkok, Saturday, April 27. (Photo/Pattaya United/Offside)

Pattaya United’s current Premier League woes continued last weekend with a 4-0 thumping at the hands of bottom club Bangkok United at the Thai-Japanese Stadium in Bangkok.
Having recently seen a change of leadership in the coach’s dug-out, Pattaya were hoping to turn around their miserable start to the season but they got off to the worst possible start when some slack marking in their penalty area saw Bangkok forward Sompong Soleb steal in at the far post to give his team the lead in just the second minute of the match.
The Dolphin’s defence was under pressure for much of the first half but they managed to avoid any further catastrophes and the score still remained 1-0 to the hosts at the break.
In the second half, Bangkok began to turn on the style that had been markedly missing from their previous seven games, from which they had garnered just a single point. The home team doubled their lead in the 66th minute when French midfielder Romain Gasmi fired in a spectacular looping volley from 25 meters out.
The match was put out of reach of Pattaya in the 77th minute as Soleb scored his second goal of the game with almost a carbon copy of the first, and Bangkok put the icing on the cake of their own fine performance when Gasmi was put clean through and completed his own brace in the 82nd minute.
Pattaya are now on their worst run of defeats since the club entered the Thai Premier League 4 seasons ago and they are currently only propped up off the bottom by Sisaket FC who have 5 games in hand on the ‘Dolphins’. Pattaya’s next match is this coming Saturday, at home against TOT with kick-off at 6 p.m.
Chonburi ‘Sharks’ leapfrogged Suphanburi into third place in the standings after the two went head to head last weekend, with Chonburi securing a fine 1-0 away win. The ‘Sharks’ return home this coming weekend for a fixture against Bangkok Glass on Sunday.

Team	P	W	D	L	+/-	Pts.
Muang Thong United	8	7	0	1	10	21
Buriram United	7	5	2	0	11	17
Chonburi	8	5	2	1	7	17
Suphanburi	8	4	3	1	5	15
BEC Tero Sasana	8	4	3	1	4	15
Army United	8	4	1	3	9	13
TOT	8	3	3	2	-1	12
Chainat	8	2	5	1	2	11
Songkhla United	8	3	2	3	-5	11
Police United	7	2	3	2	-2	9
Ratchaburi	8	2	3	3	-2	9
Bangkok Glass	8	2	2	4	-1	8
Osotspa	7	2	2	3	-3	8
Samut Songkhram	7	0	4	3	-4	4
Bangkok United	8	1	1	6	-9	4
Chiangrai United	7	0	3	4	-5	3
Pattaya United	8	1	0	7	-12	3
Sisaket	3	0	1	2	-4	1
Results:  Buriram United 3 - 1 Police United, Songkhla United 1 - 1 Samut Songkhram, Bangkok United 4 - 0 Pattaya United, Muang Thong United 2 - 1 Chiangrai United, Chainat 1 - 1 BEC Tero Sasana, Suphanburi 0 - 1 Chonburi, TOT 1 - 1 Ratchaburi, Bangkok Glass 1 - 0 Army United

Pattaya Rugby Festival kicks-off this weekend

Enjoy a feast of great rugby this weekend as the Amari Orchid Pattaya Chris Kays Memorial Rugby Tournament gets underway at Horseshoe Point.

