Pattaya Sports Club Bowling League

200 Bowlers: Jang, David, Tue & Tukata.

Tea Party increased their first place lead after winning all four points from Bavaria. Nok Ostbo bowled a 534 series and Aht Johansson had a 517 for Tea Party. Tukata Thompson was best for Bavaria with a 217 game and 523 series.
Brother D remains in third place after splitting their match with Indiana with each team winning two points. Antero Ronkainen bowled a 510 series and David Shaw had a 205 game and 534 series for Brother D.
Canada took three points from Green Tree and they remain in second place. Jang Shaw bowled a 211 game and 532 series for Green Tree. Lek Reaper had a 507 series for Canada. Green Tree dropped from fourth to fifth place.
Café Kronborg continued their good play winning all four points from VFW Post 9876 and moving up from sixth to fourth place. Tue Pettae bowled a 208 game and 549 series for VFW.

Results & Standings Nov. 15 (week 14)
Pos.	Team	Score	Standings
1	Tea Party	4 – 0	37.5 – 18.5
2	Canada	3-1	32 - 24
3	Brother D	2-2	29 - 27
4	Café Kronborg	4 – 0	28 – 28
5	Green Tree	1-3	28 - 28
6	VFW Post 9876	0 - 4	25 - 31
7	Indiana	2 – 2	22.5 – 33.5
7	Bavaria	0 - 4	22 – 34

Crumpton Oaks Cider Monday Pool League

Results & Standings Nov. 11 (week 13)

Division 1
Team	P	W	L	+/-	BP	Pts.
The Butchers Arms	13	11	2	35	0	33
Shoot Pool	11	9	2	23	0	27
Smile Bar	11	7	4	9	2	23
Legends Pool	11	7	4	15	0	21
Links Bar	13	6	7	-6	1	19
Nicky’s Bar	11	6	5	-11	0	18
i-Rovers	12	4	8	-7	2	14
Acorn Pub	11	3	8	-16	2	11
Sweethearts Bar	11	2	9	-28	3	9
Pook’s Bar	10	2	8	-14	1	7
Results:  Links Bar 10 v 9 i-Rovers, Nicky’s Bar 10 v 4 Legends Pool, Pook’s Bar 8 v 10 Acorn Pub, Shoot Pool 8 v 10 The Butchers Arms, Smile Bar 10 v 7 Sweethearts Bar
Division 2
Team	P	W	L	+/-	BP	Pts.
Easy R-Con Bar	12	11	1	61	0	33
Offshore Bar	12	9	3	31	1	28
Cheers Bar	13	8	5	13	0	24
Shoot Pool ‘B’	13	8	5	11	0	24
Mai’s Bar	12	6	6	2	0	18
Dean’s Bar	13	6	7	-2	0	18
The Caddyshack	10	5	5	5	2	17
Rabbi’s Elephant	11	4	7	-20	0	12
Wet Bar	11	2	9	-41	0	6
Wombat Bar	13	1	12	-60	0	3
Results:  Dean’s Bar 10 v 6 Wombat Bar, Easy R-Con Bar 10 v 3 Cheers Bar, Mai’s Bar 10 v 8 Shoot Pool ‘B’, Offshore Bar 7 v 10 Wet Bar, Rabbi’s Elephant P v P The Caddyshack

Legends Wednesday 9-Ball Pool League

Results & Standings Nov. 13 (week 21)

Team	P	W	D	L	+/-	Pts.
Mata Bar	18	13	3	2	90	42
Easy R-Con Bar	17	14	0	3	54	42
Links Bar	18	12	3	3	74	39
Legends Pool	19	12	2	5	46	38
Shoot Pool	18	11	4	3	64	37
Pook’s Bar	20	10	3	7	28	33
Buffalo Jacks	19	3	6	10	-42	15
Legends All-Stars	16	4	3	9	-58	15
FCUK Inn	20	4	3	13	-70	15
George & Dragon	17	4	2	11	-56	14
Wet Bar	20	3	4	13	-68	13
Queen Vic	18	2	3	13	-62	9
Results:  Buffalo Jacks 7 v 13 Easy R-Con Bar, FCUK Inn 5 v 15 Wet Bar, George & Dragon 4 v 16 Legends Pool, Legends All-Stars 13 v 7 Queen Vic, Mata Bar 13 v 7 Links Bar, Pook’s Bar 6 v 14 Shoot Pool

Pattaya 8-Ball Monday Pool League

Results & Standings Nov. 11 (week 10)

Team	Played	Won	Lost	For	Agst	Diff.	Pts.
Phimai Geordie	10	9	1	102	43	59	28
San Snack Bar	10	8	2	95	55	40	26
Crazy Eddie’s	10	8	2	92	58	34	26
Mata Bar	10	8	2	89	61	28	26
Shoot Pool	10	6	4	77	73	4	22
The Rest Stop	10	5	5	83	67	16	20
Buffalo Jack’s	10	5	5	68	77	-9	19
Rising Sun	10	4	6	72	78	-6	18
Cum On Inn	10	3	7	62	88	-26	16
Mee Chew	10	3	7	60	90	-30	16
Parrot Inn	9	0	9	42	93	-51	9
Connections	9	0	9	38	97	-59	9
Results:  Crazy Eddie’s 10 v 5 Parrot Inn, Cum On Inn 6 v 9 The Rest Stop, Phimai Geordie 12 v 3 Mee Chew, Rising Sun 6 v 9 Mata Bar, San Snack Bar 12 v 3 Buffalo Jack’s, Connections 7 v 8 Shoot Pool

Crumpton Cider Wednesday Darts League

Final Standings Nov. 13 (week 14)

Team	P	W	L	Bonus	Diff.	Pts.
Mee Chew Sports Bar	14	14	0	11	58	28
Jantha Coffee House	14	9	5	10	14	18
W. Tankies	14	8	6	8	12	16
Legends Sports Bar	14	7	7	7	10	14
i-Rovers A	14	7	7	9	8	14
Yates Bar	14	6	8	1	-2	12
i-Rovers B	14	3	11	6	-44	6
Mai’s Bar	14	2	12	4	-56	4
Results:  i-Rovers A (4-0)-(5-1) v W. Tankies, Legends Sports Bar (8-1)-(1-0) v i-Rovers B, Mee Chew Sports Bar (9-1)-(0-0) v Jantha Coffee House, Yates Bar (5-0)-(4-1) v Mai’s Bar

British Bar Snacks Friday Pool League

Results & Standings Nov. 15 (week 11)

Division 1
Team	P	W	L	+/-	BP	Pts
Shoot Pool ‘A’	9	7	2	36	1	22
Easy R-Con Bar	9	6	3	11	1	19
Legends Pool	10	6	4	5	1	19
Pook’s Bar	9	5	4	4	0	15
Links Bar	8	5	3	4	0	15
Mata Bar	10	4	6	-10	1	13
The Butchers Arms	7	4	3	-8	0	12
Acorn Pub	8	3	5	-17	1	10
Sweethearts Bar	10	0	10	-25	4	4
Results:  Acorn Pub 8 v 10 Easy R-Con Bar, Shoot Pool ‘A’ 10 v 3 Mata Bar, Sweethearts Bar 5 v 10 Links Bar, The Butchers Arms 3 v 10 Legends Pool
Division 2
Team	P	W	L	+/-	BP	Pts
Shoot Pool ‘B’	10	9	1	37	1	28
Smile Bar	9	8	1	29	0	24
Old Thai Angle	9	5	4	-3	0	15
Crazy Eddie’s	9	4	5	-5	1	13
Dean’s Bar	9	4	5	4	0	12
Offshore Bar	10	4	6	-14	0	12
FCUK Inn	8	3	5	-12	2	11
Tie’s R Us	8	2	6	-16	0	6
i-Rovers	10	2	8	-20	0	6
Results:  Crazy Eddie’s 10 v 8 Dean’s Bar, Shoot Pool ‘B’ 10 v 3 Offshore Bar, Smile Bar 10 v 5 i-Rovers
Division 3
Team	P	W	L	+/-	BP	Pts
The Stag’s Head	10	9	1	45	0	27
The Rest Stop	10	8	2	29	0	24
Mai’s Bar	10	8	2	18	0	24
Buffalo Jacks	9	5	4	7	1	16
The Ranch	8	4	4	2	1	13
Rabbi’s Elephant	9	3	6	-16	1	10
Wet Bar	8	2	6	-21	0	6
The Queen Vic	10	2	8	-28	0	6
Connections	10	1	9	-36	1	4
Results:  Buffalo Jacks 10 v 7 Connections, The Rest Stop 10 v 7 Mai’s Bar, The Stag’s Head 10 v 8 The Queen Vic, Wet Bar P-P Rabbi’s Elephant

Thompson top scores for the week

PSC golf from The Outback Golf Bar

(From left): Bruce McAdam, Martin Kingswood and Murray Hart.

Monday, Nov. 11, Burapha - Stableford
Fine weather greeted the 19 Outbackers at Burapha though only one mastered the challenging A and B course from the blue tees, particularly tough, as the markers were well back and it played its full distance.
Chris Thompson had a fantastic 40pts (the best score of the day by miles) to win Div B by ten shots from Les Easton (30) and Ivan Plunkett (27) – you wouldn’t have believed that, would you Ivan! The A grade players generally were a little better on average but not a lot, as Geoff Stimpson was the best with 33pts from Mel Hogan (32) and John O’Keefe (30).
Chris Thompson chipped in on B2 to have the only ‘2’ and celebrated his fine round by ringing the bell ... thanks and well done Chris.
Finally, why only 19 players today? You would have to ask Burapha management that question but it’s only to be expected that our regular customers can’t easily accept a 550 baht increase in the rate (more than 30%). I can’t remember ever having less than 20 players here, so very disappointing considering that the Outback has supported this venue every Monday for more than six years. However, we remain optimistic that the situation will change very shortly.
Div A (0-17)
1st Geoff Stimpson (8) 33pts
2nd Mel Hogan (11) 32pts
3rd John O’Keefe (16) 30pts
Div B (18+)
1st Chris Thompson (26) 40pts
2nd Les Easton (19) 30pts
3rd Ivan Plunkett (24) 27pts
Wednesday, Nov. 13, Khao Kheow - Stableford
A good turnout at Khao Kheow today to mark our first high season visit as 15 players tackled the C & A nines back on the yellow tees. The weather was great and we teed off on time to enjoy a well presented course and an excellent pace of play with no delays or hold-ups.
Some of the fairways here are still recovering from the low season repairs, as are some of the greens which have a few patches, but not enough to affect the integrity of the course.
This was clearly the Lawton’s day out as Suzi, who has seen her handicap drift out from the teens to 28 (believe it or not), clearly showed her delight in returning to her favourite course with an emphatic 38pts (playing off 27) to beat her old man by two. Suzi has blamed her golfing decline on John, since he retired earlier this year!
Les Easton took third place on c/b from Andy Makara, both on 33.
There were two ‘2’s from John O’Keefe (A5) and Suzi Lawton (C8).
1st Suzi Lawton (27) 38pts
2nd John Lawton (21) 36pts
3rd Les Easton (19) 33pts
Friday, Nov. 15, St. Andrews - Stableford
Today was an organiser’s nightmare; thanks to the interference of a third party! According to the schedule that we were given, the Outback was due to play St Andrews today but not according to the Green Valley management.
The resulting mix-up cost the Outback players increased green fees as the management said we could have played Green Valley (in that they didn’t move us) as well as there being more than one hour of lost tee times on Green Valley as there was nobody on the course.
After all of this and running around changing green fee vouchers etc., St Andrews was disappointing according to many of the players, with the greens having been sanded and the bunkers in poor condition; so all in all – not the best of days out for the 32 players.
Welcome back to Mike Omiya and also to the Aussie group from Geraldton and to Tom Larsen having his first game with us.
The scoring was average as Paul Greenaway & Muzza topped Div A, both with 36pts; Paul winning on c/b and Martin Kingswood, back in the frame at last, taking Div B, also with 36pts as Paul Pedelty and Bernie Stafford were one point back, both on 35.
In Div C, it was Andy Makara who headed the list with 35pts from Monday’s runaway winner Chris Thompson and Bruce McAdam, both of whom also had 35pts.
There were five ‘2’s from Rosco Langoulant, John O’Keefe, Paul Pedelty & Chris Thompson (all on the 5th) and Mike Quill on the long 17th.
Div A (0-12)
1st Paul Greenaway (9) 36pts
2nd Murray Hart (12) 36pts
3rd Mike Omiya (8) 33pts
Div B (13-19)
1st Martin Kingswood (16) 36pts
2nd Paul Pedelty (15) 35pts
3rd Bernie Stafford (14) 35pts
Div C (20+)
1st Andy Makara (25) 35pts
2nd Chris Thompson (24) 35pts
3rd Bruce McAdam (27) 35pts
Note: The Outback Golf Bar is situated about 6km from Sukhumvit Road along Soi Siam Country. Call Jack on 081 578 1956.

