SPORTS

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SPORTS

Nick the Pizza Friday 601 Darts League

Final Standings

Team P W L B/L +/- Pts

Khao Noi Sports Bar 20 18 2 15 84 36

Dang’s Bar 20 15 5 16 60 30

Legends Darts 20 13 7 10 28 26

Load Out Bar 20 8 12 10 -30 16

Jantha Coffee House 20 6 14 9 -42 12

Alan and Paul from Khao Noi Sports Bar pose with the league winners’ trophy

PCDO Chairman Paul (left) presents Klang from Legends Pool & Sports Bar with an award for most 100+ scores in a season (130) and most check-outs in a season.

British Bar Snacks Friday Pool League

Results & Standings July 7 (week 14)

Division 1

Team P W L +/- BP Pts

Shoot Pool 14 11 3 37 0 33

Butchers Arms 13 9 4 31 1 28

Links Bar 14 7 7 -10 2 23

Pook’s Bar 13 7 6 9 1 22

Biggyz Rest ‘A’ 13 6 7 -11 1 19

Mata Bar 13 6 7 -4 0 18

Nicky’s Bar 14 6 8 -5 0 18

Legends Pool 12 4 8 -21 2 14

Sweethearts Bar 10 2 8 -26 2 8

Results: Biggyz Rest ‘A’ P-P Sweethearts Bar, Legends Pool 10 v 9 Links Bar, Mata Bar 8 v 10 Nicky’s Bar, Pook’s Bar 3 v 10 Shoot Pool, The Butchers Arms W v L (Bye)

Division 2

Team P W L +/- BP Pts

Old Thai Angle 13 10 3 34 0 30

Offshore Bar 14 9 5 23 0 27

Easy R-Con Bar 12 8 4 15 1 25

Tie’s R Us 11 6 5 5 0 18

FCUK Inn 12 6 6 -13 0 18

Irish Rovers 14 5 9 -36 1 16

Mai’s Bar 11 4 7 -2 3 15

Dean’s Bar 13 4 9 -13 2 14

Crazy Eddie’s 12 4 8 -13 1 13

Results: Crazy Eddie’s 10 v 2 Irish Rovers, Dean’s Bar 9 v 10 Old Thai Angle, Easy R-Con Bar 10 v 5 Offshore Bar, FCUK Inn P-P Mai’s Bar, Tie’s R Us W v L (Bye)

Division 3

Team P W L +/- BP Pts

Smile Bar 15 15 0 73 0 45

Biggy’z Rest ‘B’ 14 10 4 23 1 31

Wet Bar 13 8 5 1 1 25

The Queen Vic 13 7 6 -9 1 22

The Ranch 11 6 5 -4 0 18

Buffalo Jacks 14 6 8 -8 0 18

Rabbi’s Elephant 13 6 7 -18 0 18

Connections 13 2 11 -58 0 6

Results: Buffalo Jacks 5 v 10 The Ranch, Connections 3 v 10 The Queen Vic, Rabbi’s Elephant 10 v 7 Biggy’z Rest ‘B’, Smile Bar W v L: (Team Pulled Out), Wet Bar W v L (Bye)

Crumpton Oaks Cider Monday Pool League

Results & Standings July 1 (week 20)

Division 1

Team P W L +/- BP Pts.

Shoot Pool 18 17 1 85 0 51

Legends Pool 18 12 6 6 2 38

Nicky’s Bar 17 10 7 2 0 30

Links Bar 18 9 9 1 1 28

Sweethearts Bar 18 9 9 -7 1 28

Butchers Arms 16 8 8 12 3 27

Irish Rovers 18 9 9 7 0 27

Biggy’z Rest 17 5 12 -23 4 19

Pook’s Bar 18 6 12 -32 1 19

Dean’s Bar 18 3 15 -51 1 10

Results: Dean’s Bar 6 v 10 Sweethearts Bar, Irish Rovers 5 v 10 Legends Pool

Division 2

Team P W L +/- BP Pts.

Smile Bar 18 13 5 30 1 40

Cheers Bar 17 13 4 21 1 40

Easy R-Con Bar 18 13 5 31 0 39

Caddyshack 18 13 5 18 0 39

Wet Bar 18 10 8 -16 1 31

Mai’s Bar 17 9 8 6 1 28

Offshore Bar 18 9 9 -6 1 28

Eor’s Bar 18 6 12 -12 1 19

Rabbi’s Elephant 18 3 15 -72 0 9

Results: Smile Bar 10 v 6 Mai’s Bar

WKD Tuesday Darts League

Results & Standings July 2 (week 8)

Team P W L B/legs Pts.

I-Rovers 8 8 0 6 16

Londoner 8 7 1 6 14

W. Tankies 8 7 1 5 14

Buffalo Jack’s 8 6 2 6 12

Shoot Pool Roxy 8 5 3 5 10

Jantha Coffee House 8 5 3 4 10

Mee Chew Sports Bar 8 5 3 3 10

Crazy Eddies 8 4 4 4 8

Shoot Pool 8 2 6 4 4

Scandalic 8 2 6 3 4

Yates Bar 8 2 6 2 4

Nervous Wreck 8 1 7 4 2

Mai’s Bar 8 1 7 3 2

Cum On Inn 8 1 7 1 2

Results: Cum On Inn (0-0)-(9-1) v Buffalo Jack’s, Mai’s Bar (3-1)-(4-0) v Jantha Coffee House, Mee Chew Sports Bar (1-0)-(6-1) v W. Tankies, Scandalic (1-0)-(8-1) v Crazy Eddies, Shoot Pool Roxy (1-0)-(8-1) v I-Rovers, Yates Bar (4-0)-(5-1) v Shoot Pool

Crumpton Oaks Dry Cider Wednesday Darts League

Results & Standings July 3 (week 10)

Team P W L Bonus Diff. Pts.

Legends Sports Bar 10 9 1 8 62 18

Mee Chew Sports Bar 10 9 1 8 44 18

W. Tankies 10 6 4 6 26 12

I-Rovers 10 5 5 4 -18 10

Yates Bar 10 4 6 6 -12 8

Scandalic 10 3 7 4 -24 6

Jantha Coffee House 10 3 7 3 -26 6

Mai’s Bar 10 1 9 1 -52 2

Results: I-Rovers (2-0)-(7-1) v Legends Pool & Sports Bar, Jantha Coffee House (8-1)-(1-0) v Scandalic, Mai’s Bar (0-0)-(9-1) v Yates Bar, Mee Chew Sports Bar (6-1)-(3-0) v W. Tankies

The Sportsman Monday Darts League

Results & Standings July 1 (week 18)

Team P W L B/L +/- Pts

Legends Darts 18 17 1 18 114 34

Dang’s Bar 16 13 3 9 36 26

Double Top Bar 18 8 10 7 -10 16

Load Out Bar 18 8 10 8 -12 16

Irish Rovers 18 4 14 7 -48 8

Jantha Coffee House 18 3 15 3 -80 6

Results: Dang’s Bar (9-1)-(0-0) v Double Top Bar, Legends Darts (8-1)-(1-0) v The Irish Rovers, Load Out Bar (6-0)-(3-1) v Jantha Coffee

Newton sparkles at Crystal Bay

PSC golf Bunker Boys @ The Ranch

Monday, July 1, Crystal Bay C & A – Stableford
Fourteen players today set out to tackle the C and A courses at Crystal Bay under bright sunny skies accompanied by a gentle breeze. The fairways were dry and firm after several days without rain, but unfortunately the greens were still recovering from recent coring, and bumpy slow putts were the order of the day.

June Golfer of the Month, John Graham, tees-off a new campaign.