The waiting is almost over and this weekend of will see the thirteenth staging of the Amari Orchid Pattaya Chris Kays Memorial Rugby Tournament kicking off at the Horseshoe Point Resort. The training is complete and the strategy laid out, all that remains now is the sweat and strain of putting each coach’s plans into action on the field.
The players will be assembling, probably as you read this, on Friday evening at the Tavern by The Sea, the primary sporting outlet of the tournament’s major sponsor - the Amari Orchid Resort. All teams will be registered and many old friendships will be renewed before the old rivalries are revived on the playing field, commencing at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday morning.
The Kingdom Property Youth tournament, which will be staged in conjunction with the main tournament, will see 10 young sides representing seven Thai schools from as far away as Surin in the north and Surat in the south. They will lock horns with the Bangkok Lions and the Bangkok Barbarians, two development teams featuring mainly sons of expatriates based in Bangkok, and a recently formed team from Pattaya who will play under the banner of the Pattaya Rams, but comprise mainly students at the Regents School.
That arch referees supremo David Viccars has again assembled a brave band of men in black (MIB), who will risk life and limb to see that the laws of rugby are strictly enforced! In a first for this tournament, this year’s event will feature a lady referee specially invited from Cambodia. Ms. Sophoan Peou has refereed in several tournaments around the region and is well respected so I am sure that she will get a warm welcome in Pattaya!
There will be a total of 24 games in the round robin stages of the main tournament on Saturday, and these will be followed by 16 games in the round robin stages of the Kingdom Property Youth Tournament. The young boys will finish the knockout stages of their tournament commencing at 08:00 a.m. on Sunday morning, which will allow the older players in the main competition to have a lie in!
The knockout stages of the Amari Orchid Pattaya Chris Kays Memorial Tournament 2013 will commence at approximately 10:00 a.m. on Sunday and will conclude with the Cup Final at around 17:00, to be followed by a lavish presentation ceremony around the pool at Horseshoe Point.
Please do come and support your local heroes and have some fun and great craic at the same time. There will be a special children’s play area to keep the little ones happy while daddy enjoys some great rugby and good food and cold beer!
The final preparations are underway and by Saturday morning the playing field at Horseshoe Point will have been prepared for the battles that will be fought and the bar staff will be prepared for the challenge of the mighty thirsts that such competition has a way of creating.
The tournament could not happen without the support of our sponsors Amari Orchid Resort Pattaya, Kingdom Properties and Cranes & Equipment Asia as well as Construction Cost Consultants, Bangkok Pattaya Hospital, Aus Group, CR Asia Ltd., Societe Generale de Surveillance, Jardine Shipping Services, Phoenix Pacific Inc., Outrigger Hotels and Resorts and our legendary social sponsors Icebreaker.
We do hope to see many of you there - please drop by and say hello to Ray and Lin Kays (Chris’s parents) who will be honouring us with their presence.
The weather is forecast to be fine but very HOT but the beer will be very cold! The venue is in perfect condition so we have no doubt that this will be another spectacular tournament.

Stuvik clinches race win and F3 championship lead in France

Sandy Stuvik celebrates atop the podium at the Paul Ricard circuit in France, Sunday, April 28.

The second race of the 2013 European Formula 3 Open Championship got underway under wet and cold conditions at the French Paul Ricard circuit last weekend, April 27-28. Thai Formula 3 rookie Sandy Stuvik struggled to find the right set-up for his Dallara F312 during the morning’s qualifying session on Sunday and was disappointed to only make a P5 starting position for the race, considering his excellent speed in the dry Friday practice sessions.
The race started with light rain falling on the French circuit, and Stuvik found good grip off the start line and made up a position on the drag down towards the first corner. As two cars came together in the first turn, he found himself up to second position by the end of the first lap and fast closing in on the early race leader, Venezuela’s Robert La Rocca.
By turn the first turn on the second lap, the Thai driver made a clean move to overtake for the lead and immediately pulled away from the rest of the field. Over the following 7 laps he would pull out a 7-second lead over the second placed car, but at a high cost on his tires.
The last 6 laps saw Stuvik managing his fading tires while the field started catching up again. Two laps before the end of the race he came under heavy attack from Israel’s Yarin Stern, but managed to hold him off as the rain started coming down again and by the end he secured his first European Formula 3 victory and the championship lead.
The Italian team RP Motorsport was ecstatic to again see their car on the top step of the podium and proved yet again that hard work and dedication do pay off. Team owner Fabio Pampado joined the 18-year old Sandy Stuvik on the podium, celebrating the team’s first victory this season.
The next race in the 2013 European Formula 3 Open Championship will take place from May 18-19 at the Autódromo Internacional do Algarve, Portimão in Portugal.
For more information on Thai racer Sandy Stuvik, check out webpage: www.sandystuvik.com.

Pattaya Sports Club Bowling League

WKD Tuesday Darts League

Crumpton Oaks Cider Monday Pool League

Friday 601 Darts League

Thursday 501 Darts League

Monday DI Premier League Darts

British Bar Snacks Friday Pool League

Pattaya 9-Ball Pool League

Samorn & Fred win Anzac Day trophies

Makara secures second monthly medal award

Walkley wins Kanchanaburi bragging rights

Allidi takes low gross honours at PAGS monthly

Mashi & Max - the pick of the week

Roscoe is King of the North

PB’s all round at Crystal Bay

Wilkinson back on top

Iain bags a hole-in-one at Greenwood

Golfnutter: Rules – Red versus Yellow

Phillips beats the heat at Phoenix

Rajah rules the Valley

‘The Divorcer’ on a scorcher

Thai Fight provides spectacular finale for Songkran festival

Stanley makes the right & wrong choices

Mrs. Browne’s boy done well

Holmes pips Talbot on count-back

All eyes on Pattaya for Top of the Gulf Regatta 2013

Davies delivers prize catch

Walter brace earns the points for City

Pattaya 8-Ball Monday Pool League

‘Dolphins’ slide continues with seventh straight defeat

Pattaya Rugby Festival kicks-off this weekend

Stuvik clinches race win and F3 championship lead in France