Golfnutter: Ball Striking – Part 3

The golf swing – a thing of beauty.

It’s better than sex was the claim made in last week’s column. “Yeah right,” I hear you doubters mutter, but it’s true nonetheless.
I am of course referring to the moment the ball leaves your club and starts to arc up slightly right of target. The sensation in your hands suggests your club merely stroked the cover of the ball rather than smash it to oblivion – even though you swung at full power. Eyes confirm what soft hands promised as the ball’s arc takes it back to centre and on to the flag. A full shot absolutely flushed, square to target…. Yep, it’s better than, for sure!
Last week’s feet-together drill focused on hitting balls from a practise tee whilst limiting our swing to a 9 o’clock – 3 o’clock arc. Done correctly, many medium to high handicappers would have noticed this achieved greater distance with their 7-iron than normal – in spite of using what amounts to just a half-swing.
How to transform this newly-acquired swing-path to the full swing, and for all clubs – that is the big question. It is a huge task and one with no short-cut.
One reason it’s so difficult is the number of variables involved. The feet-together drill promoted a flush square-to-square shot because of greater balance and rhythm, arms being aligned to a static spine, and a natural release caused by the wrists rotating through the hitting zone. But there is far more going on than just these factors, so when the full swing is attempted even more variables come into play.

Hogan’s swing never broke the glass.

Ever wondered why your 8-irons and up go straight, but 6-irons and below slice? It has to do with the loft of the club. The more loft the greater the back-spin, whereas less loft increases the chance of side-spin. A typical slicer’s out-to-in swing-path may impart minimal side-spin on a ball struck with a loft of 37 degrees (typical 8-iron) or more. But when loft angle drops below 34 degrees (7-iron) most slicers start to struggle as side-spin takes over. The club with least loft is of course the driver.
Another reason the task is so challenging is due to the square-to-square golf swing being far from a natural movement. Take the swings of baseball, cricket, hockey, tennis; generally speaking, they are the result of natural movement. Not so in golf. And what makes it more frustrating is unlike those other sports, the bloody thing is stationary – just sitting there waiting to be hit. Yep, there’s nowhere to hide.
Which brings us back to advice offered in the first of these three articles on ball striking – read Ben Hogan’s book; Five Lessons: The Modern Fundamentals of Golf. This will confirm correct grip and stance, without which no amount of swing development will work.
Another wise saying has to do with the adage there are no shortcuts to better ball-striking. A full and effective swing change entails hours of hitting golf balls, solo as well as under the tutelage of a professional instructor; someone accredited to a professional golfer’s association. And remember, one range-hour for each minute of instruction. If you’re serious about swing-change, plan on a minimum of five lessons with each one being sufficiently far apart to allow for the one-hour-one-minute guideline.
Lastly, don’t plan on playing to your handicap anytime soon. The first part of your game that disappears when undertaking a swing-change is your scoring. Expect it and embrace it. Judge your progress by ball-flight, not scores.
Recap: Ball Striking Part 1 dissected all nine ball-flights, ranging from pull-hooks right the way through the spectrum to the push-slice, and identified 85% of us as slicers.
Part 2 attempted to show medium to high-handicappers that they are capable of hitting longer square-to-square shots on target, through the feet-together drill. It also introduced the notion of release.
Part 3 addresses the challenge of converting the feet-together drill to the full swing, with all clubs. And here I cry wolf. Your swing is as unique to you as is your body shape, fitness, suppleness and strength. No advice therefore can ever replace the value of effective hands-on teaching.
Tell the pro at the outset what your aspirations are. Make sure he/she knows they are not dealing with a one-tip quick-fix dreamer. Rather, they are being asked to prepare a five-lesson plan of development aimed at maximising your potential – from slicer to striker!
Many who follow the suggestions outlined here may struggle to become genuine ball-strikers, such is the difficulty involved. But I can promise you this, your game will improve and with it your enjoyment. In any event, sex is over-rated.
Good luck,
Golfnutter

Sheppard & Pickles top score at PSC monthly tourney

Report by Nigel Cannon / Photos by William Macey
Following the September tournament that had to be cancelled due to rain, it was back to Pattana (B and C nines) on Friday, November 15 for the 129th PSC monthly members’ comp that was played in perfect weather with just a little breeze. This delightful course was presented in excellent condition, with many complementary remarks coming from the players as they submitted their score cards.

Bob Watson - Low gross winner.

Golf Chairman Joe Mooneyham and Social Chairman Nigel Cannon were at the course early to prepare for registration and place the appropriate markers on the course ready for a 9 am – two-tee start. There was a maximum field of 120 signed up and with 3 withdrawals and 1 unexpected arrival, it was 118 players taking part.
The low gross winner on the day was Bob Watson (3) with a fine score of 72 gross. In the ‘A’ Flight – playing stroke - Kevin McEntee (6) took the honours with a net 72, while the ever consistent Brian Parish (14) was the winner of ‘B’ Flight’s stableford competition with 38 points.
John Davis (20) took ‘C’ Flight with 37 points but the best stableford scores of the day (41 points each) came in ‘D’ Flight from John Sheppard (24) and Ian Pickles (22), with John getting the nod on count back.
There were just a few ladies playing today and it was a return to the top of podium for Churairat Srinual (33) with 34 points. The Senior winner was Barry Oats.
This month’s presentation was at Dicey Reilly’s who produced their regular buffet with some ‘happy hour’ prices.
At presentation time Nigel welcomed all and introduced Golf Chairman Joe who expressed his appreciation to the day’s competitors and said that the December tournament would be at Mountain Shadow on the 20th. Then it was back to Nigel who announced the winners and Joe presented the prizes.
The lucky 50/50 draw followed to complete the evening and then it was then “goodnight” from Nigel, who reminded all that the PSC Christmas party is on Wednesday 11th December at the Town in Town Hotel and tickets are now available at the PSC office.

Kevin McEntee - ‘A’ Flight winner and near pins.

Churairat Srinual (left) was the Ladies winner.

Brian Parish - ‘B’ Flight winner.

Happy 50/50 winners.

Don Lehmar (right) – a regular at PSC events.

‘Turtle’ turns on the style at Emerald

PSC golf from The Growling Swan

Peter Grey, Duangjai Tusagad & Andrew Allen.

Peter Blackburn
Monday, Nov. 11, Plutaluang, East & South – Stableford
The fine Pattaya weather continued and once again it was a sunny Monday morning as we made our way to The Growling Swan to prepare for our outing to the Plutaluang Golf Course and we had an excellent field of 29 golfers.
We were happy to welcome my very good friend Dr Brian Vale and his pal Wayne Harman, both from Perth in Western Australia, Bernie McCart who is back from Australia for a short time, Mike Quill from Geraldton in Western Australia, Frank Donnelly back from Bundaberg in Queensland and newcomers Carl Lang & Tony Hager from Germany. It was sadly time to say farewell to Greg Prefrement who will shortly be returning to Sydney.
There were no latecomers so we got away on time and heading South down Sukhumvit we arrived at the course just 41 minutes later to find that we were able to tee off well before our allocated tee time of 10.40 am. We were told it was to be East & South nines in that order and our first four-ball got away at 9.50 am underneath sunny skies but extremely humid conditions.

Ebrahim, Stu Rifkin, Roy Dayton & David Fletcher.