Buff, the boss of The Ranch bar, was making his second appearance of the year on the golf course, and was partnered with Geoff Parker in a separate competition within the main competition against Neil Griffin and Blair (the golfer formerly known as “Skinny”) Newton, the self-declared Bunker Boys pairs champions.
The course was quiet and the round progressed smoothly (apart from the bumpy greens), with the conditions almost perfect for good scoring. Blair Newton duly rose to the occasion scoring an unbelievable (for those who’ve seen him play) 43 points, leaving Geoff Parker and Barry Murnin trailing in his wake, five points behind.
Good scores were in abundance, as on the day, seven of the fourteen players played to their handicap or better, and 36 points was only good enough for seventh place!
Blair and Neil also saw off the challenge from Buff and Geoff, so a raucous evening ensued back at The Ranch, as other challengers lined up to take on the “champions”. Blair received an immediate three shot cut in his handicap for his efforts today, so the “champions” should be ripe for plucking by the next contenders.
1st Blair Newton (29) 43pts
2nd Geoff Parker (15) 38pts
3rd Barry Murnin (13) 38pts
Near Pins: Barry Murnin and Takeshi (2)
Wednesday, July 3, Greenwood C & A – Stableford
There was some confusion and delay on arrival as we tried to redeem our rain-check from the washout on our last visit, but eventually everything was sorted out and our four groups set off on an empty course.
There were some heavy clouds around but the course was in good condition and our progress was smooth until a thunder storm rumbled in as the leading group reached the eighth tee. After a brief ten minute delay, we set off again and the remainder of the round was completed without further interruption, although the humidity was at sauna level.
It turned out to be a good day for two of our hardy veterans as Geoff Hart and Reg Smart claimed the top two podium positions, and were the only two golfers to play to their handicaps on the day. “Speedy” Graham claimed third place and also set the course record for the quickest round, with the leading group playing the eighteenth hole as the fourth group teed-off on the ninth!
1st Geoff Hart (23) 37pts
2nd Reg Smart (28) 36pts
3rd John Graham (10) 35pts
Near Pins: Henry Wong and Kenny Chung

Friday, July 5, Plutuluang – Stableford
We managed to get scheduled onto our requested West and North courses today, as our previous couple of visits had been played on the South and East nines. Our four groups set off in bright sunshine and it was soon evident that the course was in great condition, and even the normally slow greens were running much quicker than expected.
The West and North courses are surely the most difficult nines here with numerous water hazards, and the familiar call of “quack-quack naam” could be heard from Skinny and Neil from the first hole. The defending Bunker Boys pairs champions had accepted another challenge from Barry Murnin and Geoff Parker and it was soon evident that their title was in severe jeopardy, as they slipped to nine points down after nine holes.
The round progressed smoothly and the weather remained glorious throughout the round providing a great day’s golf which was enjoyed by all. Buff made the presentations back at The Ranch, and to the great relief of everyone, he announced that the pairs champions had been well and truly thrashed, and we wouldn’t need to endure any more choruses of “We are the champions” from probably the worst two singers in Pattaya.
Phil Moore was playing in only his third game since returning to Pattaya, but produced the best score of the day to take the honours ahead of Geoff Parker, who took second place on a count back ahead of Lee Butler.
1st Phil Moore (14) 38pts
2nd Geoff Parker (15) 36pts
3rd Lee Butler (15) 36pts
Near Pins: Gerry Cooney, Phil Moore, Lee Butler and Barry Murnin.
Note: The Bunker Boys are a PSC affiliated golf society, who now play out of The Ranch bar on Pattaya 3rd Road (in front of the fire station, and almost opposite the Buffalo Bar). We play three times per week on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, so if you enjoy a fun day out, and a friendly but competitive golf competition why not come and join us.
We meet at The Ranch at 9 a.m. for breakfast and transportation, and new players are always welcome. Contact “Buff” on 086 046 5091 or 080 605 5663 for all enquiries. You can find all the news, schedules and results on our website at www.bunkersociety.com.

Irish eyes smile at Green Valley

The Pattaya Golf Society (IPGC) at Rabbi’s Elephant Bar

The Pattaya Golf Society visited Green Valley on Monday 1st July to play a stableford event on the popular course which, again, was in fine order.

With low season definitely kicked in the field was small but the quality was there to make a good challenge and only two points separated the first three golfers with Robbie Taylor taking third place with 31 points, a disappointing back nine robbing him of the chance for a level par round, or better. In second was Ken Grimes with 32 points but the winner was Irishman Chris Walsh with an excellent 33 points.

There were no birdie ‘2’s and the Booby Bevy went to Robbie Taylor for blowing his chances on the back nine, with the largest split figures of the day. Amazingly it was also Robbie’s first ever BB and long overdue as well! It had been a fine start to the new month with the PGS.

Member’s Day at Crystal Bay

On Friday, 5th July, the Pattaya Golf Society visited a well prepared Crystal Bay to play a stableford event on the A and C nines which were in excellent condition. Fairways were lush and the greens had enough pace to please all golfers.

With an average score of 33 points amazingly no-one went “over the top” on the customer friendly course and Craig Thomas and Dave Plaiter shared second place with 34 points each, the latter running the show on his final round this trip, in the absence of Mr Len. The winner was local member Takeshi Hakozaki and his 38 points were carefully constructed, his birdie three on the long uphill C5 being the highlight of his round.

Paul Edgar nailed the only birdie ‘2’ of the day, on C4 to mark his return after a few months back in UK. Bryan Barrell took the Booby Bevy award for his 12-19 split.

Crystal Bay is the type of course which helps a golfer to get back in the swing of things and for the PGS this day it was a joy to play.

Cannon calls the shots at Phoenix

Travellers Rest Golf Group

Andy Rich
Monday, July 1, Bangpakong – Stableford
1st Jim Cooper (16) 40pts
2nd Fergus Brennan (13) 34pts
3rd Andy Rich (19) 33pts
Let me start by telling you that in my opinion Bangpakong is one of the best kept courses in Thailand, although of course I haven’t played them all. Most of the fairways are better than some other courses greens.

Jim Cooper.

So it was quite a shock this week when we turned up on Monday and found that the wet weather had played havoc with a number of the holes, halfway through the front nine some of the fairways resembled the Battle of the Somme. An appropriate reference I think as the Battle of the Somme began on the morning of the 1st July 1916. It was really sad to see and I hope the staff there can get it back to its former glory.
Of course some players can play in any conditions and the Scots and the Irish even excel in adverse conditions. So it was no surprise to see Jim Cooper, who hails from Aberdeen, and Fergus Brennan, who was found under a four leaf clover in County Kildare, at the top of the leader board. Even the English, who also have some pretty diabolical weather to contend with, got in on the act. Yes believe it or not I came third.
Tuesday, July 3, Plutaluang – Stableford
1st Fergus Brennan (13) 38pts
2nd Ted Senior (15) 35pts
Bob Cannon (21) 34pts
On Tuesday the TRGG headed off to play the navy course at Plutaluang (North and West courses) and reportedly found it in superb condition or so the winner on the day tells me.
Thursday, July 4, Phoenix – Stab leford
1st Bob Cannon (21) 40pts
2nd John O’Donaghue (16) 38pts
3rd Mod Chaviraksa (12) 36pts
So to Thursday, and Phoenix (Mountain and Lakes) provided the examination for the TRGG faithful. It should probably have been an American who finished top of the class on Independence Day but instead it was an Australian who finished in a happy frame of mind. That would have only lasted for 48 hours of course until the Australians got severely mauled by the British Lions in the rugby on Saturday.

Bob Cannon.

Still, on Thursday Aussie Bob Cannon proved that Australians do occasionally win and leave all the other nationalities in their wake. I did enjoy having the opportunity to mention the rugby result, only joking all you Aussies.
Good luck to all you golfers for the coming week and if you would like to play a round of golf with the TRGG please phone Fergus Brennan on 086 056 7019 or pop into the Ned Kelly Bar in Soi Lengkee and add your name to the weekly lists which are posted on the notice board.

Chris finds the ‘Smart’ way to do it

PSC golf from The Outback Golf Bar

(From left): “Take it Easy” Boss, Paul Greenaway presents the trophy to a very happy Chris Smart. Next to him is John Low, who received his trophy for winning the exact same monthly medal a year ago but The Outback had been unable to present it to him as the trophies were still being made. Geoff Christie makes the fourth member of the quartet, displaying his low gross medal.

Monday, July 1, Burapha – Stableford
A full field of 40 played Burapha A and B in perfect weather, although a couple of the players did not have handicaps and therefore could not play in the comp and just came along for a hit.
The course was in great condition and unusually, the Div B and Div C scores were better than Div A, as Pete Stonebridge & Clinton Kimber shared the day’s top score of 37pts, both from Div B. Pete got the win on count back, with Svenn Lund back in third on 36.
Div A had three all tied up all on 33pts which was won by Steve Mann on count back from the other two, Jim Brackett and Geoff Christie.
The Div C winner was Chris Smart with 36pts and special congratulations are called for, as this is Chris’s first win. Well done mate! The runner up was Kim Danboise five shots adrift on 31.
Finally, welcome back to the Kiwi boys … John, Dion, John and Geoff. Great to have you back guys, let’s hope Dion can keep up with the rest of you and John, be careful of the water up at Plantation.
There was only one ‘2’ from Clinton Kimber on the 12th (B3).
Div A (0-13)
1st Stephen Mann (12) 33pts
2nd Jim Brackett (7) 33pts
3rd Geoff Christie (6) 33pts
4th John Low (12) 32pts
Div B (14-18)
1st Pete Stonebridge (18) 37pts
2nd Clinton Kimber (15) 37pts
3rd Svenn Ole Lund (15) 36pts
4th Bob Finley (14) 33pts
Div C (19+)
1st Chris Smart (36) 36pts
2nd Kim Danboise (21) 31pts
3rd Jimmy Little (20) 29pts
4th Mark Kembrey (19) 28pts
Tuesday, July 2, Phoenix – Stableford
17 names down originally to play but the numbers came down to 12 due to injuries and busy schedules or was it just late nights? We had a tee time of 10:48 but managed to tee off at 10:10 and completed the round in four hours with no hold-up at the interchange of nines.
There was a gentle breeze blowing with bright blue skies so it seemed that the day would be good until I saw the stimp meter reading 9.5 & 9.6. Oh, I thought - here comes trouble for some of the golfers; well this was very true for me as I struggled with my putting but Andy Makara was awesome on the front nine, racking up 24 of his 36 total points, on the front nine alone.
John (the Bunker Boy) my other half, found all of the bunkers followed by Dag who seemed have the same problem whereas Bruce Milner (B1) must have missed the lot taking the day’s win with a fantastic 40pts. Dion was second on 38 and B1’s mate & playing partner, John Greenhalgh was third with 36.
There were no ‘2’s.
1st Bruce Milner (17) 40pts
2nd Dion Lane (11) 38pts
3rd John Greenhalgh (14) 36pts
4th Andy Makara (26) 36pts
5th Svenn Ole Lund (14) 34pts
Wednesday, July 3, Siam Plantation – Stableford
The turn of the A & B loops today at the stunning Siam Plantation course, arguably the best two nines. Somebody who might agree with that would be one of our Kiwi visitors, John Low who won the day with a fine 38pts. Kim Danboise stepped up to take second with his best score in recent weeks, 37pts, beating Martin Crichton on count back.
Generally the scoring was of a good standard with all but five of the 18 players recording 30pts or more.
There were four ‘2’s from Tim Knight & Stephen Mann on the 3rd, Doug Campbell on the 6th and Geoff Christie on the 12th.
1st John Low (12) 38pts
2nd Kim Danboise (21) 37pts
3rd Martin Crichton (17) 37pts
4th Barry Copestake (15) 36pts
5th Steve Reece (13) 35pts
Wednesday, July 3, Bangpra – Stableford
A last minute alternate Wednesday booking at the “monkey course’, Bangpra attracting a field of just seven players, produced an easy win for Waldo (aka Steve Blazsanyik) with 35pts. He was five clear of three players all on 30, namely Svenn, Dag & Bob; the first named grabbing the only other podium place on count back.
Waldo also got the only ‘2’ on the 8th, so a good day out for him and thanks for organising it for us mate.
1st Stephen Blazsanyik (17) 35pts
2nd Svenn Ole Lund (14) 30pts
Friday, July 5,
Green Valley – Monthly Medal
35 golfers turned up to play in the June monthly medal (delayed from last week), sponsored by “Take it Easy Car & Bike Hire”. That’s an excellent turn-out for the low season, a good indication of the immense popularity of Green Valley and marking a welcome return to the home course after three weeks on St Andrews and one on Silky Oak.
The gentle breeze blowing and the slightly overcast sky was to set the day perhaps for some good scores as we started 30 minutes early. The condition of the course was superb and the greens were about average speed.
Good scoring proved to be an understatement, there was some absolutely brilliant scoring with no less than twelve players beating their handicap.
What can be said about the winner? A truly fantastic score, a man who has been hacking around a few golf courses in recent months producing scores generally in the low 20’s playing off a 36 handicap. Chris starting playing at the end of last year and up until 20th May last, had never even broken 30pts; but this week there was a change.
Chris recorded his first win on Monday (1st July) with 36pts at Burapha from the blue tees and was cut one shot. Thursday night he was talking late at the bar with General Jack about some tips he had received from Ron Dickie which had made sense; well he certainly proved that – a gross 92 a net 57. Can I have some tips please Ron?
I played with Chris Smart and wow what a long way he has come since I last played golf with him. Great easy swing and fantastic course management and he whopped our asses. Well done Chris for the great day out.
Peter Nixon and Bob Finley both recorded 68’s and they must have both thought they had done enough to win and even the Sugarman must have felt he had a chance with 69.
Then there were five more players all on 70, headed by Jimmy Little and followed by Bruce Milner (B1), Paul Bourke, Bruce McAdam (B2) and Geoff Christie. B2 and Geoff just missed out on the double “Race2Bkk” points but there was some consolation for Geoff as he collected the low gross medal with 76.
There were five ‘2’s from John O’Keefe, Dennis Pelly & John Warwick all on the 4th, Tim Knight on the 9th and Geoff Christie on the 12th.
Just some stats; the hardest hole was the par 4 13th at 5.77, the 2nd hardest, the par 4 3rd at 5.66 and equal 3rd hardest was the par 5 8th at 6.51 & the par 4 6th at 5.51. The easiest was the par 5 14th at 5.43.
Finally, if Chris had been playing stableford he would have scored 51pts.
1st Chris Smart (35) net 57
2nd Peter Nixon (12) net 68
3rd Bob Finley (14) net 68
4th Sugar Ray Handford (16) net 69
5th Jimmy Little (20) net 70
6th Bruce Milner (16) net 70
7th Paul Bourke (7) net 70
Note: The Outback Golf Bar is situated about 6km from Sukhumvit Road along Soi Siam Country. Call Jack on 081 578 1956.

Golfnutter: The Newbie – Part Two

Welcome to Golfnutter’s Blog – a weekly commentary highlighting contemporary golfing issues, in Pattaya and beyond. For more on matters golf, especially Pattaya golf, visitgolfnutter.wordpress.com.

Pattaya’s Golfing Newbie

This, Part Two of the definitive guide for golf newbies – golfers new to Pattaya – covers course-related topics, post-round matters and costs.
It is not about how to hit a golf ball. Rather, it’s about all those things you need to have in place before, during and after your first game in Pattaya.
Last week’s article left our intrepid newbie ensconced in a mini-van, on his way to the golf course complete with appropriate gear.
Upon arrival the mini-van will stop at the bag-drop, which invariably is just outside the main entrance to reception. This is where you, the newbie, need to know what’s going on. You will notice the caddie-master allocate a caddie to your golf bag. Don’t want one? Tough. Caddies are mandatory in Thailand; no caddie, no golf.
As you watch your cherished clubs disappear, you should note two important points; the number of the caddie that took your clubs, and the make and number of the vehicle that brought you to the course. You will need to find both, one in approximately 20 minutes time and the other in about five hours. If your intention is to hire a motorised cart (buggy), this is the time to advise the caddie or caddie master.
Next, accompanied with the carry-bag last week’s article encouraged you to buy, you proceed to reception and the cashier. This is where the true value of belonging to a full-service provider, such as IPGC or PSC, bears fruit. Newbies playing their golf out of venues attached to either will receive maximum discount.
When paying, simply state which group you are with and whether you are walking or carting. “PSC, walking, khrup,” will normally do it, providing you have your membership card to back it up.
You will be given dockets which confirm payment of green-fee, caddie-fee, and if required, golf cart. Some courses issue their scorecards at this point, whilst others have the caddies collect them. Realise that the cashier is probably the last place you can change large notes into 100s and 20s for use on the course.
In the locker room you will be given a locker key. This locker is yours for the time you are at the course. Lose that key and your day will turn into an unpleasant and costly experience. Whilst there, check out the bathroom for niceties such as sun-cream.
Before going off to find your clubs, it pays to check the notice board for any local rules of the day. Compare these with local rules printed on the scorecard.
Prior to leaving the clubhouse, ensure you know how far it is to the first refreshment stop, and whether it’s open. If far, then buy sufficient drink before leaving. As stated in the previous article, playing golf in the tropics is different than simply playing in hot weather. You will need more liquid refreshment than you realise.
Now to locate your clubs that should be with your caddie. She will be amongst a horde of similar-looking shapes, all dressed in identical outfits, all with hats. But that won’t worry you because her number, which you remembered, is prominently displayed on her back.
As soon as you locate her, she will require those dockets. One she will retain herself, the other she will give to the starter confirming you have paid your green-fee. Docket for your cart, if applicable, is also handed over here, whereby she will smile with gratitude and go fetch your motorised buggy. A note of caution here – damage to the cart will cost you money, irrespective of blame or who was driving.
About your golf bag – it’s no longer yours to organise, at least not for the duration of the round. Inside or hanging off the sides will be your caddie’s “necessities of office”. These are things she needs to keep her sustained for the next four hours plus. Don’t try to re-organise it, rather, just go with the flow. When in Rome….
For more advice on how to get the best out of your caddie, go to the Caddies – Managing article on golfnutter.wordpress.com.
Having accepted that the job of getting your clubs around the course has nothing to do with you, your next job is to locate your golf organiser, to confirm you are present and correct. You need to know your start time, the number of your playing group, and who you are playing with. Your caddie would also like to know the number of your playing group, as that will inform her who her fellow caddies will be – they often share items, such as food, drink etc.
This can be a testing time for your organiser, so don’t go AWOL without first letting him know you’re there. Oftentimes, the starter will tell the organiser to go early, so don’t take the tee-off time given on the sign-up sheet as gospel. Having done all that, you are now free to use the practise facilities, if time permits.
The time to arrive at the teeing ground is not later than when the preceding group have the honour. Prior to teeing off, you will be required to swap cards. You will mark your playing partner’s card, and he yours. You have a responsibility to the rest of the group to ensure his score is correct and that he plays by the Rules of Golf. If unsure, ask.
During the course of the round there may be references to as many as four different sources of rules. Do not be alarmed. Pattaya golf needs them. Allow me to explain:

· The Rules of Golf – as you would expect.
· Local Rules – IPGC/PSC - refer websites.
· Local Course Rules – refer scorecard.
· Local venue rules – refer golf organiser.