Carts were allowed on the fairways so it was play the ball as it lies and the course was in very good shape despite the heavy recent rains but of course the greens were as tricky as ever with many of them very slow and virtually impossible to read. This I think was the main reason why the scores were generally very low with just one golfer playing anywhere near his handicap.
The going was slow as the four walkers in Group 1 struggled in the hot conditions and it was a very slow round of four hours and fifty minutes but nonetheless a very enjoyable day with excellent company.
Division A was easily won by Stu “Heineken” Rifkin with a very creditable 37 points and with two golfers on 31 points a count back was required which saw your writer, Peter “Blacky” Blackburn (16 point back nine) finish second from John Pierrel (15 point back nine) in third spot.
Ebrahim continued his improved form and won Division B with 31 points from John Davis (16 point back nine) on 30 points who won a three-way count back and finished second from Frank “Woody” Donnelly (14 point back nine) in third place with Ed “Willie Nelson” Stewart (13 point back nine) just missing out.
Roy “Plums” Dayton returned to form and won the C Division with 29 points from Patrick Poussier in second spot on 28 points and in third place was Max “Corsets” Bracegirdle with 26 points.
Division A (0-14)
1st Stu Rifkin (13) 37pts
2nd Peter Blackburn (12) 31pts
3rd John Pierrel (11) 31pts
Division B (15-20)
1st Ebrahim (18) 31pts
2nd John Davis (20) 30pts
3rd Frank Donnelly (19) 30pts
Division C (21+)
1st Roy Dayton (26) 29pts
2nd Patrick Poussier (23) 28pts
3rd Max Bracegirdle (22) 26pts
Near Pins: E2 – Max Bracegirdle, E5 – Mike Gosden, S4 – Ed Stewart, S7 – Peter Bye
Long Putts: E9 – J C Lhoste, S9 – Andre Barril
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 won by David Fletcher and he accepted the award in very good spirit.
Thursday, Nov. 14, The Emerald – Stableford
The last time we played at the Emerald it was one of the very few occasions where we were rained off, but on this particular morning it was fine and sunny so we were confident of a non repeat.
We had another good field of 28 golfers on the starting sheet and as everyone turned up at The Growling Swan on time or earlier we departed in 3 mini vans a couple of minutes ahead of schedule. We headed south and after 48 minutes arrived at the golf course to find it reasonably quiet which enabled us to relax in readiness for our tee time and our first four-ball got away 10 minutes ahead of schedule at 9.50 am.
Carts were allowed on the fairways so there were no preferred lies in place and the course was looking in good shape although some of the greens were a bit ordinary, but all in all there were no complaints.
The going was a bit slow due to a snail paced group directly in front of us and the weather was excellent although a couple of times there were a few drops of rain which actually turned into a downpour just before our last couple of groups finished so we once again thanked the “Growling Swan Rain Gods”. We managed to complete our round in four hours and twenty minutes and although most of our group played fairly ordinary golf the company was terrific which made for a very enjoyable day.
We had 3 Divisions – Division A for handicaps 0 to 17, Division B for handicaps 18 to 23 and Division C for handicaps 24 & over with 3 places in each Division. There were also rewards for nearest the pins on the four par threes and longest first putts on the 9th & 18th greens.
With 2 golfers on 36 points a count back was necessary to decide the winner of Division A and it was Mike Allidi (17 point back nine) who was victorious with his 74 gross over Alain “Inspector Clouseau” Taddei (16 point back nine) in second place and Mike “Hunter” Gosden finished third with 35 points.
In Division B Duangjai “Kae” Tusagad was the winner with a fine 38 points and in a count back with both on 35 points, Max “Corsets” Bracegirdle (19 point back nine) finished second from Ebrahim (15 point back nine) in third spot.
We had the best score of the day in Division C where Andrew “Turtle” Allen won with a magnificent 42 points, 4 points clear of Roy “Plums” Dayton in second place and Sandy “Cyndy Lauper” Leiper finished third with 31 points.
Division A (0-17)
1st Mike Allidi (2) 36pts
2nd Alain Taddei (15) 36pts
3rd Mike Gosden (14) 35pts
Division B (18-23)
1st Duangjai Tusagad (20) 38pts
2nd Max Bracegirdle (22) 35pts
3rd Ebrahim (18) 35pts
Division C (24+)
1st Andrew Allen (36) 42pts
2nd Roy Dayton (26) 38pts
3rd Sandy Leiper (35) 31pts
Near Pins: 5th – J J Harney, 7th – Duangjai Tusagad, 13th – Duangjai Tusagad, 15th – Andre Barril
Long Putts: 9th – Mike Allidi, 18th – Nolan Wise
The Growling Swan NAGA Award was won by The Growling Swan ‘Mine Host’ Peter Grey and after many games without donning the famous cap he accepted the award in good spirit. Max then kindly paraded 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].
We also play bowls out of the Growling Swan every Wednesday and Sunday. Sunday is Lawn Bowls and Wednesday is Indoor Bowls. All are welcome and for anyone that is interested the transport leaves The Growling Swan at 10.00am on each of those mornings. For more information please contact Paul Rennison on 0843 454 005.

McGahan makes hay at Green Valley

PSC golf from The Caddyshack

Monday 11th November saw old friend Paul Walia (H/cap 14) take first place at Green Valley with 36 points. Ted Gardner (7) finished second with 35 and Sean Soden (24) beat Emmet Smith on count back for 3rd and 4th places, both with 34 points each.
We ventured down to Eastern Star on Wednesday 13th November and Ramsay Smith (21) took the honors with 36 points from Phonsie McGahan (5) with 35. Third place went to SLIC Brian Orr (16) with 35 points.
Sorry to repeat myself but the top podium spot on Friday 15th at Green Valley went to the ageless Phonsie McGahan (5) with 39 points. Ian Dallas (9) took second with 38 after beating the jovial Brian Orr (16) into 3rd with 37 points. Fourth place went to Ben Findon (20) with 36 points.
Note: The Caddyshack is located on Soi 17 off 3rd road or soi 8 off Thepprasit. All golfers are welcome and reservations taken at 0818653104

Parish sparkles with 40-pointer at Crystal Bay

PSC golf from Tropical Bert’s

Brian Parish & Reg Cochrane.

Dick Warberg
Tuesday, Nov. 12, Crystal Bay C & A – Stableford
Bert’s was busy at breakfast as all 26 golfers arrived for the day’s outing. It was the biggest crowd for quite some time and would have been even more but our regular RBL guy’s were up in Kanchanaburi for Remembrance Day activities.
We had two flights today for the stableford competition and the near pins and after a quick check-in at Crystal Bay we were off C-1 right on our scheduled 10:00 tee time. There was no rain in the forecast and other than the odd leaky sprinkler head the course was well presented and the ball was getting roll. Very pleasant after the wet period we have been going through.
Looking at the scores that came in later, the conditions were obviously great for scoring well, at least for those who managed to figure out the greens and putt well.
Back at Bert’s our frequent visitors Frank Pilkington and Reg Cochrane were welcomed back s we waited for the announcement of the results.
A Flight (0-17)
1st Brian Parish (14) 40pts
2nd Takeshi Hakozaki (12) 39pts
3rd Bob Watson (4) 38pts
B Flight (18+)
1st Reg Cochrane (36) 39pts
2nd Mick Coghlan (21) 36pts
3rd Barry Oats (23) 35pts
Near Pins: John Harrison, Landis Brooks, Alain Taddei, Paul Smith, Brian Gabe, Graham Buckingham, Frank Pilkington, Reg Cochrane.

4th Poppy Day golf tourney delivers despite the rain

Near pin winners show off their Poppy Golf medals.

Derek Brook
One of the good thing about already having a few tournaments under your belt is that you have a record, and hopefully if it is good one the players will come back. So it was this year with the 4th annual Poppy Day golf tournament to be held at Khao Kheow on Nov. 8, and the sign-ups came in fast and furious until on the night before the competition we had close to 152 players.
I have to say here a thank you to Khun Surapol and his staff who look after us all every Poppy Day at Khao Kheow - they are ‘stars’. Also this year we were trying a different slant on the night out and had decided to hold it on the Saturday, the 9th, to give players the chance to relax after the game and next day to take their ‘significant other’ out for the night at Amari’s ‘Tavern by The Sea’.
A day such as this does not go on without weeks of work and good will from many of the golfers. Here, Max and I were well supported by the golfers of Tropical Bert’s Golf Society in the run up, especially by Daryl Evans, Mashi Kaneta, Dick Warberg and Keith Phillips. They added many of the items for the raffle, and also made my efforts much easier.

Derek Brook (center) presents prizes to the tournament winners, Nick Shaw and Jim Elphick.

On the night before the competition I was pretty relaxed, but at about 0230hrs on Friday morning my wife told me I had better get up and “Look at this”. It was raining really heavily and from then on for the rest of the night I watched as it poured down. A check on the weather forecast said it would be bad all day. How was I going to get out of this?
At 0700hrs the phone started to ring and I realised I would have to make a decision, and the rain still came down in Pattaya. So I phoned the course hoping for a miracle, and whilst it was not great news at least they told me the rain had stopped there. So it was time to ‘bite the bullet’ and the message was sent that we were to play.
On arrival at Khao Kheow, Max and Matt were there set up with Ron Smith who had his ‘Poppies’ ready to sell. The thing now was would the golfers turn up? I had many calls on the way up, answered by my ‘secretary’ in the car, ‘Turbo’ Frank, informing all we were still on.

Poppy Golf at Khao Kheow – players and caddies ready to go.

On a day like this I always go out first, and today I was partnered by Nigel Cannon, with the comp being a 2-ball better ball stableford. As we set off on the A & B nines we could see that many golfers had arrived and were lining up, but I would not know until I had finished if enough had arrived to make the day worthwhile. So it was over to Max and his crew.
Out on the course the overnight rain had left the layout soft and no carts were allowed but other that it held up well and was very playable. We got around without it raining more than a few drops and it even held off until the last player finished his round. Somewhere, someone must love me.
Inside Max informed me that a few players had stayed in bed due to the weather, but that over 125 had turned up. I left them to it and nipped upstairs for a cup of something.

Max Matthews (left) congratulates the third placed pairing of Pierre and Yui Bietry.

The function was to be at the Tavern by The Sea the following night and, as usual, the Amari put on a superb buffet that was enjoyed by all. Certainly the best I have seen for years. Also, with the drinks at specially reduced prices, the beers went down well.
The night started with Graham MacDonald MBE, President of the Royal British Legion, handing out ‘Certificates of Appreciation’ to Colin Davis of Lewiinski’s, Brendan Daly, General Manager of the Amari Orchid Resort Pattaya, and last but not least to Maxwell Matthews who has given us so much support over the years. I thank all three, and one more certificate will be presented to Khun Surapol of Khao Kheow for all his team’s help.
It was then time for the scribe, and Chairman of The Royal British Legion Thailand, to say his thank you to the sponsors, namely Boots the chemists and Pattaya Realty, to Chris Balzis for his fine shirts delivered on time, Giorgio at The Trattoria Italiana for his continued support, to the Navy lads for the trophies, Pattaya Mail for media coverage and last but not least to Graham MacDonald and the M.B.M.G. Group who are the tournament’s biggest supporters.
The presentation to the day’s winners followed and I have to say that the scores here were very good, when you consider that the weather was not the best and the course was wet.

The strongest team of Jack Robertson and Otto Schmid with Max.

We had five teams all tied on 49 points vying for third place but after all the calculations had been done the bronze was awarded to Yui and Pierre Bietry. They were followed on the podium steps by the duos of Mick Robertson and Tom Gorrey, Andy Byrne and Kevin McEntee, Brian Dunbar and Ed Wyckoff, and Mashi Kaneta and Tom Herrington in fourth to seventh places respectively.
Taking second spot on 50 points was the team of Matt Cronin and Liam McGuiness, while the winning team on the day was the pairing of Nick Shaw and Jim Elphick with a very fine 52 points. Well played gentlemen.
Near pin prizes were picked up by Kevin McEntee, Joel Flor, Colin Davis, Derek Brook, Noi Emmerson, Chris Balzis, Bob Watson, and Mick Coghlan. Long Putt awards meanwhile went to John Bartley, Tom Herrington, John Harrison and Leif Kirkegaard
Finally we had a ‘strongest team’ award to hand out and this was presented to Jack Robertson and Otto Schmid who always give of their best and epitomise what the game is all about.

Graham MacDonald MBE, President of the Royal British Legion, (left) presents a certificate of appreciation to Brendan Daly, General Manager of the Amari Orchid Resort Pattaya.