Don’t let these numerous references to rules give the impression of a litigious or over-judicious golfing environment, as that is certainly not the case. The focus of 90% of Pattaya golfers is on fun. But we do need to recognise that golf in Thailand can involve events that the Rules of Golf do not cover.
An example would be your caddie picking up your ball after it had come to rest, a mere four inches from the cup. Why, because she assumed your playing partners would treat it as a gimmie, just like her Thai or Korean customers would. Oh, I forgot to mention, your caddie definitely doesn’t understand stableford, probably doesn’t know English, and can’t comprehend why on earth she shouldn’t seek or accept advice from other caddies about your putting line.
So yes, we need to allow for what is fair and equitable. Many playing groups would not be overly familiar with the Rules of Golf, and simply “go with the flow”. So don’t think you must be fully conversant with the Rules, as that is not the case. If unsure ask amongst your group or your organiser, before you tee-off.
When your round is complete, your caddie will take your clubs to the car park where you will need to locate the appropriate vehicle. If you have travelled in other than a minivan, and the vehicle is locked, ask your caddie to leave your clubs at the bag-drop, for you to pick up later. Otherwise, your minivan driver will be standing by to take care of your clubs.
This is now the time you tip your caddie. But you’ve already paid a caddie-fee when paying your green-fee, you ask? Well, yes you have, but the caddie will receive only a portion of that, depending on the course’s policy. Tipping caddies in Thailand is mandatory. Most venues will recommend a standard amount, probably 300 baht.
If you feel your caddie’s attitude or service was outstanding, then a larger amount is fine. Some golfer’s pay their caddie extra for “twos”. Beware; over-tipping is not popular as it can lead to increased expectations from caddies – not a desirable situation for regular golfers on limited income, who live in Pattaya and play several times a week.
If you haven’t already done so, agree scores with your marker, sign and swap cards. Before heading off for that most sought after shower, don’t forget that locker key – the one that’s probably in the bottom of your golf bag, stored away in the mini-van on the far side of the car park.
After ablutions, most will make their way to the on-course restaurant. Your first job is to return your card, correctly completed and signed by both you and your marker, to the golf organiser. Whilst most on-course restaurants offer very good value for money, check the ETD with your transport provider before ordering.
Post-round:
There are, broadly speaking, two categories of golfers post-round:

· Those who travel back directly, and
· Those who detour.

A further category would be venues that choose to conduct a presentation ceremony at the golf course immediately post round. Not common.
Golfers travelling in mini-vans will belong to the first category. Golfers taking a detour prior to returning will be in private transport. The detour will commonly involve a stop, or two, at a bar along the way. Many bars in Pattaya’s outer environs are set up expressly to cater for the “returning” golfer, and as such, prove a popular diversion. The onus is on the driver to get his passengers back to the clubhouse by presentation time. If such an experience appeals, you need to arrange transport accordingly, with the organiser when first signing up.
Most outlets will wait until both categories of golfer arrive back prior to making the presentation. Here the organiser announces the day’s winners and near winners, along with any other relevant news including up-coming events.
For the newbie this really is the place and time to get to know your fellow golfers. Some will stay for dinner, others just for a few drinks. The assembled will, in all likelihood, represent a range of nationalities and cultures, as well as an assortment of golfing skills. This is part of what makes Pattaya’s après-golf so special.
Costs:

Course costs vary depending upon the course played. Most courses played by either IPGC or PSC venues will charge circa 1000-2000 baht for green-fee & caddie-fee (low season-high season). A reasonable low-season budget for a day’s golf, walking, would be:

Competition fee:          300
Transport:                   300
Green-fee caddie-fee: 1200
Caddie tip:                   300
Total:                      2100 baht
Cart costs vary. Some courses allow two golfers per buggy. Say circa 500 baht.

Conclusion:
A day’s golf in Pattaya can start with breakfast at the golf bar and end with dinner at the same place. The time between these two events can provide the best experience golf has to offer – anywhere. Enjoy!
Happy golfing,
Golfnutter

Watson puts on a show at Emerald

PSC golf from Tropical Bert’s

Derek Brook
Tuesday, July 2, Khao Kheow – Stableford
Another very quiet day for numbers on the golf course resulted in one of the easiest days for the organiser. While it is good in the high season to have our returning friends from around the world, it is really good during the low season to just have a few groups who play with us week in and week out. It is also easier to run with a dozen than with fifty. Oh happy days!

Bob Watson with Daryl Evans.

On this day with only just 4 groups we were off to Khao Kheow, normal trip down the 7, and on arrival noticed how quiet it was. Soon onto A1, we took the advice of the Starter, that it had not rained for a few days and the course had dried out. Well not quite right, as the mud gathered on the ball was frequent and often. Still, it was a good ‘walk’ around for those of us in carts. Those really walking started to struggle as the heat rose and the wind dropped. The wind was up for the A Nine but dropped for the C Nine.
We battled on and finally got around. Then it was into the shower and then up to the restaurant. I say up as when you have been around the course, the steps can be difficult to climb for the ‘Goldie Oldies’.
Back at Bert’s, with a smaller group, it was soon time for the results. The winner with 35 points was Barry Elphick ahead of Mark West in second with 34 points. In third was Henry O’Brien with 32 points with Max Bracegirdle in fourth with 31. We then went into fifth and Mashi won a count back over John Hackett, both on 29 points. This all tells you what a tough day it was and how bad the rest played.
Friday, July 5, The Emerald – Stableford
We seem to be getting a better quality of golfer lately. I said ‘seem to’ as we can now book The Emerald and usually get most of the players going straight back to Bert’s. Probably we are all getting too old and await the high season players with different thoughts.

Barry Elphick.

So to the Emerald, well it was pretty good, the greens were a bit slow and for some reason nearly all the fairways had a patch down the middle, bit weird, but all in all not too bad. Mind on the second, par 4, Watson did away with all the fairway bit as he drove to a foot and sank the putt for an eagle. Smart A—!
So to the results, and welcome to the ‘Bob Watson Show’, well Bob won by shooting a gross 70 and 40 points. Nothing much to say. In second and much more reasonable was Daryl Evans with 39 points. For third we had a count back on 36 points, that saw Max Bracegirdle in third and Henry O’Brien in fourth. Eat your heart out, just think how good we all are, in our minds. I am thinking of running two flights in future, Watson and the rest! T.T.F.N.
Near Pins: Bob Watson (2)

Four winners on the 4th of July

PSC golf from The Golf Club
Steve Ellison
Monday, July 1, Green Valley (white tees) – Stableford
1st Muffy Kerr (13) 44pts
2nd Mashi Kaneta (16) 37pts
3rd John Emmerson(13) 36pts
4th Terry Wagner (18) 36pts
Time for some new names and faces up on the podium as the cycle continues to flow for the lucky golfer who has a great day. It has been quite some time since we had a real solid round and today Muffy Kerr had his turn at dreamland golf. Muffy had one of those remarkable days that you can never plan and ended up with a big 44 circled at the top of his card! Way to go buddy, that’s one heck of a round.
The oh so consistent Mashi Kaneta led the rest of the pack with 37 and handily beat out John Emmerson and ‘The Honolulu Kid’ Terry Wagner who tied on 36.

Thursday, July 4, Green Valley (white tees) – Stableford

T1st Tony Doyle & Micky Beresford (13.8) net 59.2
T1st Paul Hack & Barry Copestake (9.2) net 59.2
3rd Joe Mooneyham & John Emmerson (10.5) net 59.5
Time for the annual Golf Club 4th of July bash and this year it was decided that a 2-man scramble was in order. Just to add to the fun, let’s make it a Rainbow Comp! The teams of two had to decide which holes to play off 6 red tees, 6 white tees, and 6 blue tees. This is harder than it sounds and there is a great deal of strategy involved, the choices are very important.
Our LK Metro neighbor Tony Doyle from The Drunken Duck had a last minute team up with Micky Beresford to shoot a team 59.2, what a great score! There were two other guys who also had the same idea, and the match-up of Paul Hack and Barry “the boot” Copestake proved to be another winner as the two teams had a most unusual exact tie at 59.2. That cost us 4 shirts instead of 2!
PSC golf chairman Joe Mooneyham had an All-American pairing with fellow ex-Army pal John Emmerson to get close…but no cigar! They had a bit of a rough start with a bogey on the first hole after both missed a 4-footer for par. Remember last year when Joe had a hole-in-one and was on the winning 4-man team with Bob Newell, Ernie Hill and Gavin Perfect and garnered the name “The Forty-Niners” due to their final score.
Near pins went to Ernie McInerney (4th), Peter Stonebridge (9th), Jimmy Brackett (12th), and the aforementioned John Emmerson (16th). The winners will be feasting on a Porterhouse, RibEye or Filet Steak on our regular Steak Nights right off our Weber Grill.
Thanks to all who participated and joined us for our BBQ afterwards, it was a great day out!
Note: The Golf Club is located on Soi LK Metro. We try to schedule summer “Sports Days”, so come join us for a seriously fun day out. Just call 085 434 3377 or see our website www.golfclubpattaya.com and for more information mail us: [email protected] and see updates at www.facebook.com/golfclubpattaya. .. all handicaps welcome!

Lusha’s turn in the spotlight

Phoenix Members Golf Society

Tuesday winners pose with staff at the The Relax Bar.

Mike Gerrard
With the advent of prospective new owners of Phoenix, the course is improving by the day. Many trees have been trimmed back, allowing grass to grow and give room to hit the ball without catching overhanging branches and the greens are now up to an acceptable speed to be able to control the putts if you are good enough. Have to say that if they get any quicker then there are going to be some mighty high scores.
On our outing Tuesday, July 2 we had many good scores. With almost a full house for this time of the year all the winners from two flights were under their respective handicaps with their results.
In ‘A’ Flight it was David Lusha who once again showed his current form with a fine 42 points to take first place. In second place was yours truly with a respectable 39 points (normally good enough to win any day) and with a score of 38 points Joe Miller regained some of his form after a lean spell to take third.
I have to add some commiserations to the two very low handicappers in the group who scored gross 77 and 75 respectively without getting on the winners rostrum. It is very difficult for players with such low handicaps to score 39 or 40 points. It means they have to score at virtually less than par for the course!

Mike Gerrard (center) received the player of the month award for June.

In ‘B’ Flight, John Clift was the victor with 39 points ahead of Jim Neilson in second place with the same score but a poorer back nine, and in third was Bill Hewitt with 38 points.
Near pin winners were Mike Allidi, Werner Schwarz, Steve Gibson & Bill Hewitt.
The lucky draw winners today (courtesy of our hosts The Relax Bar) were Fred May, Peter Harris and Arthur Busch.
Your scribe was declared to be the player of the month for June and gratefully received the Blue Olive restaurant monthly voucher. This prize is donated by Raymond, proprietor of the restaurant and is awarded to the player with the best two scores of the month from all games played on a Friday and Tuesday with our Society. Yours truly managed two good rounds in the month to total a combined score of 77 points, winning by 3 shots from the nearest rival.
To qualify for this prize players must have played in the Society for at least 6 times in the last six months and must post at least 4 scores within the whole month. We are also looking ahead to the high season with another new competition which will be a four-ball better-ball match play knockout. Further details will emerge when all the rules have been agreed on.

Trevor claims best of the week

IPGC golf from The Haven

Monday, July 1, Mountain Shadow - Stableford
CSS 74
1st Lyle Blaw (12) 34pts
2nd Jon Batty (9) 33pts
3rs Allen Raaen (9) 32pts
4th Terry Hodgkiss 32pts
5th Hal Hart (20) 31pts
Making the first trip of the month to one of the favoured regular courses the players found that, as usual, it was in first class condition but the green keeper obviously must have had a bad start to the day as the pin placements were extremely difficult, making scoring a question of how many three-putts could be avoided.

Trevor Schirmer.

Lyle Blaw was the best exponent of this as he took his first win out of Soi 13 this trip with a two over return, even though it still included a couple of blobs.
Jon Batty had three zeros on his way to totaling three over and could have easily run out the winner but for a spell in the middle of the round where he was unable to put it near to the pin on the approach.
Allen Raaen took third following a count back over Terry Hodgkiss, which he won with a better 19 to 16 after a very slow start, which left Hal hart in fifth a further shot back.
There were no 2’s in the second division but Allen Raaen and Trevor Schirmer shared the first division pool.
Before the presentations were made there was a welcome for new member Christopher Chiltern together with a welcome back for Todd Pahl and Jon Batty.
Wednesday, July 3, Pattana A &
B (Yellow Tees) - Stableford
CSS 74
1st Keith Emerson (11) 36pts
2nd Markku Tynell (22) 33pts
3rd Mike Hill (20) 32pts
4th Terry Hodgkiss (23) 32pts
5th Peter Buckley (19) 31pts
As with many of the courses being played at this time, Pattana was in great condition but the greens suffered from a lack of mowing due to the wet weather making them particularly slow on the A course. The B course greens were found to be good and true but apart from the winner all players scored better on the A layout.

Keith Emerson.

Keith Emerson started steadily and got increasingly better as the round progressed, scoring 20 of his total on the back nine to run out the winner by three clear ahead of Markku Tynell. Markku was well in contention until a couple of blobs on holes 14 and 15 gave him too much to do over the last three and he had to settle for second place.
Mike Hill slipped into third place after winning a count back over Terry Hodgkiss, scoring 12 to Terry’s 11 on the back six after they had tied the nine at 16 apiece.
Peter Buckley came in fifth just another stroke behind them.
Takeshi Hakozaki took the first division 2’s pool while Peter Buckley claimed the second division pot.
Back at The Haven there was a farewell for Lyle Blaw who was returning to Oz to purchase a 72 inch TV so as to be able to settle down in front of a roaring fire, with a pair of slippers and a glass at around 9 pm in the evenings to watch his team reclaim the urn, that’s if he can stay awake until 4 am when the last ball of the day will be bowled.
Friday, July 5, Greenwood A & C - Stableford
CSS 72
1st Trevor Schirmer (13) 40pts
2nd Jon Batty (9) 38pts
3rd Terry Hodgkiss (23) 38pts
4th Christopher Chiltern (24) 37pts
5th Tom McCarthy (19) 34pts
The overall condition of Greenwood is surely one of the best in the area and it is well worth the drive to what is the furthest course that is played by The Haven. The day’s course was set as A and C with the start scheduled for C, although as usual any count backs would be taken over the last nine on the card making it imperative to have a good start to the day.

Lyle Blaw.

After getting away right on time there was a short rain delay, about half way round for most of the players, before the rain cleared away leaving the course damp but very playable as the scores indicated.
Trevor Schirmer had his best round for several years, going four under his recently reduced handicap and ensuring that it will be even lower for the next couple of weeks at least after taking the top step of the podium. His score was the best of the week and better by two than the second placed Jon Batty.
For the third time in a week Terry Hodgkiss lost out in a count back, this time to Jon Batty for second spot after Jon had returned 19 to Terry’s 17 over the C course, which bore testament to Terry’s belief that he needs to start slowly out of the changing rooms and build the round to a climax without any pressure, as his actual back nine on A was a very good 21 points. But no matter, the rules of the day determined that he would be third and Jon second.
Christopher Chiltern got his first winner’s mention with an excellent one under round for fourth place ahead of Tom McCarthy in fifth.
In spite of the fact that there were generally good scores there were no 2’s in either division, no doubt due to the tricky pin placements on all of the par threes.
Prior to the presentations there was a welcome back for Graham Davis and a special one for Hal Hart, he having missed the last outing due to a faulty alarm system and it was noted that due to the absence of Alwyne he was having to dine on Khao Pad and await the post presentations hooter to wash it all down.
Note: If you would like to play with The Haven group, you can contact mobile 082 219 0965 or call in to The Haven Hotel, at 185 Soi 13, between Beach Road and 2nd Road. All transportation to the course is arranged and you do not need to sign up prior to the day, but you should be there by 8.15 on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday on the days that you wish to play. A schedule of courses to be played can be found on our web site at www.thehaven-hotel.com.