Colin Davis of Lewiinski’s (right) receives his certificate of appreciation from Graham MacDonald.

The work of tireless organizer Max (right) is recognized by the Royal British Legion.

Dolly Dalton Jomtien Pool League

Results & Standings Nov. 14 (week 26)

 

Team	Played	Won	Lost	Bonus	Pts
Winners Bar	24	21	3	3	66
Country Road	24	21	3	2	65
Party Girls	23	20	3	3	63
Woaw’s Bar	24	17	7	6	57
Jimmy’s Den	24	16	8	8	56
Flying Dolphin	23	13	10	8	47
Aussie Ally’s	24	11	13	11	44
Simple Simon	25	10	15	14	44
Shenanigans	24	11	13	9	42
Rioja	24	11	13	8	41
DK bar	23	8	15	12	36
Take Care Bar	23	8	15	11	35
Windmill Bar	24	7	17	13	34
Lion Pub	22	3	19	12	21
Wombat Bar	25	0	25	8	8
Results:  Wombat Bar 3 v 12 Winners Bar, Lion Pub 7 v 8 Windmill Bar, Simple Simon 9 v 6 DK Bar, Aussie Ally’s 9 v 6 Flying Dolphins, Take Care Bar 3 v 12 Jimmy’s Den, Country Road 4 v 11 Party Girls, Shenanigans 7 v 8 Woaw’s Bar

Vanderwegon victorious at Greenwood

PSC golf from Café Kronborg

Dave Richardson (center) with Thursday’s winners Joe Vanderwegon and Niels Hansen.

Monday, Nov. 11, Eastern Star – Stableford
A Flight (0-21)
1st Lotte Boskov (17) 35pts
2nd Brian Gabe (20) 33pts
3rd Jan Lovgreen (21) 29pts
4th Arne Max Pederson (13) 28pts
B Flight (22+)
1st Ian Pickels (22) 29pts
2nd Anne Saabye (22) 29pts
3rd Daryl Evans (22) 27pts
4th Dave Richardson (27) 24pts
Near Pins: Ronnie Ratte, Karl Beter, Jan Lovgreen, Lotte Boskov
Long Putts: Elias Magnusson, Ian Pickels
Eastern Star was the challenge today and we got off the first tee 25 minutes early under sunny skies and in very hot, muggy conditions. The course on the day was ok but wet (I suspect somebody forgot to shut off the sprinklers because the bunkers were bone dry). The green fee was a bit steep though in relation to other venues in the area.

Lotte Boskov (left) and Ian Pickels (right) with Dave Richardson.

We made it around in 4 hours and 5 minutes as the course was not busy and back in the clubhouse a welcome went out to Karl Beter from Austria, just finishing chef duties in Cebu.
Two flights today with the cut at handicap 21 and a full monty of pins but the course was the winner as the best score was Lotte Boskov’s 35 points to take the A Flight ahead of Brian Gabe, Jan Lovgreen and Arne Max Pedersen, who took fourth on a count back from Elias Magnusson. Ian Pickels was the B Flight winner on a count back from Anne Saabye in second, both with 29 points, while Daryl Evans took third and Dave Richardson fourth.
Thursday, Nov. 14, Greenwood B & C - Stabelford
A Flight (0-20)
1st Niels Hansen (16) 34 points
2nd Ole Mortensen (19) 32pts
3rd Preban Saabye (10) 32pts
4th Elias Magnusson (20) 31pts
B Flight (21+)
1st Joe Vanderwegon (24) 40pts
2nd Ronnie Ratte (30) 38pts
3rd Mike Winfield (22) 35pts
4th Anne Saabye (22) 32pts
Near Pins: Bridgit Mortensen, Preban Saabye
Long Putts: Joe Vanderwegon, Susan Gaarde
Greenwood was in fine condition on Thursday although the greens on the B side were a bit scratchy. The round was quick at 3 hours and 50 minutes and back in the clubhouse welcomes went out to Dave Addison from the UK, Joe Vanderwegon from Belgium, and Bridgit and Ole Mortensen from Denmark. There was also a goodbye to Ronnie Ratte, going back to Norway.
Two flights today, with the cut made at handicap 20, plus 4 near pins up for grabs.
Niels Hansen won the A Flight with 34 points ahead of Ole Mortensen in second on a count back from Preban Saabye, both with 32 points each. Elias Magnusson completed the podium in fourth.
Joe Vanderwegon took B Flight honours with the best score of day, 40 points, to finish 2 ahead of Ronnie Ratte in second while Mike Winfield and Anne Saabye placed third and fourth respectively.

Steve pips Alan for the medal

PSC golf from Lewiinski’s Golf Society

Sunday, Nov. 10, Green Valley - Monthly Medal
A Flight
1st Steve Mulberry (11) net 69
2nd Ed Wyckoff (12) net 71
3rd Bob Newell (7) net 71
B Flight
1st Alan Delaney (20) net 70
2nd Mick Beresford (17) net 71
3rd Don Lehmer (19) net 71
Near Pins: No 4 Eddie Henshaw, No 9 Bob Newell, No 12 JP Maffray, No 16 Peter LeNoury.

Steve Mulberry.

Steve Mulberry started out the week with the biggest prize of the month, the cut-crystal whiskey glass and a bottle of Jameson’s Irish whiskey emblematic of the monthly medal. Steve also gains automatic entry to the gold medal later in the year.
Steve’s net 69 was one clear of the top man in B Flight, Irishman Alan Delaney. Steve edged a pair of well seasoned A Flight players in Ed ‘our man in the White House’ Wyckoff and ‘Broadmore’ Bob Newell. Bob’s count back woes continued as Ed’s more favorable back nine provided him with the biggest sack of loot.
Mickey ‘nine holes’ Beresford and Don ‘the senior’ Lehmer, locked together a shot in arrears, followed Alan up the B Flight podium steps with Mickey getting to lead the way thanks to a favorable count back.
Peter LeNoury and Pierre Bietry split a very large 2’s pot
Monday, Nov. 11, Treasure Hill – Stableford
1st Ed Wyckoff (12) 35pts
2nd Gordon Kerr (12) 32pts
3rd Tore Eliassen (14) 28pts
Ed ‘our man in the White house’ Wyckoff is resilient if nothing else. Sunday night’s drama and revelry would have left most of us floundering. Not Ed. He got up, shook it all off and charged round the tough Treasure Hill layout, returning a best on the day 35 points to go with his second place Sunday finish.
Long stay visitor Gordon ‘Ko’ Kerr, playing like his beloved Arsenal, picked up the silver three shots in arrears while Tore Eliassen was gob smacked to find his 28 points was good for the bronze. Tore also sunk the only 2 of the day.
Tuesday, Nov. 12, Burapha A & B – Stableford
A Flight
1st Justin Fowlis (13) 39pts
2nd Thierry Petrement (14) 36pts
3rd Kevin McEntee (6) 36pts
B Flight
1st Ian Pickles (22) 40pts
2nd Jim Elphick (24) 39pts
3rd Nick Shaw (15) 37pts
Burapha A & B is always a good test of golf. If it presents one challenge for the golf manager (the Donkey) it is the east course as it is also referred to. It is a shortish 6,218 yards from the whites and is routinely emasculated by the field, while the blues, still not long in total (6730) has five par fours over 400 yds, with three in a row 8, 9, 10, nearly unreachable to all but the longest hitters.
In an effort to provide the shorter hitters with a fun day, the GM decided to play from the white tees today. This suited Ian Pickles down to the ground as his excellent 40 points was tops in B Flight and also the top score on the day. Ian was followed up the podium steps by the Poppy Day pairs winners Jimmy ‘two shot’s’ Elphick and Nick ‘Elvis’ Shaw and in that order of ascent.
In A Flight, newly arrived Justin Fowlis wasted no time climbing the podium steps as his 39 points took the top spot. Nice guy Thierry Petrement did the unthinkable, winning a count back over Kevin ‘you know who’ and relegating him to the bronze, much to the delight of the field.
Thierry also shared the 2’s pot with Danny Lloyd and John Ahmed.
Wednesday, Nov. 13, Green Valley – Stableford
A Flight
1st Ed Wyckoff (12) 36pts
2nd Les Cobban (8) 35pts
3rd John Pierrel (11) 33pts
B Flight
1st Eddy Beilby (17) 38pts
2nd Ian Pickles (22) 36pts
3rd Don Lehmer (19) 36pts
If it wasn’t the week of the monthly medal then surely the real star of the week would have had a shot at the title slot of this article. Ed ‘our man in the White House’ Wyckoff’s solid even par round today took the plaudits’ in the top flight. Les Cobban, a shot back, took the silver as Texan John Pierrel rounded out the flight with33 points.
The man of the match and only player to better par was B Flight’s Eddy ‘the Eagle’ Beilby with a very impressive 38 points. Ian Pickles gave an inkling that it might be a sign of things to come this week as he prevailed for second place on count back over Don ‘the ladies man’ Lehmer. Don took this in his stride as he was the sole heir to the 2’s pot; a missing persons alert was issued shortly after the presentation.
Thursday, Nov. 14, Crystal Bay B & C – Stableford
A Flight
1st Kevin McEntee (6) 39pts
2nd Francis Goyons (9) 38pts
3rd Thierry Petrement (14) 38pts
B Flight
1st Jorn Finnerup (28) 41pts
2nd Bob Fagan (19) 37pts
3rd Liam McGuiness (18) 36pts
Thursday’s venue was the intriguing construct of Thai Takenaka - Crystal Bay – and Jorn Finnerup showed fine mettle as he topped the day and B Flight with 41 sparkling points. That winning B Flight score was three clear of good friend Bob Fagan and a further stroke from third placed Liam McGuiness.
Kevin ‘you know who’ always leaves them guessing when he is going to strike but never waiting long as he topped A Flight with a solid 39 points off his 6 handicap. That A Flight winning score was one clear of a pair of Frenchmen, Francis Goyons and pay window specialist Thierry Petrement. Francis had the better of the count back, while Thierry contributed moderately to the Land of Smiles when he landed the third spot.
Both Kevin McEntee and Francis Goyons notched a 2 along with John Ahmed, and Bob Fagan.
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.

Wylie’s double success

PSC Golf from Siam Country Resort

Paddy, Jeff, Jim & Willem at the PSC monthly tournament on Friday.

Tuesday, Nov. 12, Pattana - Stableford
Tuesday was a visit to Pattana, where we played the B & A combination. The course was in good condition, with the weather also looking after us with clear skies and a light breeze.
Jeff Wylie (6) led the way with a handicap equalling 36 points, pushed all the way by playing partner Paddy Devereux (23) who signed for 34 points.
Near pins went to Willem & Jeff with 2 each.
Thursday, Nov. 14, Plutaluang - Stableford
Plutaluang was our venue for Thursday, with the East & South combination our test for the day. The course was in overall good condition, considering the previous night’s downpour, so we played the ball as it lay, which did result in a small number of “mud” balls. The greens were quite slow but did run true, just had to hit it a bit harder.
Jeff Wylie continued his good form from Tuesday, shooting a strong 41 points to win the day ahead of Brian Maddox (21) with 37 points while Owen Walkley (9) played to handicap with 36 points.
Near pin awards were won by Willem, Owen & Jeff with 2.
Friday was the monthly PSC tournament at Pattana, with the B & C loop, from the yellow tees for all flights. Unfortunately, none of our group were able to show any good form, with all failing to hit the podium. Willem & Jim did manage to at least get a lucky draw, while the rest of the lads went home empty handed.
Note: Siam Country Resort, Restaurant & Bar is located just off Siam Country Club Rd, after going under the arch past the 7/11, turn right after 50 metres, with the venue on the left another 200 metres along. Golf from here is generally played on Tuesday & Thursday, with the Resort 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!

David Ross back with a bang

IPGC golf from The Haven

Monday, Nov. 11, Khao Kheow B & C - Stableford
CSS 73
1st Vincent Gras (16) 37pts
2nd Terry Hodgkiss (24) 36pts
3rd Jon Batty (9) 35pts
4th Russell Gilroy (15) 33pts
5th Phil Groves (7) 33pts
6th Bill Roycroft (15) 32pts
Back to Khao Kheow on Monday playing the B and C courses, which are in great shape even following the recent heavy weather and at last the players are beginning to see at least a little bit of run when they manage to get it fairly straight off the tee.

David Ross.

Vincent Gras carried on with his previous week’s form with another under handicap round, even after having seen it reduced a couple of strokes, as he accumulated six three-pointers and a four to finish at the top of the podium by the slimmest of margins.
Terry Hodgkiss was his closest rival and could have done with Vincent’s three-pointer on the last, which would have seen him at the top, but it was a round that showed much promise for the future as he too had six threes and a four-pointer on his card.
Jon Batty took third place just one more point behind with just a lone blob to mar his card and two ahead of the next pair. These were Russel Gilroy and Phil Groves with the former getting the nod for fourth spot after winning a count back with a better 18 to 17.
Bill Roycroft rounded out the podium another point behind to record his first good result of his trip from the Philippines.
Lyle Blaw made it an extra happy return with the sole 2 in the first division whilst Vincent Gras added to his day’s haul with the only one in the second division.
Before the presentations were made there were welcomes for new members Graham Richards and Flemming Loekkeaard together with welcome backs for David Ross, Benny Hansen, Jan Wessells, Lyle Blaw, Markku Tynell and Jon Batty.
Wednesday, Nov. 13, Bangpra - Stableford
CSS 75 NC
Division 1 (0–15)
1st Masashi Tagaki (15) 33pts
2nd Yasuo Suzuki (12) 33pts
3rd Brian Beaupre (5) 31pts
Division 2 (16+)
1st Markku Tynell (23) 33pts
2nd Don Everett (20) 27pts
3rd Shuichi Kodaka (16) 26pts

Markku Tynell.

A good turnout required the formation of two divisions, a sure sign that the high season, if not here already, is at least on its way, with the cut coming at the usual 15 and below.
Bangpra has always been considered to be one of the toughest courses in the area due to the severity of the greens that are even more formidable when they have been shaved down to just below a five o’clock shadow, which was the case on this occasion, but thankfully the stroke index 1 sixth and the eighteenth had been left slightly longer with the possibility of keeping the ball on the green from above the hole.
Apart from the difficulties presented by the greens the course was in tip top condition and surely one of the best value for money venues around for the quality of the golfing experience.
In the top division Masashi Tagaki won his first competition on this tour after a terrific back nine of level par round. That was good enough by two to see off the challenge of his tour leader Yasuo Suzuki in a count back after they had finished level over the eighteen, which left Brian Beaupre in third place a couple of shots adrift.

Vincent Gras.

Considering the condition of the greens it was always going to be a big ask of the second division to get somewhere near to their handicaps at the end of the round. And so it proved, with Markku Tynell well out in front being the best at three over handicap after he had started with a blob on the very long and difficult first hole.
Don Everett slipped into second place some seven strokes behind with Shuichi Kodaka another shot back in third, but there were many other players a lot further behind them in the final count up.
Amazingly there were 2’s in both divisions, with Brian Beaupre claiming the first division pool having left it three inches short of an ace, and John Wood in the second division not quite as close as Brian but still close enough not to have to spend too long lining it up.
Prior to the presentations there were welcomes for new members Mick O’Donnell, together with Bill and Michael Tunbridge and also welcome backs for Tomas Nilsson, Peter Skinner and the “almost man” Brian Beaupre.
Friday, Nov. 15, Pattana B & C - Stableford
CSS 72
1st David Ross (9) 37pts
2nd John Carlin (16) 36pts
3rd Brian Beaupre (5) 33pts
4th Allan Raaen (8) 33pts
5th Frank Hughes (17) 32pts
6th Peter Skinner (10) 32pts
After the rigorous test of the previous outing the group took on the also long and difficult Pattana B & C courses, which featured much more friendly greens for the average golfer but still there were just two players able to equal or better par. And this despite the quality of the group being fairly high with six single figure handicappers in the field, of which half of them finished on the podium to underline the difficulty of the day’s golf.
David Ross at last won on Thai soil after many visits and many attempts, as he returned a very good card to win by the slimmest of margins over John Carlin in second place. John had miraculously arisen from his sick bed to play his best round in Pattaya and claim runner-up spot ahead of a count back between Brian Beaupre and Allen Raaen, with the former taking third with a better 16 to 14.
Fifth and sixth places also had to be separated by count back, with Frank Hughes taking the higher spot after scoring 7 on the last three as Peter Skinner could manage just 4 after they had tied the nine at 17 each and the last six at 12 apiece.
Back at The Haven there were welcome backs for Frank Hughes and Kevin Blake who is vying with Vincent Gras to be able to claim the longest yearly commute to work in any given year.
There was also a round of Happy Birthday sung to go with the cake knocked up in the kitchen after the players had left for golf for Don Everett as he celebrated his special day with a pleasant day on the course when he just missed out on the podium, returning a score that was just a few more than his years. This was followed by a celebratory round from David Ross to mark his return to being “a proper golfer”.
Note: If you would like to play with The Haven group, you can contact mobile 094 567 5726 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.

Cotterell stays in the groove

The Billabong Bar Golf Society

(Left-right): Steve Compton, Wayne Cotterell and Gary Hogg.

Monday, Nov. 11, The Emerald - Stableford
It was a day to remember today as we played at Emerald. The course was in grand condition with only one or two fairways still having GUR on the them and the greens were fast and true so everyone was happy.
The scores were pretty good also, with ‘Mr. Consistency’ Wayne Cotterell taking out the first prize with 39 points to back up his win the previous Friday when he scored 41 points. Coming in second today was Steve Compton with a fine 36 points and taking third was Gary Hogg with 34. There were no ‘2’s recorded so all the prizes went to the placings.
There was a bit of fun on the way back when a little Thai farmer decided to cross three lanes of traffic in his pick-up, much to the consternation of one of our boys who had no place to go apart from the ditch, and that’s no place to visit when are doing the speed this guy usually travels at. Suffice to say his passenger was in a state of shock and it took some time to get the trees and bushes off the Chevy pick-up back at the bar. Fortunately nobody was hurt so no damage done.
Wednesday, Nov. 13, Green Valley - Stableford
We were away a little early today with no hold ups at all and the course was in its usual spectacular condition. With nine groups starting the tee block was a bit chaotic for a while but it all worked out in the end.
We said a warm welcome to Wayne Harman and Doc Vale today, over for a trip from Perth for a couple of weeks of golf. Also playing today was another group of Aussie boys we haven’t seen for a while, Midge Riley’s friends and what a team they were. Last time we saw Davo he won everything but the handicapper must have caught up with him as his 31 points didn’t get anywhere near the prizes.
We were a little lucky as the rain stayed away until we got in but the lads from Lewiinskis weren’t so fortunate, and it was quite a storm.
The scores were quite good which says something about the condition of the course with not too many under 30 points. It was a three-way count back on 35 points for fourth place between Capt Bob, Tip Briney and Paul Bourke, with Paul getting the nod while the Capt took fifth ahead of Tip.
There was another count back for second place on 36 points, with JJ Harney taking it over John Locke in third. The top spot today went to Paul Greenaway with a great 40 points, well done mate!
There were four ‘2’s today, coming from Doc Vale, Wayne Harman, John Locke and Capt Bob.
Friday, Nov. 15, Plutaluang – Stableford
Plutaluang West and North was our venue today and not having played it for some months it seemed such a more difficult course than East and South, however it was in great condition with the greens very fast.
Five groups teed off right on time so there was the usual banter on the first tee, mostly from JJ Harney stirring the boys up. It was good to see Colin Bavington back from the Isle of Wight having a break from being mine host. Dalby and Bryce over from Australia joined us for a hit along with Bob Wighton, having just arrived back from Aus also.
The scores were very good considering we played off the white tees which make the course distance 6,600 yards. Coming in fourth place was Ralph Hymen with 33 points, one behind Capt Bob in third, while second place went to Brian Maddox with 38 points and taking line honours was Gary Hogg with a fine 39 points.
There were three ‘2’s coming from Bill Marsden, John Locke and Brent Dalby.
Note: The Billabong Bar is situated just off Siam Country Club Road looking straight down Lake Mabprachan. Give Bob a call on 082 204 3411.

Walsh waltzes to victory at Emerald

Jomtien Golf with the IPGC

Pranee Bossett, Peter Pedder and Miss Nut.