Winfield on the warpath

PSC golf from Café Kronborg

Monday, July 1, Pleasant Valley – Stableford
It was off to Pleasant Valley on Monday for a very pleasant day of golf. After a quick check-in we were off 20 minutes early in sunny and very hot conditions with a slightly cooling breeze.
The course on the day was in good shape with the greens recovering from coring nicely. There was even a crew going around grooming bunkers.
Back in the clubhouse a welcome back went out to Hugh O’Donnell, soon to be 83 years young and just back from Spain and the USA.
One flight today and Mike Winfield had a quick start out of the blocks and was the winner with 41 points. Ted Morris took second with 38 while Dave Richardson was third on 34 and John Swanson fourth with 24.
1st Mike Winfield (22) 41pts
2nd Ted Morris (13) 38pts
3rd Dave Richardson (24) 34pts
4th John Swanson (18) 24pts
Thursday, July 4, Plutaluang W & N – Stableford
We were off to Plutaluang and on arrival were allotted West and North, with us teeing off on W1 some 30 minutes early. The course was in fine condition with reasonable speeds on the greens.
Back in the clubhouse after a very quick round of 3 hours and 40 minutes, the winner was declared to be your scribe, Dave Richardson, who got off to a slow start but a good back nine saw him home with 38 points. Young Kevin Dinan came second with 31 points.
1st Dave Richardson (24) 38pts
2nd Kevin Dinan (25) 31pts
Note: If you are looking for a game of golf this month we have outings to Greenwood, Burapha and Mountain Shadow coming up. Give Dave a call at 083 602 2117.

Beaumont bags an ‘ace’ at Treasure Hill

The Billabong Bar Golf Society

Graham Beaumont with Bill Marsden.

Monday, July 1, Eastern Star - Stableford
With a small field travelling down to Eastern Star, it was off to an early start just in front of five groups of Koreans, so no hold-ups at all. The course was in great condition even the greens were running straight and true.
Thank you to George Barrie for running the show today as the Capt who was still having trouble with his back. It was a warm welcome to Jim and Ian McGovern, playing their first game with the Billabong and both having identical scores of 30 points each.
It turned out to be the Kevin and Cottee show today, taking first and second in that order. Kevin having the game of his life beat the 100 barrier for the first time in his golfing career, taking a mere 97 shots to go round. After starting with two blobs he recorded 17 points on the front and 27 on the back nine for a magnificent 44 points total. Anybody that has played Eastern Star will tell you the back nine is not as easy as Kev played it.
Cottee came second a distant eight shots back with 36 points, a score that would normally win on this course.

Wednesday, July 3, Green Valley - Stableford

Green Valley is our normal venue for Wednesdays and with eight groups playing it was away to an early start as we got the first group away at 9.00 a.m. The course is in beautiful condition at the moment with the greens true and fast, you couldn’t get a bad lie anywhere on the fairways and the day was not too hot.
We welcomed the McGovern brothers and Leith Turnbull, over here for the Kiwi challenge. Unfortunately his first game with us was not up to his usual high standards but he did enjoy the company and had his fair share of winning holes to take the money from Daryl and Bob.

Wednesday’s top four - John, George, Greig and Bruce.

The scores today to say the least were remarkable, with Bruce Milner having his first game with the Billabong only getting fourth with 39 points. Third place went to John Aylott with 40 points and second to George Barrie with 41, but the master of the day was Greig Ritchie with a fantastic 44 points off his 20 handicap. Well done mate, what a day out!
There were four ‘2’s today coming from Greig Ritchie, Sel

Wegner, Gus George and Bruce Milner. Friday, July 5,

Treasure Hill - Stableford
Dodging the rain was the order of the day today and most of us made it, only the last group got a little wet. The course at Treasure Hill just keeps on getting better and better, the condition of it is fantastic and for the money it’s great value.
What started out as 5 groups turned into four as some got the dates mixed up and it was a little confusing starting off but everyone got away and we were all back in the clubhouse in under four hours.
Welcome to Mike Turp playing with us for the first time and also his first hit since Xmas. Helmut nearly had to pull out after nine holes as his back got that sore he was getting the caddy to tee the ball up for him but he managed to soldier on like the old trooper that he is. Getting stick from Beaumont wouldn’t have helped though!
Graham Beaumont won the day with a fantastic 41 points ahead of Willim Lasonder in second on 39 points and in third was Kiwi Bill Marsden with 38.
There were two ‘2’s coming from Brian Maddox and Bill Marsden but sorry lads we were not paying out on ‘2’s today as Graham Beaumont holed out for an ‘ace’ on the 13th, 180 yards with a seven iron. Well done mate and thanks from everybody for the bell rings later at the bar.
Note: If you are looking for a game with some friendly golfers, give Bob a call on 082 204 3411 or call into the bar on Lake Mabprachan.

Double success for Marty Rock

Jomtien golf with the IPGC

Friday’s top two teams: Alan Bissell, Andy Crabb and Tony Duthie with Andy Oz, Jimmy Johnson and Mike Chatt.

Monday, July 1, Pattana - Stableford
As always we teed-off on everyone’s favourite starting hole, the first on the B course, and after being closed for a few months were now able to follow it up with the A nine afterwards.
The divisions were split at 9-18 and 19+ and ‘Count back’ Burnie returned the best score of the day, winning division 2 with 36 points. Chris Reed, almost permanently back with us from Australia, came in second with 33 and Colin James was third on 30.
Miss Pink’s other half Don Head topped division 1 with 35 points, Iain Usher was second three points behind and Jerry Sweetnam, who travels to every golf course on his bike with his clubs, claimed third with 30 points.
The course was in good condition today and we were lucky with the weather for this area for this time of the year.
Wednesday, July 3, Bangpra - Stableford
There were three divisions out today with the cut at 9-15, 16-21 and 22 plus. The best score of the day came in division 1 from Marty Rock who won with 37 points. Billy Fitzgerald took second after beating Jerry Sweetnam on a 19/17 back nine count back, both coming in with 34 points each.
With his first time on the podium for a long time, Bryan Rought (alias Mr. Happy) won division 2 with 35 points, beating the Khao Yai boy Tim Hake on a 17/16 back nine count back, and Colin James was third one point behind them both.
Alan Bissell topped division 3 with 31 point ahead of Pepo Frick who was second on count back over Jimmy Johnson and David Phillips.
Near pins went to Lindsay Phillips, Marty Rock, Neville Scurrell, Tim Hake and Chris Reed.
In the ‘2’s rollover from Pattana, Lindsay Phillips was a happy chappy with a birdie on the 12th in division 1 and Pepo Frick and Colin James shared the pot in division 2.
Friday, July 5,
Eastern Star - Stableford
We had a field of 38 players out today and there were twelve teams in a 1-2-3 competition and as always three divisions in the normal stableford competition with the cut today at 8-14, 15-21 and 22+.
Iain Walsh returned the best score of the day in division 3 with 39 points to finish ahead of Ray Gott in second eight points behind and in third place was Alan Bissell with 28 after beating Pepo Frick on a 17/14 back nine count back.
Paul Hartley scored 38 to win division 2 while playing off 15 Lindsay Phillips started one, blob, one, and then parred the next 8 holes to come in with 36 points to finish second, while Andy Oz took third with 34.
Marty Rock topped division 1 with 36 points and the London cabbie boy was second with 32 and Bill Bertram third with 31.
Jerry Sweetnam birdied the 6th for the only ‘2’ in division 1 and Iain Walsh the 3rd for the only ‘2’ in division 2.
Near pins were claimed by Mikael Andersson, Arthur Hancock (2), Jon Lay, Alan Bissell, Mike Plunkett and Iain Walsh.
In the 1-2-3 competition we were expecting scores in the low eighties to come in as normal but 76 was the top score of the day, winning the competition for Alan Bissell, Andy Crabb and Tony Duthie. Mike Chatt, Jimmy Johnson and Andy Oz were second with 71 points, beating Glyn Evans, Rod Howett and Lindsay Phillips on a 46/44 back nine count back.
Technical prizes for the 3 divisions went to Jon Lay, Curtis Hessler, Pepo Frick, Marty Rock, Andy Oz, Chris Voller, Andy Crabb, Rod Howett, Billy Fitzgerald, Ken Leadstone, Roar Berger, Jerry Sweetnam, Don Head (2), Glyn Evans, Keith Woolley, and Iain Walsh.
A great day out for all and the weather conditions were perfect. Afterwards it was back to Siam Cats where we issued a warm welcome return to Harry Vincenzi and bon voyage for 10 weeks to Don Head and Miss Pink, alias Miss Nut.
Note: The Khao Yai flyer is now on the wall at Siam Cats for our trip on the 28th of this month. Sign up early to avoid disappointment.

Toddy & Freddy take the honours

PSC golf from The Growling Swan

Peter Starr, Fred Dineley & Martin Todd.

Peter Blackburn
Thursday, July 4, Mountain Shadow – Stableford
Well, I must say it is great to be back in sunny Pattaya again after a couple of weeks in the UK where the weather was shall we say somewhat different. First of all many thanks to the guys who looked after the show in my absence, mainly Paul Hack who was ably supported by Dick Braimbridge, Sal Brizzi, Graham Buckingham, Max Bracegirdle and the redoubtable Peter Grey.
On this morning it was fantastic to see a terrific field of 32 golfers who were signed up to play the popular Mountain Shadow Golf Course and we assembled at The Growling Swan in readiness for the journey.
Hearty welcomes were handed out to your writer returning from his UK trip, Rocky Lawson & Rob Cross from Melbourne and also Rohan Wright and his brother Ian. It was sadly time to say farewell to good & loyal friend Bob Akapita who is returning to his work in Gove in the Northern Territory of Australia, Peter Starr who is off back to Brisbane for a while, Graham Rice returning to the Northern Territory of Australia and his brother John who is returning to Brisbane.
We arrived at the course in plenty of time and it was not at all busy so we were able to relax in our preparation and our first of eight four-balls got away 10 minutes ahead of schedule at 9.50 am under cloudy skies and the usual high humidity.
The course was in great shape and although we were warned that some of the greens had been partly cored this was not really evident and we found them to be fine. There were some tricky pin positions which did cause a few problems for some but all in all the golf course was terrific as usual.
Despite the thunder “booming” overhead for all of the back nine we amazingly felt only a few drops of rain and many thanks to the “Rain Gods” who once more looked after us. We did have a lady three-ball in front of us all the way but they didn’t really hold us up and we finished the round in an even four hours.
We were able to have 2 grades with A Grade being for handicaps 0 to 19 and B Grade for handicaps of 20 and over with 5 prizes in each grade. There were also rewards for nearest the pins all the par threes and longest first putts on the 9th & 18th greens.
The winner in A Grade with a fine 38 points was Martin “Toddy” Todd and with 2 golfers on 36 points the count back saw Kevin “Wayco” Waycott (21 point back nine) finish second from veteran Ted Morris (20 point back nine) in third spot. With 3 players on 35 points vying for fourth & fifth places it was your writer Peter “Blacky” Blackburn (20 point back nine) who finished fourth from Paul Avery (19 point back nine) in fifth spot with Mark West (14 point back nine) just missing out.
Fred Dineley was victorious in the B Grade with 37 points, 2 points ahead of Max “Corsets” Bracegirdle in second place and John Davis finished third with 32 points. With 2 golfers on 31 points another count back was required which saw Graham “Grunter” Buckingham (14 point back nine) grab fourth spot from Geri Crilly (12 point back nine) who finished fifth.
A Flight (0-19)
1st Martin Todd (9) 38pts
2nd Kevin Waycott (10) 36pts
3rd Ted Morris (13) 36pts
4th Peter Blackburn (11) 35pts
5th Paul Avery (10) 35pts
B Flight (20+)
1st Fred Dineley (26) 37pts
2nd Max Bracegirdle (24) 35pts
3rd John Davis (23) 32pts
4th Graham Buckingham (23) 31pts
5th Geri Crilly (27) 31pts
Near Pins: 5th – Rohan Wright, 8th – Andrew Allen, 15th - Peter Blackburn, 17th – Graham Rice
Long Putts: 9th – Paul Avery, 18th – Kevin Waycott
The Growling Swan NAGA Award (awarded to the golfer who has the worst score on the day) was easily won by Peter Starr who now has the distinction of being a member of the first Father & Son combination to have won the Growling Swan NAGA. Peter of course accepted the award in fine spirit and wore the cap for the rest of the evening back at the bar.
Toddy was kind enough to parade Deefa the Dog and of course collected many donations for the needy in Pattaya from our generous Growling Swan Golfers.
Note: Growling Swan Golf welcomes golfers of any persuasion – low & high handicappers alike, female golfers and beginners. We generally play Mondays & Thursdays, meeting at The Growling Swan (formerly The Bunker Bar) in Soi Chaiyapoon at 8.00 am with transport departing at 8.30 am. For bookings or more information please contact Peter on 0806 351 386 or email to [email protected].

The cream rises to the top

PSC golf from Lewiinski’s Golf Society

Sunday winners Colin Davis and Simon Spalding with player of the month JP Maffray.
Sunday, June 30, Green Valley - Stableford
A Flight
1st Simon Spalding (2) 39pts
2nd Mark Haffenden (0) 36pts
3rd Ian Ashenden (0) 35pts
B Flight
1st Colin Davis (19) 38pts
2nd Jim Bell (16) 35pts
3rd Bruce Walters (34) 33pts
The cream rose to the top this Sunday as the three top places in the senior flight were filled with a combined handicap total of just 2. Old friend Simon Spalding, who hails from Victoria, Australia and applies his golf at the Heritage Golf and Country Club, was man of the match and the top player in the premier flight with a faultless 39 points off his measly 2 handicap. This also gave him the man of the match honours.
Resident Englishman and scratch player from the Langley Park Golf club in London, Mark Haffenden, carded a super even par round for the silver. Three players all tied on 35 points as they vied for the flight bronze, and this is where the cream rose as long time society friend and senior teaching pro at the KL Golf Club Malaysia, Ian Ashenden, came out on top of the count back with a gross 73. The ever Generous Bob StAubin and that man JP Maffray were the unlucky flight victims. JP Maffray did however manage to win the prestigious player of the month award.
‘The Donkey’ struck gold in B Flight with an 18-carat 38-point performance. Jim ‘AK-47’ Bell, who is always there or there abouts every time he gets his sticks out, was the flight silver recipient with a solid 35 points and Bruce Walters filled the flight podium on 33 points.
(Frankie) John Warwick and Dion Lane were a little out of tune today (work it out) although Dion did manage a 2 and both were a most welcome addition to the society’s ranks.
Simon Spalding and Ian Ashenden shared the 2’s pot with Dion.
Tuesday, July 2, Greenwood A&C – Stableford
1st Colin Sansom (12) 36pts
2nd Nelly Stoer (12) 35pts
3rd Simon Spalding (2) 35pts
It has its detractors but Greenwood provides a marvelous test and enhances the golf diversity of the Eastern Seaboard. The society doesn’t play it too often (perhaps not enough), but a small, talented field was willing to take on the challenge.
The three place field was led Colin Sansom and ‘Belle of the Bar’ Nelly Stoer; chivalry and Curtsy went out the window as Colin took the top podium spot. Colin and Nelly were followed up the podium steps by Nelly’s other half Simon de Spalding. (Sort of like a rose between two thorns)
No 2’s were recorded so a rollover to Wednesday.
Wednesday, July 3, Burapha C&D - Stableford
A Flight
1stNick Shaw (17) 41pts
2nd Colin Davis (19) 40pts
3rd Bob Watson (2) 38pts
B Flight
1st Jim Reid (26) 39pts
2nd Peter Henshaw (20) 36pts
3rd Daryl Evans (22) 36pts
Nick Shaw was man of the match with a rousing 41 points, but he needed every one of them to edge ‘the Donkey’ in A Flight. ‘The Donkey’ was two strokes clear of Bob Watson and Freddy Starbeck a count back sorted out the pair with Bob having the best of it and Freddy the worst of it.
Jim ‘how’s the world treating you’ Reid took the B Flight honours with a solid 39 points. Peter ‘Don Corleone’ Henshaw and Daryl Evans both carded creditable even par rounds but as so often happens, especially with Peter, the luck of the Irish held sway.
That man JP Maffray (a brace), Nick Shaw and Nick Odnoral shared the 2’s pot.
Friday, July 5,
Mountain Shadow - Stableford
A Flight
1st Colin Davis (19) 38pts
2nd Kevin Rodgers (9) 38pts
B Flight
1st Jim Reid (26) 38pts
2nd Ed Delaney (27) 36pts
The week was rounded off at Mountain Shadow were the A Flight players played like the premier players they are as they led the day with two 38 point outputs. It was hard luck to Kevin Rodgers as his 38 points provided him with only the second place lucre thanks to a count back loss to ‘the Donkey’ who posted two wins and a second place this week (perhaps he should be the title guy, but then again perhaps not).
Hey, hold on a minute, what about Jim ‘I missed me’ Reid? He had 38 points in B Flight, indeed he did. Irish starlet Ed Delaney followed Jim into the barn with a rock solid even par round.
No 2’s were recorded.
Note: Lewiinski’s is situated on Pattaya land Soi 1, Beach Rd Soi13/13 near Walking Street. Anyone wishing to play with us just pop in and add your name to the list or call Colin on 089 826 0764. Transport is provided.

Pattaya 8-Ball Monday Pool League

Team Played Won Lost For Agst Diff. Pts.