Monday, Nov. 11, Crystal Bay - Stableford
We were allocated the B and C courses today and the weather looked promising as we arrived at the course. The two nines we played were in good condition and there were some good scores coming in.
Division 2, with the cut at 16-22, saw John Walsh win with 39 points ahead of Curtis Hessler in second with 35 and Howard Stanley third one point behind on 34.
The top flight (7-15) had three players tied on 37 points but Pete Sumner got the nod on an 18/17/16 back nine count back to edge Billy Fitzgerald into second and Dave Mello to third.
In good form recently, Burnie Sinclair returned 37 to top division 3, with Glenn King beating Matty Swire 17/16 on count back for second after they both came in with 34 points each.
Near pins went to Douane Borgford, Billy Fitzgerald, Mike Lewis, Peter Pedder, Jim Connelly, Glenn King, Rodney Howett and John Walsh.
Playing off the white tees Miss Nut birdied B6 for the only ‘2’ in division 2, while Pete Sumner and Chris Voller also birdied the same hole to split the pot in division 1.
Wednesday, Nov. 13, The Emerald - Stableford
There was nobody here as we arrived so we were able to tee off 25 minutes ahead of schedule. Three divisions today plus a ladies comp and the equal cut in the mens was 7-18, 19-22 and 23+.
An amazing 24 points on the front nine saw John Walsh (19) returns his highest score ever to win division 2 with 46 points. Steve Godfrey came in a distant second on 38 and Eiichi Matsumoto was third with 37.
The Irish boy Gerry Cooke had his best score since his arrival in Pattaya, winning division 1 with 38 points after beating Bryan Rought on a 20/17 back-nine count back. Mike Lewis was third meanwhile with a ‘meagre’ 36. Where was ‘Billy the Bandit’ today?
Magne Gunnarson topped division 3 with 38 points ahead of ‘Countback’ Burnie in second with 33 and Rod Howett third with 31.
Pranee Bossett, now playing off 15 and still living in Marseille, France, returned today to win the ladies division with 35 points and also took the only ladies nearest the pin prize.
Other near pin awards were picked up by Billy Fitzgerald (2), Mike Lewis (2), William Chang, Steve Godfrey (2) and John Williams.
Four ‘2’s were recorded by Bryan Rought at the 5th and Cliff Elliot, Steve Godfrey and John Walsh at the 161 yard 7th.
Friday, Nov. 15, Eastern Star - Stableford
The greens had improved immensely here since our last visit 2 weeks previously and the weather conditions were perfect, with a medium breeze coming off the coast on many of the holes.
Miss Nut, playing off 25 on the white tees, recorded the highest score of the day to win Div 3 with 39 points and there were three 30’s fighting for the minor places, with Roger De Jongh taking second, Joe Kubon third and Rodney Howett being the unlucky one to miss out.
Bill Bertram headed division 1 with 38 points, while Tony Thorne took second with 33 and Pete Sumner came in third with 32.
In division 2 Walter Weber was the winner with 33 points ahead of Mike Lewis in second, who beat the Bristol boy Bob Poole 16/15 on count back after they both returned scores of 32.
Near pins were claimed by Ted Gardner, Terry Madsen, Pete Sumner, John Walsh, Miss Nut (2) and Bob Poole.
The ‘organiser’ chipped in from a poor tee shot on the 6th for the only ‘2’ in division 2, and in division 1 Terry Madsen birdied the 6th and John Walsh the 17th to split the pot.

Kett takes back-to back victories

Travellers Rest Golf Group

Andy Rich
This week I am pleased to report some excellent news. Firstly, I should like to offer my sincere congratulations to Ted Senior and his partner on the arrival of a baby daughter on Sunday 10th November. Baby Jennifer and her mother are both fit and healthy and Ted has been beaming all week.

Ted Senior, new father of the week.

Having your first baby at the age of sixty two may come as a shock to most people but knowing Ted as I do, I am sure he will take everything in his stride. Whether he will get to play as much golf as before is something we shall have to wait and see!
The second piece of good news was watching Paul Stanton win Thursday’s golf competition at Greenwood. Paul was telling me that after a disc exploded in his back around the turn of the year he spent a number of weeks in a wheelchair not knowing whether he would walk again, let alone swing a golf club. So seeing him make such a full recovery and watching his excellent golf was quite heartwarming and may I offer him my congratulations and admiration.
Monday, Nov. 11, Plutaluang - Stableford
On Monday the TRGG made the trip to the Navy course at Plutaluang to play the North and West courses. Remembrance Day became a day to remember for Tom Kett who finished well ahead of Philip Kam in second place and Demon Wong in third.
1st Tom Kett (20) 36 pts
2nd Philip Kam (28) 33 pts
3rd Demon Wong (20) 32 pts
Tuesday, Nov. 12, Green Valley - Stableford
Green Valley hosted the TRGG on Tuesday and the increased turnout required the field to be split into two divisions. Div 1 was for up to 15 handicap and Div 2 for 16 handicap and above.

Tom Kett - winner at Plutaluang and Green Valley.

Well done to Roger Wilkinson for triumphing in Div 1 and Tom Kett for again finishing on top of Div 2.
Div.1
1st Roger Wilkinson (12) 37 pts
2nd Jim McNeill (14) 34 pts
3rd Mod Chaviraksa (11) 32 pts
Div.2
1st Tom Kett (20) 36 pts
2nd Tim Dalton (19) 34 pts
3rd Demon Wang (20) 34 pts
Thursday, Nov. 14, Greenwood - Stableford
Thursday was the day we played the aforementioned Greenwood (C and B courses) and once again the field was split into two divisions with the cut coming at 15 handicap.

Roger Wilkinson.

Although Paul Stanton took the honours in Div 1, he only just beat Mike Rushant in second and Thomas Nilsson in third on count back it was very, very close. William Lam won Div 2 a little more easily from Michael Law in second and Jack Macnamara in third.
Div.1
1st Paul Stanton (12) 35pts
2nd Mike Rushant (11) 35pts
3rd Thomas Nilsson (10) 35pts
Div.2
1st William Lam (23) 37pts
2nd Michael Law (18) 35pts
3rd Jack Macnamara (19) 31pts
Saturday, Nov. 16, Eastern Star - Stableford
The last outing of the week was on Saturday at Eastern Star and Ed Brubaker came to the fore to lead the rest of the field to the winning post. Philip Kam and Michael Law rounded off a good week for them by finishing second and third respectively.
Good luck to all you golfers for the coming week!

Cooney cashes in from the short tees

PSC golf Bunker Boys @ The Ranch

Monday, Nov. 11, Pattana A & B – Stableford
A full complement of 32 golfers today for our KPK Foods sponsored comp at Pattana, but the day didn’t get off to a very auspicious start when we arrived at the clubhouse to find that the cost of the green fee had increased from 900 baht (when we made the booking several weeks earlier) to 1,200 baht. After protracted discussions with the management and a threat to take our 32 players elsewhere, we eventually agreed on a compromise of 1,000 baht and headed off to the first tee somewhat later than scheduled.

‘Buff’ (right) presents the KPK voucher to Gerry Cooney.

The surprising thing was that there was only one group on the course behind us throughout the round, so the management would have looked rather foolish if our eight groups had walked away – this is Thailand!
There’s always a discussion over which tees to play off when we visit here because many regard the white tees to be too long on several holes. Today we elected to go off the shorter yellow tees which played straight into the hands of one the most consistent ball strikers in the society, namely Gerry Cooney. Gerry annihilated the rest of the field, coming home with a massive 45 points although newly arrived visitor, Toshi Kamakuri put up a great performance with 43 points, which was only good enough for second place on the day.
With the large field, the near pin prizes were tightly contested and both Keith Norman and Mashi Kaneta almost (but not quite!) managed to score aces.
A special mention is due for the unluckiest golfer on the day, Reg Smart, who would have won the B Flight with 35 points, but forgot to hand in his card until after the presentation had been made! With the cut set at 17 and over, Eddie Kelly was declared the winner in the B Flight with 33 points, with Ken Davidson, Steve Durey and Ken Young in a three-way tie on 32 points, which had to be sorted on a count back for the minor places.
A Flight
1st Gerry Cooney (14) 45pts
2nd Toshi Kamakuri (14) 43pts
3rd Keith Norman (12) 35pts
4th Tony Scambler (10) 35pts
B Flight
1st Eddie Kelly (18) 33pts
2nd Ken Davidson (25) 32pts
3rd Steve Durey (19) 32pts
4th Ken Young (29) 32pts
Near Pins: Dave Ashman, Gerry Cooney, Keith Norman, and Mashi Kaneta.
Wednesday, Nov. 13, Bangpakong – Stableford
The slightly longer journey than usual always deters a few golfers, but the trip is only one hour door to door, and those that didn’t make the journey today missed a treat. Someone was heard to make the comment that the caddies here are a much higher standard than many of those on the local Pattaya courses, and your scribe would concur wholeheartedly, having spent the round in the company of a truly pleasant, attentive and competent young lady.
The weather was bright and sunny and the course was in excellent condition with lush fairways and greens, which today were running slower than we usually expect here.
Someone always cards a good score on our visits here, and it’s normally the lower handicappers that score well, because the course is generally more forgiving than many others that we play on a regular basis. It was no surprise then that the best scores were in the A Flight, with Gez Williams and Keith Smithson needing to be separated on a count back for the top podium spot.
The cut was set and 16 and over putting Mike Lloyd into the B Flight where he finished one point ahead of three players tied on 35 points, with Colin Jones being the unlucky golfer to miss out on the count back.
A Flight
1st Gez Williams (14) 41pts
2nd Keith Smithson (2) 41pts
3rd Roger Tuohy (10) 39pts
B Flight
1st Mike Lloyd (16) 36pts
2nd Gary Leigh (17) 35pts
3rd Mike Corner (19) 35pts
Near Pins: Brendan Harnet, Gez Williams, Geoff Parker and Mike Corner.
Friday, Nov. 15, Greenwood – Stableford
Another good turnout for our visit to the popular Greenwood course, and we were allocated the B and C nines for today’s competition. The course was in good condition but the greens on the front nine had been lightly sanded, making it difficult to judge the pace of putts.
The round progressed smoothly in bright and breezy conditions, and although a dark cloud appeared towards the end of the round, no rain was forthcoming.
Keith Norman almost completed a spectacular end to his round, chipping in to birdie the 16th and 17th holes and hitting the green on the 18th with a fine second shot, but unfortunately he left his birdie putt short, accompanied by a chorus of jokes about his masculinity from his playing partners.
The cut was set at 15.9 and there was a three-way tie on 36 points in the A flight with Paul Smith winning the count back ahead of Gez Williams and Tony Scambler.
The overall winner on the day and also the winner of the B Flight was Peter Habgood with 38 points, one point ahead of Eddie Kelly, and these were the only two players to better their handicaps on what proved to be a difficult track.
A Flight
1st Paul Smith (2) 36pts
2nd Gez Williams (13) 36ptss
3rd Tony Scambler (10) 36pts
B Flight
1st Peter Habgood (17) 38pts
2nd Eddie Kelly (18) 37pts
3rd Ken Young (29) 36pts
Near Pins: Gordon Melia, Neil Hurst, Paul Smith and Roger Tuohy.
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.  

Chucky does it again

PSC golf from The Golf Club

Steve Ellison
Monday, Nov. 11, Green Valley (white tees) – Stableford
1st Chuck Anderson (9) 40pts
T2nd Martin Kingswood (15) 38pts
T2nd Sel Wegner (10) 38pts
T3rd Kalani Makaneole (13) 37pts
T3rd Sugar Ray Handford (17) 37pts
He won it last week and does it again this week, so Chuck “Wow” Anderson is on a roll! This week he did it one better and tore it up with a 40-pointer. I am getting to thinking he really likes this course, but then what’s not to like? The course is in perfect condition right now, the putts are rolling fast and true and even the birds are happy little whistlers. Maybe the new golf bag he won last week turned out to be his lucky charm?

Chuck Anderson after another great round.