Phimai Geordie 17 15 2 174 81 93 47

Shoot Pool 17 15 2 155 100 55 47

San Snack Bar 17 13 4 160 95 65 43

Biggy’z Rest 17 11 6 145 110 35 39

Joy’s Paradise 17 10 7 129 126 3 37

Crazy Eddie’s 17 8 9 133 122 11 33

Buffalo Jack’s 16 6 10 114 126 -12 28

Connections 17 5 12 85 170 -85 27

KiK Bar 16 5 11 114 126 -12 26

Parrot Inn 16 5 11 98 142 -44 26

Rising Sun 16 4 12 87 153 -66 24

Mee Chew 16 3 13 101 139 -38 22

Results: Buffalo Jack’s 7 v 8 Shoot Pool, KiK Bar P v P Rising Sun, Biggy’z Rest 10 v 5 Mee Chew, Joy’s Paradise 6 v 9 Phimai Geordie, Crazy Eddie’s 8 v 7 San Snack Bar, Connections 6 v 9 Parrot Inn

Thai sailors impress at Kiel Week

Despite low temperatures, strong wind and intense competition, Thai sailors posted unprecedented results at this year’s Kieler Woche (Kiel Week), northern Europe’s largest sailing festival, held in Germany.
The nine-day Kiel Week is billed as northern Europe’s largest summer sailing regatta, with 5,000 sailors and more than 400 regatta starts on eleven race courses, alongside an event-filled cultural festival that attracts three million guests from around the world.

Chusitt Punjamala and coach LCdr Veerasit Puangnak at Kiel Week 2013.

Fresh on taking the first place trophy in his fleet at the Hong Kong Festival of Sports Open Dinghy Regatta in early June, national Laser 4.7 champion Chusitt ‘Pop’ Punjamala, 15, had jaws dropping when he finished in eighth position, despite warnings that the annual regatta might not the be the best place to debut internationally.
“The competition was not as hard as people suggested it would be, but the winds of 15-19 knots with gusts of 20 plus knots were the strongest I have ever sailed the Laser 4.7 in,” said Chusitt. “And it was very cold, about 12 degrees during the day and under 10 at night.”
He credits his results, including a fifth place in the last race, with the lessons he learned on the water, saying. “I got a lot of experience on how to start in the first row among many more boats than I’ve sailed with before. By the last few races, my performance improved because I learned how to hike properly and how to trim my sail for the strong winds.”
On another race course, Thai brothers Don and Dylan Whitcraft, 18 and 16 respectively, overcame several setbacks to place 12th in the 29er fleet, with two first place finishes to their names, among over 100 competitors.

Chusitt Punjamala sails his Laser to eight place overall.

Enroute to Germany, their sailing gear was misplaced by the airline. At the event, they suffered gear failure in three of the 10 races they sailed. Shivering in the cold, rainy weather, putting on wet sailing gear in the mornings and heading back out to sea was not an enjoyable experience either.
“Still, 12th is great and we are looking forward to our next two regattas this summer,” said Team Leader Marijke Whitcraft. “I am just amazed with their persistence. After the races were finished, they went out training with the Swedish. Don was hit by the boom and now has a black eye. Yet we will soon be leaving for Holland where they have been invited to train with the Dutch national team in between regattas.”
The Whitcrafts, accompanied by former 29er world champion Australian coach Steve Thomas, will next test their skills in the Sail First ISAF Youth Sailing World Championship in mid July in Cyprus, and the 29er Worlds in Denmark in August.
Thai Laser Radial champion Kamolwan Chanyim will also sail in the Sail First ISAF Youth Worlds, where she is a medal contender, the only competitor to have finished twice in the top ten in the past three years.

Meanwhile, Chusitt, travelling with Thai Olympic coach LCdr Veerasit Puangnak and a mixed Asian team led by Polish coach Marek Nostitz-Jackowski, will sail in the Laser 4.7 Youth Worlds in Hungary in mid July. Afterwards, it will be overland to Poland for a professional sailing camp. In August, his plans are to fly to the USA to qualify for the 2014 Youth Olympics.
“The Youth Olympics is the biggest goal for young sailors,” said Chusitt. “It is tough to get there, but I want to race in it once in my life. I won’t be expecting a gold medal - not that I haven’t dreamt about it - but I will be doing intensive training so that I am able to do my best there.”

Skipper Siriwong puts United back on winning track

A blockbuster free-kick from club captain Niweat Siriwong gave Pattaya a desperately needed victory over fellow strugglers Samut Songkhram FC at the Nongprue Stadium in Pattaya last Saturday evening.
With both teams finding it hard to create any clear cut chances in a tight first half, it was left to the Dolphins skipper to break the deadlock in spectacular fashion in the 54th minute as he fired in an unstoppable free-kick from all of 35 yards that threatened to break the back of the visitors’ net. Niweat is well known for his prowess at set-pieces but this goal will surely go down as one of his finest and may prove to be one of the most important.
The win takes United level on points with third off bottom Chiangrai and just three points from escaping the relegation zone. The league now takes a short hiatus for the mid-season break and United will return to action on July 20 with an away trip to Osotspa.
Meanwhile, Chonburi FC got back to winning ways last Sunday with a 3-0 victory over 10-man BEC Tero Sasana. Ivan Boskovic, Chakrit Buathong and Anucha Kitpongsri got the goals for the Sharks who proved too strong for BEC after the visitors Vichaya Dechmitr received his marching orders from the referee.

Results & Standings July 5 (week 27)

Pos. Team Score Standings

1 Café Kronborg 0 - 4 66 - 42

2 Indiana 4 - 0 62 – 46

3 Green Tree 4 - 0 60.5 - 47.5

4 Bavaria 4 - 0 59.5 - 48.5

5 Semper FI 0 – 4 59 - 49

6 Canada 3-1 56.5 - 51.5

7 Jack Tar 4 - 0 55.5 - 52.5

8 VFW Post 9876 0 - 4 51 - 57

9 Brother D 1-3 50 - 58

10 Blind 0 - 4 20 - 88

Sea Fishing with Pattaya Sports Club

After some unsettled and stormy weather in recent weeks it was nice to meet up at Bang Saray on July 2, and we hoisted the Club’s Banner in celebration of our coming day on the water in bright sunshine and light breezes.
Our fishing started in the Khram Channel and throughout the day we made a complete circuit of Ko Khram, drifting and anchoring at various locations. At first only small fish seemed to be on offer, but it wasn’t long before Adrian hooked a nice 2-kilo Grey. This turned out to be the best fish of the day, but we caught a couple more Greys over 1 kilo along with some nice Yellowtail, Grouper and Snapper. All 7 of us went ashore with bags of between 5 and 12 kilos, and celebrated a pleasant day out with a few beers.
Our two remaining trips in July are on Saturday 13th and Saturday 27th. At the time of writing there is just one vacant place on each of these trips. Our programme for August is Saturday 10th, Tuesday 20th and Saturday 24th. We are giving a promotional 20% discount off our normal charges for all July and August trips, so PSC members will pay 1,200 Baht, non-members 1,400 Baht.
Bookings can be made via www.pattayasports.org or phone John O’Neill on 085 391 7045.

Pattaya Sports Club Bowling League

Results & Standings July 5 (week 27)

200 Bowler - Jang Shaw.

Kran Nielsen had a very good series of 581, with games of 195, 189 and 197 but her Café Kronborg team lost four to Jack Tar due to giving 30 pin handicap per game to Jack Tar.
Indiana took all four points from the Blind team and moved up from third place to second. La Montgomery bowled a 521 series for Indiana.
Green Tree moved up from fourth to third place after winning all four points from Semper FI. Semper FI fell from second to fifth place.
Jang Shaw bowled a 203 game and 516 series to lead Bavaria to a four point win over VFW Post 9876. Bavaria moved up from fifth to fourth place.
Wade Meyers who has been not bowling for a while due to a blood clot in his leg looked good bowling a 546 series to help Canada win three points from Brother D. Tue Pettae had a 537 series for Brother D.

Thai Premier League Standings July 7

Team P W D L +/- Pts.

Buriram United 17 13 4 0 30 43

Muang Thong United 18 13 2 3 16 41

Chonburi 17 10 4 3 11 34

Suphanburi 17 9 5 3 11 32

BEC Tero Sasana 17 7 6 4 4 27

Bangkok Glass 17 7 4 6 1 25

Army United 17 7 3 7 6 24

Songkhla United 18 6 6 6 -2 24

TOT 17 6 6 5 -4 24

Chainat 17 5 7 5 2 22

Osotspa 17 5 7 5 -4 22

Police United 17 4 7 6 -4 19

Bangkok United 17 4 3 10 -14 15

Ratchaburi 17 2 7 8 -7 13

Samut Songkhram 17 2 6 9 -10 12

Chiangrai United 17 1 7 9 -11 10

Pattaya United 17 3 1 13 -21 10

Sisaket 3 0 1 2 -4 1

Results: Chainat PSTP Sisaket, Ratchaburi 2 - 3 Osotspa, Pattaya United 1 - 0 Samut Songkhram, Bangkok United 0 - 0 Police United, TOT 1 - 0 Chiangrai United, Suphanburi 1 - 2 Buriram United, Bangkok Glass 1 - 0 Songkhla United, Chonburi 3 - 0 BEC Tero Sasana.