We had 2 two-way ties following Chuck, with Martin and Sel both a couple back at a very respectable 38 and our big Hawaiian buddy Kalani (who always brings the staff chocolate covered macadamias!) in a tie with his twin Sugar Ray. It’s really hard to tell those guys apart, eh?
Wednesday, Nov. 13, Mountain Shadow (white tees) – Stableford
1st Ken Aihara (4) 37pts
2nd Jason King (29) 36pts
T3rd Ian Brimble (14) 31pts
T3rd David Rose (0) 31pts
Mountain Shadow is right back where it should be and this beautiful golf course is always a real treat to play. Yes, it is frustrating as hell to screw up a great approach with a 3-putt, but get it in your mindset that there will be some 3-putts on your card as there will be on everyone else’s.
The greens today were fast and furious but the weather was perfect so a game was afoot! Steady Kenny was once again at the top of the class with the only score registered better than handicap. Congratulations to Ken on yet another tour victory on his annual pilgrimage to Pattaya.

Shake it Kenny, give that man a hand.

Jason King was chasing one shot back and there was a tie for third with just 31 points on the chart! Ian Brimble and pro David Rose hung in there to scrape out a win that must have been a surprise to them both. It’s a funny old game and if you just keep pluggin’ away, you just might catch a break and that is the story of the day. Never give up!
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!
News Flash: Kabinburi is now scheduled for 5-6 December as a one-night road trip, staying at the fantastic Kantary hotel. Also don’t forget we are having our 1st Annual St. Andrews Day Tournament on Friday Nov. 29th which is a 2-man Scramble at … St. Andrews! See our facebook page for full details!

Formidable Ferris

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

The Pattaya Golf Society visited a full Khao Kheow on Monday, 11th November, to play a stableford competition in two flights with the cut at seventeen and under. The course was in good condition but the greens were slower than expected but it did not detract from the enjoyment of the day.
In the top flight Richard Bannister continued his form’s upward profile with a third placed 33 points, just one behind the runner-up Dave Lehane. A further point ahead was Ian Rowson whose 35 points took a tight division.
In the second flight James Butcher and John Mason shared third place with 33 points each with John recording the day’s only birdie ‘2’, on the signature Island hole, B8. In second place was the redoubtable Pat Murphy with 34 points but the winner Jim Ferris produced the best points score for the day, 37 points.
The Booby Bevy went to last week’s hero Dave Plaiter for his descent to zero status this week and Rabbi’s consolation beer went to Iain Wilson to compliment his best gross score of eighty shots.
Winning farewell for Bolger
The Society continued the week on Wednesday, 13th November, with a visit to Mountain Shadow to play a stableford competition in two flights from the longer blue tees. The course continues to be in fine condition and on this occasion the greens were very consistent and with a little pace.
The field was divided at eighteen and under and in the second flight John Mason, Phil McClure and Len Jones all shared second place with 29 points, whilst Dave Plaiter posted 30 points for the win.
As usual the top flight showed better scores with Dave Lehane posting 33 points for third whilst Alan Flynn showed the benefits of a day at the range with 35 points and second place. The winner with 36 points was Gary Bolger and he had more reason to celebrate as this round was to be his last this trip before returning to Brisbane for knee surgery.
The ‘2’s pot was shared by Wichai Tananusorn and Luke Abbey and the Booby Bevy went to Mike McGuigan for his low score of the day.
Iain Wilson shoots gross 71 at Emerald
A large group of Pattaya Golf Society members visited Emerald golf club on Friday, 15th November to play a stableford competition in two flights with the cut coming at sixteen and under. The course is slowly coming into shape after a low season of fairway repairs and the greens are still recovering from recent dressing and were therefore in need of a cut. However it did not detract from an excellent competition which saw some very good scores.
In the second flight Ken Grimes managed third place with 32 points, a couple behind Phil McClure who finished runner-up with 35 points. The flight winner was John Chelo, relishing using his new graphite irons and his score of 39 points matched the best points score of the day.
In the top flight Robbie Taylor was third with 36 points, despite scratching the final two holes and his score was two behind Brian Libbey’s very solid 38 points, in second. The round of the day was that recorded by Scot Iain Wilson who managed a gross 71 (39 points off his two handicap) on a course which is never easy. It was helped by a ‘2’ on the fifth hole whilst he shared the bonus pot with David Lowe and Robbie Taylor after their success on the fifteenth.
The Booby Bevy went to Alan Flynn, so almost there, after he blew a first nine foundation of twenty points with a fourteen point return on the back nine.
The week had again seen some fine golf with the PGS.

‘Diet Whiskey’ a go-goer

The Backyard Golf Society

Dan ‘the Diet Whiskey Man’ (3rd left) celebrates golfing victory and his birthday with the staff at Blue Sky Bar.

We had our largest turnout for some while at the weekly Backyard Golf Society outing at Emerald last Friday. Don ‘the Divorcer’, the apex French-Canadian in our group invited along two new Francophiles, Terry ‘the Friar’ Tucker and Dwayne ‘the Hurricane’ Beaufort. By our reckoning we possess the largest contingent of Canucks outside Alberta at this time.
The big winner today, in more ways than one, was Dan ‘the Diet Whiskey Man’. Not only did Dan celebrate his (he says 67th) 109th birthday but he was also the winner of the main competition today with a great score of 41 points. His self-approved 32 handicap is proving to be very useful when he needs a few bob for a party.
The near-pin prize today went to the old war-horse, Jimmy 2 Stone. He must average above a 50% winning ration on the par-3, 15th hole. The skins today were well spread out but ‘Diet Whiskey’ was the biggest winner again with 8. Russell ‘He’s a Victorian’ won 4, ‘Hurricane’ Beaufort won 2 as did ‘Golden Trowel’s Boyfriend’. ‘Foos yer Doos’ and Don ‘the Divorcer’ won 1 skin each.
Down the road for a few ales and for the first time ever the lovely Bun came around from behind the bar at Blue Sky to present the birthday boy with a single candle cake (they don’t make cakes large enough to hold 109 candles anyway!) and a sneaky massage. Dan’s special treat at Candy Bar, lots of popcorn, was devastated when ‘the Divorcer’ got wind of the event and promptly gave his impression of a bottomless pit and left poor old Dan with just a few pieces. ‘The Divorcer’, sporting a bandage and 6 stitches from a mysterious “I fell into a hole episode” at Crystal Bay on Wednesday always manages to find food.
It was also time to say farewell to Gavin – the only person we have ever seen in Thailand with a Norwich City shirt on – who was off back to Blighty on Sunday. His one-eyed caddy apparently gave him some fun moments during the golf round. It is a quite an achievement to take him all in with just one eye, the well-rounded gent that he is.

Phuket King’s Cup Regatta: on the lighter side

PSC golf from Tropical Bert’s

Life’s not all serious on the ocean waves. (Photo courtesy Guy Nowell/King’s Cup Regatta)

Peter Cummins
Since the inaugural regatta in 1987, sailing, yacht-racing and cruising have had an exponential surge in Thailand, especially among the younger Optimist and Laser sailors, with Thailand excelling in international and world championships – even aiming for berths in the Rio Olympiad.
Curiously, looking at the broader picture, it has been the recent America’s Cup challenge on San Francisco Bay that placed yacht racing clearly on centre-stage of spectator sports. There, the American defender, “Oracle”, created sporting history by overcoming an almost-insurmountable deficit, to defeat the New Zealand challenger. This exciting, high-tech – almost space-age – battle of the “Titans”, was watched by millions world-wide. Although these flying machines, capable of speeds that would warrant arrests in most of the world’s major cities, are not for the average sailor, the potential is virtually unlimited.
Or, as the multi sailing Gold Medallist, tactician on “Oracle”, Ben Ainslie, said it after the event: “The incredible panorama of the America’s Cup brought home to millions the challenge, skill, freedom and sheer beauty of yacht racing – for most, particularly the American public – for the first time.
Meantime, back on terra-firma, we look towards the 2013 Phuket King’s Cup Regatta, held each year since 1987 in the southern Andaman isle to celebrate HM the King’s birthday, on the 5th of December. Here we feature a few “snippets” under various headings occurring over the years since that inaugural event 26 years ago.
Ancient Mariner

Our intrepid journo looks back at 26 years of nautical tales, tall and true, from the Phuket King’s Cup Regatta.

One of the earlier sailings of the now-famous regatta involved a dog. An itinerant live-aboard mariner, on a round-the-world transit, decided to enter the regatta and had to lighten his catamaran somewhat. He unloaded his paraphernalia which included numerous pot-plants, items of furniture, a dog and a cat, and placed them in his tender, anchored nearby.
The ancient mariner then entered the race, finishing third. But, on return to the anchored dinghy, he was heart-broken to find his faithful dog had “abandoned ship”.
He went onstage to receive his trophy which was a King’s Cup replica AND a large box. Out of the box jumped his sea-borne pooch, joyfully re-united with his master.
The story: One of the competitors spotted a dog swimming in the middle of the Andaman Sea, forlorn and lonely, whereupon the skipper diverted and collected the paddling pooch and brought it ashore.
The outcome: dog and master were re-united, the gallant rescuer was granted redress for his good deed and won the event, and the ancient mariner sailed away to his next port-of-call, complete with his ‘family’.
Moral of this story: if one is on a Cat, look after your dog!
May Day, My Day
The ultimate distress call for any vessel in trouble. In earlier regattas, the fleets used to sail to Koh PhiPhi, usually into the teeth of a strong north-easterly. One sailor, famous for his solo excursions, sailed his catamaran alone to the Island. Very alert Thai Navy personnel spotted the lone sailor from a helicopter monitoring the fleet. The dreaded “man overboard” May Day signal was relayed to the shore-based race committee. No problem: it was the notorious – and adventurous - Swedish sailor, Anders Widen, doing what he did best, solo sailing into a 25-knot North-easterly - or whatever wind was around.
The personable Swede came ashore “safe (sane) and sound on Phi Phi, thanks to the vigilance of the Royal Thai Navy and the race management committee.
McCook’s Marathon
One can never forget Aussie Scott McCook with then-crew member, Singaporean Alice Lim, who, somewhat short of funds decided to sail their Hobie Cat 16 to Phuket from Singapore. They then raced in the Beach-launched Catamaran Division of the Regatta, won all five races and then sailed back to Singapore. “No big deal,” said Scott later. “Just another day in the office”!
Alice claimed after the adventure that at times during their torrid journey, she felt a little left out on a ‘LIMb.’
David vs. Goliath
When Lasers were included as a major class in earlier King’s Cups, hard-bitten veteran Reg Chambers – no man to fool with on land or sea – was feathering up to windward, all 130 kilos of man and boat. Coming on a collision course however was 40 tonnes of keel-boat. Don’t mess with our Reggie. “STARBOARD” was the call from the Laser. The keel-boat crew, with a few choice expletives, honored the sea law, tacking clear of the Laser. “Thank you”, cried Reggie who continued on to win the Laser Class in that event.
Journos edited.
Two journos, great friends, were covering an earlier King’s Cup for their respective dailies, the Bangkok Post and the Nation. These were the halcyon days, pre internet. Both finished their stories in hard copy, handed them to one of the beautiful girls (of course!), for transmission via facsimile.
Next day in the press office there was an agonizing cry, in living stereo, from both journos. “I’ve been plagiarized”, they uttered simultaneously. The lovely lady, in her wisdom, had transmitted the two stories to the wrong newspaper. Both our editors back at the news office, wondered why we had mentioned our rival newspaper, so many times in the story and why a by-line from the rival. Maybe Rupert Murdoch could have worked that one out.
The friendship of the two “hacks” remains firm but now they use internet.
One and only…
Another journo’s saga, to round off these inane observations: One writer, dedicated (of course) to covering every aspect of the regatta, made a wrong decision. That was to go out on the course for some up-close photography. He chose the sponsor’s craft, where the bar opened as soon as the fleets were off and racing.
By the end of that day, becoming very friendly with the skipper, our journo had a “few for the road”, back at anchorage. By then he had lost his camera somewhere and lost his mind totally.
As he was about to disembark, the skipper noticed that the lovely duty nurse had gone ashore and forgotten her first-aid box, clearly marked with a big red cross. So, at the skipper’s request, our hero staggered ashore, carrying the first-aid box.
Half-way back to “safety” the drunken journo, cradling his first-aid box, weaved his way into the Kata Beach Resort. All would have been well, except that there was a party of very big –and loud –people heading to the beach.
“Look at that old fool”, shouted one of the uncouth tourists. “He is such a drunken idiot he has to carry his own ‘survival kit’ – a first-aid emergency survival package”.
Our erstwhile hero did not let the group down but managed to do a glorious fall, still clutching the first-aid box.
The hotel nurse however was VERY IMPRESSED, with the journo’s performance and the safe return of her precious “tools of trade”.
This, then, is a “jaundiced” look at a few of the memorable moments happening during my 26 years of covering the Phuket King’s Cup Regatta. There will, no doubt, be a few more anecdotes to report to you after this year’s event from 30th November to 6th December, 2013.

Ocean Marina welcomes all to its second great marine expo

(From left): Prommate Nathomtong, Director, Service Promotion Division, Tourism Authority of Thailand; Scott Finsten, Harbour Master, Ocean Marina Yacht Club; Wilaiwan Thawitsri, Tourism Authority of Thailand Deputy Governor for Tourism Products & Business; Supatra Angkawinijwong, Deputy Managing Director, Ocean Property ; and a model from Edox, pose at a press conference to announce this year’s Pattaya Boat Show.

Peter Cummins
“Sailing”, according to Henry Beard and Roy McKie, in their Dictionary for Landlubbers (1981), “is the fine art of getting wet and becoming ill while going nowhere at great expense”. What a difference some 35 years make. Given, the Dictionary’s theme still has some validity, in 2013, however, there is an exponential surge in sailing, boating and water sports world-wide. Thailand, with some of the world’s best coast-lines and waterways, is in the vanguard of this remarkable interest.
Regattas up and down the littoral, marinas appearing everywhere and, most importantly, all manner of craft, from kayaks to super maxi yachts are coming to the Kingdom in ever-increasing numbers, finding the ambience, warm seas and, not least, the Thai culture and an incomparable human welcoming attitude all major attractions.
Pattaya, as one of the world’s most-favoured marine resorts advances a few more knots (to borrow from the marine jargon) this coming weekend, when the Ocean Marina Yacht Club in na-Jomtien will host its second Pattaya Boat Show which will take place from 22-24 November.
There will be over 100 exhibitors from boating, marine tourism, and the leisure and life-style business sectors from Thailand and overseas. For visitors, of whom about 3,000 are expected, there is a packed program of onshore and on-water activities and entertainment planned. This will include free sailing and hands-on kayak rides, lucky draws, cocktail parties, Dragon Boat races and a marina-side beer garden and festival with a live band.
The 2013 Boat Show will feature the Pattya,-Jomtien environs and will reinforce the Eastern Seaboard as the foremost focus for marine tourism in South East Asia.

Ocean Marina Yacht Club will host the 2nd annual Pattaya Boat Show from Nov. 22-24.

Coinciding with the launch of this, the second Ocean Marina Pattaya Boat Show, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has initiated a strategy to promote high-end tourism in Chonburi Province, which includes the Eastern Seaboard, working closely with the marine tourism sector on Thailand’s east coast. TAT predicts that with the opening of the Asean Economic Community in 2015, tourism numbers in the area are set to increase 10%.
At a recently-held press briefing at the Ocean Marina, Supatra Angkawinijwong, deputy managing director of main sponsor the Ocean Property, commented, “This is the second year for the Ocean Marina Pattaya Boat Show. We wish to support the growth of marine leisure tourism in the region and as the number of yachts at Ocean Marina continue to increase, we plan to expand the number of berths again in the near future. Ocean Marina is already the largest marina in South East Asia and we plan to increase our capacity in line with the expectations of the Economic Community in 2015.
“In previous years,” she continued, “the ratio of yacht owners at Ocean Marina Yacht Club was 80% foreigners and 20% Thai. However, last year we saw a significant change and Thai yacht ownership increased from 20% to 38%. This is a clear indicator that more Thais are enjoying the marine lifestyle and we expect that trend to continue.”
Harbour Master of the Marina, Scott Fensten, commented, “In 2012 the Ocean Marina Pattaya Boat Show generated THB 90 million revenue for the marine tourism industry. Following the first year’s success, we are confident that the second year will deliver more quality and be even bigger. We have expanded the on- water and onshore exhibition area to a total of 2,600sq.m., and have strong support from exhibitors in marine tourism and life-style business sectors including leading yacht brands, super bikes, super cars, luxury property and many other interested parties.”
Wilaiwan Thawitsri, Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Deputy Governor for Tourism Products and Business, also participating in the press briefing, revealed that, “Thailand is a popular destination for marine tourists with many chartering yachts and enjoying Thailand’s cruising grounds and those of neighbouring countries. Thailand has a well-developed marine infrastructure with international-standard marinas that can cater for all sizes of yachts, quality yacht maintenance services and skilled craftsmen. When these are all combined the marine leisure tourism sector generates considerable revenue for Thailand.”
Pattaya has become a top marine tourism destination in Thailand, in large part due to presence of the world-class Ocean Marina Yacht Club. According to information from the TAT, yacht brokers predict that the number of yachts visiting Thailand will increase dramatically by at least 31.25%, to approximately 2,100 yachts, by 2016.
In the overall tourism and hospitality industry, TAT has identified marine tourism as a high-end segment, with marine tourists spending more than regular tourists, frequently staying in five stars resorts and dining in upscale restaurants. They choose to spend on high-end products including fashion, jewelry and accessories, and in general stay in Thailand for longer periods.
According to the TAT, Thailand welcomes 110 super-yachts each year and these are the highest tourism spenders. TAT predicts that by 2016, 190 super-yachts will visit Thailand annually, a growth of 72.72%, and generate significant income for Thailand’s marine industry.
The Gulf of Thailand’s popularity continues to grow with approximately 8.5 million international tourists per year visiting the three leading tourism destinations of Pattaya, Hua Hin and Koh Samui. This is expected to grow 10% year-on-year, in particular due to the high growth potential of neighbouring countries such Myanmar, Lao, Vietnam, Cambodia, Singapore and China. Even tourism from the United States is expected to increase some 25 per cent next year.
As an aside to all the ongoing events, it is worth pointing out that some 20 years ago, the largest production yacht in the world at the time, the 40-metre maxi the Mirabella, built at the Ocean Marina facility by Finland’s Concorde Yachts, was launched – typically towed to the sea by two elephants! Of course, today’s maxis “dwarf” the Mirabella which still thrives around the Medierranean as a charter.
Furthermore, with an eye to the future, Thailand’s current crop of junior sailors in Optimist dinghies and Lasers have reached world standards and are even aiming at an Olympic berth in Rio.
So this weekend, come one and all to enter the hallowed – but now highly-accessible - world of marine leisure, from 22–24 November at the Ocean Marina. Entry to the splendid sea-front and on-water exhibitions is entirely free and open from 9.00 a.m. til late.
See you there!

John Kepplers Cider Pool League

Results & Standings Nov. 14 (week 36)

Team	Pts.	For	Against	Diff.
Brasshouse	78	270	198	72
Panitas	75	268	200	68
Ice Bar	72	250	218	32
Barking Frog	54	246	222	24
Siam Country Res	51	237	231	6
Smarty’s	48	219	249	-30
Pats Bar	45	237	231	6
Lucky Bar	42	202	266	-64
Sweet Dream	33	203	265	-62
Happy Day	6	84	150	-66
Results:  Barking Frog 3 v 10 Panitas, Sweet Dream 6 v 7 Lucky Bar, Siam Country Res 10 v 3 Happy Day, Ice Bar 9 v 4 Brasshouse, Smarty’s 4 v 9 Pats Bar

Regent’s School tackles Phuket’s biggest International football tournament

Regent’s School footballers pose for a group photo during the tournament in Phuket, held from 8-9 November.

On the 8th and 9th of November 2013, The Regent’s School Pattaya took on the challenge of The Phuket International Football Tournament alongside 1,100 competitors from all over Asia - achieving excellent results!
Hosted by the British International School Phuket, The Senior Boys, Senior girls and Under 13 boys teams took part in the biggest Phuket International Tournament to date with the Senior Boys team achieving an impressive second place after winning 11 matches!
It was also the tournament debut for the Senior Girls team who came fourth in their pool with two great wins.
PE Teacher and Senior Girls Coach, Samantha Howing-Nicholls, commented: “I am extremely proud of the Senior Girls team and what they have achieved. The girls have really enjoyed their first experience of the Phuket International Tournament which has only encouraged them to keep up the hard work ready for the Senior Games in February!”
Head of Physical Education, Paul Madden, added: “Football at The Regent’s School Pattaya has gone from strength to strength over the years with many of our teams winning ESAC competitions, local tournaments and even winning the FOBISIA Games. We are very proud of all our teams, not just for their performances but also for their sportsmanship and ability to embrace a challenge.”

Pattaya Sports Club Bowling League

Crumpton Oaks Cider Monday Pool League

Legends Wednesday 9-Ball Pool League

Pattaya 8-Ball Monday Pool League

Crumpton Cider Wednesday Darts League

British Bar Snacks Friday Pool League

Thompson top scores for the week

Golfnutter: Ball Striking – Part 3

Sheppard & Pickles top score at PSC monthly tourney

‘Turtle’ turns on the style at Emerald

McGahan makes hay at Green Valley

Parish sparkles with 40-pointer at Crystal Bay

4th Poppy Day golf tourney delivers despite the rain

Dolly Dalton Jomtien Pool League

Vanderwegon victorious at Greenwood

Steve pips Alan for the medal

Wylie’s double success

David Ross back with a bang

Cotterell stays in the groove

Walsh waltzes to victory at Emerald

Kett takes back-to back victories

Cooney cashes in from the short tees

Chucky does it again

Formidable Ferris

‘Diet Whiskey’ a go-goer

Phuket King’s Cup Regatta: on the lighter side

Ocean Marina welcomes all to its second great marine expo

John Kepplers Cider Pool League

Regent’s School tackles Phuket’s biggest International football tournament